Modesto Real Estate – Luz Martinez

When it comes to the housing market for foreclosures, buyer beware.

“One mistake that we see all the time is buyers going in and assuming all the mechanicals are working,” said Brandon T. Johnson, president of GTJ Consulting in Roseville, Mich., which maintains foreclosed homes. “You have to be careful you don’t get burned that way.”

He recommends that buyers get private inspections on houses they want to buy to avoid surprises such as missing plumbing or water damage.

Here’s a list of 10 things to watch for in foreclosed or vacant homes, from Ross Kollenberg of On-Site Specialty Cleaning & Restoration in Troy, Mich.:

1. Air quality tells a lot about the home’s condition. Air and surface testing is a few hundred dollars well spent.

2. Black cobwebs, greasy gray residue on walls or a strong oily odor means soot damage points to a malfunctioning furnace and requires professional cleaning. It could be a tip-off that there was a fire.

3. Discolored subflooring, which can be checked from the basement by looking above for stains and small holes, indicates mold.

4. In an older home with extensive renovations, check with the city for permits, which will give remodeling details. Be sure disturbed asbestos or lead paint has been remediated by a certified specialist. If the home has four or five major changes, it may not be up to code.

5. Peeling, bubbling and discolored paint; swelling in walls or ceilings (especially around kitchens and bathrooms); and a musty odor indicate water damage and possibly moisture and mold.

6. Missing sinks, toilets and other fixtures could mean the previous owner took them and didn’t shut off the pipes. If a pipe was cracked during the fixture removal, it could start a slow leak in the wall that is not easily seen.

7. Fungus growth inside cabinets, behind drawers and built-ins could mean water damage. Since water falls down, look for the source above the mold. One trick inspectors use to determine whether there could be hidden water damage is to pull out the kitchen drawers and look inside to see whether the back wall has been rebuilt. If it has, that could mean water damage has been covered up.

8. Excessive painting of every nook, cranny, door and floor may have been done to cover up mold. “When you go to a home that is ‘landlord white’ and the trim is flat, we tell people there is a reason the house was painted this way,” Kollenberg said. “When we see it is over everything, it is a tip-off that it is just covering something up.”

9. A heated house in winter months may show the home was winterized improperly. If that’s the case, pipes will burst and cause water damage.

10. Blocked drains or pipes will cause problems and may have created sewage backups. Check for a

Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/05/27/1184886/buyer-beware-understand-as-is.html#ixzz0qCcZj3Yh

Image via Wikipedia

Here in the central valley temperatures  sky rocket to double digits in the summer time! Everyone wants to cool off in the pool, but here are some simple rules to keep yourselves and others safe while in or around a pool!

1. Never leave children unattended. This is the most important of the precautions listed here. Accidents happens quickly and without warning. Even stepping inside to answer a phone call can be enough time for disaster to strike. Did you know that 77 percent of the children who drown had been seen 5 minutes or less before being missed and subsequently discovered in the pool?

2. Take swim lessons. Swimming is an important life skill, one that could save your child’s life. Most local communities offer swimming lessons, but if the cost is not in your budget, then be sure to take on this task yourself. There may never be a more important skill you’ll teach your child.

3. Learn CPR. Every teenager and adult should be CPR certified. Consider these stats from the American Heart Association:

If bystander CPR is not provided, a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival fall 7 to 10 percent for every minute of delay until defibrillation.

Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival.

4. If you have young children, then install a pool fence. Be sure it locks securely. This extra deterrent will keep curious kids from finding their way into the pool area.

5. Install a pool cover. As a second line of defense, install a pool cover, so that children are unable to accidentally slip into the water. But never swim with the pool partially covered. Children could become trapped under the cover.

6. Remove toys after use. Why? Children could return to the pool area after swimming to retrieve a toy, or see one floating and reach for it.

7. Use non-slip materials. Be sure to use these materials on the pool deck, diving board and ladders. This is as much for your safety as for your children’s.

8. When using water slides, always go feet first. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP), “Many severe injuries result from falling on slippery walkways and decks and falling from diving boards and ladders. Diving and jumping into shallow water also are major causes of serious injuries.”

9. Keep electrical appliances away from water. There is a hazard of shock when any electrical device get wet. This includes radios!

10. Be sure baby-sitters have pool safety skills. All baby-sitters should be able to swim, have access to pool safety items such as floats and poles, know CPR, and have phone numbers ready in case of an emergency.

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100531_poolsafety.htm

New York City attorney Edward A. Mermelstein’s “Home Buying Secrets for the Average Joe” are a timely example of his insight for buyers.

Study – Do your homework before you buy. Review the prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood, which can be found on websites such as Zillow.com, PropertyShark.com, StreetEasy.com, HouseValues.com, Trulia.com and others. Keep in mind these numbers sometimes trail the market by several months. A real estate agent can provide the latest sales data.

• Cure your credit – Today’s best mortgage rates require a credit score of more than 700. Learn how to boost your credit score before you apply for a mortgage. Not only will a low credit score cost you more in terms of the interest rate on your mortgage, it could also prevent you from obtaining a mortgage.

Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federal government-sanctioned service for obtaining a truly free credit report from one or all three of the major credit bureaus. On AnnualCreditReport.com, select your state and hit the red “Request Report” button and follow the instructions. The report is free, but you will have to pay a nominal fee to get your credit score.

• Bid low – In many of today’s buyers’ markets you can offer 10 to 15 percent below the list price because prices are based on contracts signed three to four months ago. List prices don’t necessarily reflect the most current values, especially in markets still on the decline, according to Mermelstein.

• Consider a ‘Lucky 7′ loan – Take advantage of the lower interest rates available with a 7/1 adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), when compared to a fixed-rate 30 year mortgage. The interest rate on a 7/1 ARM is fixed for seven years. In the eighth year the loan resets as an ARM. Just be sure you know what the margin, life cap and periodic caps will be beginning in the eighth year to avoid surprises. Use those seven years to reduce debit and increase your income in preparation for what is likely to be a much higher rate than your starting rate.

Mermelstein also says to consider 30/15 year mortgages which are fixed for 15 years, amortized over 30 years and due in full in 15 years.

These and other mortgage options come with lower starting rates as a hedge against interest rates rising in the near future.

• Get pre-approved – Go beyond prequalifying for a mortgage, which only tells you what you can likely borrow. Get a pre-approved mortgage and you’ll know your home price shopping parameters. You’ll also present yourself to the seller as a serious buyer. Financing in hand will also help level the playing field with all-cash buyers and investors and it will help you negotiate a better purchase price.

• Consider a newly built home – The new home sector has been harder hit than resales. Concessions and reduced prices are the norm. The latest U.S. Census Bureau data reveal that sales of new homes fell for the fourth consecutive month in February, to a seasonally adjusted annual level of 308,000 sales – a year-over-year decline of 13 percent and the lowest level ever. Just be sure to check out the reputation of the builder.

• Inspect everything – Get a home inspection for a new home, a resale home, a nearly new home or a very old home. Always. Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s defect free. Hidden problems can torpedo the value of your home.

• Read the title report – Make sure that any new additions or construction to an existing home are fully permitted and recorded with the local municipality.

• Check the appraisal – Likewise check the appraisal report for any oversights, missed features or other errors that could cause the property to be undervalued.

• Negotiate – Don’t be afraid to dicker. It’s a buyers’ market. Concessions are available from both new home builders and existing home sellers. Ask for help with the closing costs, repairs, even furnishings and other perks. Motivated sellers have much to offer.

• Don’t skimp on the help – If you look for the least expensive attorney, real estate agent, inspector, etc., you will get what you pay for. Ask family, friends, co-workers, realty professionals and others you trust for referrals and then carefully vet them.

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100513_secrets.htm

http://www.cityofwaterford.org/Around%20Town2.jpg No matter where you are located in the central valley you can always find something to do this summer!

Visit the city of Modesto’s Summer 2010 Activity guide. Activities range from Sports to Crafts! There’s something for everyone!

http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/prnd/activityguide/

Turlock Recreation Services strengthens the community’s fabric, health and well being, economic base and security. Through the years, the Turlock community has valued neighborhoods, natural places where they can relax, walk, recreate and enjoy family time. Through quality programing and implementation, Recreation Services provides safe, supervised activities residents of all ages.

http://www.turlock.ca.us/citydepartments/municipalservices/recreation/

Activity guide for the city of waterford

http://www.cityofwaterford.org/Around%20Town2.jpg

There are lots more activities guides to choose from, visit your city’s website and find activities in your area!!

The Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday and Saturday from 7:00 am – Noon on 16th Street between H & I Street. Fresh Fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, eggs, poultry, BBQ, olive oil, flowers, soaps & sundries, crafts, kettle corn, pastries, cheeses, live music, demos and more!

There is always something new at the Modesto’s Farmers Market, whether it’s fresh fruit and veggies for the season or new musical entertainment.. this is a wonderful activity for the whole family!

Saturday, May 22 11:00a to 10:00p  St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, Fresno, CA  Annual Serbian Food Festival! Serbian & Eastern European Foods and Pastries. Live Serbian music and folk dancing, church tours and much more. Complete meals or a la carte food items. Public invited! http://www.stpeterfresno.com/

Image via CrunchBase

Warning signs of a Craigslist Home Sale/Rental Scam:

• The price is below market rate. This is the lure that separates the clear thinkers and those that tend to be nervous or desperate.
• The owner is overseas, typically a missionary. The missionary angle is to gain credibility. Overseas, typically Africa and most Nigeria, is to get you to send money to these countries without thinking about it.
• They want you to wire money via Western Union. Enough said on this one.
• When you go by the home there is someone living there. These folks are audacious enough to try to rent or sell homes that are occupied. They are preying on the fact you are too lazy to do your homework.

How To Check If A Craigslist Rental Is A Scam:

• Do a Google search for the property. Odds are the property is already for sale. If there is a listing, typically you will see this on Trulia or Zillow, call the agent. They will be able to give you an answer.
• The price is below market. Very rarely will someone discount rent to the general public. If they are a missionary they will go through a local charity before just going onto Facebook.
• Knock on the door of the unit for sale/rent. Let them know that you have seen this ad on Craigslist and ask if the advertisement is legit.
• If no one is about, ask a neighbor or the super. They will know.
• If it is a scam, let Craigslist know. They will remove the listing.

Image via Wikipedia

The Cottonwood is ready to blossom in its new home. The downtown Oakdale cafe opened in the summer of 2008, sharing space with The Works Car Wash. Earlier this year, owner Monica Davis decided to move to a larger, independent space

Since then, she said, business has been up and patrons have enjoyed its new historical locale.

The Cottonwood, 154 S. Yosemite Ave., Suite A, sits inside the Hubble Building, built in the 1800s. The new space has a larger dedicated indoor dining area that seats 25 and outdoor garden seating for another 25.

The Cottonwood serves an assortment of sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch and dinner, and offers carry-out and catering.

Specialty sandwiches include crab, hot veggie, Angus beef and turkey cranberry pesto.

Davis comes from a family with catering experience and had her own business for about 10 years before opening the restaurant.  Since moving, she said, customers have said that “the location now fits the food.” Davis plans to add beer and wine service in the summer and is considering live entertainment, too. The Cottonwood is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 847-4748. Elsewhere around the Business Beat: Modesto’s Ocean Palace Chinese restaurant is under new management.

Danny Zeng took over from previous owner and chef Ken Huang in February.
Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/05/12/1163524/oakdale-eatery-offers-a-taste.html#ixzz0njYCy6Yd

Kadie Black, an outreach coordinator for a Miami kids agency, felt as if her co-worker didn’t carry her weight on a team project. Rather than confront her, she mentioned it to another colleague who repeated Black’s comments publicly. Friction soon permeated the workplace, making it uncomfortable for the two women to work together again.

We all know that conflicts in the workplace are unavoidable. But now, the number of conflicts are intensifying as workers do more with less and stress levels jump to an all-time high. More than half of all employees say they lost work time worrying about confrontation with a co-worker, according to a survey by researchers at the University of North Carolina.

“Co-worker conflicts can be one of the most difficult forms of workplace stress,” says Gus Stieber, national director of sales of Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, an employee assistance program services

I hate conflicts at work and I can tell you that they make people unhappy at home, too. I have a friend whose husband began staying late at work because she spent every dinner complaining about a co-worker who hogged credit for her work.

Most of us, like Black, have learned that when you stew about a co-worker who dumps on you or a boss who attacks you in a meeting, the situation usually only gets worse with time.

“If I had to do it again I would’ve had that conversation and nipped it in the bud,” Black says.

Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/05/25/1180774/irked-at-work-anger-sniping-avoidance.html#ixzz0p4Ib6Vp2

If your looking for a special way to spend the day with your mother, be sure to check out our list below:

Mothers Day Champagne Brunch Sunday, May 9 9:30a to 1:30pm at SOS Club, Modesto, CA Mothers Day Champagne Brunch buffet style at the SOS with chicken Marsala, top sirloin, and an assortment of egg dishes, pastries, side dishes and desserts. http://www.sosclub.com

Mother’s Day at Occasio Winery Sunday, May 9 12:00p to 5:00pm at Occasio Winery, Livermore, CA Mother’s Day at the Occasio Winery Tasting Salon! Celebrate Mom at Occasio Winery, where mothers will receive a complimentary tasting of our wine flight and a decadent and beautifully decorated truffle made with our 2008 Zinfandel! We will also be releasing the last 12 bottles of the sold out 2009 Rose’ from our library for this special day

Mother’s Day Dance Saturday, May 8 6:00p to 11:30p at American Legion Merced Post #83, Merced, CA Come join us for our annual Mother’s Day Dance. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8pm. Dancing to the sounds of “force-em” form 8 to 11:30pm. Dinner and Dance tickets are $25(prime rib) Dance only–$15
R.S.V.P.required!!! Call 209-722-0940 for reservations

Premier Community Credit Union Mother’s Day Fair Saturday, May 8 10:30a to 2:00pm at Premier Community Credit Union, Stockton, CA Help Premier Community celebrate our moms! Enjoy free food & drinks, bounce houses, carnival games, free mother’s day photos, raffle items, goodie bags and much, much more! Come check this fun and free event out on Saturday, May 8 from 10:30-2:00 at 3255 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA.