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
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
How to buy a "Green" home
So...you have decided to join the fast-growing trend of eco-friendly living and want to purchase a green home. As with so many "Green" products currently available, from organic milk to hybrid cars, it's tough to know if the house you'dl ike to buy is good for the environment. So how do you determine what makes a house green? Going Green-Where to start: The first step is ensuring that the house is built to standard. Find out if the builder is a member of his or her local home-building association's green building program.
A good resource for this information is the National Association of Home Builders website http://www.nahb.org the site also features an outline of new home building green standards, which include: energy, water, and resource efficiency; lot and site developement; indoor air quality; global impact; and homeowner education.
Another source of good information is Home Depot's eco-friendly product guide http://www.homedepot.com/ecooptions Buying eco-friendly products is a growing trend with no end in site.
For more information on this, and any other Home buying or selling topic, contact:
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
wendmae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
A good resource for this information is the National Association of Home Builders website http://www.nahb.org the site also features an outline of new home building green standards, which include: energy, water, and resource efficiency; lot and site developement; indoor air quality; global impact; and homeowner education.
Another source of good information is Home Depot's eco-friendly product guide http://www.homedepot.com/ecooptions Buying eco-friendly products is a growing trend with no end in site.
For more information on this, and any other Home buying or selling topic, contact:
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
wendmae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Why do you need a Realtor?
Buying or selling a home, or buying investment Property-is one of the most important things one does in their lifetime...other than marriage or having children.
Why wouldn't you want a Professional working right beside you?
In this Supercharged marketplace, you need more than just a Realtor. You need a professional with the unique training and know-how to create opportunities, and identify potential pitfalls up front, and make your home buying experience an unqualified success.
You need a Certified Residential Specialist. A Specialist gives you Exposure, Professionalism, Financing Expertise and Connections, Pricing and Market Knowledge, Negotiaion skills, Advice, Protection, Not to mention Knowledge of Real Estate Law.
Let's Blog...
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Why wouldn't you want a Professional working right beside you?
In this Supercharged marketplace, you need more than just a Realtor. You need a professional with the unique training and know-how to create opportunities, and identify potential pitfalls up front, and make your home buying experience an unqualified success.
You need a Certified Residential Specialist. A Specialist gives you Exposure, Professionalism, Financing Expertise and Connections, Pricing and Market Knowledge, Negotiaion skills, Advice, Protection, Not to mention Knowledge of Real Estate Law.
Let's Blog...
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Energy Efficiency-Learn to be GREEN!
It is easier than you think to be Green...Home improvements don’t have to be epic to relieve utility costs. Here are ideas to start you off-thinking GREEN!
Some things you can do, that cost little to no money-AND over time, will actually save you lots of cash:
-If you have a home office-buy an “All-in-one” FAX, Scanner, and Copier...saves A LOT of energy, and costs you less to operate.
-When you go to bed at night, or out of town-or even during the day when not using your TV or VCR-turn off the power strip...keep in mind, when your appliances are off, but still plugged in-they pull and use power. This will save you anywhere from $60.-$100. a year on your Electric bill.
-Recycling, in general, is huge. It is so much better to buy a re-usable beverage bottle-than to buy bottled water...just think of how much you will save-using filtered water, over buying bottled water.
-Turn up the air conditioner thermostat.
-Change filters often.
-Plant trees on the South and West sides of the home to provide shade and reduce interior temperatures.
-Landscape with drought-resistant or indigenous plants, which retain more water.
-Add motion sensor lights, to save electricity.
-Install a gas fireplace in an addition, such as a den or sunroom, which will extend heat to that room.
-Replace appliances with Energy Star-rated versions. They exceed Government energy-efficiency standards by 10-25%.
-Invest in new, more energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
-Paint your home’s exterior a light color-as darker colors retain more heat.
-Plug up air leaks, which are equivalent of leaving a window open all year.
This can save up to 10% of your energy bill.
-Install double-glazed windows with low-emisson glass, which allow maximum light while keeping out heat and cold.
-When replacing roofing, install light-colored shingles made of material or tile to reflect heat.
-Add insulation in walls.
This is just a start! Feel free to email me-should you like more information or links to helpful energy saving “GREEN” websites!
check this out: http://www.epa.org
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate
Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
Some things you can do, that cost little to no money-AND over time, will actually save you lots of cash:
-If you have a home office-buy an “All-in-one” FAX, Scanner, and Copier...saves A LOT of energy, and costs you less to operate.
-When you go to bed at night, or out of town-or even during the day when not using your TV or VCR-turn off the power strip...keep in mind, when your appliances are off, but still plugged in-they pull and use power. This will save you anywhere from $60.-$100. a year on your Electric bill.
-Recycling, in general, is huge. It is so much better to buy a re-usable beverage bottle-than to buy bottled water...just think of how much you will save-using filtered water, over buying bottled water.
-Turn up the air conditioner thermostat.
-Change filters often.
-Plant trees on the South and West sides of the home to provide shade and reduce interior temperatures.
-Landscape with drought-resistant or indigenous plants, which retain more water.
-Add motion sensor lights, to save electricity.
-Install a gas fireplace in an addition, such as a den or sunroom, which will extend heat to that room.
-Replace appliances with Energy Star-rated versions. They exceed Government energy-efficiency standards by 10-25%.
-Invest in new, more energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
-Paint your home’s exterior a light color-as darker colors retain more heat.
-Plug up air leaks, which are equivalent of leaving a window open all year.
This can save up to 10% of your energy bill.
-Install double-glazed windows with low-emisson glass, which allow maximum light while keeping out heat and cold.
-When replacing roofing, install light-colored shingles made of material or tile to reflect heat.
-Add insulation in walls.
This is just a start! Feel free to email me-should you like more information or links to helpful energy saving “GREEN” websites!
check this out: http://www.epa.org
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate
Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Property Values Re-Assessed
Property owner information: www.parcelquest.com
El Dorado County Records: www.governmentregistry.org
Public Records: www.govtregistry.com
Call or Email your Assessor at: 530-621-5719 or
jwinners@co.el-dorado.ca.us
PRESS RELEASE FOR EL DORADO COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS FROM ASSESSOR TIM HOLCOMB
El Dorado County Assessor Tim Holcomb announces 12,000 properties to be reviewed for lowered assessments Placerville, March 28, 2008: Tim Holcomb, El Dorado County Assessor, today announced that more than 12,000 properties are under review and considered for lower property tax assessments. Generally, the reviewed properties are those with assessments resulting from changes in ownership or new construction that occurred during the peak of the real estate market. Holcomb explained the process involves three steps. "First, we have already selected all properties which sold or had some reassessment activity between June 2004 and December 2007. Now, we are currently processing sales and new construction values through the end on March 2008, in order to get an accurate picture of the market in January. Finally we will evaluate the decline in the market and decrease assessments accordingly." The reduced assessed values will be reflected in the tax bill for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1st, 2008.
Holcomb says that, depending on what other charges are on the property tax bill, property owners could see a reduction of up to twenty percent in the tax bills mailed out this coming fall.
The Assessor went on to clarify that a 1978 constitutional amendment (Proposition 8), requires the Assessor to recognize a temporary loss in value. Each year, the Assessor is to enroll the lower of the factored base year value or current market value as of the lien date, January 1st. Normally, the factored value assessed under Prop13 is lower than market, but in a down market, the reverse can occur, and when it does, the Assessor temporarily lowers the assessed value.
"The property is assessed at whichever is lower, the factored base year value or the market value" Holcomb explained "As we understand the current market, if the property was purchased before somewhere around the middle of 2004, before the market really took off, the trended base year value is still lower than the market value.
The most likely
candidates for a reduction are those who purchased or built a home sometime after the middle of 2004."
Property owners whose values have been reduced will receive a notice from the Assessor showing the new assessed value. The Assessor's Office will also review property at the request of the owner. The Assessor reviewed and lowered several hundred properties retroactively for the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Under current law, the Assessor has until July 1st of 2008 to recognize declines in value as of January 1st, 2007.
Once a reduced assessment is in place, California law requires the Assessor to track real estate market trends and reappraise the properties to current market value as of January 1st annually, until the market value exceeds its factored base year value. At that time, the trended or factored base year value is re-enrolled, regardless of how high the market value climbs.
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, requires a reappraisal to current market value, on a change in ownership or completion of new construction. This value, the base year value, increases annually by a maximum of 2%. Annual ad valorum property taxes are charged at 1% of the trended base year value. If a subsequent change in ownership occurs, a new base year value is established. New construction is appraised at fair market value and added to the existing trended base year value.
The Proposition 8 reductions reflect a widespread decline in real estate prices in El Dorado County since early 2007.
Property owners who have questions or who wish to request a review of their assessed values can call the Assessor's Office. The main office is located at 360 Fair Lane in Placerville, CA. Office hours are 8-5 and the main phone number is 530.621.5719. The South Lake Tahoe Office is located at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 103, SLT CA 96150.
Office Hours are also 8-5 and the phone number is 530.573.3422. The Assessor's web site, www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/assessor has both information on a variety of property tax issues as well as an on line application for Prop 8 review.
Contact - Tim Holcomb, Assessor, 530-621-5719.
tholcomb@co.el-dorado.ca.us
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use/Environmental Committee
www.wendimae.com Toll Free 866-333-6333
El Dorado County Records: www.governmentregistry.org
Public Records: www.govtregistry.com
Call or Email your Assessor at: 530-621-5719 or
jwinners@co.el-dorado.ca.us
PRESS RELEASE FOR EL DORADO COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS FROM ASSESSOR TIM HOLCOMB
El Dorado County Assessor Tim Holcomb announces 12,000 properties to be reviewed for lowered assessments Placerville, March 28, 2008: Tim Holcomb, El Dorado County Assessor, today announced that more than 12,000 properties are under review and considered for lower property tax assessments. Generally, the reviewed properties are those with assessments resulting from changes in ownership or new construction that occurred during the peak of the real estate market. Holcomb explained the process involves three steps. "First, we have already selected all properties which sold or had some reassessment activity between June 2004 and December 2007. Now, we are currently processing sales and new construction values through the end on March 2008, in order to get an accurate picture of the market in January. Finally we will evaluate the decline in the market and decrease assessments accordingly." The reduced assessed values will be reflected in the tax bill for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1st, 2008.
Holcomb says that, depending on what other charges are on the property tax bill, property owners could see a reduction of up to twenty percent in the tax bills mailed out this coming fall.
The Assessor went on to clarify that a 1978 constitutional amendment (Proposition 8), requires the Assessor to recognize a temporary loss in value. Each year, the Assessor is to enroll the lower of the factored base year value or current market value as of the lien date, January 1st. Normally, the factored value assessed under Prop13 is lower than market, but in a down market, the reverse can occur, and when it does, the Assessor temporarily lowers the assessed value.
"The property is assessed at whichever is lower, the factored base year value or the market value" Holcomb explained "As we understand the current market, if the property was purchased before somewhere around the middle of 2004, before the market really took off, the trended base year value is still lower than the market value.
The most likely
candidates for a reduction are those who purchased or built a home sometime after the middle of 2004."
Property owners whose values have been reduced will receive a notice from the Assessor showing the new assessed value. The Assessor's Office will also review property at the request of the owner. The Assessor reviewed and lowered several hundred properties retroactively for the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Under current law, the Assessor has until July 1st of 2008 to recognize declines in value as of January 1st, 2007.
Once a reduced assessment is in place, California law requires the Assessor to track real estate market trends and reappraise the properties to current market value as of January 1st annually, until the market value exceeds its factored base year value. At that time, the trended or factored base year value is re-enrolled, regardless of how high the market value climbs.
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, requires a reappraisal to current market value, on a change in ownership or completion of new construction. This value, the base year value, increases annually by a maximum of 2%. Annual ad valorum property taxes are charged at 1% of the trended base year value. If a subsequent change in ownership occurs, a new base year value is established. New construction is appraised at fair market value and added to the existing trended base year value.
The Proposition 8 reductions reflect a widespread decline in real estate prices in El Dorado County since early 2007.
Property owners who have questions or who wish to request a review of their assessed values can call the Assessor's Office. The main office is located at 360 Fair Lane in Placerville, CA. Office hours are 8-5 and the main phone number is 530.621.5719. The South Lake Tahoe Office is located at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 103, SLT CA 96150.
Office Hours are also 8-5 and the phone number is 530.573.3422. The Assessor's web site, www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/assessor has both information on a variety of property tax issues as well as an on line application for Prop 8 review.
Contact - Tim Holcomb, Assessor, 530-621-5719.
tholcomb@co.el-dorado.ca.us
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use/Environmental Committee
www.wendimae.com Toll Free 866-333-6333
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cost VS. Value Report-Remodeling Projects
Did you know? According to "Remodeling Magazine's" 20th Annual report, the top five midrange home improvements that bring the greatest returns are: A wood deck addition 85.4%, siding replacement 83.2%, Minor Kitchen Remodel 83%, Wood window replacement 81.2%, and vinyl window replacement 79.3%. For more information go to:http://www.costvsvalue.com
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Connect Realty
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Connect Realty
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
Serrano and what the Community has to offer you...
The rolling Sierras, an R.T. Jones Jr. golf course and an award-winningmaster plan make Serrano the ideal community for your dream home.
Description: 3,500-acre gated golf course community in El Dorado Hills, in northern California, just 30 minutes east of Sacramento, and half-way between Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley.
Nearest Airport: Sacramento International Airport, 35 minutes; Cameron Park Airport, 10 minutes.
Awards & Honors:
Named 1997 Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders’ National Sales & Marketing Council.
1997 & 1998 Master-Planned Community of the Year by the Building Industry Association of Superior California.
Amenities:
Private Serrano Country Club
Clubhouse with tennis, swimming & exercise facilities
18-hole, par-72, championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.; course was the host for the Senior PGA Tour’s Gold Rush Classic for six years
27-acre Village Green with outdoor amphitheater, a lake with bandstand/gazebo
Hiking and biking trails
1,000 acres of open space
Serrano hosted a Senior PGA event from 1996 to 2001.
Real Estate:
Homes from the low-$300,000s
Custom homesites from approx. $175,000, many with lake, mountain, golf course and city lights views.
Visitation Program: Ask about special discounts for Serrano visitors at local hotels
Click here for driving directions.
Description: 3,500-acre gated golf course community in El Dorado Hills, in northern California, just 30 minutes east of Sacramento, and half-way between Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley.
Nearest Airport: Sacramento International Airport, 35 minutes; Cameron Park Airport, 10 minutes.
Awards & Honors:
Named 1997 Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders’ National Sales & Marketing Council.
1997 & 1998 Master-Planned Community of the Year by the Building Industry Association of Superior California.
Amenities:
Private Serrano Country Club
Clubhouse with tennis, swimming & exercise facilities
18-hole, par-72, championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.; course was the host for the Senior PGA Tour’s Gold Rush Classic for six years
27-acre Village Green with outdoor amphitheater, a lake with bandstand/gazebo
Hiking and biking trails
1,000 acres of open space
Serrano hosted a Senior PGA event from 1996 to 2001.
Real Estate:
Homes from the low-$300,000s
Custom homesites from approx. $175,000, many with lake, mountain, golf course and city lights views.
Visitation Program: Ask about special discounts for Serrano visitors at local hotels
Click here for driving directions.
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