Time to Buy a Home in Lincoln-The cost gap narrows...read on-

Thinking of buying a home? Consider this: The gap between monthly rents and mortgage payments is at its lowest level in almost 20 years.
In some markets, the difference can be less than $100, according to a national study conducted for The Associated Press by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.
The study, part of a week-long look at homeownership by the AP, found years of falling home prices and low interest rates have created the ultimate buyer's market. But while buying a home is more affordable, it isn't necessarily easier.
Tougher lending standards have made it harder to qualify for a home loan, and unemployment is at 9.7 percent. Tax incentives for homebuyers will expire April 30, and interest rates are expected to increase this year.
"Statistically, it's a great time to buy," said Hessam Nadji, managing director of Marcus & Millichap. "Psychologically, the consumer doesn't feel like it's a great time to buy."
The analysis of 45 metro areas found the difference between the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home and the median rent is down to $256. The last time that gap was anywhere near that small was in 1993 when it fell to $264, according to the study.
Marcus & Millichap used median prices for the last three months of 2009 and calculated mortgage payments by assuming a 10 percent down payment and a 30-year fixed loan at 5.07 percent, among other factors. It also assumed borrowers.
Let Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI Resident Realtor for Connect Realty.com, INC., be your resource-phone us today Toll Free 866-333-6333 or direct at 916-616-0874 also wendimae@wendimae.com or check out her personal website at: http://www.wendimae.com/

Dual Paned Windows and Using your Federal Tax credit

Are old windows a luxury you can afford? Use your Federal Tax Credit!

When you were looking for your current home, you had two lists in your head: a list of needs and a list of wants. In all liklihood, windows weren't on either list because you assume that every house has them. Windows, like doors, are a given. Or are they? Some describe windows as a luxury. While a door is essential in even the most primitive house, "windows are a refinement, an amenity that makes a place more livable." Through the centuries, windows have grown in size and improved in technology, but the problem of energy loss has gotten more complex. The heat lost in residential and commercial blds. in 1990 cost the U.S. $20 Billion alone. If you have old frame, aluminum framed, single paned windows, or even double paned windows with leaky seals, your home is part of that statistic. Up to 40% of your personal heating and cooling dollars are literally going out the window. When you begin the process of replacing your windows-Start with looking for a Brand that meets the ENERGY STAR (trademark)requirements. One such Brand is Milgard-and specifically there Smart Touch Brand-locking system design. It is the only window lock on the market that meets the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use commendation. They are backed by a lifetime warranty and Exceed California's rigorous code/s.
With the added Federal tax credit thru Oct. 30th of $1500., and Milgards $750. rebate, what are you waiting for? Remodeling Magazine reports a return on investment is 99.2%.

If you should desire more information-feel free to give me a call:

Wendi-Mae Davis,

Broker Associate Connect Realty,

Real estate Counselor,

Director of the California Association of Realtors.

Toll Free 866-333-6333,

wendimae@wendimae.com or check out my personal website at: http://www.wendimae.com/
Also check out our Community webite at http://www.mycameronpark.com/

Solar Energy, Solar Panel Systems-Start putting money back in your pocket.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy can put your hard earned dollars, back in your pocket.

PhotoVoltaics: Basic Design Principles and components

If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a PhotoVoltaic (PV) system-a way to genereate electricity by using evergy from the sun. These systems have several advantages:They are cost-effective alternatives in areas where extending a utility power line is very expensive;they have no moving parts and require little maintenance;and they produce electricity without polluting the environment.

A couple of nearby solar panel companies are Sacramento Solar Panels http://www.recsolar.com/ and Evergreen Solar-made in the USA25 year Warranty-36 yers in Solar http://www.suneiec.com/
Hundreds of cost-effective applications for PV systems have been developed. In the United States, PV systems must have unobstructed Southern exposure. Where you live, will determine the number of PV modules you will need. In addition to the PV modules, you will need to purchase balance-of-system (BOS) equipment. The National Electric Code cntains provisions and requirements for PV systems.
For online Renewable Energy Information go to http://www.eren.doe.gov/ and http://www.nrel.gov/
For more information-or for the packet made available by PG & E, email me at wendimae@wendimae.com or visit me at http://www.wendimae.com/ you may also call me toll free at 866-333-6333
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI-Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor, Connect Realty

Be Firewise...Wildfire preparedness for your home and Pets

Hope it never happens to you...For an information intense Packet on Fire Preparedness-The National Firewise Communities Program provides wildland/Urban interface resources for Firefighter safety, Community Planning, Landscaping, Construction, and maintenance to protect people, their pets, their property-and natural resources from Wildfire. More information is available from the firewise website at: http://www.firewise.org A helpful checklist, and good place to start:1) Home ignition Zone-Begin with at least 30 ft of space immediately around the home and extending out as far as 100-200 feet.2) Lean, Clean, and Green landscaping-With firewise landscaping, you can create a survivable space around your home that reduces the threat significantly.3) Fire-resistant roof construction-self explantory.4) Fire resistant attachments-include any structure connected to your home, suck as decks, porches, or fences. If they are attached and are not fire resistant, then the home as a whole is vulnerable to ignition.ood w/legible & clearly marked5) Fire-resistant construction-Wall materials that resist heat and flames include brick, cement, plaster, stucco, and concrete masonry. Tempered and double-pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to wildfire and flames. Why? Firebrands (embers) collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials...6) A disaster Plan-The time to plan for any emergency is prior to the event. Discuss this with your family, and have emergency numbers close by-and in a visible place. Leave before it is too late. Decide where you will go, and how you will get there. Have tools available, such as a shovel, rake, axe, handsaw, or a chainsaw. Maintain an emergency water source too. Have plans for your pets, practice family fire drills.7) Emergency Access-Identify your home and N'hood w/clearly marked streets and names and numbers. Your driveway should be at least 13 feet wide, with a verticle clearance of 15 feet and a slope no more than 5 percent for emergency vehicles...Provided to you by:
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI.
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
wendimae@wendimae.com
I look forward to the possibility od assisting you in your quest!

Green Building photos and websites

As with every other topic one might wish to explore on the web...where do you start? When it comes to "Green" building, and/or what to furnish your home with, to be most "green" and environmentally concious...here are two sites that I have found to be most helpful on the subject.
http://www.earth911.org/ and http://www.energystar.gov/ What a great way to both save money, and save our environment for our children...

Should you like any further direction on the subject, please feel free to contact me:
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com/
Toll Free 866-333-6333

Green Tip of the month-For your new garden/Lawn

Brought to you from the California Association of Realtors...C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).

Or, contact Wendi-Mae Davis-one of your leaders in saving the Environment!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
www.wendimae@wendimae.com

Unique Homes...

What makes a home Unique...share your photos and thoughts with us. From hunting Lodges to unusual architectural designs to Historic Homes...We have found that Unique properties offer special rewards, and challenges. Read on...there's no "one size fits all" with "Unique" Properties...especially when it comes to selling one-you certainly do need to find another person whom shares the "same point of view" :) We want to hear you thoughts, and see your photos/examples...please leave a comment!
Wendi-Mae Davis, ABR, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, Inc.
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com/
wendimae@wendimae.com