Vow to keep your home in shape too

Many of us set ourselves up each year with resolutions. Work out more, eat less...you know the drill. Why not resolve to keep your home healthier this year too, with this seasonal checklist:

Spring time-Clean your gutters. Backed-up gutters can wreak havoc on siding and cause flooding. Scoop out leaves and debris with a trowel or hire a professional to do it. Check your roof. Wintery weather may have damaged the surface, and the first big rainstorm, left unchecked, could cause significant problems. Replace shingles as needed. If your fireplace got a workout during the winter months, give it a clean sweep. Best to call in the experts to inspect and clean creosote buildup.

Summer-Walk around your house to check for unsealed spots where squirrels or mice could sneak in. Look carefully for termites or ants too. Inside check your attic and make sure egess points are sealed tightly. Get ready for the warm season by giving any outdoor equipment (pools, swing sets, etc.) a thorough, top to bottom cleaning.

Fall-Ensure your furnace is in prime shape for he cold months ahead, and change all he air filters in your home. Make sure your home is adequately sealed. Apply weather stripping (such as tape, felt, foam, or vinyl tubing) around doors and windows. Trim branches near your home or roof to prevent damage when wintery weather hits.

Winter-Drain and insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing. Check for damaged sidewalk, driveway or stairs, and repair them before the first snow to avoid damaged mishaps.

This is all-so important, to avoid costly repairs from not keeping things "tuned up"-trust me, I've learned my lesson-hence, I share some of these points-to keep you from the expense I incurred this year-from "letting things go"-if I left something off this list, don't be shy-let me know!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor Toll Free 866-333-6333 HTTP://www.wendimae.com wendimae@wendimae.com

Cameron Park's Summer Spectacular!-Is just that! Read on...

Fireworks are coming back to Cameron Park-It's the Summer Spectacular! (edit/delete)

Don't miss out! The most popular event in Cameron Park...this is the 11th Annual Summer spectular event, coming to Cameron Park Lake off Cambridge Road, this July 3rd. The Community Services District is the provider of the firework show-which always has been, just as the name says..."Spectacular!" Be sure to get there early, it is a day full of activity that you truly do not want to miss. parking can be interesting- because of the Residents' right to their street parking areas, so often these areas are blocked off by the CSD. Last year there were more than 8 thousand people that took part in, and enjoyed the food, crafts, musical entertainment, and more. Some even got to meet many of the neighborhood Fireman-and were also able to take a free CPR class! This is a ticketed event-you can get them at the Food for Less in Cameron Park, beginning July 1st...you will want to do this, to avoid the lines at the gate. $3.00 in advance, or $5.00 at the gate. Children 10 years and younger, are FREE! This year they have 3 bands-that are favorites of the El Dorado County folk-Steelin' Dan, Late for Dinner and the Gun shy band! That alone is worth the ticket price! The festivities begin at 3P.M.-don't forget-get there early!

For this, and any other information you need on our fine town of Cameron Park-call your Resident Realtor, and sponsor/provider of the Community website: HTTP://www.mycameronpark.com Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate for connect Realty.com Inc. Toll Free 866-333-6333 or local 530-676-4447 email: www.wendimae@wendimae.com Personal website: HTTP://www.wendimae.com we look forward to hearing from you!

Cameron Park does have it all!

Now you can sit back and relax at Cornerstone Books & Coffee. Not just a book store, and not just any ol' coffee shop either. I just stopped in and Met Regina Glass, the owner, and her staff. What a friendly group-ready to serve, and provide a relaxing and comfortable time to your day! Just opened this month. Stop in, say "Hi" and welcome Regina to the Community...I trust you will be glad you did! Other yummy items and beverages also available...

In the Safeway shopping Center located at 3392 Coach Lane off of Cameron Park Drive

Open 6AM to 8 PM Monday thru Saturday.

For this and all other "breaking news" check out HTTP://www.mycameronpark.com or call your resident Realtor-

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor, Connect Realty.com, Inc. 530-676-4447 wendimae@wendimae.com HTTP://www.wendimae.com

Cameron Park-The Cost Gap Narrows

Thinking of buying a home? Consider this: The gap between monthly rents and mortgage payments is at its lowest level in almost 20 years.
In some markets, the difference can be less than $100, according to a national study conducted for The Associated Press by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.
The study, part of a week-long look at homeownership by the AP, found years of falling home prices and low interest rates have created the ultimate buyer's market. But while buying a home is more affordable, it isn't necessarily easier.
Tougher lending standards have made it harder to qualify for a home loan, and unemployment is at 9.7 percent. Tax incentives for homebuyers will expire April 30, and interest rates are expected to increase this year.
"Statistically, it's a great time to buy," said Hessam Nadji, managing director of Marcus & Millichap. "Psychologically, the consumer doesn't feel like it's a great time to buy."
The analysis of 45 metro areas found the difference between the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home and the median rent is down to $256. The last time that gap was anywhere near that small was in 1993 when it fell to $264, according to the study.
Marcus & Millichap used median prices for the last three months of 2009 and calculated mortgage payments by assuming a 10 percent down payment and a 30-year fixed loan at 5.07 percent, among other factors. It also assumed borrowers.

Let Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI Resident Realtor for Connect Realty.com, INC., be your resource-phone us today Toll Free 866-333-6333 or direct at 530-676-4447 also wendimae@wendimae.com or check out her personal website at: http://www.wendimae.com/

Making Cameron Park a Better Place to Live...

Group Aims High to define our Community's identity, and are in the beginning stages of doing just that...through the creation of Plan 2030...read on-

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Cameron probably never did dream their Town would look like it does now. An airpark, a Country Club, Community Center, Private Lake and thousands of family homes comprising what one resident used to call

"The real leave it to Beaver town". These amenities, as previously listed, and more-create the "Special place to live" as the entry sign to our fine town states. It is our Town's motto. In January a group of concerned residents, determined to have a voice in the future of their community, set out to define a vision for CP in 2030. They are hosting "create a vision"-a workshop that will offer residents a voice in the future of their town. May 17th at 6:30 PM at the Community Center on Country Club Drive. residents, and business owners, alike-should attend this meeting. The Review Committee is an adjunct to Cameron Park's design review committee.

For more details on this-or for any other infomation you might want or need in Cameron Park-THe group has their own BLOG set up at http://cameronparkvision.blog.com/ so be sure to log in and let your voice be heard!

Contact you local resource and Resident Realtor: Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor for Connect Realty at:

530-676-4447, or toll free 866-333-6333 or via email:

wendimae@wendimae .com and be sure to visit her personal website at : HTTP://www.wendimae@wendimae.com also or anything you could ever want to know about our fine town-also check out the community website at :

http://www.mycameronpark.com/ We look forward to hearing from you-and to being your resource for all your needs...

Discover Italian food at It's finest...at Papa Gianni's in Cameron Park!

All you will have to do is bring an appetite! Everything I have ordered, has been mouth watering-delicioso! Located at 3450 Palmer Drive in the Raley's Shopping Center. they are not open on Mondays-however, you can enjoy their fine meals, any other day of the week. Papa Gianni's has garnered quite a following over the years with penne-loving patrons from all over-stopping by the neighborhood establishment. The warm familial dining room is often quite full, and their counter also full of carry-out orders. By the way, they happen to have a great wine list too! The popularity of the place, combined with the absolutely delicious smelling wafts of garlic bread in the air, will excite you for the Italian feast to come! I think I am going to have to go there tonight!

For this, and any other information on our fine town-call your Cameron Park resource-
Resident Realtor-Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,
Broker Associate for Connect Realty.com, INC.
Toll Free 866-333-6333 or 530-676-4447
HTTP://www.mycameronpark.com for news and events or
check out Wendi-Mae's personal website at
HTTP://www.wendimae.com We look forward to your visit!

If you want the best coffee and something quick to go along with it-Stop in when you visit our fine town! Make sure to say Hello to Rachel too! They have two great specials each week...Tuesday is Terriaki Bowl day and Friday is their Famous Tri-tip day! located at:

3161 Cameron Park Drive, (Across from The Airpark) 530-676-5282. She has soups, salads, veggie & other wraps, sandwiches, (also Grilled Panini's-YUM) as well as Breakfast burritos, and other gourmet breakfast items. Treat yourself this week!

For any and all information you might need...give the resident specialist a call,

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI,

Broker Associate Connect Realty,

Real Estate Counselor,

Director of the California Association of Realtors.

Toll Free 866-333-6333 local 530-676-4447

wendimae@wendimae.com You will want to also check out her Community website at http://www.mycameronpark.com/ and us, at our personal site http://www.wendimae.com/ We look forward to the possibility of assisting you in your quest!

Changing the outlook of El Dorado Counties near future

OVER 55? CALIFORNIA PROPERTY TAX RELIEF Since its passage, Proposition 13 prohibits property tax increases until property ownership is changed. If either spouse is over age 55 (when the old home is sold), PROP 60 allows replacement of a primary residence with a new home of equal or lesser value (but see below) within the same county and transfer of the Prop 13 assessed valuation from the old home to the new property. This is allowed once in your lifetime, and a spouse who has done it before 'taints' both spouses. PROP 90 allows counties to elect to accept transfers of Prop 13 values for moves from other counties when a primary residence is replaced with a less expensive (but see below) home. If you are over 55 and move into a county which accepts Prop 90, you may take your old, lower Prop 13 value, regardless of from which county you move. Using Prop 90, you can sell your $400,000 San Francisco home [assessed value $80,000] and move to a new $300,000 home in San Mateo; the new San Mateo assessed value will be $80,000!
7 COUNTIES WHICH ACCEPT PROP 90 (Current as of 6/1/2008) Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura. [Contra Costa, Inyo, Kern, Riverside, Modoc, Monterey, and Marin have dropped out of the Prop 90 program.] Props 60 and 90 apply if you "trade down" (i.e. the new home costs less than the sales price of the old home). > If you buy New Home 1st; then sell the Old Home, you must go down in price. > If you sell the Old Home1st; then buy the New Home: In 1st 365 days after the sale of Old Home, you may go up 5% in the purchase price of New Home. If you buy New Home more than 1 year from the sale of Old Home, but less than 2 years, you may go up 10%. Some buyers can pay the commission outside of escrow to lower to sales price. Example: I sold for $100,000 and then want to buy next week for $120,000. The seller will owe a commission of $7,200. The seller will owe $2,800 of other expenses I sold 1st so I must buy for no more than $105,000. If I pay the seller's expenses of $10,000, the price is down to $110,000. Hmm. If I buy the stove, refrigerator, and lawn furniture for $6,000, it looks like I qualify. WARNING: I do not suggest this is a valid idea. Our Board of Supervisors will take this to vote in January of 2010-likely to be in affect immediately thereafter, or by February, as our sources have been told. This will change the outlook in our County in a very positive way.When real estate prices began to fall and property owners began their requests for reassessments-of course to lower values-this of course resulted in lower tax revenues to the County. How does EDC put a stop to the continued reduction of RE values/revenue? Prop 90 is just the answer.

For any and all information on Real Estate in Cameon Park, and in El Dorado County proper-contact your resident Realtor and real estate Counselor, Wendi-Mae Davis
Toll free 866-333-6333 or
wendimae@wendimae.com and you may want to check out her personal website at

or her community website http://www.mycameronpark.com

http://www.wendimae.com/ Let's talk!

Green Tip of the month-For your new garden/Lawn

Brought to you from the California Association of Realtors...
C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.

. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.
For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).

Or, contact Wendi-Mae Davis-one of your leaders in saving the Environment!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Connect Realty.com, INC.
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
www.wendimae@wendimae.com

Spare the Air!!

Make a difference in your home-To keep te air quality as healthy as possible, please consider implementing some of these simple tips around your house to help reduce air pollution. It will help the environment and your over all health.

-Use water-based paints, coatings and adhesives instead of oil-based formulas
-Switch from gas-powered yard tools o electric powered tools
-Use Propane gas BBQ's instead of a chracoal grill
-Avoid using pesticides or use organic ones
-avoid consumer spray products when possible (inc. hairspray, furniture polish, cooking sprays, bathroom cleaners, air freshners, deodorants, insecticides, and hobby craft sprays).

When the air quality is bad, even healthy people ca have respiratory irritation or difficulties breathing while outdoors. High air pollution levels can have short term and long term effects...

visit: http://www.sparetheair.com

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker
Connect Realty
Toll Free 866-333-6333
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com

Homes for sale in Cameron Park

Hi there!
I am Wendi-Mae Davis, a Realtor Specializing in homes in Cameron Park. I have been a proud Resident of the Community for 8 years. A licensed Realtor for 20 years, and a Broker for 5 Years. If you are interested in Buying, Selling, Investing-or just want to talk to a Professional-please feel free to contact me at the number below.

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors

Broker Associate/ Real Estate Counslor

Connect Realty
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Please feel free to visit me on the web:
WEBSITE