Chico CA Real Estate News
Chico CA Bidwell Park Photography by local artist John Peters
May 4th, 2009 categories: Chico CA Real Estate News, Chico California Photos
I, like so many others, have become entranced by the photographic stylings of John Peters, Chico photographer. John has dedicated more than 3 years and 15,000 photos to a project focused on capturing the essence of our own Bidwell Park.
John’s photographs featuring Salmon Hole, the fish ladders at One Mile, Iron Canyon, Big Chico Creek, Horseshoe Lake, and local wild and plant life intrigue viewers from all over the world. He has been extraordinarily generous in allowing me to share his work here for both local residents past and present to enjoy, as well as individuals considering relocating to the beautiful Chico, CA area.
My goal for this work is that it may help to inspire a renewed sense of appreciation in our community for Bidwell Park and help to develop a clear plan to sustain and preserve this sacred trust for current & future generations to enjoy its wild and beautiful solitude. —John Peters
“John’s photography captures the beauty of Chico’s Bidwell Park with stunning color and wonderful composition. His prints are to be cherished as works of art that remind us how fortunate we are to live in Chico.”
Photographer,
Jim Gregg
About the artist: John Peters has spent most of his life in Chico, and grew up exploring Bidwell Park. His childhood is filled with many fond memories of long days spent wandering the trails, enjoying its swimming holes, and discovering many secret wonders throughout the park.
The year 2000 brought a series of tragedies into John’s life. His family’s home was devastated, he lost a lifelong best friend, and struggled with the declining health of a loved one.
An important part of John’s healing process was retreating to the serene, magnificent beauty of Bidwell Park. He spent a great deal of time there reflecting, ultimately developing a passion for both photography and creating a greater awareness for preserving the treasure we have in Bidwell Park.
More of his work can be found at his website, Bidwell Park Arts. Prints are available for a nominal fee, and are sure to become cherished favorites– what a fabulous gift idea!
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How Much Should I Offer On A Foreclosure Listing?
April 25th, 2009 categories: Chico CA Real Estate News
One of the most common questions that I hear in the business of selling Chico foreclosures is, “How much should I offer?”
Buyers often think that if the property is a foreclosure (aka REO or bank-owned property) that the offer should automatically come in low. What they are really asking is, “How low of an offer can I get away with?”
It’s important to understand that the banks that own the foreclosures are like any “normal seller.” Some sellers price their property really high in the beginning “just to see” if they can make a killing. Other sellers price it low in order to create some competitive excitement and facilitate a quick sale. Still others aim to price it very close to market value to ensure that it sells within a reasonable time period at the highest price possible.
Banks are no different, in that they have a pricing strategy. They typically get at least 2 different opinions of value from Chico Realtors, and many take the extra step of ordering an appraisal prior to settling on a list price. Once they have determined fair market value, the asset manager then prices the property according to their company’s policy. Some companies seem to take the fair market value and mark it up like 20%. They refuse to seriously consider lower offers, and by the time it actually sells 6 months later, they sell it for less than they could have originally, because the market had continued to decline. Conversely, I work for one company that routinely prices their properties just under market value in order to procure a buyer within 7 days.
Don’t assume, just because the property is bank owned, that you should automatically write a low offer!!
As a buyer, you need to work with your chosen Realtor to carefully assess the property and consider the comps in order to determine what the fair market value might be. The property may very well be under priced! I see buyers miss out on fabulous deals by tossing out low offers with little insight as to the true value, or consideration of how much time the property has had on the market. I can assure you, there are many savvy buyers and investors out there offering full price or more on properties. Yes! They are offering above asking price even in this market of declining values. Why? They did their homework, and are capable of recognizing a good deal when they see one.
Of course the flip side is that a bank will sometimes take a low offer. I most commonly see lower offers being accepted after several low offers have come in, and it becomes apparent to the seller that they have missed the mark on their initial price. Occasionally a clean, all cash offer will be accepted lower than asking price. It’s often worth it to the seller to settle at a lower price if they don’t have to wait 30 days or more to see their money. However, I think it’s an unfortunate misconception that many buyers with cash perceive their cash offer to be more appealing than it really is.
Cash in lieu of financing is not normally going to save a buyer a crazy amount of money.
Again, the best bet is to partner with a local Realtor who specializes in Chico foreclosures, and is astute at determining property value. Do your homework and find a Realtor who is closing a lot of deals, and with whom you share a mutual respect and trust. Pay close attention to the asking and selling prices of homes in the price range you want to purchase.
The more knowledgeable you become, and the more savvy your Realtor is, the better the odds that your offer will be competitive enough to win without overpaying for the property.
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Tour of Lights! Chico CA Real Estate Homes
December 17th, 2008 categories: Chico CA Real Estate News
The Tour of Lights is a wonderful local Chico CA holiday tradition.
Chico residents love to pile in their cars after dark to take a leisurely tour of all the brilliantly decorated Chico area homes.
For some, it’s a grand event, worthy of a limousine rental! Our family likes to enjoy Christmas music playing on the radio, and we always bring along mugs of hot chocolate or apple cider. Add in candy canes and Grandma and Grandad, and we have beautiful holiday memories in the making!
My favorite part is watching the faces of the children as they spot one unexpected treat after another: Santa in a sailboat, angels on rooftops, moving elves, and magical light displays. Of course, half the fun is viewing all of the Chico home properties gloriously lit up at night!
The Chico Enterprise Record made it very easy to enjoy the Tour of Lights. No sense in aimlessly wandering the streets… they’ve got all the best homes already mapped out!
If you are new to Chico, or visiting for the first time, the Tour of Lights is a MUST HAVE holiday event! Make a point of viewing our beautiful Chico homes, and enjoy the contagious Christmas spirit evident throughout our friendly neighborhoods. You won’t be disappointed!
Subscribe to: Chico CA Real Estate Blog and MLS Listings Search!
Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email [email protected]. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
| Discussion: 21 Comments »
A River Runs Through It 12768 Centerville Road Chico CA 95928
December 8th, 2008 categories: Chico CA Real Estate News
If you’ve been waiting for an affordable Butte Creek Canyon property, here’s your chance to own a piece of history!
This mid 1960’s three bedroom, two bath home is nestled into a very private location that makes you feel as though you’ve let it all behind… yet you are only miles from downtown Chico CA!
Featuring 262 feet of gorgeous Butte Creek frontage to enjoy year round: kayaking, tubing, fly fishing, hiking and sunbathing. The kids will never forget prospecting for gold on those lazy summer days!
The secluded, lush lot is a gardener’s dream. Walk the meandering paths through the almost two acres of property enjoying all that the canyon has to offer. There’s a lot of Butte Creek local history to enjoy as there is an old, one room schoolhouse, museum and other interesting historical landmarks like the Honey Run Covered Bridge just up the road.
The neat-as-a-pin home is move-in ready with fresh new paint, appliances, energy efficient windows, glass doors, and flooring. Step out of the Master bedroom and walk down the hillside stairs right into the creek. This house has three very private patios all with creek views, so you can enjoy some quiet time even when others are home. The best part? A wall of majestic windows in the living room brings the outdoors in. Watch the salmon run while sitting by a warm fire! The expansive deck is perfect for viewing the dramatic fall colors and wildlife.
Vital stats!
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
1.79 acres
$425,000
What is the Difference between Prequalification and Preapproval?
Why Should I Get Preapproved for a Chico, CA Home?
Lenders beware: How to lose a Chico, CA Realtor (and therefore buyer) in 3 days.
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Chico Foreclosure
November 21st, 2008 categories: Chico CA Real Estate News
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Chico CA Foreclosure Properties For Sale
November 7th, 2008 categories: Chico CA Foreclosure Listings, Chico CA Real Estate News
Want the inside scoop on Chico area Real Estate foreclosure properties not yet listed? The following are scheduled for marketing within the next 30 days by Chico Realtor Sandi Bauman:
5975 Maxwell #13, Paradise
15233 Humbug, Magalia
708 Bradford, Chico
Click here for Butte, Glenn and Tehama Foreclosure listings
Subscribe to: Chico CA Real Estate Blog to receive daily Chico foreclosure updates!
Call your local Chico Realtor Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407.
MUST HAVE information:
Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 1
Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 2
Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 3
Chico, California Foreclosures and West Nile Virus
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Smart Investors are Buying Chico Foreclosures!
October 31st, 2008 categories: Chico CA Foreclosure Listings, Chico CA Real Estate News
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Bank Owned Properties in Chico for Sale!
October 29th, 2008 categories: Chico CA Real Estate News
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New Chico Real Estate Foreclosure Listings!
October 10th, 2008 categories: Chico CA Foreclosure Listings, Chico CA Real Estate News
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The Chico Foreclosure Market won’t last forever– invest NOW!
October 2nd, 2008 categories: Chico CA Foreclosure Listings, Chico CA Real Estate News
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