Napa Solano Yolo real estate blog

Check out my new listing in Vacaville if you are looking for 2 homes, a 4 bedroom 2880+sf main residence and a separate single level guest cottage with it's own fenced yard and garage, a pool, large MD barn, huge 30 X 50 metal workshop storage barn, then you have found it!

Located CLOSE to the city of Vacaville on a nearly level 5.0 acre parcel.

Main home is 2 story and has been completely updated with many beautiful touches. The list of upgrades goes on and on.

New front entry door, solid hardwood flooring at entry, living room, dining room.

These owners have also had these features professionally installed new: Double carriage garage doors, two central air conditioning units, water softener, composition roof, playground and playground equipment, spa with gazebo, water heater, slab granite in kitchen, tile floors in kitchen, most lighting fixtures in entire home, solid hardwood flooring, ceiling fans, bathroom fixtures throughout home, interior paint, epoxy flooring in garage, well equipment.

4 bedrooms, one is downstairs, large living room with crown molding, family room, separate formal dining room with chair rail, breakfast bay window area at kitchen, brand new slab granite kitchen with beautiful tile flooring, separate office in master retreat off large balcony with breathtaking mountain sunset views.

Circular driveway leads to dramatic entry fountain and beautiful front doors with side lights.

Almost new center aisle barn has water and power, four large stalls, foaling stall, hay storage, tack room, drive thru 16 foot center aisle, every stall has a turnout, no-climb fencing with electric wire.

Large fenced yard includes separate dog run, separate vegetable garden, spa and gazebo, pool and deck, large playground, rose garden, and plenty of room to add more!

HUGE Workshop and toolshed (well equipment located inside) complete the package.

Quiet, peaceful area, off of main roads, room to roam, views views views and NO hills to contend with! Lots of trees too.  -Barbara Adams, Realtor

Visit online tour at :  4275Independence.com

State of California needs to balance their budget and doing so, they take from cities and counties as they can.

The city of Vacaville first time homebuyer program was the first program to feel the sting and the $500,000 set aside and approved 3 weeks ago is now heading to the state coffers instead.

Only a few more weeks to get your federal first time homebuyer tax credit...

Run, don't walk...FHA is 3.5% down payment at this time, some sellers will still agree to pay your closing costs, there are a few options still out there....

If an investor just purchased the property you wnat to buy, FHA won't approve your loan, it's called a flipped property.

-barbara.adams 07.24.2009

Did you know that the California Association of Realtors will pay for a home mortgage protection program for first time homebuyers? (Anyone who hasn't owned real estate in the past 3 years is eligible).

If you lose your job, you may be eligible to receive up to $1500 per month for 6 months to help make your mortgage payment. Co-borrower has similar coverage up to $750 per month. There's also a $10,000 death benefit.

You must be working with a Realtor (they have the forms) and you must have opened escrow AFTER April 2, 2009 and must close escrow by Dec 31, 2009.

I will contact all of my eligible clients so they can take advantage of this program. -barbara adams

I am hearing some of the banks are now starting to let go of their stockpile of homes for sale.

This is good news if you are looking for a home in Solano county and are tired of being beat out of your offer on the few homes in Vacaville and Fairfield that are still available right now.

The other good thing is that the banks are really getting better training and presenting the homes in good condition, many banks are having the homes painted inside and putting in new carpets etc.

If the home needs energy updates, ask your lender about special financing for dual paned windows, new air conditioning units and insulation updates.

Short sale homes are moving easier now too, banks are somewhat aware that some homeowners are just not able to stay in their homes and are now mostly willing to consider a short sale.

Be aware that the short sale is a home that is being sold by the current homeowner and the offer your agent submits on your behalf MUST be fully signed by you and the homeowners BEFORE it goes to the bank, if this is not done, the bank has nothing to consider since it's not a valid contract, also ask if yours is the ONLY offer being submitted, there is something called a Short Sale Addendum, if your agent has not had you sign one of these and inserted an expiration date for your offer, you could be losing out on another home while you wait an extended period of time for the answer on your offer.

Get a home warranty in today's market it only makes sense that you are mostly buying homes in as-is condition. If you get a home inspection it would also be wise to get a home warranty so that for the first year you can get most items such as dishwasher, stove, electric etc serviced if they are broken.  _barbara adams

     Beyond the Headlines CAR NEWS

Reverse Mortgages for home purchases.

FHA loans help sales. (Now minimum 3.5% down payment)

US mortgage rates drop to 5.32% per Freddie Mac

Searching for the bottom in the housing market.

Sales rose 35 percent in May 2009 in California, but median price declined 30.4% from a year ago, but 3 months of price gains March April May.

Buyers are coming in and fighting over properties with strong buying activity, resulting in multiple bidding.

About 50% of current sales in California are distressed properties.

McMansions out of favor for now.

Not paying the mortgage yet stuck with the keys.

No end to foreclosures in sight.

Unemployment vexes foreclosure plan.

reprinted with permission from CAR.org