Housing Market Updates for Placer County
Housing Market Updates for Placer County Read More »
ALL links below will auto-update to the correct current year and quarter.
There is a second link to see all current “active” inventory for the respective cities.
Questions about your home or local market, contact REALTOR Steve Ostrom at Coldwell Banker Realty – call/text 916-308-2446.
Out of area, feel free to call us for recommendations for nearby cities and counties!
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Housing Market Updates for Placer County Read More »
We’re often asked about past property taxes for a home they’re interested in buying and seeing the breakdown of those taxes (including questions about Mello-Roos)
We can help you find the info and answers to your questions! As a reminder, you should ALWAYS contact the Placer County Tax Collector’s Office 530-889-4120 or the Placer County Assessor’s Office at 530-889-4300. Or call them for any detailed tax related questions about the property.
All parties on this post are to verify all information found here. Agents cannot verify tax amounts with any property due to liability reasons.
**For Placer County ONLY**
First, head to the Placer Assessor’s Office website – click here
The link above will take you to the Placer County Assessor’s Official Website Page for Property Details Research (you should see an image similar to below)
Once you agree to the “terms of the Placer County Assessor’s website” (check box) it will take you to the image below.
Warning: if you have pop-up menus disabled on your web browser, you may have to enable them temporarily
This pop-up window will include a drop-down menu option (see screengrab below) with options to either enter the property’s APN (assessor parcel number) OR the property’s address.

REALTORs Steve Ostrom + Heather Ostrom • (916) 308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • Coldwell Banker Realty • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • 01899313
View Past Property Tax Bills in Placer County Read More »
Scroll down to watch the video or click here
Have you outgrown your space? Do you need a multigenerational space? Or are you simply relocating?
Whatever the reason, many find themselves in a similar situation and in the past, the option was to be a contingent buyer (meaning, they, the buyer – their purchase is contingent on them selling their home current to be able to buy the next home).
REALTOR Steve Ostrom with Coldwell Banker Realty sits down with the amazing, Dara Delgado with Dara’s Loans to discuss a way to be a non-contingent buyer for this type of scenario.**
Why this could be a smart idea for you in this situation, it helps you to be more competitive in multiple offer scenarios OR more appealing (possibly safer) to sellers by not having that risk of lining up two sales to close on the purchase. Less dominoes in the process to line up for success, so to speak.
Not all sellers feel comfortable going with a contingent buyer, because there is more risk involved and it can affect timelines by pushing out the closing date and when folks are trying to schedule their lives, movers, or possibly the seller doing a purchase next on their own – it does affect desirability unless the seller has been on the market for awhile. Not an absolute comment, but definitely something to be mindful to be a savvy buyer.
Not all buyers will be able to go this suggested route, but if you can and it makes financial sense for your life and finances – it can be an improved route for increasing your likelihood for buyer offer acceptance by a seller.
As with all financial decisions, always consult your trusted financial, tax, or loan person before making any decisions.
To discuss your unique scenario as a buyer (or seller that will be in this scenario) – give Real Estate Agent, Steve Ostrom a call or text 916-308-2446 or click here.
To review loans and investments, give Dara Delgado a call / txt at 916-224-3327 or click here to visit Dara’s website. NMLS #249825 | CALIFORNIA – Mortgage Broker that can assist with refinances, purchases, and loans.
*With all real estate decisions – always consult your trusted financial, tax, or loan person before making any financial decision. Any items mentioned here are not considered advice for your situation.
**With all communication, please identify if you’re represented by a real estate agent. We ethically must (and want to be) respectful of all current real estate relationships, including buyer broker agreements that may be in place.*
This video was filmed in January 2026
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
One Smart Solution to be a Non-Contingent Buyer Read More »
Scroll down to watch the video or click here
You’re a buyer and your offer just got accepted – congratulations!
You are being the best buyer ever and you have all your remaining requested information over to your loan person, and now you’re informed you have the option for an appraisal waiver … what’s that all about?
REALTOR Steve Ostrom with Coldwell Banker Realty in Roseville, CA sits down with the mortgage broker, Dara Delgado with Dara’s Loans to review why some files might see the option of an appraisal waiver and what could possibly be some of the variables that create this scenario.
We also touch on why you may NOT want an appraisal waiver as a buyer.
Each buyer scenario is unique with inherent risks any party is willing to take on or forego the option of an appraisal waiver. There may be strategic maneuvers when a buyer may choose to state that they may have an appraisal waiver to increase the appeal of their offer, but as always, you should always review in detail, the pros and cons of your unique situation to understand all risks and possible benefits.
We do encourage you discuss these items with your lender in advance of going into contract and be sure to include your buyer’s agent in this conversation. Never rush into any financial decision without research and having your questions and concerns answered.
To discuss your unique scenario as a buyer (or seller that will be in this scenario) – give Real Estate Agent, Steve Ostrom a call or text 916-308-2446 or click here. **
To review loans and investments, give Dara Delgado a call / txt at 916-224-3327 or click here to visit Dara’s website. NMLS #249825 | CALIFORNIA – Mortgage Broker that can assist with refinances, purchases, and loans. **
*With all purchases / decisions – always consult your trusted financial, tax, or loan person before making any financial decision. All items mentioned here are for educational purposes only, not advice for your unique buyer or seller situation.
**Please identify yourself as a buyer or seller represented by a real estate agent. We ethically must be respectful of all current real estate relationships, including buyer broker agreements in place. Your representation must be the party answering contractual questions*
This video was filmed in January 2026
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Where did the appraisal go? Read More »
Understanding the upfront fees – the appraisal fee will be an upfront fee. The inspections (depends on the area) are often steered by the buyer side with a few exceptions in Northern California for country properties where you sometimes see septic and water tests on the seller. A delay on coordinating any inspections once you’re in escrow (while being mindful of when your inspection period starts and your contingency of purchase form are critical here). If you do not need to start inspections because of the way the COP form (see above) is marked – be mindful of this …
ALWAYS have a housing solution, plan B. Your home you’re purchasing may not close on time, and/or life can happen and a deal falls out of place – be wise and try your best to secure your housing as a back-up plan (rental, staying with family/friends, etc).
Seller Occupancy After Closing – this has to be negotiated up front during the counter phase and we always suggest a few weeks at least to try and mitigate any delayed closing on any side of the deal(s). It can happen, even on the most perfect of files monitored. There are numerous bodies behind the scenes on loan and this can affect your closing. Along with TRID – be aware of this as a buyer. TRID can delay you alone (see #3 above, last bullet).
Sometimes it’s best to take the credit and sometimes it’s important to wait to see request for repairs executed before close of escrow (COE). It depends on the scenario what’s the right route.
Give us a call for your scenario and we can find out if we’re the right solution for your needs. If we’re not – we’ll get you connected to someone who is the right person for the job! 916-308-2446
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Top Things to be Aware of as a Contingent Buyer Read More »
Some of options (but limited to) showing instruction options:
Vacant with Lockbox
Call 1st Lockbox
Appointment with the Owner
Call Listing Agent
Call Listing Office
Appointment with Tenant
(there are many more, but these are some of the common ones).
There is also a program called “ShowingTime” to assist both buyers and sellers with managing appointments to see the home, blocking off certain times from showings, etc. We can discuss the strategy of using that – yes, it is indeed a really great tool to use, but we do have some downsides that we can discuss in person.
Stay educated and always make smart choices – both in marketing, accessibility (and of course, which listing agents you choose). Short-term discomfort, can possible expand your opportunities to a larger bottom line at the closing.
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Seller Strategies: The Importance of Showing Instructions Read More »
Pro-tip: before beginning in the adventure of “smart-home” makeoversand putting a ton of time and money into a system, be sure your internet is fast enough to handle the load and talk to friends so you can learn from their experiences.
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Smart Home in an Ostrom Home Read More »
Best Day of the Week to List Your Home for Sale
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Best day of the week to list your home for sale Read More »
So I found this old draft post and it was about comparing the concept of, “Love where you live,” but with animals in mind. At the time of writing the words below, we had a household full of young kids, dogs, guinea pigs, and fish. Life was so busy and a blur. I almost deleted this post, but I got emotional reading it and I found it has some great content that might warm your heart. Enjoy.
“Love where you live” can mean something different to any of us, depending where we are in our lives, our jobs, and those that might be depending on us. It is complex and never a straight answer of “what is love and what level of perfection do I expect to achieve said happiness?”
If one’s living environment isn’t ideal. Stress can set in … we can act out, or we can even shut down. If our home is not close to the grocery store, what are my systems in place for meal planning over a longer period of time, can I get items delivered in a pinch, etc. Some of the stuff we might take for granted in our life, can pose challenges with a change to our living situation (including location and proximity to items).
It can affect us both in success in business, and in life with our mental health and physical limitations to ensure we have time to manage it all.
Animals can also feel the stress of their living situation isn’t large enough, how social are they and do they need to be solo or with a partner, etc. Are they being held enough? What are the physical and social requirements? Are there limitations and what are safe “toys” for them physically? Food and diet quality matters as well. These fuzzy buddies are reliant on their owners to ensure a safe place to live and thrive.
If you don’t like animals (or maybe guinea pigs), this probably won’t be your type of post and wondering how is this on a real estate blog? And no, that “love where you live, animal style” is not a reference to In-N-Out, though we do love their burgers.
When we first got our single guinea pig, we were bad about it. We didn’t research the “psychological and physical needs” of a guinea pig.
We started out with the typical “starter” guinea pig cage. It was a good starting place for us – but we sooned learned thanks to Reddit and research that this cage was NOT adequate and that our guinea pig needed a buddy for social. (Did you know it’s illegal to have a single guinea pig in Switzerland?)
My kids … after a year of extensive research on guinea pigs … started wanting more for our sweet Dini (Houdini) and our newly added (at the time) Java Chip / Mocha to the mix (there was a slight controversy to Mocha’s name whether it was Java Chip or Mocha Chip or just simply Mocha).
The girls had big, big dreams for the ultimate bachelor pad. I so wish I had photos of it, but it wasn’t that fancy, but the girls did an incredible job with though towards all variables of entertainment, functionality, joy for the space, and ability to be cleaned easily and without the burden of one-use bedding.
The girls wanted the best for their piggies. Sure it might seem silly to some, but I am so proud of girls, for wanting to make a better space for them
My girls planned extensively how to craft a homemade cage (I initially thought it was nuts) … and finally, both Steve O and I gave in to the idea of a homemade guinea pig cage … Thanks to YouTube … their hints at a “better space for ‘Dini’ only grew. But you know what? That cage was so dang awesome, the girls made it happen.
Steve O took the girls out, to get all the supplies, watched a million more guinea pig blog posts, and YouTube video “how-to” videos … and voila … here we are … they put their dreams into motion for our sweet ‘Dini and Mocha!
I really encourage before embarking on ANY DIY project, research, research, research before adopting or contstructing anything. So many gracious folks share all their ups and downs for you to learn and benefit from their prior journey.
Gosh, I wish I had some photos of the cage, but I do not … I found one that it KIND of looked like … this photo belongs to DIY Michelle. I’m linking to her post. So check out her page
There’s so many great DIY creators for guinea pig cages.
Our piggie palace palozza was huge – it looked like a model raptor cage from Jurassic Park, minus the electrified perimeter. It was much larger than I envisioned and liked, but you know what – it was the right thing to do and our guinea pigs lived for almost seven years each – which I think is pretty solid. Animals are a responsibility and privilege. It’s our job to be better.
All joking aside … our guinea pigs were out more, they were “pop-corning” (I didn’t know what the heck popcorn meant, until my kids educated me on guinea pig behavior). I wouldn’t have believed it all, till I witnessed it.
The girls are truly our kids – mini-salespeople, trying to make a deal come together and it wasn’t what was best for them, it was what was best for their animal family and others. So proud of them.
For all your guinea pig needs – we’ll direct you to the O-girls. Though, after updating this post in 2026, they’re now in college and now I will try and not cry thinking about how time flies.
We all should be so lucky to love where we live. Including our pets .. if you need help finding a place to love to live … we’re here for you.
One other word of advice, update again from 2026 Heather Ostrom, adopt don’t shop. The more I have learned, I had no idea how many guinea pigs are given up. They’re even possibly at your local SPCA – so do your research. If you’re in Roseville / Sacramento region, google “guinea pig rescues.” I found one called Gardener’s Pig Pen – linked here and on the piggie photo. Don’t go to PetSmart. We didn’t start things out the right way, so we hope you can learn from us how to be a better piggie owner and new piggie parent.
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Love Where You Live Animal Style Read More »
I can’t thank Marguerite Crespillo of Realty First in Roseville, CA. Thank you for having us on your show.
916-308-2446 • Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com • • 2200 Douglas Blvd Building B, Suite 200, Roseville, CA 95661 • CALBRE# 01344154 • #01899313
Podcast Ostrom Time with Marguerite Crespillo Read More »





