While many have chosen to buy a permanent residence on Lake Nacimiento in order to enjoy this beautiful setting and vibrant community year round; there are still of number of buyers who want the luxury of a vacation home that acts as a private getaway.

If you’re one who’s been considering buying a vacation home on Lake Nacimiento; you have probably taken the time to think through the financial and personal commitments.  As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, my goal is to help buyers walk through the process of buying, and with a second home there comes a few additional considerations.  Here are four questions you’ll want to be sure to ask yourself before jumping in to buying a vacation home.

1. How accessible is the property?  If you live in Central California, vacationing on Lake Nacimiento will be an easy commute.  But what if you live out of state?  Consider how often you’ll be visiting your home and the time and cost it takes to travel to Lake Nacimiento.

2. Is the community well planned?  You’ll want to make sure when looking at vacation homes that the community fits well together.  There are some vacation communities that put high end properties just across the street from mobile homes.  Of course in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch, the homes are cohesive and the community well planned.  But, since you’ll be inadvertently involved in the community; you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable there.

3. Is the house in good shape?  This is a basic thing to consider, but it’s worth giving a second thought.  Even if the location is ideal with sweeping views of Lake Nacimiento; you don’t want to be stuck with a money pit for a vacation property.  Consider the homes’ condition, and determine how much work you’re willing to put in to a home before you begin searching for a home on Lake Nacimiento.

4. Will you feel at home there?  Although you won’t be living in your vacation home all year long, you still want to make sure you feel at home in the home itself and the community.  Make sure your vacation home is a place you want to be and that feel like a relaxing retreat!  This will be a place where you create memories and have the opportunity to decompress, so you’ll want to make sure it feels like home!

I hope that as you consider buying a vacation home on Lake Nacimiento, these tips are helpful!  It can be a large decision and one that needs to be weighed carefully.  Of course, I’m always available to answer any questions you have about the Lake Nacimiento lifestyle and the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market.

Please contact me today to talk through what you’re looking for in a second home!  I would be happy to answer your questions and even show you some of the beautiful homes currently on the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market!

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!

If you’re considering buying an Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home on Lake Nacimiento in time to move into enjoy the lazy days of summer; now is a great time to do so!  There are many reasons to buy a Lake Nacimiento home now such as low mortgage rates and reasonably priced homes.  And, with the market currently favoring buyers, it seems that the odds are stacked in your favor!

However, once you find the home of your dreams on Lake Nacimiento; you still need to handle the offer portion of the home buying process with care.  The seller is no doubt highly invested in their Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home and, while they may need to sell quickly, being respectful and patient will go a long way in getting your offer accepted.

As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, I know that coming up with an offer and going through negotiations can oftentimes be the most stressful part of buying a home.  So, I wanted to point out a few ways that you can help ensure this experience is stress free and that your lowball offer has a better chance of being accepted by the seller.  Take a look!

1. Find out the Seller’s Motivation- If your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent is able to get this information from the seller’s agent; it can be very helpful in how you approach your offer.  Sometimes seller’s will try to keep this private so they don’t appear desperate to sell, but if their reason for selling is known, it can allow you to work with the seller to meet their needs.  Even if it’s simply closing at a time that works for them; it will show you are willing to be flexible.

2. Write a Clean Offer- To help your offer along, keep it clean and simple.  Make sure you have all of your necessary paperwork done up front such as your lender pre-approval letter, and try to keep a tight timeline for things like the inspection and closing date.  You want to appear confident and fully prepared to move forward with closing on the home.

3. Always Counter the Counter Offer- You’ll never want to settle after the first counter offer since sellers will expect that you’ll counter again.  While it can get discouraging at times, it’s all part of the offer part of buying a home.  You don’t want to frustrate the seller, so you’re Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will guide you on when to push back and when it’s a good time to accept.

4. Move Attention Away From Price- If the seller is unwilling to move on their price, there are other ways to still get a great deal.  Ask for things such as closing costs, repair credits, furniture or appliances.  There are a variety of things that can be up for negotiation.

5. Give a Logical Reason Why Your Lowball Offer is Fair- Your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will guide you in what is fair market value on the home.  It’s important that your lowball offer is backed by statistics and a good reason of why it’s a fair price. Whether the kitchen needs to be updated, there are additional repairs that need to be taken care of, or it doesn’t offer the view of Lake Nacimiento that another home on the market does; you’ll want to be ready with these reasons for why your offer is low.

Hopefully these tips will help you prepare to make an offer on one of the homes currently available on Lake Nacimiento!  I’m always here to answer any questions you have or to walk with you through the home buying process.

There are many great homes on Lake Nacimiento to choose from, and I would love to help you find your dream home!

Feel free to contact me today to get started!

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!

Spring is a great time of year here on Lake Nacimiento!  Those who have a vacation home in Oak Shores orHeritage Ranch begin to find time to escape for the weekend to enjoy the warmer weather and activities that the season brings.  Yet, whether you’re a vacationer on Lake Nacimiento or a permanent resident; the spring brings about a list of things to do in your Lake Nacimiento home.

Now is a great time to get outdoors and work on the landscaping and environment surrounding your home on Lake Nacimiento.  As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent for a number of years, I know that homeowners on Lake Nacimiento take great care of their homes, as Oak Shores and Heritage Ranch are communities that enjoy creating welcoming and beautiful surroundings for everyone to enjoy.

So, whether you’re getting ready to spruce up your place or you’re considering selling your Lake Nacimiento home this spring; below are a few ideas for enhancing your curb appeal!  No matter what your budget, there are things you can do to create a welcoming and well maintained environment for your Lake Nacimiento home.  Take a look!

For Free:

Clean up existing plant beds by removing weeds and overgrown plants.

Prune shrubs, but not into an unnatural ball or square shape.

Trim tree branches that hang too low and create hazards.

For $100:

Create a welcoming entrance with one or two big pots filled with colorful plants.

Make a significant impact on your landscape with a few 5-gallon trees for about $35 each, if you plan to stay in your home for at least five years.

Buy seeds, such as a mix of wildflowers, and cover much more ground than $100 worth of plants.

For $500:

Invest in a couple of great architectural pots that make a statement at your entrance. Add rounded boxwoods or a seasonal planting of ornamental grasses and colorful annuals.

Add a bench or garden ornament, such as a trellis or birdbath, to a key spot or a nice mailbox and with some plantings at the base.

Spruce up your foundation plantings with a border of long-blooming perennials.

Pay someone to professionally prune or selectively remove (and replace) overgrown bushes.

Of course these are just a few ideas to help you get started!  Giving your outdoor space a fresh start this spring will ensure you can enjoy it during the warm weather seasons.  You’ll also help provide a well kept and attractive atmosphere to the Oak Shores and Heritage Ranch communities!

Looking for more ways to get your Lake Nacimiento home ready for summer?  Check out more tips and local Lake Nacimiento businesses that can help you get your work done!

Lake Nacimiento Spring Checklist

Service air conditioning: 
Chaparral Heating and Cooling, 805-239-3545

Mid State Roofing:
Get those roof repairs done now, Wade 805-462-9545

Whit’s Tree Service:
For tree trimming and brush clearing, 805-458-5368

Handyman items: 
Get those “honey-do” items done now, Johnny Smith 805-472-2680

Repair holes in screens and adjust screen doors if not sliding properly:
King City Glass, 831-385-3295 or www.kingcityglass.com

Clean windows:
Michael’s Windows, 805-466-1812

Clean barbeque and fill propane tanks:
Propane at Bee Rock Store

Carpet cleaning:
North County Carpet, 805-239-9355

Power wash decks and/or stain if needed. Touch up painting:
Alex Ferrel, 805-598-4052

Service your Boat:
JR’s Boat Repair, 805-239-5619 and 805-459-8030 (cell)

Satellite TV:
Reactivate if you have deactivated service for winter. Check batteries in your remotes!

Check fire extinguishers.

Check smoke alarms and change batteries.

Check condition of garbage cans. Make sure you have ammonia and bungee cords on hand!

Buy your Monterey County lake permit:
Have your personal mailing info, CF number (4 numbers and 2 letters) and a Visa or MasterCard ready ($100). Call this number from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday: 805-472-2311.

Get your 2012 Gate Stickers on now. Avoid the long holiday lines at the gate!

If you have any questions about living on Lake Nacimiento, are looking for a home in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch, or need to sell your Lake Nacimiento home; please let me know!   I would love to discuss your real estate needs and walk with you through the home buying or selling process.

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!

Selling your Lake Nacimiento home this spring can be an easy and stress free transaction if you’re ready to put in a little work and find the right Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent!  As one who’s worked with buyers and sellers on Lake Nacimiento for a number of years; I know that it can seem overwhelming at first.  But my goal is to break each portion of the process down so that you have a clear understanding of the next step.

In this busier spring Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market, you may be wondering how your home will stand out from the competition.  Since the market is still leaning somewhat in the favor of buyers, you’ll want to give them a reason to choose your home in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch over the other homes currently on the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market.  Here are five ways to help get your Lake Nacimieto home sold quickly!

1. Research- While your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will provide you with comparables of what other homes in your neighborhood are selling for, taking the time to do a little research on your own will help you prepare for what you can expect.  Take note of home prices in your area and what upgrades those homes have to offer.

2. Fix it Up- You’ll want to know what needs to be fixed before buyers begin looking at your home.  Having a “pre-inspection” by a home inspector will allow you to fix any necessary repairs so that they don’t come up in the buyers home inspection.  This can help speed up the process once you find an interested buyer.

3. Act Like a Buyer- If you were looking at your home as a buyer, what would you see?  Are there any updates you’d want to make such as paint, appliances or finishes?  Acting like a buyer for your own home will give you insight into what you can do to make your Lake Nacimiento home more attractive to buyers.

4. Make it Move In Ready- Today’s buyers have the option to be picky and many want a home that’s move in ready.  Your home will need to have those key factors that are now considered standard in a Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home such as granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

5. Price it Right- This is a key factor that cannot be stressed enough.  Pricing a home correctly from the beginning will help you sell your home more quickly.  Your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will work with you to show you what other homes are selling for and to determine a fair market value for your home. If your home is priced too high, it  will sit on the market and you’ll eventually have to lower your price.  If you decide on a price that is the lowest you’d like to go, be prepared to offer buyers other incentives such as closing costs or a flexible closing date.

After reviewing these tips, you should feel more confident about selling your home on Lake Nacimiento.  Whether you’re selling your vacation home or permanent residence here in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch, I would love to help you throughout the home selling process.  My personalized marketing strategy for your home will ensure you receive the best possible service, and will help get your home sold in an efficient and stress free manner!

Feel free to contact me today to get started!

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!

You’ve heard many great things about life on Lake Nacimiento from friends, family or searching online for vacation spots in Central California, but you haven’t had a chance to visit. Now you can without ever leaving your home! Our Lake Nacimiento web cam allows you to take in views of this beautiful lake and get a glimpse of what make this area such a great place to vacation or even settle in long term!

If you already are a resident of Lake Nacimiento, this is a great tool for you as well. You can determine whether the lake is calm, if there are a lot of people out enjoying boating and skiing, and if you want to venture out for a day on Lake Nacimiento!

Our webcams refresh the image every three seconds; so you’ll always have an up to date view of Lake Nacimiento!

Interested in the Lake Nacimiento water levels? We’ve teamed up with the Monterey County water resources to provide you with access to the lake levels report! View the Lake Nacimiento lake levels report.

As a Lake Nacimineto Real Estate agent, my goal is to provide you with as much information about life in the gatedOak Shores or Heritage Ranch communities on Lake Nacimiento. If you have questions regarding Lake Nacimiento, or are interested in buying a home in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch; please let me know!

I would be happy to take you on a tour around the lake and show you the homes that are currently available on Lake Nacimiento. With a wide variety of styles, lake views and price ranges; you’re sure to find a home to fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence or just want to spend your vacations relaxing onLake Nacimiento; you’ll be glad you chose the Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch community! 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

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!

Spring is here on Lake Nacimiento, and with it arrives the beginning of long season of outdoor events for those living or vacationing on its scenic shores.  The upcoming holiday weekend provides a great escape for those who venture to their Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch vacation home.  Even those who make Lake Nacimiento their home year round enjoy the excitement that the warmer weather brings.

Part of the perks of living or vacationing on Lake Nacimiento is the vibrant community in which you can be involved!  The Oak Shores Community Association provides fun activities and ways to meet neighbors and gather with family and friends.  If you’re planning on enjoying Lake Nacimiento this weekend, you won’t want to miss this upcoming event!

2nd Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
Oak Shores Miniature Golf Course

Saturday, April 7 at 10am

- Everyone’s invited to the 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt taking place this Saturday!  This is a fun time for children to hunt for eggs filled with treats, and for parents, family and friends to watch the wonder and excitement of the search!  There will be two age groups: 0-5 years and 6-10 years so that everyone gets a chance to find the hidden eggs.  You’ll want to bring your own Easter basket and a camera to capture the fun!  Parents will need to RSVP to Janice (472-9404) or Susan (796-9978) with your child’s name and age.  Don’t miss out on this fun event!

As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, I enjoy highlighting things that are taking place within the Lake Nacimiento community.  I know that buying a home or vacation getaway is much more than the home itself.  You want to find that dream home in a place you feel comfortable and in a community that has a lot to offer!

If you’re interested in learning more about what life is like on Lake Nacimiento; I’d love to talk with you!  Better yet, come visit Lake Nacimiento to get a feel for the lifestyle and to begin searching for the Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home that fits you perfectly!

I’d enjoy the opportunity to discuss your real estate needs as well as show you some of the beautiful homes currently on the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market.  Feel free to contact me today to get started!

Have a Happy Easter!

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!

In working with Lake Nacimiento buyers as a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, I’m often asked if now is a good time to buy a home.  Most buyers are aware that the current national housing market is leaning in their favor, but this large financial decision is still one to take seriously.

Being in a buyers market means that there are currently more homes on the market than there are buyers, and homes are selling for less than they’re worth.  But is that enough reason to jump in and buy?  Below are just a few of the additional reasons, as pointed out by Quicken Loans, that you’ll want to seriously consider buying a Lake Nacimiento home this spring!

Appreciation- Buying an Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home now (at the current rates) can almost ensure your home’s appreciation in the future.  Mortgage rates are near historic lows and home prices are the lowest the nation has seen in 10 years!  If you hold on to the home until after the market improves, this can result in a significant return on investment!

Property Tax Deductions- For income tax purposes, real estate property taxes for a vacation home and first home are fully deductible.  The IRS (Publication 530) provides detailed tax information on and answers questions on what deductions for which home owners are eligible.

Preferential Tax Treatment- If you own your home for over a year and receive more profit than the allowable exclusion after the sale of your home, the profit will be considered a capital asset, which are given preferential tax treatment.

Equity Building- There are many factors that play into the final decision of which mortgage loan works best for you such as credit qualification, loan flexibility and annual percentage rate (APR).  However, there’s a new trend towards equity building among today’s buyers which means paying more on a loan each month in order to decrease the principle balance more quickly.  This trend, called equity building, allows borrowers to:

- Pay off the principle balance faster

- Lock in record low interest rates

- Shorten the length of their home loan

- Own their home faster

- Pay substantially less mortgage interest

Pride- This aspect is still key when it comes to the benefits of owning your own home.  Going through the home buying process, building value into your home and having a place to call your own is still a thriving portion of the American dream.

As you can see, there are substantial reasons why buying a Lake Nacimiento home this spring is a great idea!  There are a wide variety of beautiful homes currently available in Oak Shores or Heritage ranch, so you’ll be able to find a home this fits your needs and lifestyle.

I’m always here to answer any questions you have about buying a Lake Nacimiento home and look forward to talking with you!  Contact me today to get started with your Lake Nacimiento home search!

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!

If you’re considering buying an Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch home on Lake Nacimiento, you’re probably already well aware that the current real estate market is leaning in the favor of buyers.  Low mortgage rates and fantastic home prices are reason enough to want to jump in on buying a home now!

Yet, we all know that buying a home is a large financial decision and one that needs to be weighed carefully.  Whether you’re buying a second home as a vacation getaway on Lake Nacimiento, or you’re planning on settling in permanently to this beautiful Central California location; buying a home can still be stressful at times.  While it’s exciting to look at the homes currently on the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market, you may be a little nervous about everything running smoothly.

As a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent serving the Lake Nacimiento community for a number of years, I can tell you that buying a home can in fact be a stress free transaction!  Below are seven of the factors that will play a role in a smooth home buying experience.

1. Know when it’s the right time in your life to buy- Decide whether to buy based on your life and what makes sense for you, your family, your plans and your finances. Then, use the news about what’s going on in the market to decide how to buy: what kind of house to buy, what sort of loan to use, how much to offer, and other strategies for executing your home buying plans.

2. Get a good grip on what to expect during the homebuying process- Research as much as possible, but be sure to decide on a trusted Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent as soon as possible.  They’ll be able to give you a layout of what you can expect from buying a Lake Nacimiento home.  Ask your agent when you’re expected to show up so you can take time off work, and when you’re expected to write checks so you can be prepared.

3. Learn how to prevent money surprises during escrow- When you first apply for a loan, you’ll receive a good faith estimate which is a standardized list of costs associated with obtaining the mortgage and a breakdown of the monthly mortgage payment due on the mortgage for which you were approved.  Keep in mind this is just an estimate.  When you close on escrow, you’ll pay prorated mortgage interest and property taxes from the date of closing till the end of the month. The date of closing can make a difference in thousands of dollars required to close. Ask your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent to help you set your closing date in accordance with the cash you have at your disposal.

4. Find the right Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent- Finding the right Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent can make all the difference!  Be sure to look for the following:  member of the National Association of Realtors, experienced in the transaction you envision (short sale, foreclosure, etc…), great referrals and testimonials, is a problem solver, and appeals to your personality style (you could potentially be spending a lot of time with your realtor, so you want to make sure it’s a good fit).

5. Solve the problem of how much you want to offer- This can be tricky, but there are some ways to determine the price of your offer.  Your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which shows what other houses in the area are selling for.  You can also determine the price by the sellers’ motivation to sell as well as the current market factors- which happen to be in the buyers’ favor right now!

6. Avoid buying a lemon- You may have nightmares of coming home to a recent home purchase only to find it falling apart.  Ways to avoid this are to thoroughly go over the disclosures which are required to list out issues or recent repairs within the home, get a home inspection, have contingencies in place when making your offer, maintain a home warranty policy that will cover many major malfunctions for a service call fee.

7. Know when to remove contingencies or waive objections- Removing contingencies or waiving objections usually puts thousands of dollars on the line, so it’s not a step to be taken lightly. Plus, by removing contingencies or waiving your objections, you are essentially telling the seller that you plan to close the deal — something you just shouldn’t do unless and until you are satisfied with the following items: title, disclosures and inspections, condition issues, appraisal and underwriting.  Your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent can help you determine if and when you need to take this step.

Being as prepared as possible to buy a home and knowing some of the things to avoid can create a sense of calm during the home buying process.  Of course I’m always here to answer any questions you have and can guide you through each step of buying a Lake Nacimiento home!

Please feel free to contact me today to get started!

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!

Choosing the ideal Lake Nacimiento home can be tough with so many beautiful homes currently on the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market.  Living on Lake Nacimiento is all about waterfront living with spectacular lake views and an array of activities right at your front door!

In working in the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market for a number of years as a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, I’ve helped many buyers find their ideal vacation home or permanent residence.  It’s exciting to guide people in finding that one home that fits their style and needs, and walk them through the home buying process.

If you’re interested in buying a Lake Nacimiento home, there are four key factors you’ll want to determine when choosing your home.  Once you’ve narrowed down your responses to these important elements; your Lake Nacimiento home search will be a breeze.  Take a look!

1. View- You’ll want to determine how important view is to you and what type of view you want.  If a panoramic lake view is what you have your heart set on, point this out to your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent as the item on the top of your list for your home.  However, if a beautiful wooded view is just as appealing, or you’re not too concerned with what you will wake up to each day, knowing the lake is only a few minutes away; acknowledging this to your agent will move the process along.

2. Level Lot- Oftentimes, buyers will come to Lake Nacimiento hoping to spend time gardening or on their outdoor patio.  They may even have plans for a pool or simply want a large lot for their pets to run around.  Finding a nice, level lot may be a big wish on the list, and your Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent will be able to provide you with some great options.

3. Proximity to Water- For those who long to enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing or swimming in Lake Nacimiento; a lot that has a boat slip or backs up to the lake will be a main priority.  Determine how close you’d like to be to Lake Nacimiento and you’ll easily cut down on some of your search time and can more easily find the home of your dreams!

4. Privacy- A quiet respite is a top priority for many when they come to Lake Nacimiento.  Whether it’s for a secluded vacation getaway or retiring without a neighbor in site; privacy can be a key factor in determining which home is right for you.

No matter what factors top your list for your Lake Nacimient home, I hope that thinking through these four key elements of lake living has helped narrow down your search.  If you have questions about homes that are currently on the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market or are ready to begin your Lake Nacimiento home search; please let me know!  As an experienced Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, I would enjoy helping you find your home on Lake Nacimiento quickly and efficiently.

I look forward to talking with 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

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!

It’s that time of year again when tax season is on most people’s minds, and as a Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agent, I know many people have questions when it comes to taxes for their Lake Nacimiento home.

April 15 is quickly approaching and some of you have probably already started gathering up your paperwork, and may have begun working on your taxes.  For those of you who haven’t started yet, or if you’re a new homeowner on Lake Nacimiento; you’ll want to review the nine most common mistakes, as pointed out by HouseLogic, that keep homeowners from getting their full refund or that may cause questions from the IRS.

Mistake #1: Deducting the wrong year for property taxes- You take a tax deduction for property taxes in the year you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some taxing authorities work a year behind—that is, you’re not billed for 2011 property taxes until 2012. But that’s irrelevant to the feds.  Enter on your federal forms whatever amount you actually paid in 2011, no matter what the date is on your tax bill. Dave Hampton, CPA, tax manager at the Cincinnati accounting firm of Burke & Schindler, has seen home owners confuse payments for different years and claim the incorrect amount.

Mistake #2: Confusing escrow amount for actual taxes paid- If your lender escrows funds to pay your Lake Nacimiento property taxes, don’t just deduct the amount escrowed, says Bob Meighan, CPA and vice president at TurboTax in San Diego. The regular amount you pay into your escrow account each month to cover property taxes is probably a little more or a little less than your property tax bill. Your lender will adjust the amount every year or so to realign the two.

Mistake #3: Deducting points paid to refinance- Deduct points you paid your lender to secure your mortgage in full for the year you bought your Lake Nacimiento home. However, when you refinance, says Meighan, you must deduct points over the life of your new loan. If you paid $2,000 in points to refinance into a 15-year mortgage, your tax deduction is $133 per year.

Mistake #4: Failing to deduct private mortgage insurance- Lenders require home buyers with a downpayment of less than 20% to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). Avoid the common mistake of forgetting to deduct your PMI payments. However, note the deduction begins to phase out once your adjusted gross income reaches $100,000 and disappears entirely when your AGI surpasses $109,000.

Mistake #5: Misjudging the home office tax deduction- This deduction may not be as good as it seems. It often doesn’t amount to much of a deduction, has to be recaptured if you turn a profit when you sell your Lake Nacimiento home, and can pique the IRS’s interest in your return. Hampton’s advice: Claim it only if it’s worth those drawbacks.

Mistake #6: Failing to track home-related expenses- If the IRS comes a-knockin’, don’t be scrambling to compile your records. Many people forget to track home office and home maintenance and repair expenses, says Meighan. File away documents as you go. For example, save each manufacturer’s certification statement for energy tax credits, insurance company statements for PMI, and lender or government statements to confirm property taxes paid.

Mistake #7: Forgetting to keep track of capital gains- If you sold your main home last year, don’t forget to pay capital gains taxes on any profit. However, you can exclude $250,000 (or $500,000 if you’re a married couple) of any profits from taxes. So if you bought a home for $100,000 and sold it for $400,000, your capital gains are $300,000. If you’re single, you owe taxes on $50,000 of gains. However, there are minimum time limits for holding property to take advantage of the exclusions, and other details. Consult IRS Publication 523.

Mistake #8: Filing incorrectly for energy tax credits- If you made any eligible improvements, fill out Form 5695. Part I, which covers the 30%/$1,500 credit for such items as insulation and windows, is fairly straightforward. But Part II, which covers the 30%/no-limit items such as geothermal heat pumps, can be incredibly complex and involves crosschecking with half a dozen other IRS forms.

Mistake #9: Claiming too much for the mortgage interest tax deduction- You can deduct mortgage interest only up to $1 million of mortgage debt, says Meighan. If you have $1.2 million in mortgage debt, for example, deduct only the mortgage interest attributable to the first $1 million.

I hope seeing these mistakes will help you avoid them, and give you the greatest return when it comes to taxes on your Lake Nacimiento home.  While it can be confusing, making sure to look over everything carefully and taking your time to go through the process can help you avoid these mistakes.  Of course, I’m here to help answer any questions you may have!

If you don’t currently own a home in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch on Lake Nacimiento, but are looking to buy a home this spring; please let me know!  I love to talk with buyers about what makes Lake Nacimiento an ideal place for a vacation home or permanent residence.  I will even walk with you throughout the entire home buying process to ensure everything runs smoothly!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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

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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.

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