Read the March issue of Oak Leaves.

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Foreclosure filings in California dropped to levels not seen since late 2008 when governmental intervention temporarily slowed the foreclosure filing process. Notice of Default filings dropped 12.8 percent month-over-month and Notice of Trustee Sale filings fell 12.5 percent from the prior month. The foreclosure filing percentage decreases are more moderate when adjusted on an average daily basis due to the fewer filing and trustee sale days in February, with a 3.1 percent drop for Notice of Default filings and a 2.8 percent decline for Notice of Trustee Sale filings. On a year-over-year basis foreclosure filings were down as well, with Notice of Default filings down 29.6 percent and Notice of Trustee Sale filings falling 17.0 percent from February 2010. Activity on the courthouse steps slowed with fewer sales leading to a 24.5 percent decrease in sales Back to Bank and a 20.3 percent drop in properties purchased by Third Parties, typically investors. For the first time, Third Party investors saw a drop in the average Time to Resell a property, down 3.1 percent to 156 days.

Click here to read the article ‘Foreclosure Filings Hit Three Year Low in February: Realty Trac’

Source: ForeclosureRadar.com

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
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Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

355 Tuscany Way, Greenfield

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
List Price: $174,900
MLS#: 174491
Approx. 1,805 Sq. Ft.

Popular single story home offers four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Enhancing this home further is an open and spacious living area and adjacent kitchen with a nice island – this home boasts a great use of space! The master bedroom suite is a great place to unwind at the end of the day complete with a separate shower and soaking tub. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath Property approved for HomePath Mortgage and Renovation Financing. Purchase for as little as 3% down. For an audio tour, call 800-479-6350 x3551. For tour in Spanish, call 800-479-6350 x3552.

Click Here for More Information & Photos of this Listing!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

With spring just around the corner, many living on Lake Nacimiento are beginning to think about their homes’ outdoor living space.  Residents of Oak Shores and Heritage Ranch understand that life on Lake Nacimiento involves spending a lot of time outside when the weather begins to warm up!

Whether you live in a waterfront home on Lake Nacimiento or your Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home is set back from the lake; you’ll enjoy having an outdoor living space that allows you to soak in the fresh air, beautiful scenery and time with friends and family.  Creating this outdoor space can be as extravagant or as cost effective as you want!  There’s no need to go overboard with major updates, but enhancing an outdoor area can be as simple as making a few changes to bring an intentional purpose to an already existing space.

Below are the three key elements you’ll want to be sure to incorporate for a relaxing and useful outdoor living area!

1.  Fire- According to a recent national survey, landscape designer Michael Glassman, noted that the #1 request for an outdoor space is a kitchen.  While designing and installing an entire outdoor kitchen can be very costly, there are other ways to get this same feel.  Make an outdoor fire-pit, purchase a potbelly stove, or just use your charcoal grill.  On cooler Lake Nacimiento evenings, roast marshmallows or cozy up by candlelight and a hot cup of tea.  No matter your budget or size of your outdoor space, you’ll be able to find a way to creatively incorporate fire!

2.  Water- The sound of trickling water always seems to have a calming effect.  If you’re not close enough to hear the lapping water reaching the Lake Nacimiento shore; there are other options for creating the serene water effect.  A simple tabletop fountain or a pond or stream beside your patio or deck will bring the essence of tranquility and quiet to your outdoor living area.  Just be sure to utilize the water you want in your space and keep out the water you don’t!  A rainy day can put a damper on your outdoor activities, but having an awning or gazebo with naturally growing vines can offer the protection you need from a passing shower.

3.  Earth- Since this is an outdoor room, be sure to include as many earth tones and natural objects as possible in your design.  You want to maintain that outdoor feel instead of simply mimicking an interior space.  Use things like rocks, branches or wooden objects or furniture to add interest.  Of course the changing seasons will be the backdrop of your outdoor room, so be sure to play off the colors and vibrancy of the Lake Nacimiento season.

I’m sure we can all sense the growing excitement for spring on Lake Nacimiento and are anxious for all of the warm weather activities that Lake Nacimiento has to offer!  I hope these ideas give you the added boost to create your own outdoor sanctuary.

If you are not currently living on Lake Nacimiento and have been considering buying a home in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch; you’ll want to begin your home search soon!  The spring market will pick up and you’ll want to find the ideal Lake Nacimeinto home that best fits your needs and lifestyle before there’s even more competition.

You may still have questions about the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market, or maybe you haven’t yet found a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent to help you with your home search.  If that’s the case, please feel free to contact me!  I’d be happy to answer your questions and show you the beautiful homes that are currently available on Lake Nacimiento!  Getting started soon will ensure you’re enjoying your home just in time for the great spring season on Lake Nacimeinto!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

1357 West Street, Soledad

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
List Price: $174,900
MLS#: 174461
Approx. 1,473 Sq. Ft.

This nicely appointed three bedroom, two bathroom home is nestled in a great location and offers plenty of “new”, including carpeting and interior paint. Open living area is great from entertaining and features a fireplace and vaulted ceiling. The eat-in kitchen boasts a nice breakfast bar and an abundance of cabinetry plus a new stove and microwave. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property, approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing and HomePath Renovation financing. For an audio tour, call 800-479-6350 x13571. For a tour in Spanish, call 800-479-6350 x13572.

Click Here for More Information & Photos of this Listing!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

Living in the gated communities of Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch on Lake Nacimiento puts you in the center of one of Central California’s unique features: wine country.  If you are a connoisseur of wine, you are sure to love being in the midst of California’s finest vineyards and wineries.  For those of you who are more of a casual wine drinker or are still figuring out your personal favorite; you’ll find that living on Lake Nacimiento provides you with the opportunity to expand your knowledge and develop your taste buds!

While life on Lake Nacimiento boasts many activities, events or the ever-present opportunity to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing; it’s still nice to have options to enjoy more of what Central California has to offer.  The nearby town of Paso Robles is close enough for an enjoyable day trip, and features a variety of year round events, excellent restaurants and great boutiques for shopping.  This charming city is also known for its rich wine history and is appropriately labeled as Paso Robles Wine Country.

Throughout the year, Paso Robles hosts wine festivals and next weekend is a favorite for Zin lovers from all over California!  The 19th Annual Zinfandel Festival Weekend is taking place March 18-20, and will highlight the history, personalities and future of Zinfandel.   Many wineries in Paso Robles are participating in the festival by hosting special tastings, winemaker’s dinners, complimentary barbeques, and much more!

The highlight of the weekend will be the Zin Tasting & Wine Country Auction which will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 6-9:30pm.  This evening will allow guests to get the full Zinfandel experience with tastings, food pairings, a chance to bid on Wine Country lots and an opportunity to meet special guest Rex Pickett, the author of Sideways.  Please visit the 19th Annual Zinfandel Festival website for more information on the event, tickets and participating wineries.

If you have been dreaming of living in the midst of Central California’s Wine Country; look no further than Lake Nacimiento!  Location is the key element of enjoying where you live and living in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch on Lake Nacimiento is central to an active lifestyle and endless events, while giving off the feeling of being worlds away from it all.  If you are interested in learning more about life on Lake Nacimiento or would like to view homes currently available on Lake Nacimiento; please feel free to contact me today!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

169 Prado Street, Salinas

Approx. 1,329Sq. Ft.
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
List Price: $159,900
REIL MLS#: 81109468

This three bedroom, two bathroom Victorian-style home is truly a gem! The cozy living room is a great place for relaxing or entertaining guests. Enjoy the comforts of the formal dining area, which includes a wood-burning fireplace. Located on a cul-de-sac lot, it also features a spacious two-car garage. This home is a Fannie Mae HomePath property and is approved for HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing. Buy for as little as 3% down.

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

Each year people look to Lake Nacimiento when considering buying a vacation home, and for good reason!  Vacationing on Lake Nacimiento is an ideal choice whether you spend the entire summer soaking up the scenic views and endless fun, or you enjoy taking weekend getaways to find ultimate relaxation.  As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent; I’ve seen a variety of reasons why people choose to settle into the Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch communities on Lake Nacimiento.

Although we find our nation still in the recovery process from the hardships over the past few years; there are those who consider buying a second home as a way of investing.  There’s no doubt that buying a vacation home on Lake Nacimiento will prove to be a lucrative financial decision; especially if you are planning to purchase with the hopes of holding onto the home for years to come.  There are, however, ten things to consider before jumping into buying a second home.

1. Resist the urge to impulse buy- You may have visited friends or family who own a home on Lake Nacimiento, or you happened upon it for a weekend getaway.  While I completely understand that it’s easy to fall in love with life on Lake Nacimiento instantly; you don’t want to come back from your vacation with keys to a new home!  If you have been considering buying a vacation home; be sure to do thorough research before buying.  Buying on impulse can lead to major financial struggles.

2.  Get to know the area before buying- Although you may have vacationed on Lake Nacimiento a time or two; you’ll want to make sure you know all you can about the area and lifestyle.  Before buying, try visiting Lake Nacimiento in the winter when life tends to slow down a bit to ensure you’ll be happy with your purchase all year long.

3. Hire a local real estate agent- Working with a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will make the home buying process run much more smoothly.  As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent; I’ve worked with buyers and sellers for years and can help you determine which home is right for you.  I also know the ins and outs of how sellers on Lake Nacimiento think and can help you get the best deal for your Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home.  I’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about the area!

4. Evaluate your needs and long-term goals- Set realistic goals for the type of home you want as a vacation home.  Do you need a lot of space for family or friends; or is a more private getaway for you?  Being realistic about the size of the home and what you want to do with the property long term will play a large role in the home buying process.

5. Decide what type of home is right for you- While living right on the Lake Nacimiento waterfront may offer scenic views; there may be more maintenance involved.  Think through the type of home you want and how much maintenance and upkeep you want to take on.  Is a smaller lot appealing because you won’t have to mow a large yard?  Or, do you want a great yard that offers opportunities for gardening?  Determining the type of home and its setting will ensure you’re happy with your decision for years to come.

6.  Shop around for a mortgage- To make sure you’re getting the best possible deal; you’ll want to shop around for a lender.  The market is constantly changing, so make sure you’re up to speed on the current mortgage rates.  Your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent can also help answer any questions you may have about a home mortgage.

7.  Calculate additional expenses- Additional expenses of a home may not be at the forefront of your mind when looking at the beautiful homes on Lake Nacimiento, but they can play a large role in your monthly payment.  Don’t forget about insurance, maintenance, HOA fees and even utilities.  Make sure to think through these extras even on a home that is a great deal!

8.  Consider fractional ownership to cut down on costs- Buying a home on Lake Nacimiento is a great choice, but you want to consider the amount of time you’ll end up spending at your vacation home.  If you only spend a few weekends a year on Lake Nacimiento; is it worth buying the home or would you be better off renting?  A great option is if you choose fractional ownership in gathering friends or family to pool together to buy the home.  This option is ideal for cutting down on costs and allows more people to share in the joy of vacationing on Lake Nacimiento!

9.  Look into tax benefits- You don’t have to pay taxes on rental income if you rent out your Lake Nacimiento home for fewer than 15 days a year, but you can’t deduct any rental expenses. You’ll have to report the income if you choose to rent out your Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home for more than 15 days a year.  However, you’ll be able to deduct certain expenses such as maintenance and cleaning.

10.  Rent your home out for extra income- If you know the only way you’ll be able to afford a Lake Nacimiento vacation home is through renting it out; this can be another great option!  You’ll want to consider all that goes along with being a landlord and make sure you’re up for the additional responsibilities.  Getting to know tenant/landlord laws and the Fair Housing Act before renting out your home is key.  Choosing this option for your home can become very lucrative and will prove to be a wise investment; while still allowing you to enjoy your home when you’re done renting.

If you have any questions about buying a vacation home on Lake Nacimiento; I would be happy to answer them!  My experience as a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will ensure you find the home that fits your needs and lifestyle for the right price!  Please feel free to contact me today; I look forward to hearing from you!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website Email Me

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!

2372 Rough Road, Bradley

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms
Approx. 2,563 Sq. Ft.
List Price: $335,000
MLS #: 173813

Offering 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, this gem has cul-de-sac location with lake views. This nearly new home includes an open floor plan. Spacious living room features a brick & stone fireplace & sliding door access to 1 of 2 back decks. Huge kitchen boasts abundant cabinetry, center island, matching black appliances, stylish lighting, & laminate flooring. This home measures approx 2600 sq ft plus 900 unfinished sq ft on the ground level, perfect for a game room or extra storage. Stake your claim today!

2351 Lakeview Drive, Bradley

6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms
Approx. 3,647 Sq. Ft.
List Price: $625,000
MLS #: 173855

Run don’t walk, to this Affordably Priced LAKEVIEW Beauty at Oak Shores. 6 oversized bedrooms, 3.5 baths, Great Room, kitchen boasts cherrywood cabinets, granite countertops, SS appliances; large decks for outdoor living, Master Bedroom suite on main floor. Entertainment delight–Bonus/Game room that is plumbed for wetbar. 3 floors of splendor for all your friends and family. Lots of parking for your boat, extra deep garage for storage.

8679 Landlubber, Bradley

Lot/Land
Approx. .14 Acres
List Price: $110,000
MLS #: 173917

Beautiful rural lot with potential! Build your lake house & enjoy time with family and friends. Oak Shores is a private lakefront community and has much to offer its residents. A gated security entrance protects your privacy, amenities include two Launch Ramps, one with private and courtesy boat slips, clubhouse, swimming pool & kiddie pool, campground and a miniature golf course. Sunny days, starlit nights, views of surrounding mountains and a wonderful lake for enjoying water sports of all kinds!

2505 Captains Walk, Bradley

Lot/Land
Approx. .16 Acres
List Price: $115,000
MLS #: 173883

One of the few rare gem lots left at Oak Shores! Build a beautiful home to store all your lake toys. Enjoy mountain views and evening sunsets with friends and family. Virtually level lot.

Click Here for More Information and Photos on Each of the Properties!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

Oak Shores Real Estate
View Oak Shores Listings
Visit My Website Email Me

Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

Please let us know how we can help!