“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Cindy Brandon - EcoBroker, GRI, CRS, ePro

Good News Sonoma County, REO Inventories are on the Decline!

For the first time in this market, we are seeing a marked reduction in REO inventory. The number of properties available has dropped from 315 at the end of March to 273 as of May 5, 2008. In some areas, REO inventories are very low and buyers are finding that they are competing against multiple offers. I have personally experienced this with buyers in East Santa Rosa and Windsor. REO inventories have plunged in several areas including Windsor, Petaluma, and West County.

West Santa Rosa remains the hardest hit with a current REO inventory of 109 homes, and represents 40% of all REO inventory in Sonoma County ... however, its important to note that 52 of these properties have come on the market in the last 30 days.

For more information about Sonoma County REO properties visit my webpage www.socohomegroup.com/reo

Climate Protection Campaign Meeting In Healdsburg Friday, May 16

Here's a great opportunity to learn about what Sonoma County Government and Businesses are doing to fight Global Warming.

Climate Protection: Everybody Profits IV
Friday, May 16, 2008 8:30am to 2:00pm
Villa Chanticleer, Healdsburg


Here's a sampling of topics that will be covered.

  • How does our County fit into current and proposed U.S. climate initiatives?
  • Find out what actions our County governments has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Learn who our climate protection community leaders are in Sonoma County.
  • Learn about the latest tools and solutions in energy efficiency, alternative fuels, water efficiency, and greenbuilding techniques.

For more information go to: http://www.everybodyprofitssonoma.com/

Hope to see you there!

California Proposition 8 - May enable you to temporarily lower your property taxes.

Proposition 8 may offer an opportunity for you to temporarily lower your property taxes.

Proposition 8, provides County Tax Assessors with the authority to temporarily lower the assessed value of real property when the valueis higher than market value as of the January 1, lien date. To lower your taxes you will need to provide evidence to the Assessor's office that the market value of your property as of January 1, 2008 is less than the assessed value.

If you live in Sonoma County California I can provide you (free of charge) with the necessary application form as well as information on comparable sales that took place from January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008. Just go to my web page www.socohomegroup.com/prop8 and fill out the request form.

New Sonoma County Conforming Loan Limits

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) announced a temporary increase to conforming loan limits for loan originations starting July 1, 2007 and ending Dec. 31, 2008.

The government also raised loan limits FHA guaranteed mortgages for loans originated between now and Dec. 31, 2008.

Here are the new limits for Sonoma County:

sonoma county new loan limits
To view all new FHA Limits, go to: FHA Loan Limits by County

And for proposed limit changes for FNMA and FMAC go to: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Proposed Loan Limit Changes

(The above information has not been verified, is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice).

Integrated Pest Management

From time to time I have buyers calling me to try and find homes that have not been treated with pesticides. Usually these people are cancer victims but more and more people are beginning to understand the impact that pesticides have on ourselves and our environment.

If you are concerned about pesticides but don't want ants and other pests you might want to consider talking to Hitmen Pest Control. I'm delighted to say that they are now offering an alternative product they call integrated pest management. Rather than spraying a pesticide barrier around the house, their specialists come out periodically and inspect around and underneath the house treating only where needed. They treat with natrual products like cloves and cinnamon.

If you'd like to learn more, you can contact them at 707-526-6055. If you don't live in Santa Rosa, try contacting your local pest control company. You can also access additional information through the following links:

http://www.recyclenow.org/less-toxic/index.html

http://cesonoma.ucdavis.edu/Integrated_Pest_Management685/