About Elk Grove's Laguna West

This year my tax bill came in for one of my properties and the assessed value came in at $152,000. I purchased the home in 1990, have done some upgrades, but there is no way the property is worth that much. I decided to challenge the assessed value and, to my surprise, the process was very easy.

If you think your assessed value is too high, then you need to challenge it before the end of November. The form must be filed by November 30. It is a simple, one page form and there is no charge to file the form. You will also have to submit at least two comparable properties that sold in your area between Jan. 1, 2011 and March 31, 2011. I submitted five properties and included a Comparative Market Analysis for my review. I sent this packet in the mail last Friday. Monday, I received confirmation that they received my packet and that it could take up to a month to receive the results. Today (Thursday), I received the results. The process took less than a week from start to finish. They reduced the assessed value on my property to $120,000. It is not the $105,000 that I think the property is worth, but it will still save me about $450 in property taxes this year. That is not bad for about 1-2 hours of work.

You can find the form at www.assessor.saccounty.net. Make sure you get the Decline-in-Market-Value Residential/Agricultural Request for Assessor Review (Prop 8) 2011-2012 Assessment Year. There is also a very good frequently asked questions page on the website. If you would like to call the assessor's office with questions, the number is 916-875-0455. You can call a Realtor to get the required comparable property reports and a Comparative Market Analysis. If you are in Sacramento County, I would be glad to help. You can call me at 916-698-8414 or email me at rayhenson@kw.com

What happens if you disagree with the results of the review? You have the right to appeal. It is a formal process and may involve an appeal meeting. Again, you have to fill out a form, there is a small fee involved and you have to apply before Nov. 30, 2011. That is way too much work for me, but if you are interested, you can find more information and the form at www.sccob.saccounty.net/pages/assess.html or call 916-874-8174.

Good Luck!!!

Nothing beats the smiles when a family is moving into the home they love! I was so happy to have found this great waterfront home for them in Elk Grove, California and help them to purchase it.

I went by the house today as they were moving in, and I brought a housewarming gift. The wife laughed and spread her arms wide. She said, "You didn't need to buy us another gift. You already got us this - our dream house!"

We laughed and chatted and I helped unpack boxes for a couple of hours before I had to leave to get home for dinner. I left amid hugs and waves and some great people who want me to come back when they are all moved in so I can see it with their stuff in it.

She has already referred one client to me, and I am so happy that I could give them such a wonderful purchase experience and that they are so happy with their beautiful lakefront home. Could anything be better?

******************
Susan Neal

Broker / Realtor
Century 21 Noel David Realty
Fair Oaks, California

Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 30+ years experience.
I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress
transaction.

"Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916)705-8951or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

HUD homes resource Search HUD Homes

I was showing houses today and, believe it or not, I walked by this without even noticing the very creative use of a garage door opener the first time through.

Now it maybe just a bit unsightly, but imagine yourself eating a Hungry Man TV Dinner when the doorbell rings. Just press the opener button and yell, "Come on in!" You have all the bases covered! You may want to consider this the next time you have an old opener laying around. Waste not, want not.

It really was a pretty good way to start my Monday.

Rent To Own Home in Elk Grove

This 4 bedrrom 3 bath home with pool in Laguna West is available to purchase or lease option. Seller has equity and happy to find a win/win for all

Bill Joyce (916) 206-7282

If you can close on a purchase of a home by June 30th, Fannie Mae's Homepath Program might be for you. The Homepath Program allows owner-occupants and investors to purchase a home with special financing. The down payment has to be at least 3% (10% for an investor), but can come from a number of sources, such as, your own savings, a gift, a grant or a loan from your employer, etc. Another advantage of this program is that there is no mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is an upfront and monthly cost on loans with low down payments. An appraisal is not needed on a Homepath financing. If you close by June 30th, Homepath will pay up to 3.5% in closing costs. For more specifics on the program click on the highlighted Homepath Program link above.

You can search for homes in your area at www.HomePath.com by city or zip code. I have viewed two homes recently that are good examples of the Fannie Mae homes that are available. They are 3225Babson Drive, Elk Grove, 95758, MLS#11032003 and 5522 Namath Circle, Elk Grove, 95757. The home on Babson Drive is 1,945 square feet, looks to be move in ready and has a pool. It is listed for $249,900. The home on Namath Circle is 2,500 square feet, needs painting, carpets and kitchen appliances, but is priced at $239,900. There are plenty of properties available in this program nationwide.

Look for the First Look Properties symbol next to the home you are viewing. A first look property allows owner-occupied buyers a window of opportunity to purchase a home before an investor can purchase it. The typical time span for a "first look" is 15 days.

This financing is available from a variety of lenders. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 916-698-8414 or email me at ray.hensonca@gmail.com.

Thank You!