Category Archives: Real Estate

Moisture in Windows – Real Estate Sacramento

I have viewed and sold so many homes with dual pane windows that have failed.  The clear, or should I say unclear, indication is fogged up glass.  When you try to clean them, you quickly realize that there is moisture trapped in between the two panes, hence the window has failed.  Most inspectors will tell you that this does not diminish the effectiveness of the window, rather it just looks ugly.  And typically the remedy is replacing the glass or the window, which can be costly.

I ran across an article/ad regarding a newer technology, whereby they can de-moisturize and repair the window by just drilling to small holes in the corners.  Sound great if it actually is legitimate.

Has anyone out there utilized this technology?  And more importantly, does it work?  If so, this would be a great innovation to all those failed windows out there.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

KeithAKlassen@gmail.com

Is Green Really Worth the Green?

I caught a news piece this morning while at the gym.  The title was something like the one above.  The segment dealt with the question, Do energy efficient upgrades in a home make a difference in the sale price? Even with long-term energy savings, the short and resounding answer was, “NO.”  While it makes all the difference for the environment, the sale prices do not reflect the upgrades, whether it be solar, added insulation, dual flush toilets, Energy Star appliances, etc.  The target then got pinned on appraisers.  They bluntly said that it was the appraisers fault… [paraphrased] The appraisers are behind the curve on this one.  It’s the appraisers that have not gotten up to speed and are not giving correct value to these items.  When an appraiser sees a furnace, whether it’s energy efficient or not, they just see a furnace…”

Now I have friends that are appraisers that will read this and have an acid reflex response (a little sour taste in their mouth).  And I know theses appraisers do know the difference and can spot energy efficient systems.

I would love a response/rebuttal from the appraisal world.  Sound off.

And don’t kill/hate the messenger – I’m just reiterating what I saw on the news this morning.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Great Remodeled Home for First Time Home Buyer in Sacramento CA

Welcome to 5761 Sampson Way.

This house has been renewed… all you will need to do is move in (and plant a garden in the humongous backyard).

This home has been painted inside and out.  There are new doors (including security doors), new trim, new carpet and tile flooring.  The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated and upgraded.  Check out the granite-slab counter tops and recessed lighting.

Just to mention a few more of the many upgrades – New central heat and air units, new landscaping, and newly pour concrete driveway (these costs and really add up).

You get all this for under $100,000.  That’s only about $775.00 per month in housing payments, which is less than you’d pay to rent this house!  We have more for sale like this.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Faded Lady – The Guild in Oak Park, CA

The Guild Theater in Oak Park sends my thoughts back to a different era.  Oak Park has a fascinating history, that enjoyed a time of boom.  I love this building, the sign, and the brick work, yet I’ve not had the chance to go inside.

A friend of mine said that he when to a community gathering there about 6 or 7 years ago and water was leaking in from the ceiling.  Since then I believe that it has been restored.  I bet it was a wonderful place in it’s hay day, and still could be!

Old Soul Coffee house just moved in around the corner… signs of revitalization to come?

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Fantastic Fair Oaks, CA Home for Sale

Motivated Seller.

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· 4 Bd/2.5 Baths

· 2,079 Sq. ft.

· Newer Carpet

· Hardwood Floors

· 2 Car Garage

· Remodel Bathroom

· 2 Fireplaces

· Swimming Pool!

True True (“““`M!P` (“““““` 7 True True 3981450 1581150 True True True 0 (“““#G`P` (“““““` True True True 0 (“$“`#G`P` (“““““` True True 0 (`@““(““ (“““““` 3 289 290 291 True True 0 (`@““$““ (“““““` 2 268 288

Offered at

$399,900

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7460 Walnut Road.

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

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Welcome to the home and neighborhood of your dreams.  This     property stands out from all the others… Remodeled and upgraded, and well cared for.  Newer carpet and paint; lush landscape; two year old roof; and perfect pool.  Just move in and enjoy!

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e-mail:

keithaklassen@gmail.com

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Direct: 916.669.9030

fax: 916.978.0999

For Sale

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Going “Green” in an Affordable Way in Sacramento

I was at Costco. and saw that they carry dual flush toilets now – I was shocked.  And for 80 bucks!  I don’t know if it’s any good or not, since I’ve seen them sell in the past for at least $200 and up.

I recently had a conversation with another real estate agent, relaying how one of my clients who rehabilitates homes, puts dual flush toilets in them.  The agent had never heard of a dual flush toilet.  While they are not new, it’s interesting how few people are aware of them and  to see Costco. getting in the game.  I guess if they can sell a billion of them and there is a buck to be made…  I’ve always thought that things like this need to be main stream for great impact to be made.  I hope everyone buys one or several and has them installed in their homes.

Oh, and now that our water is being metered in Sacramento, all the more reason to conserve.

Check out how these toilets function.  Also, watch the video on the link – good stuff to remember.

[note: toilet pictured above is not the one they sell at Costco.]

Cheers,

Keith Klassen

Trust Agents in Sacramento Real Estate

Today was our first round table meeting to discuss the book, Trust Agents

We have a small group of 5 appraisers (2 out-of-state joining us through Skype) and 2 real estate sales people (like myself), all hungry to learn and develop a new energy around our online presence.

So far so good.

Big thanks to Ryan Lundquist (appraiser) for coordinating this!

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen

Real Estate Broker

The Value of Neighbors – Curtis Park, Sacramento and Beyond

It is so important what neighborhood you live in, whether it be mediteranian doorfor distinctiveness or convenience of locale, people should spend a good amount of time getting a feel for where they are buying and what they are buying into.   When I purchased my first home in Sacramento, I knew that I was not just buying a house, but a neighborhood too.  I just had a gut feeling that my little East Sac. home and neighborhood was a winner, even though I did not know much about it.  However, I found out, over time, the people no my street kept to themselves and were a bit cold.  At the first meeting of my direct neighbor I said, “Hey, we’re thinking about having a BBQ to get to know everyone on the street.  I’ll let you know when we plan it.”  She quickly replied, “Oh, we won’t be coming to that.”  I was speechless.  “Uhhh, okay.  I guess I’ll see you around.”  I couldn’t believe it!

While you can do research on the potential home and neighborhood, it is very difficult to do in depth research on the people that will be your neighbors.

Before we moved our current home in Curtis Park we drove around the neighborhood extensively, walked up and down the street where our potential home was located, and attempted to talk with as many neighbors as possible.  Picture1I’ll never forget the first woman I spoke with… “Are you looking to buy that house?” the neighbor asked.  “Yes, we are in contract,” I replied.  She went on to introduce herself and tell me all about the neighborhood.  The former owners told us that they were saddened to leave because they’d grown so close to their neighbors.  The evening we finally got everything moved in, our neighbor across the street brought us freshly baked cookies and apologized for only bringing a particle ½ gallon of milk!  The next day a man from down the street dropped off brownies he made for us.  A few weeks later our other neighbor gave us a bundle of kindling for fire wood.  After only several weeks I knew we had move onto a unique and special street.

This is the “Front Porch” ethos – an attitude of community that I find deeply rooted and perpetuated on my street.  I applaud and say a big thank you from my family to our neighbors.  Who cares about home values, when you’ve got neighbors like ours!

Short Sale Tips in Sacramento Real Estate

http://www.sacbee.com/realestatenews/story/1933693.html?mi_rss=Real%2520Estate

Market Update in Sacramento Real Estate

LOCAL MARKET UPDATE

Here are the most current & accurate real estate statistics — specifically for our area. We saw a 17% increase in residential home sales in April, 2009 compared to April last year. 65% of all sales in April were “Bank-Owned Foreclosures”. This is a significant and quick decrease in the percent of sales that are “Bank-Owned”. Typically, at least 75% of the sales each month have been “Bank-Owned” for the past year. Another significant and quick change is the amount of listing inventory. Comparing April, 2009 to April, 2008 — there is a 37.6% decrease in number of houses for sale on the market. This has changed our supply and demand situation drastically. However, we expect this situation to change back to more of a buyer’s market again soon. Here’s why; there has been a moratorium on bank-owned property. We have been told that the banks will lift their moratoriums and start releasing foreclosed properties over the next four months, which will increase listing inventory again. Does that mean you should wait for more inventory if you are a buyer? No, and here’s why. Last week we saw a 1/2% interest rate increase on home loans. That is equal to $75 per month increase in a mortgage payment on a $200,000 loan. There is currently more than enough inventory to find a great house before rates go up again. Buyers – don’t forget about the $8,000 Tax Credit. You must close escrow by November 30th to qualify.

NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE

Spring is traditionally the home-buying season. True to course, existing home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity. From March to April, sales jumped up 2.9%. Who are the buyers? According to a National Association of Realtors’ survey, 60% are repeat buyers, entering the market to take advantage of the low interest rates, good inventory and more affordable prices. 40% are first-time buyers. First-time buyers as well as buyers who have rented for 3+ years also have the added incentive of an $8,000 tax credit offered by the federal government. Where are the sales? Regionally, home sales last month rose 3.5% in the West, 11.6% in the Northeast, 1.8% in the South, and slipped 2.0% in the Midwest. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the NAR, buyers today are attracted to lower priced homes found in California, Nevada, and Florida. Yun forecasts that home sales in the second half of 2009 will be 10 – 20% higher than in 2008. Now may be your time to consider moving. Even if the selling price of your home is lower than expected, that price must be weighed against the opportunity to get an excellent price on your new home, plus the possibility of securing a better tax base. Let me know if you want to meet and talk. I am here to serve your real estate needs.