What is the Nehemiah Gift Program?

Watch this informative video to learn more on how the Nehemiah Gift program works.

Coach's Corner: Spring Tune-Up

Spring is here and I'm sure you're all planning your first BBQ of the new year! Before the big day, review my Spring maintenance tips. These are common items that may get overlooked until you have a problem. It's always better to be PRO-active than RE-active!

• Clean and test smoke alarms.

• Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.

• Change or clean the furnace filter.

• Operate your air conditioning system. If service is needed it will be much easier to get a technician out to your home before the summer season

• Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.

• Make certain the air conditioner compressor is level and clear of debris.

• Drain sediment from the bottom of the water heater per the manufacturer's instructions.

• Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.

• Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes, and lubricate the window tracks.

• Check caulking, inside and out, and touch up.

• Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.

• Start and adjust sprinkler system. Test exterior faucets for broken pipes.

• Clean gutters and confirm that downspouts or splash blocks drain away from the house.

• Check foundation, concrete, and yard for settling; fill in as needed for positive drainage.

• Check exterior paint and stain surfaces (especially stained doors) and refinish as needed.

Coach's Corner - Home Maintenance Tips

I'd like to introduce you to Bill Bassi. He is our Customer Service Manager and has been with us for seven years. As an active Northgate Little League coach, Bill dulls out plenty of advice to Manteca's future big league players. He's done so for 15 years. Over time, Coach Bill has put together an extensive list of home maintenance tips and suggestions. We would like to use some of this space to share his valuable tips with you.

Going forward, Coach Bill will be in charge of our periodic updates regarding home maintenance tips. Home maintenance is vital to the longevity of your home and can help increase its value. So be sure to check back often for updates and reminders.

HURRY! ZERO DOWN ON SELECT HOMES

SAVE BIG with FHA Nehemiah

For a short time, buyers at Country Faire can take advantage of builder paid closing costs and a 3% gift used as a down payment. What does this all mean?? It means you can buy a brand new Energy Star Certified home with no money out of pocket!! This is a potential savings of nearly $30,000.

Act now, as this special only applies to select homes. Get in while rates are good and prices are low.

NEW FHA LIMITS HAVE ARRIVED!

In order to help stimulate the housing market the Fair Housing Administration's loan limits have been increased, making it easier for people in San Joaquin County to qualify for a home purchase. The new FHA limit is $488,750 up from 362,790. According to the National Association of Realtors President, Dick Gaylord, this loan limit increase will help an additional 138,000 Americans buy a home. FHA loans were used heavily during a recession in the 80's to help stabilize falling prices and help people get the necessary financing. If that holds true, as more and more people take advantage of the current market conditions, home prices will gradually rise once again. So, if you are on the fence waiting, now is the time to buy.

If you are interested in a new Raymus home, give me a call or come visit us in Linden.

Why Linden?

Hello Sunshine! I am grateful for the rain that is essential in producing the food that nourishes us; however, I am also a native Californian...so bring on the sun!

On my daily trek from Manteca to our new home neighborhood in Linden, I prefer to travel the country roads. The ride seems so much more peaceful than the optional route: Highway 99. Perhaps it's the almond trees in full bloom, the lush fields of green, or the majestic views of the snow-capped Sierras. As I was driving out this morning, I asked myself, "why Linden?" What is it that draws people to this small country town known for its cherries and walnuts? From what I have seen, the reasons are numerous, yet they all converge at some point and an underlying theme emerges. Linden embodies that community feeling that people are familiar with from years past. People in the community know your name, what you do for a living, your children, their children's teachers, their children's friends and parents. This type of community is hard to find in our area. The San Joaquin valley has grown quite a bit in the past several years. It seems as if communities popped up over night and have become solitary and sterile; perhaps it's a byproduct of the commuter culture. Most of the people I've come into contact with here in Linden work within a 20 mile radius. Perhaps this gives them more time to enjoy their home, family and community as opposed to being stuck in traffic on I-205 or 580. I think Linden is one of the last communities in our area that has not succumbed to the pressures of growth. And I think it is fair to say that this town will remain a close knit community for years to come.