Our forefathers fought hard to give us this holiday.

When the industrial revolution came it modernized the United States and Canada.  There were more jobs. People enjoyed steadier income, but also longer work hours and less pay.  In the early 1900's workers began protecting themselves by forming unions and demanding better working conditions.  They also rallied for an 8 hour work day.   Every year there would be a parade which began in New York city honoring the working man's holiday.  Everyone all over the country was encouraged to participate. 

The choice was to spend the day at work or take the day off without pay.  That began to change when Oregon was the first state to legalize the Labor Day holiday in 1887. Soon other state began to follow.

The first Monday in September is a day to enjoy.  A a day of play or rest.  Whether it's a family get together or a last summer trip to the beach, Labor day is a day to relax and not work.  With that said, I will be stepping away from the computer. 

This is a heart wrenching article about family pets who are abandoned and left alone in foreclosed homes.  How could anybody do this?   Some pets are even left chained up in the back yard. 

With no way to fend for themselves and no food or water, many die a slow horrible death by starvation and dehydration. 

Buying your first home in Sacramento can be exciting and frustrating.  But it doesn't have to be frustrating if we work together.  Where do you begin?

When it's time to talk to a lender about getting a home loan, many first time home buyers are not sure where to begin.  If you know what to expect, you can be well prepared, and save yourself from a lot of headaches along the way. 

What documents are needed?

During the initial interview and loan application, I'll ask questions to see if there are any potential challenges that may need to be addressed during the underwriting process.  Being prepared up front will eliminate having last minute items or verifications called for that wiil hold up funding your home loan. 

• Income (Verification)
  
• Employment History
• Credit Obligations
• Residence History
• Marital Status (If divorced, court documents will be needed.)
• Cash on Hand (Source of down payment and seasoning.)

Processing the information.

Processing the loan file begins with verification of documentation on the application.  We have to receive verification back from your employer, etc.  If there are any items on your job history or credit report that need an explanation letter or to be paid it needs to be done before the file can go to underwriting for approval.  If asked to provide a letter or show proof the that the item has been paid, provide it as soon as possible.

The underwriter will flag any item that has not been properly addressed.  The goal is the fewer conditions from underwriting the better.  No conditions would be perfect.

How long will the whole process take?

Title search must be performed and report sent to lender for review.  This usually takes a few days.  If there are no items that need to be cleared, then we are good to go.

Then there is the appraisal which could take a few days or a week depending on the appraiser's schedule. The appraiser is a separate third party.  If the subject property appraises at or above the purchase price, we can proceed.

The time frame from loan application to funding depends on how long it takes to get ALL of the documentation together - submit to underwriting for approval, handle any conditions that the underwriter places on the file, order loan documents to be sent to title, sign documents, documents sent back to lender to approve signatures, records at county recorders office, releases funds. You get your keys!

The shortest time I've ever taken a loan application from start to finish was 8 days.  That is not the norm.  It's possible if we have everything we need and can submit the file and get it approved, however the normal time frame is around 30 days.  It can always be shorter or longer depending on completion of the items I listed above.

The better prepared we are to get all items processed on time, the easier your experience will be.

Next I'll talk about locking interest rates, how your credit affects your interest rate, also, payments, taxes and insurance.

Here are three important tips to help you prepare for buying your first home.

When applying for a mortgage, lenders not only look at your credit score, but will also consider how you use your available credit. 

• Keep your credit card balances low.  Try not to owe more than 30% of your allowable credit limit.  For example, if your credit limit is $1000 then don't owe more than $300 on that card. 

• Always pay more than the minimum payment and make payments on time.  

• Act like you already own your home.  Another tip to help you on your way to an approved home loan is to show that you are comfortable making that monthly mortgage payment.  For instance, say you are currently renting an apartment for $800 per month.  If you figure your monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) will be around $1300, you could start putting the $500 difference into a savings account.  It will not only help you save for your down payment and closing costs but it will also prove to the lender that you can handle the monthly mortgage payments.  

The New Artworks Gallery in Fair Oaks features works from local residents.  On the 2nd Saturday of the month there is a reception in the main gallery to showcase the exceptional pieces from the collection on one artist. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Illustrator, Donna Naes, who is a lovely woman.  She showed me around and let me take a few photos as long as they were at an angle. 

The colors from the art with the lighting is mesmerizing.  There's no way to capture that feeling of or the smell of canvas and paints.  I love it!

You can purchase paintings and there is also jewelry and hand painted cards and glass art.  The prices are reasonable too. 

The gallery is a combined effort by all of the artists who participate.  Not only do they lease space to hang their art, but they also volunteer their time to work in the gallery.  It's a community. 

If you've not been to the New Arts Gallery in Fair Oaks Village, you need to go.  It's a real treasure. 

This month, beginning on September 8th through October 3rd the theme will be "Fowl Artistry in Fair Oaks."  This will a combination of artists featuring "chickens" of Fair Oaks.

The opening reception will be held on 2nd Saturday, September 11th, from 5:00PM to 9:00PM. 

All visitors get a chance to enter a drawing to win an original piece of work by Richard McHenry. 

The gallery is located at the end of Fair Oaks Villiage at 10239 Fair Oaks Blvd in old Fair Oaks. 

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village shops, have lunch at a cafe and head on over to the gallery.  I should point out that the gallery hours are Wednesday - Sunday from 11-5PM and by appointment.  Find out more by visiting the New Artworks Gallery website. 

A favorite spot in the Sacramento area is Fair Oaks Village located in the town of Fair Oaks.  The chickens actually run wild.  Shop keepers buy food and feed them as well as visitors who feed them pieces of bread.  The deli even has day old bread that you can buy for a quarter.  There's a park across the street from the shops where you can sit and relax. 

You'll always be surrounded by a group of chickens.  Traffic even watches out for them and you'll see someone slow down or stop while they wait for a chicken to cross the road. Chickens are part of the scenery and charm of Old Fair Oaks. 

While sitting in the deli enjoying a "chicken sandwich."  This little one was standing outside the door looking in.  I guess they know they'll get some scrap bread. 

I felt a little guilty. 

Just a little.

Hey.  I eat meat. 

I did buy them some bread though. 

It was a great day hanging out by my lonesome.  There weren't as many people there that Sunday.  It was quiet and I enjoyed taking these photos.

So if you're looking for something to do on a Sunday, spur of the moment and you want to get up and go.  Try Old Town Fair Oaks

There are also upcoming events happening such as the Chicken Festival.  Mumbo Gumbo will be playing and it is expected to have as many as 15,000 people attending.

Just look at those clouds.  Gorgeous colors.  Photo taken by Andrionni Ribo, a local Sacramento Photographer. I met Andy through Facebook and flickr back when just a few folks were using it.  I think he was one of my first fb friends.  We talked about photography. We joined a photography group in Sacramento. Andy kept it up. 

As Autumn is approaching Apple Hill is ALWAYS a part of Autumn in the Sacramento area.  If you live here, it's a staple.  So, I'm going through the online brochures planning what I want to do. 

Did you know that you can go wine tasting year round at Apple Hill?  There are several family run vineyards where you can spend the day.

• Lava Cap Winery
  
• Madrona Vineyards
  
• Wofford Acres Vineyards
  
• Boeger Winery
  
• Fenton Herriot Vineyards
  
• Para Vi Vineyards

Has anyone seen the movie, Bottle Shock? 

The story of the early days of California wine making featuring the now infamous, blind Paris wine tasting of 1976 that has come to be known as "Judgment of Paris".

Oops, this was supposed to be "wordless."  I feel like I'm having one of those moments from the movie, "Up."  Squirrel! 

Have a great Wednesday folks.

How do you decide if you want to buy or rent? 

When you rent you can move around easily.  There are no taxes or insurance costs or maintenace that go along with keeping a roof over your head.  If you live in an area that is more expensive you may be able to afford to rent rather than purchase. It is also a great way to get a feel for the area.  The greater Sacramento area is wide spread with many distinctive neighborhoods for a variety of tastes. 

You might want to try out some of the surrounding towns like Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Orangevale or Antelope.  You may want to live in the heart of downtown Sacramento or try out the south area or head out to Roseville or Rocklin.  There are many many choices.

Are you ready to settle down and buy your first home in Sacramento?

If you're planning to stay put for a few years or have already spent several years in one place.  Buying a home may be a better plan than renting.  If you have the funds to cover a down payment and closing costs, and plan to be in one place for awhile, then buying may be a better option. 

Owning your home gives you freedom to do almost anything you want within reason and when it comes time to sell after living in it for a few years you have the opportunity to make a small profit. 

How do you get there from here?

One way to ease the transtion from renter to home owner and also save for your down payment is to figure out what amount of home loan you will be getting in the future and what your monthly payment, including taxes and insurance you will be paying when you buy your home.  Say for example you are currently paying $850 for rent on your apartment and you've figured that when you buy your first home the PITI (Principle, Interest, Tax, Insurance) payment will be $1300.  Every month pay $850 for rent and put the remaining $450 into a savings account.  This will get you used to making that mortgage payment and when the time comes to buy, it won't be a shock to your bank account.  Plus the lender will see that you are able to make that payment.

Lenders generally like to see 20% down payment but there are loan programs that allow you to get a loan with as little as 3% down.  If you are a Veteran, you can get a VA home loan with no down payment and the seller can pay some or all of the closing costs. 

Loan programs vary based on how much you have for a down payment and cash reserves, your income and debt ratios and your fico scores.  This will affect what interest rate the lender is willing to loan money at as well.

A general rule of thumb is the purchase price should not exceed two and a half times your annually income. 

Renting a home or buying a home in Sacramento is a personal choice.  Both come with advantages and disadvantages.  You have to decide which is right for you and your lifestyle.

Well it's that time of year again for A Taste Of Sacramento.

This event began back in 1985 the same year I began working in the mortgage industry.  Although I was working in San Francisco back then.  I thought of Sacramento as less sophisticated.  On the contrary.  Sacramento has culture and great food.  Here is how you can get a taste of Sacramento for yourself and benefit those with disabilities.

A Taste of Sacramento brings together around 70-80 vendors from various restaurants, wineries and breweries around the greater Sacramento area. 

Your ticket buys you unlimited samplings. 

There is also a silent auction and the money raised from the event benefits the Northern California Easter Seals. 

A Taste of Sacramento is held at the Sacramento Convention Center on September 24th.  It starts at 5:30PM and goes until 9:00PM.  Tickets are sold in advance for $35 and at the door for $50. 

You must be 21 or over to attend the event.  You can get more information and purchase tickets from the website at MyEasterSeals.org.

Summer is coming to a close.  Before we know it, we'll be out shopping for Halloween costumes. 

The season is shifting.  We still have some hot days ahead but I can already smell autumn in the air.

I'm looking forward to wrapping up in my cozy throw and sipping hot chocolate in the evenings.  My favorite is hot cocoa with no sugar and foamy melted marshmallows stirred in.  Without the sugar I can really taste the chocolate and the marshmallows give it just the right blend of sweetness. 

As the days get shorter and darkness comes before 6 PM, there is a sense of home and hearth; wanting to nest.  Listen to the crackle of the fireplace.  Scent my home with cinnamon, vanilla and spice.  Bake bread.

There are places to go that I love to visit in the fall.  Apple Hill, and the Chicken Festival in Old Fair Oaks.  

Summer concerts in the park are finished until next year.  Arden Park even had movie nights in the park.  Lots of things to do that are fun for the family.  Goodbye August.

Sunday is the last outdoor concert for this year at Carmichael park.  It's Capitol Pops Concert Band (a 50 piece band.)  It starts at 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM