1st TIME VISITOR ?? Coldwell Banker Northern California Folsom Office "Hire the Realtor who doesn't look (or work) like just another agent." Thank you for visiting.  As a full-time Realtor and Broker Associate, my goal is to provide you options, not a sales pitch.  Counseling buyers and sellers on a full time basis is how I earn my living.  I am not a part time sales agent.  It's my responsibility to be fully versed in every aspect of real estate transactions, from inventory availability and financing options, to results-oriented marketing, negotiating strategy and transaction management.  And I am happy to share this knowledge with my clients.  I believe that if you are well informed and have options, you will feel empowered to make the decision that is in your best interest.  Make no mistake about it, whether you are a buyer or seller, entering the today's playing field of real estate buying or selling is like entering a competition where coming in 2nd place is no different than last place. Helping clients is my job ... I appreciate and respect the trust you place with me.    Today's market is volatile and fraught with pot holes and dead ends. On a daily basis, you are influenced by media and friends who offer advise and opinion ... some qualified; much of it not. Within large markets, like Sacramento, there are communities greatly affected by the 'sub-prime meltdown' and others not affected whatsoever.  For example, Elk Grove, Natomas and even Serrano in El Dorado Hills, an "upper-scale" community, have seen selling prices vary significantly from the highs of 2004-05 ... many neighborhoods are selling today at the same prices they sold at during 2002-03.    Buyers are becoming frustrated with unanswered questions about how to best negotiate with bank owned or short sale properties ... especially because these properties are often priced to generate multiple offers resulting in above listing price transactions; many buyers wonder if their efforts will result in a successful transaction.  It all depends on your understanding of the market, the dynamics at play, and your own goals.  As a home seller, you are likely concerned about marketing your home effectively and avoid lengthy (and costly) non-productive selling efforts.  My job is to give you the tools to help make those decisions.   If you are a first-time buyer, the first step is to understand the home purchase process. It is essential that you understand the amount of mortgage you can afford, the type of financing that is most suitable for your needs and your responsibilities as a homeowner for everything from paying taxes to understanding obligations for Mello-Roos/Direct Levy Fees or Home Owner's Association dues. All too often, people say they are 'pre-qualified' based on a loan program no longer available, the verbal assurance from a lending officer or broker, or by being misguided by an overly zealous agent trying to sell a home. As a first-time buyer, give me a call and I will be happy to offer sources for guidance and information.  For more buyer information, please use this LINK.   If you are a home seller, perhaps you've considered selling but are just not quite sure how to choose the right agent.  After all, you would likely feel uncomfortable choosing a doctor or financial representative by pointing to an unknown name in the Yellow Pages.  To be sure, there are well-qualified agents working for local brokerages; there are inapt agents working for global broker brands. In the final evaluation, the agent that's best for you will demonstrate a level of skill, knowledge, confidence and understanding that sets him or her apart from others. In the same manner, this person is likely to effectively market your property so, it too, stands apart from all the others.  For more information about selling your home, please use this LINK.   A few tips on navigating through this site: there's lots of information, so take your time using the property search tools (reAlert) gives you access to all MLS listings from all Brokers it's possible to save properties of interest to your own folder that only you have access to you will not receive any solicitation of any type without your expressed 'opt-in' permission content is changed to reflect current market trends; Folsom homes SOLD is updated monthly, as is information about lending programs or market trends most important, if you get stuck, simply give me a call and I'll be happy to help.