So WHO lives next door?

So when you have decided to "take the jump with us," there are so many things to consider beyond getting pre-qualified for the next home (which is top dog on your list), and getting your home prepared for the move. This includes renters too (you need to get that deposit back), you never know when that cash may come in handy for that GUARANTEED Home Depot or Lowe's run. "Hey I thought I had FOUR ROLLERS! The owners took the toilet paper roll holder ... SHEESH! Guess I am BACK to the store."

So back to the storyline, you need to "interview" your neighborhood. Sometimes stories get told after 7pm about the true workings of a neighborhood and/or on the weekends. This is not a time to be shy, introduce yourself to neighbors and see what they are like. No situation is PERFECT, but see what you are getting you (and possibly) others are investing into ... particularly if you are hoping to stay long-term somewhere. See what schools are zoned for that particular area and what parks are near by, if that interests you. Think about daily life for you.

When we moved into our neighborhood, we learned a lot about "court protocol" and who was who in the court. I later learned more, but we are happy where we are at ...

"So you say you have a key to our house ... Oh really!??!"
[me to Steve O] "We are going to 'ang-chay our EY-kays immediateLY."
(yes that is pig-latin a shot back to elementary school).

Beyond the "neighborhood interviewing," you also have to weigh what is important to you, yard, age of the home and the builder who built your home. Often people are swayed by the uniform look of builders in the past 15 years. Some people love this uniform look ... and that is great ... but make a home be functional for you too (yard size, maintenance of the yard, cleaning that new house, and social workings of the house).

Do you know what CCR's are? Do you know what HOA is and does your neighborhood have it (you have to include this in your considerations of price and cost of living)?

HOA: Home Owner Association: Dues for an Association and are generally put forth towards general grounds maintenance and the association.

CCR: Community Codes and Regulations (sometimes with different words swapped). This is the rules of the neighborhood and policies. These do not have monthly dues, but are the "requirements" which may or may not be enforced in your neighborhood. This can have a high appeal to some because it does keep neigbhorhoods in "check" if they are enforced. Those without HOA's it is hard to enforce CCR's and is often, if enforced, taken on by a group of dedicated neighbors. (examples: lawn being mowed, garbage cans not out more than 24 hours on the curb, light fixtures being replaced when out, etc). Sure there may be a few vigilant neighbors that you find pesky, but what is pesky, when a neighborhood is looking good?
Keep it perspective. Your neighbors up-keep is your money too and your home's worth.

Ask what a typical electricity bill is for the home? Are they PG&E? Are they SMUD or Roseville Electric? Things that are important in monthly financing for oneself.

Past neighborhood workings and monthly dues/bills, find out the functional workings of the new pad and it's location.

Is it a busy street? Does it dead end and work like a court? Do you HAVE to have a court home? Do you know how much it takes to maintain a pool or large yard? Decisions you need to mull over.

Now I am not writing this to stress you out, but to be prepared, makes you stronger and wiser.

Granted nothing in life has to be permanent, so consider this ... if you have the liberties and finances to get what you want, TAKE IT! There are so many amazing homes out there. Let us help you!

So when we decided to take the jump, we knew we wanted a court home, with having young children, and we wanted a yard and back garage. We wanted to have an outdoor space to have people over. Simple criteria. We wanted to an older home, that would need some help and we were not against a fixer. We knew the risks of a fixer, but WE got our inspections done (DON'T EVER EVER EVER pass up inspections people) and we took the plunge. Don't let a $20 dollar can of paint or simple carpet replacement get in the way of your visions. Some people want a completed home with "ready-to-go" appeal, others want to score a deal and do the work themselves. Know the pros and cons of both sides.

So start thinking about your life requirements in a home, whether this is your 1st home or 2nd or 3rd. Sometimes you have to start somewhere, and that "somewhere" isn't always glamorous. Everyone starts somewhere. Our first home was a 2-bd in a "not so luxurious" neighborhood. But I will tell you what, those were some of our nicest neighbors. Not every pretty neighborhood is what it seems.

Think long-term if finances provide, and or think in terms of "stepping stones" to your next home if you are slowly working to get to your dream home. Find out what your finances and needs are ... ask questions we can help!

Good luck!

Walkie Talkies are Cool ... Sometimes.

So I will bounce back and forth between Real Estate materials and personal stories. I personally find all educational materials boring and like to "jazz" it up a little with my personal anecdotes.

So my daughter has an amazing little new friend in our neighborhood ... good times for all. Complete opposite of my daughter but they mesh well and too, butt heads, but great for young kids. Constantly learning from each other's different approaches and techniques.

So enough about the backgrounds, yesterday the wonderful world of walkie talkies was introduced to them ... omigosh, what have we gotten ourselves into? Now they can totally know what they are doing at all times.

I wonder what the "wear-off of interest" factor is with battery operated walkie-talkies?

Every ten seconds, "hey do you know how to use this thing?"
"Hey do you know what I had for dinner?"
"Can we have a sleep over?"

So my daughter is just not "getting it." Our neighborhood buddy is as quick as they come. Sharp as a tack and quick to find a solution. My girl is my little flower. Very deliberate and wants to know all involved risks. Just as smart, but a completely different approach. More emotionally driven and not as gadget savvy.

As I remember back in my can and string days, I couldn't always pick up things as fast as I do know. "Wait I hold the string tight and talk where??"Such a stark contrast to my current nerdie-computer girl status. Don't worry my babydoll, your nerd days are shortly ahead of you if my genetics have any play in your life.

My daughter: WHAT?!?! I cannot hear you."

Me: "let go of the button ... so she can talk girl. Okay you have to hold down the button to talk and THEN let go when you are done."

My daughter: "Oh .... wait what??"

Me: "Oh nevermind."
I guess you have to learn on the war field how to experience and utilize effectively the almighty walkie-talkie.

Such a powerful tool, such a mighty obligation …
"Hey are you asleep now ... don't worry I will call you in the morning."

Things to consider when moving ...

1. Have you interviewed multiple Realtors® (we do encourage using certified Realtors®)?
   You should know you have the best ... we pride ourselves on exemplary negotiation skills and premier marketing services. Challenge us.
   
2. If you are downsizing are you ready to take on the smaller space yet? Have you consider what materials you will have to dispose of ... (the RosevilleAndRocklin.com Team can help you advertise on the internet for a garage sale or guide you how to post your materials).
   
3. If you are moving-up, how much will it cost to maintain the grounds (utilities, garden services, cleaning a larger space emotionally and physically, pool maintenance, etc)? Are you ready for that included finances and/or time spent maintaining?
4. If you are currently an owner, make sure you understand the money you may or may not have used during refis (refinances), will you be selling competitively or will you be renting?
   4.a. If you will be renting, have you interviewed multiple management companies? Do you understand the undertakings of having a rental and the finances possibly/that are involved? We own multiple properties, and RIGHT NOW is a great time to purchase properties for investment. There are so many things to consider (in-state, out-of-state, how do I manage the property, etc.). Laws for each state are different for monitoring/protecting renters and owners. It is a great option for those that can do it, and many of you can, but we do encourage you to educate yourselves if it is right for you. Ask me more details if you are interested in perhaps purchasing bank-owned properties or you would like me to refer an agent out-of-area (Idaho, Texas, etc.)
   
5. Finally and most importantly, GET PRE-QUALIFIED. There is no point to seeing homes until you are ready to do so ... don't lose the house of your dreams because you weren't ready to make the jump. It does not take much effort and we can guide you how to begin the process. Why waste your time looking at homes that are financially inappropriate for you.
   

In light of all the foreclosures and bank-owned properties in the area, it is imperative you do what is right for you and you educate yourself on all of what you are financially attaching yourself to now and in five years. Keep the lines of communication and knowledge always open for more. Ask MANY questions and protect yourself. It is a great time for move-up buyers and we encourage you to see what options are out there if you are indeed finding yourself in an opportune situation to want, need and are equipped to "move-up." Make the Jump with us! 916-308-2446. We have an incredible automated email search engine (also can be modified for bank-owned properties-see the GREAT GREAT deals out there).

When a Realtor® feels good ...

Life is good when you hand over the keys to a new home to a client. Home ownership is a good thing. Even when you are having one of "those weeks," somehow the smile on a person's face when they make the realization come true with their OWN personal space that they own, it makes it all OKAY!

It is not always the easiest path, but to earn a client's trust and begin a good friendship is priceless. With the three digit weather upon us, we appreciate all of your referrals. Steve and I are grateful for all of our friends that presented new business to us, whether it be out-of-the area referrals, new home developments or just relocating locally, THANK YOU. We sincerely appreciate you.

Have a great Father's day weekend. The Ostroms are going to have a fun day with Steve O (aka Dad, Daddy). Hopefully the weather stays nice for all of us today.

Funny Video Montage

If you love Mike Myers as much as I do ... you will love this montage that someone posted played at an awards ceremony that will remain unmentioned.

http://www.devilducky.com/media/62918/

Very funny and all clean MINUS one mini-bomb at the end.
It has snipits from So I Married an Axe Murder to Wayne's World to Goldmember. Good times.

Bank-Owned … it is "like totally" the buyer rage.

So we are getting a lot of people asking about bank-owned homes. You probably have been hearing the term "bank-owned" or "REO homes." With all of the new terms, post-market boom, you have probably heard these terms or even possibly the phrase "short sale." What are the differences of the two terms: "Bank-Owned / REO / Foreclosure" and "Short Sale."

Unfortunately the term "bank-owned" is very sad for those it applies to, that whether it be an inappropriate loan, refi(s), homes placed as collateral for other ventures, or relocation ... it is a sad state for some former owners and for that my heart is sad. I still don't understand everything, nor will I ever claim to be an authority on this matter (I leave the "number thinking" to my husband, Steve O the Roseville, Rocklin Realtor®), but I don't think everyone knew the consequences of what they WERE doing getting into some of these homes. Or perhaps they were positive thinkers that this would always last (the market boom and continually rising prices). It is hard to erase the memories of the record-high prices homes were fetching, but to each situation their is a silver-lining [for some ...]

1. What is Bank-Owned? As the term indicates, the property is owned by the Bank now. The home has been foreclosed on the previous owners, and now the "bank," whomever that is, has found a listing agent that will price this home "to move." Meaning, it is ideally it is going to be a good deal in the neighborhood, but this is NOT always the case. Some are originally priced higher, but we would like to think prices may fall if the house stays on the market for too long. Banks do not want to lose any more money than they have to, BUT they also don't want to be selling the house for nothing. Again, I cannot speak or represent a bank, but this is the line of thinking one may approach. Each situation is unique and should be approached as "the unexpected may HAPPEN."

When you see this property listed it will MOST LIKELY say posted on it "Bank-Owned" in the form of a rider, paper posting on the front door or in the window. You are negotiating through the listing agent and the Bank is the seller. Home conditions are NOT always the best. Sometimes the homes have been left with a "visual" thank you note by disgruntled former owners, but not always. Some homes have just been neglected. If you have the eyes to see past the grime, a little handy work (or more in some cases), bank-owned homes are a great opportunity. Don't let paint color or a little neglect get in the way of the integrity of a home. Check out some of these deals. If you are interested we have a search engine set specifically for bank-owned homes, Email us at info@RosevilleAndRocklin.com. There is no obligation and you can quit at ANY time.

2. What is a Short Sale? Generic Heather terms, short sale is where the seller is selling the house for less than he owes on the property. This STILL sale has to be approved by the bank and is not a sure deal (the bank needs various things, which also includes seller proof of why money being owed to the bank will not all be there, so you can see the complexity of the issue). Often times escrow (escrow: when you are locked-IN a deal/agreement to purchase a home) You are STILL dealing with the current sellers of the home and negotiating (through the agent).

Best of luck searching and contact us for all of your real estate needs. We will help you sort through all the homes! 916-308-2446 Steve Ostrom, Realtor® with Coldwell Banker.

ABOVE all, GET PRE-APPROVED by a lender. If you don't have a lender, get one or ask us to refer you to a reputable lender. Get the conversation going. Nothing is set in stone doing so, and you will find out where you stand in home purchases. Information is power. Look at homes you can afford and live an affordable means of living. That doesn't mean sell yourself short, high-expectations that are reasonably met are always important. Set reasonable goals and call us when you are ready to "Make the Jump With Us!"

Or you can email us at info@RosevilleAndRocklin.com

Eating Outside Rocks (that is if it isn't 100 degrees)!

I am just thinking. Wow is this one of the last times I can eat outside with a tolerable temperature and sans mosquitoes? Of course, I really miss my food being sprinkled with a dash of WNV* spray, but not really.

We had margaritas and tri-tip last night on our patio with our friends and it was DE-li-CioUs! Our 1-yr old thought it was a great opportunity to take a dirt bath in our recently de-weeded flower bed. Our other daughter, incessantly played her Shrek baby from McD's over and over again, but I didn't care, life was good. Weather, family, good friends and margaritas make for a perfect evening.

And yes, I will destroy that little baby doll that burps and screams "dada dada DaDaaaa." The team designing the "golden arches" meal play toys, is a sicko!



*West Nile Virus

Why I Love this Area

Okay so many of my friends joke about my shock collar that I supposedly sport/wear because I rarely leave the area anymore. Unless of course I have one of my kids in the car for carpool. Just teasing, well sort of ...

But seriously, I have limited my needs to this area and quite frankly, most all have been fulfilled. Placer County rocks.

I have found a new hairdresser; I no longer have time with work and two little ones to go to my shop in Downtown Sac, nor to the one in Folsom. There is more than enough fantastic and affordable dining locally. We have a great mall (though slightly under scaled in areas, still amazing and they are hopefully fixing that issue with the new scheduled construction). I do miss the bumblebee park visits, but will enjoy the indoor one during the hot days of summer. It will be interesting to see the dynamic of children INSIDE the mall screaming like wild-animals. HAHAHAHA. I can only pray it doesn't ruin the teenagers shopping experience. "OmIgosh, can you BELIEVE that kid area? I totally had problems swiping my Daddy's AMEX card." As long as they don't remove the salt water tank with Nemo in it at a certain Mexican fast-food restaurant, all is good in the Ostrom hood.

The area that is so supportive of young families and killer facilities to use FOR FREE and/or at a reasonable price and I love it. I have to say I haven't taken complete full advantage of all that it has to offer, but I do my best, particularly my husband does.

Why would I leave this area? I have everything right here. I always get told to leave my area, and I DID work in Downtown Sac for many years, and there ARE amazing areas Downtown and other places, but I guess I am just comfortable here. I do realize that there are shops and dining Downtown Sac that cannot be duplicated up here to me, at this point in time. For me bonus to Sacramento, it seems like satellite school with some of the dining that has been transplanted here (sit down dining). They have tried, and though good and the same food, the ambiance is simply not there (yet). Especially when in a mini-mall atmosphere and there is still construction a stone's throw away. I do thoroughly enjoy the architecture of the old buildings with the new in Downtown Sacramento (see I am giving kudos to the Sac??). Sure we will have beautiful buildings and elegant dining here, but they are apples and oranges to me right now.

We did briefly live in the Pocket area, and I did LOVE that area. Very community oriented. Good times Steve and I had there and we still have so many people we often visit there and in Land Park. But I missed my hometown Roseville and I wanted to be closer to my mom and brother. But, I do "dig" some other areas. I DO, pinkie swear.

Enter relocation BACK to Roseville, CA.

I do have to say, the addition of the Roseville "Galleria" Mall was the best thing ever for me. I also loved where the city has gone with their public facilities and Parks and Recs. No matter what you think about growth of this area, talk about great shopping and perimeter area stores and the options for family and kids activities is FANTASTIC. It is amazing. You can find everything now. Everything is so close and accessible for all.

I love the Roseville, Rocklin and Granite Bay area. I also started thinking, past the superficial needs of my little world, I respect the hard work it takes to manage these areas and have the appropriate foresight to develop each area respectively. It makes me so sad to see an area that was once thriving, succumb to age, external social and financial circumstances. Or even a commercial area owner that doesn't see the importance of maintain it's facilities. We always have to keep caring and preparing for the future. To lie still is to die with a city. We have to perpetuate success and maintenance to instill care into the people it houses. Of course there will always be that neighbor that doesn't see why he should have his 3 junk cars towed. Nothing is perfect.

It is crazy how many wonderful stores we have to access and in general, such well-maintained areas. My few complaints are so minor in the scheme of things, but not really (the crazy, fast drivers on Pleasant Grove and Roseville Pkwy-the speed limit is NOT 65+). But I do realize this is everywhere; I still don't like it. Nor do I like passing by these 16-year olds wearing nicer apparel then I could've ever dreamed of at their age? I would like to see their parent's visa bill. SERIOUS! But that's another topic.

Me personally, I LOVE LOVE a developer that puts a couple extra minutes towards understanding a plant's growth before throwing it in the ground. There are so many beautiful trees and well-thought out shrubbery in the median and street perimeters (not always, but a good amount of them). Even the young neighborhoods, will develop very attractively in years to come with their canopy-like trees planted in some areas. BUT the way they placed the trees in some of these "5 years and younger neighborhoods," does require a little more practice when opening doors on the curb DOH!!!! There goes my car door ... AGAIN.

I look forward to raising my kids here. Sure, I didn't appreciate this place when I was young and couldn't wait to escape the simplicity of Roseville (at that time-we had Strings and Sizzler as our main dining, HERE I COME CHICO!), but now with having a family here, I love this area and all of the outlying areas. We have so much to access that is free and so many cool things.

Heck Steve O took the girls to the Indian Museum here in Roseville just last week. I have never been to the Telephone Museum. And I am anxious to check out the EcoStation in Rocklin here soon. There is also a lot of Farmer's markets in the areas, including the Downtown Roseville Tuesday Nights (through July, I believe). Of course, there is ALWAYS the great Folsom lake.

IF you haven't checked out the area's children's activities for summer, you are missing out. So many great inexpensive (and some expensive) options for your kids activities this summer. I loved the reading class at the Library. We won't talk about our Ballerina experience, but it seemed like a nice class, very nice parents and families.




Have a great Summer and enjoy these [seemingly] last cool days of Springtime.

Heather "Brown" Ostrom

We are not on the Showcase Showdown.

So Steve and I were at the gas station the other day and we had a friendly wager that it would not go over $50. As the numbers clicked wildly over 48 buckeroos, Steve started to yell "STOP STOP STOP." Thinking he was with Bob Barker spinning the wheel as it approached the $1 sign when he already had 55 cents, he didn't realize an older lady to his immediate right was backing up and reeled in horror as she thought she was running someone over.

Of course we apologized profusely, but I don't think it did much good.

Moral of the Story: Don't scream STOP STOP STOP when someone is backing up, you may be held accountable for a clean-up on Pump #4.