Redding Ca Real Estate : January 2008

Wow...with all the new technology coming out in the last couple of years this one is pretty interesting. It combines solar hot water panels with a large fresnel lens to flash the hot water to steam, which runs a turbine to generate 6 kW of electricity, with hot water left over, which is recycled through the system. The inventor seems to think that a system will run around $6,000-$8,000 instead of the traditional system price or about $50k for a PV system!!

With a cost savings like this if this every goes main stream look out!!

Here is a link to check out what Charles is doing right now-it's pretty cool!!

GREAT JOB CHARLES!! 

Regards,

Rick Goates

Keller Williams Realty

Redding Ca

530-248-5627 

This weeks winner in the steal department is a beautiful 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in an EXCELLENT area for ONLY $339k!! It is over 2300 square feet!! Wow!! Deals like this one don't come along and if that is not enough the owner will throw in 3% towards the buyers closing costs!!

About 2 years ago that home would have sold for around $450k!! How things have changed.

I think we will be seeing REO's and short sales continue for about another 1-1.5 years. We still need to work through all the inventory that we currently have that is bank owned and the new bank owned properties that are coming online now and in the near future.

When the banks take a home back they want it sold and they want it sold now not a year from now! The result is that they are willing to reduce to a point of getting a sale regardless if they lose a ton of money! They need to get these properties off the books so they will reduce far lower than Mr and Mrs Smith that just want to sell and move.

Contact me today to find you a real "Deal". They are out there...you just have to know where to look and know which ones are deals and which ones are STEALS....That's where my 25 years in the area will help along with my real estate knowledge.

Regards,

Rick Goates

Keller Williams Realty

Redding

530-248-5627 

I bet if Thomas Edison was alive to day he would have some things to say about this new (old) technology! Edison was not one to give up...it took him over 10,000 trys to get the incandesenct light bulb perfected..but he did NOT give up! He kept on and the rest is history..just like what is happening right now in the thin film world of solar power.

The technology is not new..it was invented in the 70's but it is getting a full dose of media and I think we will see much  more from this product!

Here is link to learn more about it now.

Regards,

Rick Goates 

ECO Broker

Keller Williams Realty

Redding Ca 96001

530-248-5627 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYJe12X6T50

Check out this real life example of "Thin Film Solar" in action. I think we will see a lot more of this soon! When we can get the cost of solar down to where it makes "Economic" sense to investors and Americans then we will have a real shift in perception and implementation with this product.

I applaude all those people that are now taking that step and doing something great for themselves and the EVVIRONMENT. What can we do to leave the country a much better place for others and our kids? Thin film and solar are a great step in the right direction!

Regards,

Rick Goates

ECO Broker

Keller Williams Realty

Redding Ca 96001

530-248-5627

I got a call today from one of Gary's employee's at Keller Williams Realty in Austin Texas. They wanted to know if I have had any clients recently that did a "Green Remodel"? The reason for the call no doubt was that Gary Keller is always on top of things...He has an incredible group of executives and people that work with him at Keller Williams. The one thing that I love about Gary is that he is always on the cutting edge of real estate and real estate related items!

There is another thing that I love about Keller Williams Realty. They care at this company! Sure anyone can say that they care but here is an example. We in our market center were in need of having some good information about the current real estate market,where it is,where it came from and where it is heading. One of the leaders in our local market center Erick Smith spend some time and effort to call one of the top dogs at our corporate Dave Jenks. Dave is an incredible man and he just goes to show what Gary has surrounded himself with,,,excellent people!

Dave came all the way out from Austin Texas to do a seminar for our little market center and the local agents in our MLS. To me...that is saying something!! When you can take time out of your schedule to come to Redding Ca to help us out,,,now that is something! He didn't go to Sacrament or Los Angeles or San Diego...he came to Redding!! Why? Because he cares...because Keller Williams Cares. That is what makes KW different....there are other things but that one alone is worth the price of admission folks!

Green is not a fad,,,green is here to stay and is making in roads to becoming main stream soon,very soon. This is why I got my ECO Broker certification...I can see the future coming, and it includes a lot of green in it!

We will see some INCREDIBLE THINGS IN THE AREAS OF SOLAR AND WIND POWER. Mark my words...solar is going to have it's day here soon...really soon. Did you know that they have an incredible new product out that is a solar collector that is as thin as a credit card? This product can wrap around things and can be manufactured extremely cheap compared to "Traditional solar panels" that we have seen for years.

It is called "Thin film solar" and you can read more about this revolutionary product here now. 

Gary's office called me today because he is on top of things...on top of real estate and now it looks like on top of the next coming revolution..."Green".How will the "New Green" make an impact in real estate? Stay tuned and I bet we see another excellent book by an author with the name of Gary Keller.

Regards,

Rick Goates

ECO Broker

Keller Williams Realty

Redding Ca

530-248-5627 

This weeks featured website is a website by 3 gal's that believe everyone that wants to should be growing their own food.Even in the city growing your own is a good way to go! I know myself personally I have introduced to my 4 year old the idea of gardening and he has taken it and ran! He wants to plant a HUGE garden and "watch it grow". I have explained to him that if we do the entire area in garden that his sandbox will no longer be a sand box.He came to his senses after a very good explanation and we compromised on half the area as garden and keeping half as a sandbox!

The idea of watching things grow and getting to pick them started early with my son. He hates vegetables...at least all the ones that I have ever got him to try (and that was not many) so I am not too sure it's not a passing fad or not but we will see.

I used to have a HUGE garden years ago when I lived in a small town called Cottonwood. My back yard was about 80x30 and the top part of the entire backyard was a terraced hill. This lended itself to an excellent garden area as the angle of the hill promoted much sunlight. I have tomatoes and cucumbers and squash and watermellon and cantaloupe and about 10 other things that grew excellent.

These Ladies share my passion for gardening so I thought I would share their site with you!

Go there now by clicking here!

Happy Gardening!!

Regards,

Rick Goates 

When is a good time to buy? That question is posed and talked about I am sure at every donut shop and coffee house in Redding. Some think that they will wait until the market hits bottom. I heard some people actually talking like that...not that I am listening in on their conversations or anything...lol. they were talking loud let's just say!

The best time to buy is when opportunity meets with qualification...if you are qualified...we have some DEALS for you...sounds like a used car salesman I know...but it IS true. Here is an example if it comes through...

Sure the market may go down a little more before it goes back, but if interest is much higher when you are ready, then is it worth the extra money monthly on your payment to wait??

It's a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home here in the City of Redding that needs some work. It has a very large garage and is convenient to the freeway. It should be priced at around $140k when it hits the market from the Bank in about 3 weeks or so. Interested? If you are call me and let's discuss this little gold nugget!! 

There are so many deals that I don't have time to write about them all...The time is right if you are looking as interest is very reasonable and will be going back up someday soon...Probably sooner than when the market comes back!

For Redding foreclosures,bank repos,deals and steals call me today....

Remember the best ones don't even make it to the MLS!!

Have someone working hard for you and making sure you get the best deal that is possible!

Ready? Set, Repo...more coming each week...The best go fast....just like regular homes!

Call 530-248-5627 to discuss what you are looking for and How I may assist you in your pursuit of making MONEY. 

Wow...that' all I can say as I watch before my eyes such talented individuals such as Michelle Kauffman and Others doing what they love to do and providing such a refreshing alternative to the boring old track home! There is even a semi local company out of Oroville Ca,  Xtreme homes that I just found out about that also is into the whole green building picture!

It's great to have someone so close to rely on. It makes it very difficult if your builder is in Southern Cal and your home that you want to put up is here in Northern Cal. 

The visions of that ol manufactured home arriving on wheels are going to be shattered with the new technology and innovations of these and other incredible individuals.

I think we will see a HUGE push in the next 1-2 years as "green homes" gain a foothold in the housing industry.

There will be a lot of people seeing green in the near future! Not only in the building industry but others as well. 

Here are some links to check out if you are interested in some of what is available today in building green!

http://www.xhllc.com

http://www.mkd-arc.com/

http://livinghome.com

http://weehouses.com

Regards,

Rick Goates

ECO Broker

e-PRO Broker associate

530-248-5627 

The word on the street (and my personal experiences in the last couple weeks) has it that the lower price ranges are starting to see some activity. We all know when the market does come back that it will be the lower priced homes that will start flying off the listing self first!

I wrote an offer a couple weeks ago and the buyers wrote up a full price offer on an REO and didn't get it!! Wow haven't heard that lately...the competition for the under $250k range will certainly heat up as spring approaches. If you are a buyer or have considered waiting take note....when thing change...and they will it will be TOO late for that smokin deal! When the paper starts printing that things are a changin the sellers will be adjusting their prices overnight and holding firm.

Right now is the absolute best time to look and purchase as it is still winter and their are not as many buyers out there to compete against. When spring time comes around and the temps heat up a little and the buyers start hitting the open houses again would be a good time to already have your place!

No one can out guess the market....not even the stock market! So with that in mind if you are considering purchasing a home then now is as good a time as any. With interest extremely reasonable and maybe even going down a touch in the next 1-3 months it may well be that time that you have been waiting for!

Regards,

Rick Goates 

The good folks that brought us the FICO score area hard at work. This time they are aiming at the Medical field and in particular Doctors/Hospitals.The new report will aid hospitals to determine who may and may not be able to pay their medical bills!

I can hear it now...as you are rushed to the the ER and enter the waiting room...groaning in pain and the desk clerk says where's your MedFico? You respond with my what? She says sorry Mr Smith I know your appendix burst but with out this print out we can't help you!! Or of course we can run a quick report for you for only $29.95 here sign here and give me your SSN then if you want treatment.

Don't laugh, it may happen. It probably won't happen at places Like Mercy Medical Center in Redding as they help everyone but can you image it happening at other for profit hospitals!!

Wow....What's next??

http://redtape.msnbc.com/2008/01/the-doctor-wi-1.html#posts

Regards,

Heres to high FICO's of any kind!!

Rick Goates 

Hats off the the owner of Sierra Nevada Brewery! Not only do they make the world's best Pale Ale they are putting in some nice features to make their operation self sufficient. I just read where they are adding solar panels and are hoping to be totally self sufficient power wise this year. They also sell off their spent grains to local farmers for food and capture methane from their operation also.

As a former C.S.U.C graduate I got to film a video in their old facility and watch the brewing process. Quite interesting! Now with this new knowledge of them going green I will be purchasing more of their products!! 

Sierra Nevada- Great Job...I'll drink to that!!

Check out their new facility in Chico if you are ever in the area it is FIRST Class!

http://www.sierranevada.com/index2.asp

Regards, 

Rick Goates

Source: http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=36538

Anyone that does their own taxes this year should be on the lookout for a mistake in the printing of the 540 form. Apparently there was an error in the printing that could cost you as a tax payer MONEY! This mistake may lead some to not claim the deductions that they should be able to claim thus having you end up paying TOO much tax!

Check it out prior to doing your taxes and save yourself some money! If you have any questions contact a tax preparer or a good CPA in the town/city that you live in...Not sure about you but paying too much on my taxes is not high on my list of great things!!

Here is a link to the story:

http://q13.trb.com/news/la-fi-taxes17jan17,0,1642623.story?coll=kcpq-news-3

Regards,

Rick Goates 

We are still seeing many short sales out there in the market place. With the default rates going up I believe we will see more and more of these types of transaction in the next 6-9 months. "Short Sales" are a different kind of critter with some banks working with the agents and some not. 

What ever your investment strategy is feel free to give me a call. Did you know that a buyers agent can NOT represent a buyer/investor on a short sale legally in the state of California? Many agents are not aware of this.The reason is that there are predatory laws that protect the homeowners and investors are seen as having an unfair advantage in purchasing one's home when they are under a ton of stress.

Whether you are looking for a short sale or a pre foreclosure or foreclosure feel free to contact me or check out one of my websites.

Regards,

Rick Goates

www.inforedding.com

530-248-5627 

Thomas Edison...what can we say...a brilliant man without a doubt. A man that would not give up!! There is something that we can learn from him! Did you know that it took over 10,000 tries to get the Incandescent light bulb perfected?? That's over 10,000 tries!! Heck how many of us give up on something after 3 or 4 tries??

He created the light bulb in 1879 and the Government will be outlawing it in 2012 or at least making it illegal to sell anymore. That's a 133 year run...Not bad there Thomas!!

The Government wants everyone to switch over to compact fluorescent lights, which are more expensive but are said to last more than 10 times longer while using only a fraction of the wattage.

THANKS THOMAS FOR THE EXCELLENT JOB ON A LIGHT THAT LASTED  FOR MANY GENERATIONS!

Never give up!

Regards,

Rick Goates 

Citigroup looks to be taking a $18B hit on there latest write down.With the meltdown in the financial industry in full steam things are going to be interesting in the next year or two. I think we can expect more mergers and write downs as we continue to see who can weather the storm!

One thing is for sure...Gold is HOT right now! Hot with a capital H....They expect Gold to hit $1100 in the next 9-12 months on the continued downturn of the dollar and with all the other stuff happening out there.

There were some Guru's years ago touting Gold as a way to make some real money!! Wish I would have listened and bought some WHEN IT WAS CHEAP!

We should see interest rates EXTREMELY reasonable for the first quarter or two and then I think they will head up toward the 3 quarter as inflation might have to be checked.

Watch Gold!!

Regards,

Rick Goates 

A buyers market... yes we have all heard that for a while now haven't we? One thing I have noticed here in the last 2-3 weeks is that the competition for the lower priced homes is heating up a bit. In the $180-$225k price range I have witnessed multiple offers on some properties. This is activity that I haven't seen for about 1.5-2 years!

When the market does come back full speed one thing is for sure...the lower priced homes will go the quickest and the competition for these homes will heat up to the point of multiple offers again!

The best time to buy is now...Why you ask? Well for one when the market does come back and everyone is on the same page again the "Bargains" will go poof...gone,disappear for ever.By purchasing now and getting a good deal I feel that regardless of what the market does as long as you are not needing to sell in a few years you will be fine.

Another way to look at it is this....If you buy now you won't have to deal with multiple offers and all the competition that will certainly come when the market turns,especially in this price range!

There are some real deals out there now that if for sure and if you want help digging the gold out of the rock let me know...There are some real jewels to be had if one knows where to look.

Regards

Rick Goates

530-248-5627 

I was eating at a local restaurant the other day. I had driven past this place for the last 20+ years and for one reason or another stopped in for breakfast. The owner started some small talk and we chatted about the weather etc. When she asked me if it was my first time in I mentioned yes and told her I had driven past the place a thousand times and never stopped in...There are many restaurants here just like any city no doubt.

I enjoyed an excellent breakfast that was served quickly and with a smile. I also observed many things while in this establishment. The average age in there when I was dining was about 55-60.The owners both made there way around talking to everyone in the place! Don't get that too much anymore. They seemed to know everyone that either was there or had come in while I was eating.

The next thing I noticed was that the owner had disappeared. I looked out the window and she was helping an elderly man out to his car in the parking lot! She took about 5 minutes of her time to help him to his car...one foot at a time,put him in the car and wished him a great day no doubt! You don't see that kind of service anymore!!

She came back in from the 35 degree winter day a bit cold but with a smile on her face as if she hit the lotto. Another couple about 80 or so watched this act of kindness also and they pointed out to her what a great thing she had done...She responded "If you ever need any help like he does you just let me know!".

Wow...EXCELLENT food at a great price served by people who love their business and their customers...can't go wrong that!

The Restaurant was CORBETT'S on Pine Street in Redding Ca. Highly recommended I must add....Stop in if you want an excellent meal!

Here's to good eating!!

Cheers,

Rick Goates 

There a new kid in town with solar power production...Well not that new but new to us on the street. They are making a very unique solar film that will bring the cost of producing solar down to around .99 a Kw.This silicon valley company plans to be one of the largest players in this new market.

One of Google's founders has invested heavily into this technology/Company!

Nanosolar is the name of this company.

Solar tech and nanotech are two of the hottest trends right now.

This product is a spray on technology.

Times have changed....

Nanosolar is building a 200,000 manufacturing facility right now.

They are positioning themselves as the largest solar producing company in the USA.

It's great to see that someday soon this will benefit so many people!!

Rick

SHASTA COUNTY CALIFORNIA STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST WEEK IN JAN 2008:

PRE FORECLOSURES-415

Sheriff Sales:  29

Foreclosures: 72

Bankruptcies: 85

Tax Liens: 1641

We should see a large number of "Short Sales and Foreclosures for the rest of 2008.Inventory is down on the MLS but will increase again in the spring as Seller's traditionally take homes off the market during the holidays and then re list again in the spring time.

Now is a great time to buy! To see the local Shasta County home inventory right now just go to http://www.inforedding.com

Regards,

Rick Goates

530-248-5627 

It's not surprising to see that Google is going after yet another patent to add to its arsenal. This patent is interesting because they will seek to have their bots read text in the body of pictures.This along with their current algorithm will make Google even better at it's forte----search!

Recognizing text in images is quite a feat considering that there are so many languages and texts fonts and characters out there.Building the best search is there mission...and advertising is there revenue cash cow...have to keep those stock holders happy at $800 share!!

If anyone can do it I will put a twenty on the fact that they have the money and brains with their engineers to do it...

I just wonder how they will combat text spam embedded in the pictures?

Oh well...I am sure the spammers are already on another Starbuck's getting ready for Google! 

Here's to good search...

Regards,

Rick Goates