Don’t be complacent in life, keep reaching! Challenge yourself! I keep telling myself this. Saying this and doing it are absolutely two different things. It seems as though we stay so busy with our daily tasks, we don’t take time to learn new things. For the new year, my resolution was to challenge myself. I have not forgotten this resolution, I was just a bit slower than I hoped to be at pulling the trigger. But now, I’m excited to say, that I’ve taken time and learned something new. I’ve been told numerous times that video is viewed more than photos, so I’ve created a video, inserted music, and my voice… Did I mention that I very much dislike the sound of my voice? I’m told that no one likes the sound of their recorded voice, but this bit of information came from my mother and I think... 03/02/2019

From August 25th - 28th in 2016 all National Parks in the United States are open and FREE to visit. Why? it's the 100th  birthday for the National Park Service.  In celebration, I took a 6 hour hike through the Sequoina National park to Eagle Lake (10,000 ft in elevation).    During the first part of the hike, you are always moving in an upward direction, so just keep that in mind. Literally, it will be one step at a time. Though the hike, you are exposed to a equal amount of sun and shade, while being accompanied with amazing views of mother natures finest creations.  The hike is so worth it for various reasons and Eagle Lake offers a great area to simply relax and for those who dare, go swimming in some freezing temp waters. How refreshing! If you wish not just do a day hike, some wil... 08/28/2016

  I seem to be very atuned to the Back To School displays and sales that are all over our local stores.From office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot to Target, Walmart and even our drug stores, it's all about school supplies. II have committed each year to help our schools, teachers and students by giving away several bags of teacher and student supplies from Staples.  I will be there two Sundays this month have shoppers sign up for the free drawing.Today, I am sharing the suggested school supply list for the 1st Grade:     1-Box of 24 Crayons     12 # 2 pencils (the pre-sharpened ones are great)     1-Pink Eraser     1 Package Washable Markers (8 pack)     2-Glue Sticks     1-Bottle of School Glue     1-Box of Tissues     1-box of Hand Sanitizer     1-pair of Fiskar Blunt Tip... 07/31/2016

07/03/2015

VA Mortgage Loans in Allensworth  CA and 100% VA Loans -the best loan program in the country! VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today for both honorably discharged Vets and active duty military personnel. Here are some of the great features of this fantastic program: - Up to 100% financing, with no down required. - No monthly mortgage insurance added to your payment. - More lenient credit qualifying standards than other types of mortgage loans. - Low rates compared to other loan programs. So how do you qualify for a VA Mortgage Loan in Allensworth  CA? The first step is to verify your eligibility. Eligibility is verified by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. You can work with an approved Windsor  CA VA mortgage loan lender to order you... 06/16/2015

8759 Road 248, Terra Bella, CA Get Directions Click Here Description Photos Maps & Local Schools $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS | 3 (3 full ) BATHROOMS | 1490 SQUARE FEET Super cute home in Terra Bella. This home offers 3 bedrooms with a living room and family room. The living room has a door and can be used as a 4th bedroom. There is also an adorable detached guest house and laundry room. If you need room to run, you will love the fenced property. Call today for your tour! Follow This Home! Search All Homes For Sale What is Your Home Worth? Presented By: Brent W Hillen & Jackie Hillen Melson Realty 559-999-8088 Licensed In: CA License #: 01723155 / 01857351 Schedule a Showing/Request Info   REALTOR® -- A Registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate profess... 05/21/2015

Escape to your dream home, centrally located on the outskirts of Porterville, California.  Situated Northwest of Riverwalk Shopping Center, these properties offer homeowners access to numerous restaurants, shopping, and other pleasing amenities.  Being located on the outer edge of the city, offers homebuyers the perfect blend of tranquil living while still having access to all of today's amenities.Select from many different floor plans, and built to your specifications in 90 days or less!    04/30/2015

Katie and CeeCee 2014 It's hard to believe it's been a year since my daughter was crowned 2014 Springville Sierra Rodeo Queen.  She enjoyed every speech, presentation, and Rodeo she attended during her reign.  This will be a time in our families life that we will never forget.   As I look back, I will always remember that young lady smiling as she entered the rodeo and raced around the arena with her best friend CeeCee, (her first horse and riding partner since she was 8 years old).   Happy Trails to you my sweet daughter Katie, it's been a great ride, and I look forward to many more! Katie and CeeCee 2015 04/29/2015

Workstations for sale - $40 per desk or $5 per linear foot.   There are about 40 work stations, all have cabinets above them, they are heavy, made of great quality, and are in great condition.  They are available for pick up in Central California.Great deal for expanding real estate offices, or start up offices. Email me for questions:  sold@jackiehillen.com  04/25/2015

04/25/2015

 I love Country homes, and this one doesn't disappoint.  Situated at the back portion of a one acre lot, this great home offers an open floor plan, two stories, 4 bedrooms, large loft, built in swimming pool, oversized garage, covered patio and deck.Call today for your private tour.  04/23/2015

I was speaking with a potential home buyer today and he told me how outrageous mortgage rates have become.  He was upset that he had been quoted 4.75% fixed for 30 years...  First of all, I remember the 80's when interest rates WERE REALLY HIGH. Secondly, under 5% interest for 30 years fixed, those are still amazing rates.  I then explained how he really needed to speak with a lender because I was seeing rates much lower than the 4.75% he told me about.  I also explained that home prices were really resonable and in our area, you can actually purchase a home and rent it for more than the monthly mortgage payment. So if any of you are concerned about "high" interest rates, look at this graph, and you will be thankful we aren't living in the 80's!!   04/21/2015

You might be from Porterville California if you have an Annual Jackass Mailrun - and this year was the 54th!You might be wondering what exactly a Jackass Mailrun consists of - Here is the City of Porterville's description of the run:In 1961, as part of the City of Porterville Centennial Celebration (100 years), the Jackass Mail Run event was born. The Jackass Mail Run recreates the old west when mail to Springville was delivered by horse or mule-drawn wagon. Hundreds of riders on horseback, covered wagons, buggies and stagecoaches will gather in front of City Hall in Porterville, and set out to deliver the mail to Springville, lead by the "Wagon Master".The mail is collected for weeks in special handmade rustic boxes, stamped with a special "Jackass Mail Run Stamp" and transported to Sp... 04/18/2015

Listings to Leads - eFlyers   **AMAZING VIEWS**     Follow This Home! Schedule a Showing/Request Info Search All Homes For Sale Porterville, CA Homes for Sale Springville, CA Homes for Sale Visalia, CA Homes for Sale Exeter, CA Homes for Sale What is Your Home Worth?      PRESENTED BY         Brent W Hillen & Jackie Hillen Melson Realty 559-999-8088 MLS#: 112771 Licensed In: CA License #: 01723155 / 01857351     Questions? Schedule a Showing!                     Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.     View the Property Details, More Photos, Map & School information here at the updated Property Website!   41453 Yokohl Valley Drive Springville, CA   $ click for current price   $269,900 | 3 BED... 02/27/2015

My home for the holidays is built by my favorite local builder, Gary Smee, with Smee Builders.  I sit at his model home selling homes when not out showing and selling resale homes.   This is the first year that we've decorated a model home for Christmas and it's been so much fun for everyone to come visit.  We've been included in the Annual Zonta Christmas Tour of homes, which included over 200 visitors in four hours.  I can't think of a better way to spread Christmas cheer than to work at a place I call home. Thank you to Smee Builders for building quality homes for the Porterville area, and allowing us to showcase your beautiful model home for Christmas.       12/06/2014

What a fun way to spend the day by allowing the Zonta Christmas Tour to include our Model home on their tour.  We've had hundreds of people in the model today viewing the home, their comments have been wonderful. For those of you that aren't familiar with Zonta, their goal is working to advance the status of women worldwide.   Merry Christmas!     12/06/2014

It's amazing to me the number of people who still rent their house, when they can own a new home for the same amount, or less than rent! In a day and age where everything costs more than it used to, it's nice to know that with interest rates still very low, and the price of the home staying strong, you can purchase a home with very little down, and enjoy the monthly payments with taxes and insurance at the same or less than what many are paying for a monthly home rental. Is the reason that so many people continue to rent simply because they don't know the benefits of owning their own home, or is it because people don't know how to purchase a home?  Either case, it's important for folks to know that they can talk to a Realtor at no cost.  As a Realtor, it's amazing how many people don't ... 12/05/2014

        I am so happy and excited that I have listened to my heart and decided that my focus or niche as it's called needs to be on Buyer clients, and in particular first time home buyers. I will be focusing on all the things/subjects that First Time Home Buyers need and want to know. Subjects like credit scores, mortgage application, pre-qualification, finding the home and neighborhood right for you, contract information and escrow information.  Step by step I will be there to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible and successful. Join me here on Active Rain as well on at www.TulareCountyFirstTimeHomeBuyers.com and www.affordableVisaliaHomes.com.   Looking forward to taking this journey together.      10/08/2014

Fall in love with this Tuscan Inspired Villa on the outskirts of Porterville.. This magnificent home situated on 9.71 acres comes with a spacious and open floor plan. The warmth of this home can be felt as you drive up the private drive. Once you walk into the home you are greeted with expansive ceilings, majestic rock accents, gorgeous features and breathtaking views. This 5000 square foot estate has three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half baths, a casita with one bedroom and one full bathroom,  a designated office, media/game room, formal dining room, formal living room,  great room, and an incredible kitchen for even the pickiest of chefs!  The fenced backyard offers plenty of room for entertaining with two covered patios, a built in fireplace, a beautiful swimming pool, and i... 09/05/2014

FHA 203k Foundation Types       There are a number of foundation types that we run into on the FHA 203k trail. this home has a concrete perimeter foundation with a grade beam running down the center of the structure to support the interior bearing walls.               This home has a concrete perimeter foundation, a grade beam running down the center of the home and then pier and posts holding up the floor between the two.                             Here is a good scene showing the way the floor joist are supported by the concrete perimeter foundtion. Not a lot of room for crawling this one                                   This home had a basement with a stem wall running down the center of the basement much like a grade beam and it serves the same purpose of supporting the bearing w... 07/18/2014