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Lenders Uncovering Identity Theft in Mortgage Reviews – Protect Yourself!
August 10, 2021
About 14.4 million adults are victims of identity theft each year.
But many may not even realize it until they try to qualify for lending. A financial review by a lender may be tripped up if their identity has been taken, and their homebuying dreams could quickly be taken from them.
“Identity theft is on the rise, and if you don’t pay attention, you could have a harsh awakening when applying for a mortgage to purchase a home,” cybersecurity expert Sandra Estok, author of the “Happily Ever Cyber!” book series, told realtor.com®.
Identity theft can take many forms.
Some criminals steal a Social Security number and then use it to open credit cards or loans in the person’s name. That can ruin a credit score, needed to qualify for a mortgage.
Home buyers should do advance work in ensuring their finances are up to par and have not been hacked, experts say.
“One proactive step to take before putting in an offer, or even before you consider looking at homes, is to review your credit report at annualcreditreport.com or directly with all three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion,” Estok told realtor.com®. “Each of these companies maintains a separate report that can give you clues if something doesn’t add up.”
Check bank statements too. Credit card companies offer enrollment in fraud detection programs as well. Often, there is a 60-day window to report any suspicious activity in an account. After that, you may be on the hook for any amounts stolen from your accounts.
Estok also suggests visiting haveibeenpwned.com to check whether your email address or phone number has been part of a data breach. If so, change your passwords immediately.
Source:
“Could Identity Theft Keep You From Buying a House?” realtor.com® (Aug. 9, 2021)
Survey: Bidding Wars Aren’t the Big Problem Anymore
August 9, 2021
Many would-be home buyers say they aren’t having much luck in finding a home.
Sixty-six percent of buyers who were actively engaged in searching for a home in the second quarter say they’ve spent three months looking without success.
In the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of this year, active house hunters blamed being outbid by other offers as the most common reason for their inability to make a purchase.
But the top reason changed in the second quarter: More would-be buyers said that high home prices are sidelining them lately, according to The Housing Trends Report, a survey from the National Association of Home Builders.
Thirty-nine percent of active buyers surveyed said the inability to find an affordably priced home was the main reason they couldn’t buy.
Forty-three percent of surveyed buyers said if they continue to be unsuccessful, they will expand their search area while shopping for a home.
Forty-two percent will remain persistent and continue looking for the “right” home in the same location.
Overall, most long-term house hunters aren’t willing to give up. The share who are likely to put off their home search until next year or later has declined over the last two quarters, dropping to 20% in the second quarter.
Home buyers continue to search for the right home, even if it takes more than three months to finally find one in their price point.
Source:
“High Prices Are (Again) Most Common Reason Active Buyers Can’t Buy,” National Association of Home Builders’ Eye on Housing blog (Aug. 3, 2021)
Don’t hesitate to call the Sierra Lifestyle Team for evaluations of your home’s value or to tour homes on the market you have an interest in. We are here for you, and Alisa (almost) always answers her cell phone, 530-559-4871.
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Our team not only gives 100% of ourselves to our business but we also love our country and community that we are so blessed to live in. We are stepping out and building a float to be in the annual 4th of July parade. Seeing all our friends, family and clients would be so amazing so think about grabbing your chair and heading to downtown Grass Valley to watch the parade. July 4th at 11am. we reccommend getting their early for a go place to put your chairs. Being part of the parade is just another way to celebrate the holiday for all of us. Red, White and Blue will adorn our float and of course as the company with are so proud to be of Home Smart ICARE Realty we always thanks those who serve our great nation.
Home Smart ICARE Realty is veteran owned and operated. They set themselves apart by their support to the troops and veterans but also to community service in general.
Nevada County is known for its holiday traditions so being part of the parade was a no brainer for us. Pulling resources from our supportive family and friends we spent time building a float that not only shows that we can help anyone find that right home but also supports the nations veterans. 4th of July is about celebrating our great nation. People across American celebrate the 4th in all different ways. From BBQing, swimming, camping, parades and fireworks. Our county has always had a great celebration from the parade t the celebration at the fairgrounds and capping off the night with fireworks which can be seen from several areas around town.
We are the KEY to your next home. So when you are celebrating this holiday or you see us roll past on the float please remember that the team to call is Johnson’s & Geare’s SIERRA LIfetstyle Team. We are here to serve you and help you with all your real estate needs.
Community Events, Events In Nevada County, Lifestyle, Music, Uncategorized
THE CULTURE IN THEM THAR HILLS!
California Arts Council announced Monday July 10 that Nevada City and Grass Valley have been designated a combined State Cultural District. We are one of only 14 areas in the State of California to have been awarded such recognition. The California Cultural Districts Program celebrates the state’s artistic and cultural assets and diversity.
Rock On Nevada City & Grass Valley
Nevada City and Grass Valley are recognized by the Arts Council as a “well defined geographic area with high concentrations of cultural resources and activities”. Nevada County is the only county in the State of California to have two Cultural Districts and are among only four rural districts recognized by the program. No surprise at all to denizens of the area who live in Nevada City, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Auburn and surrounding communities and take advantage of the manifold opportunities to enjoy and participate in arts, music, storytelling and many other cultural offerings that take place year round here.
Best Of Both Worlds, Small Town Living Amidst The Trees…& Arts
We know it…and so shall people not only in the State of California, but nationally and internationally as the rich cultural gifts of the area are showered in the bright lights of the Arts Council’s promotional and advertising activities. We have celebrated many of our areas arts entities in this space, such as the vital Center For The Arts, Music in the Mountains, Miner’s Foundry, KVMR Radio, and the annual Open Studios art trail. There are 53 arts organizations, 33 galleries, studios and museums, 19 live music venues, and 49 places of historical interest in Grass Valley and Nevada City. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival takes place every year in Nevada City and Grass Valley and is considered to be the most important environmental film festival in the country today.
The Sierra Lifestyle At Its Best 
Julie Baker, Executive Director of the Center Of The Arts says, “We live in a rural community with remarkable sophistication and a passion for the arts!” The Center will host the 21st Annual California WorldFest this weekend at the Nevada County Fairgrounds (itself a cultural gem here). When queried by clients thinking of moving to Nevada County as to where or not we have culture this is the answer. We sure ain’t just of bunch of rednecks, and if you weren’t a believer before, this ought to get you religion!
The designation of Grass Valley and Nevada City as a California Cultural District is well deserved. We love the Sierra Lifestyle here and the opportunity to participate in making it better,,,and better. Come party with us!
Lifestyle, The Arts, Uncategorized
OMG…Nevada City Picked As #1 Best Place To Live!
Check out the February 2017 issue of SUNSET MAGAZINE http://sunset.com. Nevada City’s NATIONAL HOTEL has never looked better than it’s full cover bleed on Sunset’s Front Cover. Denizens of Nevada City, Grass Valley, Alta Sierra, Southern Nevada County and Penn Valley have long known it to be true that our wonderful little slice of these great United States (already great despite naysayers to the contrary) tops the list of best place to live!
The Sierra Lifestyle Team has worked with many clients who have looked for homes all over the United States, and in some cases abroad, and settle on Western Nevada County as best. Why? Close proximity to outdoor activities: Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Fishing, Biking, Birding, Astronomy, Gardening…An hour and a half away from the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe that offer a plethora of outdoor activity opportunities for active families. Coupled those with entertainment options at area Casinos (including shows by top headliners such as Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder) and dining from outdoor stands to sophisticated restaurants and you have a recipe for exceptional lifestyle choices that makes our area the best place to live.
From the High Sierra to the Pacific Ocean in hours!
Three hours drive to the San Francisco Bay Area affords access to the constellation of shopping, dining and cultural activities well known to just about all. And of course to the Pacific Ocean and it’s communities South to Santa Cruz and Monterey or north to Fort Bragg.
But we digress. Back to the best place to live. Sunset’s article emphasizes Nevada City and it’s roots in the back to the land movement of the 60s and 70s. But that doesn’t begin to touch the depth of character of those of us who live here in Nevada City or Grass Valley or Alta Sierra or Penn Valley or Southern Nevada County. People from all walks of life, socio-economic levels, backgrounds, and interests mingle happily and consider all those areas as parts of the greater good. Nevada City and Grass Valley host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival as Well as the Nevada City Film Festival, both recognized nationally and internationally. Some quote us as the Sundance of the West. The Center Of The Arts is a cultural jewel we have written about several times, bringing a wide range of music and dance shows to town, attended by patrons who often come to town from Truckee/Tahoe, Sacramento and as far as the SF Bay. We were hugely entertained last evening by Robert Earl Keen and his phenominal band in the 250 seat venue in town and will look forward to cast members from Jersey Boys entertaining us with song and dance from the Do Wop days next week.
Come join the party!
Community Events, Events In Nevada County, Lifestyle, The Arts, Uncategorized
Nevada County Arts
Nevada County Arts – Artists Studios are open October 8 & 9, and 15 & 16 from 10am to 5pm! #fallcoloropenstudios
Nevada County Arts scene is one of the great delights for those of us living, working, or just plain visiting here in Nevada County is the fall celebration of many talented artists, sculptors and artisans who generously open their studios to us art lovers. Visit more than 75 local artists in 47 studios to see how and where art is made and purchase directly from the artists themselves. The tour includes painters, printmakers, photographers, ceramicists, illustrators, jewelers, woodworkers, and sculptors.
The Art Tour is sponsored by our fabulous CENTER FOR THE ARTS! (openstudiostour.org) Of the numerous Nevada County events, this is a favorite of many art lovers in Northern California.
Nevada County Arts In GRASS VALLEY: Check out Katie Wolf’s Oil and Acrylic works, Jay Gordin’s Custom Knives, Carin Brook’s Fine Art Gourds, Karel Vendee’s Textile/Fiber Art, Martha Jones’ Mosaic & Fine Paper Collage Reuse Art, Candy Ekstrom’s Functional Ceramics, Rosemary Stokes Jewelry, and Dori Greenbaum’s Watercolors. Also in Grass Valley discover Johathan Lyerly’s Photography, Adrian Hyman’s Digital Photography, Tamara Unger’s Ceramics, Len Moles’ works in Graphite and Color Pencils, Chantelle Goldwaithe’s Mixed Media, Valerie Messervy Birkhoff’s Oil Painting’s and Sculpture, Brett Schrieber’s Wood Burl Tables and Sculptures, Dugan Essick’s elegant Wood Furniture and Mindy Osborne’s Ceramics, Photography & Purses. More Grass Valley studio’s show Caroline Courtright’s Acrylic Paintings & Jewelry, Della Heywood’s Watercolor, Pastel, and Oil Paintings, Chic Lotz’s Ceramics, David King’s Collage, Drawing & Painting, Rebecca Bleau’s Printmaking, Thomas daddy’s Stone Vessels, Kathryn Wronski’s Oil Painting, Michael Larson’s Sculpture, Virginia Ray’s Assemblage’s of Vintage Objects, Linda Galosh’s Acrylic, Watercolor and Drawings, Jude Bischoff’s Painting. Grass Valley’s riches include Mixed Media by Marylou Falstrou, 2D & #D Fine Art at ART WORKS GALLERY on Mill Street downtown, Mixed Media at the Neighborhood Center of the Arts, Mixed Media Fiber Art by Spencer McClay, Rustic Sculpture and Earrings by Tim Wilson, and at the Curios Forge check out Metal, up cycled Art, Jewelry, painting & Wood works. Just when you think you’re done in Grass Valley you are not. Barrocult Ceramics for Sacred Spaces, Tony Machado Oil Paintings David Wong Photography, Jan Pellizer Mixed Media, Eileen Blodgett Mixed Media, Jill mahana Oil Painting, Mark Wilcox Oil Painting, Denise Wey Acrylic River Pinting and THE ENCAUSTIC ARTISTS GUILD OF NEVADA COUNTY offers Encaustic painting.
Art Tour In Nevada City
Not to be outdone, NEVADA CITY offers open studios by Ron Kenedi Oil Painting, John Bridge Photography, Katy Hight Watercolor & Mixed Media, Kris Johnson Silk Abstracts, Lucy Galbraith Fine Art and Photography, Lil McGill Acrylic Painting, Delo Rio Fine Art, Illustration & Mixed Media, David Mckay Photography, Kitkitdizzi Mixed Media, The Alexander Gallery Mixed Media, Bill Juhl Wooden Bows & Vessels, Leeann Brook Fine Art, Ron Jermyn Painting & Sculpture, Judi Robison Mixed Media, Juliette Morris Williams Mixed Media & Jewelry, Thomas Devine Graphite, Oil & Mixed Media, Miriam Morris Ceramic Sculpture, Alex Henderson Acrylic Painting, Martin Arkenstone Stone Sculpture, Susan Lobb Porter Contemporary Landscapes & Abstract Painting, Liz Collins Mixed Media Painting, Betsy Lombard Oil & Watercolor, Catherine Allen Mixed Media & Collage. Continuing your adventure in Nevada City are Nadine Enderlin Exotic Wooden Salad Bowls, Gail Lipson Photography, Ante Dormeyer Jewelry, Jane Markham Tibetan Style Incense Boxed and Treasuer Boxes!
Don’t miss ARTIST’S LIVE DEMOS in both Nevada City and Grass Valley or the NEVADA CITY CRAFT FAIR Sunday, December 11 at the the historic Miners Foundry (miners foundry.org)!
Johnson & Geare’s SIERRA LIFESTYLE TEAM celebrates the vibrant arts and culture of Nevada County! Contact us for any information about Nevada City, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Rough & Ready and South Nevada County living.
Important News and Info, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Uncategorized
7 Reasons why you should have a REALTOR by your side
Technology can’t replace a good Realtor, here’s why;
In this day and age everything is online. You buy a car online, clothes, furniture, vacations and even food! So why can’t you buy or sell a house online. After all For Sale By Owners don’t have to pay commissions or closing costs and make more money right? WRONG!! Without a professional to guide you down the path of home ownership you could be unaware of some costly mistakes you’re making. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Placer County or Nevada County call us today. Here is seven reason why working with a professional Realtor and specifically the Sierra Lifestyle Team can benefit you greatly!
List at the right PRICE!! Our team are experts in the Placer County Real Estate and Nevada County Real Estate markets. We know how to get the perfect price to sell quickly and for the most money.
Better home presentations!! Knowing how to present your home to buyers in the most effective and aesthetically pleasing way can be tough. We know exactly what buyers want to see and also what can be a huge turn off.
Getting more buyers. Who is going to buy your house? Do you know them and can give them a call? Promoting properties and gaining most exposure is our priority.
Higher Offers! Because you decided to high a professional, we have priced your house so perfectly that know you have multiple offers and have created a biding war over your property.
Negotiations, Inspections and RESULTS!! Now that you have an accepted offer the real work begins. Having a Realtor to do all the negociating and inspection work can cut your costs and keep more money in your pocket.
Quick Closings. Once the buyers are fully satisfied with the house we can close quickly. Our in house lenders and brokers ensure a quick close so you can get on and the buyers can get in!
SOLD for top dollar. With all the expert advice from the Sierra Lifestyle team you were able to not only get your house sold quickly but for top dollar on the market as well.
Need to sell your house? Want to get it done quickly and get the most money?? Call us today so we can go to work for you!
