Sparks, NV

Not a day goes by that I am not asked about foreclosed properties. Friends, family, neighbors are just a few of the many who want to know "Is a bank foreclosure a good buy?"

To find the answer it helps to know what a foreclosed property is. A bank foreclosure occurs when a borrower is unable to repay their outstanding debt to the bank.

The property is put up as collateral for securing the loan, and a lien is put upon the property giving the bank legal right to seize that property should there be a default in payment.

Once the homeowner is delinquent, the bank can take back the home and foreclose on the homeowner. The homeowner must leave the premises and the home is now in the possession of the bank.

The banks loose money every month they hold onto these homes. Usually a real estate company is hired to resale the home at a lower than market value price to get the home sold quickly.

The foreclosed home is sold in "as is" condition. Many people fear buying a foreclosed home will come with a lot of problems. What most folks do not realize is that once the bank forecloses on a home, an inspection is ordered for the property, the property is cleaned and cleared of debris, trash and any items that may be left behind are removed. Most properties are in fairly good shape and ready to buy.

If you are a first time home buyer or an investor, there are many loan programs available for you when you buy a foreclosed property. A qualified mortgage professional or Realtor how knows how to close them can help you with your decision to buy a foreclosed home.

Northern Nevada is now seeing multiple offers on foreclosure properties. With today's record low interest rates, first time home buyers tax credits, now has never been a better time to buy a Northern Nevada foreclosed home.

If you would like to learn more about foreclosed properties in the Northern Nevada area, or any homes that are for listed for sale in this area, please consider calling me to help you with this process. I can help you find foreclosure's in this area and help you with the purchase of these properties.

Email me or call me if you are interested in finding out more about Northern Nevada's foreclosrue properties. My email address is TerrieLeighton@hotmail.com and my cell phone number is 775-846-5424. Visit www.servingrenoandsparks.com for a list homes that are currently active in the Northern Nevada regional multiple listing service.

About the author: Terrie Leighton is a real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate. Please see Norhtern Nevada homes to learn more about Terrie Leighton.

If you are considering buying a foreclosed property that is in need of repairs but you only have enough money for the down payment and the closing costs that are needed to buy a home with a FHA loan, you may want to look into the FHA 203K Rehab Loan Program.

When you buy a distressed property with the FHA 203K Loan Program, the costs to renovate the home can be included in the loan. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administered this program to help single family properties that need repairs and rehabilitation.

By helping borrowers with the "fixing up" of a home, HUD believes this program will help neighborhoods get back into shape and revitalize communities and encourage home ownership in distressed neighborhoods.

When you buy a home with the FHA 203K Rehab Loan Program the costs to fix up the home can be included in the loan amount.

You do not need to be a first time home buyer to qualify.

This program can be used for home improvements on a existing one-to-four unit dwelling and must be at least one year old.

At least $5,000 worth of repairs are needed to qualify and closing must take place prior completion of any repair work is completed or started. A licensed contractor is required to estimate total cost of repairs needed.

What is eligible for improvement under the 203(K) program?

• The repair or replacement of roofs, gutters and windows
• The repair or replacement of flooring
• The repair or replacement of the electrical system
• Minor remodeling such as upgrading the kitchen or bathrooms
• Updating with paint, inside and outside
• The repair or replacement of a deck or patio
• Installation of newer energy efficient windows.

Things to think about when considering a FHA 203K Rehab Loan.

Are you a handyman or do you know of anyone who can help with the repairs of your new home? Fixing up a home is not easy. Having someone who can help and advise you is essential in completing any remodeling project. You may have to hire a licensed contractor.

Do you know a licensed contractor you can trust? You want to feel comfortable the person you hire knows what he/she is doing and you are not wasting your money.

Deciding what repairs and replacements you will spend the money on and not over spending. Some homes will have several things that need updating or repaired. You need to be realistic and write down what is important to you and your family and decide what needs improvement and what does not.

Not all lenders offer the FHA 203K Rehab Loan Program. Be sure to ask your lender if they offer this program.

The home must be owner occupied to qualify for the FHA 203K Loan Program. No investors or renters.

~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

If you are considering buying a foreclosed property why not consider applying for the FHA 203K Rehab Loan Program to help with the cost of repairs of your new home?

Just think of how much value and equity you will add to a distressed property simply by doing any of the above improvements and repairs. Taking advantage of the HUD's FHA 203K Rehab Loan Program is an excellent way for home buyers who are low on cash to afford to bus a distressed property and turn it into your dream home.

Authored by Terrie Leighton. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate serving Northern Nevada. To see a list of homes in Northern Nevada please see, Northern Nevada Real Estate for a complete list. To contact Terrie, call 775-846-5424 or email her at TerrieLeighton@hotmail.com. Visit her real estate blog at www.SellingRenoandSparks.com.

All information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.

Celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday at the 7th annual Arts in Bloom Festival at the Sparks Marina!

Arts in Bloom is Presented by Reno Lawn and Landscape!

The Sparks Marina is located at 300 Howard Drive, Sparks, Nevada, 89434

Admission is FREE!

The celebration is from 10a.m. to 4p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2009

The Arts in Bloom Festival is back at the Sparks Marina Park for its 7th year this Mother's Day. The event this year falls on May 10, 2009 and runs from 10a.m. to 4p.m. and will feature work by local artists, a celebrity painted plate action, a performance from American Idol finalist Elliot Yaman and activities for children that will focus on Art.

The Arts in Bloom Festival benefits the Northern Nevada Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The Susan G. Komen foundation raises money for Breast Cancer Research. All monies raised at this festival will stay in Northern Nevada.

Event schedule

10:00 a.m. - Art Vendors and food & beverage sales begin and Lorentzen Family Singers perform

12:00 noon - Escalade performs and the Celebrity painted-plate auction starts

1:00 p.m. - Elliot Yamin, American Idol finalist, performs

Remember....this popular local event is free and is open to the public! There will be food and craft vendors and exciting entertainment. Bring your mom out this Sunday May 10, 2009 and celebrate Mother's Day under the sun at the Sparks Marina Park and have a happy Mother's Day!

Authored by Terrie Leighton. May 2009. Terrie Leighton is a real estate agent in Northern Nevada. Terrie works for Ferrari-Lund Real Estate. For information on real estate in Northern Nevada, please visit Northern Nevada Real Estate.

Northern Nevada Golf Courses ~ Sparks, Nevada

If you like to golf, there is no shortage of golf courses in Northern Nevada.

Northern Nevada is home to some of the most scenic, challenging courses in the state of Nevada!

Have you been looking for home in a golf course community? Are you interested in learning how to golf? Want to improve your golf game?

In the city of Sparks, Nevada you will find D'Andrea Golf Club, the Links At Kiley Ranch and The Resort at Red Hawk Lakes Course.

Each course offers golf lessons, discounts to locals and are surrounded by beautiful homes. So, if you have ever wanted to walk out onto your back patio and onto a golf course, check out one of the Northern Nevada golf course listed below. Then call me, I can help you find your dream home in Sparks, Nevada.

Get detailed information on tee times, lessons, hours of operation by clicking on each course. Get detailed housing information in the Sparks, Nevada area by visiting Northern Nevada Real Estate or by calling me, Terrie Leighton, your Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent at 775-846-5424. Or, you can email me at Terrieleighotn@hotmail.com. You can also tweet me @Tleighton.

D'Andrea Golf Club

Located at 2900 S. D'Andrea Parkway, Sparks, Nevada 89434 ~ 775-331-6363.

Description

This course was designed by Keith Foster, and award winning golf course architect. D'Andrea is a 6,849-yard, Par 71 layout that meanders through mountainous foothills and canyons and features spectacular views of the Reno area and Sierras Nevada Mountains.

D'Andrea Golf Course was rated "Four Stars" by Golf Digest Magazine for "Best Places to Play."

When you go, be sure to ask about the Players Club Program and the Locals Twilight Special.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The Links at Kiley Ranch

5800 Kiley Links Drive
Sparks, NV 89436 Phone: (775) 354-2100

Description

The Links at Kiley Ranch is Northern Nevada's newest golf course. A 9 hole executive links style course co-designed by Mark Miller and Patty Sheehan, a member of the LPGA hall of fame.

The Links at Kiley Ranch is located approximately seven miles north of interstate 80 off of Sparks and Henry Orr Blvd. It is a public facility open year round weather permitting. The yardage for the nine hole, par three's from the back tee is 1391 yards and 910 yards from the front tees. There are three different sets of tees on each hole.

The Links at Kiley Ranch's greens and the 3500 square foot practice putting surface are 100% bent grass, arguably the best putting surface available. They also offer power carts, club rental, golf lessons, and a practice hitting net.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The Resort At Red Hawk - Lakes Course

6600 North Wingfield Parkway
Sparks, NV 89436 Phone: (775) 626-6000

Description

The Resort at Red Hawk offers to the public the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design Lakes Course and the Hale Irwin Signature Design Hills Course is the centerpiece of the Private Club at Hawk.

Red Hawk Features:

• Voted "Best Public Golf Course" 7 times by Nevada Magazine
• Voted "Best Golf Course" 7 times by Reno Gazette-Journal
• Award winning Private Golf Course
• Two-Tiered Grass Driving Range
• No-cart fees
• 9,000 sq. ft. chipping area
• PGA Instructional Staff

In addition to great individual play at the Resort at Red Hawk, you can also host any tournament and events that you or your business may be putting on. This also includes any catering needs you may have for this group.

For a complete list of golf courses in Northern Nevada, see Metromix Reno.

Authored by Terrie Leighton. May 2009. Terrie Leighton is a Real Estate Agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada. Please see Northern Nevada Real Estate for homes in the Reno/Sparks Nevada Area.

Need a job? The Legends at the Sparks Marina announces a job fair for May 7, 2009  from 11am to 7pm  at John Ascuaga's Nugget. The job fair is sponsored by the City of Sparks, RED Development and John Ascuaga's Nugget. Approximately 25 tenants are expected to open this summer at the Sparks lifestyle shopping center and are looking to hire approximately 700 people to fill various positions including sales associates, retail managers, food servers and security staff.

The Legends at  Sparks Marina is the largest destination complex for retail and entertainment in Northern Nevada. Up to 700 people will be hired to fill various posotions needed for the ribbon cutting ceremony  that is scheduled for June 18, 2009.

Tenants who will be looking for employees include:

• Adidas
• Best Buy
• Carter's, Osh Kosh B'Gosh
• Gap Outlet
•  Banana Republic Factory Store
• Easy Spirit, GNC
• Guess Factory Store
• Gymboree Outlet
• Harry & David
• Jones New York
• Lane Bryant Outlet
• Lucky Nails
• Nike Factory Store
• Nine West Outlet
• Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse
• Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th
• Vans and Volcom 

"The big grand opening celebration" officially begins July 31 through August 9, 2009. Events include a summer concert series, fashion show, celebrity appearances, fireworks and much more.

John Ascuaga's Nugget is located at 1100 Nugget Avenue, downtown, Sparks, Nevada.

Businesses that are currently open at the the Legends at the Sparks Marina include Scheels, Best Buy and Target. The Legends at the Sparks Marina is located at 1311 Lincoln Way, Sparks, Nevada 89434. 

Remember, if you are looking for a job, May 7 from 11am to 7pm at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, Nevada is having a job fair and hiring up to 700 people! If you are looking for housing in the Reno/Sparks area, see Norhtern Nevada Real Estate for homes available for sale in the Northern Nevada Multiple Listing Service. Or, call me at 775-846-5424 for all your real estate needs in Northern Nevada.

Terrie Leighton is a Real Estate agent in the State of Nevada. She works for Ferrari-Lund Real Estate and can be reached at 775-846-5424. All information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.