Garth Evans

See how Garth does business in Lincoln…

So, every once in a while the Lincoln News Messenger asks me to write an article related to the real estate market here in Lincoln, CA. This is a draft of what I will have coming up in next week’s News Messenger:

Thinking about buying in today’s market?

Right now is a great time to buy. Prices have gone down dramatically and interest rates are still low. There is still a lot of inventory and many great opportunities, but there are some things you should think about before the excitement causes you to make a mistake. Here are some of the things you should consider:
• Hire a professional. Although there are many good websites that give you access to numerous home listings, you should hire an agent who will work for you. Hire a professional agent that knows the area well. The agent can help you in terms of location and will have information about the area including school boundaries, proposed construction, HOA’s, special assessments etc. It is worth not only having someone who knows how to negotiate but also someone who will know everything about the area.
• Be prepared with a loan preapproval. Most real estate agents can give you good recommendations of loan officers who are experienced and can get the job done. You need a loan officer that will educate you and help you understand the different loan options that are available. Although you may be hearing that it is a “Buyer’s Market”, the competition is stiff and you must be prepared to act quickly after a home comes on the market if you want a chance to purchase. Almost all sellers will require a preapproval letter with an offer.
• Choose a target area and type of home you want to buy. After you know which area you think you want to be in, spend some time driving around the neighborhood on different days at various times during the day. What may seem to be a quiet neighborhood at 2:00 pm on a Tuesday afternoon may be totally different on a Friday evening. Talk to the neighbors and ask them how they like the neighborhood. Speak with your agent about the characteristics that you want in a home. A good agent will listen and won’t waste your time showing you homes that you don’t want. Create a detailed list of needs and wants.
• Understand the process. A good agent will sit down with you and help you to understand the process from start to finish. Become educated and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Know the difference between buying a short sale, bank-owned or traditional sale and the possible challenges of each. At your first visit with your agent, you should strategize with the agent and come up with a game plan for finding a house. Talk with the agent about how you will communicate, best times for you to look at homes and let the agent know what you expect. Also ask the agent what he or she expects of you as a buyer.
• Don’t get frustrated. The process can be challenging. You may get beat out on offers and there may be some disappointment. If your offer gets rejected, talk with the agent about why it wasn’t accepted and use the experience to give yourself a better chance on the next offer. Buying a home is an exciting time and should be a good experience. Have fun with it.
• Start thinking about home inspectors and other contractors that can help you either during the process or after you buy the home. Once you are in escrow and the appraisal has been done it is a good idea to have a professional home inspection. This can let you know what will need to be done right away and what things you may want to think about having done in the future. On a regular sale you could ask for things to be repaired. The cost of a home inspection can usually be recouped through the repairs you ask to be done or at the least let you know what needs to be done. It can also save you from making a big mistake.
This is just a short list of a few things you may want to think about as you start the home buying process. The experience should be fun and exciting and a lot of the stress can be alleviated by hiring people who are competent and have expertise in the various aspects of the process. Don’t take the process lightly. You must do your homework, become educated and you will be able to make what is usually the biggest investment in your life.

1859 Loring Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648

Welcome Home! This beautiful home is located on a large corner lot in a quiet neighborhood. Excellent curb appeal and meticulous landscaping greet you from the street. Upgraded exterior elevation with stone fascia, extended exposed aggregate driveway and a quaint front porch make this home very inviting. You will be impressed with the wonderful floor plan including formal living and dining rooms, the open kitchen/family great room with the kitchen nook, and 4 bedrooms with 2 incredibly upgraded bathrooms. Each bath has granite counters, granite surrounds, quality fixtures and tile flooring. The bright kitchen is nicely appointed with granite countertops, cherry wood cabinets, stainless appliances, pendant and under cabinet lighting, and tile flooring. The oversized kitchen nook looks out to the free-form salt finish patio and the back yard is professionally landscaped with a variety of trees and shrubs.

The handyman will be thrilled with the finished 3 car garage. Other upgrades include exterior coach lights, separate laundry room with sink, custom paint and so much more. You won’t be disappointed! This is NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK-OWNED and can be closed in 30 days!

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

Rainbow in Roseville, CA

Are you the kind of person that always looks forward to the next step in life or is never satisfied with the way things are? To some extent, I have to say that I have been guilty of that. Thinking that things will be much better once some sort of event or milestone happens. Don’t you remember thinking that things will be much more fun once I get to high school, or once I graduate, or once I get a real job…Anyway, this spring has seemed to be quite wet and I am looking forward to the warm weather. I am thankful for the rain and realize that it is good that we have had more than normal for a number of reasons. Last night I was out with my wife and we saw this incredible rainbow, maybe the rain is over…

4141 Monteverde-Granite, Thermador appliances, Mahogany Cabinets…

You are invited to come to an open house at 4141 Monteverde Drive, Lincoln, CA 95648. Come and take a look at this beautiful home and the gorgeous golf course views. Saturday March 12 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. See the link below for the video tour and then come and see in person!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTD5WC1ECtA

4200 Monteverde Drive, Lincoln, CA 95648

Elegant and luxurious, this home is designed with entertaining in mind! Situated on a choice cul-de-sac lot in prestigious Catta Verdera, you’ll feel like you are at the resort. At over 5800 sf, this home includes 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, a home theater room, loft, separate formal rooms and finished garages. The gourmet kitchen features Viking appliances, granite slab countertops, top of the line cabinets & full butler’s pantry with prep sink and extra dishwasher. You’ll be impressed with the way the rest of the home wraps itself around the dramatic circular formal dining room. Just off the dining room, enjoy the open feel as the french doors lead to the expansive, exposed aggregate courtyard. Spend time cooking at the outdoor kitchen or unwinding with friends and family in the heated pool. Rinse off in the outdoor shower before you take a dip and take a nap afterward in the private pool house. Everything has been done to a higher standard! The Caribbean Blue Pebbletech bottom pool includes removable fencing, a built-in spa with spillway, rock waterfall and other water features. The manicured, private yard feels more like a park with flagstone walkways, stylish fountain, citrus orchard and a variety of trees and shrubs.  Every aspect of this home highlights the attention to detail. The custom accents of the inlaid medallion mosaic, the old-world stone style fireplace mantels and the unique lighting fixtures add interest in each room. Throughout the home there are numerous functional upgrades including surround sound, central vacuum, security system with camera capability, fire sprinklers and a tankless hotwater heater. This home is truly a masterpiece!

Watch the Video Tour on this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93VtbbehRMo&feature=related

Call for a complete list of upgrades and to schedule a private tour.

4141 Monteverde Drive, Lincoln, CA 95648

NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK-OWNED! QUICK RESPONSE AND QUICK CLOSE!

This beautiful home in the gated Catta Verdera Community is located at the end of a cul-de-sac and has amazing 180 degree views overlooking the golf course! Appointed with the finest amenities and upgrades, you will be impressed with the interior every bit as much as the gorgeous views. The exquisite kitchen includes granite slab countertops, rich mahogany cabinets, professional grade stainless Thermador appliances and marble limestone flooring. Enjoy looking out to nature from the many panoramic arched windows of the bright kitchen nook.  This home has a wonderful floor plan with a ground level master, formal living and dining rooms, spacious guest room, tech/library area, bonus room and 4 additional bedrooms (3 with balcony access). The generous master opens to the back yard and includes an impressive master bath with a jetted tub, split vanity with overmount designer basin sinks and a large shower. Relax and enjoy sunsets and the soothing sound of the babbling brook from the full length balcony or extensive patio. The oversized 4 car garage is completely finished with double garage door opener and epoxy floors.  Other upgrades include surround sound, extended fireplace hearth and custom mantels, imperfect smooth walls with custom paint, premium carpet, inlaid stone medallion mosaic and detailed transitions, central vacuum and so much more. From the stunning views to the magnificent upgrades, this home is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

To see the Video Tour on YouTube, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTD5WC1ECtA

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

108 Estrella Court, Lincoln, CA

You can see the video tour of this property by clicking on this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpeBUrFRUu8

This beautiful home in the gated Verdera Community is located on a huge cul-de-sac lot and has a private, park-like yard. Incredible views of the Sutter Buttes, putting green, basketball court and a custom water fountain are just some of the features that this over .40 of an acre lot has to offer. Impressive curb appeal with contrasting stone and stucco work greet you as you come up to the home. You will be impressed with the detail and the well thought-out upgrades on the interior. The nicely appointed kitchen includes granite countertops, maple cabinets, stainless appliances and 18 inch tile flooring. Enjoy looking out to the spacious back yard from the open kitchen nook. This home has a wonderful floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, separate formal living and dining rooms and the kitchen/family “great room” concept. You will notice the architectural detail in the master with the oval entry and the coffered ceilings. The master bath is aptly upgraded with a split vanity including tumbled travertine tile countertops and shower surround, jetted tub and beautiful cherry wood closet organizers. Take some time to relax and enjoy the views in the backyard or play ball on the basketball court, BBQ or practice your “short game” on the putting green. The handy man will love the split three and one 4 car garage with custom cabinets and epoxy floors.  The single side is currently being used as a games room. Other upgrades include surround sound, built-in media niche, crown molding, fireplaces, custom paint, moss rock walls, back yard fountain, coach lights, and so much more.   

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

Spring seems to be here and with the nice weather last week,  there has been quite a lot of real esate activity. Last week we signed listing agreements with 3 couples that have asked us to sell their homes. All three are under $200,000 and in great condition. Here are the details:

2002 Rickenbacker Lane

2002 Rickenbacker Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648-Well designed floor plan at Lakeside in Lincoln. You’ll love the open feel of the kitchen and family room areas. Warm, neutral paint colors, tile counter with extended backsplash, built-in microwave, alarm system and much more! Full back yard landscaping with stamped concrete patio, mow curb and auto sprinklers. Located in a nice new, friendly neighborhood and just down the street from a park. Close to schools and community sports fields. Listed at $179,999, all offers will be considered.

222 D Street

222 D Street, Lincoln, CA 95648-A recent remodel on this cute bungalow in downtown Lincoln makes it move-in ready! Hardwood flooring, carpet, custom paint, central heat and air, crown molding, wainscoting, and more. You’ll love the bright and spacious kitchen with oak cabinets, white appliances, tile flooring, gas cooktop and decorative tile countertops. Great location close to McBean Park. This home also has a detached garage with alley access and an inviting front porch. Great price and perfect for the first-time homebuyer. Listed at only $109,999.

1300 Hudson Circle

1300 Hudson Circle, Lincoln, CA 95648-Move in ready! This richly appointed home is located close to schools and parks and has all the right upgrades. Granite counter tops, stainless appliances, gorgeous cherry wood cabinets and so much more. You’ll love the spacious master and functional floorplan. Other features include upstairs laundry and finished garage with epoxy floors. Don’t delay, own a home with a lower monthly payment than rent! Listed at only $149,999

Call or email today if you have any questions about any of these homes. 916 408-2222.

I’ve said it before, Lincoln, CA is a great place to live!. We are located close to pretty much everything. Day trips to the resorts up I-80 and towards San Francisco are an easy possibility. This time of year we love to take some trips to the snow. The kids enjoy sledding, building snow caves and snowmen, and drinking hot chocolate. One of the places we like is about an hour up I-80 at Cisco Grove. There is a snow park there, but we prefer to hike up behind the park and blaze our own trails. My wife and I take the camp chairs and set up at the bottom of the hill while the kids wear themselves out. The good thing about being only an hour away is that you can look at the weather and jump in the car without having to plan too much or take a full day to get somewhere if the weather is going to be terrible. As the kids start to get cold and wet, I fire up a couple Jetboil backpacking stoves (well used on all our Scout camps) and get the water ready for hot chocolate. Some hot chocolate and then a few more runs and we can stop at In and Out in Auburn for dinner and be home before dark. Cost is minimal. $10 for parking, 1/4 tank of gas, some packets of chocolate that were in the camping box anyway, and less than $30 at In and Out. As long as there aren’t any co-pays at the emergency room, we have a great day with the family for under $75. Right now sleds are on sale and most of the sporting goods stores. We really enjoy doing day trips. I am the kind of person that would rather get out and do something than sit in front of a movie screen (ok on rainy days) or waste a day doing nothing… Let me know if anyone has any good ideas for day trips, we are always looking for new adventures!