Depending on what you are looking for, if you Google "Best Places to Retire", you will find hundreds of suggested areas. You may be looking for an area with the most golf courses, sunny weather, most affordable homes and good health care. We know that finding a place that best suits you can be overwhelming. Let us make a suggestion: Have you considered Redding?
Because of our profession, we have the opportunity to meet several retirees who have moved to Redding or who plan on moving here within the next five years. Below is a list of important factors that has influenced their decision:
Redding offers affordable housing
Spectacular scenery
State of the art medical facilities
Living close to loved ones
Sunny Weather
Recreational Opportunities
Slower-pace
Clean, less congested city
We're the Golden State and while you will find a list of places to retire in California, Redding is by far one of the most affordable retirement areas in the State. Depending on what you're looking for, you can find an exceptional home below $300,000. Redding also offers two housing communities for 55+ home owners; The Vineyard Estates and Shasta Hills Estates, very attractive communities, centrally located offering club houses, pool, RV spaces and community groups. We will Blog more about these two communities in future "Retirement" articles including information on other living options.
Accessible health care is huge on the list of priorities for retirees. Our city has two major hospitals with state-of-the-art treatment facilities: Shasta Regional Medical Center, which features a nationally recognized heart surgery program, and Mercy Medical Center, Redding's designated trauma center. There are also 15 convalescent hospitals, a specialty hospital, a private hospital, a large veteran's outpatient clinic, three retirement communities, 32 assisted living facilities and five nursing homes.
As to recreational opportunities, we are known for this! Redding offers a world of opportunities for those who enjoy water sports, golfing, skiing, gardening, camping, river trails and many options for the art lover and outdoors photographer. Browse around our Blog to discover nature in our area and the beautiful sceneries that surround this city.
Come back and read more about retirement options in Redding. As your Realtors, we'll help you sift through a mountain of information and help you find the right retirement home in our area. Our goal is to be your Trusted Advisors and facilitate pertinent information that will help you when making your choices.
'Doing What is Right'
Local Market Conditions
A return to "affordability" May 2008:
Finally, people can afford to buy a home again! With prices falling in many parts of the country and the number of foreclosures rising, a small yet growing number of bargain-hunting buyers are seeing an upside to the real estate market. From first time home buyers who were priced out of the market between 2001-2005- to investors, and now international buyers. The decline in the value of the dollar against other currencies and lower prices translate into a discount of up to 30 percent for some foreign buyers. Many say this could signal that the market is regaining its sanity, hinting that a bottom could be approaching in the near future, perhaps as soon as early-to-mid 2009. Affordability in Redding is better than ever with the median price is around $262,000. You'll be amazed at what you can buy these days for that price, take a look at the MLS to get an idea.
The Center for the Continuing Study of the California Economy shows that home prices throughout California are getting closer to their historical relationship to median income, though they still may need to drop about 20 percent to get back to the norm they enjoyed between 1988 and 2002. How far down the prices go depends on things like mortgage rates, the job market (lets hope it doesn't get worse) and the inventory of unsold homes.
Here is a quick snapshot of last month's activity (for residential only):
Residential Property
Month of:
April
Total Active Listings
Total Sold
List Price Average
Sales Price Average
Avg. Days on Market
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
2,004
1,830
205
164
$ 317,049
$ 287,081
$ 309,652
$ 274,670
130
114
Previous Month (March)
Total Active Listings
Total Sold
List Price Average
Sales Price Average
Avg. Days on Market
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
2007
2008
1,765
1,735
216
165
$ 329,434
$ 275,148
$ 319,798
$ 263,347
135
132
MORTGAGE NEWS
True or false: More and more homeowners who owe more than their house is worth are giving their house keys back to the bank? While anecdotal evidence suggests that mailing the keys back to the bank is occurring, there doesn't appear to be any evidence that the practice has become widespread.
MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS
- Data on the number of "walk-away" homeowners is lacking. The Mortgage Bankers Association and major banks believe the practice is increasing but don't have any numbers to back up this supposition.
- Lenders suggest the practice is more prevalent among investors and "flippers" than among homeowners who live in their home. Bankers confirm that most borrowers are interested in working out a solution when they fall behind in their payments or when their home value is "under water" or their interest rate is about to reset.
- There is no sign that walking away from a mortgage obligation is becoming more "socially acceptable," observers say. Homeowners historically have been known to do whatever it takes to avoid losing their home to foreclosure.
Banks swamped by a tidal wave of foreclosures increasingly may be looking the other way and letting homeowners remain in their homes, according to some sources. Banks say they are allowing homeowners more time to work out financial issues and potentially save their homes by avoiding foreclosure. Even so, it's important to remember that 96.4 percent of borrowers were on time with their mortgage payments. Only 3.6 percent of borrowers were at least 90 days late on their payments in December - the highest percentage in more than five years, reported the Mortgage Bankers Association. And new foreclosures accounted for only 0.83 percent of all home mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2007, up from 0.54 percent in 2006.
Source: 2008 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.)Community News and Events
It's confirmed...Trader Joe's is scheduled to open by October of this year! Rumors of the store opening in Redding have been flying around for years but plans are now in progress for this natural and specialty foods grocer to open its doors. These are exciting news for those of us who have traveled to Chico or Sacramento for our favorite healthy snacks and gourmet products from Trader Joes.
Not into Rodeo? Many of you locals know the Rodeo (happening this weekend) is one of Redding's biggest city events. But if you're not into Rodeo...how does canoe races, Dutch oven cook-off and classic car show sound to you? It's all happening in Red Bluff, just 30 minutes south of Redding.
- The Great National Canoe Drag Races, Red Bluff's Relay for Life and a huge downtown sidewalk sale are just some of the events slated for an action-packed period starting today Friday through Sunday (5/18). Get the details here.
Film Festival to Hit Redding: Have you heard about the Sundial Film Festival? It's scheduled to debut here in Redding in March of 2009? Sundial Film Festival will showcase digital film and photography that enlighten and reflect the diversity of the artists, residents and natural resources in Northern California and Southern Oregon. The film festival is destined to grow from year one, so mark your calendars for this premier event...March 13-15 (2009) at the Cascade Theatre.
- Open call for entries in film, still photography and skill (beginners, intermediate and advanced art) accepted for competition in 2009. Check the site.
Reminder: North Valley Art League 17th Annual Photography Show - now through May 31st, click here for more information.
Thank you for reading!
Chris & Maria Jeantet
Office Number: (530) 276-9093 Cell: (530) 510-8880
Bridge Bucks Campaign...supporting our community!
It's a headache getting anywhere close to the Cypress Bridge. This is about the only area I try to avoid between the hours of 8am-10am and 4pm-6pm. But rather than complaining about the traffic and congestion, we need to remember that in the long run this will be a GREAT thing for our city. We will all benefit from this expansion and will be glad once it's over. In the meantime, we can't forget about the local business that are affected by the Cypress Bridge Construction. Our patronage and support is now more than ever necessary.
Impending lane closures along Cypress Avenue due to the construction project on the Cypress Avenue Bridge has caused some detours for local consumers who support affected businesses, but the Bridge Bucks Campaign will help.
"Bridge Bucks" is being sponsored by the Redding Chamber of Commerce and the City of Redding through their "Shop Redding" program to assist in this effort. Print your Bridge Bucks and start saving! Go to www.reddingchamber.com and click on "Bridge Bucks" to print your copy.
DISCOUNTS ARE LISTED BELOW FOR EACH BUSINESS (ALPHABETICALLY)
Allusions Nail Spa
2469 Athens Avenue
$10 off full set of acrylics by Darlene Haskins
Athens Auto Repair, Inc
2301 Athens Ave.
Free vehicle safety inspection (appointment only)
Avanti Travel
2390 Athens Ave.
$50 off a 7-day package to Hawaii or Mexico or a 7-night cruise.
The Beadman
2619 Park Marina Dr.
10% off
______________________________________________________________________________
Bentronics
141 Locust St
Cypress Square
$5.00 off $25.00 or more purchase (excludes cellular or pager payments)
Buz's Crab
2159 East St
One free shrimp bowl with every order over $10.00.
Cousin Gary RV Center
3000 Park Marina Dr.
$100 off any New or Used RV. Limit 1 per vehicle, see additional Bridge Buck pricing on every RV in stock!
Creson's Mattress Gallery
2355 Athens Ave
10% discount.
Crown Motors
555 Cypress Ave
Reg. $89.95 sale $69.95 MOTORCRAFT POWER SERIES BATTERY, 540 cold cranking amps, 60 month warranty. Open Mon - Sat
Cypress Street Auto Wash
570 W. Cypress Ave
$1.00 off any car wash.
De Signs Custom Sign Service
545 Locust St
10% off sign and design services.
Dubes Deli
92 Hartnell Ave (Cobblestone Center)
10% off any Food Item (excluding catering).
Eti-Cuts Styling Salon
2465 Athens Avenue
For perms, color, highlights, foils 20% off. All other services 10% off, ask for Vicky
The "bucks" will be located at all participating businesses to hand out. You can also get them at the Chamber's Website by clicking on "Bridge Bucks". The Recordsearchlight and the City of Redding also have a link.
The Bridge Bucks program demonstrates community support at it's finest! Thank you all for showing that you care about our local businesses, and will do your part to help o9ut during this challenging experience.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
48 Hartnell Ave (Cobblestone Center)
$30.00 off tax preparation services.
Just 4 Kids
2481 Athens Ave
10% off (excludes clearance and furniture).
Little Caesars
32 Hartnell Ave
Free Crazy Bread with purchase of any large pizza - 8 pieces & Pepsi product (limit 1 per customer)
Lori's Antiques & Consignment
2645 & 2649 Park Marina Dr.
10% off any purchase over $25.
Magic Hands Massage
2645 & 2649 Park Marina Dr. (located inside Lori's Antiques)
$25 introductory offer for 1 hour massage.
Monica's Vintage Inspired Gifts & Furnishings
2425 Athens Ave.
10% off any regular priced item
Morrison's Warehouse
161 Locust St (Cypress Square)
10% off sale total.
New Image Studio Photography
2655 Park Marina Dr
1 free 8x10 unit with purchase of any package ($39.00 value!).
Orchard Nutrition
221 Locust St
Go Green Shopping Bag with Bridge Bucks (1 per customer). Free coffee, tea and popcorn while shopping.
OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware)
2340 Athens Ave
$10.00 off a $50.00 purchase (Wednesday only).
Perko's Café
10 Hartnell Ave
Join Perko's Bridge Club and receive up to 50% off Dine-In Bridge Club Specials (different every day).
Photo Fast
290 Hartnell Ave
$1.00 in Bridge Bucks towards next purchase with every $10.00 purchase (not valid with Photo Club Discount).
Ray Tegerstrand's Orthopedic Appliances
2445 Athens Ave
Free evaluation.
Retro Rampage & The Feather Rose Jewelry
2480 Athens Ave
10% off $20 and under,
20% off $21 - $50,
25% off over $50.
Round Table Pizza
121 Hartnell Ave (Cobblestone Center)
Free Lunch Buffet - buy one Lunch Buffet at regular price, get a second one free (Hartnell location only, plus tax, one coupon per order).
Roger A. Payton, D.C.
2448 Henderson Road
25% discount to patients not requiring insurance billing.
San Francisco Delicatessen
2395 Athens Ave
Free delivery (some restrictions apply).
Scraps of Life
157 Locust St
15% off one item.
Sewing Room, The
2665 Park Marina Dr (Crafter's Mall)
20% off bolted fabric only.
Strictly Fishin' Guide & Tackle
2451 Athens Ave
With each $50.00 tackle purchase, get an entry ticket for a drawing for a guided fishing trip for 2 (drawing in September).
Subway
2495 Athens Ave
Free 21oz Coke with purchase of $3.99 or more (Athens Subway only).
Tortilla Flats
2800 Park Marina Dr
Daily Bridge Bucks specials.
Village Plaza Cleaners
2325 Athens Ave
4 items cleaned for price of 3 (4th item of equal or lesser value free).
Village Travel
72 Hartnell Ave (Cobblestone Center)
Additional $50 savings on select cruises, packages and tours (restrictions apply).
Zaks
2647 Park Marina Drive
$5 off haircuts - regular $20.00; $10.00 off permanent wave - regular price $70.00 (includes haircut)
Zellmer Studios
169 Hartnell Ave. #206
$10 gift certificate with purchase over $100.00. Free matching earrings with necklaces over $75
Everyone's looking for real estate deals these days and they'll find them! Being in the business affords us the ability to find our clients such us first time home buyers and investors some really good deals here in Shasta County!
Approximately 10% of the MLS listed properties are either in a pre-foreclosure or foreclosure situation. No wonder we're seeing more and more investors willing to invest in California! The time is right and the choices are many. Check this list of hand-picked properties we recommend. If interested, give us a call and we'll provide you with more information.
Chris & Maria ~ Your Real Estate source in theNorthstate~ 230 Hartnell Avenue, Redding CA 96002 ~ (530) 510-8880 or (530) 224-6755. Visit our website for a full list of properties directly from the MLS at www.shastaliving.com.
Real Estate in Redding CA
We have seen an increase in activity in the last three months with more and more homes going "pending" (or in escrow).
Our MLS shows the following "pending" homes:
January 2008 - 31 homes
February 2008 - 121 homes
March 2008 - 139 homes
We are entering the "spring rush", historically the busiest time for real estate as buyers wait for better weather and buyers making offers prior to children entering the new school-year. Once July hits, the activity slows down some. For home owners planning to sell, the spring is the most recommended time to sell by many of us in the field. On a National level, the activity of "sold" homes has been evident with existing Homes Sales at 5.03 million, which was above estimates of 4.86 million according the National Association of Realtors.
For those looking to buy, there's no better time. There 1,700 homes on the market as of today (3/24/08) with an average sales price of $276,000 and interest rate 30 yr. fix still under 6%. If you're looking for real estate "deals", this is the time to find those too. 10% of our inventory is either in a pre-foreclosure or foreclosure situation giving you plenty of opportunities to buy a house well below market value.
To access the local MLS log on to our website at http://www.shastaliving.com/.
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Have a great day.
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Experience life in the Northstate. Affordable housing, excellent schools and a world of recreational opportunities. Live and retire here, life is good! We know, we're local experts.
It's the strong family values that brought us back to Redding. We spent several years in Southern, California and longed to live in a peaceful place where our children could have a better and safer place to live. For us, "quality of life" is not defined by fancy buildings, stores, entertainment or even the size of a city. We define it by the tranquility of the area, the clean air, friendly neighbors, clear rivers and lakes, open spaces and a stress-free lifestyle. Redding was the obvious choice.
When not at work, Chris likes to go fishing with his dad and brother. He enjoys stream fishing, deer and duck hunting and taking his family out to the lake. Maria loves the outdoors just as much and has a passion for photography. She likes capturing the beauty of the North State and she Blogs about everything Redding. She has a love for gourmet cooking and looks forward to her "Dinner Club" gatherings with friends. She appreciates the Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and especially likes to entertain friends and family with exciting meals. When you're proud of what you do and enjoy everything about it, it should reflect in the quality of your work. Real Estate is a career we are very passionate about. To us, it's about combining the elements of exceptional customer service, appreciation for home design and solid management skills. We are successful in this industry because we have a heart for it. Our level of service has been measured by a third-party company (Leading Research Corporation) and we have been recognized for maintaining 100% client satisfaction year after year, currently holding a 5 out of 5 rating (on a rating scale of 1-5), Platinum Level. 
CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERTS (CDPE)
RESIDENTIAL SALES
SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS (SRES Certified)
COMPANY RELOCATIONS
SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES
MAXIMUM INTERNET EXPOSURE
SPANISH-SPEAKING REALTOR
*SET APART FROM THE COMPETITION*
Members of the:
National Association of Realtors
California Association of Realtors
Shasta Association of Realtors
National Association of Hispanic Realtors
We appreciate you taking interest in who we are and in visiting our Blog. We have written many articles with you in mind. Visit our BLOG regularly and feel free to pass on any feedback you might have, we value your input!
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent service you provided when you assisted me in selling my home and purchasing another home. Your knowledge of the housing market enabled me to sell my home for a fair price in a very short amount of time. My home was on the market less than 2 weeks when I received a cash offer for it. Your professionalism in handling each transaction of the selling and buying aspects went far and above my expectations. Both your work ethic and willingness to put in long hours, is very appreciated. When I had questions or concerns, you were available even late at night. When I accepted the offer on my home, I needed to find another home in a short amount of time. You located many homes in my price range with the features I was looking for. You kept in close contact with my lender and offered suggestions to me to make for a smooth transition. With your assistance, I was able to find the exact kind of home I was looking for in less than 3 weeks. Your efficiency in setting up all my appointments for home inspection, roof inspection, plumbing inspection, etc. with your network of companies is amazing. This experience is one that I will never forget and am truly grateful. Your house warming gift to me was very thoughtful and I am enjoying it with my friends and family! You have continued to check in periodically to ensure that my relocation is going well." Thank you again! -- Ms. Young
"Chris and Maria were exceptional to work with in every way. They were extremely supportive, caring and conscientious about every detail and concern we had during our transition. They have impeccable character and ethics, listen attentively and honestly give their input, which made both the experience and the sale of our home a huge success! We will highly recommend them and consider them to be superior as professionals in real estate. Thank you Chris and Maria!" ---Mr. & Mrs. Ferrara "We have purchased 4 homes in our lifetime. We've never received such personal, professional and fun people to have represented us. We had some issues with a contractor but Chris and Maria stayed by our side and guided us throughout. My husband doesn't care for "sales people" but Chris and Maria are the exception. They always addressed our concerns, you are lucky to have them on board." -- Mr. & Mrs. Bivens
"We were impressed with the organization and personal skills of our real estate agents. Redding has become a desirable place to live. Chris and Maria presented us with two offers at top asking price the very next day" ---Mr. & Mrs. King
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