Carson City, NV

Today I get to take another trip down to Nevada’s Capital. It seems like I have been getting allot of calls from Carson City lately. I don’t mind the drive, but if the calls keep coming in the way they are I will be even more ready for the new freeway to open.

One thing I like about Carson City is the older homes. The area around the Governor’s Mansion is a favorite of mine. Almost every home can benefit from a Home Inspection or Energy Audit but the older homes seem to benefit more. I take pride in doing a good job and give each home the same level of detail no matter what its age is. I enjoy the character of the older homes so I have never charge more for an older home but I have heard some other do.

If you’re in need of a Home Inspection, Energy Audit, or both in Carson City give me a call.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the holiday open house this evening at Nevada Premier Properties in Carson City to night by a contact at Western Title. They had drinks, food, and desert out for all. There was also a raffle where one lucky person got a Home Inspection courtesy of myself. At Nevada Premier Properties they have a nice office and everyone I meet was friendly. I hope to be able to get more involved with the Carson market. If you need a Home Inspection in Carson you know who you can call.

After the turkey is eaten and everyone has come out of their Thanksgiving food comas, there is no better way to kick off the Christmas season than taking a ride on the Polar Express in Reno.  Well, it's actually located in Carson City (a 40 minute drive south of Reno).  Beginning Friday, November 25th, at 4pm, guests of all ages can board the 100-year-old decorated train out of the Carson City Eastgate Depot in their jammies (kids), sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies and listen to a retelling of the Christmas classic the ride is based on.  The Polar Express is scheduled to make its trek to the North Pole every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 18, 2011.

In addition to the storytelling, there will be festive holiday music playing throughout the train, riders will get their tickets punched by the conductor and receive visits from characters of the Polar Express.  The final destination will be Santa's Village at the North Pole.  Even though this is the busiest time of year for him, Santa will step aboard to make sure each child gets their very own silver bell keepsake.  The question is, though, will they be able to hear it ring?  You'll have to find out for yourself.

Kids ages two and under can embark on their journey absolutely free of charge.  Tickets for children 3-12 are $25 and everyone ages 13 and above are $34.  As you can imagine, the train gets booked up pretty quickly, so you are encouraged to make your reservations early.  Click here for more info and to buy your ticket now.  It gets chilly, so make sure to dress warmly and bring blankets.  Guests are encouraged to arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.  Join in on this unique way to begin the holiday season.  Take off on the Polar Express near Reno beginning Friday, November 25, 2011. 

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

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Back to School in Carson City, Nevada

The Official "Back to School" date in Carson City, Nevada Was August 22, 2011 for most Carson City School children.

For the complete 2011 - 2012 Carson City School calendar follow this link for the school Calendar.

Carson City Nevada School Calendar

If you need additional information on specific schools, locations, or contact information ... use this link for the Carson City Nevada Schools Administration Website.

Carson City School District General Information

For Current Bus Route Information for the entire Carson City, Nevada area click this link.

Carson City Nevada Bus Schedule

Here's wishing all our new and returning Carson City Nevada Students a wonderful and productive educational year!

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Tales From The Short Sale Trenches

With two thirds of the local Northern Nevada listings being Short Sales today, it is important to know what is going on in the World of Short Sales. It is especially important to remember that each Short Sale is unique unto itself and these stories shouldn't keep you from buying or selling such a property. Remember, forewarned is forearmed. Seller's circumstances vary, the lenders and their investors vary, the market changes, etc. There is no one formula for success.

While many Short Sales go through handily, there are those that defy logic, reason, and sanity. We had one such situation last week causing us to call a U.S. Senator for assistance. What caused such a drastic action? Consider the facts. On December 30^th we received a Short Sale approval letter providing that escrow close by February 21^st. No problem, everyone went in to action and we are well on our way to closing. On January 18 we got an amended Short Sale letter saying we had to close on January 25^th. Whoa! What's going on?

Correspondence with the lender revealed it to be a FNMA ... Fannie Mae ... requirement and they will not postpone the Trustee's Sale (foreclosure) which is scheduled for February 2^nd. The Buyer's lender said she can close on the 4^th, but no movement by the bank until January 24^th when they said we had until January 31 to close. This with a Seller expecting her fourth child on March 1^st not knowing if, or when, she is moving. For the sake of a couple of days there may be another bank-owned property in the neighborhood.

We had another dandy experience with lender Short Sale lunacy last week. Here's the back story - Listed at $235,000. No action until priced at $189,000. Two offers - one at $184,000 and one at $165,000. Bank counters $197,000 which is accepted. We motor along getting ready to close when suddenly the bank comes back with a price of $250,000, a requirement of the investor. Clearly, the home is not worth that kind of money.

We assemble information to show value, confirm with all parties that they are at their maximum price and contribution and go back to the lender. The lender accepts the original deal, which was theirs in the first place, and we continue on for a couple of days. The bank comes back at $222,000 from the investor ... Fannie Mae ... with no give. The market just isn't there, but the investor is locked up. Had to get some tricks out of our sleeves on this one ... we'll see if they work.

Our Advice: It is amazing how belligerent the investors are becoming. Yes, it is their right as it is their money, but it seems senseless for them to negate viable Short Sales only to acquire the property via a Trustee's Sale. They seem to be forgetting the human side of things - the homes that are being destroyed and the incredible emotion that is tearing at so many people these days. Most sellers are victims, not strategic Short Sellers. They are selling short because they have to. Whether job loss, divorce, illness, transfer, or any other valid reason, it is beyond their control. Had prices not dropped they could sell and move on with their lives. With the market being what it is, they have no choice but to sell short or let it go. When they opt to sell short they don't deserve the emotional roller coaster that is thrust upon them by inconsiderate lenders representatives.

Stay strong in your Short Sale. It can be maddening, but stay the course and you will be justly rewarded. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs.

Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com