The good news is that this smoking ban could spur home sales over the next 14 months, as people try to reclaim their privacy and autonomy. But for others, especially those who cannot move, buy or sell a home easily, it could be a hardship and a financial nightmare. They may not be able to get the right price on their condo, or they may have to by a detached home, typically more expensive than a condo. They have to absorb moving costs and other relocation costs, which could be a financial hardship at this time.

It will be interesting to see if other communities around California and the country follow suit, enacting and enforcing stricter smoking bans. We’d like to know what you think about the smoking ban. Is it good or bad? Fair? Needed? Is government over-stepping? What will the economic impact be, on shops and restaurants? How will this impact your family and your lifestyle?

A number of cities around the country have instituted smoking ban in bars and restaurants. Most restaurants in Washington DC, for instance, have experience a 10% to 50% drop in customer volume and receipts. It varies by establishment, season, and day of the week and time of day. in nice weather, the smokers can still manage. Understandably, smoking customers may now drink and dine elsewhere. Or they may not linger as long over a meal or dessert as they used to. Either way, many establishments are feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks.

Please feel free to share your comments here on how you think the smoking ban could affect you if it were adopted in Madera County.

Madera County’s position on smoking in public spaces and places can be found here.

The county sponsors “Smoke Free Work Place” training and outreach, and efforts to keep youth from smoking.

On October 9, 2007, Belmont, CA adopted the strictest smoking ban in the country. The regulations ban smoking on streets, and in public and private spaces, including your home, if you reside in an apartment or condo complex. The new law takes affect in 30 days, governing public spaces and establishments. The housing ban will take effect in 14 months, which gives people the chance to relocate to a private home, or an apartment outside the city limits.

The only place you can smoke is the privacy of your own home or vehicle. Smoking is now banned from streets, restaurants, stores, malls, public buildings, public transportation, office buildings, apartment buildings, and the like. Smokers can choose to smoke elsewhere, usually in a designated outside area. The bill’s language also allows some smoking leniency in apartment buildings, as long as smoke or smell does not permeate other apartments, and the neighbors do not complain.

This ruling has sparked heated debate. This ‘smoking gun’ is indeed a love – hate debate surrounding government regulations encroaching on personal freedom, under the guise of public health and safety. Some think that the government has gone to far. Others welcome it, especially non-smokers, who need such sanctions in order to exercise their freedom to not be harmed by second hand smoke.

To view real comments from diverse people, visit this website. Please feel free to share your comments here. Stay tuned for a discussion of other implications of the new smoking ban.

Madera County’s position on smoking in public spaces and places can be found here.

The county sponsors “Smoke Free Work Place” training and outreach, and efforts to keep youth from smoking.

When you decide to build your dream home, builders usually have modifications or enhancements you can select from to embellish the base model. Always remember that whatever options you choose, a smart home owner always considers their house in the context of the neighborhood in which is sits.

Just keep in mind when making choices that it is possible to “over-improve”, which means that you will be potentially owning the fanciest house in the subdivision. While this might give you some personal satisfaction, it might not payoff when sales time comes around.

With a lot more enhancements than your neighbors, buyers might be willing to pay a little more for your house, but certainly not 30 to 50% more. Adding options offered by a builder like high speed Internet connections or recessed lighting, a furnished basement, additional bathrooms, or hardwood versus carpeting, will definitely add value to your new home and will make living there better for you.

Just keep in mind, though, that when buyers are looking for a home they are following that old saying “the best value is to buy the least expensive house in the best neighborhood you can afford”.

That said, living in a house with nice amenities and conveniences is more fun than living in one that is strictly barebones and generic. So, you need to strike a balance between what you think would really be great and what you would actually use or enjoy on a regular basis. For example, whirlpool baths with jets sound great; but, let’s face it, 99.9% of the time people use showers. Bath tubs, even the fanciest of them, are generally used once every two or three months, if that much unless there are small children in the house. So you need to decide if the cost is worth the use it will get.

There is an upside to having more, rather than less in terms of possible options, however. Keep in mind that, although too many enhancements or high end amenities might not provide as much additional value to the house as you may wish, they will probably make your house sell faster if it is priced similarly to other houses in the area that are going up for sale.

RIS Media, one of the leading media sources for the real estate industry, recently hosted their annual leadership conference held in New York City.
Brandon Fairbanks of The Fairbanks Real Estate Group at Montecino & Associates, participated as a speaker for an informative session on building a champion real estate team.
Brandon was honored to share the stage with several of the industries top Realtors and speakers including Ralph Roberts, Dominic Manchesi, Marilyn Shwartz, and Chip Nueman.
The opening session, titled “Critical Issues Facing the Real Estate Industry” featured an incredible lineup including, Ed Krafchow, Hoddy Hanna, Sherry Chris, Dottie Herman, Ron Peltier, Alex Perriello, J. Lennox Scott, Brenda Shipplett and Merle Whitehead, all of whom shared strategies for succeeding in any climate.

The Fairbanks Real Estate Group at Montecino & Associates will be hosting a showcase of custom homes Saturday September 1st and Sunday September 2nd from 1pm to 5pm.
The homes range in price range from $400,000 to $800,000.
Pick up maps at Montecino & Associates office in Coarsegold or 46818 Veater Ranch Road.

Also enter your name at each home to enter your chance of a $100 gift certificate to Ducey’s on the Lake.

Please call (559) 683-7268 with any questions.

A slow economy, layoffs and the subprime loan fiasco have pushed home foreclosure rates up to record levels nationwide. As introductory mortgage interest rates run out and higher rates kick in, many homeowners are finding themselves struggling to make payments. If you are having trouble meeting your mortgage payment, don’t wait. You need to act now.  

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued tips to help homeowners are risk of foreclosure. “We want to encourage homeowners to take action and use every resource available so that they can get control of their finances and stay in their home,” said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson.

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payment, here’s what to do:

1. Don’t ignore the problem. It’s not going to go away. The further in debt you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan. Don’t risk losing your home through inaction.
2. Contact your lender now. As soon as you realize you have a problem, call your lender. Many have special programs to help borrowers through tough financial times.
3. Read your mail. Don’t pile up unopened notices and ignore them. You’ll just make the problem worse. Open each notice as it arrives and respond promptly. Early notices will contain important information that may help you avoid foreclosure. Not knowing because you didn’t read your mail won’t get you anywhere if you have to go to court.
4. Know your rights. Dig out your loan documents and read the fine print. They will spell out what your lender can do if you fail to make payments. Contact your state or local housing office and find out what the law says.
5. Understand your options. Make sure you understand your foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options. You’ll find helpful information on the Federal Housing Authority website.
6. See a housing counselor. Contact a non-profit housing counselor. HUD funds free or very low cost counseling nationwide. A housing counselor can explain the law and your options, help you organize your finances, and represent you in negotiations with your lender if that becomes necessary.
7. Spend less. Review your bills and cut spending where you can so you can meet your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses such as cable TV, memberships, subscriptions, entertainment, dining out, your morning Starbucks, etc. Talk to utility companies and credit card issuers about delaying payment or entering a payment plan. Always pay your mortgage first.
8. Use your assets. Cash in your assets: second car, jewelry, whole life insurance, etc. Get an extra job to bring in more money. Even if your efforts don’t provide enough money to pay your arrearage, they will show your lender that you’re trying.
9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. You don’t need to pay a hefty fee to a for-profit foreclosure prevention company. What you don’t need is more debt. Use a HUD-approved housing counselor — it’s free.
10. Don’t fall for scams. Don’t fall for foreclosure recovery scams. Unscrupulous firms may claim they can stop your foreclosure immediately. Don’t sign any documents without carefully reading them, you could be signing your house away. Make sure you understand all the terms in anything you sign.  Get professional guidance from an attorney or HUD counselor or a trusted real estate professional.

You can trust the experienced real estate team at the Fairbanks Real Estate Group. We’ll be happy to answer your questions. If you’re buying or selling a home in Madera County, California, please give us a call. We are Madera County’s real estate experts. 

Doom and gloom about the housing industry may make national headlines, but the market for vacation homes remains strong. The demand for vacation homes increased by 4.7% last year to a record 1.07 million units nationwide, according to the National Association of Realtors. Last year vacation home sales comprised 14% of the total housing market, up from 12% in 2005.

Strong demographic forces continue to drive the vacation home market upward with another increase in total sales predicted for 2007, said NAR chief economist David Lereah. According to the 2006 NAR survey, the typical vacation home buyer is 44 years old with a household income of $102,000. On average, vacation homes are located 215 miles from the buyer’s primary residence and cost $200,000.

High inventories in the housing market, low purchase prices and low mortgage rates indicate a continuing demand for vacation homes. Beckoning vacationers, Madera County is conveniently located just 20 miles from Fresno, 130 miles from Silicon Valley, 160 miles from Pacific Coast beaches, 166 miles from the Bay Area, and 240 miles from Los Angeles. The gateway to Yosemite National Park, Madera County stretches from the fertile farmland of the San Joaquin Valley to the soaring peaks of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains. Gorgeous scenery and year-round recreational opportunities make Madera County a popular destination for vacationers.

If you are interested in purchasing a vacation home (or a primary residence) in scenic Madera County, contact the friendly realtors at the Fairbanks Real Estate Group in Coarsegold, California at 559-683-7268.

In the exact center of California, enjoying the benefits of both the Central Valley and Central Sierras, Madera County is one of California’s fastest growing counties. Just 20 miles from metropolitan Fresno, Madera County is accessible year-round via all-season State Highway 99. The gateway to Yosemite National Park, Madera County is a recreational mecca providing stunning views of the Sierras and all manner of land and water activities from boating to rock climbing, hiking to fishing. Within a reasonable drive of Pacific Coast beaches, Los Angeles and the Silicon Valley, bucolic Madera County offers a beautiful respite from the traffic, congestion and pollution of the city.

Stretching from the fertile San Joaquin Valley to the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, Macomb County offers new residents a strong and growing economy, plenty of housing — and at significantly lower prices than Fresno —  and easy access to some of the country’s most gorgeous recreational areas. Its rich soils have made Madera County a major agricultural center with grapes, milk, almonds, pistachios, alfalfa, cattle and poultry among its major crops.

Warm and dry, valley temperatures range between the 70s to 90s of summer and the 30s to high 40s of winter. Mountain temperatures are cooler, averaging between winter’s frosty high 20s to summer’s warm high 80s. Average rainfall is 12 inches with low to moderate relative humidity year round. While high mountain winters (above 5,000 feet) can be severe, snowfall is only about 7 inches at 3,000 feet with occasional frost in the valley.

With so much to offer, Madera County’s population is on the rise, increasing nearly 40% between 1990 and 2000. By 2020, county population is expected to nearly double to 224,600 persons. Lakes, wilderness areas, rodeos, fishing, auto racing, golfing, theater groups, community centers and a plethora of national monuments, parks and forests will always draw people to the stunning natural beauty and recreational possibilities of Madera County.

If you’re interested in living in Madera County, California, contact the friendly realtors at Montecino & Associates.

In his latest book, Forclosures For Dummies, Ralph Roberts shares his experiences with all aspects of forclosures. The book is useful for anyone interested in investing in forclosures and explains the process of finding, and purchasing the properties as well as the dangers and things that one needs to know before buying forclosures.

In Forclosures For Dummies, Mr. Roberts names professionals in each state that specialize in foreclosures. Each state has different laws and procedures so be sure to know what your state laws are. One of the California specialists is Brandon Fairbanks and The Fairbanks Real Estate Group at Montecino & Associates in Coarsegold California serving Madera County.

Whether you are interested in purchasing forclosures or are experiencing a foreclosure yourself, The Fairbanks Real Estate Group can help you. Please feel free to visit our websites or call us anytime.

Montecino & Associates
35285 Hwy 41 Suite C
Coarsegold CA, 93614
(559) 683-7268
www.mymaderacountyrealestate.com
www.myyosemiterealestate.net
www.easternmaderacountynews.com

The bio of Brandon Fairbanks
I was born in Westlake California in 1974. My family moved to Oakhurst in 1988 as I was entering high school. I played soccer and football, was heavily involved in FFA, youth groups and every outdoor activity our area has to offer. After graduation, I attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and studied Agricultural Business.
I was fortunate to be hired by Peterson Tractor, a Caterpillar dealership in the Bay area in their Sales department. In the bay area I met my wife Natalie and we had our first son Nathan. After five years in the Bay Area, we came to a point in our lives where we had to make a decision as to whether or not we should stay. We did not want Natalie to have to return to work and my commute along with the cost of housing made the decision clear, we were to move back to the mountains.
This is when I decided to sell real estate. Our good friend, Cheryl Montecino, had just opened her own brokerage and was gracious enough to bring me in under her wing and share with me her secrets to success. I immediately took off in this business and recruited my mother Patty to join me as our business was growing.
A few years later Cheryl gave us notice that she was retiring to Virginia. This gave me the opportunity to purchase the business from her. I am currently the Owner and Broker of Montecino & Associates. We have built our business based on a team concept to better serve our clients. We now have over 10 hand picked professionals and have doubled the size of our office.
We have since had another son Kyle and daughter Lauren! My hobbies include spending time with my family, vacationing to the coast and our cabin, working on our ranch, and of course, building the business. I enjoy training and educating the members on my team to be successful in real estate and life. I also enjoy building homes and renovating homes to sell.
Patty Fairbanks
My name is Patty Fairbanks. Having lived in Southern California all our lives, my husband and I took a great “leap” and relocated our family to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1988. After many years of mountain living, we still appreciate every day as the sun rises, reminding us of God’s beautiful creation that we discovered in the pines and snowcapped mountains. With my son’s real estate practice becoming increasingly busier in the mountain area, I again took another “leap” and pursued a second career in the Real Estate Industry becoming his partner in 2002. Real estate without a doubt is a business that has great rewards from the fulfilling the dreams of “first time” buyers to sharing in the lives of folks during the real estate transaction. I enjoy meeting new people and building new friendships. In 2004, Brandon and I were proud to have earned the Top Producer Award. My relationship with God, my husband, children, and grandchildren are the “treasures” in my life. I love to be with my family sharing the day to day experiences. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, going to Bass Lake, and riding with my husband on our Harley. God has blessed my family and myself, in many ways. You can contact Patty Fairbanks at pfairbanks@sti.net

Dennis Fairbanks

My name is Dennis Fairbanks. I am a native Californian that grew up in Thousand Oaks, California. I graduated from Thousand Oaks High School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration. I have served over 16 years as a member of the California Air National Guard / Air Force Reserve and the United States Coast Guard Reserve. During my time with the Coast Guard, I worked on a 41’ search and rescue boat out of the Channel Island area. I qualified as a Federal Boarding Officer and spent 6 years as a Special Agent assigned to the Coast Guards Intelligence and Law Enforcement branch. I retired from the California Highway Patrol after over 30 years of service. I worked in Los Angeles and Ventura prior to coming to the Oakhurst area. My last 14 years was served as the CHP’s supervisor here in Eastern Madera County. During my tenure, I received numerous commendations for my efforts in DUI and drug enforcement. In 1978 I was awarded “Peace Officer of The Year” representing the California Highway Patrol in Ventura County and was recognized as “Outstanding Young Men of America” by the Thousand Oaks Junior Chamber of Commerce. Besides my Professional responsibilities, I have been involved in many local community activities. I have been involved with the Coarsegold 4H Club and Yosemite High School’s FFA program, serving as President of the Booster Club. I helped start the Eastern Madera County Junior Livestock Committee and served as its President for many years. I was a member of the Coarsegold Round-up Association and Rodeo Committee for many years and served as its President from 1994 to 1997. I also was a member and past President of the Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary Club. I am a member and current President of Sierra Ambulance Service Board of Directors. I have sat on numerous committees and advisory boards within the community and Yosemite High School. I havr served as Oakhurst “Honorary Mayor” in 1999 and was honored as the community “Outstanding Man of the Year” in 2000. You can contact me at si@sti.net
Mat Jenkins
Having been raised in Coarsegold I know the mountains well. After graduating from Yosemite High School, I enlisted in the United States
Coast Guard where I served at The White House in Washington D.C in the Presidential Honor Guard and then conducted search and rescue at Small Boat Station San Francisco.
After serving in the Coast Guard I met my wife, Aleena, and started a family which quickly grew into three children. My family is
very active in the Journey Vineyard Church in Oakhurst and posses a passion to serve in the mountain community.
I have spent the last 7 years working with Sierra Tel Business Systems as an account executive. This experience gives me the inside track on the businesses and the various neighborhoods & communities that make up
Eastern Madera County.
I add great value to The Fairbanks Group with a bachelor’s degree in business management, over 10 years customer service & sales
experience and a vast knowledge of the people and places that make up our local community. With a fearless attitude and a desire to serve
my philosophy is simple, “Treat everyone like family”.

Teri Lucas, Realtor-Associate and Accredited Staging Professional®
My family and I moved to the mountains from Ventura County in 1992 after a camping trip to Yosemite. Upon leaving the park, the transmission went out in our motor home and was towed to Oakhurst, giving us a chance to better explore the town. After three days, we knew this was where we wanted to raise our children.
I have been married for 30+ years to my husband, Ralph, a Fire Captain. We have a daughter and son who both attend college. My daughter, Hilary, is a graduate of UCLA and my son, Casey, is at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I attended California State University at Northridge and studied Therapeutic Recreation.
My husband and I have been long time friends of the Fairbanks family, so I was excited when Brandon challenged me to get my real estate license and join his team. What a blessing to be surrounded by people who love God, love life, love to laugh and love meeting people! Coming to work is so much fun!
Through the years, I have had a variety of jobs in retail, education and working as a seamstress but I think real estate has allowed me utilize all of my gifts to the fullest extent.
In February 2006, I received my Accredited Staging Professional® designation allowing me to bring a new aspect of gaining an edge in selling homes to a changing and competitive market.
In my free time I love to sew, quilt, work in my garden, ride on the back of my husband’s Harley, and rearrange furniture! But I’ll be happy to take the time to work with you and find you the place of your dreams!

Sophia Ewert
My name is Sophia Ewert and I have lived here in Coarsegold with my family for since 2002. My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 19 years and we have three children ages 16, 13 and 10. I grew up in the Central San Joaquin Valley on an almond farm and I also have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. I think this practical background of farming, nursing, and being mom for so many years set me up well for Real Estate. It is all a matter of organization, planning, record keeping, and relationships which include good communication.
Our family is grateful for the fellowship and support we get at the Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church we attend and we are thankful for the excellent schools that our children attend. The kids are involved in sports, AWANA at church, academic competitions, the local ski program, school band and percussion groups, and 4-H. The mountains have been good to us affording us many opportunities!
I am very blessed to be working at Montecino & Associates Real Estate. Our office is a wonderful place to work. We work together as a team, supporting each other, so that our clients get the best possible service. You just can’t beat that! Give us a call today and see what we are all about!

Rick Jackson

My name is Rick Jackson. I was “stuck in Lodi” in the 50’s and 60’s. One of the best things that came out of Lodi was my high school sweetheart, Lana, whom I met in 1967 and upon my last year at Cal State Fullerton we were married. Lana and I have two adult children Dawn, who is also a Realtor in the same office, and Christopher, who is serving people in Tucson, Arizona as a Realtor. Christopher is married to Danae and the two are parents to my grandchildren, Rylee and Jacob. Spending time with my family are the joys of my life!
“The mountains are calling and I must go!” John Muir would say. I have always enjoyed backpacking and wherever I have traveled, I have enjoyed coming home to the mountains. My family and I have lived in Oakhurst since 1978! My other occupation for almost 30+ years, prior to becoming a Realtor, was in route bread sales serving grocery stores and restaurants throughout Fresno and the mountain area, including Yosemite National Park. I am passionate about helping and encouraging people. Being a member of Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, I have participated in overseas missions that have taken me to countries such as Cambodia, Ecuador, Mexico, Sudan, Philippines, and Australia. My mission in life is to “make an invisible God visible.”
The universal language of a smile, humor, encouragement, honesty and serving and helping others is something I enjoy adn has propelled me into traveling overseas and in the business of real estate. With almost 30 years of mountain living, it has given me a working knowledge of the mountain area. If you need to buy or sell a home and a Realtor to come alongside your needs, then I am the person for you.

Dawn Jackson

I was born in Fresno, California in 1975. My family then moved up to Oakhurst in 1977. I grew up going to the mountain area schools and was very involved in all of our local sports programs. After graduating from Yosemite High School, I attended Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo where I received my AA. I then transferred to Fresno State University where I majored in Kinesiology. While attending Fresno State, I coached at volleyball, basketball, and softball at Yosemite High School. My brother eventually told me I should get my real estate license, knowing that I love to work with people and my knowledge of the area. Having been in different sort of sales positions for the past 10 years, I felt that real estate would be something I would enjoy and be good at. I feel very fortunate to work at Montecino & Associates Real Estate. Our broker is a man of integrity, and has built an amazing team that we are all a part of. I feel that as part of The Fairbanks Group, we offer our clients the best service and its always with a smile.