Redding Real Estate

2010 California Housing Forecast Released

October 8th, 2009

By Brad Garbutt

Lead economist for the California Association of Realtors (CAR) addressed agents from across California at the annual convention in San Jose. Leslie Appleton-Young predicted home prices in California to increse 3.3%  in 2010 to a median price of $280,000. However, the number of housing units sold is expected to decline 2.3%  to 527,500 units compared [...]

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Short Sale Buyers Beware

October 5th, 2009

By Brad Garbutt

Time is running out to take advantage of the federal tax credit for first-time buyers. Buyers who are in escrow on a short sale may want to ponder their options now before the tax credit expires in November. Escrows average 45 days and can take as long as 60 days so time is of the [...]

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The Giddy Transition

October 1st, 2009

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The fact that we defend our hot little town doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate a good autumn when it starts to edge its way in. In fact, we get downright gleeful. The first day the mercury fails to climb past 90 is the day scarves and pumpkins and galoshes appear. We love fall here in Shasta County, because we have the trees to show it off. While you’re plotting your Halloween costume, knitting new scarves, and stocking up on hearty soups, here are things you should do around your home to ensure the best transition from hot to cold.

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Safety In Letters

September 29th, 2009

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Through the C.A.R.H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program (that’s C.A.R.H.A.F.M.P.P. for those keeping track at home) first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month, for six months, to help make their mortgage payments.

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Time Is On My Side

September 28th, 2009

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“Because the tax credit has helped so many first-time buyers become homeowners, it is critical that Congress extends the credit beyond the Dec. 1 deadline, and includes all buyers, not just first-timers,” C.A.R. President James Liptak said.

A senate bill to extend the deadline to June 2010 was introduced last week and is supported by multiple real estate organizations.

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Firms Prey On Credit Wary Consumers

September 23rd, 2009

By Brad Garbutt

Consumer concerns surrounding tightening credit and identity theft has created a new industry targeting those worried about their credit ratings. These companies are selling credit tracking services for a monthly fee that really may be of little value. An article in The Wall Street Journal by personal finance columnist Karen Blumenthal points out that your credit score is only [...]

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Coastal Commission Bills Squashed

September 18th, 2009

By Brad Garbutt

The California Coastal Commission had two bills pending that would have greatly expanded their powers over development including projects far from the coastal environment. The California Association of Realtors (CAR) have fought these bills and won, for now.
AB 226 proposed to expand the Coastal Commission’s authority to levy its own civil penalties instead of pursuing fines and penalties through [...]

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REO’s a Great Option for First Time Buyers

September 15th, 2009

By Bob Sparks

Just the other day I overheard an agent talking on the phone with a first time buyer client regarding purchasing an REO property. The agent explained to the buyer that in their experience it has been difficult for a first time buyers to get financing to purchase bank owned properties and was steering them away from this option. The agents [...]

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