Shasta Association of REALTORS®

The mayor of Shasta Lake City, Greg Watkins, and Councilwoman Delores Lucero addressed the membership of the Shasta Association of Realtors on June 30 to let us know of their vision for the future of their hamlet. The mayor is himself a lifelong resident,and it quickly became apparent he was most interested in applying a historical and common sense approach to development in Shasta Lake City. Among the interesting topics they discussed was the availability of new and in-fill lots in the city that could be developed for “about half” the costs in nearby Redding. They also showed a progressive attitude about encouraging mixed-use business development, and as an example pointed to Shasta Lake Flooring having an apartment over their retail establishment.

The city is also hopeful that a major retailer will look seriously at the site they have put aside at the interchange of I-5 and Shasta Dam Boulevard. Speaking of sales tax, their relatively low base of retail sales means their city budget has not been as impacted by the economic downturn as much as neighboring Redding . In fact, they have put aside $3.8M for the the new Sheriff’s substation to be built on the 11 acre Civic Center site that was formerly Shasta Lake Middle School. That project is underway. The mayor talked about the restrictive hillside development rules put in place after the town was alarmed by the extensive Deer Creek Subdivision excavation. In the mayor’s opinion, the rules may have been an overly broad reaction, and he says they are hoping to modify it to meet specific site circumstances. Put their can-do attitude together with their municipal utility’s 13 cent per kilowatt hour electric rate, and you have a recipe for encouraging builders and businesses to seriously consider Shasta Lake City for their projects. Click to Shasta Lake City’s website below.

Attorney Tim Ferris of the Leverenz and Ferris Law firm addressed the general membership meeting of the Shasta Association of Realtors on June 23 2010. Having recently returned from a review of several recent legal topics for the California Association of Realtors. He described several recent cases and their implications for our local REALTORS. Tim also elaborated on the many implications for homeowners doing a Short Sale, or as he put it, “the little shop of horrors.” Agents listing Short Sale properties probably found this information thought provoking. When is a loan truly “non recourse?” And years from now, when companies attempt to collect on those recourse debts, what liability will fall on the listing broker? Tim is an entertaining and enlightening speaker, turning somewhat dry legalities into wry observances on our litigious profession.
Refreshments were sponsored by Lisa Justason (800) 443 5599 of Buyers Protection Group Home Warranties. Lisa reminds you that they offer a Green upgrade to their home warranties, where any replacement of a clients hardware will be upgraded to a more environmentally friendly alternative.
For those unable to attend, we have made arrangements for you to listen to the presentation as a webcast at the player link below. It was another excellent and educational program from the Shasta Association of REALTORS. Skip Murphy

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Association members and affiliates can join our Facebook Group to exchange ideas and thoughts. The group ID is 122679849886 and you will need to be approved to join. We’re still trying to figure out if this will be useful as a place for those messages that fall outside the MLS Bulk mail rules. You can see it might. Join up today, and together we’ll find out.

The world of mortgage lending is always in flux. Today, more than ever, the rules and requirements are constantly shifting. That’s why the guests of the General MLS meeting on Wednesday June 16 2010 were so important. These 3 lenders represent a broad range of different areas of expertise, but share a common goal of trying to get your clients into a home with the mortgage that best suits their needs. The underwriting environment has become increasingly tough since the recent meltdown of the housing market, and that’ s making things ever more difficult. It quickly became apparent that this was a topic of great interest to the membership, and we also heard from other mortgage professionals in the audience.
Topics ranged from the ever tightening loan standards, to new loan products, and to the hot hot topic of Short Sales. Judy has provided us with training on how to use the Equator program for dealing with Bank of America Short Sales, and we are presenting that here for our membership (Thanks Judy!)EquatorShortSaleTraining
There were questions and comments and expressions of frustration. Tim Berry revealed a key take-away from all turmoil REALTORS and Mortgage Lenders must deal with to get through a transaction. Change is constant, and the lender landscape is what it is, so you might as well get used to it, and learn how to keep your spirits up in the face of adversity. It was a good reminder. If you were unable to attend, we have made arrangements for you to hear the presentation as a webcast.
Addtitionally, REALTOR Deborah McCarty spoke on behalf of the Green Committee about the importance and cost effectiveness of adequate roof ventilation. It was another terrific presentation from your Shasta Association of REALTORS.

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On April 28th the general membership meeting of the Shasta Association of REALTORS featured Russell Marsan, Assistant Vice President and National Sale Manger of IPX1031. This Certified Exchange Specialist and self confessed “tax nerd” brought his insightful mixture of humor and insight about using the tax laws to your client’s advantage. Among the topics covered was using a 1031 exchange to purchase vacation property. There was a discussion of estate tax implications for this year and next. And one the most intriguing parts of the talk was Russell’s explanation for investors about how a negative cash flow may not be such a bad thing in real estate investing, despite the popular conceptions to the contrary. His talks are always engaging and light hearted treatments of serious financial issues, and the time invested listening goes by quickly. If you were unable to attend, and many of you were, the board has made arrangements for you to be able to listen to the talk as a webacast below. You will be asked the single most important thing to remember from the presentation, and so you should know it is this: Russell’s phone number 800 406 1031.<a href=”http://shastamls.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/4-28-101031Guy.jpg”> Another excellent and educational presentation from the Shasta Association of Realtors. Skip Murphy

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So what happens when two parties to a real estate transaction disagree? Well, hopefully, the issue can be worked out to everyone’s satisfaction. That’s often the most important job of a REALTOR. When it cannot, sometimes the matter is taken to Mediation and Arbitration. That’s where the affected interests sit across from one another and tell their side of the issue to an independent and neutral third party who either helps them work through the conflict, or who ultimately arbitrates a final decision.
Semi-retired Attorney Larry Moss has been that neutral third party in over 750 disputes. He brings a wealth of experience and his sharply honed legal mind to bear. What will keep you out of these disputes? What if you could listen to him for just an hour or so, and learn what it takes to have an advantage in a hearing? Well, thanks to the MLS, you can have that opportunity. Those who missed his important talk can listen to the webcast we have arranged to have for you here. Another excellent program from your Shasta MLS. Skip Murphy

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What do you get when you pack 25 pounds of economic wisdom, 25 pounds of real estate experience, 25 pounds of fluent communication, and 25 pounds of pure energy into a single package? Well, the sum of the parts might only equal a hundred pounds, but this particular hundred pound dynamo delivered a TON of insight to our members. Of all the programs we have delivered, this one is the single most requested webcast ever. Even if you were there to witness Carole with her amazing speaking abilities along with her powerful grasp of this complex subject, you’ll want to hear it again. If you weren’t there, you’re in for a treat.

From her website: Carole Rodoni was formerly President of Fox and Carskadon Real Estate, Chief Operating Officer of Cornish and Carey Real Estate, and President of Alain Pinel Realtors. She is a renowned speaker on the economy and real estate and is currently the President of her own consulting company — Bamboo Consulting.

Carole has served on the Board of Regents of Santa Clara University, is a Member of the Board of Directors of BayNet and CondoWorks, and has been a guest columnist for the San Francisco Examiner. She also is a frequent guest speaker on several radio and TV programs across the Bay Area.

The webcast is about an hour, but will absolutely fly by. I have never heard a more succinct or well presented summary

of the economic events of recent years that led up to our current condition. Then, she offers insights about what to expect going forward, and those ideas carry serious weight. As you listen, marvel as we did that she delivered it all without pause and without notes! Impressive indeed, and quite inspirational in itself. This was a presentation to remember. We need to express our sincere gratitude for sponsoring the talk to Becky Edwards of First American Natural Hazard Reports (530) 510 1255. Thanks Becky! Skip Murphy

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The Association hosted Bob McManus on MArch 24th. He gave a presentation on Short Sales and Foreclosures to a rapt and packed house at the Board Office. Bob McManus has more than 20 years of experience and leadership in real estate and mortgage financing. He has taught thousands of real estate agents how to become profitable in any market, how to meet their financial goals and above all, do it with balance and integrity. His systematic approach is extremely simple and easy to follow. He has taught thousands of people who are ready to take control of their financial freedom both privately and publicly.

An area of particular interest to Bob is the default market. Through research, Bob discovered there was not one single publication or resource that fully explained the foreclosure, short sale or REO process. Realizing there was a niche to be filled, Bob started the Bob McManus Group, a company with a clear vision toward helping people reach their financial freedom.

As a Real Estate Broker, Bob has a systemized program that is truly simple to follow and proven. His book, Say Yes to Wealth , provides incredible insight into the fundamentals of the default market. Bob makes the puzzle clear and concise. Bob’s dedication is evident in his coaching program and in the success of his clients.

Everyone in attendance agreed it was a terrific program, and offered unique insights into default sales. Skip Murphy

As a REALTOR you are expected to be a community expert. Just as you must educate yourself about our school system, utilities, and taxes, you should also know about our local mass transit, and demand response system. Our featured guest at the Shasta MLS General Member ship meeting is Evelyn Peterson of the Redding Area Bus Authority. Do you know what it costs to catch the ride in your neighborhood? About how often do the buses run, and how far apart are their stops? How much to

transfer to a different city? All these questions and more were answered at the meeting. We’ve made arrangements for those who were unable to attend to listen to the meeting on a webcast. The talk runs about 14 minutes, and is time well spent. Your MLS Program Committee is making sure you are informed as a local transit expert. You can find the webcast down below the RABA map. You can also get more information at their website:
http://www.rabaride.com/
Thanks to all who helped with this great presentation. Skip Murphy

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We have until March 26 to convince Google that Redding is the community they need to wire for high speed internet. Being selected would really put us on the map for clean tech development, and would be an unmatchable local economic boost. Please click on the link to nominate our community, and share with everyone you know.

http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options