Atascadero « Andee’s Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Atascadero’

Atascadero’s First Relay for Life - BIG Success!

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

I had a fabulous time at Atascadero’s American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life last night. The luminaries that lined the pathway around the Sunken Garden were a beautiful tribute to those who have cancer, are cancer survivors or have succumed cancer. It was so emotional to take the silent memorial walk, remember and see how cancer has and does touch so many lives from infant to the elderly. I am so fortunate to be able to take part in this fund raiser with so many others from my community. Actually I am truly fortunate to live in such a great community on the central Coast.

My beautiful 15 year old daughter stepped up and did her part between 1 am am and 3 am so the rest of us could relax a little.

Then about 3:30 am my friend, organizer, and business owner (Earth Tones) had a huge hankering for pizza. So being the good friend that I am, drove to the only store open 24 hours,bought a pizza and raced home to cook it. There we were at about 4 am eating peperoni pizza. Thank goodness we walked a lot.

I was partcularl impressed with all the teenagers that were particpating. It was fun and uplifting to walk with a few of them and hear why they were walking. One of the girls I talked to was frustrated because she hadn’t raised as much money as she wanted to. She has a grandmother in the hospital with cancer and is concerned about a spot on her mother’s face that she fears is cancer. Yet, with all that she has a wonderful upbeat personality! Here’s to our youth!!

Next year I’m going to take copious amounts of pictures to show you all how fun it is!

Tags: Atascadero, Central Coast, Relay for life
Posted in Central Coast Communities | No Comments »

Atascadero’s First Relay for Life

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

sunken My beautiful town of Atascadero is hosting their very first Relay for Life. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is where we walk for 24 hours to raise money to help fight cancer for American Cancer Society.

My children and I got involved a few years ago when my brother was diagnosed and consequently died of lung cancer. Everyday, I seem to meet more and more people or know more people that have one form of cancer or the other. My hope is that through our donations, focus and attention we can stop this disease in its tracks. To me, the Relay for Life is a very rewarding, emotional and inspirational event. My goal this year is to raise $500. If you can help, that would be AWESOME. If not, send your prayers for a successful event! atascadero-sign

There are a couple of ways to contribute:

Donate money directly at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/andeenast

Purchase a luminary for someone you know who is a cancer survivor, has cancer or has died from cancer.

3. Come to the event and purchase the little items each booth has available – varies by booth but you typically see – food, water, pins, hats, etc.

4. Go to one of the fundraiser events posted on the website http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=18970

5. Join our team!

My daughter, son and I will all be walking – we usually are the ones that walk through the late (or early) morning hours.

If you are in Atascadero, please come by and walk a lap with us, join in the activities and see the luminaries. It is truly a moving experience.

See you there!

P.S. If you call me early on Sunday, I will probably not answer - I will be sleeping…. zzzzz

Tags: Atascadero, Relay for life
Posted in Central Coast Communities | 2 Comments »

Perfect Massage - Earthtones in Paso Robles

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Spring has finally sprung in San Luis Obispo County. The wild flowers and bulbs are blooming, the grass is growing, the birds are chirping in the tree and the chipmunks are grabbing acorns. Time for new personal growth, for interior spring cleaning, exterior yard work and garden planting. Lots of stooping, digging, hauling, carrying, moving, walking, pushing and many other ‘ing’ words as well. All these additional activities while maintaining your normal work load

If you are like a lot of us, this time of year you are sore in places where you didn’t know you could be sore. The internal stress goes up a bit and because of the additional load, you feel more tired. For me, the muscle soreness almost always shows up on the left side of my body - in my back and hip. As a result I am aways on the hunt for the perfect massage in SLO County. One that works out all my muscles - especially the problem areas - puts me into a deep sleep in the middle of it and moves the energy around so that leaves me feeling serene, relaxed and at peace for the rest of the day. Now that is what a massage is all about.

Fortuanately for me, a couple of years ago I stumbled onto just that perfect massage or massage therapists. At the time this therapist was in the lovely little town of Atascadero but has since moved their business to the bustling mecca of Paso Robles, just short 10 minute drive away.

EarthTones Center for Healing
Phone: (805) 238-4413
Email: Earthtoneswb@aol.com
Location: 1319 Park Street, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo

Here’s how to experience this amazing, perfect massage… Call Earthtones at (805) 238-4413. If a guy answers - that would most likely be Greg - tell him you want to book a massage with his lovely wife Mary. If a lady answers, it is probably Mary so she can book you. Tell them that you read about them on my website….

Then on the day of your appointment, drive to 1319 Park Street. Now make sure to leave a little time either before or after your appointment so you can browse the local art work and very cool items in the gallery. Make sure to drink lots of water afterward! Then let me know if that wasn’t one of the best massages you have ever gotten.

I couldn’t tell you exactly what it is the Mary does but I can tell you that whatever it is, you will walk out a different person than when you walked in. Oh yeah, I think I forgot to tell you that this perfect massage will cost you LESS than $100.

Tags: Atascadero, massage, Paso, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, SLO
Posted in Central Coast Communities | 2 Comments »

California Housing Market Rebound - Real or Illusion?

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Finally, some good news is coming out of the California Housing Market. The California Association of REALTORS ® (C.A.R.) reported positive trends in single-family home sales and the ‘experts’ start screaming rebound or turn around, the worst is over! Since I’m typically a fairly positive person and would love it if the market had actually turned, I’m trying to figure out why I’m not jumping up and down and calling all my customers to tell them the great news…

The Reality is…

In January 2009, C.A.R reported an increase in sales of 100.8% for existing, single-family homes sales in January 2009 compared to January 2008 while the unsold inventory decreased to 6.7 months from 16.6 months a year ago. In addition, the average days a house was on the market declined from 70.8 days to 49.9 days. This is the first time since October 2005 that the California Housing Market has seen existing home sales of over 600,000 homes and a 14% increase over the previous month.

With the possibility of positive cash flow properties and volatile stock market, many investors are also starting to buy again in California.

These are all good signs right? Right! Yes!!

Light at the End of the Tunnel or Illusion?

While most of the indices for a turnaround seem to be trending positive, there are a few that are concernin and not being talked about. For example, in the California Housing Market, home prices were down 40.5. The median house price was down to $254,350 over last year and 9.5% over December’s median price of $281,180 median price. That doesn’t bode well for the people who bought at the top of the market – even the ones that are still paying their monthly mortgage payments. The Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington estimated that 30% of homeowners between 45 and 54 years of age, owe more on their mortgages than their homes are currently worth. How much longer are they going to continue to pay their mortgages when they owe way more than the home is worth?

And what about the unemployement rate? Last I heard, that was still going up. What happens as more people lose their jobs? Won’t that negatively affect the housing market?

Most analysts predict that the California Housing Market will continue to see price declines throughout 2009 and probably into 2010. The hope is that the decline will not be as steep as it has been over the previous year and will eventually taper off, signifying an end to the price drop and the beginning of stabilization and eventually increase. I think I agree. Prices aren’t dropping as quickly - that is good. They are still dropping - that is not so good (unless of course you are an investor or in the market for a new home).

The one major wildcard that deserves close scrutiny and analysis for the California Housing Market is still the homes going into foreclosure (sorry, I just had to bring that word up again). Due to the Federal Mortgage Loan Modification Plan, many banks have been trying to work with distressed homeowners to keep them in their homes. A lot of these properties will not qualify and will eventually end up in being foreclosed.

Conclusion

Although not everyone agrees that the California Housing Market is rebounding, most analysts and people that watch the California Housing Market agree that the worst seems to be over. If the banks decide to dump a huge number of deeply discounted foreclosed houses on the market all at one time, we will see much lower prices than we do now.

I personally do not think the worst is over. I think we have one more big wave of foreclosures that are going to hit in the next 12 to 18 months. When that happens, get your check book out!

The Central Coast has stayed fairly strong with minimal foreclosures compared to some of the other counties in California. Morro Bay, Cayucos, and Los Osos have held their prices remarkedly well. Santa Maria on the other hand has had more than it’s fair share. With that said, there are great deals in all of these communities. What about a bay front lot for under $200,000?

Tags: Atascadero, California Housing Market, Cayucos, Central Coast, foreclosure, Morro Bay, Templeton
Posted in Investors, Short Sales & Foreclosure | 2 Comments »

Mortgage Protection Plan - First Time Buyers - It’s TIME!!!

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

I wish I was a first time home buyer! I really do! There are so many programs out there to help first time home buyers that are just sooooo sweet. $8,000 for this, $10,000 for that, special low down loans… it is just so amazing especiallyat this time when interest rates are so low and house prices are even lower. Yeah, the economy is not so good right now but guess what? California Association of Realtors (CAR) now has a program to help you through that!!!

California Association of Realtors (CAR) announced today (April 2, 2009) a new First-Time Home Buyer program designed to help the ailing housing market, ease worries over the uncertain economic times, and encourage first time home buyers to purchase a home this year. This new program- CAR Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Plan, can be used with all the other First-Time Home Buyer programs as long as ALL qualifications are met.

The CAR Mortgage Protection Program offers First-Time Home Buyers mortgage payment ‘insurance’ against the loss of a job or disability. Under this program, a First Time Home Buyer who loses their job or becomes accidentally disabled can receive a maximum of $1,500 per month for up to six months or for a co-buyer, the maximum is $750. The program also includes an accidental death benefit of $10,000 of which CAR Housing Affordability Fund pays the premium for the first year. The First-Time Home Buyer does not have to pay anything to take advantage of this program (now you know why I wish I was a first time home buyer huh?).

Certain criteria must be met for a person to qualify for the CAR Mortgage Protection Program. The criteria includes: 1) a First Time Home Buyer cannot have owned a home in the last three (3) years; 2) must buy a home in California before December 31, 2009; 3) must use a California licensed REALTOR; 4) must work for someone else (be a W-2 employee); 5) can make any amount of money (no income caps); and 6) can buy any home (no price caps). The California REALTOR® will obtain the application form from CAR Housing Affordability form. The First-Time Home Buyer will complete it, and the REALTOR® will submit it to CAR’s Housing Affordability Fund for review. C.A.R estimates that about 3,000 First-Time Home Buyers will be assisted with this program this year. The program works on a first come, first served basis and includes additional requirement and restrictions.

The CAR Mortgage Protection Program is funded through C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund. The CAR Housing Affordability Fund is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) which was specifically established to provide options for First Time Home Buyers. It is funded through donations from members, affiliates, and other institutions. HAF is dedicating $1 million of these funds to the Mortgage Protection program this year. With the limited resources and the high number of First-Time Home Buyers expected to take advantage of the program, it would be prudent to move quickly. To make a tax deductible charitable donation contact the California Association of Realtors at www.car.org or call 213-739-8352.

For more information on the CAR Mortgage Protection Program, the Federal or State Tax Program; contact your California REALTOR® directly. If you are not currently working with a California REALTOR® live or want to buy in Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Atascadero, etc. contact me at andeen@charter.net or 1-800-694-2265 X15 and I will either find one for you in your area or help you myself.

Tags: Atascadero, Cayucos, first time home buyer, Morro Bay, Mortgage Protection Plan, Tax Credit
Posted in First Time Home Buyers | 1 Comment »

SHHH, Don’t Tell Anyone About the ‘Pond’!

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

I’m going to let you in on a little secret about a hidden pond but first you have to promise not to tell anyone. Ok, do you promise? Good! Now, I’m going to hold you to it because if you tell, then everyone will start coming and it will totally ruin the whole ambiance of the place.

In Paso Robles there is a place that only locals and only a few of the locals know about and go to. The place is called Franklin Hotspings.

The Pond

It is kinda hidden out on the back roads. There is a sign but it is pretty old and not all that easy to read, especially at night. Franklin Hotsprings is a large (swimming pool sized) natural hot sulphur spring pool or pond. So yeah, it does have that whole sulpher smell going on. But let me tell you when your body is aching, the smell is worth a little annoying stinkiness.

To get there, take Niblick Road in Paso Robles east to Creston Road. Take a right on Creston Road and follow it out until you see the sign on the right hand side of the road and turn right… Now if those directions are not some small town type of directions, I don’t know what is. BUT finding the ponds is half the fun of the whole thing (I can’t make it too easy on you just in case you decide to tell someone the secret)…

There is a $7 fee for adults and $5 fee for children to get in. There is more to do than soak if you so choose, you can boat, fish, play paintball, bar-b-que. The fee allows you stay as long as you want to and includes boating, fishing, and enjoying the mineral hot spring. It does not include Paintball activitites. Being a small town, there are times when you show up and no one emerges to take your money. It works on the honor system - just leave your money in the can.

I just go to soak and relax. There are about 8 pipes hooked up overhead that blast the hot water down onto your back, giving you a hot water, pounding massage.

Pounding water pipes

Usually there are water weinies available to float on (or you can bring your own). There is even a hot tub off to the side for those that want a little more privacy. There is a steam room that sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. Bathrooms and changing rooms are being built. The owners are working on slowing fixing it up but expect it to be rustic and come prepared - that way you won’t be disappointed.

Some people claim the beauty benefits of the mud at the bottom of the pool. They dive down and bring up this slimey, gooey mud and put it on their face. I have to admit I have tried it and it feels really good. However, once I saw it in the daylight, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it again. But if you are adventursome or just don’t care - try it.

The best time to head out there is after dark. Gazing at the millions of stars in the sky while floating around in warm water in the quiet of the evening, just doesn’t get any better!

Remember, you promised not to tell!! Let me know when you are headed out there and I may just drive up from Atascadero to join you!!

Tags: Atascadero, Creston, Franklin Pond, Hot Springs, Paso Robles
Posted in Central Coast Communities | No Comments »

How are Your Property Taxes?

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Did you know that the National Taxpayers Union (whoever that is) estimates that as many as 60% of homes pay too much in property tax because they are over assessed?

With the drop in property values over the last couple of years, chances are pretty good that you might be able to save money on your Central Coast property tax bill. So what can you do about it?

The San Luis Obispo County Tax Assessor’s Office is currently doing a review of properties under 10 acres puchased after January 1, 2003 so if you fall into that category, you don’t need to do anything right now. However, if you do not fit into category, here is what you need to do to get your property reassessed.

First, get a copy of your property card from the SLO County Assessors Office. Review the card to make sure the current information is correct for the size of your home, number of rooms, etc. If this information is incorrect, contact the office. Sometimes they will change it without a formal appeal.

Second, if the value seems high, you will need to file a formal appeal whcih can be found at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/AssetFactory.aspx?did=13066. You will need documentation to support your appeal such as a formal appraisal or comps (comparisons) of similar properties that have recently sold, etc. I can help you with this part if your property is in Morro Bay, Cayucos, Los Osos, Atascadero, or any of the other San Luis Obispo County towns. You can also look through the public records for other home that have similar features to yours but have lower assessments.

This may save you thousands of dollars every year. And the good news is that more than 33% of the property tax appeals succeed! Make sure to do your due diligence to justify your request before you send your form in. The more upfront work you do, the better it is for you in the long run. I can also help you with finding an appraiser should you decide to go that way.

Tags: Atascadero, Cayucos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, Tax Credit
Posted in Property Taxes | No Comments »

Get Off the Fence!! Get in the Game!

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

More people can afford to buy a home today than at any time for the past 20 some odd years. HOLY MOLY! Not only are home prices down but interest rates are still at all time lows which means that the monthly mortgage payment could be less than existing rents.

In California (typically one of the least affordable states) the percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home rose to 59 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 33 percent for the same period a year ago.

The minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home in California in the fourth quarter of 2008 was only $48,900, based on an interest rate of 6.02 percent and assuming a 10 percent down payment. Considering that the median price is $248,000 - that is AMAZING. Over half the population that lives here can now afford to buy.

If you are an investor, many of these properties will now show a positive cash flow - that is something we haven’t seen in a VERY, VERY long time. If you are a first time home buyer, you can get security and tax breaks of owning your own home.

My advise:

GET OFF THE FENCE and GET IN THE GAME NOW!

Quit trying to time the market (that’s almost completely impossible because the only way you will know you are buying at the bottom is when house prices start going back up and by then it is too late!) Go find a property or properties that you like and start making offers.

If you need help finding a realtor in your area, call me - I’ll find you one!

If you want to live in Morro Bay, Cayucos, or even Atascadero, call me - I’ll find you a home!

If you want to start investing, call me and I’ll mentor you!

Whatever you do, pick up the phone and just CALL!! (emails work too).

If you wait too long, you will be kicking yourself saying - “I shoulda bought”. That’s probably exatly what you did a couple of years ago isn’t it? Let’s make 2009 the start of your real estate prosperity!!! LIVE THE DREAM!

Tags: Atascadero, Cayucos, first time home buyer, Morro Bay
Posted in First Time Home Buyers, Investors | No Comments »

Avoiding Foreclosure Lesson

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

In studying to become a Loss Mitigation Expert so I can help people avoid foreclosure, I ran across some startling information - 50% of the homeowners who are behind on their house payments have no contact with their lenders. Wow, that is scary! 90% want to stay in their homes and save them from foreclosure however more than half of these people do not even call the bank. If that doesn’t tell you that there is a real need for people to help these home owners, nothing does.

If you are in foreclosure or about to go into foreclosure, please, please, please give me a call or email me as soon as possible. If I can’t help you, I promise to find someone that can. If you live in any of the communities on the Central Coast - Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Cayucos, Los Osos, Atascadero, Templeton, etc, I will give you the straight scoop and do everything I can to help you!

Tags: Atascadero, avoid foreclosure, Cayucos, Central Coast, foreclosure, Los, Los Osos, loss mitigation, Templeton
Posted in Selling Homes, Short Sales & Foreclosure | No Comments »

The Power of Community - Atascadero

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Ok, I’m totally impressed! I did not realize how talented the people in my small town of Atascadero really are and the amazing things they could accomplish.

Last night, I was lucky to be able to attend a fund raising dinner for the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Advanced Strings Students (boy that is a mouthfull). They are raising money so they can compete with schools across the United State at Disneyland’s Music in the Park. Attending the dinner was one of the most delightful evenings I have had in a long, long time. Mouth-watering local wines, tasty delicious Italian food (the best tiramisu ever!), delightful strings accompaniment, silent auction (I won the pizza and movie basket), and fun, easy conversation all combined into a very memoriable event. The Carlton Hotel (only 5 star in the area) hosted the whole event.

But outside of the great food, wine, music and fun - what impressed me most about the whole thing was that only a few parents (unfortunately I wasn’t one of them) put this all together in just a couple of months. Thanks to their planning and skills, it ran as smooth as clock work - even the HUGE silent auction. One of the parents (owner of Bueno Tavola in SLO) cooked the complete meal, one parent donated wine for all the tables, and a few others solicited donations and hosted the silent auction. And let’s not forget the dedicated music teacher - Jean Collins - who is completely and totally committed to these kids! Me, I just showed up to eat and be entertained - shame on me!

Atascadero Carlton Hotel

Atascadero Fine Arts Academy and the City of Atascadero are truly supreme examples of what make a great community! I am so impressed and proud to send my kids to school there and live in this town! What a great place! AND what an opportunity for our children!

Tags: Atascadero, Atascadero Carlton Hotel, Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, Bueno Tavola, SLO
Posted in Central Coast Communities | No Comments »