
ZinFest Wine Festival is a great celebration of Lodi wine, food and fun!
This year, three distinct events make up this weekend of wine tasting bliss. Friday, May 15 will be the ZinFest Vintner's Grille - a casual evening of fine wines under the stars at Lodi Lake. Saturday, May 16 will be the main event- ZinFest Wine Festival, and the weekend will wrap up with Winery Open Houses throughout the region on Sunday, May 17.
CHEERS!
That's right, Wine and Chocolate weekend in Lodi!
Over 40 venues will be participating in this years event. Our local wineries will be offering tastes of their their wine, paired with delicious chocolate. There will also be live music, new releases, food pairings, art shows, and tours.
At Chocoholics chocolate factory in Clements, visitors will be able to go on a tour and view the making of their edible delights.
Tickets are $35 in advance through www.lodiwineandchocolate.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center (877) 367-4757, and are $45 the days of the event at any participating winery location. Price includes a commemorative dark chocolate bar and tasting glass. Upon ticket redemption at a participating winery, open your chocolate bar and see if you are a winner! There are over 100 prizes, including a romantic weekend getaway in Lodi Wine Country! There is no charge for Designated Drivers. But, if you don't have a designated driver, a free shuttle bus will be available through Wine Country Shuttle.
See you THERE!

Today, a customer looking to buy a house under $150,000, having 3.5% down payment, at 5.% interest rate, equates to a monthly mortgage payment of $775.00!!! This monthly payment also includes principle and interest. Income required for this loan $30,000. Can you believe it?
Do you know anyone in Lodi, that is renting a home for $775.00? Now is the time to buy!
Have you ever purchased a 'mystery gift' from your favorite catalog? You know, pay $50.00 for a $100.00 gift. You don't know what the gift is, but you do know it's a good deal. This is very similar to buying an REO. REO properties makeup the majority of our local inventory and are at great value, but there are risks involved that you need to be prepared for.
REO properties, Bank Owned properties, often have their own contracts and/or addendums. These documents very from bank to bank. I'm sure your Real Estate Professional will review the specifics of these documents, but keep in mind, these contracts were written by the bank, in favor of the bank.
When purchasing an REO property, it is likely that you previewed the property without utilities. Make sure that prior to your home inspection that the water, gas, and electric are on. Even if your confident that you know the condition of the property, get a home inspection. Your home inspector is up to date on codes and will provide you with a full report that can be referenced when planning repairs. You can budget for the expected, but not the unexpected.
Plan ahead and be prepared for the unanticipated. In your purchase contract ask your agent about including a Home Warranty Plan. More banks are willing to pay for Home Warranty Plans or your generous Real Estate Agent may be able to assist. A Home Warranty Plan is well worth the money if a major system or appliance that needs to be prepared.
Keep these items in mind and I'm sure your next real estate purchase will be a success.
I've got some good news for those of us stuck in a declining real estate market. If your property is worth less than what you paid, you may qualify for a reduction in your property taxes.
If your property taxes were not automatically adjusted, contact your county tax collector. Once your taxes have been reevaluated, contact your lender. Most lenders evaluate escrow accounts annually, but don't wait. It's time well spent. My mortgage adjusted $173/month and my lender is sending a check for $2,000.
Yippee! More money for me!
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