Rachel Carmichael

07/10/2024

Please remember friends… I’m still a local Realtor in Sacramento and surrounding area and would love to help my friends purchase their new home or sell their current property!! Please call or msg me if you need help!

11/26/2023

Yes, I started my trash hauling business, Junk Shot, but I am still a Realtor. If you’re ready to buy a house, or thinking about it, call me and we can get you prequalified and ready to start looking. 🏠916-879-3242 🏡

06/20/2023

We’ve been open for about a month now and want to thank the community, our friends and our family for all your support. Please tell all your friends and family to call or download our appJUNK SHOT | Junk Removal & Recycling App. Thank you!

09/15/2019

California nears statewide rent control!

California is one step away from enacting statewide rent control after the state's two legislative bodies both approved the measure.

The bill will cap annual rent increases by 5%, including the rate of inflation. In addition to the rent cap, a bill known as AB-1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019, will allow “just cause” eviction policies to qualified housing in California.

The bill was approved this week by the California State Senate and the California State Assembly.

The bill now moves to the desk of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is expected to sign the bill into law.

When Newsom signs the bill, the bill would make the state one of the few in the nation with statewide rent control.

California, one of the nation's priciest housing markets, is following Oregon’s footsteps in enacting rent control. In March, Oregon approved a law placing an annual limit on rent increases of 7% plus inflation.

The bill appears to have Newsom's support, as the governor tweeted that “The rent is too damn high -- so we’re damn sure doing something about it” and “Because there should be a cap on how much you pay for rent...Because your landlord shouldn’t be able to evict you for no reason.”

Gavin Newsom

CA is about to enact the strongest renter protections in the NATION.
Because there should be a cap on how much you pay for rent.
Because your landlord shouldn’t be able to evict you for no reason.
It’s about time.

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“In this year’s State of the State address, I asked the Legislature to send me a strong renter protection package. Today, they sent me the strongest package in America," Newsom said in a statement after the Assembly passed the bill. "These anti-gouging and eviction protections will help families afford to keep a roof over their heads, and they will provide California with important new tools to combat our state’s broader housing and affordability crisis. I would like to thank Assembly Speaker Rendon, Senate President pro Tempore Atkins, Assembly member Chiu and the bill’s co-authors for passing this legislation, as well as the broad coalition of stakeholders whose persistence allowed this bill to move forward.”

The move is a reversal from what happened in the state nearly a year ago. In the November 2018 election, California voters shot down a previous rent control initiative, Proposition 10. The proposal would have to capped annual rent increases to prevent unjust evictions.

Proposition 10 was aimed to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. In 1995, California passed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, limiting the use of rent control and prohibiting local governments from imposing caps on single-family homes and condos.

07/19/2019

Please let me know if you are interested in buying or selling! ALSO, if you know anyone, I give a $250 referral fee at close of escrow.

06/19/2019

Check out my new land listing in Foresthill, CA. 18.5 acres listed at $60,000

04/07/2019

Please remember, I am still your local Realtor and would love to help you sell or buy your first home, or your next investment property! And; I will always give a referral fee at close of escrow for any referrals!
Here is some recent and good news to Buyers!

HUD proposes rule to improve assistance for low-income individuals

Calls current regulation outdated, ineffective
April 3, 2019 Jessica Guerin
KEYWORDS BEN CARSON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT HUD HUD HOUSING PROGRAMS LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS SECTION 3
HUD building
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a proposed rule Wednesday to improve its Section 3 Program, which requires funding recipients to employ low-income people and business.

Specifically, Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 requires “employment, training, contracting, and other economic opportunities generated by certain HUD financial assistance to be directed to the greatest extent feasible to low- and very low-income persons, especially recipients of government assistance for housing, and to businesses that provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.”

But according to the department, the guidelines currently in place – which have not been updated since 1994 – are ineffective in achieving this goal.

HUD has proposed revisions to Section 3 that will encourage public housing authorities and grant recipients to create career ladders for low-income people.

The department said the end goal is to increase the long-term earnings of households that receive HUD assistance.

“HUD funding is more than an investment in affordable housing or community development, it’s an investment in people,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “The rule we are proposing today will allow more HUD-assisted households to secure long-term employment, and put them on a path towards self-sufficiency.”

The proposed changes aim to elevate Section 3’s effectiveness by (in HUD’s words):

Focusing on key outcome metrics, such as the sustained employment of targeted populations
Crediting retention of low-income employees and successful sustained employment in the reporting metrics
Aligning Section 3 reporting with standard business practices and payroll tracking
Allowing for tailored outcome benchmarks for different geographies and/or different activities
Reducing reporting requirements for grantees who are meeting outcome benchmarks
Integrating Section 3 into the program offices that are in regular contact with the grantees
HUD said its final proposal was shaped by the decisions of a taskforce and by “listening sessions” with PHAs, grantees, multifamily property owners and other entities who are impacted by Section 3.

12/01/2018

Happy Holidays!

12/01/2018

Freddie Mac has long allowed certain borrowers to use “sweat equity” to cover a portion of their down payment, but now, the government-sponsored enterprise will allow borrowers to use “sweat equity” to cover their entire down payment.

The GSE announced Monday that it is expanding sweat equity parameters of its Home Possible mortgage. Under the expansion, certain borrowers will be able to “sweat equity,” materials provided or labor completed by a borrower to improve a house before closing on the property, as their full down payment.

“The Home Possible sweat equity offering supports the renovation of aging homes and provides borrowers with an additional form of down payment instead of cash, particularly in rural areas,” Freddie Mac said Monday. “Borrowers can use sweat equity with no limits on the amount that can be applied to the down payment, provided the labor performed is completed in a skillful manner to support the appraised value—and is certified by an appraiser.”

Through the sweat equity program, borrowers can use their construction skills, instead of cash, to cover a portion of down payment and closing costs. According to Freddie Mac, the value of the labor they provide and the money they spend on materials to renovate the home is considered to be equal to personal funds.

Under the program, there is no limit to the amount of sweat equity that a borrower can use to contribute to their down payment and closing costs. Borrowers can use sweat equity to cover as little as 3% of the value of the home in question or much more than that if they complete a major renovation.

According to Freddie Mac, the enhanced sweat equity program has multiple benefits, including supporting and promoting the renovation needs of aging homes, providing an additional source of down payment, and allowing homebuyers who “who work with their hands to make their down payment with their construction skills instead of cash.”

As part of the program, Freddie Mac helps provide borrowers with education, resources and training necessary to understand the program’s rules, partnering with the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, Hope Enterprise Corporation, Homeownership Education Resources Organization, Enterprise Community Partners, Community Development Corporation of Brownsville, Next Steps, and NextJob.

Through these collaborations, Freddie Mac is providing technical-assistance and training to help increase their capacity to offer homebuyer education, housing counseling, employment and re-employment services and related resources to families in Middle Appalachia, the Lower Mississippi Delta, the Colonias and Native Americans in Indian reservation areas.

“More than 61 million Americans live, work and raise families in rural areas and other historically underserved communities,” said Mike Dawson, vice president of Single-Family Affordable Lending Strategy and Policy at Freddie Mac.

“In rural America, many creditworthy families with low-to-moderate incomes face significant barriers to homeownership, especially obtaining the down payment,” Dawson added. “This offering will help them use their own construction skills to make up that difference, increasing the pool of mortgage-ready consumers.”

Here’s more on how the program works, from Freddie Mac:

Sweat equity to be used for the entire amount of down payment and closing costs with maximum 97% LTV/105% total LTV (affordable seconds).Sweat equity for manufactured homes up to a maximum LTV ratio of 95%.Sweat equity as an eligible source of funds for:All repairs and improvements to be completed by the borrower that are listed in the sales contract and included in the appraisal report.Repairs or improvements that are reflected on the appraisal report that are outstanding at the time of the appraisal.Credit for work completed prior to the original property inspection by the appraiser is not eligible for sweat equity.

“Lenders and borrowers in rural markets in high-needs areas face specific challenges,” Nick Mitchell-Bennett, executive director, Community Development Corporation of Brownsville, said. “The enhancements Freddie Mac is making to its sweat equity parameters are welcome and demonstrate the organization’s efforts to address these specific challenges.”

Rachel Carmichael

REALTOR®

Licensed & Independent Escrow Coordinator & Short Sale Negotiator

Lic # 01504860

(916) 879-3242 Cell

[email protected]

09/16/2018

10 Tips to Increase Your Home's Value
Increasing the value of your home is easier than you think. Follow these tips, and your home will be worth more before you know it.

Plan your remodel.
Whether you just bought a house or you have lived there for a while, the fastest way to increase your home's value is by making a plan.

You will fare better if upgrades are made intentionally and not on impulse. Home improvement projects cost about 20 to 25 cents on the dollar. The other 75 to 80 cents spent go directly back into the home through increased value.

Start slowly. It's a marathon, not a sprint. If your home is new, get to know it. If you have already been there a while, get started. List the things you want to change and the updates you would like to make. Don't worry about organization, just write it all down. Take a guess on how long you may want to live in the house. If you're planning on selling, talk to your realtor and make a selling plan.

Take the list and categorize by how much it may cost, including your time and money. Be realistic. It's OK to list an outdoor pool with a waterfall, but keep your financial picture in mind.

Once you have a categorized list, take a look and prioritize what is a real "must have" and what is more of a dream. See if you can come away with a reasonable balance.

Once you have made a plan, do research or talk to a realtor to see what sort of return those improvements may bring. Some improvements will add considerably more value to your home than others.

Tackle one room at a time.
How can you harness the energy that comes from new ideas and still be smart when you make those improvements? Make the commitment to tackle one room at a time. Whether it's a simple coat of paint or knocking down a wall, by tackling one room at a time you keep projects achievable.

Make a list of all the things you dream about doing, break your list down into categories based on cost and write down how much time each project may take. What this does is help you get results. If you only have a day or a weekend, choose a project that fits within your timeframe, comfort level and financial commitment.

If you set out to paint a living room wall on Saturday and you know what it will cost in time and money, it gets done. By the end of the day, you have a stylish upgrade that will add value to your home. By strategizing, you will see your dreams take shape as you transform each room before moving on to the next.

Small improvements can really pay off.
Are you torn between improving your home's decor, versus making upgrades you know will increase your home's resale value? Many homeowners are surprised to hear that doing a little bit of both will actually pay off.

Start by making two lists — upgrades for your home value and upgrades just for you. Upgrades for your home may consist of replacing old faucets, permanent lighting and doors. Upgrades for you are furniture, artwork and window treatments. Gone is the dartboard approach to picking projects and wondering if what you are doing is really making a difference. With this plan, you will see real progress.

If you have spent a bundle on making an upgrade you can make small changes for the next couple of months. Upgrade a couple of electric plugs or buy a small lamp. Stick to one upgrade per month and you will be happy with what you see.

Clean your house now for profits later.
If your house is on the market, a bright and sparkly home can attract buyers like a magnet. A house can never be too clean. If you were a buyer, would you choose the house that is slightly dingy or the home down the street that is clean and welcoming?

By making a clean house a priority, you do several things at once. First, you stay on top of maintenance issues, spotting potential problems before they become expensive ones. Secondly, you don't allow dirt and junk to build up over time. Things like mold can become a nuisance if allowed to spread unchecked. Finally, a clean house is healthier for you and your family.

Remember, de-cluttering is a form of cleaning. Just as dirt builds up, so does clutter. Don't waste money moving your junk around. Get rid of it now. When it's time to sell you will feel confident about what you are presenting to the buyer.

Curb appeal counts.
Want a fresh perspective on the value of your home? Walk across the street, turn around and ask yourself, "Does my house have curb appeal?" Does your home look attractive, welcoming and structurally sound at first glance?

Make a list of ways to enhance the positive and eliminate the negative. If you have a nice curvy walkway, accentuate it with flowers or lanterns. If the first thing a visitor sees is your big wide garage, try to guide their eyes into a beautiful front yard, or paint your front door red to guide the eye there. These things add value.

Take a digital photo and look at your home in black and white. When the color is removed, the truth comes out. That is where you see the cracks in the walls and the glaring flaws.

Keep things clean and tidy. Talk to your neighbors because this affects them too. Curb appeal doesn't stop at your property line. Your home will be more valuable if you live in a place where everyone pays attention to appearance.

Host a neighborhood cleanup party. Team up with neighbors to mow lawns and trim hedges. See who wants to go in on a few flats of border flowers. By adding curb appeal to your entire neighborhood, you will all boost your home values.

When you're looking at your curb appeal, don't forget the side and rear views. Buyers walk around and peek over fences.

Upgrade the kitchen.
Ask any real estate expert what the No. 1 upgrade with the greatest return is, and the answer will be the kitchen.

Do a mini-remodel. Change the paint. It sounds simple, but it works. You can also paint a faux-wood finish onto your cabinets. This looks just like cherry.
Add a splash of color with a new backsplash. New tile is attractive. Home improvement stores teach classes on this.
Go stainless steel. The cold feel of steel is a hot ticket item for buyers. Transition your appliances as they wear out and go with a similar metallic look in your light switches.
Make your kitchen rock with a rolling island.
Hang a pot rack with fresh new pots, pans and a hanging wine bottle holder. With the rolling island, your kitchen will catch every buyer's eye. You can take some of these things with you to your new home.

Beautify your bathroom.
Of all the rooms in your house, the bathroom is the workhorse. There is lots of wear and tear, so you want to keep it functioning well and make good looking upgrades along the way.

Focus on your faucet. Bathrooms are not utilitarian anymore. People like to feel relaxed, like they are in a spa. Drop-sinks are old news, people want the under-mount sinks.
Go granite or marble with your countertops. If you are toying with the granite idea, your bathroom counter is most likely smaller than your kitchen counter and less expensive. This is a great place to start your first granite project.
Nix the overhead lighting in favor of wall mounts to add warmth and value to your bathroom. Make sure that around your mirror you have even lighting with no side shadows.
Heated floors attract buyers like bees to honey.
Upgrade your bath area. With an 85 percent return, install a shower with body sprays and stone surround tile. If you are not selling right away, you will feel like you are in a Zen garden every time you step into your bathroom.
Keep it clean. Dirt and grime can become embedded in bathroom surfaces very quickly. Freshen it up with new grout.
Weigh the benefits of upgrading versus selling.
Should I stay or should I go? It's a question staring many homeowners in the face. Here is how to tell if there is more value for you in fixing up, or moving on.

First, estimate your costs to buy a new home. Add up the realtor and home selling costs (packing, moving and the new loan financing). Don't forget hidden items. The buyer may ask you to replace the carpet before you sell. Or, what if you have to replace appliances? Make your best effort to include everything it will cost in time and money to sell your home and buy a new place. Then, estimate what you may get for your house and how much cash you will leave with to put down on a new home.

If you like your neighbors and your school district, consider remodeling. You can get exactly the home you want and you won't risk any buyer's remorse. Estimate the cost of making the most crucial renovations needed for you to stay. Decide what you would like to do and go price shopping at your home improvement store. Call contractors and get estimates. This is especially important if you need to add on extra square footage.

Look at what it would cost to move, then what it would cost to remodel. Add in the X-factors such as friends, schools and neighbors. When all is said and done, you may find you get more equity by staying in your home and remodeling.

Hire a certified home inspector.
You go to the doctor for physical exams and take your car in for checkups. Why not do the same for your house? A home inspection can be a valuable thing, whether you are selling or not.

If you are selling, get your own inspector before you put your home on the market. The last thing you want is to have a contract on the table, only to hear the inspector has found dry rot. If you know in advance, you can take care of it. If a home inspection turns out well, it is likely the buyers will feel good about their purchase and not ask for costly fixes or concessions.

Why bother having an inspection if you're not worried about selling? Keep those records to show buyers you have maintained your house all along. Also, time is on your side. You can fix problems on your terms for far less than you will likely spend if you wait. Think of it like a physical that will only keep your home healthy and more valuable.

If you get a clean bill of health, it helps you make decisions. You can pick your home projects and spend your money with confidence.

Pay down the principal on your loan.
As you make all those home improvements, don't forget the cash. Your financial strategy can boost your home value in a big way. Many different loan features can be added together to give someone a loan that is comfortable for them; give them an opportunity to do home improvements and to invest in their future.

Don't overdo your down payment. If you spend all your money in a down payment, you may not have enough to do the improvements you want. The rule of thumb is if you are moving into a fixer upper, go for 10 percent down.

Don't rush into your home loan, as there are dozens of types. The strategy that you develop for the type of loan you want depends on where you see yourself in five or 10 years. Managing your debt payment with an interest-only payment will give you an opportunity to save that money for retirement or save it for a college fund.

Refinancing is a chance to switch up your loan and try something new. Avoid using refinancing as a financial crutch. Are you doing it to lower your interest rate, or are you doing it because you want cash? If you are moving in a year, refinancing probably isn't a good idea, as it costs between $1,900 and $2,600.

01/03/2018

Tips include making time to pick up around the house each day and enforcing the "one-touch" rule.

Over a hundred readers shared the cleaning tips that really make a difference in their lives.