Tag Archives: buyers

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

One Fortunate Buyer in Sacramento CA

I just closed a deal that could not have gotten much better for the buyer.

1) She was paying $1700 in rent for a decent unit in Midtown (but, still a lot of money).  the buyer got into contract for $122,750 on a 1890′s Victorian home (just what she dreamed about!).  Here housing payments were going to be about $730/month.

2) We got into contract before April 30, 2010 as to qualify for the Federal Tax Credit of $8000.

3) We closed after May 1, 2010 so to qualify for the $10,000 Tax Credit from the State.

4) The appraisal came back at a value of $105,000, so the seller was compelled to come down to that price. Now her payments will drop below $650/month!

Let’s do the math… About $18,000 savings on the purchase price (with a lower deposit amount), $18,000 in tax incentives – that’s a nice, quick $36,000.

5) The home inspection came back very clean and the pest inspection had minor work needed.  A few bonuses:  We found out that the foundation was redone at some point in the last 10 years; The roof was only about 1-year-old; There is hardwood underneath the laminate overlay, which is part of the buyer’s dream too!

Congratulations Laila!  I look forward to champagne this afternoon.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Energy Efficient Home In Sacramento CA

I am fortunate to do regular work with the developers, Housing Group Fund, especially in acquiring and selling properties.  They recently partnered with Smud (our local utility company) on a home in a middle to lower-income area to rehabilitate it and make it energy-efficient.  Yesterday they held an open house for the real estate community.  They had the Quad-Lock blocks on display (see an earlier post of mind on this product, on this home).

This home is a great example of what true stimulus can accomplish.  Neighborhoods that usually do not get attention like this, could be transformed.

A friend of mine and appraiser, Ryan Lundquist, was there too and put together a fantastic video showing off the home.  Check it out below.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Housing Tax Credits

Quick run down…

The Federal Government is offering and has extended an $8000 tax credit through the end of this month.  Home buyers need to be in contract on a home by April 30, 2010 and close escrow by June 30, 2010.

Many of my clients have asked how they get the credit once they close.  Go to this website, which will answer most all of your questions – http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/home.html

OR

just click here

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California Housing Tax Credit

Up to (key phrase) $10,000 tax credit from the State of California for first-time home buyers, who purchase a home after May 1, 2010.  A few qualifications:

- The money is credited over 3 years ($3,333/year) for taxable income.

- The money ($100M) will run out.  While the programs runs through the end of December 2010, some are predicting toward mid-August it will be gone!

Here is site to visit for questions and how to claim this incentive – Ftb.ca.gov

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

The Things We See When Viewing Property

I know you were hoping for a risqué story… or the one were the daughter called the police on me for “breaking in” and “accosting her” as the mother said… nope just a cool indoor sauna.  I walked into one of the space rooms of this blue-collar home and “Whoa, didn’t expect to find this…

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Article – Why the Housing Slump Isn’t Getting Better

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially in the face of all those who want to stay positive.

The keys numbers that is not publicized or talked about much, according to this article, the growing number of home owners who are unable to afford their mortgage payment.  This is one thing that is not getting better, rather worse, which will obviously curtail any policy and recovery plan of action.

Check out the article here

or cut and paste -

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomeFinancing/why-housing-slump-isnt-getting-better.aspx

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Dream House – My Bizarre Real Estate Dream Last Night

When I waited tables at a restaurant in college I use to have, what we called “wait-mares.”  These were stress induced dreams/nightmares usually involving being overwhelmed with too many customers all at once, or showing up to work without your uniform, etc.

Last night I had a crazy dream about me buying a home and facing similar situations as my clients.  I drove up to a gorgeous home to view, that I loved from the pictures and online information – my parents were with me (weird).  When we a got out of the car, another agent was there about to show the home to their client.  I did the courteous thing and said, “We’ll wait until you are done and give you some space.”  In the meantime we struck up a conversation with the owner and bonded over shared interests and our children.  In a genuine way, we won their favor, which may sway them if it came to choosing between offers (a good technique in a “normal” market when dealing directly with a seller.  People that like you, generally want to work with you).

We waited about a half an hour (kind of a long time) and the folks before us were not through viewing the property, so we decided to politely press forward and have a look around.  When we got to the kitchen, we noticed that the first shoppers were engaged with their agent in writing an offer, right there at the kitchen table – the nerve!  We kept our cool and calmly continued viewing the home.  Parts of the home were upgraded, while other things were stuck in a time period.  There were many things that I did not completely care for, but my dad kept pointing out the great things about the house (which he never does in real life), such as, “But Keith, these things you don’t like are all easy fixes – just cosmetic.”  Or, my dad added, “Those things that concern you are small in comparison to the great price!  And it even has view of the beach!”  (Even though it was in the center of an urban area [don't you love how dreams can bend reality?!]  I guess this is my secret desire, to live on the beach while still being connected to the city?  Come to think of it, that would be pretty awesome!).  As we walked around the house, we noticed more home buyers filtering though the house, until almost every room had people in it, all discussing the offer they were going to make – oh the pressure!

[This was quite a vivid and emotional dream]

I felt so torn inside, not knowing if I should move forward, and if so, how much over asking price should I offer?  We bumped into the owner while easing our way back to the front door.  She said, “Don’t miss the flat screen TV we installed on the porch or the toaster!”  What!?!?  Yes, I saw the perfectly mounted TV, and to the left of it hung a chrome toaster suspended from an overhang.  (I have no idea how that would work, but it was freakin’ cool.  Mark my words, the new future trend in real estate…. suspended outdoor, chrome toasters).

There my dream ended…

What does this all mean?  Am I stressed out?  Am I just feeling my clients’ angst?  Is my father a picture of myself and the things I tell clients? (uh oh).  Should I move to the beach?

Any dream therapists out there want to analyze me?

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

Home in Escrow – Oak Park Victorian!

I just got into contract with one of my clients on this property in Oak Park.  It’s a fantastic 1890′s Victorian.

We just did the home and pest inspection yesterday.  I love days like this when the nspections moves forward without any big surprises.  I say this because every home has issues, especially ones built-in the late 1800′s.

Can you believe this home, in a decent part of Oak Park, in reasonable condition, is selling for a little over $100,000?  The home inspector asked if it is on slab or has a crawl space… I said “neither.  It’s a walk space!”  This basement (well it’s above ground) has at least 9 foot high ceilings!  My first thought when I viewed the property was, finish this out and double your square footage!

I was shocked with how little dry rot there was, plus a new foundation (no bricks) and an almost-new roof!

Check out the pics.

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

New California Tax Incentives for First Time Home Buyers

I pondered in past posts, “What will happen to the market after the tax stimulus offering is over, come April 30, 2010?”  Well, it looks like we will not have to answer that question until the end of the year.  The news is buzzing with the almost-done bill that will be signed by Governor Schwarzenegger to give new home buyers up to $10,000, starting May 1, 2010.  For so many of my buyers this is fantastic news, since the old dead line loomed and rush to find a home was on.  Yesterday after telling one of my clients about this news, he asked, “So does this mean that I could potentially get $18K from the government?”  I quickly said, “Yeah right, I don’t think so [greedy man!]“  Well, I just read an article this morning stating that this may be true for some.  Those who are in contract on a home purchase by the end of April and then close after May 1, 2010 will most likely get both, since the $8K is federal money, while the $10K is California money.  The writer called it a potential “stampede.”  This is a great visual and probably a true forecast – first time home buyers are going to go nuts over this.  Who wouldn’t?!?!  I thought $8,000 was extremely generous!

While this is great news for buyers and Realtors alike, I keep wondering, where is our State and Nation going to get this money?  My wife just chimed in, “China!”

Thoughts and opinions?

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030