Archive for October, 2007
A Bicycle ride through Lower Bidwell Park in Chico, CA
October 29th, 2007 Categories: Fun Things To Do Near Chico CA!, Living in Chico
Need a great idea for a Chico, CA family outing?
How about a bike ride through Lower Bidwell Park!
Young and old alike will delight in hopping aboard a bicycle to peddle their way through the 418 acres of cherished Lower Bidwell Park. The ride is a leisurely one, virtually level throughout so that riders can can fully appreciate the beauty around them. 
The smooth paved roads are perfect for little people still learning to ride, while the smaller side trails offer an exciting diversion for the more adventurous. Bidwell Park is enormously popular regardless of the season or the weather. Expect to share the road with a variety of walkers, runners, dogs, skaters, bicyclists, strollers and horses, all out enjoying the day. 
Make sure that you plan time for exploring a few new nooks and crannies with each visit! As fun as it is to breeze through the park on a bicycle, you might find you have an irresistible urge to hop off. There are many benches and picnic tables in day camp spots along the creek that runs through the park. Stopping for lunch is a great excuse to wade in the creek looking for tadpoles, snoozing in the sun, or watching the squirrels dart from tree to tree.
Looking for more fun things to do near Chico, CA in the fall?
- The View from a Canoe- California Park in Chico, CA
- An afternoon at the Pumpkin Patch- Book Family Farm
- Fun Things To Do Near Chico, California: Go Climb A Volcano!
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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Chico CA pictures, Bidwell Park in early October 2007
October 26th, 2007 Categories: Chico California Photos, Living in Chico
One of the best things about living in Chico, CA?
The unbelievable change in seasons! Chicoans enjoy a truly spectacular fall, with a virtual palate of colors evident, especially in areas like Bidwell Park. In this photo, the colors are just beginning to show… kind of like a preview for the main event. Talk about curb appeal for our Chico, CA real estate… the foliage can’t be beat!
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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The View from a Canoe- California Park in Chico, CA
October 25th, 2007 Categories: California Park Neighborhood, Chico California Photos
Take a ride with me!
The California Park residential neighborhood is the only one in Chico, CA that boasts lake frontage.
Truly, the view from the water is unlike anything you will see from the road!
The first time we put our canoe in the water, we were in awe of the variety of home styles: we saw everything from “southern charm” to “ultra modern.” Each back yard had something different to offer. There were private boat docks, a sand beach, hammocks, landscaped terraces, gorgeous waterfalls, weeping willows, and my all time favorite: bright red canoes!
If you have the opportunity to visit the California Park area, a tour from the lake is a fun way to explore. (Note: The lakes are private. You must actually be a resident or guest.) There are 2 lakes, and two of them connect under a bridge on Lakewest Drive. There are several idyllic coves in which you will find residents enjoying the lifestyle unique to Cal Park. You might wave hello to a grandpa teaching his grandson to fish, view one of several large, grassy park areas, or (if you are REALLY lucky) spot one of the turtles that calls the lake home.
The neighborhood also boasts a series of cascading duck ponds which delight young and old alike. It is such a treat to visit the lakes in time to watch the baby ducks! There are usually families that include lots of fluffy babies, all chasing after the mama duck. The lake is shallow enough in many places to view the fish swimming below. And, if you’re paying attention, you can hear the tell-tale “ker-plop!” of a bullfrog jumping in the blue-green water!
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If you would like information on Chico, CA real estate and foreclosures in the California Park neighborhood, please feel free to call the neighborhood expert: Sandi Bauman at 530-864-5407.
Chico Homes is thrilled to have their new office located with water front views of California Lake at 2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120.
Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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An afternoon at the Pumpkin Patch- Book Family Farm
October 25th, 2007 Categories: Fun Things To Do Near Chico CA!
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Still looking for that perfect pumpkin in Chico, CA?
Better load up the family, and head to the Book Family Farm.Book’s 250 acre farm, only minutes outside of Chico on Hwy 99 in Durham, is the perfect place to spend a leisurely fall afternoon.We visited Book’s, and were immediately drawn to the Scarecrow Contest. 
Entries were made by many local schoolchildren, as well as businesses. The winner was awarded a $1000 prize! We especially liked reading the banners the younger children had on their scarecrows. The theme was “It’s okay….” We saw everything from “It’s okay to have big ears” to “It’s okay to like Superman!” There were definitely some scarecrows wearing their hearts on their sleeves! Other fun activities included a hay pyramid, horse-drawn wagon rides, corn maze, live music, and roping arena. There is also a small country store with plenty of local treats. The little ones will especially enjoy the duck pond and farm animals.
The Book Family Farm will be open to the public thru Wedneday, October 31st 2007 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday-Saturday, and Sundays 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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Vallombrosa Avenue near Bidwell Park in Chico, CA
October 18th, 2007 Categories: Chico California Photos
Vallombrosa Avenue is a beautiful Chico, CA street that parallels lower Bidwell Park. It is coveted for it’s convenient location to the many walking trails and access to Little Chico Creek. Visitors will find a wide variety of Chico CA real estate in this location: everything from mid-century modern to bungalows to contemporary homes built this year.
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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Lenders beware: How to lose a Chico, CA Realtor (and therefore buyer) in 3 days.
October 7th, 2007 Categories: Busy Girls Guide, Chico Buyers, Chico Financing, My Opinion on Things
I would say, as far as Chico CA Realtors go, I’m fairly easy to get along with. I typically play nice with my peers. My end of the work is done in a thorough manner, and on time. If, as a lender, you do your job well and respect my clients, I will happily recommend you to future Chico, CA buyers.
That is, I’m easy to work with UNTIL you tick me off.
If I feel that an unethical action (or lack of one) on your part has jeopardized my clients in some way, then be prepared to make it right. On the client’s behalf, I will hold you as accountable as I can. You probably won’t like it much…. just so you know. Once we get them taken care of, I won’t be bringing you any new business.
How to lose a buyer in 3 days (or less!)
1. Ignore phone calls and emails.
2. Intentionally leave off or reduce known fees on the good faith estimate.
3. Quote them one rate when you are fully aware that they won’t qualify.
4. Assure me that you can close the loan on time when you won’t be doing so.
5. Tell us that the buyers are prequalified for a specific loan, when in fact, you haven’t done the work.
6. Assure me that you have everything you need to close when you HAVE NOT received all documentation.
7. Bait and switch my buyers at the closing table. That interest rate better be pretty darn close to the quoted one!
8. Abandon us at the closing table. You should be there to explain any and all concerns the buyer has regarding his loan papers.
9. Be incapable of admitting that you don’t know, or have made an error. I’m not perfect, and don’t expect anyone else to be. If you make an error… just say so! Don’t run us around and waste more time.
Whew!! (I’m glad I got that off my chest).
It frustrates me to no end when a lender does not represent his or her clients with an ounce of honesty, fair dealing, common courtesy or professionalism. That client is supposed to be the one we are both protecting!!
Lenders: If you’re looking to lose a client, a Realtor, and any potential for future business, any of the above actions should get you there in no time at all.
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Buyers: If you need assistance locating a competent, Chico, CA lender to assist you in your home buying experience, feel free to call me for a recommendation! I can be reached at 530–864–5407. It’s wise to choose carefully, in order to avoid the nightmares, and save time later!
Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
| Discussion: 8 Comments »
Absorption Rate and Pricing a Chico Property
October 7th, 2007 Categories: Chico CA Real Estate Market Stats, Chico Sellers
The term “absorption rate” is one you may hear a Realtor use when discussing pricing Chico CA real estate property.
Columnist Jerry Rossi explained it beautifully in the June 2006 edition of Realty Times. The application of his example allows us to explore, based on fact, the liklihood of selling a Chico, CA property at the price you are considering listing it at.Jerry’s example!An investor wants to sell his 4-plex for $300,000. After doing a Comparative Market Analysis on the property, a competent Realtor knows that his 4-plex is probably only worth $275,000. To help him understand why he should NOT list it $25,000 over value, you apply the formula to figure out the absorption rate.
In simple terms:
- Take the number of 4 plexes sold in the past 12 months at $300,000. (let’s say 5 sold)
- Divide this number by 12 to get the absorption rate. (5 divided by 12 = .42)
- Find the number of 4 plexes available at $300,000. (10 available)
- Divide this number by the absorption rate. (10 divided by .42 = 23.80)
It will take 23.80 months (yikes!) for the market to absorb the 4 plexes currently for sale at $300,000.
It would take 7.5 months on the other hand, if the investor was to list at your suggested price of $275,000… and there were 5 4-plexes available at $275,000.
If the difference in the number of months doesn’t help in the understanding of the dangers of overpricing, try considering the amount of money the seller will pay OUT during that extra 16.3 months the property could sit on the market.
If the seller is paying $1900 per month on a mortgage, their SAVINGS could be $30,970 in payments.
Ultimately, they will save $5970 by pricing their 4 plex $25,000 LESS!!
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in Chico CA REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag real estate.
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The Orange Crayon Contract
October 7th, 2007 Categories: Just for Fun!
Children NEVER cease to amaze me.
They are watching, listening, and learning by example… even when you think they aren’t paying attention.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your every move as a parent is being registered and tracked, only to have the results pulled out of nowhere, just when you least expect it.
Just moments ago, I was sitting here blogging.
My husband walked in with a question, and our daughter followed shortly after. She asked if she could speak with us for a moment. Her respectful question and tone of voice caught us off guard and persuaded us to abandon our conversation.
She cleared her throat, and proceeded to read out loud, the following:
(sorry, you’re missing the full, orange crayon effect here)First we were dumbfounded, then we started laughing, and then we proceeded to negotiate a ‘counter’ to her contract.
Hmmm…. where did she come up with this idea?
The funniest part is that she refused to drop the subject because we hadn’t signed. She already knows that a contract that isn’t properly executed isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
I’m almost scared to see how her negotiating skills improve with age…
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in Chico CA REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag real estate.
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My perspective: The Chico, CA Real Estate Market is not THAT bad!
October 7th, 2007 Categories: Chico CA Real Estate Market Stats, Chico CA Real Estate News, Chico Sellers
Call me a hopeless optimist if you like, but I don’t think the Chico CA real estate market is half as bad as everyone makes it out to be!
The power that the media has on people’s perception of reality is both amazing and frightening.Considering the facts stated below, can anyone really argue that the Chico CA real estate market is all that horrible?
These numbers represent all class of property including single family homes, residential income, commercial, manufactured homes, vacant land, ranches and farms, year to date as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS.
Year Listed Sold % Listed Sold Avg List Price Avg Sold Price List/Sold DOM
2007 6498 2067 31.81% $303,327 $289,171 95.33% 92
2006 7401 2430 32.83% $302,084 $290,848 96.28% 73
I’m thinking the numbers look pretty gosh darn good! My biggest caution to sellers would be to expect an extra 20 days on the market for a reasonably priced house to sell.
To sum it up, approximately 40 less properties per month have sold in 2007 than in 2006. Nearly 400 Chico Realtors have closed at least one transaction this year!
Compared to the statistics that are being posted for other regions in the United States, I really think that Chico CA has faired very well. Take Ponciana, FL for instance. Only 1.77% of their total inventory is actually selling! It appears that Chico CA property is a safer investment than you might find somewhere else.
Am I really the only one seeing this glass half full?
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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