Elk Grove Real Estate

At the State of the Company address during Keller Williams Family Reunion,

Mark Willis, CEO of KWI announced that Keller Williams Realty has claimed the No. 3 spot nationwide.  Keller Williams Realty went from the 4^th largest real estate company in 2007 to no. 3 in 2008.  Keller Williams Realty ended the year with 78,441 agents .

Citing the 2008 Real EstateTrends 500 report, Mark Willis stated, “Keller Williams was the only real estate franchise that experienced a positive growth in the total number of sales, the total number of offices and  the agent count per office.   The model works!  When you faithfully dedicate yourself to the economic, operating and organizational models of Keller Williams and take advantage of the educational opportunities and the tremendous resources offered to the agents, your business grows…even in a down market!  Keller Williams Realty was begun in a down market so systems were developed to help agents grow their businesses at all times.

The commitment to helping agents through the Shift Book written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan has really changed the business for a lot of agents in our market center.  By studying  and committing to the 12 principles in this book many Keller Williams agents across the country have been able to take their business to a new level during this down time.  From the beginning of this new market that we all find ourselves in, Keller Williams Realty has viewed this time as an opportunity.  An opportunity to take over Market Share.  “We have to gather ourselves, get focuses, get a plan of action and CHARGE!”

I know from personal experience that the models do definately work!  We increased our business in 2008 by 62% over 2007!  We added an assistant and another buyer’s agent to our team.  2008 was the best year we have had in 15 years in the real estate industry!  Thank you to Keller Williams for teaching us the models!

The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

www.ModeandDurhaM.com

The Mode & DurhaM Team announce the opening of Monterey Village Laguna in Elk Grove! Prices starting in the low $200,000’s! Many of these new homes are ready for you to move into now - no waiting! Plus buyer incentives available for closing costs! Call The Mode & DurhaM Team for more information today at (916) 405-5765 or visit us at www.MontereyVillageLaguna.com.

Single story & 2 story plans available in this gated Elk Grove community with sophisticated designs awaiting you.  2, 3, and 4 bedroom home floorplans available starting at 1001 square feet up to 2402 square feet! 

Monterey Village is a unique gated master planned community in Elk Grove.  Combining distinctive styles of living, lush landscaping and desirable amenities, this community is being heralded as one of the best in the greater Sacramento area. 

Nestled within the quiet sophistication of this gated master planned community, Cypress Cove delights with its unique home plans that offer a choice of three distinctive architectural design styles.  The Villas offer distinctive detached homes including single and two story residences with one and two car garages.  Each home includes front yard landscape maintenance to give you more time to enjoy Monterey Village’s amenities.

Join us at our Sales Office every Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 - 4:00 to view all the models & homes!

This gated community is located near local shopping centers, new middle school and high school, parks and includes a community pool and spa.

These lovely new homes feature upgrades such as granite counter tops, upgraded carpet, upgraded tile flooring, hardwood floors, decorator paint colors, upgraded appliances & more.  These homes are very affordably priced…don’t miss out, stop by our sales office this weekend!

For more information on this lovely Elk Grove community, call The Mode & DurhaM Team at (916) 405-5765 or visit our website at www.MontereyVillageLaguna.com. 

Search all Sacramento homes here!

The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

www.AllElkGroveHomes.com

As a followup to the post I wrote below I wanted to update you on the current real estate market in Elk Grove, CA.  The market is definately SHIFTING again!

Today - February 17, 2009 - in the 3 zip code areas of Elk Grove, CA (95624, 95757 and 95758) we currently have 898 active single family home listings, with 481 pending listings.  187 homes closed escrow in the past 30 days in the Elk Grove area, with the median sales price of these homes being $249,000!  Elk Grove is now very affordable again!

January 14, 2009 -

I start off each Monday by running statistics on our local market area - Elk Grove, CA

and I am amazed so far this year at what is happening!

In the Elk Grove area - zip codes 95624, 95757 and 95758, below are the number of Actives and Pendings at the beginning of each of the last 3 years -

2007 - 1199 Active Lisitngs                    202 Pending Listings

2008 - 1333 Active Listings                    285 Pending Listings

2009 - 975 Active Listings                      291 Pending Listings

Active Listings are down!  Pending listings are up!  Buyers are out there buying right now!  We are seeing multiple offers on a lot of our new listings!  Don’t miss out…interest rates are great.  First time home buyers and investors are getting great deals right now in the Elk Grove area. 

If you are a homeowner thinking of selling, call us today for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis on your home now. 

Make sure that you know about the bank owned/REO listings as soon as they come on the market.  Sign up today to receive daily email notifications of the REO listings.  Contact The Mode & DurhaM Team today, to register for these email notifications. 

For more information on how to purchase Bank Owned/REO properties:

For part 1 - Buying a Bank Owned home

For part 2 - Buying a Bank Owned home

For part 3 - Buying a Bank Owned home

Search all Sacramento homes here!

www.AllElkGroveHomes.com

We received a warning from the Sacramento County Assessor’s office about a tax bill scam that seems to have hit the Sacramento area recently.  Apparently a southern California company is sending out notices that promise property tax savings if the property owner pays $95 for a service that the County of Sacramento provides for free.  The notices that this southern California company are sending out, look like tax bills, but they are not!  Beware of them!

The County Assessor’s office wants the public to know that these companies are not affiliated with the County Assessor’s office or any local government agency.  And there is no requirement that homeowners use a service to have their assessed value reduced due to a declining market.

We helped several of our past clients complete the Decline in Value forms for submission to the County of Sacramento over the past few months, however now the time period for seeking the adjustment for the 2008-2009 tax year has now passed.  New requests for next tax year, 2009-2010 can be submitted to the Assessor’s office beginning June of 2009.

For more information on Decline in Value matters, visit the Assessor’s website at www.assessor.saccounty.net or call the Assessor’s office at (916) 875-0700.

The Mode & DurhaM Team

Keller Williams Realty, Elk Grove

www.ModeandDurhaM.com

Elk Grove is getting a new Civic Center….and the Elk Grove City Council wants your input! 

The Elk Grove City Council is holding a public outreach meeting on Wednesday, January 7th, to get the public’s input for the new Elk Grove Civic Center.  This meeting is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. at The Council Chambers at 8400 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove.

The Civic Center is to be located at the corner of Big Horn and Elk Grove boulevards. ”The Civic Center project is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity for residents and stakeholders to weigh in on what amenities are needed to help move Elk Grove forward into the next chapter toward our highest potential,” says Mayor Hume.

The Architect,  Zaha Hadid is an internationally known architectural firm and known to consistently push the boundaries of architecture and urban design. 

The public’s input is vital to the City Council’s decisions for what needs to be incorporated into the Civic Center design.  Should it include a performing arts center, exhibition areas, sports facilities, restaurants?  Let your voice be heard by attending the meeting on Wednesday, January 7th!

If you have any questions, please contact EGCC Media Spokesperson Linda Ford at atthefords@frontiernet.net  or 916.835.5988 (cell); or City of Elk Grove PIO Christine Brainerd at cbrainerd@elkgrovecity.org  or 916.479.5337 (cell).

The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

If you are upside down in your home…If your home is worth less than you owe and you are having trouble making your mortgage payments…

You are not alone…Far too many homeowners throughout the Sacramento/Elk Grove area are having trouble making their mortgage payments and are stretched financially to the point that they are just one “life event” away from foreclosure. In the Sacramento/Elk Grove area we are also faced with a slipping market and many homeowners owe more on their home than they are currently worth.

You have options….you may be able to avoid foreclosure through the HOPE for Homeowners Program or you may be a candidate for a Short Sale.

Whether you need help trying to hold on to your home or in selling your home, The Mode & DurhaM Team is here to help.  We are here to provide you with information so that you can make an informed decision and give you options if you are a homeowner experiencing mortgage difficulty.

Currently approximately 25% of our total inventory in the Elk Grove area is comprised of short sales.  More of these sales are now being approved by the lenders than in the past. 

SHORT SALES…

The Short Sale process may provide some relief for homeowners facing these difficult times. The following are a list of benefits that a short sale may provide you as a homeowner:

· Your home gets sold and the mortgage is fully paid off. The mortgage lender accepts a discounted payoff.

· You have no out-of-pocket costs as the mortgage holder pays virtually all sales costs including title and escrow, commission, and approved property repairs.

· Your credit record is protected from a foreclosure.

• You can move forward with your life without having to worry about your house and your mortgage.

Definitition of a Short Sale

A short sale occurs when a home is sold and the sales proceeds do not fully pay off the loan or loans on the property and one or more lenders accept a discounted payoff and allow the sale to close escrow.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A SHORT SALE?

Homeowners that truly can’t afford to make their mortgage payments because of either a hardship or they have gotten over their head because their mortgage payment adjusted up to a point beyond their ability to pay. Among the hardships that frequently lead to difficulties with mortgages are divorce, illness, family crisis, reduction in income, job loss or relocation.
The lender is going to look for circumstances beyond the homeowners control leading to a hardship to justify their approving a Short Sale. Are you having trouble making your mortgage payment? Have you been faced with a hardship?
Call today for a free confidential, no obligation consultation to see if The Mode & Durham Team can help you with your difficult situation. Our services are paid upon close of escrow from the proceeds that the mortgage holder agrees to disburse. Don’t delay call The Mode & DurhaM Team today at (916) 230-0371.

California Foreclosure Law Summary-Quick Facts 

This is a list of the documents we will need to begin the short sale processing:

• Copy of most recent mortgage statement
• Personal Financial Statement (Fannie/Freddie Form)
• Two (2) years tax returns with copy of extension if possible
• Two (2) most recent pay stubs.
• Two (2) most recent bank statements for all bank accounts and brokerage accounts EXCEPT information on retirement accounts.
• Hardship letter.
• Signed Letter of Authorization, authorizing the lender(s) to speak with us.

With these documents we create a package for your lender(s) which helps them understand why you require a real estate short sale.  We then submit this to the appropriate department at your lender, once we have an accepted purchase offer for your home.

CONTACT THE MODE & DURHAM TEAM NOW!
The Mode & DurhaM Team is skilled at negotiating with your mortgage holder to accept less than what is owed on your home under hardship circumstances.  We can negotiate with your lender on your behalf and get your home sold for fair market value.  We help to eliminate the stress for your family and give you the opportunity for a fresh start.

Call today for a free confidential, no obligation consultation to see if The Mode & DurhaM Team can assist you with this difficult situation.  Don’t delay, call today.

The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

www.ModeandDurhaM.com

    (916) 405-5765

Are you hearing about the opportunities in real estate these days?  Want to stop thinking about investing and finally start doing it?  Can you purchase homes again in Sacramento for under $100,000?  Want to learn how to purchase Bank Owned Homes?  If you answered YES to any of these questions, you should attend our next Investment Seminar.

Real estate has created more millionaires than any other investment vehicle in history.

Not everyone will…..WILL YOU?                                                         

Join us for our FREE 1/2 day workshop, THE A,B,C’S OF REAL ESTATE INVESTING, on building wealth in real estate investment properties.  Each attendee will receive a free copy of the “Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller.  You will also learn how to buy REO or Bank Owned homes in this market!

Our panel of Real Estate Investment Experts includes:

• Financial Services Professional, Sharon Stiles, Key Concepts Financial & Insurance Services
• Property Manager, Dave Novello, Capital Property Management
• Home Warranty specialist, Rico Rivera, Old Republic Home Warranty
• Appraiser, Larry Tinkum, Appraisals of Roseville & Sacramento
• 1031 Exchange Expert, James Perini, Allied 1031 Exchange
• Loan Officer, Michael Johnson, Countrywide Home Loans
• Real Estate Agents, Lori Mode & Bruce Durham, Keller Williams Realty

Next seminar - October 11, 2008

Register today - call (916) 405-5765

To reserve your Seat or get more information, call today.  Call (916) 405-5765 or send email to Lori@ModeandDurhaM.com - make sure to put Investment Seminar in subject line.

The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

Just Listed this week by The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

9582 Camie Court, Elk Grove  95624

Incredible opportunity on this spacious 2 story bank owned home on extra large lot. Formal living and dining rooms, sep. fmly room with fireplace, kitchen with upgraded tile, pantry, island, 4 spacious bedrooms, plus den and extra large 1/3 acre cul de sac lot, with great covered patio, pool, room for your RV, boat and so much more! Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

To view, video of this lovely home.  This lovely home is priced at only $343,000!  Don’t wait, call The Mode & DurhaM Team today at (916) 405-5765!

10045 Winged Foot Drive, Sacramento  95829 

Located in Wildhawk West; priced at less than $100.00 per square foot; 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, over 3800 square feet with formal living and dining rooms; separate family room; kitchen with center island & breakfast nook; large bedrooms; 3 car garage on large lot.

Won’t last at this price - $379,900.

 Don’t wait, call The Mode & DurhaM Team today at (916) 405-5765!

6312 Burns Way, Sacramento  95824  

Investor Special!  Bank Owned….Cosmetic Fixer…..3 bedroom, 1 bathroom…has great potential at a very affordable price. House has hardwood floors, dual pane windows, covered patio and a nice seized back yard. and a single car garage

Priced at only $95,000!

Don’t wait, call The Mode & DurhaM Team today at (916) 405-5765!

These other bank owned homes are coming soon!  Make sure to check back often to view our new REO listings! 

Coming soon!

8428 Water Poppy Way, Elk Grove 95624

8321 Kamelia Court, Elk Grove 95624

9752 Lilac Fields Place, Elk Grove 95624

8274 Crystal Walk Way, Elk Grove 95758

616 Bernier Circle, Galt 95632

8259 Medeiros Way, Sacramento 95829

744 Lake Canyon Avenue, Galt 95632

To view all Sacramento area Bank Owned Homes

For a private showing of any of these homes, call The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA at (916) 405-5765 or email Lori@ModeandDurhaM.com. 

SUBSCRIBE HERE TO THE MODE & DURHAM TEAM BLOG

The Mode & DurhaM Team Real Estate Blog is happy to feature a great article on the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 signed by President George Bush on July 30^th, 2008 from the David Reed – the author of Mortgages 101 and Mortgage Confidential: 

Is tax credit really a loan???  US Congress comes through with relief, but…. 

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the most sweeping housing legislation since the Depression era, was passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives at the end of last month and was signed into law by President Bush. The new law addresses various aspects of the housing downturn, including assistance for homeowners who are behind on their mortgages, federal oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and funding for cities to buy and fix up foreclosed properties.

Many of the provisions of the new law go into effect October 1, 2008 but for first-time home buyers who bought, or will buy, their home between April 9th of this year and July 1, 2009, there’s an immediate bonus — a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the sales price, up to $7,500.  Note that this is a tax credit, not a tax deduction. A deduction is an item that is subtracted from your annual income before income taxes are calculated. A tax credit is subtracted from the amount of taxes you owe.  “First-time home buyer” is specifically defined in the new law, and includes those who may have owned a home in the past, but not within the last three years. 

To qualify, be prepared to show your last three years’ worth of income tax returns to prove that you did not pay mortgage interest during that period. There are also income limitations on the tax credit - $75,000 per year if you’re single and $150,000 if filing a joint return to qualify for the full credit, but the credit does phase out beyond those amounts up to $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for joint filers. By the way, the tax credit isn’t a gift - you have to pay it back.  Nevertheless, it provides an initial reprieve, as repayment doesn’t begin until two years after purchase, and is payable over a 15 year period. If you sell the property before the tax credit has been fully repaid, any remaining amounts owed are due to the IRS upon closing.Applying for the tax credit isn’t mandatory, but for many, it will make home ownership feasible in the coming year — and that’s exactly what the tax credit is intended to accomplish.

Written by David Reed, Texas-based mortgage banker with more than 20 years experience and author of Mortgages 101 and Mortgage Confidential.
Have a question? Contact David Reed.  

For more information on buying a home in the Elk Grove area, make sure to visit our website at AllElkGroveHomes.com

Looking to sell your home, get a FREE Market Analysis on your home at www.AllElkGroveHomes.com.

This evening I was showing one of our listings and the prospective buyer after deciding they are interested in my listing, started asking me about selling their current home.  They had their home on the market previously with another agent for 6 months and felt they had made a mistake.  They want to interview agents this time so that they do not make the same mistake.  I strongly encourage all buyers and sellers to interview agents before making a decision. 

This couple said that they didn’t know what to ask the agents during the interview process, so I suggested that I email them a list of questions to ask to ask prospective listing agents.  I have provided this list in the past to expired listings also.  It seems that there are 2 or 3 questions that sellers know to ask and that’s it - how are you going to market my home, what price, and what’s your commission.  There are so many more questions that sellers should ask the prospective agents and here’s my list:

1.  How long have you been selling real estate?                             

 2.  Do you work full-time or part time as a real estate agent?

 3.  Do you have support?  (an assistant, team, etc.)

 4.  How many listings have you had in the past 6 months?  How many of these listings sold?

 5.  How many homes have you sold in the past 12 months?  (this is different because of buyer sales)

 6.  How will you set my listing apart from the hundreds of others on the market?

 7.  In what ways will you encourage other sales people to push my property?

 8.  Will you give me a written plan of action which spells out exactly what we agree you will do to sell my home?

9.  How will I be informed of the progress in selling my home?

10.  How many listings are you now carrying?

11. How many days on average are homes on the market?

12.  What are the current market conditions?

13.  May I have a list of your references, listings you have now and past clients?  May I contact a couple of these people if I choose to?

14.  In your estimation, what is my property worth?

15.  What listing price do you recommend?

16.  Does the listing come with an “out clause” or “satisfaction guaranteed” clause?

17.  What additional services do you offer?

18.  What improvements do you suggest to sell and get the most for my home?

Get Your Home’s Value Here

The Mode & DurhaM Team in Elk Grove, CA

www.AllElkGroveHomes.com