Posted on: April 25, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Average home listing price reaches all-time high

Home prices projected to set new records in 2019 In March, the average American home listing price reached $300,000 for the first time ever, according to Realtor.com’s Housing Trend Report. “The typical U.S. home list price has set a new high right on the cusp of the spring homebuying season, and despite a slowing growth rate, home prices will likely continue to set new records later this year,” Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale…

Posted on: April 18, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

6 factors that influence a home’s value

Factors to consider when pricing a home are: historic sales price, quality of the neighborhood, the market, nearby features and the size, appeal, age and condition of the home. Trying to price a home accurately, whether you’re preparing to sell a house or you’re ready to make an offer on one, is challenging. Even if you’ve had experience in the real estate market, home prices can differ substantially from your initial evaluations.…

Posted on: April 4, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

12 Fresh Updates To Get Ready For Spring

It’s that tricky time of year when spring is almost here but there are still some chilly days ahead. While you’re waiting for the sunshine and greenery to make a proper appearance, try boosting your mood by adding a few cheery touches to your home. Torie Jayne 1. Swap out your towels.Luxurious fluffy white towels have their place, but colorful versions, such as this bold floral towel, can add welcome…

Posted on: March 28, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Open House Etiquette for Home Buyers

A favorite pastime of many people—whether in the market to buy a home or simply curious—is to attend a Sunday Open House. In fact, checking out open houses is almost a religious experience in California. Everybody goes to open houses. If you’re wondering about the proper open house etiquette or have questions about the role of the agent holding the house open, here are suggestions to help make your open house visit productive. Agent…

Posted on: March 21, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

6 Habits All Successful Home Buyers Have in Common

Welcome to 2019! Resolving to eat more kale and take the stairs are fine resolutions. But if this is the year you vow to buy a home, we’d love to suggest a few new habits to help you get there. Here’s a breakdown of home-buying habits to adopt now, especially if you hope to start looking once home-buying season is in full swing come spring. These behaviors are things you can do daily,…

Posted on: March 14, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How Is Interest Calculated for a Mortgage?

Each month you make payments on your new mortgage, a portion of the payment goes to paying down your balance, or principal, while the other portion pays your interest charge. The proportion of your payment that pays interest versus principal changes every month. Even though you can find a wide variety of different online mortgage calculators that will perform the calculation for you, it’s smart to learn exactly how the…

Posted on: March 7, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Lower Mortgage Rates Give New-Home Sales Best Month Since Spring

Sales of newly built single-family homes picked up at the end of last year, reaching the highest level since May 2018, a newly released report from the U.S. Commerce Department shows. New-home sales increased 3.7 percent in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 621,000 units (the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued over the next 12 months). “Despite a period of weakness in the…

Posted on: February 28, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Spring Landscape Maintenance Tips

Advice on Garden Preparation, Pruning, Fertilizing, Lawn Care Read these spring landscape maintenance tips as soon as Old Man Winter eases his icy grip on your garden so that you can hit the ground running once warmer temperatures prevail. For those of you who have large lawns, spring cleaning in the yard has its share of lawn chores. But there is much more to take care of, whether it be pruning the winterkill off…

Posted on: February 21, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Buyers Still Prefer Green Home Features, and Will Pay More Up Front to Save

NAHB economist Paul Emrath discusses the results of the latest NAHB home buyer preference survey, in which buyers responded that they still prefer green features in homes and are willing to pay more up front to save on future utility bills. ENERGY STAR® rated appliances ranked second from the top among 150 different home and community features that respondents were able to rank. The trend for green features remains stable–preferences for…

Posted on: February 14, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Experts weigh in on what the 2019 housing market will bring

A year ago, several experts predicted the new tax law would cause a slowdown in the housing market. So far, the limitations on mortgage-interest and property-tax deductions haven’t had a negative impact. Instead, rising mortgage rates and home prices are doing more to put a damper on the market. Economic uncertainty brought on by global trade tensions, stock market volatility and the government shutdown also isn’t helping. In this environment, potential home buyers can be reluctant to make a large purchase…

Posted on: February 8, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Romantic Valentine’s Day at Home

Since many restaurants and theaters are overcrowded with celebrating couples, why not take a look at some ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home to make your sweetheart feel truly special? Have a Fireside Picnic If you have a fireplace, rekindle your spark by pulling the sofa in front of a roaring fire and have some champagne on ice standing by. For an added touch, serve strawberries to bring out…

Posted on: January 31, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

8 Smart Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill Costs

Energy use sneaks up on you. One day, you think you’re being responsible—flipping off lights, not running the AC excessively, turning the TV off after “Game of Thrones”—and the next day, you’re standing slack-jawed by the mailbox, staring at a power bill that must have been racked up by gnomes living in your closet. Pretty much everyone has accidentally gone overboard on energy use, but there’s a lot you can do to keep your expenses in…

Posted on: January 24, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

3 Red-Hot Reasons to Move During the Icy Cold Winter

If moving in the dead of winter (or, really, doing anything other than wearing a Snuggie and watching Netflix) doesn’t sound ideal, we don’t blame you. The kids are in school. There are holidays to deal with. The days are short and dark. And it’s cold—really, really cold. But there are a few very good reasons to break out those coats and boots and start hauling boxes—or better yet, paying someone else to haul boxes for you.…

Posted on: January 19, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

The 3 Most Important Things to Consider Before a Kitchen Remodel

Start by Planning Ahead Remodeling a kitchen is a big undertaking and one that requires careful planning. If you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, these ideas offer some important things to consider before you go ahead with your remodeling plans. Whether you’ve already gathered information, ideas, and samples, or are in the beginning stages of looking at your space and trying to figure out what to do, it’s smart to step back and consider the…

Posted on: January 10, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Selling Your Home This Winter? Get A Fair Price With These 11 Tips

Selling a home is a complex process to navigate in and of itself. The matter becomes even trickier when you add cold weather into the mix. Homeowners looking to increase their chances of selling their house for a fair price this winter need to be aware of a few specific tips and tricks to keep in mind when selling during these cold months. So which methods of getting a fair…

Posted on: January 3, 2019 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

What to do in your Northern California garden in January

Plant Winter and spring months are good times to shop for blooming azaleas and camellias in Sunset climate zones 7-9, 14-17. Don’t let the flower color alone determine your choices, though; before purchasing a plant, make sure it’s healthy and its leaves are lush and green. Avoid plants that have pale leaves, overly leggy growth, or roots protruding through drain holes. The following small- to moderate-size maple trees are perfect for home…

Posted on: December 27, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

8 Design Trends [Buyers] Will Crave in 2019

From architecture that can withstand Mother Nature’s wrath to warm neutrals replacing gray-washed rooms, stay in the know about the biggest interior design predictions for the coming year. Shifting economies, demographics, and land shortages are issues altering how we live and what buyers are looking for in a home. Going smaller has become bigger—a trend Not So Big House author and architect Sarah Susanka first advocated more than 20 years ago. A…

Posted on: December 13, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Tips for Holiday Visiting

The holidays are coming soon, so ’tis the season to be jolly. That said, it’s also important to have good manners during all the fun and fellowship. Even your closest family members and friends should be treated with respect when you’re visiting them in their homes. During the holidays, most people will play the role of guest at one point or another. When you are invited to spend some time visiting a…

Posted on: December 6, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

6 Things New Homeowners Waste Money On

You’ve just moved into your first home. For the first time in your life, it’s all yours – no more landlord, no more renting, no more leases. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also a time filled with a lot of sneaky expenses new homeowners often aren’t prepared for. Add those new expenses to the expensive monthly cost of a mortgage, insurance, property taxes, homeowners association fees, and so on, and it’s not hard to…

Posted on: November 29, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

4 Things to Know When Buying Homeowners Insurance

Buying a home can be so overwhelming that it’s easy for first-time buyers, especially, to give minimal thought to the homeowners insurance process. Yet, if something happens to your home, homeowners insurance can make or break you. Before you just sign on the dotted line, here are four tips to guide you: 1. Contact at least three companies to compare coverage. Your mortgage lender can, and probably will, require you to have…

Posted on: November 21, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

5 Surprisingly Smart Reasons to Buy a Home During the Holidays

Turkeys and tinsel, dreidels and pumpkin pie. Yes friends, the holidays are here again, and it’s the perfect time for … house hunting? OK, we know you’re busy enough planning family feasts and much-needed vacations while dealing with blustery weather, but hear us out. While it might seem counter-intuitive to put a big-ticket item like a home on your holiday shopping list, it really does make sense. Don’t believe us? Check…

Posted on: November 15, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Thanksgiving dinner etiquette: 20 tips to help guests mind their manners

Here’s some Thanksgiving advice from etiquette pros, including The Emily Post Institute, social strategist Deborah Ritch, president and founder of RitchImage, and the U.S. State Department. 1. RSVP. Let your host know right away if you can come or not. If you received a “family” invitation, let your host or hostess know how many of you can come. 2. Offer to contribute to the meal — but don’t dictate the menu. Your best bet is to make your offer open-ended and…

Posted on: November 8, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

9 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness

Gray skies don’t have to mean a drab indoor life. As fall continues and the days become shorter, it’s too tempting to just hibernate until spring. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the quieter months of the year. Perhaps it’s a bit overdone to talk about the art of hygge, that untranslatable Danish word that references the feeling of being ultra-cozy and content. The thing is, the Danes…

Posted on: November 1, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

10 Easy Ways to Add Holiday Curb Appeal

Liven up the front door and share your holiday spirit with the whole neighborhood this year! Setting the Stage Whether you plan to wrap string lights around the house, hang illuminated icicles from the eaves, or install glowing blow-up figures in the front yard, it doesn’t take much to whip up some amazing holiday curb appeal at your entryway. Here are ten how to’s. Photo: The Comforts of Home Aromatically Festive…

Posted on: October 25, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a night of fun and fright, but it does require extra caution when it comes to keeping your little monsters safe. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, “on average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to any other day of the year, and more than 70 percent of accidents occur away from an intersection or crosswalk.” Follow these Halloween safety tips to help…

Posted on: October 18, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

18 Moves That Will Help You Retire Early and in Style

Exiting the rat race early is not impossible, but you need to plan carefully to make it happen. These tips will help you gather key resources. Do you daydream about retiring as you plod through your 9-to-5 job? Are you wondering how a neighbor or relative managed to quit working at age 59 and go traveling? For many people, retirement — never mind “early” retirement — seems out of reach.…

Posted on: October 10, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

21 Ways to Save on Your Remodel

This Old House canvassed dozens of industry pros to catalog ways you can wrestle your renovation costs back down to earth. Smart Savings PHOTO BY MARK HOOPER Busting the budget is everyone’s biggest fear when it comes to renovation. And with good reason. Even if you follow the essential advice we’ve been doling out for years—build in a 20 percent cushion to cover the nasty surprises, get contractor references and…

Posted on: October 3, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How To Create A Man Cave Garage

Did you know that garage man caves are therapeutic? I’m just kidding, but in all seriousness, a man cave garage is sure to be the talk of the town and your home within your home. Man caves give us the freedom to express ourselves. It gives us the personal space we sometimes need in the middle of the weekly grind we go through 52 times a year. The benefits are…

Posted on: September 27, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Inexpensive Fall Decorating Ideas

Autumn itself provides a bounty of fall decorating ideas. No need to decorate for fall with cheap, plastic, fake items when the real thing is charming, more tasteful, and easily creates a beautiful fall feeling in your home. Here are 13 easy & inexpensive fall decorating ideas for you to get your natural fall style on! DECORATE WITH MINI PUMPKINS 1. Use a pumpkin as a vase for fresh flowers. Clean…

Posted on: September 19, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

7 Ways To Use Your Home Equity For Retirement Income

Question: I am a late starter to retirement planning. Should I count my house or the equity in my house as an asset in my retirement plan? If you are playing catch-up on your retirement planning, you need to maximize every asset you have to make retirement a reality. In general, financial planners don’t count the equity in your home when constructing a retirement income plan. Practically speaking, you need…

Posted on: September 12, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Title Insurance is Worth the Investment

Whenever there’s an article in the news about title insurance, all too frequently there is criticism about the cost. This perception occurs because there are fewer claims with title insurance compared to other forms of insurance. The higher percentage of claims an insurance company pays should not be equated with the value and cost of the policy. This is especially true with title insurance. Most types of insurance cover incidents…

Posted on: September 6, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

Whether it’s a family home that you’ve inherited or a home where you’ve raised a family and created memories, letting go of a property can be an emotional experience. It’s important to carefully select a real estate agent with experience selling properties in your area and in a similar price range. A good place to start is reading reviews of agents online, and asking friends and family for recommendations. Your agent will evaluate…

Posted on: August 30, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

5 Reasons to Sell this Fall

Here are five reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase… and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy a home. Take…

Posted on: August 17, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

These Are The 4 Biggest Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For A Mortgage

Applying for a mortgage may seem like a tricky process, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little guidance, anyone can get started on the path to becoming a homeowner. With that in mind, we’ve laid out some of the most common mortgage application mistakes that would-be buyers make, as well as how to fix them. Read them over so that you can avoid falling into these all-too-familiar traps.…

Posted on: August 10, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

What to Look For in a Mortgage Planner

Finding the right mortgage planner is no different than hiring someone for a job. It is easy to think about the process more than the person, but choosing your mortgage planner is no different than hiring a lawyer or an accountant. This person will guide you through the largest financial transaction of your life, so don’t leave it to chance with an online stranger or being one of hundreds of applications stacked…

Posted on: July 27, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, retirement is defined as the act of withdrawing, going away, retreating. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community When it comes to the modern definition of retirement – that glorious age where we can shed the 9 to 5 work responsibilities and live our lives to the fullest – some of those words in the traditional definition may apply. Many seniors and boomers, who have been gainfully employed…

Posted on: July 20, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Retirement Based on Lifestyle, Not Income

There’s a rule of thumb that says you should budget a certain percentage of your income towards retirement. Many experts say you should set aside 10 to 15 percent of your income for your golden years. But there’s a competing theory that says that you should budget for retirement based on the lifestyle you plan to enjoy, not the income that you currently earn. To clarify this idea, let’s imagine…

Posted on: July 13, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How to Save for Your Retirement

Having a student loan payment each month as a college graduate leaves little room in the budget to contribute to a retirement savings account. College grads without student loans are much more likely to save for retirement. By the time they reach age 30, grads without student loans are predicted to have double the amount saved for retirement as individuals with student loans, according to a study by the Center for Retirement…

Posted on: July 6, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Housing Trends for Baby Boomers

New Features Keep Pace with this Active Generation Baby boomers, who were the largest American generation until the Millennials took over, are either retired or quickly nearing retirement age. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964 and who count more than 76 million, may be getting older, but they are definitely not ready to head to the retirement home! The boomer generation is more active than generations past, has a more…

Posted on: June 29, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Want To Downsize In Retirement? Problem One, Millennials Don’t Want Your Stuff

For many Baby Boomers looking to sell their homes and make a move in retirement, finding Millennials willing and able to buy their houses might turn out to be a serious hurdle. But that’s not the only challenge they will face when they relocate in retirement. Moving is never easy, but it is a unique experience for older adults, who have built a life in their homes, amassed an imposing quantity of stuff,…

Posted on: June 22, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Retirement: 3 things to consider before moving

One in three Americans has nothing saved for retirement, according to a recent Time.com article. If you’re one of them, and are living entirely off Social Security, you may decide to move in with family to save money. It can be a good option, but be sure to discuss these issues before you start packing. 1. Your contribution to household finances Let’s tackle the big one first: how are you and your…

Posted on: June 15, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

3 Ways Real Estate Can Boost Your Retirement Income

There’s big appeal in the idea of investing in real estate right now. And it’s not just because of all the attention these days on President Donald Trump, who made his fortune in the industry. Many real estate-related investments have done quite well in the last decade or so. The median sales price of single-family homes hit $315,700 at the end of the third quarter, up 23 percent from the prior peak…

Posted on: June 7, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How To Make Sure You’re Buying A Home In A Safe Neighborhood

“Crime levels have declined sharply in the US over the past two decades. According to FBI statistics, the rate of violent crime fell 50% between 1993 and 2015, the most recent full year available,” said Business Insider. Yet, school shootings are increasingly on everyone’s minds and public perceptions are that crime is actually on the rise. “In 21 Gallup surveys since 1989, the majority of Americans said there was more crimecompared to the year before, despite…

Posted on: May 25, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 2

Six Surprising Retirement Trends You Need To Know

Tiny homes. Rockin’ communities where Jimmy Buffet is your spirit animal. Rockin’ a strenuous hike minutes from home. Yeah, this is not your Grandfather’s retirement. Long gone are the days when people packed it in and moved to a nice, calm little home for the aging in Florida the day they turn 65. Not only are people working longer today, but they are looking for more out of their retirement…

Posted on: May 24, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

8 Downsizing Tips Before You Move into a Senior Living Community

You’ve evaluated living options and found the ideal place to live out the next chapter of your life. Now what to do with all that stuff that’s accumulated over the years? Here are eight downsizing tips to help you downsize before your move. MAKE A PLAN. Downsizing is process that involves different days of high productivity, with some space to reflect in between. When you see a move on the…

Posted on: May 16, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Buying a retirement property? 6 things to consider before pulling the trigger

Every day in America, nearly 11,000 people turn 65. Take a second to think about that — 11,000 every day, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. The last “baby boomer” will reach 65 in the year 2029. People are also living longer and staying healthier and therefore spending more years in retirement. So it’s becoming more and more critical to think about retirement now — including where (and how)…

Posted on: May 10, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Ready to Retire? It’s Time to Plan Your Exit Strategy

Take steps before your retirement party to get all the perks coming to you. Preparing for retirement means saying goodbye not only to your co-workers and a steady paycheck, but also to employer-provided benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) match. Before you head out the door, it pays to squeeze a few extra bennies from your boss. Time it right. Companies use various timetables to match employee 401(k) contributions…

Posted on: May 3, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Planning for Retirement; The Relocation Decision

A change of scene can be good for your well-being Moving can improve your psychological well-being, even if it is forced by an unexpected event. To move or not to move, when you retire — that’s a big question. If moving seems sensible, then where? And what will it cost? The vast majority of new retirees plan to stay in their own homes. But circumstances change. You might be widowed,…

Posted on: April 26, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Relocating In Retirement: Don’t Make These Common Mistakes

While most Americans show a desire to age in place, retirement can also be the ideal time to sell your home and relocate or downsize. Kids are typically grown up and moved out of the home, and the need to be close to work is gone, so many seniors use retirement as a catalyst for relocating. Some relocate because of a lifestyle or climate change, others want to be to…

Posted on: April 21, 2018 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Aging in Place

Homeowners are getting older, and to continue on in their current house, improvements are necessary. “Aging in place,” however, is not just about adding railings and ramps—in fact, 46 percent of homeowners aged 75-plus began improvements early with the expectation that they would grow older, but stay put, according to a HomeAdvisor report. The most common remodels, the report shows: Add Lever-Style Doorknobs Add Pull-Out Shelves Add a Smart Fire Detection…

Posted on: May 13, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How to Best Support Seniors on Moving Day

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, Trilogy at Rio Vista Realtor, moving your older parents or friends can be stress for you and for them, just thought I would share these moving day tips to help ease the stress. When moving day arrives for an elderly relative or friend, emotions may be running high, but you’ll want risk of physical injury to be low. From packing their things to the big moving…

Posted on: April 25, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

13 Surprising Extras That Add Value To Homes

From the desk of one of Rio Vista’s top Realtors, Ralene Nelson: If you are getting ready to sell your home, give me a phone call and I will stop by for a free consultation with regard to the current value of your home, and steps you can take to get the most out of your home. Most people who watch home renovation shows on TV can quickly spout off…

Posted on: April 16, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Magic Number: The Ideal Credit Score For Securing A Mortgage

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, Rio Vista Realtor: Understanding credit scores is a complicated process. And, it is important to contact a Mortgage Specialist early on to understand the impact a credit score can have on your home buying experience. Feel free to contact me and I will put you in touch with an amazing Mortgage Specialist that will answer all of your questions. You don’t have to achieve…

Posted on: April 9, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Single and Set for Retirement: ‘How I’m Building a Healthy Nest Egg on My Own’

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR working with retired buyers and sellers: As a REALTOR working with people buying and selling in Trilogy at Rio Vista, I see people every day struggling with retirement income issues. Just thought I would share this article on building a healthy nest egg, and being single. It goes without saying that squirreling away for retirement is a big deal goal—one that’s often made…

Posted on: April 1, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

10 Ways to Reduce Your Housing Costs in Retirement

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR serving Trilogy at Rio Vista: During the course of working with my clients I am asked all sorts of questions. When it comes to finding affordable housing and downsizing to save money, Trilogy at Rio Vista has it all! Decreasing your housing payments will help your retirement savings last longer. Affordable Housing Housing is often your biggest retirement expense. But there are a variety…

Posted on: March 25, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Should Seniors Buying a House Do It With a Reverse Mortgage?

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, Trilogy at Rio Vista REALTOR: As a REALTOR selling houses in a retirement community I get asked all kinds of questions – but this question is unique! Many home purchasers are seniors. Some become homeowners for the first time, but most have been and want to remain homeowners. They just don’t want to remain in their current house. They may want a house that…

Posted on: March 19, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

7 Ways Your Expenses Will Change in Retirement

Transportation and clothing costs decline, but watch out for new health care costs. From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR serving retirees in Trilogy at Rio Vista: If you are looking to retire in a friendly community, contact me at 707-334-0699. Trilogy is a gated community, just perfect for people 55 and over… safe, secure and affordable! Take it from someone who lives there. Most retirees spend less than they…

Posted on: March 12, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Centurion Award 2013 – 2020

Dear Ralene, Congratulations on achieving the 2015 CENTURION® award. Your hard work and dedication to your customers, your community, and the CENTURY 21® System have enabled you to earn this outstanding achievement. It is because of affiliated sales professionals like you that the CENTURY 21 brand continues to be a powerful force in real estate and receives notoriety, such as ranking “Highest Overall Satisfaction for First-Time Home Buyers among National…

Posted on: March 5, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How To Raid Your Retirement Account To Buy A Home

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, Rio Vista REALTOR: If you have questions about what is the most cost effective way to buy a retirement home, feel free to contact me anytime. If there was one thing I knew for sure last year it was that mortgage rates would be going up. They’ve gone down. According to Freddie Mac , rates on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage have fallen to…

Posted on: February 20, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

10 Upgrades Under $1,000 That Increase Home Values

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, Realtor serving Rio Vista, Isleton, Walnut Grove: Now is a good time to think about selling your home. There are very few homes for sale in the area, which means that when a home goes on the market there are lots of buyers available, and just that fact drives up home values. The following tips will enable you to get an even higher price…

Posted on: February 13, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

What’s My Home Worth? 9 Factors That Affect Resale Value

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR serving the California Delta: As a real estate agent, I see the following factors on a regular basis. However, I come to the table with lots of cost-effective ideas that will help you, the Seller, overcome many of these factors, and get top dollar for your property. We’ve all done it: You want to score tickets to a concert, but you don’t want…

Posted on: February 3, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Forget Downsizing In Retirement

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, Realtor serving the California Delta: Whether it’s important to live close to family, or just looking for a slower pace and an active lifestyle, contact me if you are interested in the retirement community: Trilogy at Rio Vista. You will love these elegantly styled, energy efficient homes, located right on the golf course and 10 minutes from the Sacramento River. Maybe a bigger house…

Posted on: January 25, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

SECOND ANNUAL FRESH CRAB FEED!

Unlimited fresh crab, pasta, green salad & garlic bread. Bring your own adult beverage! Unlimited fresh crab, pasta, green salad & garlic bread. Bring your own adult beverage. Dessert Auction! Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Building, 610 St. Francis Way, Rio Vista CA This is a fund raiser to benefit the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Rio Vista and American Legion Post #178.…

Posted on: January 16, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

How Real Estate Fits Into Your Retirement

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR serving the California Delta: “I work with retired people everyday helping them get into their ideal retirement home at the Trilogy at Rio Vista community.  Homeownership used to be considered the American Dream. Most baby boomers grew up with a goal of owning their own home. Now, many members of the younger generation question whether it is a good idea to buy real…

Posted on: January 6, 2016 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

A 3-Step Downsizing Plan for Seniors

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR: One thing about the homes for sale in Trilogy at Rio Vista, they may be smaller then the current home you are leaving, however, they are beautifully designed as either a new home for all of your favorite furnishings, or a great place if you want to start fresh with all new furnishing and a new style. Moving into a new house is…

Posted on: December 26, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 3

12 Rules To Live By When Buying Into A Retirement Community

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR serving Trilogy at Rio Vista: Not only do I work with people Buying and Selling homes in the Trilogy at Rio Vista Community, but I also live here. Rio Vista is one of the 10 best cities to retire in California due to: Cost of living, low crime rates, nearby to doctors and grocery stores.  Rocketing prices, dwindling inventory, yearlong waiting lists, buyer lotteries—no, it’s…

Posted on: December 18, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

7 Ways To Save On Winterizing Your Home

From the desk of Ralene Nelson, REALTOR: When you move into a new home in the Trilogy at Rio Vista community, you will be pleasantly surprised at the benefits of solar energy. Your utility bills will be dramatically reduced with this new technology. Still recovering from the sticker shock you got from your last heating bill? These simple tricks can help lower your costs and keep you warm this winter.…

Posted on: December 10, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Last-Minute Tax Breaks For Homebuyers

From the desk of one of Rio Vista’s top Realtors, Ralene Nelson: Thinking about tax breaks is a good thing, whether you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call me and I will get your questions answered. Let’s face it: The last thing you want to worry about after that second glass of eggnog during this year’s holiday festivities is what you might need to deal with during…

Posted on: December 2, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Rio Vista holiday happenings slated Dec. 5-6, 2015

RIO VISTA — Rio Vista will welcome the Christmas season with a holiday happenings Dec. 5-6. The annual Olde Tyme Christmas Craft Fair, at the Rio Vista Museum 16 N. Front St., runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. The RioVision Holiday Home Tour is 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Check-in is at the Rio Vista Senior Center, 25…

Posted on: November 27, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Profile: Gerry Mori the Heart of Delta Pharmacy

So, you need to pick up a prescription, a greeting card, or a special gift. Where do you go? If you’re like me, you go to Delta Pharmacy. While you are there, you wander around just to browse the cool stuff they have in stock. You might be approached by a petite woman who is perfectly coiffed, dressed and accessorized, and whose make-up is impeccable. She offers to help and…

Posted on: November 19, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Staging Tips for Selling During the Holidays

Before you deck the halls, see which holiday decor can help you sell. It’s the time of year that calendars are packed with holiday parties, budgets are strained by gift-giving and the roads are covered in freshly fallen snow. Alas, ’tis not the season for real estate. But the good news is that the few brave house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying a house and stylish trimmings…

Posted on: November 11, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 2

10 Best Cities to Retire in California

Sunny California is a great place to retire, right? Well, there are certain cities and towns which are better suited than others to retire in California, as is the case with any other state. But, for those who want warm weather, and great year round activities, this is a state which is welcoming to the elderly. In fact, there are a number of cities which have great retirement communities, activities…

Posted on: October 28, 2015 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Delta Farmers Market

Ralene Nelson, Rio Vista REALTOR, supports ‘Save the Delta’ and the Delta Farmers Market. The Delta Farmer’s Market opened for business on October 1, 2010.  This Market is not only a place to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, it provides education about agriculture in the Delta region and helps support Delta farmers and the Delta community. The Delta Farmer’s Market offers a full range of fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce,…

Posted on: March 30, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Newsletter, 3/31/23

Is Property Insurance the Same as Homeowners Insurance? Property insurance is a general term that refers to a group of policies that serve the purpose of protecting real estate property and its contents or providing liability coverage for the property owners; homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that protects homeowners by insuring against damages and losses to the home and its contents and providing liability coverage in case of…

Posted on: March 28, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

In this guide, we’ll explain the nitty-gritty of what is and what’s not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. We’ll cover the specifics and questions that may be of particular concern to you. For example, you may wonder if a typical homeowners insurance policy covers damage from mold, termites, and roof leaks, or whether you’re covered if your dog bites a visitor. We’ll also highlight things that are not typically…

Posted on: March 24, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Newsletter, 3/24/23

Is Real Estate a Good Investment Right Now? Lately, because of the seemingly dire state of the market, some “experts” are shouting from the rooftops that the housing market is about to collapse in 2022 or 2023. But is that the truth, or just click-bait? Is now a good time to invest in real estate? We say yes. Relax — There is no housing bubble about to collapse. Average monthly…

Posted on: March 24, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

The Most Important Factors for Real Estate Investing

What’s the most important thing to look for in real estate? While the location is always a key consideration, there are numerous other factors that help determine if an investment is right for you. Here’s a look at some of the most important things to consider if you plan to invest in the real estate market. 1. Property Location Why It’s Important The adage “location, location, location” is still king…

Posted on: March 17, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Simple Home Hacks to Save Money

Spend smart, spend less, and save more. Save over $500 a year with these simple ways to save money around the house. Change Furnace Filter Keeping your furnace (gas or electric) tuned up has two big benefits: It makes the furnace run efficiently and it prolongs the furnace’s life span. And you can perform the annual tune-up yourself in about three hours. Change the filter every month of the heating season (or…

Posted on: March 17, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Newsletter, 3/17/23

35 Money-Saving Household Habits Adopt a few of these home tips to find a bit more cash each month. Your house gives you so much: security, pride, and shelter. With all that on the line, it’s easy to assume the costs of keeping it up just are what they are. But wait. There are plenty of expenses that are simply a waste. Here’s how to save money each month without…

Posted on: March 15, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

PENDING – 700 Michelbook Ln. Rio Vista, 2 bed/2 bath/1,579sqft/5,693sqft lot

Property Overview $455,000 – Beautiful Atherton model, located in the Active Adult Community of Trilogy. Corner lot, 2 bedroom/2 bath home, with beautiful wood flooring, carpet in bedrooms & den. The kitchen has an island with granite counters, oak cabinets, some with glass fronts to show off your china, & gas range. Lots of counter space for the chef & has a pantry. The great room has built-in custom cabinets,…

Posted on: March 10, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Newsletter, 3/10/23

Buying a House in 2023: What to Expect Well-priced homes in good condition are selling fast, but buyers have some negotiating room. Home prices flattening After big gains in the past three years, home prices are expected to stay flat. Buyers have more negotiating room Sellers can’t call all the shots the way they did a year ago. Mortgage rates stabilizing Mortgage rates more than doubled in 2022, with the…

Posted on: March 9, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

The six major steps in mortgage loan processing

The mortgage loan process may seem far from simple. There’s a lot that happens between your initial consultation to your loan being funded. But we’ll walk you through it—and with full transparency. We’ll explain every step of home loan processing, including a breakdown of all associated costs and fees. You’ll know exactly what you need to submit and when, and exactly where your loan is throughout processing. And if you…

Posted on: March 3, 2023 Posted by: rnelson Comments: 0

Newsletter, 3/3/23

Real Estate 2023: The Trends That Are Coming and Going Nearly half (49%) of respondents across the U.S. said they would be motivated to move somewhere new for a more affordable cost of living.” What other trends are storming the real estate market in 2023 and which are on their way out? Let’s have a look. In: Pre-Construction Purchases Out: Personalized Offer Letters In: Single Family Homes Out: 20% as a…