Chris and Maria Jeantet

We're often asked this question by friends, family and clients and while it's important to clarify that not all homes hit bottom at the same time, if we look purely at local MLS numbers and current market activity, we can safely say that Redding's Real Estate market in general has seen the bottom.

The decline of home values has slowed down in our area and our "pending" sales continue to increase every month...causing sales activity to remain solid. A recent index by Zillow, indicated that Redding's home values for the month of September were up 0.1% compared to August and down 20.6% compared to September 2008. In one of their recent surveys, we see that 84% of homeowners believe their home has reached bottom. Some interesting statistics in this survey indicate that:

• 41% think their home's value will increase in the next six months
• 43% think their home's value will stay the same
• 17% think their home's value will decrease

Experts in our industry are reporting favorable home prices in many parts of the country, including our home state of California. Bidding wars you say? Yes. Prices so good that they have ignited bidding wars as first-time buyers compete with investors for many of the same foreclosed properties. It's been years since we've seen property values so low that people (normally not investors) are investing in great neighborhoods and creating some positive cash flow for themselves.

On the other hand, one must also consider several external elements before speculating on how soon home values will begin to appreciate again.Some of these factors include but are not limited to;

• The economy
• Unemployment
• National Issues
• Consumer Confidence

With all that being said, I personally believe we have hit bottom here inthe beautiful North State, but I'm staying realistic to the fact that it will take at least a decade if not longer for home values toreach double-digit appreciation. To say that we are at a turning point is more accurate, and that dear friend, is good news!

Got questions pertaining to real estate? Visit our website.

Chris and Maria Jeantet, Realtors
Redding, CA
Coldwell Banker C&C Properties
(530) 510-8880

We are so excited about this year's Christmas Show here in Redding! We bought our tickets and now we can hardly contain ourselves, you'd think we were five years old! Afterall, isn't that what Christmas is all about, being a child again!

Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and nothing brings the magic of the season alive like A Cascade Christmas right here in our little town of Redding! This dance spectacular by the Dance Project continues to be a huge hit for the local community. Lavish costumes, precision choreography and beautiful backdrops will transport the entire family into a world where sugarplums dance, ice skaters waltz, and Santa's elves make children's dreams come true....oh I can hardly wait!

Opening Thanksgiving weekend for an 8 performance run, A Cascade Christmas is affordably priced so the whole family can attend this captivating and heartwarming holiday show, but get your tickets and holiday gift certificates early!

Tickets range from $10 - $25, call Cascade Theatre Box Office by phone at (530) 243-8877 or 1-877-646-4849.

Harsh winter weather and inevitable spring storms wreak havoc on roofs, a home's first line of defense against Mother Nature. Snow, driving rain, hail and even exposure to direct sunlight are hard on roofs. The National Roofing Contractors' Association (NRCA) recommends that homeowners conduct seasonal roof inspections and be aware of their material options in case their roofs ever require repair or replacement. The following tips from CertainTeed, a leader in the roofing industry, will help our readers keep a discerning eye on their biggest asset overhead.

Checking your roof for repairs each fall is good ay to prevent expensive damages that come from improper roof maintenance. Cleaning your gutters should be part of this process, and can be dangerous, both should only be done by a licensed professional.

*The NRCA says that each spring and fall, homeowners should clean debris from their gutters, check roof shingles for damage, inspect the areas around chimneys and pipes, and check walls and ceilings inside the home for water damage.

*Shingles that are buckled, curled, blistered or missing an excessive amount of granules are likely at the end of their lives. CertainTeed recommends homeowners avoid potential falls from the rooftop and use a pair of binoculars to inspect from the ground for missing, torn or worn shingles, or better yet, consult a professional roofing contractor.

*Heightened frequency of severe weather patterns has popularized weather-resistant roofing shingles. Several designer shingles and products by CertainTeed are available with wind warranty coverage up to 110 miles per hour(mph).

*Many shingles are now engineered for impact resistance and can withstand the impact of a 2 inch steel ball dropped from a height of 20 feet without cracking. Because of this durability, homeowners who have impact-resistant shingles installed may be eligible for insurance premium reductions depending on the location of their properties and their insurer. CertainTeed offers the most extensive selection of impact-resistant roofing products in the industry.

-Information provided by a local experienced roofer: Dan Wait of Wait Roofing and Seamless Gutters at 530-221-3223.

If you are new to Redding, CA you must know that the Turkey Trot is coming!

Shasta Regional Medical Center's annual Turkey Trot is just weeks away, and while the race is competitive, it's also open for nonrunners who would just like to participate in the community event.

"It's a competitive race," said Tori Parks, race director of the Turkey Trot and officer of SWEAT Running Club. "But we encourage people of all skill levels to come out."

The main event of the race is a 6-mile loop around the Sacramento River Trail, but there are additional events, including the Diestelhorst Dash, a quarter-mile sprint for kids, a 2-mile walk/run, and a 6-mile wheelchair division.

"For participants who don't have an athletic base to work from, I'd recommend the 2-mile walk/run," Parks said.

The 6-mile race drew 741 runners last year, according to the SWEAT running club.

Both Parks and Deron Cutright, co-owner of Fleet Feet Redding on Hilltop Drive, agree that the 6-mile race shouldn't be too much trouble for those with an aerobic background.

"Or if you're just plain stubborn," Cutright said. "I know a guy who never runs, but he always staggers across the finish line every year."

For those who would rather enjoy the event, Cutright recommends taking a more leisurely pace.

"If you have to, just slow your pace down," Cutright said. "You don't have to run the whole thing."

24th SRMC Turkey Trot

Date

Thursday, November 26, 2009 @ 8:00 AM local time

Address

Lake Redding Park, Redding
2150 Benton Dr.

Registration Closing Date

Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 3:00 AM

Benefits

Proceeds benefit a number of non-profit organizations

Registration

NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

Important information

All fees are non-refundable; No Race day registration; No sweatshirts will be available after early registration deadline.

Contact info:

Tori Parks 530-515-6157

Packet Pick-up & Late Registration

Packet Pick-up at Fleet Feet Sports, 1376 Hilltop Dr, Redding, 530-226-0600. November 21-November 25 10am -7pm Across from Sears next to Member's One Credit Union

Additional Information

As many as four generations (from a baby in a stroller through great grandparent) of one family has participated in this event. And this year there is an event for kids, the Diestlehorst Dash, a quarter mile sprint for kids eight and under, which takes kids over the Sacramento River on the historical Diestlehorst bridge.

Event Day Schedule:

Diestlehorst Dash: 8:00 a.m.
2 Mile Fun Run: 8:45 a.m.
6 Mile Wheelchair Division: 8:25 a.m.
6 Mile Run: 8:30 a.m.

Bring the family and have fun!

Dear Home Buyer,

Did you know the Homebuyer Tax Credit has been extended and expanded?

The tax credit extension has now become law as the president has signed the bill!! Even better news is these provisions go into effect immediately (not December 1^st as previously thought). The

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

·Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.

·Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help you:

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

·First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

·Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

Primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1. The price of the home.

2. The buyer's income.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

Would you like to take advantage of the Homebuyer Tax Credit? Please call us today, Chris and Maria Jeantet at (530) 510-8880 or visit our webpage at ShastaLiving.com.