CHICO REAL ESTATE BLOG

17 Burney Drive, Chico Ca

2010-11-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Lake Front Property produced by Chico Video Tours on WellcomeMat

According to Zillow’s Real Estate Market Reports for August 2010, Chico home values were Up 1.3% compared to July 2010 and Up 4.6% compared to August

2010-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Chico Zillow Home Value Index

Chico Home Values - Interactive chart

CHICO WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES

2010-03-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

TAKE A SATURDAY OR SUNDAY DRIVE AND STOP BY THESE OPEN HOUSES.

4 GLENOAK COURT, 3 BDRM, 2 BA 1429 SQ FT - $289,000

1843 WISTERIA LANE, 3 BDRM, 2 BA 1804 SQ FT - $389,000

1921 WAXWING WAY, 4 BDRM, 3 BA 2795 SQ FT - $529,000

10684 PLAYER LANE, 3 BDRM 3 BA 2702 SQ FT - $500,000

217 EAGLE NEST DR, 3 BDRM, 2 BA 2739 SQ FT -$525,000

1921 WAXWING WAY, 4 BDRM, 3 BA 2795 SQ FT - $529,000

203 ESTATES DR, 4 BDRM, 2 BA 2690 SQ FT - $537,900

New Chico Listing

2010-03-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Tuscan style home with amazing views. Outdoor living at its finest. This home features a large coverd veranda with kitchnette and tile floors. Open floor plan with tile floors, high ceilings, separate living and family rooms, plus a dining room. Three spacious bedrooms, with one featuring a private entrance, plus and additional office with built in cabinetry. Located in one of Chico's best gated communities. $525,000. Call Brandi Laffins at Century 21 Jeffries Lydon. 530-321-9562

California Park, Chico

2010-03-25T22:40:00.001-07:00

Distant view of the lake at California Park. This 2001 built home has a great, open floor plan, with fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and loads of windows. Spacious kitchen with eating bar, tile counters, & great storage. Also features indoor laundry and 2 car garage. Nice sized yard with no homes currently behind. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Could use your TLC to make it perfect. Priced to sell at $249,000. Call Brandi Laffins @ Century 21 Jeffries Lydon 321-9562

WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES

2010-03-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

The forecast calls for gorgeous weather. Here are some open houses you can check out for the weekend of March 20th & 21st.

74 Sparrow Hawk. Saturday 11 to 4
Directions: Chico Canyon Road to Chicory to Sparrow Hawk
4 Bedroom, 3 Bath. 3782 Sq. Ft. Built in 2005
$699,000. Close to Bidwell Park. Bonus rooms and 3 car garage.

10684 Player Lane. Saturday 2 to 4, Sunday 11 to 1
Directions: Hwy 99 South to Estates Drive, Rt on Player Lane.
3 Bedroom, 3 Bath. 2702 Sq. Ft.
$500,000. On Golf Course. Includes office plus golf cart garage.

1921 Waxwing Way. Saturday and Sunday 11 to 4.
Directions: Hwy 32/Nord to Oak Way, Left on Glenwood, Left on Wisteria.
4 Bedroom, 3 Bath. 2795 Sq. Ft. Built in 2009
$529,000. New Construction with SunPower Solar System. Granite and more.

1843 Wisteria. Saturday and Sunday 11 to 4
Directions: Hwy 32/Nord to Oak Way, Left on Glenwood, Left on Wisteria.
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath. 1805 Sq. Ft. Built in 2008
$389,000. New Construction with SunPower Solar System, central vac, granite and more.

FOR DETAILS, CALL BRANDI LAFFINS AT CENTURY 21 JEFFRIES LYDON. 530-321-9562 OR VISIT MY WEBSITE AT WWW.LAFFINS.COM

Chico Real Estate Sales Statistics

2010-03-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Some interesting stats on the current Chico Real Estate market.
As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16th from Chico MLS

CURRENTLY LISTED SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ON MLS = 319

REGULAR LISTINGS = 243
SHORT SALE LISTINGS = 51
BANK OWNED LISTINGS = 25

LISTED SHORT SALES PRICE BREAK DOWN: (51)
$0 TO $100,000 = 0
$101,000 TO $200,000 = 16
$201,000 TO $300,000 = 18
$301,000 TO $400,000 = 5
$401,000 TO $500,000 = 6
$501,000 TO $600,000 = 1
$601,000 TO $700,000 = 4
$701,000 TO $800,000 = 0
$801,000 TO $900,000 = 1
$900,000 AND UP = 0

LISTED BANK OWNED PRICE BREAK DOWN: (25)
$0 TO $100,000 = 1
$101,000 TO $200,000 = 6
$201,000 TO $300,000 = 9
$301,000 TO $400,000 = 5
$401,000 TO $500,000 = 2
$501,000 TO $600,000 = 2
$601,000 TO $700,000 = 0
$701,000 TO $800,000 = 0
$801,000 TO $900,000 = 0
$900,000 AND UP = 0

16% OF THE ACTIVE LISTINGS ARE SHORT SALES AND 8% ARE BANKED OWNED.

CURRENTLY PENDING = 99
$0 TO $100,000 = 0
$101,000 TO $200,000 = 14
$201,000 TO $300,000 = 46
$301,000 TO $400,000 = 23
$401,000 TO $500,000 = 4
$501,000 TO $600,000 = 8
$601,000 TO $700,000 = 2
$701,000 TO $800,000 = 1
$801,000 TO $900,000 = 0
$900,000 AND UP = 1

SOLD SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS = 338
$0 TO $100,000 = 3
$101,000 TO $200,000 = 53
$201,000 TO $300,000 = 163
$301,000 TO $400,000 = 85
$401,000 TO $500,000 = 23
$501,000 TO $600,000 = 5
$601,000 TO $700,000 = 3
$701,000 TO $800,000 = 1
$801,000 TO $900,000 = 2
$900,000 AND UP = 0

12% OF THE SOLD PROPERTIES WERE SHORT SALES AND 18% WERE FORECLOSURES/BANK OWNED.

OPEN HOUSE 11 TO 4 - TWO MODELS AVAILABLE....STARTING AT $389,000

2010-03-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

TAKE NORD/HWY 32 TO OAK WAY. THEN LEFT ON GLENWOOD, LEFT ON WISTERIA. TWO MODELS OPEN AND SEVERAL FLOOR PLANS TO CHOOSE FROM.

SHASTAN SOLAR HOMES. NESTLED AMONGST THE ORCHARDS OF CHICO THESE HOMES SHOWCASE GORGEOUS GRANITE COUNTERS, TOP OF THE LINE APPLIANCES W/ BOSCH DISHWASHER & 5 BURNER GAS STOVE, DOUBLE OVENS, WINE FRIDGE AND LOADS OF STORAGE. SPACIOUS MASTER SUITE W/COFFERED CEILINGS, W/I CLOSET, SOAKING TUB, DUAL VANITIES HUGE W/I SHOWER & SOAKING TUB. IN ADDITION TO THE SUNPOWER SMARTER SOLAR FEATURES OTHER AMENITIES INCLUDE SEP LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS, SATELLITE CONTROLLED SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, 3 CAR GAR., ON-DEMAND WATER HEATER, CENTRAL VAC SYSTEM, COZY GAS FIREPLACE, SKYLIGHTS& SOLAR TUBES.

OPEN HOUSE 11 TO 4 - TWO MODELS AVAILABLE

2010-03-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

TAKE HWY32/NORD TO OAK WAY (NEAR EMMA WILSON SCHOOL. TURN LEFT ON GLENWOOD, LEFT ON WISTERIA.

SOLAR AND ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOMES. NESTLED AMONGST THE ORCHARDS OF CHICO THESE HOMES SHOWCASE GORGEOUS GRANITE COUNTERS, TOP OF THE LINE APPLIANCES W/ BOSCH DISHWASHER & 5 BURNER GAS STOVE, WINE FRIDGE AND LOADS OF STORAGE. IN ADDITION TO THE SUNPOWER SMARTER SOLAR FEATURES OTHER AMENITIES INCLUDE SATELLITE CONTROLLED SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, CENTRAL VAC SYSTEM ON DEMAND WATER HEATER, COZY GAS FIREPLACE, SKYLIGHTS & SOLAR TUBES. MANY OTHER FEATURES…A MUST SEE. CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION!

Bailout for underwater homeowners

2010-03-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

A new government program aims to assist struggling borrowers with a "short sale". Could this help you in your mortgage dilemma? NBC financial expert Jean Chatzky explains this new program.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Are you getting your home ready to sell? De-clutter!

2009-12-20T14:32:00.001-08:00

One of the easiest and most important things to do when selling your home is to deee-clutter, or simplify. This may seem like a daunting task, but once you start is moves along quickly.

Begin with one room and work your way through your home. I usually recommend starting with the closet and work your way out. Make a pile of things you no longer need. You can either donate to your local Salvation Army or have a garage sale. This chore will make packing much easier.

What else should you remove? Start with personal photos, stacks of books, and nick knacks. You want your buyer to imagine themselves living in your home. Your personal items will make that harder . Your kitchen counters should be sparse with only a few decorative items.

Need more space? Look around and see if you have too much furniture. Removing a chair, extra table, or even a leaf in your dining table will open up the space.

The idea is to make your home feel staged. If you need a fresh pair of eyes, ask a friend or your Realtor to give you their opinion.

You will be surprised how much you can do once you get started. Good luck!

Esplanade House needs a little help

2009-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

CHICO ENTERPRISE RECORD
By STAFF REPORTS
Posted: 12/13/2009 12:26:31 AM PST

CHICO — The impact of the recession has brought more families than ever to Esplanade House, a transitional housing program designed to provide shelter and essential services for homeless families.

Federal and state budget cuts have left Esplanade House short $126,000.

The focus this holiday season is the Angel Wall, filled with names of children who reside at the shelter. Staff suggest that people buy one less toy for their children this year, and instead, make a cash donation in that amount in their children's names.

The shelter is at 181 E. Shasta Ave. People can drop by and make a donation, or send a check to Esplanade House Children's Fund, P.O. Box 3251, Chico, CA 95927.

Gloria Rodgers is executive director at the shelter. Call 891-2977.

Picture Perfect Horse Property

2009-12-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

PICTURE PERFECT. BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME SITUATED ON 7.36 ACRES WITH NICE VIEW. THIS 3 BEDROOM DECORATOR'S DELIGHT SHOWSLIKE A MODEL W/GORGEOUS ROCK & GRANITE FIREPLACE, SEPARATE LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS, SPACIOUS MASTER RETREAT W/JETTEDTUB, GRANITE & WALK-IN CLOSET. NICELY APPOINTED KITCHEN W/GRANITE & STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. THE GROUNDS FEATUREGARDEN BEDS, HORSE ARENA, BARN, IN-GROUND POOL W/WATER FALL, IN-GROUND HOT TUB, & AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN GREAT FORENTERTAINING.ALSO FEATURES A 3 CAR GARAGE PRIVATE AUTOMATIC GATED ENTRY, ROCK WALLS AND MORE. DON'T MISS THIS BEAUTY.

Is now the time to buy Real Estate?

2009-11-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Many are wondering if this is the bottom, or will the market continue to drop? Will interest rates stay low, or will they creep up? We all wish we had that crystal ball. The table below was created by Danny Salas at Access Lending. Lets pretend prices dropped another 10% and interest rates increased 1 to 1.5 percent. Kind of puts things in perspective. With the extension of the tax credit, low interest rates and low prices, now is a great time to buy. THANKS DANNY! ACCESS LENDING IN CHICO 530-897-4090

Table Comparison:

	$210,000 Purchase	10% Drop In Price ($189,000 Purchase)
Interest Rate	4.875%	6.5%
Monthly Payment-P & I	$1,127.54	$1,215.54
Taxes	$218.75	$196.87
Insurance	$80.00	$75.00
Mortgage Insurance	$96.25	$86.63
Total Monthly Pmt	$1,522.54	$1,574.04

Over the life of a loan, the difference is $18,540.00. Not to mention the $8,000 Tax Credit and the tax write-offs for a year. Now is Definitely the time to Buy!

4.875% APR = 5.838% including 1.75% Mortgage Insurance Premium

6.5% APR=7.508% including 1.75% Mortgage Insurance Premium

Google Wave

2009-11-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

I read a recent blog on ActiveRain(can't recall who wrote it, but thank you), about Google Wave. I watched the video. It looks amazing. You have to be invited to try it. Google sent out 100,000 invites and apparently those people can invite up to 8 people. I'm not a techy (not even sure if that is how its spelled), but recently have thought email is so out dated. There must be a better way. There is, Google Wave. I haven't found anything that information of when it will be released to the public. I think they are trying to work out the bugs. If anyone knows anything about the launch date, please let me know. If you haven't seen it go to http://wave.google.com/help/wave/closed.html

Back on the Market

2009-11-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

Great Buy. Newer 3 bdrm, 2 ba over 1600 sq ft. w/open floor plan, soaking tub, stainless steel appliances, and indoor laundry. Close to schools and shopping. $235,000

Great Price!

2009-11-18T07:05:00.001-08:00

BEAUTIFUL & LUSH LINDO CHANNEL IS THE BACK DROP TO THIS MAGNIFICENT HOME TUCKED AWAY IN A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC. BOASTINGNEARLY 3000 SQ FT, 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, BONUS RMS, SEP LIVING & FAMILY RMS & FORMAL DINING. GORGEOUS KITCHEN W/GRANITECOUNTERS, SS APPLIANCES, WINE FRIDGE, PANTRY & EATING BAR. THE MAIN FLR FEATURES A PRIVATE MSTR STE WITH W/I CLOSET, DUALSINKS & SHOWER HEADS. THE 2ND FLR RETREAT IS PERFECT FOR KIDS OR GUESTS W/ITS SPACIOUS & OPEN LANDING GREAT FOR TV/GAME RM, PLUS 3 BEDRMS W/A BUILT IN DESK.

Custom Home with Canyon Views.

2009-11-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

Builder say sell. New custom home for $499,000 with nearly 3500 sq ft. Located in gated community in Chico. Features include a large master retreat w/balcony, granite kitchen counters and fantastic open floor plan. Need extra rooms, this bonus room can be converted into two bedrooms w/balcony access. Situated on 1.26 acres with 3 car garage plus carport and two covered verandas, perfect for outdoor living. Lastly, this home has 2 gas fireplaces, a wine cellar and wet bar. Priced to sell!

Give and you shall receive

2009-11-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

There are many needy charities out there. In fact some of us may feel like we ourselves are a needy charity. If you really think about it, most of us have a roof over our head and eating regularly. Is it really that bad? Maybe we've had to cut back on going out to dinner, or going to the movies, shopping etc, but overall, most of us are OK.

So this leads me to "GIVING". Give and you shall receive. Because of the recession, many people have cut back on donations. The less fortunate are suffering more than ever. This is a great year to start a habit of "GIVING".

Here are some ideas. Ring the bell for the Salvation Army. That is always a blast. Just give them a call and they will sign you up. The Esplanade House, Jesus Center and Catalyst are usually in need of toiletries. Run down to Walmart and spend $20 on shampoo, deodorant, tooth brush and paste. OR Donate a turkey to The Boy's and Girls Club this Thursday the 19th (contact me for details). Call the Humane Society and see what they need. There are endless opportunities to helping those less fortunate in our community.

If your in town, don't forget about the Run for Food in Bidwell Park on Thanksgiving morning. Go to www.runforfood.com. This is a fun, family and friends event. Walking is fine! There were thousands of participants and over $50,000 was raised last year. I love Chico.

If you need help finding the right way to "GIVE" contact me and I will try to help. www.laffins.com or email brandi@laffins.com. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Prices Reduced for End of Year Clearance.

2009-11-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

Follow the Green Line home. Long time, local Chico Builders of Shastan Homes present Solar and Environmentally friendly luxury homes! Nestled amongst the orchards of Chico these homes showcase gorgeous granite counters, top of the line appliances, coffered ceilings, walk in closets, dual vanities and more. Not only will you save on your PG&E bill, these homes have water conservation sprinkler systems, central vac, and tankless water heaters. Starting at $365,000. These homes also qualify for a $5800 income tax credit. Visit www.laffins.com for more details, photos, and virtual tour. Open every Saturday & Sunday from 11 to 4.

President signs federal tax credit extension

2009-11-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

President Obama today signed a bill extending and expanding the Federal Tax Credit for Home Buyers. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and the U.S. Senate late Wednesday.

The tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will receive a reduced credit of up to $6,500. Existing homeowners will be eligible for the $6,500 if they have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also will increase the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers, to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000.

Under additional provisions in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The bill maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.

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A big step forward for extending -- and expanding -- the homebuyer tax credit

2009-10-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

A big step forward for extending -- and expanding -- the homebuyer tax credit

Tax Credit Extension

2009-10-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Times: Senators agree to extend $8,000 housing tax credit for first-time buyers
10/29/2009
Senators agreed Wednesday to extend the federal tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers, and to expand it to include a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years. The amendment may be tied to an unemployment insurance bill. The Senate could vote on the bill as early as today.

Is Now the Best Time to Buy?

2009-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Home Sales Up - NBC 24 Action News

2009-10-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

Home Sales Up - NBC 24 Action News

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Short Sales - Home Buyers Fight Frustration to get a Deal

2009-10-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Butte County economic outlook: Housing brings a ray of hope

2009-10-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

By LAURA URSENY - Staff Writer

Posted: 10/14/2009 12:16:10 AM PDT

CHICO -- Listeners had to dig deep into economist David Gallo's presentation Tuesday to get good news about the future, but some glimmer was there.

Housing seems to be about the only local sector that was somewhat upbeat.

Resident economist for the Center for Economic Development at Chico State University, Gallo believes the housing price decline has pretty much "hit bottom."

As potential buyers and investors think they've seen prices go as low as they can, they'll start jumping back in the market. They'll also start buying new or existing homes that have sat on the market for months. Once existing homes start disappearing, local builders will start constructing new ones. That demand for homes will help push housing prices up.

"And lenders are willing."

At least five houses are under construction at Sierra Moon, off Hicks Lane. Builder Steve Schuster has houses under construction in the mid-$400,000 to high $600,000 range.

"People have been sitting on the fence. Now they're buying," Schuster told the Enterprise-Record earlier this month. "I think their confidence has made the difference."

Schuster also said he did lower prices.

House prices are important, Gallo said. For homeowners, falling prices on their homes make them feel less wealthy, so they spend less. He said every $100 loss in home price means $6 less in annual spending. Homeowners are increasing their savings rate as well, from the 1-2 percent of retail spending flurry in the 1990s to about 6 percent now.

But it also encourages house purchases, especially if the buyer doesn't think the prices will go any lower. The stability of mortgage interest rates — which are at historic lows — also helps nudge buyers.

"From an investor's point of view, this is an attractive situation," said Gallo, pointing to cash purchases of foreclosures.

If interest rates and points remain at current levels, Gallo said housing activity should rise.

Nevertheless, Gallo's overall estimation of the economy is that, "It's going to be a long, slow recovery."

Citing a Federal Reserve forecast, Gallo said the downturn could start reversing in 2011.

"The Fed is telling us it will be a slow rate of recovery, more gradual than usual."

With city officials sitting in the front row for the presentation, Gallo said he didn't have any good news regarding sales tax revenue.

"National retail spending is down 10 percent. In California and Butte County, the decline is more."

With personal income down from lost wages, furloughs and pay cuts, savings and spending cutbacks are still a priority.

Watching for a rise in economic health, Gallo says there's hope at the national levels. Increases are being seen in factory orders and manufacturing activity, which means businesses are using up inventory and will have more money in their pockets to pay overtime or even hire.

Gallo doesn't see a lot of changes in local hiring patterns though, predicting continuing unemployment about the same.

"We're a ways from seeing unemployment rates drop because new jobs aren't being created," Gallo said, predicting that unemployment will continue rising through at least the first quarter in 2010. At that time, job creation could kick in.

Gallo pointed out that small businesses are the source of most new jobs, but that their establishment and growth has relied on their ability to qualify for equity loans, often on their homes.

With housing price declines, those lines of credit have been drying up, handicapping small businesses' ability to expand.

Asked about a comparison with the Great Depression, Gallo suggested the current downturn could be lasting about 11 quarters, whereas the 1930s downturn extended 36 to 40 quarters.

Gallo also presented a summary of his renewal energy study, which indicated solar has potential for job growth in the north state, and savings from residential solar installations will continue to justify the cost.

The presentation was sponsored by the Butte Community Employment Center. The presentation is on the Center for Economic Development's Web site: www.cedcal.com (under events, past events).

Up coming Blogs

2009-10-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello. I've been trying to find a way to get current real estate information (and anything else that may be helpful) out to my friends, family, clients and anyone who wants it. Here comes my blog! In the next few days, I plan to list recent real estate sales and other related information in hopes that it will be useful to others. Here we go!