Some of you may have heard of the loan program to assist victims that are recovering from the Camp Fire or the Carr Fire. BUT did you know that if you were a renter who lost their home or your home was severely damaged, you’re also eligible to apply for this special program that offers 100% financing through FHA’s 203(h) program? Did you know that if you’d like to purchase a new home, it doesn’t need to be within the area of the recovering site?This is a pretty big deal for those renters who would now like to purchase… There are some rules and time-frames to abide by, so give me a call or send me a message and we can discuss your situation and see if you can take advantage of an opportunity to start fresh in a home with ZERO Down Payment. Video 02/01/2019

As we head into the winter months, you may notice one thing: an increase in your energy bill. The reduced amount of daylight drives us to turn on our lights sooner, while the cooling temperatures cause us to crank up the heat inside. The winter and summer months tend to be the most energy-intensive times of the year, as we try to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, despite what the thermometer says.8 Tips to Save Money and Stay Warm this Winter1. Set the Thermostat to 68 degrees when you're home. Studies show you use 3-5% more energy for each degree the thermostat is set above 68 degrees. Instead of increasing the heat, put on a sweater to stay warm.2. When you leave the house, lower the thermostat. Why heat your house if no one is home? Lowering your thermostat 10-15 degrees can... 12/21/2016

You may miss out on low interest ratesIn December, the Federal Reserve raised the key interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.25% to 0.5%, the first rate increase in nearly a decade. While some experts expect the Fed to raise rates gradually this year, some economists expect rates to increase three or four more times this year. Increases are anticipated to amount to a quarter-point each time, and when they do occur are sure to impact mortgage rates. What's a homebuyer to do?NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!While a quarter-point increase in interest rates doesn't seem like much, it could mean the difference of hundreds of dollars a month in your mortgage payment, depending on the price of your home, your interest rate, how much you're borrowing and the size of your down payment. This is m... 07/18/2016

While most buyers expect to live in their home an average of 14 years, the typical tenure is close to nine years. That means the average buyer will go through the process of buying a home about once a decade. The real estate market is always changing - the process of buying a home has evolved in the past decade, just as it evolved in the decades before that. Here are a few tips to help you through the buying process.1. Give us a call as soon as you start thinking of buying! A true real estate professional will not only help you find the right home, they'll also hold your hand throughout the process. From competing with multiple offers and negotiating the best deal, to finding a contractor and helping you renovate after the sale has closed, take advantage of my experience working in the ... 07/05/2016

If you're thinking about selling your home, don't do it alone. Although some sellers may initially try to sell their home themselves, they soon realize they need an experienced professional on their side to help them through the process.1. UNDERSTAND THE LOCAL MARKET. The Internet gives you access to more information now than ever before. Experienced real estate professionals, like us, are able to help you understand this information in the context of the local market and interpret what it means to your home sale.2. PRICE YOUR HOME COMPETITIVELY.  When you list your home, you want it to sell quickly and for top dollar. Having professional assistance will help you do both, especially in competitive markets.3. OPTIMIZE ONLINE MARKETING STRATEGIES. Buyers are savvier than ever. To find the... 05/27/2016

More than 80% of Americans live in counties that have experienced a weather-related disaster. However, only 39% of Americans have created an emergency plan for their households. While it's almost impossible to predict when an emergency or natural disaster will occur, creating a plan may help keep your family safe in the event of one. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable you'll be if you have to put your plan into action.  KNOW THE RISKSNo matter where you live, your region may be susceptible to one or more emergency situations or weather hazards, including: earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards. Although some of these events - like hurricanes - may provide some advanced warning, others - like earthquakes - are hard to predict. Most of these oc... 05/05/2016

An overwhelming majority of homebuyers are using the internet to help find them a home. In 1964, 40% of buyers read newspaper ads as their first step in finding a home; now the same percentage looks online first. More than 89% of buyers use the internet during their home search to look at listings, find information about neighborhoods or learn more about the buying or mortgage processes.THE INTERNET GIVES BUYERS MORE OPTIONSOn average, buyers who use the Internet searched for 10 weeks and visited 10 homes before they found the one they purchased. Compare this to buyers who didn't use the internet: They searched an average of five weeks and visited five homes prior to finding their preferred home. It's clear - the more information buyers have, the more choices they have available to them... 04/26/2016

For the majority of home-buyers, finding the right property to buy is often the most difficult step of the home buying process - more difficult than saving for a down payment or getting a mortgage. Before you start your search, consider these four important factors. 1. How much house can you afford? Knowing what you can afford will help you narrow your search to homes within your budget. The basic rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross annual income should be applied to your mortgage, insurance and property taxes. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to help you define your price range. Make a list of expenses you'll have when you become a homeowner, including homeowner's association fees, property taxes and private mortgage insurance. Factor in costs associated with continued ... 03/29/2016

This Easter, if you're looking for something fun for the kids, here you go:A list of fun activities and Easter Egg hunts. That are LOCAL!  EASTER SUNDAY EVENT - MARCH 27, 2016Where: Cross Point Community Church @ 2960 Hartnell Ave | Redding, Ca 96002Join us for a fun and meaningful day as we celebrate Easter!                        9:00 am -  FREE breakfast!   10:15 am - Easter Celebration Service. Nursery (infants) and Children's Church (Age 2 to 6th grade) provided.            Children's Egg Hunt to follow our Easter Service. For more information, call 530-221-4871    Lawncrest Chapel and Memorial Park Easter Egg HuntWhen: Sun, March 27, 1pm – 3pm (rain or shine)Where: Lawncrest Chapel & Memorial Park, 1522 East Cypress Ave Redding, CAWHAT: Lawncrest Chapel and Memorial Park, a proud ... 03/23/2016

There's nothing worse than accidentally dropping your expensive smartphone on the ground or in water and damaging it. However, there are ways to protect your device from damage should it take a spill. Here are a few suggestions to help you keep your smartphone in good shape: PROTECTIVE CASES Many people rave about the design of today's smartphones. However, if you want to protect your tech, purchase a silicone or plastic case to absorb the impact of a fall. Cases come in a variety of colors and patterns to help you express your style. PROTECT YOUR SCREEN Screen protectors are a cost effective way to keep your screen scratch and crack-free. If your smartphone is newer than five years old, your glass screen may be tough enough to withstand a fall. However, sand can still scratch it, so i... 03/16/2016

If you're like many homeowners, you think of two things: How much is my home worth, and What can i do to improve its value?You're home's value depends on many factors, including its location, age, size and condition. While you may not be able to do anything about your home's location or age, there are things that you can do to improve its size and condition and add value!BOOST YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEALCurb appeal isn't just the concern of home sellers. Even homeowners who wish to stay put are putting time and effort into maintaining the curb appeal of their homes. Since most people will only see your home from the street, how well your property is kept from the outside provides a glimpse into how well it's maintained on the inside.5 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL1. Maintain yo... 03/11/2016

In many areas of the country, energy and water costs are on the rise, taking a bigger chunk out of our wallets every month. But, there is hope. With a few home improvements, you may be able to save money on your utility bills.WATERWhether you live in an area that's facing another year of drought, or you just want to save money on your water bill, these tips can help you be efficient with your water. GO LOW FLOW.Shower-heads and faucets account for more than 32% of household water use combined. Low flow faucets and shower-heads can reduce your water consumption as much as 50% and may save up to $145/year on your bill.                                                                                                                                                                             ... 03/09/2016

1000 square foot like new office condos in growing area of Redding, CA....near the developing Airport Industrial area. Offered at $125,000 each, and pick which one you want...or more than one. Tell your clients about these.....own rather than rent your office.email for details, prices, etc    ron@ronlargent.com 03/02/2016

Homeowners remodel their homes for a number of reasons, but one of the most common is to increase resale value. Renovations will improve the style and function of your home and may make it more appealing to potential buyers. 1. UPGRADE YOUR KITCHENThe kitchen is the heart of the home. A kitchen remodel will not only improve your home's functionality, it may also become a key selling point if you decide to sell. The average major kitchen remodel costs between #29,400 and $42,400 while the minor kitchen remodels average between $11,700 and $17,800. However, if you're thinking of listing your home soon and your kitchen is in good shape, you may want to rethink a full remodel. A minor upgrade and a coat of paint may be all you need to freshen up the space. 2. UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOMThe bathro... 02/29/2016

More than half of adults make New Year's Resolutions each year. Unfortunately, many give up after a few weeks because they haven't turned their goals into habits. Whether you want to lose weight, save for a home or eat more vegetables, adopting good habits is sure to help you reach your goals. Here are a few tips to help keep you on track this year: 1. Get motivated. Why do you want to adopt the habit? How will your life improve once you develop this habit? What will happen if you don't? These three questions will help you streamline your goal and maintain motivation when you need it the most. If you're a visual person, write down your answers and post them somewhere you'll read them daily. 2. Start Small. Lasting habits take time to develop. Start by setting small goals that will even... 02/22/2016

People often ask whether Essential Oils technology masks or truly eliminates mal-odors. The Answer: Yes it eliminates organic odors.Odor Masking vs. Odor NeutralizationTo mask is to increase overall odor intensity in order to forcibly "cover-up" an existing mal-odor. This means introducing a new odor that is more powerful smelling than the problematic odor you wanted to eliminate. It results in a further bombardment of perceived scents that does nothing to eliminate the source of the original mal-order.To neutralize is to eliminate or cause malodorous molecules to be imperceptible on a molecular level through direct counteractant measures with an additional compound, in this case, an essential oil compound comprised of plant, flower and tree extracts. Mal-odor molecules are then changed... 02/18/2016

Streamline our life with the help of social media! Pinterest is a popular, image-based social media site that allows you to create boards dedicated to your interests and hobbies. It can also be used to plan meals, workouts, home renovations, special events and much more. Here are five ways to use Pinterest to make your life easier.  1. Plan Events. Whether you're planning your wedding, your child's birthday party or a summer barbecue, Pinterest offers a wealth of ideas to help you host a party that your guests are sure to remember. Create a board for your event and pin games to play, food to serve, festive themes and much more. 2. Plan your family's meal for the week. Pinterest is a great place to find new recipes as well as new twists on old favorites. Nurture healthy eating be creatin... 02/15/2016

Who says you have to celebrate love just one day out of the year? Why not every other day too? Add some romance to your home with some new decorating techniques that will wow your valentine.We'll show you how to transform your home into a paradise where love never fades. Here are some DIY home design tips to try:1. Romantic FurnishingsAdd luxury to a room with a chaise lounge or a four-poster bed. With a bed with soft and silky sheets as the focal point of the room, it will radiate with elegance and romance. 2. Soft Lighting.When you want romance in your home, be sure to stay away from bright lights. Lighting should be soft to give off the right vibe. Try installing dimmer switches on lamps and chandeliers so you can easily adjust the brightness to match the room's mood.3. Fireplaces & ... 02/11/2016

Putting your home on the market isn't as simple as placing a FOR SALE sign in your yard.There are several steps to take PRIOR to listing your home that will make the transaction smoother and quicker.  1. Hire A Real Estate Agent.It may be tempting to list your home on your own to avoid paying a sales commission, but selling your own home is a full-time job. A real estate professional represents the best opportunity to earn the maximum amount from your home's sale. An agent will recommend the best listing price, market your home effectively and show your home to buyers. An agent can also recommend improvements that will help attract more buyers to your home.   2. Get your home inspected.You are required to disclose any problems with your property to prospective buyers. Failure to do so w... 02/08/2016

~ LOVE ~ IS ~ IN ~ THE AIR ~Valentine's Day in the North State | Suggestions for a romantic celebration!Chocolate, hearts, flowers, love notes, candle-light dinners....they all spell out Valentine's Day! Whether you're planning a low-key celebration or going extravagant, here's a list of ideas that will help you plan a memorable Valentine's Day in the North-state!Valentines Day at The Flower Farm - In honor of Valentines Day, the Flower Farm Café’s invites you to treat your sweetheart to our warm hospitality and legendary food. The Café will serve a special delicious menu items, like red velvet pancakes and lover’s lasagna all weekend long.Feb 13, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016  Chocolate After Dark @ Turtle Bay Exploration Park - February 4th 7-9PMTurtle Bay’s most delicious event ever!  For $35... 02/04/2016