REDDING LIFESTYLES Category
Redding Real Estate:Newer The Home, Higher The Value!
INDUSTRY NEWS, REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY, SHORT SALES, TIPS FOR BUYERS, TIPS FOR SELLERS
A local appraiser points out that homes 5 years of age or newer have the highest average value on a cost per square foot basis. The average price of a newer home is $286,172 or $155.9 per square foot. The average of homes 6 years or older drops precipitously to $116.7/square foot. All homes sold in the area served by the Shasta MLS average $121.6/square foot. To get a rough idea of what your home is worth, multiply your square footage by the average cost per square foot based on your home’s age.
My own numbers indicate homes for sale on the Shasta MLS inched up to 1329. Pending home sales have risen to 429 Monday compared to 382 one month earlier. The number of bank foreclosures listed for sale continues to rise with 176 available active home listings.. That number was less than 120 for most of 2009. 111 of the total pending home sales are bank repo’s. 138 homes have closed escrow thus far this year.
Short sales continue to be a significant part of the market. 233 sellers are trying to sell their homes for less than what is owed. Together with foreclosures, distressed sales are predicted to represent half of all transactions in 2010.
Those that lose their homes to foreclosure can expect to wait 3-4 years before being qualified to buy a home again. Members of credit unions may be able to purchase again in as little as a year. Credit unions typically hold their loans instead of selling them to Fannie or Freddie GSE’s allowing them to set their own rules for reconsideration. Divorce, medical bills or job loss may be legitimate reasons for allowing someone to re-enter the housing market on a case-by-case basis. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is likely to prevent one from buying for 5 years or more.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN A QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL SALES EXPERIENCE
Should Shasta County Restaurants Be Graded?
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
A local reporter blogged recently about how disgusting the health department report was for one of his favorite Redding restaurants. I blogged about a solution that would cost little or nothing for the county to implement. I believe Shasta County residents and visitors alike would benefit from this simple program already in place in many other counties across California. Here’s my September 2008 post:
As a director for the California Association of Realtors, I attend meetings three times a year in cities across the state. This is my 10th year traveling for the Shasta Association of Realtors, and one healthy practice I’ve noticed elsewhere but lacking locally, is a restaurant grading system.
How does it work? The Shasta County Environmental Health Department sets up a system of conducting a health inspection of all restaurants in the county (yes, they already do this) and issues a grade based on the inspection results (no, they don’t do this). If a restaurant achieves a 90% or better compliance (for example) with health laws regarding food handling, food safety and cleanliness, they are issued a large letter “A” on a piece of paper which they can prominently display in the window or door of the eating establishment, for all to see.
Guess what? All restaurants want to display that big letter “A” in their window. They make an extra effort to keep their place of business in order, otherwise they will loose their badge of honor. Such a simple concept, yet our local health officer has not implemented such a program. A couple of phone calls to other counties that have a program in place, by a local health department employee, would get the ball rolling for Shasta County. Is that too much to ask?
Travelers, like me, familiar with the program seek out dining establishments that passed their health inspections with flying colors. Shasta County maintains a website, as other counties do, that list the results of the most recent health inspections of area restaurants. I don’t have the time to check and re-check the website for my favorite haunts so establishing a grading system seems like a no-brainer.
Our health department head is one of the highest paid public employees at the county, earning nearly $200,000/year plus benefits. Isn’t it time to develop a simple way for all of us to know before we walk in the door of our favorite eating place how they did on their last health inspection? What do you think?
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
Do Our Local Hospitals Use The Pronovost Checklist?
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
March 2010 Consumer Reports featured an article detailing a recent study on bloodstream infections contracted during hospital stays. A simple checklist system, called the Pronovost checklist, has been found to dramatically reduce infection rates when implemented and followed by caregivers.
One key element allows nurses to make doctors follow all the steps without fear of retaliation. Have our local hospitals adopted the recommendations of this simple procedure?
Only 27 states have laws that require hospitals disclose their infection rates. The good news is many hospitals have reduced central line infections to zero. However, one New York City hospital had an infection rate nearly 400% above average!
Here is a summary of what the checklist requires of caregivers:
- Wash their hands using soap and water or alcohol gel before and after examining a patient, inserting the catheter, and replacing, accessing, repairing, and dressing the catheter.
- Disinfect the patient’s skin with an appropriate antiseptic before inserting the catheter and during dressing changes.
- Use full-barrier precautions by using a mask, cap, sterile gown, and sterile gloves when inserting the catheter. Also, the patient should be covered by a large sterile sheet.
- Don’t place the catheter in the groin area. This area is difficult to keep clean.
- Remove unnecessary catheters. Evaluate daily whether any tubes or catheters can be removed if they are no longer essential.
Since all hospitals have not adopted this practice, family members or friends should take this list along and ask whether the hospital uses it. If you have a choice in selecting the hospital for care, check if they publish their infection rates and go to the hospital with the lowest rate.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN A QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL SALES EXPERIENCE
Cal Fire Warns Of Big Weather Change
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
Things are changing out in the Pacific which, if it comes to fruition, could dramatically change the dry weather pattern the Redding area has seen thus far this winter. According to weather forecasters at Cal Fire, the high-latitude block that has kept storms away has collapsed. Also, a powerful branch of the jet stream has developed and is expected to roar across Northern California bringing high winds and heavy precipitation.
This wet weather pattern has been absent for several years. Coincidentally, El Nino happens to be peaking in the Eastern Pacific which energizes the jet stream with moisture. Due to the low latitude of the jet stream, the storms are expected to be quite cold initially. This weather pattern is expected to arrive Sunday and continue for at least a week. It’s possible the Sierras will see tens of feet of snow above 3000-4000 feet. Lower elevations can expect at least 3-4 inches of rain statewide. However, the north state may see 5-10 inches in lowlands and 10-20 inches in “orographically-favored” areas. Locally, Shasta Dam and the Shasta Lake tend to wring out significantly more moisture from passing storms than nearby valley areas.
Forecasters are unanimous that after this week-long event, a “reloading”will occur with a strong possibility of a Pineapple express pattern developing bringing warm moist storms that could trigger moderate flooding as it melts the copious amounts of accumulated snow. The unusual thing here is many different forecast models are in ”truly remarkable” agreement about these predictions.
I tend to be skeptical of long term weather predictions but this news is spreading like wildfire (pun) and it doesn’t hurt to batten down the hatches in preparation for what might be the drought busting winter many of us have waited for.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
RELTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS REAL LIVING
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN A QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Digital Age Breeds Rudeness
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
Am I the only one that notices rude behavior involving cell phones at public functions ? You know, phones ringing when someone is speaking at a podium, madly texting while others are eating or talking loudly on the phone while others are trying to listen to a presentation. Are matters so urgent they can’t wait a few minutes to return a call or text?
My wife and I attended my business association’s annual Christmas party at the Gaia Hotel in Anderson and we witnessed all these behaviors first hand. One guy’s phone rang during the flag salute, another during the invocation and a table of ladies behind us spent the majority of the evening glued to their phones feverishly texting and giggling amongst themselves olivious as Doug La Malfa bestowed a commendation to our outgoing president.
I was so proud of myself a couple years back when I chaired a committee for our state association. I asked all attendees at the beginning of each meeting to grab their phone and turn it off or set the phone to vibrate. It worked. No interruptions from anyone at any of the meetings I oversaw. I returned this year and attended the same committee meeting only to hear several phones go off during the two hours I was there.
This rude behavior is not confined to the twenty something crowd. Digital device users of all ages have become entranced by these wonders of the modern age however I suspect the older users may not know how to change their ringer settings. I guess the way things are going I will just have to get used to this behavior since few seem to have an issue with it. Where’s Ann Landers when you need her?
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS REAL LIVING
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Local Realtors Give Back To Community
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
The Shasta Association of Realtors sponsor several events this month focused on giving back to the community. Two weeks ago dozens of phone cards were given to local US Army representatives to send to troops in Afghanistan so they can call home for the holidays. Realtors and affiliate members including lenders, title companies and appraisers raised money to fund the purchase of prepaid phone cards.
Last week, more than 225 special needs children from across Shasta County attended a Christmas party thrown by Realtors at the Elks Lodge. The 37Th Annual Children’s Christmas Party included singing Christmas carols, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and presents selected by teachers for their students and paid for by Realtors. The Elks donated their lodge and many Realtor volunteers helped set up, decorate and clean up afterwards. We’re told this gift may be the only gift some of these kids will receive for Christmas.
Last week also saw several homeowners awarded cash prizes for decorating their homes with lights for the holidays.
Realtors sponsor the annual decorating contest and results are posted online at redding.com for the public to utilize in organizing a tour of these decked out homes.
Gift baskets for seniors in residential care facilities are being readied for distribution. These include toiletries, gloves, warm socks and sweet treats for men and women living in single family homes used as care homes. Seniors will receive these baskets before Christmas.
This has been a challenging years for the real estate industry yet we never forget those in need. I wish to thank the Affiliate and Social Committees for their hard work on these events that brought a smile to so many this holiday season.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL SALES EXPERIENCE
Realtor Christmas Light Contest Near
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
Judging begins next week for the annual Realtor sponsored Christmas Light contest. Homeowners that have decked out their yards for the holidays can enter to win cash prizes. Call the Shasta Association of Realtors for details and entry form. The first round of judging will take place Monday December 7th.
Several judging teams fan out across the greater Redding area each visiting 10-15 homes in specific geographic areas. They gather afterwards to turn in their scoring sheets and discuss their rankings. The field is narrowed and top contenders are judged again by all judges Tuesday December 8th.
Entries are accepted for homes located in Redding, south to Cottonwood, east to Bella Vista and Palo Cedro, north to Mountaingate and west to Shasta and the Placer Road vicinity. The winners will be announced in the paper along with details and a map of all the entries.
Now that Jim McDilda’s Christmas display has outgrown his home and downtown promenade, entrants have a chance to capture one of the prizes. Realtors and affiliates of the Shasta Board volunteer their time to drive around and judge the displays. Last year my wife and I participated in the judging and we enjoyed the variety, creativity and hard work of those that entered the contest.
This is a great way to find out where the best decorated homes are located so you can take a drive with friends and family with a Thermos of hot chocolate and get in the holiday spirit!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS REAL LIVING
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Life Equals Risk
We are a team of successful, professional, and knowledgeable real estate agents….
We finish strong for each client.
Call 530-224-6700 for details
Study Concludes Walkability Adds Value To Homes
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
A recent report by Joe Cortright of Impresa, Inc concluded homes located in areas with above-average levels of walkability garner about $4,000-$34,000 more than houses with average levels of walkability. Walkablity is defined as those areas with a mix of common daily shopping and social destinations within a short distance.
Unfortunately, few, if any, Redding neighborhoods can claim above-average walkability. Retail/commercial areas were intentionally located away from residential housing due to planning decisions made decades ago. Thus, Redding has grown outward requiring more roads, infrastructure, fire stations and police officers to adequately serve our ever-expanding city limits . This growth pattern is known as urban sprawl.
Redding planners unquestionably laid out the city to be auto-centric. One must hop in the car to grocery shop, find a hardware store or visit a restaurant. Only in recent years has the planning department seen the value of allowing residential uses above commercial space. Past planning has resulted in the city core becoming a ghost town after business hours. Workers must leave downtown for one of many subdivisions that sprawl outward from the city’s core in all directions. Patronizing a business requires staying in town after work or making another vehicle trip back into town after going home. More recently, planners are open to mixing residential and commercial uses. Where feasible, living units can be added over street level commercial space. I heard, but have not confirmed, new buildings under construction downtown have residential units on the upper floor.
The study also found that a value premium for walkability was higher in areas with extensive transit systems. If you can live somewhere where having a car is optional, the walkability premium is higher. Even if you still have to use a car to get where you want to go, commute times are shorter if you live close to areas with mixed uses instead of homogeneous subdivisions with mazes of streets that discourage walking. I live in one of those neighborhoods and doubt I would visit the park I can see from my home if I had to walk the labyrinth of streets to get there. Fortunately, I have a gate in my back fence that opens across the street from the park.
The health benefits of walkingare not the main motivation of households that buy homes in areas with high walkability scores according to the study. City planners have given walking little respect when considering transportation methods. That certainly seems to be the case here in Redding. Change will be slow as long as gas prices are painless and public transportation is inconvenient. Connecting and expanding walking trails around Redding may encourage walkers and bicyclists to leave their cars in the garage. Summer and winter weather will likely be a deterrent for all but the most dedicated anti-auto crowd.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Cool Trinity Alps Camping Spot
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION
Big Flat Camp Ground Trinity County
The ruggedly beautiful Trinity Alps are largely inaccessible except for those willing to strap on a pack and hike for miles and miles to reach the namesake granite peaks. One campground I frequent is situated adjacent to wilderness near the heart of the Alps. It serves as a starting point for hikers and horse packers heading to Caribou Lakes, Packers Peak, Tri-Forest Peak and Red Rock Mountain and points beyond.
Big Flat Campground is located at the terminus of Coffee Creek Road. Technically, the road continues a couple more miles to some private residences below Josephine Lake, but the campground is the last place the public can access. This campground has several unique features:
- At over 5000′ elevation, this spot offers a cool respite from summer heat common to lower elevation campgrounds
- A little known spring on a hillside below the campground offers plenty of fresh cool water for hikers and campers
- Trailheads heading north, east, west and south to wilderness areas in the Trinity and Salmon Mountains
- Cool clean swimming opportunities near the headwaters of the Salmon River just below the campground
- Best of all-camping is FREE
Horse packers help keep the campground clean and well stocked with firewood. Most campsites have a fire pit and firebox. Keep in mind campers must pack out there own garbage and pit toilets are the only facilities available.
To get there, follow Hwy 3 north from Weaverville to Coffee Creek Road, head west to the end of the road (about 15 miles). The first 5 miles or so of Coffee Creek Road is paved then the road turns to dirt and is very rough in places. 4WD is not required but a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
This is one of the best spots I’ve found for camping in the Northern California area. Contact me for additional information if you’re planning a trip!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
PREMIER SERVICE® is the focus of Real Estate Professionals/GMAC. We are located in Redding, CA (at the North end of the Sacramento River Valley) in the midst of river, lake, ranch and mountain terrain.
Our Customer Satisfaction Rating, based on an independent survey, exceeds 97%. This is reflected in our 2008 "QUIE" Award recognizing the TOP 10 REAL ESTATE COMPANIES in NORTH AMERICA! REP/GMAC in #2.
