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Housing Market Updates for Placer County Read More »

APN Placer County Assessor's Website Searching Tax Bills

View Past Property Tax Bills in Placer County

2 Comments / Appraisers or Inspectors, Buyer Information, First-Time Home Buyers, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

View a Property’s Past Tax bill

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**

How to VIEW a Past Property’s Tax Bill

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.

Enter your info and voila, you’re done! Now just hit “View Details” and it will take you to the property profile. FYI: the property info page will default to “property info,” but you will have the option to toggle to a second column called “Roll Values.”

Our Placer County Web Designer likes to change things constantly (including links), so I apologize if any of the links above are broken (it is frustrating for us too). I do try to check this post frequently for broken links.

Updated 1/13/26.

One Smart Solution to be a Non-Contingent Buyer

Buyer Information, First-Time Home Buyers, Lenders, Real Estate Education, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

One Smart Solution to be a Non-Contingent Buyer Read More »

Top Things to be Aware of as a Contingent Buyer

Agent-to-Agent Education and Helpful Tips, Buyer Information, First-Time Home Buyers, Loving Placer County, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

What to be aware of as a contingent buyer

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 …

Do not wait to order your appraisal or hold off inspections – your delay as a buyer can be self-sabotage and risk a seller issuing a “notice to perform” if you do not hold to your contractual obligation. There will only be so much your lender or agent can do to protect you, if an appraisal review runs late or an inspector can’t accommodate a last minute request, you might be fine and be granted an extension to your contingency period, or you might get a notice to perform and potentially be kicked out of contract.
Warning: Contractors and inspectors can be booked out for a week or two, particularly for specialty items, or any testing involved. Some may be free for a bid, but some may cost to you at a cost / fee. This is not the time to be cheap and pass over an inspection which can potentially save you from a costly mistake.
Fluid communication and updates between all parties (buyer + seller) we hear way too often, “Wow, you guys are so great at communication.” You MUST be a great communicator and play well with others to have a contingent sale go smoothly. If your agent is only nice to you and not others – some think this is a way to play “hard ball” for sales, but you just have someone has a horrible reputation in town.
If you have a seller credit coming to you as a buyer – be sure to loop in the lender and title company ASAP as this can add a day or two for review (not always, but something you have to be aware of).

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).

Most lenders will not allow over 59 days of occupancy by seller after closing, and most buyers aren’t the biggest fans of much of anything past 29 days (if any at all)
Education and information is King/Queen. Know your options – we are not asking you to think negatively that it will fail, it’s just planning for all outcomes to the best of our ability.

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.

If you’re concerned about findings when you open up the roof to do dry-rot or pest work (WDO) – sometimes it’s best to wait and get it done and delay closing and of COURSE this stinks to do, but it could save you thousands if more work that’s needed is uncovered when you open things up.
If you have work being done, as part of your request for repairs – ensure there’s mention of all work being done BEFORE close of escrow.
Sometimes it’s best for buyer to take the money credit – to take control of overseeing repairs by their own trusted contractor that way they know who the work is being done by, and may be able to save cost.
Ensure that a licensed contractor is doing all work and receipts are provided before COE (close of escrow). There are some of the shenanigans that can occur, so don’t let anyone bully you.

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

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

Top Things to be Aware of as a Contingent Buyer Read More »

lockbox sacramento metrolist - don't steal my photo! ibox Ostroms

Seller Strategies: The Importance of Showing Instructions

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

Seller Strategies:
the Importance of Showing Instructions

This post was original created back in 2017, but has been revised in 2026.

Those first two weeks your property is active on the real estate market / MLS – are important. It’s when the property is fresh to the market with more buzz and the largest pool of buyer eyes will be drawn to the property. You don’t always have the biggest window to capture the hearts of buyer’s to decide if this is the house to call “home.”In today’s “seller strategy” session, we’re discussing positive ways to improve your pool of potential buyers – by ways of how your “home showing instruction”s are set-up on the MLS (Metrolist / Prospector – main hub for all real estate input in our area – Placer and Sacramento County). There are other ways of course, but this is what we’re tackling in this post.If you don’t understand the pros and cons of home showing instructions when you’re active and on the market and getting ready to entertain buyer showings, be sure to ask your listing agent, or give us a call if you’re looking to interview a listing agent. Steve O and I, are both full time REALTORs®. There’s no other “side hustle” – we’re just REALTORs and primarily listing agents.

Some of the showing instructions in the video may have evolved, but many facts hold true, the easier the home is to see, the easier it is to sell.The more friction and challenges you create, to not allowing your home to be shown, can backfire on you and limit your “buyer-interested” audience.

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.

SAFETY REMINDER: Never allow someone who states they’re an agent, into your home – particularly if there’s no appointment set AND without using the Supra Blue iBox lockbox. That iBox (in the video above) – it tracks the date, time, agent’s name, phone number, company, and email. If you’re in our area and you’re not using the Supra Lockbox – iBox BT LE – you probably picked the wrong listing agent. From a safety standpoint for property access tracking and for showing follow-up, a contractor lockbox (as of 2026) does not do those items.

More about Metrolist MLS and Participants

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

Seller Strategies: The Importance of Showing Instructions Read More »

Mocha Chip, also know as Mocha or Java (depending on the Ostrom child you spoke with - lots of controversy). He was the best piggie.

Love Where You Live Animal Style

4 Comments / Media Interviews, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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 … Animal Style

“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.

Our Guinea Pig Journey in making their house a home!

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.

So what did the cage look like, Ostrom?

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.

ADOPT, Don't SHOP

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.

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

Love Where You Live Animal Style Read More »

Podcast Ostrom Time with Marguerite Crespillo

7 Comments / Agent-to-Agent Education and Helpful Tips, Loving Placer County, Media Interviews, Podcast, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

So we have been good friends with the awesome Marguerite Crespillo for years, and she has a fabulous real estate podcast “Real Estate Real World.” Marguerite is a top-producing REALTOR and broker in our area, for years.

Marguerite is a wealth of knowledge and experience, she’s a real estate trainer and coach, and she loves to help others.So, what did we cover in our real estate interview podcast? Well you’re going to need to listen in, and hear the scoop! We covered: marketing, in-town behavior philosophies, agent-to-agent interactions, our love of #OstromOrange, why you rarely see Steve O not in a suit, the issue of low inventory (Placer County), and finally … “best tips for any new real estate agents.”

I truly believe you’ll enjoy, you’ll be educated, and I’m certain you will be entertained, while learning. And we hope you take away a few Awesome Ostrom, RE Nerd Nuggets!

Quick background on Marguerite: She’s a real estate coach and trainer. On Marguerite’s real estate podcast, she has interviewed Hal Elrod, the awesome Sean Carpenter, Tamara Dorris, Bob Corcoran, and Ryan Lundquist (and many more). Since there’s no visual, you can still do work, walk, exercise, drive, and still listen in … I love podcasts!

I can’t thank Marguerite Crespillo of Realty First in Roseville, CA. Thank you for having us on your show.

So listen here – and give us your feedback! We would be honored to have you listen in. (you can listen on the link, and/or go through iTunes and subscribe to Marguerite’s channel). And as my awesome friend and CB trainer, Sean Carpenter always says to all – “Build Relationships, Solve Problems, and Have Fun!”

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

Podcast Ostrom Time with Marguerite Crespillo Read More »

Ostroms Featured on Seller Tips Series for REALTOR.com

4 Comments / Agent-to-Agent Education and Helpful Tips, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

Recently we were honored with the opportunity to be part of REALTOR.com’s new “Seller Tips” Video Series under their “News + Advice” drop-down menu on the main site. (“Realtor.com” > “News & Advice” > “Advice” > “Sell”).

We always try to be forward and upfront in our thoughts, with the intent to help our sellers. So we hope you enjoy these videos, and feel free to share the links with friends, that might need some help.

We hope you’re educated on some topics for seller preparation and also that you’re entertained, in an Ostrom-sort-of-way.

To all the sellers that already know how we are, and love us still – thank you for your support. We wouldn’t be here without you. If you’re new to knowing us, whether virtually or in-person and are looking for someone to list your home – know we’ll always be honest, to the point, and always have the mind-set of having you win in the world of home selling (and hopefully in terms of less time on market and higher-price point).

Thank you for watching and thank you for sharing our “seller conversations” – we have three listed below (with hopefully more to come). If we haven’t answered one of your seller questions – comment below – or call or email us.

Video One: Seller Advice – “Awkward Seller Conversations“

Video Two: Seller Advice –“Smells Don’t Sell”

Video Three: Seller Advice –“Three Things Tall REALTORs See, That You May Not …”

If this is your first time visiting our site – welcome … we’re REALTORs Steve and Heather Ostorm in Roseville, CA at Coldwell Banker Realty.

We primarily work with sellers and their listings, and move-up buyers. So we have had a lot of great learning experiences and opportunities to help our sellers. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t – but we’re always learning how to be better. But what we’re not is … we’re never afraid to tackle awkward conversations, if it means our seller having a better opportunity for a better experience with selling (and hopefully maximizing their bottom line, to the best of our ability – we want our sellers to win).

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

Ostroms Featured on Seller Tips Series for REALTOR.com Read More »

2016 Real Estate Market Predictions – Roseville + Rocklin, CA

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

This post and information below is from 2016 – please let us know if you would love a current real estate market update. If you’re looking in Placer County – this is an evergreen post that updates monthly and quarterly

First thing we need to do, is thank our friends and family for an amazing 2015. You are the reason we continue in this business. Thank you for your support and referrals. There’s no greater honor, than to be trusted with your business.

So on to the show … what you’re all waiting for …

2016 Real Estate Market Predictions – Roseville and Rocklin, California.

We quickly review 2015, real estate market patterns we observed, and items we experienced … (and if you are a buyer, be sure to ask what TRID – TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure is before you start your loan adventure – but that’s another blog post, by itself).

So … thank you for watching. We promise you’ll be entertained and educated … always.

If you would like to specifically know about your neighborhood and/or home, and current pricing for your home – give us a call or shoot us an email (info below). We’re happy to provide feedback, always.

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

2016 Real Estate Market Predictions – Roseville + Rocklin, CA Read More »

The Closing Process in Placer County

3 Comments / Agent-to-Agent Education and Helpful Tips, Buyer Information, First-Time Home Buyers, Real Estate Education, Relocation, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

This post is from 2016 and will be updated soon* (1/2026)

The process for a home closing in Placer County

Every area has their own procedure with home sales, regarding signings at title (or via notary) and the closing process. This is one of the most confusing topic for buyers and sellers. Below, we’re addressing sales specifically in Placer County, CA. “All-cash” deals will have their own (quicker) timeline, and maybe that will be a topic for another video 🙂 This video applies to buyers with a loan.

You’re not alone if you’re confused on when do you sign paperwork, how does the closing happen, and when do we hand over keys? We will do our best to equip you with all the right information, so you feel as prepared and informed as possible.

More “Closing” Questions Answered

Do buyer and seller sit at the same table to sign paperwork? No, they’re typically separate appointments at the title company. In our area, escrow and title are in the same location (much easier). You’re not sitting with the opposite party, signing at the same time.
What if I can’t come to the title company? It happens, a notary can come to you, at an additional fee. We usually encourage the buyer or seller, to go to the title company for a signing of final paperwork, but if it’s a “larger brand” title office with multiple branches locally, we can sometimes have you signed, with warning, at a nearby office, if the main title company isn’t convenient to access (example signing in Roseville vs. going to a Sacramento office).
Can we schedule our signing in advance? Not always, depends on loan docs arriving at title. Depending on the type of loan, the seller can sometimes sign earlier. But best not to assume, lets have that dialogue in advance, if one seller will be inaccessible – starting to about a week, before closing.
What if I can only sign after-hours or on the weekend? If you’re on vacation, or have limited signing capability, let us know and for a small fee, we may be able to have a notary come to you. This can pad a day or two to closing, and if you’re out of the country when loan docs come in, this is definitely dialogue we want to have in advance.
When we sign, does that mean we’re closed on the home? No. If the buyer has a loan – it depends on when funding occurs (can be near immediate, immediate, or 24-48 business hours after review). If you’re buyer, have this communication of process, as the lender is at the steering wheel at one point, determining much of these timelines. If you don’t know what questions to ask, we can help you.
Why is there a “Final-Walkthrough” by the Buyer? It’s the buyer’s right to ensure the property is in the same condition, as when they went into escrow. Your home is most likely in chaos-mode with packing, so don’t fret, but know that this visit will happen right before closing.
When do we turn off utilities? Unless otherwise specified in contract, utilities are to always stay on, until we know we’re going on record / closing that day.
How clean does your home need to be? It’s a touchy subject as you can imagine. Do as agreed to, between buyer and seller. When in doubt and a professional clean is requested, it’s not a bad idea to consider hiring who the buyer prefers, to avoid any disputes of “what’s their interpretation of ‘clean.'” We think it’s a good gesture to hire a professional cleaner. Typically, “broom swept and clean” is the asked for item, but expectations are always different from folks.
Is it okay if I leave trash on the side yard, or items in the garage or attic? All furniture and personal property, inside and outside the home – MUST be removed. With extra paint that belongs to the house, typically you’re going to want to see a new home owner want to have that … to avoid painful paint-matching, but all other items, when in doubt, ask buyer-side, and don’t make assumptions what’s okay to leave behind.
When and how do the buyers get the keys? Keys can be retrieved, the day of closing, by default 5pm. Check your contract first – that’s what determines “what time.” Typically, one key is left in the Metrolist Lockbox, that the buyer’s agent can retrieve at the right time, and hand that key over to the new buyers. If you’re a new homeowner – PLEASE re-key your home, always.
Will the sellers leave me items, to help out? If you’re a seller, before closing, ping your agent to share with the buyer-side, all utility info and where you’re storing appliance manuals, extra keys, mailbox key, when trash day is, and any helpful info that might give the new home owners a “leg-up” … the buyers will be grateful.

Disclosure: Always consult local regulation and your trust real estate agent representing you. All items in the video, and above, are how we would educate our clients here in Placer County. Any financial items, always consult your trusted financial and/or tax advisor.

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate