Real Estate in the Gold Country

After many years of working for the major franchise real estate offices, I made the decision to start my own independent brokerage that is 100% focused on the clients real estate needs. What inspired me to do this is I too often found that the management at the franchise offices was more concerned with the company profits then the true needs of the client.

What we focus on is local knowledge, personal attention, and gaining a true understanding of what our clients want and need. Together we will develop a game plan that is specific to the acquisition or disposition of your real estate.

We have a greater flexibility when it comes to marketing your property or searching for your next property. We are focused on you, and not the company profits or franchise rules that often get in the way.

As the Broker/Owner, I’m trained as a CDPE (short sale specialist), have years of experience in residential, land, and commercial transactions, and am a Nevada County Native with a strong local knowledge of what it takes in the foothills of Nevada, Placer and Yuba Counties.

Contact us today when you are ready to sell or purchase. You will be happy you did.

Bret MacLeod – Owner/Broker CDPE, Realtor.
530-228-8285

The 2012 summer here in Nevada County has been filled with adventure. A lot of newcomers have bought real estate in Nevada City and Grass Valley. Lured here by the beautiful Yuba River, which Outside Magazine listed Nevada City and the Yuba River one of the best river towns.

People have been coming here to take advantage of the low real estate prices, great outdoors, and numerous recreation spots such as the Yuba River, and nearby Lake Tahoe, which has world class resorts such as Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood. Closer to Nevada County is Sugar Bowl, a closer drive and boasts the best snowfall of all the resorts.

We had the Nevada County Fair, Willie Nelson played a show recently, and the farmers markets, and Hot Summer Nights. There are more festivities to come throughout the fall and winter.

If you have ever thought about Nevada County and buying real estate here, give me a call or shoot me an email, as a Nevada County Native and an experienced real estate broker, I know all the ins and outs of the local area.

Bret MacLeod Real Estate 530-228-8285 or bret.macleod@gmail.com

In the market today we are seeing an increase in  seller financing.  Seller financing can help sellers move their properties, and can help buyers purchase property when bank financing is hard to get.

Seller financing-If the seller has equity in their property, the buyer can make a down payment, and continue to make payments to the seller.  It’s a negotiable, payment, interest, amortization, balloons, etc.  There are many ways to structure a seller financing deal. 

The benefits to a seller range from monthly income, interest earned on the note they are carrying which is usually much better then they could earn at a bank, more time to decide what to do with their money, a broader market for their property, ability to sell a property in a condition that wouldn’t qualify for a loan, and potential tax benefits.

The benefits to a buyer include the ability to buy a property even if they can’t qualify for traditional financing, time to make any corrections to income, or credit, and less points and fees then bank financing. 

Sellers sometimes worry about having to foreclose on a property they are carrying a note on.  With a large enough down from the buyer, the worst case is the seller will get to keep the down payment, any payments received, and get the property back.  Foreclosures don’t cost as much money as people thing to do.

To find out how to sell your property with seller financing contact me today.

Bret MacLeod-Broker Associate/CDPE/Realtor

Century 21 Gold Dust Realty

530-228-8285 or bret.macleod@gmail.com

With the lack of snow in the mountains this year, mountain biking is a great alternative.  Nevada County has many great rides, from easy rides to challenging single track. 

My favorite rides are the Round Mountain trail network that offers single track, road rides, views of the Sacramento Valley, the Sutter Buttes, the Yuba River, and other local views. 

As spring approaches, Nevada County enters spring at different times.  Lower elevation areas are well into spring while higher elevations are still in winter mode. 

If you want to take a short drive of an hour or less you can take rides in areas where the weather is warm, and trees are leafed out and flowers are in bloom.

While here, check out some local real estate so you can enjoy Nevada County year round.

Contact me for all the info.

Bret MacLeod Broker Associate

530-228-8285 or bret.macleod@gmail.com

www.livingnevadacounty.com

It’s getting to be that time again, time for The Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Every year the festival is hosted by Nevada City, right here in Nevada County. The festival brings all sorts of visitors to our little town of Nevada City. The Three day event has the streets and businesses buzzing with activity as people move from location to location to see the different films and exhibits.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is great for Nevada City businesses and other businesses in the other communities in Nevada County. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and retail stores all benefit from the influx of visitors in Nevada County.

If you have been to the festival before make sure you plan to return this year. If you have never attended, look it up on the web at www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org and try to attend this year. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival goes from January 13 – 15 this year.

While here in Nevada City, and Nevada County take some time to look around at the beauty of Nevada County. For Real Estate information make sure you check out my website at www.livingnevadacounty.com or call or email me at 530-228-8285 or bret.macleod@gmail.com.

Bret MacLeod – Broker Associate/CDPE/Realtor
CENTURY 21 Gold Dust Realty
DRE# 01422536

Happy New Year to all my past, current and future clients! Hope your 2012 is starting off great!

For those of you thinking of making a move in Nevada County Real Estate in the coming year, the time couldn’t be better. As I closed the office doors on Friday December 30, 2011 I left that year with great optimism.

The last business day of the year for real estate in Nevada County ended with escrows being opened, offers being written, and sales closing. My phone was ringing off the hook with new buyers wanting to purchase here in Nevada County.

The time couldn’t be better, I had a buyer lock an interest rate on their loan on Friday at 3.75%. That’s right 3.75%!!! on a 30 year fixed loan. 3.5% down!

If you are thinking of buying in Nevada County, or thinking of selling in Nevada County the time is great. LOW!! interest rates, good inventory, and great pricing. For sellers, buyers are active and in abundance here in Nevada County. Contact me today to find out more!! http://www.bretmacleod.com/

Bret MacLeod – Broker Associate/CDPE/Realtor
CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERT
530-228-8285 or bret.macleod@gmail.com

A Downtown Parade, Masquerade Ball and Carnivale are featured February 18 & 19, 2012 as this colorful Sierra foothills town again celebrates Mardi Gras in Nevada City which is located in Historic Nevada County.

Weekend activities open Saturday night with a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, featuring a live band, in historic Miners Foundry at 325 Spring Street. Cajun food will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Chamber Office for $12. Or, you can purchase tickets on-line or at the door for $15. 21 and over only.  Don’t wait for Saturday night.  Get to Nevada City early and see what all of Nevada County has to offer.

On Sunday, the Mardi Gras Street Faire will be held on North Pine Street, in Historic Downtown Nevada City, from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food, drink, crafts, and clothing. The Mardi Gras Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday and moves down Broad Street through the center of town. It is a rain or shine event. Merry spectators of all ages line the parade route while gaily masked societies parade through the historic district handing out beads, toys, trinkets, bangles and more. Everyone is encouraged to attend in festive Mardi Gras attire.

And new this year! Join the festive after-the-parade Carnivale for the whole family at the Miners Foundry from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.! Enjoy New Orleans style food, hot dogs, ice cream & desserts, soft drinks & specialty coffees. Also featuring a full bar for the adults serving Hurricanes, plus a special Bloody Mary bar. Delight in Cajun music, Izzy the Juggler, drummers, belly dancers, Air Align Cirqe style performances, a bounce house and the ever popular Elvis and Janis Joplin! Tickets at the door only $5 for adults – Kids are FREE!

If you still have energy left after the celebration and are interested in Nevada County Real Estate don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Bret MacLeod -Broker Associate/Realtor CDPE

530-228-8285 or bret.macleod@gmail.com

www.bretmacleod.com

Lately it seems all types of buyers are looking for real estate in Nevada County. The areas of Nevada City, Grass Valley and the surrounding areas offer many buyers an opportunity.

I have buyers looking for horse property, off grid property, rural country property, homestead property, buyers that want to live in the towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and golf property.

I have also had a increase of buyers who are extreme sport enthusiasts who want to be close to mountain bike trails, The Yuba River, or the many sierra ski and snowboard resorts. Many people want to live below the snow and still be able to get up the mountain within an hour for world class skiing and snowboarding.

People who have been thinking of buying in Nevada County should consider it now, and those who don’t know much about Nevada County should search my website and contact me for more information about this great area!

Bret MacLeod – Broker Associate/CDPE/Realtor
530-228-8285 bret.macleod@gmail.com
www.bretmacleod.com