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View Newsletter Archive |
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The World Famous Talking Bear Stands Guard at the Century 21 Ditton Sierra Realty Office in the Center of Oakhurst
Wishing You a Great New Year
“Yosemite Gateway Properties and Lifestyles”
A Locally Focused Newsletter for Property Owners, Residents, Visitors, Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Realtors®, Owners with Homes or Land for Sale, and Others, Interested in Mountain Homes and Lifestyles in the Southern Yosemite Communities of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Ahwahnee, Coarsegold, Mariposa, Midpines, Bootjack, North Fork, Spring Valley, Raymond, Yosemite Lakes Park, and Other Nearby Places
January 2007 First Anniversary Edition
Features
Ed Note How much should you pay a real estate broker to sell your home? Ironically, the lower commission you pay, the more it is likely to cost you. Research shows that a one percent savings on the broker’s commission may cost the seller four to six percent in selling price. Only the buyer benefits from a reduced rate commission.
An examination of all mountain area residential properties sold (closed escrow) through our local MLS during July and August of 2006 revealed the following:
July 2006 Homes listed at 6% took an average of 137 days to sell at 94.9% of original asking price. Homes listed at 5% took an average of 163 days to sell at 88.8% of original asking price.
August 2006 Homes listed at 6% took an average of 124 days to sell at 91.5% of original asking price. Homes listed at 5% took an average of 209 days to sell at 87.5% of original asking price.
The five percent listings took 26 to 85 days longer to sell with the difference between asking price and selling price averaging 4% to 6.1% lower than the six percent listings.
I always encourage my clients to enter a seven percent listing agreement, specifying that 4 percent will be paid to the selling broker. That means that when agents look at the data sheet in the MLS they can see the opportunity to earn one third more by selling your home than by selling a similarly priced home listed at the customary 6% with a 50/50 split. They can earn 60% more than when selling a home listed at a 5% commission with a 50/50 split (They get to split 4% rather than 2.5% with their broker). That’s a strong incentive for the agent to show your home first and most often!!
By the way, I also specify in the 7 percent listing agreement that “in the event that I am the selling agent, the commission will be 6%.” The additional incentive is not intended to motivate me, but to motivate hundreds of other agents to compete to sell your home.
Some Sound Home Advice
Be Fire Wise about Wildfires By Marilyn Rigg State Farm Agent
Wildfires are the most destructive natural disasters on earth. We’ve all seen the pictures - burning up debris and houses that stand in their path … that lash of orange flame that begins as a spark and ends in a fire out of control. If you live in foothills, grasslands or mountains, you are at risk!
Wildfires are often started by lightening. But more – four out of every five fires – are started by people, according to FEMA. In the past few years, new techniques have been developed to help combat these devastating fires.
Controlled or prescribed fires are used in many places to remove the fuel that feeds a fire. Areas close to homes are given extra attention in an effort to keep the fire away from buildings. There are also things homeowners can do to help protect their property, possessions and family:
We can live in forested areas, as long as we understand that there are risks in doing so. If a fire does flare up on our area, remain vigilant to changing conditions and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Marilyn Rigg can be reached at (559)683-3467
Property Listings Wanted
HAVE AN OAKHURST OR MARIPOSA AREA HOME FOR SALE? List your Property with me for Better, Faster Results - I Will:
A Mountain Treasure Sierra Vista Scenic BywayCourtesy Sierra National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/recreation/scenicbyways/index.shtmlThe Byway begins in North Fork and meanders through the National Forest showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The Byway is generally open from June through October. The entire route takes about 5 hours to drive. For a downloadable PDF containing more information on the Byway please follow this link. >>> Mountain Area Business Opportunities
The Following Businesses are For Sale in our Mountain Area:
Oakhurst:
Mariposa:
North Fork:
For more information call Ed Bailey, (559)313-1081 or toll free at (888)683-5193
Information taken from Yosemite Gateway MLS is presumed to be accurate but not guaranteed
The Mountain Real Estate Market
Mountain Area Home Sales for December 2006 Beat December 2005!!! Thirty one single family homes were sold (closed escrow) in December 2006 compared to the same number sold in December 2005 for a dollar volume increase of $1,565,850, or 12.5 percent. The median selling price for December 2006 was $380.000 compared to $364,500 for 2005 for an increase of 4.25 percent
Current Homes for Sale Number Asking Price Range Homes for sale in Oakhurst, CA 96 $164,950 – $1,750,000 Homes for sale in Coarsegold, CA 173 $164,950 -- $1,750,000 Homes for sale in Ahwahnee, CA 17 $139,000 -- $1,450,000 Homes for sale in North Fork, CA 33 $195,000 -- $769,500 Homes for sale in Bass Lake, CA 42 $317,000 -- $3,400,000
For additional information on area listings go to: http://www.edbaileyrealtor.com/search.asp .
*Disclaimer: Information taken from Yosemite Gateway Multiple Listing Service records is presumed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
Featured Property of the Month
This is the One You Move to the Mountains For! Absolutely Gorgeous CUSTOM home on acreage has 3 bedrooms 2 1/2 bath with a 500 sq. ft. guest house/studio/office building. Built by a craftsman and designed by an artist this home had many unique features. The 4+ acres of rolling to flat property includes a horse set-up with fencing and 2 stall barn. It is fully landscaped with automatic timers on the irrigation. Enjoy a 15 x 35 foot In-ground pool with aggregate decking and cabana. One side of the finished 2 car attached garage accommodates motor a home. It has deer fenced garden/ orchard/ vineyard area a nice herb garden. Home is located near North Fork on a quiet cul-de-sac amidst tall pines and mature oaks. This property has it all and is located about 7 minutes from the public boat launch at Bass Lake! Whatever your interest: horses, gardening, fishing, or just gracious country living - this is the place for you. See pages of photos and learn more at: www.comehome2stay.com
For more information call Ed Bailey, Broker Associate, Century 21 Ditton Sierra Realtors, (559)313-1081 or toll free at (888)683-5193
A Place of Worship
Destiny Training Center is church in a new wine skin. “God is calling us to step out of the box and out of the four walls of the traditional church to truly fulfill the great commission (Matt 28:19)” For additional information on Destiny Training center, go to: http://www.destinytc.com/
Art in the Mountains By Joan Brumley
The art world has been a little quiet with the holidays eclipsing everything else. All my classes are on hiatus, and most of the artists are just trying to keep their heads above water, so aren't doing much painting. However, the spring shows are coming up. So you had better get back into the mood!!! (Speak to yourself, Joan) The art cruise is coming up fast. There are already about 40 people signed up for this one. The ship is the Carnival spirit, and we will be sailing almost to the equator, in February. We go out of San Diego, and sail to Ixtapa, Zihuatineo, Manzinillo, and Acupulco. This will be great weather and I am really looking forward to it after the hectic holiday. This is a really good price--starting at around $694. Where else can you get transportation, all meals, hotel accommodations and 8 days of entertainment for less than $100 per day. If anyone wants to go--get a group together, or just a partner, and call Cruise One -- Gary for details. We call it an art cruise, but you don't have to paint--it is a good way to write the trip off. However, if you like to sketch or paint or just want to learn, you can join me - we have a reserved space for class on the ship If I can answer any questions e-mail is jbart@sti,net. Remember, there are lots of galleries in the area that would like to have you visit. Please, all you artists,let me know if I can tell the world about your show, or your home studio, or if anyone is having a special event. I also write for the Yelp in YLP and will be glad to publicize your show. And if you are teaching classes, or just want to show off your home studio, let me know that, also. If you missed the Sierra art Trails, you can still visit some of us--just call for an appointment with anyone who has a studio, and I am sure they will find a time. A tip for all of you realtors® - If you have a special home that you are selling, you can give the people a gift of a painting or drawing of the home they purchased. I have often done this, and they love it. There are several people who can do this kind of work, and it is a welcome gift. Or give a painting of Yosemite or anything in the area--new buyers will always cherish that kind of gift. Also--most artists would love to hang a painting in your office so that you can show it off to your clients. Next month, I will give some tips on framing and hanging art. If you have any questions, I will either answer them, or find someone who knows the answer to your question. And all you ARTISTS! Don't forget to let me know what you want the public to know about you. Joan Brumley www.sierratel.com/jbart
Did You Know?
Tenaya Lodge, at Fish Camp, has just opened a 40 x 80 ice rink for the winter. The. Rates are $9.50 per day for adults and $7.50 for skaters under 12 years of age. Skate rental fee is $3.50
Get a free copy of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Directory. Send your mailing address to: edbailey@sti.net
Amore Mio By Shirley Bailey
Amore Mio has a new owner and he is taking the restaurant business very seriously. Gary Barseghyan has wonderful ideas for the restaurant. He is positive and excited about all the possibilities he has. Since taking over on the 27th of October he’s already implemented some good ones. He has live music from Wednesday through Sunday. It isn’t just any music; he has some first rate talent for your listening pleasure.
When you get him on the subject of food he really beams. Gary told me it would take about a year for him to get a really solid, good menu made up. Each month he goes through his receipts to see what people are ordering. In time he will have a menu full or favorites. This man has a love affair going on with food!
Mr. Barseghyan is also a stickler for good service; he is a firm believer in good customer service. He trains his employee’s and pays them a little more than most restaurant owners. He thinks they deserve it if they give good customer service. He is so sold on service to his customers he stated, “ if you give them good service and good food, they will come”.
If you want a good glass of wine or other drink, and to just kick back, he is open till 2 am. Hey! You can also come back at 6 am and have breakfast.
For a fine family dining experience try Amore’ Mio and come away with a very satisfied feeling. See you there? Amore Mio is by the Best Western in Oakhurst at the former home of Sandino’s Velvet Rose and the Viewpoint.
You can get the California Homeowners Guide Newsletter sent to you each month free. It has lots of helpful information for homeowners. Just send me your email address and you're in. It will arrive in your in-box on the first Monday of each month. Moving? If a move is in your near future let me make it a little less stressful for you. I will be happy to send you a free 39 item checklist of smart things to do; (1) before the move, (2) on moving day, and (3) after the move. Just give me a telephone call at 559-313-1081 or send an e-mail request to: edb@EdBaileyRealtor.com.
You can find out how much your home is worth on the current market FREE. Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) with no obligation or commitment on your part. Just go to: http://www.edbaileyrealtor.com/sellers.html and fill in information.
Are you or Your Friends looking for a “Home for Sale” in Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Ahwahnee, Coarsegold, North Fork, Raymond, or Mariposa? Refer them to a listing of all real estate, land and homes, for sale in our mountain area. Just go to: http://www.edbaileyrealtor.com/search.asp
You can get free help with your “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO). I’ll mail you a copy of the “For Sale by Owner Manual,” It will give you helpful pointers on how to go about preparing and selling your home. I will also be happy to provide you with comparable sales information and help you arrive at the right asking price.
I’m happy to help because research tells me that most “for sale by owner” efforts end up listing with an agent. If that happens in your case, I only ask that you consider letting me be your agent. In the meantime, I wish you well in your selling effort, and I want to help.
What’s Happening
Vision Academy of the Arts is planning a monthly ballroom dance event, with live music, starting early in 2007. Watch these pages and the Sierra Star for developments. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please send information to edbailey@sti.net.
Share with Us
Do you have a question about our Oakhurst area? Do you have a real estate question?
Do you have a suggestion for additional features in this newsletter? Send me your thoughts and your ideas.
Also tell us, in 50 words or less, what you consider the most interesting of our Mountain Treasures, and why. Examples of Mountain Treasures: Timberline Gallery; Sierra Mono Museum; Mariposa County Courthouse; the Wild, Wonderful, King Museum (vintage clothing); the Children's Museum of the Sierra; Fresno Flats Historical Park; the California State Mining and Minerals Museum in Mariposa; Sierra Scenic Bypass; the Little Church on the Hill; the Talking Bear; Sierra Art Trails; the Elegant Auction; Heritage Days; the Fall Arts and Music Festival; the Loggers Jamboree; the Coarsegold Rodeo; the Christmas Tree Auction; the Honorary Mayor Contest; the Wild, Wonderful Chocolate Festival; Jazz on the Lake; the Bass Lake Fishing Derby; the Mountain Bear "Angels Amongst Us" Annual Awards Dinner; The Wall of Heroes Annual Awards Dinner; or name your own Mountain Treasure. E-mail it to: edBailey@sti.net. You may call us at 559-683-5193 or toll free at 888-683-5193.
I Ed Bailey, Broker Associate (559)676-2424 (888)683-5193 www.EdBaileyRealtor.com edbailey@sti.net Knowledge and Experience Make the Difference |
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EdBaileyRealtor.com • Oakhurst Real Estate • 40761 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Copyright 2007, Ed Bailey. Web Services Provided by Oakhurst Online
