Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Buying After a Short Sale
Good News! Changes in lenders' guidelines have reduced the waiting period for buyers who wish to purchase a home after experiencing a short sale. Maintaining good credit since, paying all bills on time in the last 12 months, saving a down payment (as little as 3.50% to 20% down payment), and of course, having income to qualify for a loan make it possible to buy a house in as little as 12 to 36 months.
FHA announced on August 15, 2013 that the wait period will be reduced to one year under FHA's Back to Work Program. Borrowers with as little as 3.50% down payment after having a short sale, bankruptcy, or foreclosure can apply. This is subject to guidelines such as having experienced an Economic Event which is beyond your control that resulted in a Loss of Employment or Loss of Income. Note: If you were delinquent on a prior FHA loan, you will not be able to buy after one year with this FHA program.
Conventional financing will allow a home purchase after two years with a 20% down payment . Only have 10% down payment? The wait time is 4 years.
Veterans can apply for 100% financing with a VA loan after a short sale with a 2 year wait period.. Other factors may apply so check with your local mortgage professional for all the details and then begin on the road to home ownership again.
5 Mistakes Businesses Make with Social Media
By Ashlei Jackson, Qlixite
Who wants to make the same mistake twice? No one. Wise entrepreneurs learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others...including the wild and crazy world of social media. The following are 5 mistakes that can set your social media campaign back. We don't want that to happen to you so take a moment to "learn" from these tips.
Mistake #1 - No Plan
Imagine if you started a business without a mission or business plan. Imagine you didn't know who your potential customer was or what products you were going to sell. Do you think it could be a recipe for disaster? The same goes for your social media. Take the time to plan your strategy BEFORE you dive in to posts and status updates. It will keep you focused in the long run and allow you more success.
Mistake #2 - Picking the Wrong Platforms
You can drive yourself crazy trying to manage twenty different social media sites and the odds are - unless you have a whole social media team - you won't excel at any of them because you are spread too thin. The idea is quality vs. quantity. Part of your Plan (stated above) is to consider where do your potential customers hang out. Is it Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Pinterest, YouTube? Ask your clients and narrow your focus down to one or two sites.
Mistake #3 - Tracking & Tweaking
Social media as a business is not a "just for fun" tactic. This is a legitimate marketing venue. Just like coupons, advertising and other marketing ploys, you have to measure your success to know how it's working. If you don't track what you are doing and make changes when you see success or failure - you're wasting your time. Most of the social sites offer analytics and there are free resources available.
Mistake #4 - "Push" Selling
When you spend all of your time pushing your followers and fans to buy - their going to do the opposite. They'll unfollow or unlike you and odds are, they're never coming back. Social media is about building a community and providing valuable information. Think about those potential customers and what they are interested in. Do they like DIY tips, quotes, funny images, special discounts, contests etc.? Give them what they want (integrated around your business/industry of course) and soon you'll be engaged in "pull" marketing which creates a much stronger relationship. They'll WANT to buy from you and will probably share those feelings with their friends too.
Mistake #5 - Thinking this is Easy
Social media is a huge venue for business and because there are so many tools available, it's easy to get sucked in to thinking this is all a piece of cake. It isn't. Creating a social media platform that engages with followers and nudges them on their way to becoming customers is HARD WORK. You didn't start your business without education of some kind, right? It's time to start learning the tricks of the trade and educating yourself so you can maximize your social media plan.
BONUS MISTAKE : Giving Up Too Soon
There is no getting around it - social media takes time. Success won't happen overnight and if you're only spending a few minutes a day on your posts, it's going to take a long, long time to reap rewards. Expect to dedicate at least an hour a day to your social media marketing. Social media is about building relationships and there is no shortcut to creating trust. Remember, you have a plan and you are going to need to dedicate at least 6 to 9 months to achieve measurable results. Don't quit just yet!
Who wants to make the same mistake twice? No one. Wise entrepreneurs learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others...including the wild and crazy world of social media. The following are 5 mistakes that can set your social media campaign back. We don't want that to happen to you so take a moment to "learn" from these tips.
Mistake #1 - No Plan
Imagine if you started a business without a mission or business plan. Imagine you didn't know who your potential customer was or what products you were going to sell. Do you think it could be a recipe for disaster? The same goes for your social media. Take the time to plan your strategy BEFORE you dive in to posts and status updates. It will keep you focused in the long run and allow you more success.
Mistake #2 - Picking the Wrong Platforms
You can drive yourself crazy trying to manage twenty different social media sites and the odds are - unless you have a whole social media team - you won't excel at any of them because you are spread too thin. The idea is quality vs. quantity. Part of your Plan (stated above) is to consider where do your potential customers hang out. Is it Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Pinterest, YouTube? Ask your clients and narrow your focus down to one or two sites.
Mistake #3 - Tracking & Tweaking
Social media as a business is not a "just for fun" tactic. This is a legitimate marketing venue. Just like coupons, advertising and other marketing ploys, you have to measure your success to know how it's working. If you don't track what you are doing and make changes when you see success or failure - you're wasting your time. Most of the social sites offer analytics and there are free resources available.
Mistake #4 - "Push" Selling
When you spend all of your time pushing your followers and fans to buy - their going to do the opposite. They'll unfollow or unlike you and odds are, they're never coming back. Social media is about building a community and providing valuable information. Think about those potential customers and what they are interested in. Do they like DIY tips, quotes, funny images, special discounts, contests etc.? Give them what they want (integrated around your business/industry of course) and soon you'll be engaged in "pull" marketing which creates a much stronger relationship. They'll WANT to buy from you and will probably share those feelings with their friends too.
Mistake #5 - Thinking this is Easy
Social media is a huge venue for business and because there are so many tools available, it's easy to get sucked in to thinking this is all a piece of cake. It isn't. Creating a social media platform that engages with followers and nudges them on their way to becoming customers is HARD WORK. You didn't start your business without education of some kind, right? It's time to start learning the tricks of the trade and educating yourself so you can maximize your social media plan.
BONUS MISTAKE : Giving Up Too Soon
There is no getting around it - social media takes time. Success won't happen overnight and if you're only spending a few minutes a day on your posts, it's going to take a long, long time to reap rewards. Expect to dedicate at least an hour a day to your social media marketing. Social media is about building relationships and there is no shortcut to creating trust. Remember, you have a plan and you are going to need to dedicate at least 6 to 9 months to achieve measurable results. Don't quit just yet!
Bell Ringing Success
By John Pineau, Local Resident
Hooray for the Meadow Vista People! A Special Thank You to all who gave to the “Red Kettles” during the holiday season. Thanks goes to the US post office for allowing us to ring the bell in front of the building. Thanks to Bob and Marilyn Baker for heading the event which meant that they set up and broke down the kettle stand and tables each day and furnished candy.
This year has been a heavy burden for the Salvation Army of Auburn and the surrounding community for both food and money. Thank you to all the volunteers who shook the bell. The Placer hills Methodist Church manned the bell for a full day. Pastor Romy Velasco said' “I like ringing the bell, it is a part of Christmas giving.”
We collected for a seven day period from 10 am to 5 pm - the final giving was $2,100.23. This is 20% more than last year. Be proud Meadow Vista!
Hooray for the Meadow Vista People! A Special Thank You to all who gave to the “Red Kettles” during the holiday season. Thanks goes to the US post office for allowing us to ring the bell in front of the building. Thanks to Bob and Marilyn Baker for heading the event which meant that they set up and broke down the kettle stand and tables each day and furnished candy.
This year has been a heavy burden for the Salvation Army of Auburn and the surrounding community for both food and money. Thank you to all the volunteers who shook the bell. The Placer hills Methodist Church manned the bell for a full day. Pastor Romy Velasco said' “I like ringing the bell, it is a part of Christmas giving.”
We collected for a seven day period from 10 am to 5 pm - the final giving was $2,100.23. This is 20% more than last year. Be proud Meadow Vista!
Blood Drive in Memory of Local Resident & Teacher
Submitted by Faith Lutheran Church
The Meadow Vista Community and Faith Lutheran Church wish to honor Janet Livingston Deutsch by holding this year's blood drive in her memory.
Janet passed away in February 2013. In February 1989 Janet became very ill, had two major surgeries, and received 27 pints of blood during this time. Placer Hills School, where Janet had taught for years, along with Faith Lutheran Church, which she called home along with the greater Auburn area, responded with a blood drive. This blood drive has continued every year since as the...
Meadow Vista Community Blood Drive.
Many members of the Meadow Vista Community have benefitted from our yearly blood drive over the years. Please join us and donate a pint of blood in honor of Janet's memory so that others may also live.
WHEN: Sunday, February 9, 2014, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Faith Lutheran Church, Combie Road, M.V.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
For an appointment, contact Diana Sasseen at (530) 878-6267.
The Meadow Vista Community and Faith Lutheran Church wish to honor Janet Livingston Deutsch by holding this year's blood drive in her memory.
Janet passed away in February 2013. In February 1989 Janet became very ill, had two major surgeries, and received 27 pints of blood during this time. Placer Hills School, where Janet had taught for years, along with Faith Lutheran Church, which she called home along with the greater Auburn area, responded with a blood drive. This blood drive has continued every year since as the...
Meadow Vista Community Blood Drive.
Many members of the Meadow Vista Community have benefitted from our yearly blood drive over the years. Please join us and donate a pint of blood in honor of Janet's memory so that others may also live.
WHEN: Sunday, February 9, 2014, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Faith Lutheran Church, Combie Road, M.V.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
For an appointment, contact Diana Sasseen at (530) 878-6267.
Christmas in the Village Treasure Hunt Winners
This past Christmas in the Village Treasure Hunt was a tremendous success. Congrats to our 3 winners who gathered all of the treasures and submitted their entry by 6pm. Each won a $50 Visa Gift Card. Thanks again to all of those who came out for this fun family & community event. See you next year!
Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Thank You!
Submitted by Etta Gross
The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club wishes to say THANK YOU to Placer County Realtors Association Foundation, Meadow Vista Area Lions Club, Placer Hills Union Methodist Church and their AGAPE Club, Meadow Vista Grange, Auburn Rotary, Lively Locks & Dead Bolts (Meadow Vista), Maki Heating and A/C, Meadow Vista Barber Shop, Sierra Pacific Real Estate, Weimar Country Store and Gas and all the other businesses, organizations and individual residents for their donations.
A special Thank You to Joel Richardson, Manager at Holiday Market in Meadow Vista and his customers for the brown bag program, which made 110 families Christmas much brighter.
There were children in 50 families that had a smile on Christmas thanks to having a present to unwrap due to the thoughtfulness of Wells Fargo Bank and their customers in Meadow Vista and the Meadow Vista Garden Club. Thank you to Placer Hills Union School District for their support to this project through the use of Sierra Hills School and the canned food drives at Sierra Hills and Weimar Hills' Schools.
For all those community residents that came on Friday night to help with the packing of the food boxes at Sierra Hills, we thank you tremendously since without your help this project would not happen. For those that have never witnessed this event, feel free to come in to see how our community comes together to help their neighbor in need during Christmas. It is a wonderful sight to see.
During the distribution of the Christmas Food Baskets, our recipients received their perishable foods from our District Supervisor, Jennifer Montgomery. Our community has several Santa helpers that made our Christmas Basket Program successful. Thank you to each and every one that helped with the Meadow Vista Community Christmas Basket Program. 2014 Christmas will mark our 70th year at the Meadow Vista Community Christmas Basket Program.
The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club wishes to say THANK YOU to Placer County Realtors Association Foundation, Meadow Vista Area Lions Club, Placer Hills Union Methodist Church and their AGAPE Club, Meadow Vista Grange, Auburn Rotary, Lively Locks & Dead Bolts (Meadow Vista), Maki Heating and A/C, Meadow Vista Barber Shop, Sierra Pacific Real Estate, Weimar Country Store and Gas and all the other businesses, organizations and individual residents for their donations.
A special Thank You to Joel Richardson, Manager at Holiday Market in Meadow Vista and his customers for the brown bag program, which made 110 families Christmas much brighter.
There were children in 50 families that had a smile on Christmas thanks to having a present to unwrap due to the thoughtfulness of Wells Fargo Bank and their customers in Meadow Vista and the Meadow Vista Garden Club. Thank you to Placer Hills Union School District for their support to this project through the use of Sierra Hills School and the canned food drives at Sierra Hills and Weimar Hills' Schools.
For all those community residents that came on Friday night to help with the packing of the food boxes at Sierra Hills, we thank you tremendously since without your help this project would not happen. For those that have never witnessed this event, feel free to come in to see how our community comes together to help their neighbor in need during Christmas. It is a wonderful sight to see.
During the distribution of the Christmas Food Baskets, our recipients received their perishable foods from our District Supervisor, Jennifer Montgomery. Our community has several Santa helpers that made our Christmas Basket Program successful. Thank you to each and every one that helped with the Meadow Vista Community Christmas Basket Program. 2014 Christmas will mark our 70th year at the Meadow Vista Community Christmas Basket Program.
Home Improvements that Pay Off!
By Christine Schlittenhart, Sierra Pacific Real Estate
Our Real Estate market is still experiencing low inventories and we still have a large number of buyers all competing for the same properties. Are you contemplating putting your home on the market but you know it needs some work? What home improvement projects actually “make” you money? Below are the top 4 researched home improvement projects that you should consider:
1) REMODELING THE KITCHEN You can expect to recoup 60% - 120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel as long as you don't go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of your house, or your neighborhood.
2) BATHROOM ADDITION If your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another one. It is estimated that you can recoup 80% - 130% of whatever you spend adding another bathroom.
3) ADDING SQUARE FOOTAGE Adding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. However, you can typically recoup 50% - 83% of your initial investment. Just make sure you keep your costs under control.
4) DECK ADDITION - If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. Homeowners can recoup 65% - 90% of their investment by adding a deck.
We need your listings, so contact one of your Meadow Vista Merchant Realtors today to find out what your home is worth and get your home listed and SOLD!
Our Real Estate market is still experiencing low inventories and we still have a large number of buyers all competing for the same properties. Are you contemplating putting your home on the market but you know it needs some work? What home improvement projects actually “make” you money? Below are the top 4 researched home improvement projects that you should consider:
1) REMODELING THE KITCHEN You can expect to recoup 60% - 120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel as long as you don't go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of your house, or your neighborhood.
2) BATHROOM ADDITION If your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another one. It is estimated that you can recoup 80% - 130% of whatever you spend adding another bathroom.
3) ADDING SQUARE FOOTAGE Adding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. However, you can typically recoup 50% - 83% of your initial investment. Just make sure you keep your costs under control.
4) DECK ADDITION - If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. Homeowners can recoup 65% - 90% of their investment by adding a deck.
We need your listings, so contact one of your Meadow Vista Merchant Realtors today to find out what your home is worth and get your home listed and SOLD!
From the MV Lions Club - Easter Egg Hunt & Mother's Day
Submitted by Etta Gross
A special Thank you to all who purchased See's Candies from us in front of Holiday Market and at True Value Hardware. The proceeds will be shared equally between Sierra Reach Ministries Food Closet and Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club.
Mark your calendars for our up- coming events:
• Easter Egg Hunt, April 19 at Placer Hills School play-yard (Soccer Field) begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP! The hunt is over within 10 minutes, so please arrive early.
• Mothers' Day Breakfast Sunday, May 11, 2014 Sierra Hills School Auditorium.
More information will be posted throughout town as we approach the dates.
We welcome potential members to join in our meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Grange Hall. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For additional information contact our Club President Doug Olson at 878-3637 or any Meadow Vista Area Lions member.
A special Thank you to all who purchased See's Candies from us in front of Holiday Market and at True Value Hardware. The proceeds will be shared equally between Sierra Reach Ministries Food Closet and Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club.
Mark your calendars for our up- coming events:
• Easter Egg Hunt, April 19 at Placer Hills School play-yard (Soccer Field) begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP! The hunt is over within 10 minutes, so please arrive early.
• Mothers' Day Breakfast Sunday, May 11, 2014 Sierra Hills School Auditorium.
More information will be posted throughout town as we approach the dates.
We welcome potential members to join in our meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Grange Hall. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For additional information contact our Club President Doug Olson at 878-3637 or any Meadow Vista Area Lions member.
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