Monthly Archives: July 2014

Great Outdoor Activities in Auburn, CA

John LaRosa 07/25/2014


The American River Canyon in Auburn State Recreation Area

Auburn, CA is the county seat of Placer County and a breathtaking place to live. In particular, fitness enthusiasts and outdoor recreation fans are drawn to Auburn for its many sports and recreation opportunities in nature. Looking at homes in Auburn is a great choice for anyone who loves staying fit in the great outdoors.

Close to the city limits is the Auburn State Recreation Area, a California state park spanning over 40 miles of the American River’s northern and western forks. This park, like many areas in Placer and Nevada Counties, was once an active gold mining area. Now it is just as active with outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, swimming, trail running, horseback riding, camping, and (of course) panning for gold. The two river forks have plentiful whitewater opportunities for raft, canoe, and kayak enthusiasts. Whether you spend a day or a week in the Auburn SRA, you are guaranteed a great outdoor workout.

Auburn CA, World Endurance Capital

Auburn, California; World Endurance Capital

For dedicated athletes, the Auburn SRA also hosts the largest number of endurance sports events anywhere, earning it the epithet “Endurance Capital of the World.” These regular endurance events include running, biking, triathlon, and equestrian events such as the Western States Endurance Run, Tevis Cup Equestrian Ride, Auburn International Half-Ironman Triathlon, Auburn Century 100 Mile Bike Ride, Coolest 24-Hour Mountain Bike Ride, and many more.

All Auburn, CA real estate has the unique benefit of being in the closest city to the Auburn SRA, giving homebuyers a fantastic opportunity to explore their love of outdoor sports and fitness practically in their own backyards. 

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Perks of a Buyer’s Agent

Mary Pizzimenti 07/18/2014

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Title Image | Who's Who and Who Pays for What When Buying a Home

Are you in the market to buy a home? Finding the right home at the right price can be difficult, especially if you don’t have the necessary experience or knowledge to negotiate a good deal. If you have the right professional team that knows how the process works from beginning to end, it can help make your home buying experience far more enjoyable.

Who Pays For A Real Estate Agent’s Commission?

There are many people involved in the home buying process, including the seller, buyer, listing agent, and possibly buyer’s agent. The seller almost always uses a listing agent to put the home on the market in hopes of attracting a buyer. The seller is responsible for paying the listing agent through commission out of the selling price of the home. In addition to the listing agent on the seller’s behalf, a buyer’s agent can (and should) be used by the buyer. The buyer’s agent represents the buyer’s best interest when buying a home. This agent is paid out of the same commission given to the listing agent.

If you’re the one looking to buy a new home, having a buyer’s agent on your side is always a great idea. By using a buyer’s agent, you will have a knowledgeable professional who will be able to negotiate the best deal for you, not the seller. You’d think that hiring a buyer’s agent would cost you money, but since a buyer’s agent is paid through the commission on the home, neither you nor the seller will have any additional costs. Instead, the listing agent and buyer’s agent will split the same amount of commission in half. This allows you to get the best deal at no cost to you at all.

We hope you enjoy our Info Graphic, “Who’s Who (…and Who Pays for What) When Buying a Home?” If you have any questions or would like to talk about any of this information we’re available to chat. Call or Email us Today!

Leave Us Your Comments

Did you know how real estate agent commissions were paid? Was there something you believed about the commission that isn’t true? Do you have any further questions about real estate commission? Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to leave us your comments. We’d love to hear what you think. Or feel free to share it with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Infographic explaining why you shouldn't purchase a home without representation. In California Real Estate a Buyer's Agent doesn't 'cost' the buyer anything. Since the home costs the same price whether you have an agent or not why shouldn't you have an expert on your side?
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Explore the Arts in Nevada County

John LaRosa 07/12/2014
Del Oro Historic Movie Theatre in Grass Valley, CA

Nevada County is one of many beautiful rural communities across the U.S. to embrace the arts, combining the splendor of its natural surroundings with the inspiration to create and share all kinds of art. This makes Nevada county real estate a great buy for artists and audience members of all ages.

Nevada County is home to an impressive number of arts organizations. These include: sixteen dance companies and studios, ranging from ballet and jazz, to Irish, to contra, to modern contemporary; several literature and poetry groups and lecture series; over a dozen musical groups including a wind orchestra, a jazz society, three choruses, and a taiko drum group; fourteen theaters of varying sizes and genres; and more than twenty visual arts organizations and groups. The local university, Sierra College, supports many of these organizations, as well as supplementing them with its art and dance departments. The Grass Valley Center for the Arts, Nevada City Miners Foundry, and North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center provide welcoming spaces for local performances and touring acts. Nevada County is also home to over a dozen festivals, including the Sierra Arts and Storytelling Festivals and the Nevada City Film Festival.

With its magnificent natural setting augmented by such a diverse and active arts scene, Nevada County is the perfect place to take in—or join in—all the art your heart desires. Looking at Nevada County homes for sale is a wonderful idea for those who are ready to leave the city but still wish to have access to a great arts scene.

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Top Dining Options in Roseville

John LaRosa 07/10/2014

Those looking for homes or condos in Roseville, CA are often interested in the variety of eating and entertainment establishments the city has to offer. Roseville is a historic town with a modern flair. Residents enjoy everything the city has to offer, spanning museums and antiques from its glorious past, to sports and activities like roller blading and waterparks. Some say it is the fine dining that really makes this city memorable.

The Opera House Saloon in Roseville, originally known as the McRae Opera House, was built in 1908. It is a two-story venue whose upper floor has served as a social hall for meetings, plays, dances, boxing matches, and even as a roller rink. The lower level has housed the offices of McRae Insurance, the Piggly Wiggly, and the town’s first newspaper, the Roseville Register. Today, the lower level is an old time saloon complete with oak and brass bar. The upstairs houses the county’s largest dance floor. Drinks and food are served, and live bands – rock, on Fridays and country, on Saturdays – are featured weekly.

Bunz Sports Pub and Grub started life 20 years ago as Bunz & Company. Under new ownership, both graduates of Roseville High and avid athletes, Bunz is a place where residents can enjoy good food, good company, and great sports. It boasts 15 flat-screen TVs and digital sound, so guests can enjoy any game, match, or race while they dine. It is a family-oriented place with video games and a pool table in the “Skybox” for kids to enjoy.

The Boxing Donkey Irish Pub in Downtown Roseville CA

Those looking for real estate in Roseville, CA might also enjoy the Irish pub, The Boxing Donkey. With fun menu selections like corned beef tacos and Donkey Fries, the food is sure to please.

Roseville, CA has lots of great options for dining, so you won’t have to cook every meal at home after you move to your new home in this quaint town.

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Rocklin, California – A Chance to Live Amid History

John LaRosa 07/10/2014


Rocklin, CA established 1893 has a visible and rich history

Rocklin, CA is now a thriving community, though it has seen its fair share of hard times. Its place in history is clearly visible in the architecture of many of its well-preserved buildings and homes. Rocklin is a great place to live with homes that are very affordable. For those who want to step back in time a bit, Rocklin has something to love for people of all ages.

Rocklin City Hall started out in 1912 as a company store for California Granite Company. The Great Depression caused the quarry industry to falter, and creditors seized the building in 1931. The City of Rocklin bought the building from a subsequent owner in 1941, and it has served as City Hall ever since. During the 1940s, the city’s library was housed on the ground floor.

Just across the street from City Hall is the Rocklin History Museum. The building was constructed in 1905 as the home and office of the town doctor. The Rocklin Historical Society saved the building from demolition in 2001, and restored it, making it the city’s only public museum.

Saint Mary’s Chapel still sits a few doors down from its original location where it was dedicated as Saint Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in 1883. It was subsequently moved and restored in 2005. Today it serves as a non-denominational wedding chapel, and each bride is allowed to pull the rope to ring its steeple bell after her ceremony.

Other historic buildings and homes are scattered throughout the town, including 3 Victorian homes near the corner of Rocklin Road and Fifth Street. Check out Rocklin, CA for a chance to live amid history. 

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