You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
Homebuyers in Fresno can now enjoy the benefits of Lennar’s green building with the introduction of energy-efficient homes that are part of their new PowerSmart℠ Home. Combining some of today’s most innovative products and materials, Lennar’s PowerSmart℠ homes give buyers the power to save money, to save energy and to save the environment. Lennar’s PowerSmart℠ homes provide buyers a lifetime of value by significantly reducing electricity costs, preserving the environment and creating energy independence. Lennar combines products, such as lighting, appliances and improved insulation, to maximize the benefits of an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Some lifestyle enhancing PowerSmart℠ features that are included in the purchase price at several Lennar homes in Fresno are tankless water heaters or 50-gallon insulated energy-efficient gas water heaters, HVAC 14 SEER condenser, zero-clearance gas-burning fireplace with electronic ignition, dual pane low-E solar gain windows that help reduce indoor temperatures in the summer months, unique design considerations that promote cross ventilation for reduced air-conditioning costs, and R-49 and R-15 insulation. Low flow water fixtures, programmable thermostats and Energy Star® appliances also are included features per plan.
Lennar offers 13 distinct communities to choose from throughout the greater Fresno area, including communities in Fresno, Clovis, Tulare, Lemoore, Visalia, and Reedley. Prices start in the $100,000’s and the distinctive floor plan styles range from approximately 1,500 to 2,200 square feet of living space. Homebuyers are invited to stop by and tour one of Lennar’s communities this weekend for special pricing, incredible financing and to see for themselves the energy-efficiency of a PowerSmart℠ home.
Community hours this weekend are Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, give me a call at 559-994-6567.
Sincerely,
Shantay R. Davies
Internet New Home Consultant Lennar Fresno Division
" Free upgrades," "Green Homes," "Low interest rates," "Pick your colors, flooring,lighting," "New energy efficient homes," " Huge master suites." The ads for the new builds in single family housing go on and on. The offers are very tempting especially for entry level, first time buyers. Why should they settle for an older home which very likely shows it's years even if the owners have done their best to keep it up?
How can homeowners who put their houses up for sale compete with the new builds being offered at affordable prices and with so many insentives. Most first time buyers don't want a house with potential. They want new and fresh. So what can sellers do to make their homes competitive?
HOME STAGING the best, most cost effective marketing tool a home seller has. Home Staging can be as simple as a walk through and consultation after which the home owner makes the needed changes.
Though many people don't want to spend money on a home they're going to sell, home staging, is one cost that is a great investment. It can make the difference between months on and off the market, price reduction, more months on the market ( all the while making house payments on the home) and a quick sale, often at or above the sellers price.
Home staging gives the home a fresh, newer appearance. It creates a clean, but warm, inviting environment that appeals to buyers. Most buyers today are not looking for potential in a home or one that needs TLC ( major fixer upper). They want new looking, clean and fresh.
I recently accompanied a young couple on their first home search, walking through countless houses and helping them make an offer on a one owner home, built in 2003. They were happy enough with the house until a friend suggested visiting a new developement. After the first visit to the new build model they pulled the offer. Like many of their friends they are now living in a home that is brand new.
We had seen bigger homes, larger lots, mature landscaping, but nothing that didn't need a good dose of home staging. Had some of these homes been staged it may have made a big difference in our home search and outcome.
Sellers need an edge in the competitive world of home selling. Home staging is that edge!
HAROLD PENNER: Fresno Real Estate Market Analysis Mission of the Heart!
This Christmas season I am reminded of all good that can come from people. I had the privilege of working with a buyer and seller on a unique sale this fall. An investor bought a foreclosed home in the south Fig Garden area of Fresno. Previously, the location for one of the largest drug busts in Fresno's history and later partially renovated and then vandalized, the home needed to be stripped to the studs and rebuilt.
Instead of a traditional renovation and sale, this home construction project became a mission of the heart. The investor (who wishes to remain anonymous) organized the effort for donations of services and materials from local contractors and companies to renovate this home from top to bottom. All profits from the sale of the completed home were given to four faith-based charities: Evangelicals for Social Action, Fresno Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity and Poverello House. "Witnessing businesses and individuals respond so willingly to requests for materials and services was truly humbling. And watching a home formerly associated with such darkness and crime being transformed was a very fulfilling experience" stated the seller.
The final product is a stunning 2,300 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with new landscaping, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry and fixtures. Built in 1937 on a 13,500 square foot lot with historical detailing throughout, the home even features a rare Fresno basement. Additions include a new two car garage and attractive front courtyard. "We were just in the right place at the right time," stated the first time home buyers. "It was a complete construction zone when we first saw it, but once we walked through the home with the contractor we saw the vision for the place and were hooked."
In the midst of the current economic downturn, it was truly a pleasure to see the commitment to quality and selfless actions that were demonstrated throughout this project. I wish all of you a very merry Christmas season!
NOVEMBER MARKET STATISTICS* - Fresno and Madera Counties
Average Price of Sold Homes in November '08 vs. '09 -$178,935 vs. $169,042 (5% Decrease)
Sold Homes in November '08 vs. '09 -691 vs. 759 (9% Increase)
# of Foreclosures and Pre-Foreclosures Sold in November '08 vs. '09 - 493 vs. 454 (8% Decrease)
FEATURED LISTING 5275 W. King Fisher Ln., Fresno, CA 93722
$215,000
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1,271 sq. ft.
Adorable Home! Located in the small, quiet, gated community of European Bluffs, this 2 bed/2 bath home offers luxurious amenities, neutral décor and peaceful surroundings. A rare find, this community features affordable living in the midst of million dollar Fresno bluff views. Granite counters, large master suite with adjoining den/sitting room, indoor laundry closet and one car garage. Located near Herndon and Milburn.
Ferris Financial Group, Inc. also know as Ferris Homes designs affordable farm field worker housing for sale in Northern California meeting State and Federal Government Grant programs. We offer housing for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 16 workers.
Ferris Homes is a manufactured home dealer that designs and builds rural housing and farm/field labor housing approved by HUD or MOD and meet State and Federal Government Grant programs. Rural housing for wineries and ranches is important today in order to offer adequate housing for laborers vs. older inadequate housing of the past as pictured. Especially important are the grants available out there offered to help finance expenditures like worker housing.
Below I have included the program description, requirements and loan terms that we can help address your farm/field worker housing needs, Affordable Farm Field Worker Housing For Sale in Northern California can be built by Ferris Homes.
The Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Farm Labor Housing loans and grants are provided to buy, build, improve, or repair housing for farm laborers engaged in on-farm processing such as the wine industry. Funds can be used to construct housing, day care facilities, or community rooms; to pay fees to purchase durable household furnishings; and to pay construction loan interest.
The Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Loans are made to farmers, associations of farmers, family farm corporations,Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and associations of farm workers. Typically, loan applicants are unable to obtain credit elsewhere, but in some instances, farmers able to get credit elsewhere may obtain loans at a rate of interest based on the cost of federal borrowing. Grants are made to farm worker associations, nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes and public agencies. Funds maybe used in urban areas for nearby farm labor.
Loan Terms:
Loans are for 33 years at 1% interest. Grants may cover up to 90% of development costs. The balance may be a Farm Labor Housing Program loan.
Ferris Homes has specialized in designing and installing manufactured, modular and pre-fab environmentally green and custom homes for over 18 years. We originally started in the manufactured home business by buying older mobile homes and replacing these with new manufactured homes in senior and all age mobile home communities in Northern California. Today, most of the new homes are placed on private land, in senior park communities and as farm housing on ranches, vineyard and farm properties.
For Affordable Farm Field Worker Housing for Sale in Northern California contact:
The holidays are officially upon us and it's time to hang Christmas lights on your new home! Many homebuyers took advantage of low interest rates, affordable home prices, and the federal tax credits this year to buy their first home. Now, take advantage of these helpful tips and how-to's to make hanging lights on your new home less daunting. Oh, you may be wondering what makes me an expert light hanger----I'm not an expert, but I'm an experienced homeowner and I wish I'd had a handy guide to make the first time around less painful.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
1. Ladder
2. Small and large hammer
3. A second pair of eyes and hands
4. Tape measure
5. Lights
6. Light clips (for areas you don't want to puncture, like rain gutters)
7. Nail on clips
8. Extension cords (If your home is a neutral color, you may be able to find nuetral cords. More than likely, you'll choose between the standard colors. Green cords easily hide under landscaping).
Make a Plan
You can purchase all of the tools and materials at your local hardware or home improvement store. Before you get started, take a walk around your house and make mental notes on the final light design. Take notice of where your exterior outlets are, walkways, and of course the scale of your light design.
Get Started
1. Decide on a primary electrical outlet. Electricians recommend 120V. Check with a local electrician if you have questions. If you're using a timer, make sure it's designed for exterior and not indoor use.
2. Start measuring--You'll need to know the length of home you're lighting. Don't forget to take into consideration any bushes or trees you're including in your lighting design. You can pick up mesh light strings for bushes and tree trunks.
3. Set your ladder up and make sure it's in good working condition. Here's a link on ladder safety.
4. Before you begin hanging clips, test your lights to make sure they all work. Electricians recommend you replace lights with damaged wires. To replace a bulb, follow the manufactures directions.
5. Grab your light clips and place them about 12 inches apart on the eaves. You can hang the lights as you attach each clip. Check to make sure the grip is tight before moving on to the next clip. If you're attaching lights to trim, the nail on clips will likely work best.
If you don't have a home to decorate this year, but plan to be settled in time for next year, start your search for a New Home with Lennar Fresno right now! Questions on what to do next in your search for a New Home? Call me anytime at 559-994-6765, or find me online! Happy decorating!
Shantay R. Davies
Internet New Home Consultant Lennar Fresno Division
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
