Chico Real Estate blog

A Stage One Electrical Emergency is expected to be issued today, August 30, 2007, in California.  A Stage Two Emergency could follow this afternoon.  This is the second day in a row that the California ISO issued a "Flex Alert" requesting that customers conserve energy.

The California Independent System Operator Corporation (California ISO) is expected to access its seven percent reserve margin.  In the event they must access the reserve, a Stage One Emergency will be declared.  Experts are forecasting the peak demand power for today to be at 49,500 megawatts.  The record peak demand ins 50.270 megawatts.

A Stage Two Emergency is declared when the energy reserves fall below five percent.  Large commercial customers that have previously signed up to voluntarily restrict their power usage will be asked to do so at this level. In the event that the operating reserve is expected to drop below and and a half percent, Stage 3 is initiated.  Stage 3 is what is commonly referred to during "rolling blackouts" that involve involuntary curtailments of power to customers.

There are two factors that are contributing to the concerns of energy reserves.  The first being a regional heat wave, and the second is a low hydroelectricity level throughout the state, due to the dry winter.

Conservation Tips!

• Set your thermostat to 78-80 degrees when possible, and turn it off when the home is unoccupied.
  
• Turn off all unnecessary lighting, and avoid using major appliances during peak usage hours 4 to 6 pm.
• Shut off your sprinklers and pool pump during peak hours.

Further conservation tips can be found at:  www.flexyourpower.org.

Source:  California ISO 

The Chico Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chico are once again co-sponsoring Chico Airfest 2007.  Last year, the airshow at the Chico, CA Municipal Airport drew over 10,000 north state residents! 

Airfest 2007 promises to be a thrilling one this year, planned for September 1st, over Labor Day weekend.  An F-16,F-18 and an historic P-51 will be pat of the fun.  The Air Force will even bring one of its F-16 "Fighting Falcons" or the "Viper".  The "Viper" boasts enormous speed and 9 g-force turns.  The Navy is planning to show off its F-18 "Hornet", which is one of the premier fighter jets.  Honoring those who have served in the military in years past, the Heritage Flight will consist of the historic P-51 and F-16, flying in unison.

The Airfest is a spectacular opportunity to remind the locals of the services the Chico Municipal Airport has to offer the Norcal region for travel throughout the United States.  

August 31st will be the kickoff for the great event, commencing with a special "Meet at the Officers Club" where attendees can enjoy a twilight air show, dinner, dancing, and entertainment.  September 1st, Saturday, will feature morning and afternoon performances, and special displays.  In addition, the kids will enjoy some activities geared toward them!

For more information, and to purchase tickets for Chico Airfest 2007, please visit http://www.chiochamber.com.   

Chico CA Real Estate blog and Chico MLS listings Search 

Rumor has it that the United States' foreclosure epidemic could be contriubuting to the spread of the West Nile Virus.

Reports are showing that the number of people in California testing positive for the West Nile virus has increased three-fold compared to last year.  Many experts are blaming the increasing problem on the pools located in the yards of foreclosure properties.

The electrical service is typically suspended on  properties in the months between the time the former owners have stopped paying the bills and the time a Realtor or management company begins to look after the maintenance of the home.  The pumps on the pools cease to operate, creating a giant, stagnant pool of water in which mosquitoes often breed.  Mosquitoes are known to transmit the virus to humans after being infected from a bird.

West Nile often takes a harder toll on the elderly, people with suppressed immune systems, and children.  The West Nile virus is to blame for as many as 5 deaths have in California alone this year.  A state of emergency was declared by California Governor Schwarzenegger for Colusa, Kern and San Joaquin counties.

Two of the three foreclosure properties that I've had listed in the past month had pools.  Both of these pools were NASTY!  I specifically cautioned my daughter on a recent trip to one of the properties.   She's only 8, but took heed and stayed in the front yard.  This particular pool had 2 dead birds in it, as well as an unbelievable little ecosystem full of assorted critters, some not so small!

People can reduce their risk of West Nile infection by following some common sense procedures.

1.  Avoid time outdoors, especially when mosquitoes are most active.  This typically is at dusk and dawn.

2.  If you must be outside, wear appropriate clothing:  long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks.

3.  Make sure that you apply mosquito repellent.  It should contain DEET, eucalyptus oil, or Picaridin. 

4.  Make sure your screens and doors are adequately sealed.  Replace any screens that have holes or tears.

5.  Do not allow water to sit anywhere on your property.  Empty birdbaths, buckets of water, keep the pool filter running, monitor your sprinkler operation, and change the dog's bowl frequently!

Contact your local mosquito abatement agency for more tips or to report an increase in mosquito activity in your neighborhood.

Also, report any dead bird that may have died less than 48 hours prior to http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.

For more complete information, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ or www.buttecounty.net/publichealth for information throughout Butte County and Chico, CA.

Chico CA Real Estate Blog and MLS listings Search 

July 2007 Market Report for Oroville, CA

by Sandi Bauman
     Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
   
     Chico Homes
     2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120
     Chico, CA  95928

     (530) 864-5407

Search the entire Chico MLS here!  http://www.chicohomesearch.net

Here are the numbers as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS for the month of July, 2007.

July 2007 Market Report for Forest Ranch, CA

by Sandi Bauman
     Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
   
     Chico Homes
     2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120
     Chico, CA  95928

     (530) 864-5407

Search the entire Chico MLS here!  http://www.chicohomesearch.net

Here are the numbers as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS for the month of July, 2007.

June 2007 Market Report for Oroville, CA

by Sandi Bauman
     Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
   
     Chico Homes
     2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120
     Chico, CA  95928

     (530) 864-5407

Search the entire Chico MLS here!  http://www.chicohomesearch.net

Here are the numbers as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS for the month of July, 2007.

July 2007 Market Report  Orland, CA

by Sandi Bauman
     Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
   
     Chico Homes
     2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120
     Chico, CA  95928

     (530) 864-5407

Search the entire Chico MLS here!  http://www.chicohomesearch.net

Here are the numbers as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS for the month of July, 2007.

by Sandi Bauman
     Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
   
     Chico Homes
     2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120
     Chico, CA  95928

     (530) 864-5407

Search the entire Chico, Durham, and Paradise MLS here!  http://www.chicohomesearch.net/

                                                      
    
Here are the numbers for Willows as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS for the month of July, 2007.

August 2007 Form Release

I guess the addition of new C.A.R. forms is a true indication of where the California market is headed, according to the "people in the know."

The following is a quick summary of the new standard form scheduled for release the week of August 13th 2007. NEW FORM:Short Sale Listing Addendum

The new Short Sale Listing Addendum form informs the seller that their property cannot be sold unless the seller does one of two things:  brings in cash at the close, or arranges for the existing lien holders to lower the balance of the amount the seller owes.  The owner is forewarned that other options may exist in lieu of selling the property.   In the event that the property is sold, there may be legal, tax and credit consequences.  The seller must authorize the broker to advertise the property as a short sale.   Ideally, the form will be submitted and signed upon listing the property.

Paradise, California July 2007 Market Report

by Sandi Bauman
     Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
   
     Chico Homes
     2580 Sierra Sunrise Terrace, Suite 120
     Chico, CA  95928

     (530) 864-5407

Search the entire Chico, Durham, and Paradise MLS here!  http://www.chicohomesearch.net/

Here are the numbers as reported by the Sierra North Valley MLS for the month of July, 2007.

Market Statistics All MLS
Statistics for:  Single Family Residences in Paradise, CA

Active Properties:  44
Average Price:  $328,721
Average Days on Market:  96

Total Listed in July:  84

Total Sold: 2

Average List Price Sold:  $377,000

Average Sale Price Sold:  $370,000

Average Days On Market Sold:  67

Average List Price Unsold:  $291,245

Percent Expired: 26.19%

YIKES!!

It is apparent that homeowners in Paradise, CA need to thnk long and hard before listing their home in this market.  While Paradise is considered a desireable area, especially for retirement, sales are definitely slowing to a crawl.  Pricing accurately is key.

If you are relocating or in the market to purchase or sell real estate in Chico, Durham, Paradise, Magalia or Orland, please visit my website http://www.chicohomesearch.net for further information on my services. I would be my privilege to help you with your next move.