rocklin Archives • Page 2 of 3 • Steve + Heather Ostrom

What should you do with your pets at an open house?

3 Comments / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

“We’re hosting an open house, what do we do with the pets?”

Great question, and something we’re often asked and it’s a stressful one often for the homeowner. Not only do you have the upkeep of the home for showings to buyers, the property showing schedule, but you may also have a confused pet in the home.

Often we’re asked, “What should we do with our dog … or our cat during the open house?” There’s no simple solution, and will depend on your pet. Ultimately you’re trying to sell your space, at a top dollar, so advice might come to you, with the intent to maximize your time on market, both in your pocket book and time on market. Animals can be, understandably a sensitive issue – whether in moving them around, showings, or the “marks and barks” they can leave behind in the home.

Hold your breath, you may not like this next comment … I know, this is going to sting … not every buyer likes dogs and/or cats (or at least wants to see their evidence, yard bombs, nose smudges, or pet toys). So do you want to limit your audience to a specific group of folks? This sounds extreme, but from a market perspective, you really want to know your audience and not limit your audience.

So check out this awesome post on Coldwell Banker, and you might even notice SOMEONE got quoted on the national CB website. Not mentioning any names. 😉

See all of the “Expert Advice on Hosting an Open House with Dogs,” by clicking here
Avoid making an open house “fur paux” with these expert tips

If you have any questions about what to do with your pet at an open house, please let us know. We love fur babies and we want to make it as least stressful as possible for you and them.

“Coldwell Banker has teamed up with Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website, to help 20,000 adoptable dogs find a loving home this year.” So in this theme, you’ll be seeing a ton of great information and tips for home owners with dogs, cats (and more).

Learn more about the Coldwell Banker and Adopt-A-Pet Campaign here

Property Questions or Showings?
916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com
REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at:
www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Steve Ostrom, Primary Listing Agent + REALTOR – 916-308-2446
RosevilleAndRocklin@gmail.com – CBPlacerRealEstate@gmail.com
Coldwell Banker – Roseville, CA – CALBRE# 01899313 + 01899313
2200 Douglas Blvd B-200, Roseville, CA 95661

Learn more about listing your home with us!

What should you do with your pets at an open house? Read More »

The Importance of Great Photos for Seller Marketing

3 Comments / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

So you’re starting to research selling your home. Where do you start?

There’s so much to consider when hiring a listing agent.

Typically, one of the first questions we’re asked is, “What is your past and recent work experience?” A great question, and that way you know the listing agent is well-versed, current to real estate changes and knows what’s going on in the market, and qualified for selling your home.

So what’s the action often forgotten by sellers, before they hire a listing agent …

We believe it’s “photo interviewing” their listing agent. What’s a “photo interview?” We define it as a seller requesting to see the listing agent’s current or recently sold listings “online,” and seeing how their photos look and are displayed. How was the lighting, quality, cropping, and visual interest of the photos? Were there enough photos, and how was their quality?

It breaks our heart to see awful photos or even NO photos online, of homes that we know are gorgeous (regardless of price range). So we want to empower sellers to ask the right questions. And more importantly with bad or no photos, you’re risking frustrating or turning-off buyers. Do you want to risk this?

Listen in on our interview with one of our photographers, Trevor Jobson, with Trevor Glenn Photography.

Our mixture of excellence in sales, paired with quality marketing and graphic design background, equals success and a happy experience for our sellers.

Photos sell your home during the day and at night – when buyers are searching online. Do you want to take the risk of not maximizing your audience that might be interested in your home by not having amazing photos?

Click the Photos Above to View Trevor’s Photos for Steve Ostrom

View Trevor’s Samples for Listing Agent Steve Ostrom

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Steve Ostrom is an experienced listing agent, with an excellent selling record both in time on market, sold price, and also in his negotiation skills. Heather Ostrom is an experienced and successful graphic designer and REALTOR. She’s spoken on numerous real estate tech panels on her marketing approach and experience.

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Need to Sell Your Current Home before Buying the Next: Contingent Sales

See More of Trevor’s Real Estate Photography and Design

Property Questions or Showings?
916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com
REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at:
www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

The Importance of Great Photos for Seller Marketing Read More »

Agent Quest Podcast Interview: Conversations that Matter

3 Comments / Agent-to-Agent Education and Helpful Tips, Media Interviews, Real Estate Education, Videos / Heather Ostrom

Hello, this is Heather Ostrom. I specifically handle the marketing for our real estate team, both online, social media, and printed media, as well as handle much of our e-communications online.

Our real estate and community website, we try to provide a specific value for folks we work for and also educating buyers and sellers, and just to elevate our real estate world. We put in long hours, and part of our pride is providing a great service to those we encounter, but also educating those we work with (and even those we don’t work with) … on the “unknowns” of real estate, because it ultimately benefits our entire industry.

In that same light, I think it’s good to be paired up with real estate agents that are educated, experienced, but also are a good fit for you, so today I’m going to share a bit more of me in this post.

Recently I was interviewed by Teri Conrad of Agent Quest on her podcast “Conversations that Matter.” It was a huge honor to even want to be heard, but also was a great “growth session” to share with others past the typical “business environment” conversation. Anyone that knows me personally, knows I’m very open, honest, and hard-working, as is Steve O. We’re not everyone’s “cup of tea,” but we know we’re great for those that appreciate us.

Here’s a snippet from Teri’s website about CTM: “Conversations that Matter is a podcast focused on exploring hearty topics for hungry minds. Host Teri Conrad invites leaders, visionaries, authors, executives, innovators, game changers, and philosophers of all levels to create a space where TRUTH is told, perspectives are re-examined and new ideas can emerge.” ~ Teri Conrad

I think if you are interested, or know me, you’ll enjoy this conversation with Teri. I also encourage you, particularly if you’re a real estate agent, to take the time to “watch” the awesome set of videos on the YouTube channel (my preference to see facial expressions). But there is also a podcast to subscribe to on iTunes.

It’s absolutely fascinating to the workings of successful agents and/or business people, and also see their stories being shared, and seeing their humanity and vulnerabilities exposed. Presented as strengths, in my opinion and absolutely fascinating and refreshing.

I know a few of you have asked to document a “day in our lives” so here’s a inside look to what goes on inside our minds, for those of us in real estate, or work with those in real estate and I hope you enjoy, if not listening to the other talented individuals I’m sharing this space with … such a lovely honor and opportunity.

Thank you Teri Conrad and best of success to “Agent Quest” and “Conversations that Matter.”

I hope you enjoy and I look forward to connecting with you. ~ Heather Ostrom

Ways to Reach Teri Conrad of Agent Quest:
Website: www.AgentQuest.ca
Twitter: @ConvosTMatter or @TeriConrad – 1-778-887-8374

YouTube channel for “Conversations that Matter”
Subscribe to the Podcast for Agent Quest: Conversations that Matter

Most current episodes: http://agentquest.ca/category/episodes/

More CTM Podcasts / Videos to Enjoy

About our Real Estate Duo – scroll over the “Contact Us” Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR – 916-764-2710
RosevilleAndRocklin@gmail.com or CBPlacerRealEstate@gmail.com
Coldwell Banker – Roseville, CA #CALBRE 01899313

Steve Ostrom, my hubby, is the primary listing agent – all production is housed under Steve.

Agent Quest Podcast Interview: Conversations that Matter Read More »

A “People Driven” Real Estate Market

Real Estate Education, Relocation, Videos / Heather Ostrom

How’s the Market Steve O? A question we’re used to hearing and love to answer for our clients, friends, and family.

In past years, we saw a real estate market largely influenced by banks with the foreclosures (also know as a REO or REPO) and short sales. Now we’re seeing more homes with sellers that have equity in their home, and we talk today about how that is affecting our current market in 2014.

So listen in and see what’s happening. I promise you’ll be entertained and educated. We also have another fun update about myself and Steve O – you may or may not have noticed we’re a bit more fit. So click the play button below, and lets listen in …

Questions for REALTOR Steve or Heather Ostrom? Bring it on.

Give us a call or send us an email – 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com

Read more: Do you know the difference between a Contingent Sale and Dual Agency?

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Steve Ostrom, Primary Listing Agent + REALTOR – 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Coldwell Banker – Roseville, CA – CALBRE# 01344154 + 01899313 2200 Douglas Blvd B-200, Roseville, CA 95661

Learn more about listing your home with us!

A “People Driven” Real Estate Market Read More »

Buying a Home after a Short Sale or Foreclosure

3 Comments / Lenders, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

So maybe you had a short sale a few years back … or perhaps experienced a foreclosure, but time has passed and you’re ready to be a home owner again (or not). Nothing wrong with being a home owner or renter, it’s whatever you’re comfortable with, but we are seeing a surge of requests from folks that are ready to buy again, who have experienced a home loss or sold their home by short sale in the past. So we want to help you know what your options are … there are many folks in your position.

The Question: “So When Can I Buy Again, After my Short Sale or Foreclosure?”

We sat down with Dara Delgado, Senior Loan Officer and she provided some invaluable insight to buying after a short sale or foreclosure. Steve and Dara discuss what you should be looking out for, how to prepare yourself, and what the timelines are right now for when you can buy after a short sale or foreclosure. We also touch on checking your credit report to verify items have cleared.

To talk to Dara Delgado about your specific situation, whether about buying after a short sale or foreclosure, and/or to simply buy your next home or refinance … or to simply ask questions, post below or give her a call at (916) 224-3327 – www.DarasLoans.com (Pronounced DaaaRRR-ruh – so don’t panic on the pronouncing of her name, we have your back, we’re cool like that …)

Watch Dara’s Video on “Upside Down, Buy Moving Up”

** Before making any big decision regarding purchasing, executing a short sale, or allowing your home to foreclosure – always make sure to consult your tax person and/or attorney and research what is the best option for your specific situation. **

Dara Delgado, Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS# 249825
Direct: 916-224-3327
Fax: 866-488-8512 dara@darasloans.com
Visit Dara’s Website

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Buying a Home after a Short Sale or Foreclosure Read More »

Need to Sell before Buying? Understanding a Contingent Purchase

1 Comment / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

So you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying a bigger home … maybe you have outgrown your home, and now you have a bit of equity in the home … or perhaps now that you have some equity in the home, you want to downsize in preparation for the future. Or you’re ready to shift from a two-story to a single-story home … Whatever the reason, we’re seeing many “contingent sale” purchases amongst our buyers. This is not to be confused with “dual agency,” as this is two separate transactions … read up more on dual agency here

To explain better, you’re a current home owner that wants to buy another home, BUT in order to buy that other home, you must first sell your current home. Below in our video, we review the Contingency of Purchase form … because this form covers so much, we’re breaking this into a two-part series. We hope you enjoy and please feel free to ask us any questions.

If you’re needing help and entertaining this idea of buying and selling your home. We’ll be happy to help you with a detailed plan specific to you and your home, and situation. Give us a call at 916-308-2446 or shoot us an email (pew, pew) Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com

More Helpful Tips:

If you’re looking to research Utility or City information for Roseville or Rocklin, or the greater Placer County area – definitely check out our “good info” tab above.

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Need to Sell before Buying? Understanding a Contingent Purchase Read More »

Dual Agency + Contingent Sale: Knowing the Difference

4 Comments / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

What we’re familiar with in our industry, and what our clients are familiar with, are often two separate items … and there’s a lot of confusion with knowing the difference between a “contingent sale” and “dual agency.” We have had more contingent sales this year (and still to this day), more than we have had in our entire career. And apologies for my horrible imitation of Flavor Flav. My first video take was SO good and funny, but sadly, content won over best imitation. But back to topic …

So what cued this topic – this conversation:

Phone call: “Hi Heather, I have this friend that wants to sell their home, and buy a bigger one, but I know it’s probably not okay for you to work on a contingent sale.” Me: “Wait, what? Why do you say that …” After a few more questions, I asked … “Do you mean ‘dual agency?'” Friend: “Oh yeah, that’s it … dual agency. Sorry about that …” 🙂

After the third time of having one of our friends being confused on what the two are, I thought it was a blog post that was in order to be “vlogged.” (video blogged).

So here we are … if you’re considering moving up to a bigger home, you have equity in your home and you want to test the waters … give us a call. You might be surprised what your options are … there’s no doubt to be stress with timing of sales. Anyone that says otherwise, is blowing smoke in your face. BUT having stated, that you really do want to work with the same person for your listing, and purchase of your home. The less “cooks” in the kitchen, the less opportunity for confusion. All of course, within reason, and what works best for your interests. It’s all about good communication, trust, and coordination between all parties. The more we work like a team, the better chance for a smooth transition from one home to the next.

Watch the video and see our tips for what the difference is in contingent sales, and also the tricks to improving your “contingent” purchase experience!

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Dual Agency + Contingent Sale: Knowing the Difference Read More »

Remodel or Move Up?

3 Comments / First-Time Home Buyers, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

Have you been debating if you’re going to move up to the “apartment in the sky George Jefferson” or are you going to make your home the place you always dreamed to live in?

Hard questions for many of us to answer. Do you go out and find the perfect home or do you create your “nest” to reflect your perfect world? Well, what I would suggest starting with making lists of the pros and cons of what’s the best route for your situation.

Do you love your current home and neighborhood?
Have you been looking for an opportunity to change school districts or move to another neighborhood? Maybe a cul-de-sac location is your dream situation, or perhaps more land to stretch on or maybe a lower-maintenance yard?
Will you be “over-building” for your neighborhood (with a remodel)?
Will you be selling in the near future due to needs of a downsize or more space? Important to ask if you’re trying to get return on your upgrade or remodel.
Draw up the costs of that pool you have been dreaming of, or that must-have upgrade you have always wanted (example kitchen, or master bedroom, etc). Get quotes for your upgrades. Concrete items for your budget.
Are you in a two-story and you’re starting to think of the future and a one-level home, or need that first floor full bedroom and bath? Are monthly bills fitting into your future budget?
Do you know the values of your neighborhood and current value of your home model (no, not your Zestimate)? We can help you here. Just let us know.
Your ‘target’ neighborhood – do you know what the going prices are going for, with what size of home you might need that will fit your budget? (including Mello Roos / taxes, utility group fees, etc)
Have you spoken to your lender or a listing agent to start putting some numbers and options to those “move-up” dreams? There’s no harm here, why not? Here’s a list of local lenders we have worked with before and enjoyed.

Life is not always perfect and not all of us have the means for change, or desire. Why not see what the options are for your improved life quality and daily life function in your home. In many cases, with this market, if you’re unhappy with the area you’re in, it might make sense to move-up into your “perfect home.”

For folks where expensive and costly remodels may NOT make sense and are NOT the solution. Example, a “move-up” buyer or maybe someone that might need to downsize in the near future. Get a second opinion on your choices for upgrades, particularly if you do have intention to sell soon. You might want to modify upgrades and remodels that are appealing to a larger group of folks, and perhaps not drain the life savings into a kitchen remodel if you might be moving (and hopefully find that perfect kitchen in another home).

Are you the Lexus amongst the lot of “Tow Maters?”

Are you at the top of the food chain with or without these upgrades already? Do your homework on your competition and be aware of pricing of that competition in the neighborhood and know how appraisals can affect buyers on your home. When it comes to selling time, you might find yourself frustrated that you didn’t consult an appraiser before making costly upgrades … and talk to a REALTOR, so you know what the values are in your neighborhood, tailored to your home.

One thing not addressed in the video by Steve O, are the folks that ARE perfect candidates for a remodel or home upgrade. Particularly if you love the area you are located. I know, some folks don’t mind the money invested if it means for their quality of life, enjoyment and for those that qualify for those comments – do it! If you’re blessed to live in your “FOREVER” home and do NOT want to move – and you are the perfect candidate for a remodel. What are you waiting for? Start requesting some quotes from a few licensed contractors and create the space you deserve. (and don’t forget to check with your state board with contractor licensing and bonding for remodeling, if applicable)

This video was created by Ryan Lundquist – Lundquist Appraisal Company

We’re here for your needs and what’s right for you, BUT if you’re NOT in the place you want to be, and you do have the means to move-up – you SHOULD check out your options out there.

Don’t let “what-ifs” keep you from research, and give us a call today – let us know if we can help you put your dream home on the radar. 916-308-2446

“Should You Stay or Should You Go Now?” :-

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Remodel or Move Up? Read More »

Property Taxes Search and Mello-Roos – Placer County

2 Comments / Buyer Information, Real Estate Education, Relocation, Videos / Heather Ostrom

What is Mello-Roos?

We are often asked, “What is Mello-Roos” and then followed up with, “How can I look at the property’s past tax bills?”

Below, we’re going to do our best with guiding you how to find the answers online, but please note, YOU MUST follow up and confirm directly with Placer County Tax Assessor to confirm all tax-related content and inquiries. 530-889-4120

We are NOT tax experts. Items below are for entertainment value only and any person / party using this post as a tool to look-up taxes or tax-related items, understands it’s their responsibility to verify all information in the video and this post.

What is Mello-Roos?

This video from 2015ish*, but there is good info in this video on “What is Mello-Roos” as we know not everyone is familiar with the term.

Retrieve a Property’s Past Tax Bill – Placer County

Click here or above (it’s a link to another page on our website) where we have a “step-by-step” of how to view a tax bill on the Placer County website.

Mello-Roos should be detailed for the previous year on this bill*. Not sure what Mello-Roos is, watch the video above. On some natural hazard disclosures (NHD), it will list the Mello-Roos as well or if they’ll go up (not always**). New construction buyers, don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions on this topic too. Some NHDs will even state how long it will last, but this feedback from us is for entertainment value, See info above for disclosure**

It’s very easy now to look things up (2026) and much less complicated than when we first wrote this post back in 2012.

Questions? Feel free to call Steve Ostrom at 916-308-2446

Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Coldwell Banker Realty – Roseville, CA – CALBRE# 01344154 + 01899313 2200 Douglas Blvd B-200, Roseville, CA 95661

Property Taxes Search and Mello-Roos – Placer County Read More »

Being Prepared for the Appraiser

3 Comments / Appraisers or Inspectors, Real Estate Education, Videos / Heather Ostrom

REALTOR Steve Ostrom talks with Appraiser Ryan Lundquist about the agent perspective and the appraiser perspective about an agent meeting the appraiser at the property, at the time of appraisal with paperwork on comparables (called comps) and giving insight to those comparables which may not be readily available on the internet or know because a home may not have been on the market that long.

Ryan also explains his thoughts, on the best approach, what to say and what not to do as an agent … it gives sellers a good perspective on what we do as listing agents, but also what we as agents, are dealing with when approaching an appraiser. Each appraiser is different and will have a different take on the listing agent meeting the appraiser to discuss comps …