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Real estate broker, civil engineer and general contractor.
Community Events

Nevada County Habitat for Humanity Announce Women Build Together

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Nevada County Habitat for Humanity and See Jane Do announce “Women Build Together”! An initiative that empowers women to roll up their sleeves to help solve the poverty housing issue faced by women & children today. Women teams work with experts to learn construction skills and use those skills to build a Habitat home.

See Jane Do’s Soiree into Action events are “Parties with a Purpose” engaging women with networking opportunities and fun filled activities to stimulate action.

To kick off the Habitat for Humanity and See Jane Do partnership, we’re hosting  a Women Build Together Soiree into Action. Come meet other Women Build teams, form your own and connect. Plus, learn do-it-yourself tips and techniques from special guests, Samantha Hinrichs of Mud and Pearls and Monica Hughes of Naked Tree Woodworking.

You are the solution – Take ownership of a major women’s issue and be a role model. Join in the effort to provide affordable housing for local families in need!

Click here to register for this free event. Drinks and appetizers provided.

 

Thursday, March 29th 2012
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Haven Underground, 226 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA

FREE

Register for our “Women Build” event today!

Click here to form a Women Build Team!

For a list of team sponsor levels and to see benefits of joining, click here to view our Women Build 2012 Program Packet
Become a See Jane Do member today!

Nevada County Habitat for Humanity
PO Box 2997
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-1951
www.nchabitat.org
habitat@nchabitat.org

 

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nevada county fair

Nevada County Fair Accepting Applications for Local Enterainers

By Wendy Oaks

Applications available for those interested in performing or demonstrating at this year’s Fair

The Nevada County Fair is now accepting applications for local entertainers and community acts to perform at the 2012 Nevada County Fair, August 8 – 12.  Do you have a dance group you’d like to see perform at the Fair? Does your group have a skill they’d like to demonstrate to Fair-goers? Want to do a martial arts demonstration or a cheer leading demonstration or show off your baton twirling skills? If so, the Fairgrounds wants your application. This is a great way to share your talents with the community!

Applications are now available on the website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.  To be considered, the application must be returned to the Fairgrounds by June 1. There is no paid compensation for community showcases and demonstrations.

The application is for those interested in performing on the Dance Pad (available afternoon and evening hours); The Green (available during afternoon hours); or the Tumbleweed Stage (available evening hours only).

This year’s Fair is August 8 – 12, and the theme is “Barnyard Safari.” For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

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Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217

wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic                           September 20 – 23, 2012
Halloween at the Fairgrounds       October 27, 2012
Country Christmas Faire                  November 23 – 25, 2012
Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

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Entertainment

Casino Royale Mega Yacht to Vist Stockton

The Ship Casino Royale
The Ship Casino Royale

Stockton’s downtown marina will soon become the temporary home for one of the world’s best known super yachts, the 163 foot Casino Royale. The James Bond themed ship  arrived in Stockton at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21st; culminating a 10,000 mile journey which began in Genoa, Italy, last October. The yacht is owned by retired Fresno area CEO and business owner David McDonald. Regarding the ship’s Stockton arrival, Mr. McDonald stated, “I am thrilled to now have the Casino Royale so close to home. I really enjoy the California Delta and have many good friends in Stockton. The outstanding hospitality extended to us by the Stockton Marina and the City of Stockton is greatly appreciated. We are planning a number of exciting West Coast cruises based out of Stockton over the next year, including the Northwest and Alaska.”

The yacht’s westward trek from Italy included a comprehensive maintenance period in Florida where the ship’s mast was lowered by four feet to allow for passage beneath Stockton’s I-5 bridge. Other advance preparations include the yacht funded installation of custom shore power at the Stockton Marina. It is believed that the Casino Royale will be the largest private yacht to ever venture this far into the Delta. Mr. McDonald is a former member of the Delta Yacht Club and several years ago he berthed one of his previous yachts, the Halo, at Stockton’s River Point Landing.

ABOUT THE CASINO ROYALE

Owned by California businessman David McDonald, The Casino Royale is a spectacular 163 foot mega yacht built by Christensen Shipyards in Vancouver, Washington. Launched in the fall of 2008 after a three year build, the yacht was constructed under the close direction of famed yacht builder John Staluppi and remains the largest Christensen ever built. With dozens of unique features and a breathtaking interior, the Casino Royale was named “Queen of the Miami Boat Show” in 2009. The ship’s beam (width) is thirty feet, the draft (depth below waterline) is nine feet, the air draft (height above waterline) is fifty feet, and the yacht’s total weight is 848,000 pounds. Carrying 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel, she has trans-Atlantic range; and holds 2200 gallons of fresh water which is constantly replenished from sea water by two RO water makers. The Casino Royale cruises at twelve knots and has a top speed of eighteen knots. The yacht is powered by twin MTU engines producing 3540 horsepower, has three 480 volt high output generators, bow and stern thrusters, and zero-speed stabilizers.

Unique to the Casino Royale’s interior is the elaborate stonework throughout, striking original artwork, and extensive sapele mahogany raised panel woodwork. With six luxurious guest staterooms (each with en suite bath), the yacht can accommodate twelve guests who are constantly cared for by the ship’s permanent ten-person crew.

The yacht’s advanced audio/video system includes twenty-two HD televisions, US, European, and Caribbean satellite TV throughout, a movie library with 4200 titles, and a ten camera security system. There’s plenty of room to roam with 7000 feet of interior space in addition to 3000 feet of exterior deck space; and all four decks are accessible via elevator. The yacht has three tenders and carries four jet skis, two Vespa scooters, and two Segways. The Casino Royale has fifteen bathrooms, common area seating for ninety-six people, a top deck hot tub, and a commercial scale galley which can serve seventy meals per day. The Marshall Islands registered yacht’s prior cruising areas include Alaska, the US Northwest, the Panama Canal and Central America, Bahamas, the Caribbean, México, the Mediterranean, and the US East Coast. For complete photo library and more information, go to YachtCasinoRoyale.com.

For further information contact:
Erin Johnson ~ (559) 323-8108
Casino Royale Office Administrator
erin@mcdonaldoffices.com
YachtCasinoRoyale.com

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Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

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nevada county fair

Nevada County Fairgrounds Seeking Nominations for Fair Family Of The Year

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The Granholm Family – (from left to right) Kaycee, Danny, Katie and Ben – recognized at the Nevada County Fair as the Family of the Year, 2011. Credit: Photo provided by Shaffers Originals
The Granholm Family – (from left to right) Kaycee, Danny, Katie and Ben – recognized at the Nevada County Fair as the Family of the Year, 2011. Credit: Photo provided by Shaffers Originals

Community Encouraged to Nominate Nevada County Families

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is seeking nominations for the 2012 Fair Family of the Year. Each year a family is recognized at the Nevada County Fair, and this year the Fairgrounds is asking the community for its help in nominating a family for this special award.

To be considered, the Fair team is looking for a family who is very involved with the Fair, either through exhibiting or volunteering, and passionate about the Fair. Families chosen in previous years were recognized for their commitment to, and involvement with, the Nevada County Fair and the community.

If you’d like to nominate a family, please submit a one page summary of why you think the family of your choice deserves recognition as the 2012 Fair Family of the Year. The family chosen will be honored at opening ceremonies of the Nevada County Fair, and will also receive daily admission to the Fair, a season parking pass, ride coupons, and a family portrait from Schaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

Submit your nomination no later than April 16, 2012 to reply@NevadaCountyFair.com or mail it to the Nevada County Fairgrounds at P.O. Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA  95945.

This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12, and the theme is “Barnyard Safari!” Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information or call (530) 273-6217.

 

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 8 – 12, 2012

Draft Horse Classic                            September 20 – 23, 2012

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 27, 2012

Country Christmas Faire                  November 23 – 25, 2012

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Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

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Real Estate

FHA Mortgages Are Poised To Get More Expensive

Logo of the Federal Housing Administration.
Image via Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) plans to impose significant restrictions on the amount of money that sellers can contribute at closing in the near future.  The FHA also will be raising its mortgage insurance premiums during the coming weeks, increasing charges for new purchases across the board.

Making sense of the story

  • One reason for the increase in fees is that over the last six years, the number of FHA loans used by buyers has increased significantly.  The housing program is financing 40 percent or more of all new-home purchases in some areas and is a crucial resource for first-time buyers and moderate-income families.  This is especially because of the low 3.5 percent down payment required for most FHA loans.
  • During this span of rapid growth, the FHA’s insurance fund capital reserves have steadily deteriorated – far below congressionally mandated levels.  And delinquencies have been increasing.  As a result, the FHA is under the gun to get its own house in order, cut insurance claims, and rebuild its reserves.
  • Under the changes, the FHA will lower its seller concession cap to 3 percent of the home price or $6,000, whichever is greater.  Currently, the FHA allows up to 6 percent of the price of the house to go toward buyers’ closing costs.
  • Beyond that change, the FHA also plans significant increases in insurance premiums – upfront premiums will rise to 1.75 percent from 1 percent, effective April 1, and annual premiums will increase by 0.1 percent on all loans under $625,000 and 0.35 percent on mortgage amounts above that, effective June 1.

Read the full story

 

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For all your real estate needs:
Call or email today
John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Real Estate Broker
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

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Real Estate

Mortgage Settlement Could Lead to More Scams

The recent announcement of the $25 million mortgage settlement between five major banks and state and federal government officials was probably welcome news to many people in the real estate business. But it has at least one downside: It will probably cause a rise in scams targeting borrowers seeking assistance.

Currently, between $4 billion and $6 billion is lost each year due to borrower-assistance swindles, says Joanne Kerstetter, vice president of education and community relations for Money Management International, a credit counseling service based in Sugar Land, Texas. Those numbers could go up over the next few years as scammers take advantage of the mortgage deal in their schemes.

“They’ll use government terms,” Kerstetter says. “They’re going to sound very official, as if they’re part of the settlement.”

Also, some of these scammers will guarantee access to borrower assistance funds. That’s a major red flag, she says. “Generally speaking, the advertisements that say, ‘Call us to get money,’ are not representing organizations officially involved with the settlement,” Kerstetter says.

In general, consumers should be wary of any company that reaches out to them with unsolicited offers of assistance. If they need help, they should contact their lenders or a financial counseling agency certified by HUD, Kerstetter says.

“The important thing is not to release any contact information to anyone who approaches you,” she explains. “Don’t sign anything unless you’re clear about what you’re signing and that your mortgage lender is involved in the process. If you’re making payments, make sure they’re going to the loan servicer or mortgage provider.”

By Brian Summerfield, REALTOR® Magazine

Read More

What You Need to Know About the Mortgage Settlement

4 Ways to ID Borrower-Assistance Scammer

 

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Call or email now

John J. O’Dell
Broker/Owner
O’Dell Realty
(530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE# 00669941

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Business, Real Estate

Facts On The 3.8% Health Tax

 

Tax
Tax (Photo credit: 401K)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 3.8 percent levy on certain investment income was included in healthcare legislation two years ago, and now misinformation about the tax’s application to home sales is being passed along over the Internet and e-mail, throwing some prospective home sellers into a panic. In actuality, very few owners will be affected by the new tax taking effect in 2013.

The tax will only be on investment income of upper income taxpayers. Included in the definition of investment income is capital gains from home sales above a certain amount and for households whose income is above a certain amount.  This means individuals who make $200,000 a year or more, or married couples who earn at least $250,000 a year are affected. Additionally, the tax is only applied to home sales if the proceeds exceed $250,000 for an individual, or $500,000 for married couples. And there still are other income and tax particulars that are considered before the 3.8 percent tax is triggered.

The National Association of REALTORS® recommends that members become familiar with the tax, but avoid coaching their clients on the policy because the amount of tax will vary from individual to individual as the elements that comprise adjusted gross income differ from taxpayer to taxpayer. NAR has published a brochure on how the tax works, which is now available online.

Download the 3.8% tax brochure (PDF).

Source:NAR and “Realtors Say Despite Efforts, Tax Rumor Keeps Spreading,” Glens Falls Post-Star (NY) (03/10/12)

 

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For all your real estate needs:
Call or email today
John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Real Estate Broker
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

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animals

This Is Einstein – The Parrot

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httpv://youtu.be/nbrTOcUnjNY

 

Its amazing how smart birds and animals can be.  We don’t give them enough credit for all of their abilities.

Studies with captive birds have given insight into which birds are the most intelligent. While parrots are able to mimic human speech, studies with the African Grey Parrot have shown that some are able to associate words with their meanings and form simple sentences. Along with crows, ravens, and jays, parrots are considered the most intelligent of birds. The brain-to body size ratio of psittacines and corvines is actually comparable to that of higher primates.One argument against the supposed intelligent capabilities of bird species is that birds have a relatively small cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain considered to be the main area of intelligence in other animals. However, birds use a different part of the brain, the medio-rostral neostriatum / hyper striatum ventrale, as the seat of their intelligence. Not surprisingly, research has shown that these species tend to have the largest hyperstriata, and Dr Harvey J. Karten, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, who studied bird physiology, has discovered that the lower part of the avian brain is functionally similar to that in humans. Not only have parrots demonstrated intelligence through scientific testing of their language-using ability, but some species of parrot such as the Kea are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles.[

Meet the Knoxville Zoo ‘s avian SUPERSTAR, Einstein.  Go  visit Einstein the African gray parrot at the Knoxville Zoo’s Bird Show, Knoxville, TN USA

 

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Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
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(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

 

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nevada county fair

Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation To Host Crab Cioppino Feed

The magnificent six-up competition is always a crowd favorite at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.
The magnificent six-up competition is always a crowd favorite at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.


Join the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation at its second annual Crab Cioppino Feed on Saturday, March 31 at 6 pm at Ponderosa Hall at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

For the event, Chef Arnie Romanello will create and serve his special 100-year-old recipe for all to enjoy. Dinner includes antipasto, all-you-can-eat Cioppino, salad and garlic bread. A no-host bar will also be available, and there will be a silent dessert auction and a live auction.

Tickets are $40 per person.  Receive a $5 discount per ticket (up to four tickets) if you renew your Foundation membership or become a 2012 Foundation member at time of purchase.

Tickets are available by visiting the Nevada County Fairgrounds, calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217, or downloading an order form at www.NevadaCountyFair.com/Foundation.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation and its mission of supporting and improving the community’s Fairgrounds.

For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call the (530) 273-6217.

By:

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

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Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

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Real Estate

Three Sarcramento Attorneys Arrested For Mortgage Scam

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Attorney General Kamala D. Harris  announced the arrests of  Sacramento  attorneys that took thousands of dollars in up-front loan modification fees for services that were never performed for homeowners, many of whom ended up losing their homes.

Attorneys Gregory Flahive of El Dorado Hills, 39, Cynthia Flahive of Folsom, 41, and Mike Johnson of Elk Grove, 42, were arrested on 19 felony counts, including grand theft by false pretense, conspiracy and false advertising. They were booked at the Sacramento County Jail with bail set at $50,000 bail each.

“Homeowners facing foreclosure are being targeted by predators, including those who use their law license to gain credibility and scam innocent Californians,” Attorney General Harris said. “My office’s Mortgage Fraud Strike Force is dedicated full-time to cracking down on these deceptive practices and protecting homeowners from fraud like this.”

Gregory and Cynthia Flahive, ex-spouses and owners of Flahive Law Corporation, and Johnson, the firm’s managing attorney, took up-front fees of up to $2,500 from homeowners in Placer, Sacramento, Butte and Yuba counties for loan modification services that were never performed. In California, it is illegal for foreclosure consultants to collect money for services before they are performed.

The Folsom-based law firm advertised their services on flyers, radio and televised infomercials, offering to provide loan modification services and help clients with bankruptcy, IRS tax relief and credit card modification.

In a 2010 infomercial, the Flahives said that, as a law firm, they had “extra leverage” with the banks. They described one of their unique services as a “mortgage violation audit” in which they reviewed a client’s loan documents to find bank violations that could be used as leverage to modify a client’s home loan.

In fact, the investigation revealed that, in some instances, the client’s lender had no record of contact with the Flahive Law Corporation.

Former clients of the Flahive Law Corporation filed complaints with the Attorney General’s office, as well as with the Better Business Bureau and the State Bar of California.

The State Bar of California launched an investigation, which was turned over to the Attorney General’s Mortgage Fraud Strike Force in summer 2011.

In one example of the firm’s deceptive practices, a victim who sought to lower his mortgage payments was told by Gregory Flahive to reject his lender’s offer of modification. The homeowner was told the Flahive Law Corporation could secure a better interest rate, reduce his principal, and possibly get his second mortgage eliminated. Four months later, the victim lost his home to foreclosure.

 

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For all your real estate needs:
Call or email today
John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Real Estate Broker
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE #00669941

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