A bill that is now pending before the California full Senate would make it possible for California taxpayers to avoid paying taxes on forgiven mortgage debt through a short sale, short sale payoff or other loan modifications.
Senate Bill (SB) 1055, authored by Sen. Michael J. Machado, passed the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on an 8-0 vote. The measure would help California taxpayers whose lenders have forgiven a portion of their mortgage debt, by allowing them to exclude the forgiven debt from their incomes for state income tax purposes. Under existing state tax law, forgiven debt on mortgages is taxable to the borrower as ordinary income for the year in which the debt is forgiven. OUCH!
Think about it. You’re already in financial straits, otherwise you wouldn’t be in foreclosure. You list your home with your friendly Chico Realtor hoping to stem off the foreclosure and hopefully not have your credit significantly damaged. Next thing you know you’re getting a tax bill from the state.
Continue reading this article on The Pink Couch!
Economic Stimulus or Stagnation?
by Mike Wiegert
After months of hopes and expectations our legislative and executive branches of government have come together to approve the economic stimulus package containing higher mortgage limits for both FHA and FNMA/FHLMC mortgages. Although this is certainly a step in the right direction, what affect does the new bill really have on our local and regional real estate economy?In many instances, particularly in California we will see that the plan will provide limited benefits to specific geographic areas. The bill sets the FHA and conforming (FNMA/FHLMC) loan limits to the lesser of $729,750 or 125% of an area’s median home sales price. If 125% of an area’s median home sales price is below the current conforming loan limit of $417,000 the current limit still applies. In other words, you will not be any worse off than you are today.
Continue reading on The Pink Couch...
Every couple of months, it just seems to hit all at once! I find myself working 12-15 hour days just to stay on top of the details.
As much as I’ve disliked not attending to my blog regularly the past couple of weeks, I’ve had several critical transactions in front of me that necessitated my full attention. 24 hours a day doesn’t seem quite enough, let alone leave time to do any blogging!
Keep reading! Click here....
$165,000 1401 SANTA CLARA AVE 1161 sqft
$220,000 330 W 14TH STREET 1300 sqft
$231,500 689 E 18TH STREET 2000 sqft
$285,000 1196 #B FILBERT AVE 1173 sqft
$285,000 1300 CHESTNUT ST 1280 sqft
There were a total of 16 properties sold last week... for the complete list visit The Pink Couch!
Contact me for a no obligation, Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your house may sell for. Ask me about my internet marketing plan!
My direct number: 530-864-5407. Email: sandibauman@sbcglobal.net.
$165,000 1401 SANTA CLARA AVE 1161 sqft
$220,000 330 W 14TH STREET 1300 sqft
$231,500 689 E 18TH STREET 2000 sqft
$285,000 1196 #B FILBERT AVE 1173 sqft
$285,000 1300 CHESTNUT ST 1280 sqft
There were a total of 16 properties sold last week... for the complete list visit The Pink Couch!
Contact me for a no obligation, Comparative Market Analysis to find out what your house may sell for. Ask me about my internet marketing plan!
My direct number: 530-864-5407. Email: sandibauman@sbcglobal.net.
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Top Producing Chico Realtor specializing in Chico CA Real Estate sales. Assisting buyers and sellers with residential home sales, investment property, ag land, and relocation. REO specialist!
Welcome!
Let me introduce myself by saying that my name is Sandi Bauman. Iam a licensed Chico, CA real estate professional working for Chico Homes. HOWEVER, I have spent a lot of time in your shoes- whether you are a buyer, a seller, or somewhere in between, I know very well what it is like to be right there! I encountered my first real estate transaction at age 19, and have had the benefit (or disappointment) of working with quite a number of salespersons, brokers, and title companies since then. I understand how frustrating and confusing it is to be a consumer relying on an agent who just doesn't seem to fit your needs or expectations.
What are your needs? Well, according to a recent article, the top three complaints voiced by consumers about real estate agents were as follows:
1. The agent was inaccessible and didn't return my calls in a timely manner;
2. The agent didn't take the time to really get to know me and therefore, my real estate needs;
3. The agent didn't seem to have my best interest at heart.
My philosophy is very simple. I treat each client with the same respect, professionalism, and integrity I would hope to find if I were the one doing the hiring. Phone calls and questions via e-mail will be returned at the earliest possible convenience. This particular point is so important to me, I've incorporated the latest technology so that my clients have 24 hour access to the status of their listing or escrow. A client can log on any time to see exactly how I've been working to ensure that their transaction progresses smoothly. When it comes to my personal life, I want my questions answered, and my calls returned! I expect that you are looking for the same.
I make a concerted effort to learn as much as possible about my client's lifestyle, special interests, and ideals in order to respect their time. This will narrow the list of possibilities when it comes to previewing properties, and let us focus on what you really want. No need to worry about me showing you every condo in town when what you're looking for is room for your kids and animals to run free.
At the end of the day, if you're not happy, I'm not happy! I will go to great lengths to accomplish your Chico real estate goals in a professional yet personal manner that exceeds your expectations. To me, it's not about closing the deal. It's about having you satisfied with the way your transaction was handled.
Give me a call! I'm looking forward to working with you.
Professional Qualifications, Affiliations and Designations
Residential buyers and sellers
Relocation Specialist
Ag properties
Vacant land sales
Investment properties
New construction
Serving Chico, Durham, Forest Ranch, Paradise
Orland, Willows, Cohasset, Magalia, Oroville
"Hi Sandi
This memo is to commend you for an outstanding job in helping me find a home.
In every aspect your professionalism and competence made a potentially frustrating experience a pleasant, well coordinated effort. You were very patient in the search phase, in particular in the time and effort you took to get to know me and my needs. Then acting upon my needs you provided an extensive list of listings that helped us to find the perfect fit for me. During the offer phase you diligently explained each and every step of the way. Because of your attention to detail you took all of the worry out of a complex process. You guided me through the offer process and saved me a lot of money by pointing out potential problems and recommended appropriate solutions. You recommended a very good loan broker who found a very good mortgage offering a low fixed rate on a 30 year loan. Then when escrow closed you made sure that all of the terms of the agreement were followed by the seller.
In my view, in every aspect you epitomize what a realtor should be.
Thank you very much for your work."
Randy Lozada
"Dear Chico Homes
It is has been a truly great pleasure working with Sandi Bauman with the sale of our home.
We had a unique situation where we were selling our house to purchase undeveloped property and placing two modular homes on it. Being city folk, this has been quite the experience with starting from scratch in the country. An important factor to this transaction was the timing of the sale of our existing home to be able to move directly into our new home. Sandi was very, very helpful with advising us when to put our house on the market and also providing extensive advertising on the internet, etc., and being available for open houses and showing the house to clients. Sandi is one of the busiest people I know with working and taking care of her family. She never complains and is always totally upbeat, cheery and just a really kind person.
Without Sandi, I don't know how I would have made it through this ordeal. I feel very fortunate to have been so lucky to have the opportunity to work Sandi in selling our house and hope that we remain friends forever.
Thank you, Sandi!"
Susie Genna
"Dear Chico Homes,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated Sandi Bauman during my recent purchase of a home. I
I had spoken to Sandi and told her what my husband and I were looking for and about how much we wanted to pay for a home. The day we met with her to look at homes, she had a good selection for us to see, based on the information we have given her. As we walked through each home she pointed out the highlights of each home as well as some of the things she was concerned about. She asked us questions as we went to get a better feel for what we were looking for and to make sure that if we had any concerns about the home, she could find the answers for us.
We found her to be very enthusiastic, competent and honest. As we went through the necessary paperwork to write up the offer, she explained each item for us as we went along so we felt comfortable that we were in good hands.
I appreciate honest, helpful people, and when I run across them, I like to let them, and their bosses, know that they have done a good job. I have already expressed my appreciation to Sandi, but I wanted you to know, as well."
Sincerely,
Jan Allison
Were you satisfied with the service you received?
"Very much so. Your professionalism and quick action (i.e. getting the buyers to use your connection as a lender) no doubt speeded up the process."
Was communication timely?
"Any calls or emails were returned promptly, always with an answer"
Were all of your questions answered?
"Always, and then some. You always did the extra little bit to complete the sale."
Were any problems handled efficiently?
"All problems were fixed immediately."
Was your transaction handled in a professional manner?
"As I stated in question #1, very professional, with the right touch of humor. I like that!!!"
Would you recommend me to others?
"Most definitely!!!"
Do you have any other comments or suggestions?
"Too bad we didn't get to meet. I would have liked to thank and meet you in person. Good luck!!!"
Feedback received from Dave Montz on sale of family home.
Dear Sandi,
I was very pleased with the way my transaction was handled and I would be very proud to recommend you
to those that could use your services, without any hesitation. I would like to say, that it was my pleasure to have you as my Real Estate Agent. You have presented yourself very professionally and very charming. Thank you for making our transition smooth and very pleasant, and thank for all the follow ups, E-mails and phone calls, you helped us a lot. Thank you.
George and Carmen Farrugia.
Dear Valued Client,
As Broker of Chico Homes of Chico and Go Real Estate Group of San Mateo, I have the privilege of announcing the top Sale's Associates of 2005 and 2006 for each office.
Chico Homes' 2005 and 2006 Top Sales Associate is Sandi Bauman.
Chico Homes' 2006 Top Listing Associate is Sandi Bauman.
I knew the first day that I met her that Sandi would be a tremendous asset to our company and Sandi has exceeded my expectations in every conceivable way. Sandi's attention to detail is without question. In 29 years of managing other Realtors, Salepersons and Staff, I have never seen the high standard to detail that she maintains. Sandi also communicates extremely well with her clients and often with the clients of other Realtors where their direct communication has failed. Sandi always presents herself in a manner that is completely professional. Sandi makes extreme efforts to answer her client's questions thoroughly and backed by knowledge. Sandi calls me frequently for support in the areas of legality and ethics, so that the knowledge she imparts to others is based upon fact .
Most of all, Sandi has demonstrated to me an unfaltering commitment to her clients and fellow associates that is unfortunately often uncommon in our industry. In my travels to research and purchase real properties outside of the Butte County area, I often find myself wishing that I could find a Salesperson like Sandi to assist me.
In highest regards,
Mike Wiegert
Broker
Chico Homes
Hi Mike,
Cindy Hunt put me in touch with you many months back. You and I spoke on the phone regarding some real estate I needed to sell as part of my divorce settlement. At that time you referred me to Sandi Bauman, and assured me that Sandi was a real estate expert and YOU WERE RIGHT!
Not only did Sandi provide me with detailed and accurate documentation regarding my property, she took the time to explain everything, the terminology, the current state of the real estate market, what to expect, how to go about taking care of things.
Sandi was MUCH MORE than a real estate agent for me. We recently were able to complete the sale of the property and I can't tell you how surprised and delighted I was when I got a call from the buyer to thank me for having selected such an awesome real estate agent! Ya gotta love that! I KNOW how competitive the real estate business is, and especially in Chico (I have a brother who is an agent).
I have given Sandi's name to at least a dozen people, and will continue to do so. I want to thank you and congratulate you for having such exceptional talent working with you! When the time comes for me to buy my new home you can only guess who will be closing the deal :)
Denise Arnold
Hi Sandi:
Sorry I haven't got back to after the sale of my Mother-in-law's house on
Talbert. You did such a fantastic job for the family. We appreciate your fast response on everything and how smoothly everything went. To have that many involved and everything go well is unbelievable.
Thanks for handling everything from termite to escrow to closing. You are great and I'm so glad I met you and everyone agreed to let you handle the listing and sale. You are a very competent realtor and we were lucky to have you!
Thanks again Sandi.
Wilma J. Martin
Realtor
Century All Star Realty
410 N. Main
Porterville, Ca. 93257
http://mailto:wilma@portervillec21.com
Sandi,
You would get an enthusiastic yes on all counts in our Real Estate Expierence. Thank You very much. It was certainly Our Pleasure to have worked with you. Best Wishes always for your continued success,
Wen & Gaylynne Wagstaff
Hi Sandi,
Hope all is well. I appreciate everything you did to help me and my son complete our search and purchase a home in Chico. You really went the extra mile.....and up a tree...to make things work out well. Thank you again !
Please continue to keep me in mind if you run across another terrific investment property you think I might be interested in.
Again thanks,
Stacy
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