Hella Rothwell's Blog

Can spring be here in Del Norte County?

2011-02-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

Not only has the weather been phenominal, but buyers have been looking at properties. The two must go hand in hand which is understandable; it's hard to get excited about anything when the weather is bad.

When you go to my website www.hellarothwell.com you will find something new: QR codes. What makes them great is with many of the new phones (I know my new iPhone 4 will do this) I can click on the bar code and get all the information on the listing (everything that is in the "postlet" next to it) instantly goes right on my phone. You do need to download the AP for it (mine was free). After that, you just point it at the code, it will focus itself, and then translate it onto your phone. It is too cool!!!

Try it. You can then point it at the listing on my website that interests you, and bingo you can save it to your phone. Then when you are out and about actually looking at the property, you have the information at your fingertips. Or at least you have the information. Often you might forget where you have seen what information about a property, and this will remind you.

I also put a QR code at the top of my website so that you can download MY information when you are out and about. No more written notes that get lost.

That is my QR code at the top. Try it on that.

Have a great day,

Hella

Relocating to the Crescent City area?

2010-11-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been asked to look for high-end rentals in Crescent City, usually for a year. Usually these clients are under a professional contract to work here but don't want to rush into buying a home yet. This is understandable: they don't know the area yet, and they probably still have their "old" home to deal with.

High-end rentals are usually not advertised in the newspapers or even listed. Call me and I will find you an oceanfront or oceanview home to rent.

Yes, even during the Holidays...

Happy Thanksgiving,

Hella

New Listing - Great Oceanviews

2010-11-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Hesitant about buying a REO home?

2010-10-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

At this point in time, consider buying from a motivated seller!

Home buyers can't help but be affected by the news right now that lenders have suspended Foreclosures in part by faulty documents, and title companies refusing to insure them. Also that there is a high "shadow" inventory of bank owned properties that have not been released into the marketplace yet. What will be the outcome of this? No one is predicting how that will affect the market because no one knows!

Through all this turmoil, sellers who are NOT underwater with their mortgage nor facing foreclosure are in a quandary if they want to sell their property for a variety of reasons. For example, they have moved to another location because of a new job or be near their family. These sellers may not want to rent out their property or leave it empty. They may need the money from the home to buy another one at the new location. What to do?

First and foremost, the reality is that in order to be competitive these sellers have to lower the price of their home to be competitive with bank owned or short sale properties.

So, if you are a buyer, which would you purchase? A REO property that is sold without warranties "as is" and you might face a lot of repairs? (I am not even touching on the possible fallout from the current legal bruhaha.) Or one that is offered as a "short sale" but you have to wait for lender approval which takes weeks or months and where you are in competition with several other offers? And, even more frustrating is the possibility that the bank forecloses on the home before the "short sale" can be completed which cancels out the purchase? In essence, you have lost a lot of time for this "deal."

Or would you look for a seller who is motivated and has none of the lender/foreclosure issues mentioned above? Just putting it out there....

Check out the homes/properties I have listed in the "under $200,000" price category that do not have the lender/foreclosure issues on my website http://www.hellarothwell.com

Happy Columbus Day,

Hella

Summertime in Del Norte County, California

2010-08-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

What makes summertime different here along California's northernmost coastline? The redwood trees are the clue! Morning fog is the norm, which nourishes these tall stately trees and makes it cool, a natural air conditioning. The fog then retreats mid morning, but still keeps it a lot cooler than inland.

The result? visitors come in droves, first driving through the cooling redwoods and ending on our miles of beaches for swimming, surfing (albeit small waves), walking the dog, or tide pool treasure hunting. Others stay along the beautiful Smith River where river rafting is a favorite passtime. Check out my photos on http://www.smithrivercalifornia.com which also shows some ocean beaches photos.

And when you drive through the National and Regional parks to get to the Crescent City area, you may be lucky enough to see wildlife (I saw two little "Bambies"), or an Osprey resting (they are ready to migrate, but some are still here).

It's just a beautiful area, and not only in the summer. Come visit us for the fall foliage, or dramatic winter storms.

Have a great End of Summer.

Hella

Extension of Homebuyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline to September 30, 2010

2010-07-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

This just in from the Del Norte Association of Realtors:

Congress has passed a bill extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing
deadline to September 30, 2010. The extension applies only to transactions that had ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, and have not yet closed. There will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law.

Additionally, Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) through September 30th. The bill is retroactive and will cover the
lapse period from June 1, 2010, to the date the law is enacted. NAR will
continue to work with Congress on the NFIP Reform bill, and we will keep
you posted on those efforts.

For additional information on both the tax credit deadline and the NFIP,
visit http://www.Realtor.org/Government Affairs

Let me be your buyers agent to buy affordable Oceanfront Property

2010-04-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Not all oceanfront or oceanview homeowners who are thinking about selling have their properties listed "for sale" in this market. They do not want a "for sale" sign on their property. But they are mostly realistic that in this market their properties are not valued what they once were.

I have knowledge of several properties that, if I were your "buyers agent", I will approach them on your behalf. I am a California licensed real estate broker who can help you find affordable oceanfront or near ocean properties here in Del Norte County California.

Wouldn't you like to see spectacular sunsets from your home, or be within an easy walk of the beach? Please call or email me by clicking below, and let's find that dream property for you!!!

Hella Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Tel.(707)460-0604

California DRE #01772851

Email: Hella@95531.com

1125 J Street, Crescent City, CA 95531New Listing

2010-04-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Are you a plumber, electrician, gardener, artist or
in another profession that needs a lot of enclosed
work area and storage space, plus a loading height
entry to get items in and out of a truck?
Plus you want to live on the property?

There are 3 buildings built by Desjardin on this
oversized 0.31 lot. Main house 1066 sf (1 bedr,
living, Dining & utilroom, kitchen,) was just
upgraded inside; cute guest cottage 299 sf; and BIG
workshop 2513 sf mostly open space but also separate
living space & bathroom. Workshop could be used for
home businesses such as art, woodworking, or storage
for gardening, electrical or plumbing supplies. Has a
loading dock height entry to back up semi truck. Old
growth Douglas fir floors.

And it's in town!!! For more information, click on http://www.hellarothwell.com

Tax Credit Deadlines:

As part of its plan to stimulate the US housing market, Congress last fall approved the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit. This extended the deadline for the First-Time Home buyer Tax Credit from November 30, 2009 to April 30, 2010 and expanded it to include repeat buyers.

What's the deadline
To qualify, first-time and repeat buyers must have a binding written contract by April 30 and close by July 1!!!!!

What properties are eligible?
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and co-ops.

The National Association of Home builders has some great information. http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Plus California's

2010 Tax Credit for New Home / First-Time Buyer
These tax credits are available for taxpayers who purchase a qualified principal residence on or after May 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2011. Additionally, these tax credits are available for taxpayers who purchase a qualified principal residence on or after December 31, 2010, and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010. The purchase date is defined as the date escrow closes. Taxpayers may apply for the tax credits if they have entered into a contract before May 1, 2010, as long as escrow closes on or after May 1, 2010. For more information click on http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/New_Home_Credit.shtml

100 Conrad - Price reduced to $199,000

2010-03-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Now only $199,000 for this 1.04 acre property studded with Redwood trees plus a 2-story house with great views.

What a buy!!!

FHFA extends HARP for one year

2010-03-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) this week announced the extension of the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) to June 30, 2011. HARP is a refinancing program administered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and expands access to refinancing for qualified individuals and families whose homes have lost value. The program was originally set to expire June 10, 2010.

In 2009, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased or guaranteed more than 4 million refinanced mortgages. Homeowners can visit www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov for additional information on the program.

New Web site launched to prevent loan mod scams

The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network, launched PreventLoanScams.org, a new Web site to prevent loan modification scams.

The Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network developed the Web site to provide homeowners with a single destination to report alleged scammers. Complaints filed online are added to a national complaint database and forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for review. The Network estimates that the Web site will assist approximately 50,000 homeowners affected by scams. Additionally, HUD has directed its local fair housing and housing counseling grantees to begin reporting alleged loan modification scams via the Web site.

2010 Listings

2010-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

As the real estate prices have dropped across California, so have they dropped here in Del Norte County. My sellers are realistic and have reduced their listings to reflect the current market:

33 Sand Dune Way, The Beach at Smith River: This 1.89 acre beautiful view property was just reduced from $399,000 to $299,000. Owner financing is available with $100,000 down for those who don't want to take out a bank loan. For more information and photos, click on http://www.thebeachatsmithriver.com

3 Rental Houses on 2 lots for only $199,000: This property is located on Washington Avenue & Harrold Street, within walking distance of Sutter Coast Hospital, Walmart, the Social Security Building, Ace Hardware, plus medical and other services. This property was reduced from $225,000 to $199,000. Photos can be seen on http://www.hellarothwell.com

Almost 17 acres of land with high density development possibilities: This property is located right on Hwy. 101 at one end of the property and Washington Ave virtually across the street from Sutter Coast Hospital on the other. Price was reduced from $3.5 million to $2.9 million. This is a developer's dream!!! Click on http://www.crescentcitydevelopment.com for more information.

331 feet of Oceanfront plus two-story home: This very unique property is on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Watch whales migrate just offshore, ospreys fishing in tidepools just below the deck, and the most incredible sunsets, different every night that you can possibly imagine. The price was originally $2.95 million and is now $2.55 million. To see what I'm talking about, see photos on http://www.1500pebblebeachdrive.com

FHA Loan Qualifying Summary

2010-01-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

FHA loans are the easiest type of real estate mortgage loan to qualify for. The FHA guidelines for loan qualification are the most flexible of all mortgage loans that require less than 5% down payment.

Following is the basic FHA loan qualification guidelines.

Two Years of steady employment, preferably with same employer.
Last two years Income should be the same or increasing.
Credit report should typically have less than two thirty day lates in last two years with a minimum credit score of 620 or higher or in some cases no credit score at all.
Bankruptcy's must be at least two years old, with perfect credit since discharge.
Foreclosure's must be at least three years old, with perfect credit since.
Your new mortgage payment should be approximately 30% of your gross (before taxes) income.
These are some of the most basic of FHA guidelines for qualifying for a FHA loan. If you have answered yes to most of these statements, you probably qualify for a FHA mortgage loan.

If you are interested in buying a home here in Del Norte, an FHA loan might be for you.

Happy New Year to you all!!

2010-01-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a great year, do you feel it? Even before Christmas the phones were ringing, buyers asking for information on properties, and sellers wanted to gear up for the New Year.

I'll be introducing some new exciting listings in the next few days.

In the meantime, enjoy this weekend just like those big sea lions are doing in Crescent City harbor - see photo.

Oh, and my favorite color for January? For a hint, look at http://www.hellarothwell.com

Fannie Mae REO Loan Information

2009-12-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Fannie Mae now offering REO loans with only 3% down, investment properties for only 10% down

For more information, click on http://www.homepath.com for specifics.

$8,000 first time home buyer and $6,500 "move-up" tax credit extended

2009-11-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have a lot of questions regarding the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit and its extension into 2010. Here is a great link to learn more:
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq1.php

And did you know that there is a $6,500 tax credit for the Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer? Click below for more information:

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php

Looking to retire any time soon?

2009-09-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to retire in the next few years, you should take a serious look at Del Norte County in California. Prices have dropped considerably, sellers are much more realistic in what they can expect for their property. People are getting transferred or are moving closer to family in other parts of the country; and there are quite a few bank owned properties on the market of people who just got in over their heads. This is the time for you to come up here and see if you might like to retire here. It is absolutely beautiful in Del Norte County, check out http://www.pebblebeachdrive.com and http://www.smithrivercalifornia.com - these two websites represent what it is all about up here. And from here it's easy to take a trip north all the way to beautiful British Columbia or down south to San Francisco and beyond. Prices start around $129,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath home very close to the ocean. A beach house within steps of the ocean is about $250,000.

All the services are up here and are usually much easier to get to. We have senior centers, a major hospital and medical services, a recreation center with pool, museum, library, and shopping that includes Home Depot, Walmart, Safeway, etc. Social Security & DMV have no lines. Public transportation is available all around the area. Pretty all religions are represented here, and are very helpful to new members in the community. Just generally, people are so nice and friendly, not like in big cities where it is hard to connect and everyone seems to keep to themselves.

Are you an active senior? Here you can go fishing on Smith River or the ocean,gardening is a popular passtime, everyone seems to be handy and willing to lend a hand when something needs to be fixed. There is golfing, a tennis league, hiking in the national forests, or walking along miles of beach. Arts & crafts are alive and well up here and the most interesting stuff is sold at the regular farmers markets--another great place to meet people of like interests. And that's just the beginning...

Really, check out Del Norte County before you make a decision to go to the desert, for example, where it is suffocatingly hot in the summer & your air conditioning can break the bank. And if you do like the desert, you can always get an RV with all the money you save by living here and drive south for parts of the winter! Consider the possibilities, an active life with new friends plus travel. CARPE DIEM!