Saturday, December 19, 2009

Over 55 years of age? Proposition 90 is coming to El Dorado County-Part 2




Re-blogged by 0 agents
Over 55 years of age? Proposition 90 IS coming to Cameron Park and El Dorado county-Part 2 (edit/delete)
OVER 55? CALIFORNIA PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Since its passage, Proposition 13 prohibits property tax increases until property ownership is changed.
If either spouse is over age 55 (when the old home is sold), PROP 60 allows replacement of a primary residence with a new home of equal or lesser value (but see below) within the same county and transfer of the Prop 13 assessed valuation from the old home to the new property. This is allowed once in your lifetime, and a spouse who has done it before 'taints' both spouses.
PROP 90 allows counties to elect to accept transfers of Prop 13 values for moves from other counties when a primary residence is replaced with a less expensive (but see below) home. If you are over 55 and move into a county which accepts Prop 90, you may take your old, lower Prop 13 value, regardless of from which county you move.
Using Prop 90, you can sell your $400,000 San Francisco home [assessed value $80,000] and move to a new $300,000 home in San Mateo; the new San Mateo assessed value will be $80,000!

7 COUNTIES WHICH ACCEPT PROP 90 (Current as of 6/1/2008)
Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura. [Contra Costa, Inyo, Kern, Riverside, Modoc, Monterey, and Marin have dropped out of the Prop 90 program.]
Props 60 and 90 apply if you "trade down" (i.e. the new home costs less than the sales price of the old home).
> If you buy New Home 1st; then sell the Old Home, you must go down in price.
> If you sell the Old Home1st; then buy the New Home:
In 1st 365 days after the sale of Old Home, you may go up 5% in the purchase price of New Home.
If you buy New Home more than 1 year from the sale of Old Home, but less than 2 years, you may go up 10%.
Some buyers can pay the commission outside of escrow to lower to sales price. Example: I sold for $100,000 and then want to buy next week for $120,000. The seller will owe a commission of $7,200. The seller will owe $2,800 of other expenses
I sold 1st so I must buy for no more than $105,000. If I pay the seller's expenses of $10,000, the price is down to $110,000. Hmm. If I buy the stove, refrigerator, and lawn furniture for $6,000, it looks like I qualify. WARNING: I do not suggest this is a valid idea.
On Thursday December 10th, Our Board of Supervisors decided 5-0 in favor of adopting Proposition 90-
The new Proposition does not go in to affect until Either 2/14 or 2/15 of 2010. Date to be be solidified Tuesday the 15th of this month. The 60 day waiting period is to do with the County Assessor-to set up the process/system in which they will be charging each Transferee $500. for the transfer. One must close escrow after 2/15/2010. This will change the outlook in our County in a very positive way. When real estate prices began to fall and property owners began their requests for reassessments-of course to lower values-this of course resulted in lower tax revenues to the County. How does EDC put a stop to the continued reduction of RE values/revenue? Prop 90 is just the answer.
For any and all information on Real Estate in Cameron Park, and in El Dorado County proper-contact your resident Realtor and real estate Counselor, Wendi-Mae Davis Toll free 866-333-6333 or wendimae@wendimae.com and you may want to check out her personal website at http://www.wendimae.com/

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Giving Sellers the Green light



Wendi-Mae is keeping it real, and keeping it Green...Now it is your turn! How do you start protecting your environment, without spending money-rather by saving it? Glad you asked-here's how:
An inexpensive way to start helping to save your environment, locally- buy CFL's "Compact Flourescent Light" Bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last 6-10 times longer. You'll save energy and mney and contribute to global climate change. Prtoect the environment of today, and tomorrow-by changing a light! For any and all Real Estate information you may need for all of Santa Clara County, El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramanto Counties-call your neighborhood specialist/Team-

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,
Broker Associate Connect Realty,
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Real Estate counselor.
22 years of full time service to the Community
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Personal website
http://www.blogger.com/www.wendimae.com or email her
at wendimae@wendimae.com
She looks forward to the opportunity of assisting you in your quest!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Preventive Health Screening in El Dorado County




The Cameron Park Community Center may not be the location that you typically think of for administering lifesaving screenings. However, on Tuesday December 15th, 2009, the nation's leader in Community-based preventive health screenings will be coming to your neighborhood Over 5 Million people have participated in Life Line Screening's Ultrasound screenings that can determine your risk for stroke caused by carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms and other vascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease in the #1 killer in the US of both men and woman-and a leading cause of permanent disability.
A package of four painless Stroke, Vascular Disease and Heart rhythm screenings cost only $139. Your physicians likely haven't ordered these tests for you-because Insurance doesn't allow for it. Unless you have the symptoms. You don't want to find out, that once you have the symptoms-that it is already be too late-CATCH IT FIRST!!!.



"Ultrasound screenings have proven to be accurate in detecting vascular didease prior to active warning signs and before a major medical incident such as stroke or sudden death from aneurysm rupture." Society for Vascular Surgery



You must register prior to the event. http://www.lifelinescreening.com/


The Power of Prevention-



They have preventive screenings available coast to coast. Tell your friends, family, neighbors...You just may save a life. 1-800-395-1801 They are only here for one day-so don't miss the excellent opportunity to be proactive with your own life and Health, and promote a healthy way of life by telling those close to you...you will be glad you did it!



For any information you might want or need on a Particular neighborhood near you-Wendi-Mae is your neighborhood /Resident specialist. Check out Your Community website, brought to you by Wendi-Mae and her team-at: http://www.mycameronpark.com/ and be sure to check out her resume' and other important information at http://www.wendimae.com/ you can also reach her Toll Free 866-333-6333 or by email wendimae@wendimae.com 22 years of full time Real Estate experience. Director of the California Association of Realtors, Graduate of the Realtor Institute of California, Broker Associate Connect Realty, Real Estate COunselor, Certified Residential Specialist. Exceeding Expectations-that is what she does.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

San Francisco Style Eatery in El Dorado Hills!




This San Francisco Style eatery, is a "Premium" deli cafe'-and if I were to judge by the crowd at lunch time today, I'd have to say, that is definitely true! Located on the back side of The Town Center-next to Target.
4390 Town Center Blvd suite 140 Phone: 916-941-9150 This is one place, you just have to check out! Your taste buds will love you for it!

Another truth...If you haven't enjoyed a slice of san Francisco sourdough bread...you are really missing out.

Stop by and visit us at Connect Realty, and we will give you a map for around town. Resident Specialist-Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate Connect Realty, Real Estate Counselor, Director of the California Association of Realtors. Call us at Toll Free 866-333-6333 or 916-616-0874; email: wendimae@wendimae.com You may also want to check out our website at: http://www.wendimae.com/ We look forward to assisting you in your quest!

Best coffee in town at te Mira Loma!






If you want the best coffee and something quick to go along with it-Stop in when you visit our fine town! Make sure to say Hello to Rachel too! They have two great specials each week...Tuesday is Terriaki Bowl day and Friday is their Famous Tri-tip day! located at :
3161 Cameron Park Drive, (Across from The Airpark) 530-676-5282. She has soups, salads, veggie & other wraps, sandwiches, (also Grilled Panini's-YUM) as well as Breakfast burritos, and other gourmet breakfast items. Treat yourself this week!

For any and all information you might need...give the resident specialist a call,
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,
Broker Associate Connect Realty, Real Estate Counselor,
Director of the California Association of Realtors.
Toll Free 866-333-6333 local 530-676-4447
wendimae@wendimae.com You will want to also check out her Community website at http://www.mycameronpark.com/ and us, at our personal site http://www.wendimae.com/ We look forward to the possibility of assisting you in your quest!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Changing the outlook of El Dorado Counties near future



OVER 55? CALIFORNIA PROPERTY TAX RELIEF Since its passage, Proposition 13 prohibits property tax increases until property ownership is changed. If either spouse is over age 55 (when the old home is sold), PROP 60 allows replacement of a primary residence with a new home of equal or lesser value (but see below) within the same county and transfer of the Prop 13 assessed valuation from the old home to the new property. This is allowed once in your lifetime, and a spouse who has done it before 'taints' both spouses. PROP 90 allows counties to elect to accept transfers of Prop 13 values for moves from other counties when a primary residence is replaced with a less expensive (but see below) home. If you are over 55 and move into a county which accepts Prop 90, you may take your old, lower Prop 13 value, regardless of from which county you move. Using Prop 90, you can sell your $400,000 San Francisco home [assessed value $80,000] and move to a new $300,000 home in San Mateo; the new San Mateo assessed value will be $80,000!

7 COUNTIES WHICH ACCEPT PROP 90 (Current as of 6/1/2008) Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura. [Contra Costa, Inyo, Kern, Riverside, Modoc, Monterey, and Marin have dropped out of the Prop 90 program.] Props 60 and 90 apply if you "trade down" (i.e. the new home costs less than the sales price of the old home). > If you buy New Home 1st; then sell the Old Home, you must go down in price. > If you sell the Old Home1st; then buy the New Home: In 1st 365 days after the sale of Old Home, you may go up 5% in the purchase price of New Home. If you buy New Home more than 1 year from the sale of Old Home, but less than 2 years, you may go up 10%. Some buyers can pay the commission outside of escrow to lower to sales price. Example: I sold for $100,000 and then want to buy next week for $120,000. The seller will owe a commission of $7,200. The seller will owe $2,800 of other expenses I sold 1st so I must buy for no more than $105,000. If I pay the seller's expenses of $10,000, the price is down to $110,000. Hmm. If I buy the stove, refrigerator, and lawn furniture for $6,000, it looks like I qualify. WARNING: I do not suggest this is a valid idea. Our Board of Supervisors will take this to vote in January of 2010-likely to be in affect immediately thereafter, or by February, as our sources have been told. This will change the outlook in our County in a very positive way.When real estate prices began to fall and property owners began their requests for reassessments-of course to lower values-this of course resulted in lower tax revenues to the County. How does EDC put a stop to the continued reduction of RE values/revenue? Prop 90 is just the answer.

For any and all information on Real Estate in El Dorado Hills, and in El Dorado County proper-contact your resident Realtor and real estate Counselor, Wendi-Mae Davis
Toll free 866-333-6333 or
wendimae@wendimae.com and you may want to check out her personal website at http://www.wendimae.com/ Let's talk!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Protecting El Dorado Hills Investors and their Investments-when is it the right time to refinance?


Should I lock in a low rate now or should I wait?

1. Wall Street has had zero money to lend for over a year, as investors & countries have zero appetite or tolerance to invest money into securitized mortgage notes that continues to have high default rates or declining value

2. It was the US government that was printing new US dollars and giving it to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA so the market has money to lend

3. Banks are ONLY able to lend to you if they can sell your loan to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA and then replenish their up front cash

4. Banks that have taken TARP funds signifies they previously had no liquid funds to lend, just toxic mortgage debt on their books

5. The US Government had taken over bankrupted Fannie and Freddie's $5.0 Trillion failed institutions and had printed additional $1.2 Trillion to keep today's mortgage rates low....

6. Divide $1.2 Trillion by 350 Million US citizen, this means it will cost = $3,400 for each one in your family this year today in taxes to pay off this expense.... what about the expense to institutionalize Freddie, Fannie and FHA, what about the money spent to bail out Wall Street, what about the $8,000 tax credit, what about the cash for clunkers, etc. Do you want to pay more taxes every year for all the government bailout? Do you still want a lower mortgage rate at your own expense?

7. Did you know that the US Government can not spend a penny unless they Tax you to get the money, borrow it and pay interest or print it.... and printing dollars deflates the value of US dollars and creates inflation (Economics 101)

8. US Citizens and foreign countries will eventually revolt and tell the US Government to stop printing money and to stop depreciating the Dollars to avoid taxes and inflation.

9. If you can get a 30 yr interest rate between 5.0% - 5.5%, lock it in, low interest rates will not last forever If you can get a 15 yr interest rate between 4.5% - 5.0%, lock it in, cheap interest rates like this when there's no money in the market will not last forever 10. Foreign countries used to love to purchase US bonds and mortgage backed securities, did you know that this week, instead of buying 27 tons like last month, India bought 200 tons of the world's gold reserves in anticipation of major world volatility this month ... China has been on the same track and will not be out done by India; why don't they want to purchase US Bonds, aren't US Bonds better than Gold?... at the same time US and England continue to print money everyday only to prop up their failed banks with tax payer's future dollars and have been very slow with any new job creation to stimulate REAL, long lasting growth What if the Federal Reserves stops buying mortgage back securities today ... who will buy our mortgage note to drive interest rates lower ... no oneIf you are looking for a lower mortgage payment, I would lock down an interest rates ASAP and take the bird in the hand. When the People and foreign nations say to Congress and Feds to stop printing money or we don't want to buy US Bonds, or OPEC Oil Cartel wants to create a new currency of trade and don't want to peg exchange rates to US Dollars, interest rate will continue to go up.

For Counseling on any area of Real Estate-contact your neighborhood specialist-

Wend-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker associate and real estate counselor for Connect Realty.

Toll Free 866-333-6333, or check out her personal website at: http://www.wendimae.com/ and you can also email her at wendimae@wendimae.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Dual Paned Windows and Using your Federal Tax credit


Are old windows a luxury you can afford? Use your Federal Tax credit!

When you were looking for your current home, you had two lists in your head: a list of needs and a list of wants. In all liklihood, windows weren't on either list because you assume that every house has them. Windows, like doors, are a given. Or are they? Some describe windows as a luxury. While a door is essential in even the most primitive house, "windows are a refinement, an amenity that makes a place more livable." Through the centuries, windows have grown in size and improved in technology, but the problem of energy loss has gotten more complex. The heat lost in residential and commercial blds. in 1990 cost the U.S. $20 Billion alone. If you have old frame, aluminum framed, single paned windows, or even double paned windows with leaky seals, your home is part of that statistic. Up to 40% of your personal heating and cooling dollars are literally going out the window. When you begin the process of replacing your windows-Start with looking for a Brand that meets the ENERGY STAR (trademark)requirements. One such Brand is Milgard-and specifically there Smart Touch Brand-locking system design. It is the only window lock on the market that meets the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use commendation. They are backed by a lifetime warranty and Exceed California's rigorous code/s.With the added Federal tax credit thru Oct. 30th of $1500., and Milgards $750. rebate, what are you waiting for? Remodeling Magazine reports a return on investment is 99.2%.If you should desire more information-feel free to give me a call:


Wendi-Mae Davis,
Broker Associate Connect Realty,
Real estate Counselor,
Director of the California Association of Realtors.
Toll Free 866-333-6333,
wendimae@wendimae.com or check out my personal website at:
http://www.wendimae.com/Also check out our Community webite at http://www.mycameronpark.com/

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Solar Energy, Solar Panel Systems-Start putting money back in your pocket.



Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy can put your hard earned dollars, back in your pocket.

PhotoVoltaics: Basic Design Principles and components

If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a PhotoVoltaic (PV) system-a way to genereate electricity by using evergy from the sun. These systems have several advantages:They are cost-effective alternatives in areas where extending a utility power line is very expensive;they have no moving parts and require little maintenance;and they produce electricity without polluting the environment.

A couple of nearby solar panel companies are Sacramento Solar Panels http://www.recsolar.com/ and Evergreen Solar-made in the USA25 year Warranty-36 yers in Solar http://www.suneiec.com/
Hundreds of cost-effective applications for PV systems have been developed. In the United States, PV systems must have unobstructed Southern exposure. Where you live, will determine the number of PV modules you will need. In addition to the PV modules, you will need to purchase balance-of-system (BOS) equipment. The National Electric Code cntains provisions and requirements for PV systems.
For online Renewable Energy Information go to http://www.eren.doe.gov/ and http://www.nrel.gov/
For more information-or for the packet made available by PG & E, email me at wendimae@wendimae.com or visit me at http://www.wendimae.com/ you may also call me toll free at 866-333-6333
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI-Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor, Connect Realty

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

It isn't just about the Real Estate...what about the Wine?

El Dorado Wine Country-Wine making at a higher level...easy to reach, difficult to leave! El Dorado is located in California's scenic Gold Country, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. One can visit, and taste year-round. Enjoy special winery events throught the year, including barrel tastings, bottling parties, decadent dessert and wine pairings, and a variety of wine club affairs. Many of the wineries, don't charge to taste either! Yummy! We often have Client events in one of the many wonderful venues in this beautiful Country location.
For a list of all wineries and visitor information: visit HTTP://www.eldoradowines.org
Sacramento to Placerville: 38 Miles
San Francisco to Placerville: 115 Miles
Napa to Placerville: 87 Miles
South Lake Tahoe to Placerville: 46 Miles
A trip, worth taking.

For more information, contact your Neighborhood Realtor,

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,
Broker Asssociate for Connect Realty.com, INC.
HTTP://www.wendimae.com email me at:wendimae@wendimae.com or call us
Toll free 866-333-6333-
we look forward to assisting you with all your Real Estate needs.
We are full service Residential Real Estate Brokerage-complete with Counseling services available.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Be Firewise...Wildfire preparedness for your home and Pets

Hope it never happens to you...For an information intense Packet on Fire Preparedness-The National Firewise Communities Program provides wildland/Urban interface resources for Firefighter safety, Community Planning, Landscaping, Construction, and maintenance to protect people, their pets, their property-and natural resources from Wildfire. More information is available from the firewise website at: http://www.firewise.org A helpful checklist, and good place to start:1) Home ignition Zone-Begin with at least 30 ft of space immediately around the home and extending out as far as 100-200 feet.2) Lean, Clean, and Green landscaping-With firewise landscaping, you can create a survivable space around your home that reduces the threat significantly.3) Fire-resistant roof construction-self explantory.4) Fire resistant attachments-include any structure connected to your home, suck as decks, porches, or fences. If they are attached and are not fire resistant, then the home as a whole is vulnerable to ignition.ood w/legible & clearly marked5) Fire-resistant construction-Wall materials that resist heat and flames include brick, cement, plaster, stucco, and concrete masonry. Tempered and double-pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to wildfire and flames. Why? Firebrands (embers) collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials...6) A disaster Plan-The time to plan for any emergency is prior to the event. Discuss this with your family, and have emergency numbers close by-and in a visible place. Leave before it is too late. Decide where you will go, and how you will get there. Have tools available, such as a shovel, rake, axe, handsaw, or a chainsaw. Maintain an emergency water source too. Have plans for your pets, practice family fire drills.7) Emergency Access-Identify your home and N'hood w/clearly marked streets and names and numbers. Your driveway should be at least 13 feet wide, with a verticle clearance of 15 feet and a slope no more than 5 percent for emergency vehicles...Provided to you by:
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI.
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
wendimae@wendimae.comI look forward to the possibility od assisting you in your quest!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Green Building photos and websites




As with every other topic one might wish to explore on the web...where do you start? When it comes to "Green" building, and/or what to furnish your home with, to be most "green" and environmentally concious...here are two sites that I have found to be most helpful on the subject.
http://www.earth911.org/ and http://www.energystar.gov/ What a great way to both save money, and save our environment for our children...

Should you like any further direction on the subject, please feel free to contact me:
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com/
Toll Free 866-333-6333

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Green Tip of the month-For your new garden/Lawn

Brought to you from the California Association of Realtors...C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).

Or, contact Wendi-Mae Davis-one of your leaders in saving the Environment!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
www.wendimae@wendimae.com

Monday, April 6, 2009

Unique Homes...

What makes a home Unique...share your photos and thoughts with us. From hunting Lodges to unusual architectural designs to Historic Homes...We have found that Unique properties offer special rewards, and challenges. Read on...there's no "one size fits all" with "Unique" Properties...especially when it comes to selling one-you certainly do need to find another person whom shares the "same point of view" :) We want to hear you thoughts, and see your photos/examples...please leave a comment!

Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, Inc.
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com/
wendimae@wendimae.com

Saturday, March 28, 2009

It's time we all give back to our Communities!

Don't you agree? It doesn't always take money...in fact, it rarely does. It just takes a little time, show your Community that you care. Help grow your Community-make it YOUR Community...tell me what you think. Suggestions?

Wendi-Mae Davis
Broker Associate
Connect Realty.com, Inc.
http://www.wendimae.com
www.mycameronpark.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333