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Real estate broker, civil engineer and general contractor.
nevada county fair

Enter Your Exhibits In The Harvest Fair At The Draft Horse Classic

 
Harvest Fair Entry – Produce

By Wendy Oaks

 It’s free and all exhibitors will receive free tickets to a Draft Horse Classic performance 

Entries are now being accepted for the Harvest Fair, which takes place during the Draft Horse Classic, September 22 – 25, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The deadline for Nevada County residents to turn in entry forms to enter exhibits is 5 pm on Friday, September 16. It’s free to enter, and all exhibitors will receive complimentary tickets to the Friday evening performance of the Draft Horse Classic.

Entry forms are now being accepted at the Fair Office and on-line at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.  There are more than 100 different categories to choose from, including fruits and vegetables, cobblers, harvest pies, scarecrows, a garden photo contest, jams, honey, cut flowers, produce characters, and birdhouses. There’s even a “Nature’s Oddities” category for any garden produce that shows an odd shape, color or other quality that makes it an oddity. So many fun categories to choose from!

There’s a division for youth and teens, which includes categories like apple face dolls, decoupage, Halloween masks, painted pumpkins, wreaths, table settings, and ceramics. Plus, there’s a Special People’s division for those interested in showing of their talents at the Harvest Fair.

Exhibitors must either submit paper entry forms at the Fair office or enter online at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.   There is no entry fee for those who enter an exhibit in the Harvest Fair.

Complete descriptions of all Harvest Fair divisions and categories are available online at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, at the Fair’s Office on McCourtney Road, or by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217.

The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair runs September 22 – 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. There are six performances featuring the magnificent Draft Horses – Thursday and Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 10 am and 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm.

In addition to the Draft Horse performances, the Harvest Fair is bustling with activities during the four-day event. Live entertainment, Art at the Classic, Treat Street goodies, a clogging jamboree, and visits to the barns and breed pavilion make for a family fun day at the Harvest Fair.  Plus, we’ve got the “Taste of the Gold” tasting event on Saturday and a Classic Rib Cook-Off on Sunday.

For Draft Horse performance tickets or information about entering a Harvest Fair exhibit, call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217 or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist Nevada County Fair

 

Having trouble with your mortgage payments?
Call today for a free consultation about a short sale
You might be eligible for up to $3000 in moving expensive  or more

John J. O’Dell Realtor®
Real Estate Broker
Short Sale Specialist
(530) 263-1091
Click here to email me

Real Estate

Getting A Real Estate Loan If You Are Freelancing


After the financial market downturn in 2008, getting approved for a mortgage loan became even more difficult.  Combine that with the fledgling economy, which left many people turning to freelance work, and the challenges involved in qualifying for a home mortgage increase exponentially.  However, with a little extra work, home buyers using freelance work as proof of income still can qualify for a new lo

  • Borrowers who earn most of their income on 1099s should be prepared for extra preparation, paperwork, and discussion of their financial standing when applying for a mortgage.
  • It’s important that independent contractors show that their income is stable and increasing. For some, that may mean declaring all their income on their tax returns, and not, say, carrying anything over to the next year, even if it means paying more taxes.
  • Consistency in income is key, so those applying for a mortgage this fall or winter should be prepared to provide proof for year-to-date income.
  • To increase the chances of getting a mortgage approval, borrowers should pay off other debts, including balances on credit cards.
  • Pinpointing the source of the down payment also is helpful.  If the down payment will be a gift from a relative, borrowers are advised to submit an account statement showing the funds are available and awaiting the home purchase.  Same goes for borrowing from a 401(k).
  • Freelancers also should be prepared for a more in-depth analysis of their ability to repay the debt.  Submitting tax returns from the last three years and explaining any significant differences in income is advised.

Read the full story 

Having Problems with your mortgage?
Call me about a short sale, you might be paid by the bank for moving costs and more.

John J. O’Dell® GRI
Real Estate Broker
Short Sale Specialist
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
Click Here to Email

Real Estate

Foreclosed Home Owners Take Out Revenge on Properties

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httpv://youtu.be/rRWu1rD987k

Some foreclosed home owners are taking out their anger on the homes they are forced to leave behind, smashing holes in the walls, scribbling graffiti everywhere, leaving piles of trash, and ripping out appliances.

More banks — facing a growing problem from trashed foreclosures — are opting to offer homes at big discounts rather than fix the repairs, which can send surrounding home values in the neighborhood spiraling down, experts say.

Real estate pro Nick Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group told the Tampa Tribune that he has seen some home values greatly diminish from foreclosed home owners who have trashed it. For example, he recalls one home that would have fetched $250,000 back in 2006 during the housing boom that would now sell for about $75,000 because it was trashed by the former owners.

“It looks like someone took revenge,” Davis says about the home, which had holes in the wall, appliances ripped out, and piles of trash. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing more of this. We’ve seen cement in the plumbing systems, the air conditioners ripped out from the outside, wiring being removed.”

Some real estate professionals and lenders are even blaming the high number of real estate deals falling apart due to more homes being left in poor condition by the original owners.

Buyers “look at these homes and say, ‘If this is the damage I can see, what else did the home owner do to this place that I can’t see?’ ” Davis says.

Some home owners facing foreclosure place the blame on banks for their woes so they leave behind a mess for the bank. But trashing a home can backfire. Some banks are saying they may even start taking steps to sue home owners for the cost of repairs, and law enforcement officials say home owners can be charged with vandalism as well as theft if they remove items that don’t belong to them from the home.

“Anything that came with the house needs to stay with the house,” says Larry McKinnon, spokesman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. “You may think you’re getting back at the bank. But the bank may have the last laugh.”

Source: “Trashing Foreclosure Homes May be on the Rise,” Tampa Tribune (Aug. 30, 2011)

Can’t Make Your Mortgage Payments?
Let me help you with a short sale
Short Sale Specialist

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Real Estate Broker
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091

Real Estate

How To Lower Your Property Taxes

Despite home prices in major urban centers decreasing 31 percent between 2005 and 2009, property taxes across the U.S. increased by nearly 20 percent.  There is good news, however; homeowners can fight back.

  • Homeowners should keep in mind that property taxes do not always correspond with home values, because local governments typically don’t measure values every year and some have limits on annual property-tax increases.
  • As a result, current property taxes might reflect the home’s value when the market was healthier.  According to the Congressional Budget Office, property-tax adjustments lag behind changes in home prices by an average of three years.
  • Although homeowners cannot change their property-tax rate, which is set by the local government, homeowners can get their assessment lowered if they appeal to their local assessor.
  • One key to a successful appeal is fact checking the assessor’s work. About half of all successful appeals come from homeowners pointing out an error in the assessor’s description of the home, according to one property tax expert.
  • During the appeal process, which is similar to a less-formal court hearing, homeowners may present their case to several local officials or representatives.  The simplest way to convince officials that a property has been incorrectly valued is to provide evidence of the sales price of homes that are comparable to the property being discussed.  This should include square footage, amenities, and neighborhood characteristics.  Sale documents and photos of the property in question, as well as the comparable properties also should be brought in.
  • Homeowners who have made improvements or substantial changes to the property should be cautious about appealing an assessment though, as it could have negative effects and actually increase the property’s value and, in turn, the property taxes.

Read the full story

For all your real estate needs
Call or email:

John J. O’Dell® GRI
(530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com

Real Estate

State Responsibility Area “Fire Prevention Fee” Now Law

The State of California will collect an annual “fire prevention fee” from property owners in wildland areas where the state has responsibility for providing fire protection. A fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) will be charged on each structure intended for human habitation in this State Responsibility Area (“SRA”), commencing with the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The fee is established in Assembly Bill 29 by Bob Blumenfield (D-Van Nuys), which was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on July 7, 2011 (as ABX1 29).

Not a “firefighting fee”The bill is very clear about the fee’s intended purpose. The moneys collected will create an “SRA Fire Prevention Fund”, which will be used for specified “fire prevention” activities that will benefit the owners within the SRA who are required to pay the fee. The bill does not earmark any portion of the fee for firefighting services.

Examples of specified fire prevention activities include grants to municipalities to fund public education programs in the SRA, grants to qualified conservation groups and nonprofit organizations for fire prevention projects in the SRA such as brush clearance, and CalFire services in the SRA such as defensible space compliance inspections and fire severity and fire hazard mapping.

The law is being challenged by opponents who see it as diverting CalFire’s funding to fire prevention and away from the department’s critical firefighting budget. Republican lawmakers and local fire officials are contesting the law, some calling the fee a double tax on SRA property owners already taxed for fire protection services, and are seeking its repeal. The Governor, in his signing letter, has already called for the language to be revised to ensure that revenues projected from the fee are realized.

State Modifies SRA Fire Prevention Fee

Continue reading State Responsibility Area “Fire Prevention Fee” Now Law →

nevada county fair

2011 Nevada County Fair A Success

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By Wendy Oaks

Canned Food Drive, Junior Livestock Auction, Ag Mechanics Auction, and Treat Street all Benefit Nevada County

Beautiful weather, a successful canned food drive, more than $380,000 raised for Nevada County youth, and several community partnerships made the 2011 Nevada County Fair a success. Below are some fun Fair facts.

  • On the Tuesday before the Fair, BloodSource and the Fair hosted a community blood drive at the Fairgrounds. As a result of this partnership, 78 pints of life saving blood were collected.
  • At Sunday’s canned food drive, 1,000 pounds of food were collected for the Food Bank of Nevada County – enough to feed more than 100 families.
  • Two hundred and thirty two animals were auctioned at this year’s Junior Livestock Auction, raising more than $350,381 for the youth of Nevada County. Funds raised from the auction go directly to these students and many use the money for college education or vocational training.
  • This year’s Ag Mechanics Auction, featuring 48 custom projects handmade by FFA students from Bear River and Nevada Union high schools, raised more than $32,835 for these students.
  • Proceeds raised from the local non-profit organizations that sell food on Treat Street will allow these organizations to provide vital services to our community.
  • The Fair featured nearly 8,000 community exhibits. A complete list of exhibit winners is posted on the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.
  • Wednesday evening’s Idol Competition was won by Chelsea Kirksey, who received $767 for her charity of choice – African Ministries (through Gold Country Chapel).
  • Saturday’s Locks of Love event had 18 individuals donate hair to help provide a hairpiece to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. The Designer’s Hair Salon assisted with the hair donation process, and cut and styled hair for free.
  • Continue reading 2011 Nevada County Fair A Success →
nevada county fair

Join The Fun At The Draft Horse Classic And Harvest Fair – Nevada County Fairgrounds

 

The magnificent six-up competition is always a crowd favorite at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Tickets to the event are on sale now.
The magnificent six-up competition is always a crowd favorite at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Tickets to the event are on sale now.

By Wendy Oaks

Tickets on sale now for the September 22 – 25 event

Majestic Draft Horse performances, breath-taking competitions, and seeing a Draft Horse “up close” are all part of the festivities at the 25th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 22 – 25, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Whether it’s the Draft Horses working farm equipment, pulling carriages, or working side by-side on a hitch – these amazing animals compete with elegance and power and always entertain.

Known as the premier Draft Horse event in the Western United States, this unique event features six majestic performances by the beautiful Draft Horses. In between classes, enjoy showcase specialty acts, including some returning favorites like Clay Maier and Ramon Becerra, as well as some new acts.

Tickets to this event are on-sale now. To celebrate our anniversary, we’re offering discounted pricing on morning performances and children’s tickets. Draft Horse Classic evening and late afternoon performance tickets are $21 for reserved seating and $18 for general admission. For morning performances, tickets are $15 for reserved seating and $12 for general admission. For children (ages 12 and under), any performance ticket is $13 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission. Ticket order forms are available at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. You can order your tickets by FAX, mail, phone or walk-in. General admission tickets can also be ordered from our website. There is a small transaction fee if you order your tickets on-line. For all tickets purchased after September 21, there is an additional $3 charge per ticket.

While at the Fairgrounds, take time to visit the many Harvest Fair activities. Featuring live musical entertainment, a clogging jamboree, Treat Street goodies, Art at the Classic, a chance to visit with the horses, and hundreds of community exhibits, the Harvest Fair is an experience that can be enjoyed by kids and adults!  Although there is a fee for the Draft Horse performances, admission to the Fairgrounds and Harvest Fair activities are free.

Once again, guided barn tours will be available this year. For these tours, reservations are required and are limited to 20 people. New this year is the Classic Rib Cook-Off. Whether you want to show off your cooking skills or simply join the fun and taste the treats – we’ve got it all in one place. The Classic Rib Cook-Off will take place on Sunday, September 25, in the afternoon. Teams are being formed now, and tickets for tasting will be for sale at the event.

“Taste of the Gold” will be held on Saturday of the Classic. This fun and tasty event features fine food and drink from some of the Gold Country’s finest restaurants and wineries. For tickets and information, visit www.sierravintners.com or call the Grass Valley Downtown Association at (530) 272-8315.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, just 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. The phone number is (530) 273-6217 and the FAX number is (530) 273-1146.  Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217

wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

 

 

Real Estate

Working With Short Sales, They Are Worth The Trouble

Short sales – a real estate transaction in which the homeowner needs to sell the property, but owes more on the mortgage than the home currently is worth – continue to dominate the housing market, but these real estate transactions aren’t for everyone.

  • Typically with a short sale, the homeowner is underwater and has experienced a financial hardship such as a job loss.  To limit the damage to his credit rating, a homeowner may attempt to work with his lender to negotiate a short sale.  Not only must the bank approve of the short sale itself, it also must agree to the price, since the bank will accept the difference as a loss.
  • Unlike foreclosures, in which the owner has walked away and the bank is looking to unload a vacant – and sometimes vandalized – property, a short sale isn’t a distressed home that will sell at an extremely low price.  According to data from RealtyTrac, short sales typically sold for nearly 10 percent less than the market price in the first quarter of 2011, whereas foreclosures sold at an average discount of 35 percent.
  • Home buyers wanting to purchase a short sale must have patience.  In most cases, when a buyer makes an offer on a house, he receives a response from the seller within a few days, or even hours.  With a short sale, the bank must approve of the sale and bank representatives are overloaded with cases.  It may take 30 days or longer for a buyer to receive a response from the bank.
  • In a traditional real estate transaction, it is common for a home buyer who currently owns his home to make his offer contingent on selling his current home.  In short sales, most banks will not approve an offer that is contingent on the buyer selling his current home, as too many things can go wrong.
  • Banks also typically won’t consider short-sale offers that have inspection contingencies in them, so buyers can either do an inspection prior to making an offer or forgo an inspection altogether.
  • Even with the challenges associated with short sales, buyers should not avoid these transactions.  Being prepared ahead of the time and working with an experienced REALTOR® can help buyers avoid frustration and surprises down the line.

Interested in a short sale?
Call or write:
John J. O’Dell ® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com

Real Estate

Shadow Inventory Continues to Fall

Standard & Poor’s estimates that it would take nearly four years — or 47 months — for the housing market to work through its shadow inventory at the current rate. While that number is still high, it marks an improvement over S&P’s first quarter report that had estimated 52 months.

Shadow inventory represents homes that are in the foreclosure system but haven’t hit the market yet. S&P defines shadow inventory as foreclosure and REO properties in 90-day delinquency or worse.

“In conjunction with stable liquidation rates, we believe these are positive signs that the amount of time it will take to clear this ‘shadow inventory’ should continue to decline over the next year,” S&P analysts said.

Delays from mortgage servicers in processing foreclosures likely will cause more than 1 million foreclosures to be postponed until next year, RealtyTrac recently reported.

As such, “the shadow inventory will continue to jeopardize the housing market’s recovery until servicers are able to improve liquidation times,” S&P said. “However, if and when that happens, an influx of homes will likely enter the market, increasing supply and driving prices down further.”

Shadow inventories are largest in New York, where S&P estimates it will take 144 months — or 12 years — to work through foreclosure properties at the current rate. That is down slightly from 146 months in the first quarter.

Source: “Standard & Poor’s: Shadow Inventory Levels Begin to Improve,” HousingWire (Aug. 17, 2011)

 

For all your real estate needs
Call or email:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com