Kelly Groth

Roseville, Loomis, Auburn, Lincoln, Rocklin, Folsom, Carmichael Citrus Heights, Antelope, Elk Grove, in short, most of Placer, Sacramento or El Dorado Counties, the answer is pretty much the same.

As a top producing Realtor, I am frequently asked, "Is now the best time to Buy (or Sell as the case may be) our house". While the worldwide economy has made predicting the bottom of the market a bit, well, unpredictable, there are certain absolutes we can still count on.

Due to foreclosures and short sales, millions cannot qualify to purchase another home for 2-7 years. Thus the rental market in the greater Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado Areas is strong and growing.

For the investor, does the property yield a good return on their investment in comparison with other investments? The question is a resounding "YES". When buying a rental under $250,000 with 25% down, the monthly rent will cover your mortgage payment and in many cases, net you positive cash flow each month. For all-cash buyers in this price range, cash on cash returns are in the 9%-14% annually. Compared with low bank interest rates, Stock Market Volatility or precious metal fluctuations, these rental returns are very healthy. A good property management firm will collect monthly rents and handle repairs unless you fancy yourself as Mr. Handyman and manage your own rental properties.

For the would-be owner occupant, rent vs. buy is the question. Providing your credit and income allow you to qualify for a loan, yes, lenders are still lending money despite the rumors :) , properties purchased below $350,000 with today's interest rates, the annual cost of ownership is less than comparable rents. The peace, stability and pride of home ownership is tangible and desired especially when it saves you money.

Whether buying as an investment, first-time, move up or relocating buyer, the purchase makes sense from a financial standpoint. This does not take into consideration any hoped for appreciation. Home values will remain fairly flat in this price range for the next few years. No earthshaking declines or appreciation. Eventually, appreciation will return to the market place bringing additional benefit to this purchase but that should remain a non-issue for the near term.

Property valued in the $350k-$650k range in the greater Sacramento Valley is very location and feature specific as to whether pricing declines will be seen in 2012. Property valued above $650k in the Tri-County area will continue to see weak support for current pricing levels and in most cases, price declines in the upper end will continue in 2012.

California's Home affordability index at the market's height in 2005 was only 16%. Meaning only 16% of Californians could afford a median priced home in this State. Due to price declines and relatively level incomes, that number has skyrocketed to an amazing 64%. While no one likes to dwell on all the heartache and trials many have suffered during this downturn in Real Estate prices, the truth is four times as many people can now afford to own their own home in 2012 as compared with 2005.

While my heart pains for all those negatively affected by losing their homes during the past six years, I am pleased when I help get young couples, or those whose credit has been repaired, get into a home they can call their own. I would love to assist anyone reading this article do the same. Give Kelly a call/text at 916-316-4000 or kellygroth@gmail.com to get started on finding your dream home.

Remodeling kitchen trends are creating stylish kitchens with cleaner lines, built-in dining, and pops of color, according to a recent article in RISMedia.

Here are some recent trends in kitchens across the country.

1. Built-in dining areas. Eat-in kitchens are in high demand as more remodelers are opting for extensions in counters that resemble a table, either in lower or higher height to the countertop. The counter extension is different than bar seating because diners can sit around the edge and face one another, and not just sit in a row. The counter extension saves space, offers an extra buffet service, and more kitchen storage, says Deanna Carleton of Kitchen Design Group.

2. Dressing up the kitchen with lighting. An affordable way to upgrade a kitchen is just by switching out the lights, designers say. For example, hand-blown glass shades on pendant lights, contemporary drum shades, and chandeliers can quickly update a kitchen. Layers of light continue to be popular, such as with a ceiling lighting fixture combined with under-counter lighting as well as ambient lights behind a glass-front door, designers say. LED under-counter lighting and LED recessed ceiling lights are also popular.

3. Pops of color. Neutral colors in the kitchen is the safe preference, but more kitchens are adding bolder pops of color--such as in persimmon or pomegranate--to spice up the kitchen. Colored knobs, kitchen accessories, and even appliances are bringing in these pops of color. Designers say pops of color can also be brought in by the fabric choice in kitchen window seats, the upholstered seats, or window valances.

4. Striving for simplistic luxury. Clean lines and transitional designs are “in” while ornate Tuscan and French country kitchen styles are falling out of favor in the kitchen. Betty Nairn of Cabinet-S-Top in Granger Township, Ohio, says “simplistic luxury” is the kitchen trend nowadays.

Remodeling kitchen trends are creating stylish kitchens with cleaner lines, built-in dining, and pops of color, according to a recent article in RISMedia.

Here are some recent trends in kitchens across the country.

1. Built-in dining areas. Eat-in kitchens are in high demand as more remodelers are opting for extensions in counters that resemble a table, either in lower or higher height to the countertop. The counter extension is different than bar seating because diners can sit around the edge and face one another, and not just sit in a row. The counter extension saves space, offers an extra buffet service, and more kitchen storage, says Deanna Carleton of Kitchen Design Group.

2. Dressing up the kitchen with lighting. An affordable way to upgrade a kitchen is just by switching out the lights, designers say. For example, hand-blown glass shades on pendant lights, contemporary drum shades, and chandeliers can quickly update a kitchen. Layers of light continue to be popular, such as with a ceiling lighting fixture combined with under-counter lighting as well as ambient lights behind a glass-front door, designers say. LED under-counter lighting and LED recessed ceiling lights are also popular.

3. Pops of color. Neutral colors in the kitchen is the safe preference, but more kitchens are adding bolder pops of color--such as in persimmon or pomegranate--to spice up the kitchen. Colored knobs, kitchen accessories, and even appliances are bringing in these pops of color. Designers say pops of color can also be brought in by the fabric choice in kitchen window seats, the upholstered seats, or window valances.

4. Striving for simplistic luxury. Clean lines and transitional designs are “in” while ornate Tuscan and French country kitchen styles are falling out of favor in the kitchen. Betty Nairn of Cabinet-S-Top in Granger Township, Ohio, says “simplistic luxury” is the kitchen trend nowadays.