What does it mean to be Green?

Check out this video to find out...
http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=0&flvID=3
Look for more video blogs in the near future, on subjects including-but not limited to: "Quarterly Sales reports, How to Avoid Foreclosure, and How to be Green..."
Since YOU are whom I am blogging to, and for...let me know what YOU want me bring to YOU-my goal is to be your resource...so you won't ever need to call anyone else.
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor Toll free 866-333-6333 Personal website: http://www.wendimae.com/ wendimae@wendimae.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Real Estate Stats in your Area. June Quarter End news...

My first video blogpost! Though I cannot take the credit for filming it myself-it sure was worth passing on. Check this out, for June Quarter end Stats in your area-and a little bit more... http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=1&flvID=8
Look for more video blogs in the near future, on subjects including-but not limited to: "First-Time buyer Do's and Don'ts, How to Avoid Foreclosure, How to be Green..."
Since YOU are whom I am blogging to, and for...let me know what YOU want me bring to YOU-my goal is to be your resource...so you won't ever need to call anyone else.
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor Toll free 866-333-6333 Personal website: http://www.wendimae.com/ wendimae@wendimae.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Some things to know when buying a home for the First time

Check out this video on "First Time Home buying..."
http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=0&flvID=7
Look for more video blogs in the near future, on subjects including-but not limited to: "Quarterly Sales reports, How to Avoid Foreclosure, and How to be Green..."
Since YOU are whom I am blogging to, and for...let me know what YOU want me bring to YOU-my goal is to be your resource...so you won't ever need to call anyone else.
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor Toll free 866-333-6333 Personal website: http://www.wendimae.com/ wendimae@wendimae.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Why not vow to keep your home in Shape too?

Many of us set ourselves up each year with resolutions. Work out more, eat less...you know the drill. Why not resolve to keep your home healthier this year too, with this seasonal checklist:

Spring time-Clean your gutters. Backed-up gutters can wreak havoc on siding and cause flooding. Scoop out leaves and debris with a trowel or hire a professional to do it. Check your roof. Wintery weather may have damaged the surface, and the first big rainstorm, left unchecked, could cause significant problems. Replace shingles as needed. If your fireplace got a workout during the winter months, give it a clean sweep. Best to call in the experts to inspect and clean creosote buildup.

Summer-Walk around your house to check for unsealed spots where squirrels or mice could sneak in. Look carefully for termites or ants too. Inside check your attic and make sure egess points are sealed tightly. Get ready for the warm season by giving any outdoor equipment (pools, swing sets, etc.) a thorough, top to bottom cleaning.

Fall-Ensure your furnace is in prime shape for he cold months ahead, and change all he air filters in your home. Make sure your home is adequately sealed. Apply weather stripping (such as tape, felt, foam, or vinyl tubing) around doors and windows. Trim branches near your home or roof to prevent damage when wintery weather hits.

Winter-Drain and insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing. Check for damaged sidewalk, driveway or stairs, and repair them before the first snow to avoid damaged mishaps.

This is all-so important, to avoid costly repairs from not keeping things "tuned up"-trust me, I've learned my lesson-hence, I share some of these points-to keep you from the expense I incurred this year-from "letting things go"-if I left something off this list, don't be shy-let me know!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor Toll Free 866-333-6333 HTTP://www.wendimae.com wendimae@wendimae.com

Close the Tap on Water Waste!

Yeah, I know-I blog alot on "Green Subjects" and on conservation-in general...I just feel these things can't be ignored. There are some Actions you too, can take to practice sensible, year-round water conservation-check it out:

-Water outside, only when necessary

-Sweep, don't wash paved areas

-Repair leaky faucets-you will be amazed how much water you will save

-Don't run the water until it is cold enough to drink-keep a jug in the fridge.

-Don't dawdle in the Shower.

-Wash when your dishwasher and clothes washer are full-ONLY.

-Don't run water while brushing teeth, shaving, peeling vegetables, or washing dishes by hand.

The California Urban Water Conservation Council's website contains tips for maintenance, leak detection, and repair, along with loads of useful facts and cost-benefit analysis. To find out more, head to their website at HTTP://www/h2house.org/action Take action today!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor for Connect Realty.com, INC Toll free 866-333-6333 or direct 530-676-4447 wendimae@wendimae.com HTTP://www.wendimae.com

How to make being GREEN-easy and practical

The savings to you-when you take a few easy steps to be GREEN-are a plenty! We need to learn not to use our resources in such a way that they become depleted for future generations. One truth-up to 30%, on average, of our home's heating and air is wasted. This being said, I know-being a Realtor, there is alot I can do to help my clients save money, and make a difference to their environment-each and every day.

Here is a start-these are some of the best websites I have researched, thus far:

http://www.energystar.gov/

which offers guidelines for energy audits and managment, green constriction, and rebates.
http://www.fypower.org/

You can enter a zipcode and also search for local rebates, energy audits, etc.
http://www.cheers.org/

which stands or the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services-Rates and certifies home builders on energy-efficient construction.
http://www.green.car.org/

Provides information to homeowners, Realtors, and the general public on how to "green" their living spaces.
HTTP://www.easyecoblog.com/470/ways-to-save-energy-money-on-your-energy-bill

Will provide Hundreds of ways to save money and energy.

Let's all make a change. Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,

Broker Associate for Connect Realty.com, INC
wendimae@wendimae.com

personal website http://www.wendimae.com/ or call us Toll free 866-333-6333

Is this a Bank of America Short Sale? Or a BLOODY nightmare?

Is this a Bank of America Short Sale? Or a BLOODY nightmare?
Someone has to do something about some of these Lenders that have no clue how to get a home sold!!!

And, that someone will be me! I am on month number 9 with B of A, and a first time buyer...the poor soul. They first appraised the wrong house...how the heck does that happen? Then they went ahead and approved the HUD statement...eventhough, they had foreclosed on the home 2 weeks Prior! Guess what? They didn't even know they had foreclosed on the property, and told Title they were wrong-and held to that stance even when Title showed them the County records reporting on the Property. Let's not mention-that it took them 3 months to figure out they appraised the wrong house...but, what does that matter-now that they foreclosed anyway? Why must we Realtors adhere to specific timelines, rules and regulations-and the Banks not have to do the same? It is time to write our Legislators as Consumers as well as practitioners in the business-we need to protect our clients' best interests'! AND, stop working for FREE! Agreed?

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,

Broker Associate for Connect Realty,

Real estate Counselor-
Email wendimae@wendimae.com

Personal website: http://www.wendimae.com

or call us Toll Free 866-333-6333 We look forward to hearing from you!

Over 55 years of age? Proposition 90 is coming to El Dorado County-Part 2

Thinking of Retirement? Maybe selling your home, and moving out of the area? Well, if you are over 55-you may want to read on...

Re-blogged by 0 agents
Over 55 years of age? Proposition 90 IS coming to Cameron Park and El Dorado county-Part 2 (edit/delete)
OVER 55? CALIFORNIA PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Since its passage, Proposition 13 prohibits property tax increases until property ownership is changed.
If either spouse is over age 55 (when the old home is sold), PROP 60 allows replacement of a primary residence with a new home of equal or lesser value (but see below) within the same county and transfer of the Prop 13 assessed valuation from the old home to the new property. This is allowed once in your lifetime, and a spouse who has done it before 'taints' both spouses.
PROP 90 allows counties to elect to accept transfers of Prop 13 values for moves from other counties when a primary residence is replaced with a less expensive (but see below) home. If you are over 55 and move into a county which accepts Prop 90, you may take your old, lower Prop 13 value, regardless of from which county you move.
Using Prop 90, you can sell your $400,000 San Francisco home [assessed value $80,000] and move to a new $300,000 home in San Mateo; the new San Mateo assessed value will be $80,000!

7 COUNTIES WHICH ACCEPT PROP 90 (Current as of 6/1/2008)
Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura. [Contra Costa, Inyo, Kern, Riverside, Modoc, Monterey, and Marin have dropped out of the Prop 90 program.]
Props 60 and 90 apply if you "trade down" (i.e. the new home costs less than the sales price of the old home).
> If you buy New Home 1st; then sell the Old Home, you must go down in price.
> If you sell the Old Home1st; then buy the New Home:
In 1st 365 days after the sale of Old Home, you may go up 5% in the purchase price of New Home.
If you buy New Home more than 1 year from the sale of Old Home, but less than 2 years, you may go up 10%.
Some buyers can pay the commission outside of escrow to lower to sales price. Example: I sold for $100,000 and then want to buy next week for $120,000. The seller will owe a commission of $7,200. The seller will owe $2,800 of other expenses
I sold 1st so I must buy for no more than $105,000. If I pay the seller's expenses of $10,000, the price is down to $110,000. Hmm. If I buy the stove, refrigerator, and lawn furniture for $6,000, it looks like I qualify. WARNING: I do not suggest this is a valid idea.
On Thursday December 10th, Our Board of Supervisors decided 5-0 in favor of adopting Proposition 90-
The new Proposition does not go in to affect until Either 2/14 or 2/15 of 2010. Date to be be solidified Tuesday the 15th of this month. The 60 day waiting period is to do with the County Assessor-to set up the process/system in which they will be charging each Transferee $500. for the transfer. One must close escrow after 2/15/2010. This will change the outlook in our County in a very positive way. When real estate prices began to fall and property owners began their requests for reassessments-of course to lower values-this of course resulted in lower tax revenues to the County. How does EDC put a stop to the continued reduction of RE values/revenue? Prop 90 is just the answer.

For any and all information on Real Estate in Cameron Park, and in El Dorado County proper-contact your resident Realtor and real estate Counselor,

Wendi-Mae Davis,CRS,GRI

Toll free 866-333-6333 or

wendimae@wendimae.com and you may want to check out her personal website at http://www.wendimae.com/

Giving Sellers the Green Light

Wendi-Mae is keeping it real, and keeping it Green...Now it is your turn! How do you start protecting your environment, without spending money-rather by saving it? Glad you asked-here's how:

An inexpensive way to start helping to save your environment, locally-
buy CFL's "Compact Flourescent Light" Bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last 6-10 times longer. You'll save energy and mney and contribute to global climate change. Prtoect the environment of today, and tomorrow-by changing a light!
For any and all Real Estate information you may need for all of Santa Clara County, El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramanto Counties-call your neighborhood specialist/Team-

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,

Broker Associate Connect Realty,

Director of the California Association of Realtors

Real Estate counselor.

22 years of full time service to the Community

Toll Free 866-333-6333

Personal website: http://www.wendimae.com

http://www.blogger.com/www.wendimae.com or email her

at wendimae@wendimae.com

She looks forward to the opportunity of assisting you in your quest!

Dual Paned Windows and Using your Federal Tax credit

Are old windows a luxury you can afford? Use your Federal Tax credit!

When you were looking for your current home, you had two lists in your head: a list of needs and a list of wants. In all liklihood, windows weren't on either list because you assume that every house has them. Windows, like doors, are a given. Or are they? Some describe windows as a luxury. While a door is essential in even the most primitive house, "windows are a refinement, an amenity that makes a place more livable." Through the centuries, windows have grown in size and improved in technology, but the problem of energy loss has gotten more complex. The heat lost in residential and commercial blds. in 1990 cost the U.S. $20 Billion alone. If you have old frame, aluminum framed, single paned windows, or even double paned windows with leaky seals, your home is part of that statistic. Up to 40% of your personal heating and cooling dollars are literally going out the window. When you begin the process of replacing your windows-Start with looking for a Brand that meets the ENERGY STAR (trademark)requirements. One such Brand is Milgard-and specifically there Smart Touch Brand-locking system design. It is the only window lock on the market that meets the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use commendation. They are backed by a lifetime warranty and Exceed California's rigorous code/s.With the added Federal tax credit thru Oct. 30th of $1500., and Milgards $750. rebate, what are you waiting for? Remodeling Magazine reports a return on investment is 99.2%.If you should desire more information-feel free to give me a call:

Wendi-Mae Davis,
Broker Associate Connect Realty,
Real estate Counselor,
Director of the California Association of Realtors.
Toll Free 866-333-6333,
wendimae@wendimae.com or check out my personal website at:
http://www.wendimae.com

Also check out our Community webite at http://www.wendimae.com

Solar Energy, Solar Panel Systems-Start putting money back in your pocket.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy can put your hard earned dollars, back in your pocket.

PhotoVoltaics: Basic Design Principles and components

If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a PhotoVoltaic (PV) system-a way to genereate electricity by using evergy from the sun. These systems have several advantages:They are cost-effective alternatives in areas where extending a utility power line is very expensive;they have no moving parts and require little maintenance;and they produce electricity without polluting the environment.

A couple of nearby solar panel companies are Sacramento Solar Panels http://www.recsolar.com/ and Evergreen Solar-made in the USA-25 year Warranty-36 yers in Solar http://www.suneiec.com/
Hundreds of cost-effective applications for PV systems have been developed. In the United States, PV systems must have unobstructed Southern exposure. Where you live, will determine the number of PV modules you will need. In addition to the PV modules, you will need to purchase balance-of-system (BOS) equipment. The National Electric Code cntains provisions and requirements for PV systems.
For online Renewable Energy Information go to

http://www.eren.doe.gov and http://www.nrel.gov
For more information-or for the packet made available by PG & E, email me at wendimae@wendimae.com or visit me at

http://www.wendimae.com you may also call me toll free at 866-333-6333
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI-Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor, Connect Realty

It isn't just about the Real Estate...what about the Wine?

El Dorado Wine Country-Wine making at a higher level...easy to reach, difficult to leave! El Dorado is located in California's scenic Gold Country, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. One can visit, and taste year-round. Enjoy special winery events throught the year, including barrel tastings, bottling parties, decadent dessert and wine pairings, and a variety of wine club affairs. Many of the wineries, don't charge to taste either! Yummy! We often have Client events in one of the many wonderful venues in this beautiful Country location.
For a list of all wineries and visitor information: visit http://www.eldoradowines.org/

Santa Clara County: 148 Miles
Sacramento to Placerville: 38 Miles
San Francisco to Placerville: 115 Miles
Napa to Placerville: 87 Miles
South Lake Tahoe to Placerville: 46 Miles
A trip, worth taking.

For more information, contact your Neighborhood Realtor,

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,
Broker Asssociate for Connect Realty.com, INC.
http://www.wendimae.com/
email me at:wendimae@wendimae.com or call us
Toll free 866-333-6333-
we look forward to assisting you with all your Real Estate needs.
We are full service Residential Real Estate Brokerage-complete with Counseling services available.

Be Firewise...Wildfire preparedness for your home and Pets

Hope it never happens to you...For an information intense Packet on Fire Preparedness-The National Firewise Communities Program provides wildland/Urban interface resources for Firefighter safety, Community Planning, Landscaping, Construction, and maintenance to protect people, their pets, their property-and natural resources from Wildfire. More information is available from the firewise website at: http://www.firewise.org/ A helpful checklist, and good place to start:1) Home ignition Zone-Begin with at least 30 ft of space immediately around the home and extending out as far as 100-200 feet.2) Lean, Clean, and Green landscaping-With firewise landscaping, you can create a survivable space around your home that reduces the threat significantly.3) Fire-resistant roof construction-self explantory.4) Fire resistant attachments-include any structure connected to your home, suck as decks, porches, or fences. If they are attached and are not fire resistant, then the home as a whole is vulnerable to ignition.ood w/legible & clearly marked5) Fire-resistant construction-Wall materials that resist heat and flames include brick, cement, plaster, stucco, and concrete masonry. Tempered and double-pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to wildfire and flames. Why? Firebrands (embers) collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials...6) A disaster Plan-The time to plan for any emergency is prior to the event. Discuss this with your family, and have emergency numbers close by-and in a visible place. Leave before it is too late. Decide where you will go, and how you will get there. Have tools available, such as a shovel, rake, axe, handsaw, or a chainsaw. Maintain an emergency water source too. Have plans for your pets, practice family fire drills.7) Emergency Access-Identify your home and N'hood w/clearly marked streets and names and numbers. Your driveway should be at least 13 feet wide, with a verticle clearance of 15 feet and a slope no more than 5 percent for emergency vehicles...Provided to you by:
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI.
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
wendimae@wendimae.com
I look forward to the possibility od assisting you in your quest!

Green Building photos and websites

As with every other topic one might wish to explore on the web...where do you start? When it comes to "Green" building, and/or what to furnish your home with, to be most "green" and environmentally concious...here are two sites that I have found to be most helpful on the subject.
http://www.earth911.org/ and http://www.energystar.gov/ What a great way to both save money, and save our environment for our children...

Should you like any further direction on the subject, please feel free to contact me:
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333

Green Tip of the month-For your new garden/Lawn

Brought to you from the California Association of Realtors...C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/ct/rdSyIr11x4GI/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).

Or, contact Wendi-Mae Davis-one of your leaders in saving the Environment!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
www.wendimae@wendimae.com

Unique Homes...

What makes a home Unique...share your photos and thoughts with us. From hunting Lodges to unusual architectural designs to Historic Homes...We have found that Unique properties offer special rewards, and challenges. Read on...there's no "one size fits all" with "Unique" Properties...especially when it comes to selling one-you certainly do need to find another person whom shares the "same point of view" :) We want to hear you thoughts, and see your photos/examples...please leave a comment!

Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, Inc.
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
wendimae@wendimae.com

It's time we all give back to our Communities!

Don't you agree? It doesn't always take money...in fact, it rarely does. It just takes a little time, show your Community that you care. Help grow your Community-make it YOUR Community...tell me what you think. Suggestions?

Wendi-Mae Davis
Broker Associate
Connect Realty.com, Inc.
http://www.wendimae.com
www.mycameronpark.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333

Spare the Air!!

Make a difference in your home-To keep te air quality as healthy as possible, please consider implementing some of these simple tips around your house to help reduce air pollution. It will help the environment and your over all health.

-Use water-based paints, coatings and adhesives instead of oil-based formulas
-Switch from gas-powered yard tools o electric powered tools
-Use Propane gas BBQ's instead of a chracoal grill
-Avoid using pesticides or use organic ones
-avoid consumer spray products when possible (inc. hairspray, furniture polish, cooking sprays, bathroom cleaners, air freshners, deodorants, insecticides, and hobby craft sprays).

When the air quality is bad, even healthy people ca have respiratory irritation or difficulties breathing while outdoors. High air pollution levels can have short term and long term effects...

visit: http://www.sparetheair.com

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker
Connect Realty
Toll Free 866-333-6333
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com

Protect your Children!

As our Air Quality worsens, it is crucial to check on the daily reports provided to you by and through http://www.sparetheair.com/ There is all sorts of information on this site-most importantly, informing the public when one should avoid going out doors if you are in considered being in ond of the sensitive groups.
Should you need assistance regarding Real Estate-Please contact me today, I look forward to speaking with you!

Respectfully-
Wendi-Mae Davis
Connect Realty
Broker Associate
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com

Demographics, Construction, and Investing Data for Sacramento Region

The Sacramento Regional Research Institute:

Acquires, Analyzes, and distributes economic information for the purposes of Providing a greater understanding of the Regional and Statewide economies. Business, Government Entities, Educational Institutions and Non-Profit Organizations inside and outside of the Sacramento Region.

To learn more, call 916-491-0444 or email them at srri@srri.net or go to:
http://www.srri.net/ for a complete list of their Primary Services.

For more information on all subjects regarding Residential Housing-

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Associate of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use and Environmental
Connect Realty
Toll Free 866-333-6333
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com