1.  Dirt Nothing turns off a prospective buyer quicker than a dirty house.  You must get your home in the absolute best condition it has ever been in.  Scrub and then scrub some more. Old carpets should be replaced with new.  If the carpets are relatively new, then at least have them commercially shampooed. Your home must be clean and free of all debris, including outdoors. 2.  Odors Make sure your home smells fresh.  Remove all evidence of pets, including pet beds, cat litter boxes, water and food bowls.  Make sure pets aren't home during showings if you can.  Just seeing pet bowls can sometimes make a potential home buyer imagine they are smelling pet odors.  Remember, not everyone owns pets or allows them into their home. Kitchen odors can also be really bad.  It is best not to cook... 08/02/2009

What goes best with wineries, tasting rooms and gourmet meals?  Why art, of course! Paso City Park Fountain Studios on the Park, a nonprofit open studio art center in the heart of Historic Downtown Paso Robles, opened with much fanfare in May of this year.  The goal of Studios on the Park is to educate all ages about art and artists.  Here you can witness in person the artists' work in progress, enroll in a class, view beautiful artwork for sale or volunteer your time to help make the studio a success. Lynn Kishiyama in Studio Mediums of the current artists include acrylics, watercolors, jewelry, photography, oil paintings, collage and sculpture.  Many of the artists also teach workshops and classes at Studios on the Park and other locations. Artists include Lynn Kishiyama, Frank Armita... 07/25/2009

Price: $549,000 FIZBER.com ID 11646736 Single Family with 4 bed, 3.0 bath, in 834 Saint Andrews Circle Paso robles, CA, 93446 http://www.fizber.com/11646736/ 834 Saint Andrews Circle - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Single Family Address: 834 Saint Andrews Circle, Paso robles, CA, 93446 Sq footage: 2750.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 3.0 Bedrooms: 4 Year built: 1998 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more California homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: Custom 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 15 x 30 in-ground pool. Home has been well maintained and recently updated with Mahogany floors, travertine floors, granit countertops, stainless stell appliances and treck decking. Sweeping views of greenbelt from deck. This is a must see home! Cindy Stevens ... 07/12/2009

Sellers, some of you are receiving multiple offers on your property for sale.  So what's a seller to do?  How to choose the BEST offer? Well, if the price (and total costs) net the same, select the offer with the most cash financing.  For example: An all-cash offer is better than an offer with a 50% downpayment and 50% financing A 50% downpayment is better than a 20% downpayment conventional loan A 20% downpayment is better than a 3.5% downpayment FHA loan "But why is an all-cash offer better than a financed offer," you may ask?  "I'll net the same amount of money in the end, right?" Yes the NET may be the same BUT there are other issues that Sellers must consider: 1. An all-cash offer can close QUICKLY (assuming the buyer has funds available immediately -- ask for proof of funds).  Whe... 05/28/2009

Recently,  federal officials reversed a decision to allow first-time home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit to borrow and use as a down payment on their first home. US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan had told the National Association of Home Builders that HUD would let banks and local governments offer short-term "bridge Loans" to provide down payments for first-time home buyers who are eligible for the tax credit.  This would have only been available to those borrowers who applied for federally insured mortgages such as Federal Housing Administration loans. Real estate agents, home builders and lenders were very excited about the proposal thinking it would be very favorable to first-time home buyers; however, not everyone thought using the tax cre... 05/22/2009

  There are many reasons why a renter should seriously consider becoming a first-time home buyer in 2009. Home prices are the lowest they have been in many, many years. Interest rates are at an all-time low; around 5%.  Home mortgage interest rates peaked at 18.45% in October of 1982. First-time home buyers who purchase a home between January 1 and November 30, 2009 will receive a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 as a result of the Stimulus Bill.  This means, if you have paid income taxes this year of $8,000 or more, you will receive a refund of $8,000 from the IRS in 2010.  (Consult with your tax professional) Additionally, should you purchase a brand new home that has never been lived in, you may be eligible for an additional $10,000 tax credit.... 04/21/2009

Which banks took TARP $$?  How much did each bank take?  See the Google map here: http://tinyurl.com/c6qsg9 It may just blow your mind.  But then again, hey, what's a few billion here and there! Our friends at Citigroup took $25,000,000,000 (that's 25 billion).  How much did your bank take? More info at http://www.FinancialStability.gov Thanks to Chris Voss @PARKPLACEMTG on Twitter for sharing this awesome resource! Regina P. BrownBroker, Realtor®, e-ProAuthor of forthcoming book, "Virtual Office Guide for Business Professionals:  Work & Profit from Home"Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice Text copyright © 2008 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved 04/15/2009

Thinking of working from home?  Already have a Virtual Office? More and more business pros are saving the overhead expense and working from home.  In the real estate industry, that includes real estate agents, mortgage lenders, home stagers, inspectors, appraisers, transaction coordinators, virtual assistants, and more. I just started a new blog "Virtual Office Biz Pro" for those business professionals who work from their home office, or work while traveling on the road.  http://virtualofficebizpro.wordpress.com Take a peek and answer my POLL: http://virtualofficebizpro.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/survey-says-why-do-you-work-from-your-virtual-office I've been working exclusively from my home office for 7+ years now.  So many real estate agents and other professionals are envious and wish t... 04/13/2009

  On Friday, April 24th, at 6:00 pm, Sugar Daddy Swing Kings will do a live concert to kick off the Paso Robles Hot Air Balloon Festival at River Oaks, and just before dusk (weather permitting), securely tethered hot air balloons will have their burners ignited filling the evening sky with beautiful and magical colors.  Concert tickets are $12.00 per person and can be purchased at www.BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 805-238-1031. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase, and blankets and low back chairs are welcome. The Paso Robles Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held April 25th at River Oaks Hot Springs.  There will be a mass hot air balloon launch at sunrise, followed by a live concert by Sugar Daddy Swing Kings, hot air balloon rides, bounce house for the children, ex... 04/05/2009

Studios on the Park and the City of Paso Robles have come together to create the first ever Festival of the Arts in the Downtown City Park on May 23rd. Studios on the Park, founded by Anne Laddon, has arranged for 55 nationally and regionally acclaimed artists to participate in the Festival.  The theme this first year is "Follow the River, Paint the Dream," so invited artists  have been asked to create pieces portraying the Salinas River which the public will be able to view at the event. Events at the Festival will include: A public mural project Adult art workshops Hand's-on art classrooms for children Live music and an afternoon concert in the City Park Free scenic tours of the beautiful Salinas River Corridor Of course, don't forget there are many, many fine restaurants and wine ta... 04/05/2009

  On Friday, April 24th, at 6:00 pm, Sugar Daddy Swing Kings will do a live concert to kick off the Paso Robles Hot Air Balloon Festival at River Oaks, and just before dusk (weather permitting), securely tethered hot air balloons will have their burners ignited filling the evening sky with beautiful and magical colors.  Concert tickets are $12.00 per person and can be purchased at www.BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 805-238-1031. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase, and blankets and low back chairs are welcome. The Paso Robles Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held April 25th at River Oaks Hot Springs.  There will be a mass hot air balloon launch at sunrise, followed by a live concert by Sugar Daddy Swing Kings, hot air balloon rides, bounce house for the children, ex... 04/04/2009

They do so much more than just home warranty plans!  Old Republic Home Protection Postcard Program - receive several postcards designed to keep your records up to date and to help you stay in contact with your clients.  Includes the "Go Green" option (e-cards instead of printed cards). Confirmation Cards - are a "confirmation" that ORHP received a home warranty application Congratulations Cards - Color postcards designed to keep you in contact with your buyer soon after they move into their home. The postcards are personalized with your contact information. Service Notification Cards - generated for you each time your client receives service under an Old Republic Home Protection Plan - to remind you to call your client. Toolbox: https://toolbox.orhp.com Other cool FREE tools: FREE Sign... 03/29/2009

  Tickets for the Paso Robles Wine Festival are now available.  The Festival will be held May 15 - 17 and will consist of 2 distinct events.  Friday will be Reserve tasting, and Saturday will be the Grand Tasting held in the City Park.  Don't forget to make motel/hotel reservations now.  Many Festival attendees reserve their rooms the year before, so don't miss out on having a convenient room to walk home to after the festivities. Click here to learn more and secure your tickets. If you would like to search the MLS for listings in and around Paso Robles, visit my website. If you have any real estate questions or general questions about Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo North County, please contact me via email or call me at (805) 235-0234 for more information. It starts with a dream... 03/29/2009

  An FHA loan is offered by conventional lenders, but the government insures the loan which means less risk to the lender.  For some folks, an FHA loan may be the only game in town in today’s market. For the borrower, an FHA may be attractive because they require a much lower down payment (3.5%) and are available to borrowers with less than stellar credit, but sellers are precluded from contributing any funds or incentives to the down payment. FHA maximum loan limits may go up to a maximum of $625,500 in expensive markets, but remember you still must qualify to make the payment, taxes, hazard insurance and mortgage insurance. There is also a new program through FHA called the “Hope for Homeowners” program that enables homeowners to refinance into FHA-backed loans insuring the home for ... 03/28/2009

This weekend, the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen's Association presents their annual Cattlemen's Western Art Show & Sale.   It will be held Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the Paso Robles Event Center (Midstate Fairgrounds) in Paso Robles, California.  Admission is free on Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. FRIDAY, March 27, 2009 - PG&E Reception Preview and Sale from 5 to 9 pm Artist's Wine and Hors d'oeuvre Reception for $20.00 per person. Tickets available at the door. SATURDAY, March 28, 2009 Free from 10 am to 6 pm Cattlemen's BBQ from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for $10.00 each No host bar with proceeds to benefit Cattlemen's Association Youth Ag Projects SUNDAY, March 29, 2009 Free from 10 am to 3:30 pm Cattlemen's BBQ from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for $10.00 each No host bar with pr... 03/28/2009

Laura and I went to one of our favorite destinations last weekend. We drove to Paso Robles for the Zinfandel Festival. Zinfandel has become my favorite varietal and they sure make some good Zin in Paso. We met our friends Denny and Jodi at Tobin James winery, visited with our friend Tim Booth, and drove west on highway 46 for a few more stops. First up was Zin Alley. Frank Nerelli is the owner and he makes a superior wine in very small quantities. Frank is very down to earth and makes you feel right at home. Our final stop of the day was at Jada Vineyard. Operations manager Susan West had arranged a private tour for us and it was something we'll never forget. We walked down to the barrel room and were shown the new wine "eggs" that they have begun using in addition to the wooden barrel... 03/27/2009

In February 2009, there were 62 houses sold in San Luis Obispo county, North county, California, which includes Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, and Creston.  The lowest was 46 and the highest was 90, so 2009 was right in the middle! What does that mean for you?  Buying opportunities!  Because fewer homes have sold, there is a larger select to choose from!  And with lower prices that ever!!  Contact us and we'll help you get a great bargain on that DREAM home you've always wanted. Are you thinking about buying a home?  Or selling your house?  Want some investment property?  Or just trying to save your house from foreclosure?  Let us outline some solutions for you, and recommend a few ways we can HELP you! We serve the California coast including San Luis O... 03/23/2009

Real estate closed escrow sales for January 2009 were at 35, which lower than the all-time record of 47 for January 2007. Thanks to First American Title in San Luis Obispo for supplying this chart.  If you'd like to know more about real estate buying or selling on the California Central Coast, I'm a top expert and would be happy to answer your questions! Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice Regina P. BrownBroker, Realtor®, e-ProAuthor of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House" Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved  03/08/2009

Compliments of Dena Cagliero from First American Title Company, this chart shows that there were only 57 closed sales in January 2009, which is down from a high of 85 closed sales in January 2005.  These stats are for California Central Coast's "North County" which includes Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Creston, and San Miguel, California.   This chart's a little difficult to read, if you want the full-size version, please contact me.  THANKS! Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice Regina P. BrownBroker, Realtor®, e-ProAuthor of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House" Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved 03/02/2009

  Myth #1:  Once a potential buyer sees the inside of your home, curb appeal won't matter. Truth:  If you do not have nice curb appeal, the buyers may never see the inside of your home.  Often, buyers and their agents do drive-bys before deciding whether a home is worth previewing.  Remember, there's no second chance at a first impression.  Always keep the lawn mowed, shrubs and trees trimmed, remove weeds and put toys and clutter away. Myth #2:  Minor repairs can wait until later. Truth:  Most buyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready.  If your home does need numerous repairs, the prospective buyers will probably offer less money or ask for allowances to make the repairs.  Usually, the cost for you to make the repairs yourselves will be much less than the buyers will ask for ... 02/25/2009