With all the bad news about the nation's housing crisis, homes being foreclosed upon, many people may be wondering: Why should I own my own home? Isn't it just better to rent? Whether the real estate market is good or not so great, there are 7 main reasons to own your own home that are valid regardless of market conditions.
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Gains. According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® , the national median home price in 1990 was $92,000. In 2008 - in the midst of the nation's housing crisis, the national median home sales price was $198,000. If you owned your home during this period of time, and didn't refinance it to draw out equity, it would be likely that your home would have gained value. The key point is - it's okay to refinance your home to obtain a more favorable interest rate, a shorter repayment term, or a lower payment. Homeowners should not refinance their homes to draw out equity to pay off credit cards or other debts. If they do, they need to realize that the valuation of their home starts all over from the date they refinance. It's as if they are buying their home all over again at the refinanced price.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you'll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home. Provided you don't refinance your home to draw upon your equity, and you own your home for 10 or more years, the equity value is likely to increase and the home will be worth more than you paid for it.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell - many years from when you bought, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don't go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will rise (and this also depends on the type of mortgage loan you obtain.)
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can make design changes to update it or decorate it any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home. This goes hand in hand with enjoyment - you will enjoy your home more when you can personalize it to your tastes with paint, carpet and drapes that you want. Often, a landlord won't let you make these changes, or else they may require to change them back when you decide to move, which can be very costly.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of an educational community.
For more information on the Carson Valley, email me at christy@greatnevadahomes.com or visit me online at www.greatnevadahomes.com.
|
|
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
In December, when the market was a little quieter for the holidays, I had the opportunity to take a 2-day class regarding short sales, foreclosures and everything you could possibly know about the marketing of Nevada Short Sales. Having been a licensed Nevada Realtor for since 1999, I've seen a lot of ebbs and flows in the market, but I am always up for educational opportunities to improve my skill base and become even more knowledgeable.
After taking this class, I was in awe of all the information I was presented with, and everything I had learned. It was overwhelming! The instructor that taught this class was a RE/MAX broker out of Chicago, and this class was specifically created for RE/MAX agents.
The class was not inexpensive - with good reason! The types of things I learned included:
After the two day class attended by 25 agents in our office, we received the opportunity to submit our class completion certificate and transaction history so we could officially be designated as Foreclosure, Short Sale and Repossession Specialists.
Nevada Short Sales and Foreclosures are reality and will be with us for some time to come. Some experts predict that short sales in Nevada will a significant portion of our real estate market for the next 3-4 years. Realtors can either fumble through the short sales and foreclosure sales process or get educated and become the foreclosure and short sales specialist the public needs and deserves.
For more information on the Carson Valley, email me at christy@greatnevadahomes.com or visit me online at www.greatnevadahomes.com.
|
|
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
As of January 26, 2009, there are 485 homes for sale in the greater Gardnerville, Minden and Genoa area. The total number of homes available for sale continues to decrease from 3 months ago when there were 574 homes on the market. A decrease in supply is one of the key factors that will help stabilize prices in our valley. One of the most basic principles in economics is the function of supply and demand. (Data is according to the Multiple Listing Service and excludes any shared ownership or manufactured housing.)
Of the 485 homes currently being marketed for sale, 39 homes are bank-owned properties and 48 are short sales. That means there are 87 homes out of the 485, or 17.9% of the total number of homes currently for sale, are distressed. That is up from 14.4% a month ago.
Want more information? Visit us online at www.GreatNevadaHomes.com. You can search the Multiple Listing Service, view virtual tours, read about the different neighborhoods in the Carson Valley, and read a daily blog.
|
|
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Within the Carson Valley, there are several separate and distinct areas to live, each with certain advantages over the others. This blog post will focus on the advantages and quality of life that can be found in the Johnson Lane area of Minden.
The Johnson Lane area is located in the northeastern corner of the Carson Valley. You can access the neighborhood by one of two roads that intersect Highway 395 - the two roads are Johnson Lane and, more recently added, Stephanie Way. The Johnson Lane area is laid out much like a grid and is, for the most part, all residential. Along the southern side of Johnson Lane there are some smaller light industrial buildings. The largest business located in the Johnson Lane area is the Starbuck’s Roasting Plant of Minden.
People have been living in the Johnson Lane area for decades, however, it is within the last ten years that it’s growth exploded. The most recently built communities are Wildhorse, North Fork Trails, Saratoga Springs, Bramwell Estates, and Skyline Ranch. These developments are nestled in the foothills of the east side of the valley among pockets of older homes. In Wildhorse, North Fork Trails and Saratoga Springs, homes are located on lots from 1/4 acre to 1/2 an acre. In Skyline Ranch and Bramwell Estates, you’ll find 1 acre parcels. Most older homes in the area are also on 1 acre, so the area has a very laid back and spacious feel.
The Johnson Lane area is bordered by BLM land to the North and the East, providing excellent access to miles upon miles of hiking, biking and exploring trails. The other breath-taking feature of this area is the views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. In most of the Johnson Lane area you can see all the way from Mt. Rose to Kirkwood, and everywhere in between. The views of the valley and mountains are incredible, every season of the year.
The area is also very close to services in South Carson. It is only a 5 mile ride to get to all the big box stores at the top of the hill, featuring Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Trader Joe’s, Costco, and more!
Currently, there are 45 lots available for sale in the Johnson Lane area. Saratoga Springs has 20+ lots left ranging from 1/3 to 1/2 acre, starting at $169,900. This neighborhood has over 35% open space, with walking trails, a park, and protective CC&Rs. In Bramwell Estates, there are 1 acre lots available, with the lowest starting at $150,000. This development also features protective CC&Rs. Most 1 acre lots range in price from $169,900 to $225,000, down considerably from their high prices of just a few years ago. Many lots do not have any Homeowner’s Association or CC&R restrictions, making them very appealing to people with recreational vehicles or hobbies that require outbuildings.
If building a home seems like a daunting task, why not consider a resale? There are 75 homes in the Johnson Lane area on the market today, ranging in price from $244,900 to $2,500,000. Are you looking for more information on the Johnson Lane area? Let us know! Or - if you would like to search the available homes in the Johnson Lane area - or any area of the Carson Valley - just use our Search MLS Listings feature!
For more information on the Carson Valley, email me at christy@greatnevadahomes.com or visit me online at www.greatnevadahomes.com. For more information on the Johnson Lane area, visit us at GreatNevadaHomes.com.
|
|
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Chambers Field is a close-in collection of neighborhoods east of Highway 88 and South of 395, west of the much larger subdivision known as the Gardnerville Ranchos. This area was historically used as ranching lands and dairies, but in recent years has been developed into small master-planned neighborhoods among the remaining rural sections. Those residing in Chambers Field enjoy incredible year around views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and panoramic views of ranching and agricultural fields. Within Chambers Field, there are several subdivisions, each with their own style, feel and characteristics.
Pleasantview was the first of the neighborhoods built in this area and it features mature landscaping. Most homes are located on 1/3 acre lots, many have enclosed RV parking as part of the home, with very upscale interior finishes. After Pleasantview was developed, Silveranch was developed immediately adjacent to Pleasantview. There are two styles of lots in Silveranch – some are as small as a quarter acre, and some are on as much as an acre. These homes also feature upgraded interiors and desirable architectural designs.
Most recently, Rocky Terrace, Cedar Creek and Rainshadow Ranch are three new subdivisions currently available for sale. Rocky Terrace has 1/3 acre lots priced very competitively and is a great place to build if you want to work with your own plan and your own builder. Cedar Creek is a gate-guarded development with small lots, a clubhouse with gym, and a mile of walking trails. The development is intended for “lock & go” owners who don’t want the hassle of maintaining a large parcel of land. Homeowner’s Association dues for Cedar Creek are nominal (under $50 per month) when compared to many developments in California. Rainshadow Ranch is the newest subdivision to take flight in Chambers Field. Greg Lynn Construction is the builder for Rainshadow Ranch and he is building “off the grid” homes. The homes feature solar cells which operate the home without the need for traditional utilities (most of the time), creating a very environmentally friendly carbon footprint. The lots are approximately half an acre and are also available for sale.
These neighborhoods are close to town services, offer easy access to Lake Tahoe and other surrounding recreational areas. If you are considering moving to the Carson Valley area, the Chambers Field area is definitely a neighborhood you should consider.
For more information on the Carson Valley, email me at christy@greatnevadahomes.com or visit me online at www.greatnevadahomes.com. For more information on Chambers Field, visit us at GreatNevadaHomes.com.
|
|
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
 |
|
|
Northern Nevada agent serving Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa, Carson City, Dayton, Reno, Sparks. Residential, investment, land & commercial. Seard the MLS FREE at NevadaHomes.ListingBook.com!
Welcome to my profile - the Gateway to the Carson Valley - where you will learn all about picturesque Nevada and about the fantastic Carson Valley Real Estate available including homes, ranches, land, investment and commercial real estate and an entire Northern Nevada real estate search that is updated daily.
Originally licensed in Nevada in 1999, I serve the Carson Valley and outlying areas, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Washoe Valley, Dayton, Fernley, Smith Valley, Gardnerville, Minden and Genoa.For the first 4 years of my real estate career, I focused exclusively on commercial and investment real estate, including retail, mixed use, industrial, office and medical space.
Working together with my father, Stephen Orear, who was originally licensed in California as a Realtor in 1968, we have a referral network of trusted professionals to assist us in the successful completion of each real estate transaction, including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title companies, appraisers and insurance companies. I prefer to use these trusted vendors because they have proven their skills and experience by being successful in a down market, not just the hot market of yesteryear. Just as a client would value customer service, integrity, honesty, and fair detailing, I expect the same from those professionals I refer to. What this means for you is by working with me, you will have a very experienced, reliable team working for you every step of the way. Experience cannot be valued any more than when you are buying or selling the most valuable asset you are likely to own in your lifetime.
The Carson Valley is just 15 minutes south of the Capital of Nevada, Carson City, and is known as the "Hidden Jewel" of Nevada. Beautiful parks, restaurants, casinos, golf courses, world-class snowskiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and are just a few of the phenomenal things you can find and do here. Minden is one of the main towns in the Carson Valley. Minden has several separate and distinct neighborhoods, and two very-well known companies have chosen to call Minden, Nevada home. Starbuck's has their newest coffee roasting plant located here, which is over 500,000 square feet in size. GE Bently also has it's forward-thinking Agrowdynamics business here, which works relentlessly to create solutions for alternative fuel sources for the world.
Our Real Estate Philosophy - With every client, we listen carefully to determine needs and goals, and put together a personalized plan to accomplish them. Whether it’s a detailed marketing plan to sell your current home, or a tailored plan to find and purchase your new home, you can count on us to use our skills and experience to achieve them. With over $85 million sold in the last 10 years alone, we strive to be the most knowledgeable agents in the marketplace, to be the most ethical and honest, and to provide a level of service unmatched in the industry.
We pride ourselves on providing full service assistance to buyers and sellers, including referrals to reputable lenders, home inspectors, title companies and many other reliable professionals to meet your specific needs.
This is why we say once you work with us, you’ll consider us “your REALTORS® for life”.
Dear Steve and Christianne,
We enjoyed working with you on our recent house purchase. You answered all of our questions in a very timely way and you were always available to show us the house and get us any information we needed. You also made this sale go very smooth and fast by personally delivering all the documents that needed to be signed.
We were also impressed by the very professional but yet very friendly and personal way that you treated both parties involved. We hope we can have the opportunity to work together again.
- Russell Scossa
Dear Steve and Christianne,
Lane and I would like to thank you for a most professional handling of our real estate situation in Gardnerville. Starting with the great communication up front by explaining what we could expect in a very difficult market. In looking at my notes from our first meeting it actually turned out exactly as you said. The length of time you predicted to complete a sale in this market was correct, the amount of the sale was within a few percentage points. Most importantly to us were the following:
1.) Christianne’s expert job of staging the home.
2.) Stephen’s & Christianne’s knowledge of the market.
3.) Continual updates on where we were.
4.) The above and beyond the call of duty displayed by you. Helping get things out of the house, constantly making yourself available for those to whom we donated furniture to.
5.) The most up to date marketing tools, from the “Talking House”, to internet, to mailing people in the area to let them know it was available.
6.) Going the extra mile to work around our schedule which is always unpredictable in our business in the fall.
7.) Actually driving all the way up to Tahoe to get papers signed (when gas prices were at their highest), and even delivering things that we may have forgotten.
8.) Your understanding of my emotional frame of mind since it was my mother’s house, and your sensitivity in handling things so I did not have to spend much time there.
9.) Your continual “What else can we do?” attitude” toward the project.
10.) Your rallying of the real estate community to show the home.
11.) The most important thing may have been their Positive Energy and Enthusiasm. Stephen told us “We can sell this house”.
Lane recently said she wished you can handle our holdings in Calif. and Arizona, and of course I concur! Thank you again for your care, your professionalism, and your belief and commitment to excellence.
- John and Lane Emerick
Hi Steve and Christianne,
This is a pleasure to respond to your request. We have been trying to formulate a “Thank You” to include all the accolades you have earned. We have been residents of the Carson Valley since 1981, and as such have used different Realtors for both residential and business. By far you have been the hardest working Realtors we’ve known. We were impressed with the exposure you gave our property using far reaching advertising, and at your own expense. We also really appreciated how accessible and personal, yet professional you both are, we could always reach you by phone, with every worry or question. (A rare luxury in this day.) Your knowledge of real estate and your keen eye for detail have served us well. In each transaction you kept our best interests in first place, which saved us needless expense down the road. We recommend you to everyone without reserve. Thank you again for your friendship, and work ethic.
With Appreciation and Love - Bob and Linda Blackford
Dear Steve and Christianne,
Thank you both very much! You both are very understanding and respectful of our time. Thank you both for respecting our time as we both tried to respect yours! I am sure we will be doing future deals together. Thanks for the excellent gift. We really appreciate it. Again, thanks and may you all be healthy, wealthy and wise.
Thanks - Carlos and Ondy Valladares
Steve,
We just wanted to send a note of thanks for the top notch service you provided us during the search for and eventual purchase of our home in Minden. Living over 600 miles away and communicating mostly by email, you made our search easy because you were always willing to tour and photograph the properties we were interested in, thereby saving many hours of needless on-site visits for us. As a result, when we did visit Minden and meet with you, we had a much clearer picture of what we were looking for, and we have you to thank for helping us find the perfect property. Your continued help through the purchase process and your dedication to us as clients made us truly appreciate your level of expertise and professionalism in your field. We are very pleased to have a new home in Minden, but even more pleased to have you, Steve, as our friend.
- Lillian Rosen & Randy Nickson
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.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
