Owner Builder Center

Housebuilding and Remodeling Class

2012-01-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

Next Housebuilding and Remodeling class is right around the corner. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, January 28 & 29, 2012 at the Crowne Hotel located where the Holiday Inn was on I-80 and Madison. The cost is $195 per person or $265 per couple. Very informative class. Check our website for further information. www.ownerbuildercenter.com

Save Money and Build Your Dream Home

2011-10-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

We are offering a unique client contractor relationship that allows the owner and contractor to work together to achieve the best possible price and product. Call or email to ask us how...

Buy Real Estate Now

2011-10-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

Owning is cheaper than renting so buy an investment property or a new primary residence now. Mortgage delinquencies of 60 days or more has decreased for six straight quarters. Even though you may not see mortgage delinquencies go back to "normal" until perhaps 2015, home prices will start to creep up. So let me help you with your real estate needs. Looking for a realtor, call me!! Debra Verniest 916-337-1637

Free Boulders

2011-09-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

I have 30 to 50 boulders in Via Fiora that I need to get rid of. They are 18" to 3' in diameter. If you can move them, they are yours, no charge.

Let me know, 916-337-1637

Half Moon Bay

2011-09-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

I had a gentleman call me to see if we can provide construction financing in Half Moon Bay. I MISPLACED HIS PHONE NUMBER. . . if you read this, yes we can, FINALLY, please give me a call. Debra Verniest 916-961-2453 x112

Investors wanted

2011-09-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

I want to represent you in your adventure of finding investment properties. I have been selling properties under $75,000 and renting for $1,100. You can use your 401K and own the properties free and clear. No tax consequences, better return on your money. Call me, 916-337-1637

Things are picking up

2011-08-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

I thought you might interested in knowing some Market News in regards to home sales and building. This information was provided to me by Carrie Meek and I am very encouraged by it. So here you go. . ..

National Building Permits +3% over last month and +7% over last year
West Building Permits +1% over last month and +21% over last year
US New Home Sales -2% from last month and +14% over last year
West New Homes Sales -4% from last month and +32% over last year
Lumber Composite Price +5% over last year **Green Fir Composite is +35% over last year**

As for OBC, we have seen an increase in our real estate activity. I have investors that are taking advantage of this market. The inventory is still out there. If you are interested in acquiring rental property or looking for that new dream home, please give me a call. If you are thinking of building or remodeling, call Skip!

Housebuilding Class

2011-07-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Next weekend housebuilding class is August 13 & 14, 2011. You can sign up at our website, www.ownerbuildercenter.com or call us at (916) 961-2453

2011-07-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

Skip is building a home for a client in South Lake Tahoe. May seem like a long way to go but our guys are grateful for the work and really it is only 1 ½ hours away. Some commute days take that long just to go to downtown Sacramento! The siding on the house is called Certainteed. It is a combination of wood and cement which comes stained with a 30 year warranty. It is quite nice and practically maintenance free. Be sure to check out the picture of the great room. This home will be beautiful when it is done not to mention the grand scenery.

I think the market is really starting to heat up. I know that there is still a lot of inventory out there. In working with some of my investor clients, we are finding that we need to look at these homes the day they come on the market and if acceptable, make the offer that day. Multiple offers are very common. Houses that have been sitting on the market for 100 days or more are starting to get offers as well. Cross your fingers, may be seeing a brighter future.

Real Estate Market IS moving

2011-06-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

Closed escrow Friday on a house I sold and that afternoon opened escrow on another. Today, another, wow, keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!!!

New So. Lake Tahoe Project

2011-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Skip is managing another project. This time in South Lake Tahoe. He is building a 2800 sq ft home. Check out the pictures, building in the snow!!! The framer had to have a guy with a snow plow behind his truck move snow so that they could start framing.

4th Wall Going In

2011-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

The 4th and final wall is going in this week. It is an incredible sight to see. Next is grading the pad and away we go. It has been a long haul to get to this point. Good job to everyone working on this.

Building a new house

2011-03-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to build your own home. Materials and Labor are at an all time low. Register now for our next housebuilding class, May 14 & 15.

El Dorado Hills Construction Project

2011-02-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

The second wall will be completed on the El Dorado Hills job tomorrow.

I called for an inspection for the second terrace wall footing and the inspector said, “retaining walls must be a minimum of 5’ from the property lines”. This is not typically true; usually we can have up to a 7’ tall wall as close as 2’ from the property line. I hot footed it up to the planning department in El Dorado County and was told there is an easement on both sides of the property. Checking with the title company revealed there are no recorded easements, but apparently on the developer’s map that was filed as part of the subdivision development, there is a statement about a five foot easement on the sides of the property.

Stay Tuned!!!!!

El Dorado Hills project kicks off

2011-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well the work has begun. The first footings were poured on Wednesday. And check out the fog line behind the property. So beautiful

Mortgage Brokers

2011-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

I just want to make sure that everyone knows that we provide real estate mortgage loans as well as construction loans. I am a mortgage broker but sometimes people think that I only provide construction loans. Not true, give me a try!!!!

Don't wait too long

2011-01-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to each and every one of you. We toast to your prosperity as well as our own!!! If you have not considered refinancing your mortgage, you may want to seriously think about it now. Rates are still historically low and this opportunity should not be missed. If you want to find out how much I can save you, please call me. And remember I will reimburse your appraisal fee at close of escrow.

Skip is starting a very challenging new construction project in El Dorado Hills. He has imported over 6000 cubic yards of engineered fill and is beginning to build a series of four retaining walls which are 100 ft x 6 ft approximately. You can follow the project by going to Facebook, Skip Weahunt.

Once again, we are full service Mortgage Brokers, Realtors and General Contractors. So between great interest rates and historically low costs to build, we are the team for you!!!!

License info: R/E License No. 01194050 / Contractor's License No. 331604/ HUD Consultant S0628/FHA Inspector N-764

2010-11-08T16:27:00.001-08:00

I think the Nanny State has really gone around the bend on this one. On December 18 2010 the California Health and Safety Board will declare that wood is a known cancer causing substance. That as an employer you must post clear signage saying such. Drilling, sawing, sanding generates wood dust that can cause cancer. What next Water?? Football helmets and safety straps for all... I certainly feel safer now.

Skip

WARNING

Drilling, sawing, sanding, or machining wood products generates wood dust, a substance known to theState of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a respirator or other safeguards for personal protection.

CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 25249.6

New El Dorado Hills Construction Project

2010-11-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

We are just starting a new project in El Dorado Hills. This project is the perfect example of why you need to work with a knowledgeable building professional especially if your lot has over 10% slopes.
My client, under my direction, has needed to pay to have the plans re-engineered, and re-drawn. He could not understand why the “professionals” he had hired did not know how to work with the steep grade on his lot. BTW, the redesign saved him more than $50K.
A lot of it has to do with experience, face it, most architects, designers, and engineers have never actually built on a steep slope.

Services We Offer

2010-10-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Need a construction loan? Need an owner builder construction loan? Need a FHA loan or construction loan? Need a FHA consultant or HUD inspector? Need a zero point mortgage loan? Need a site manager for your construction project at a very reasonal SET fee? And finally, do you need a realtor. We have it all. Everyone of these services is offered by the Owner Builder Center in Fair Oaks. Give us a call at (916) 961-2453 or visit our website, www.ownerbuildercenter.com

Debra Verniest / Robert "Skip" Weahunt
Owner Builder Center
4777 Sunrise Blvd, Suite A
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

License info: R/E License No. 01194050 / Contractor's License No. 331604/ HUD Consultant S0628/FHA Inspector N-764

2010-10-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

New tough and expensive regulations kick in on Jan 1 2011. water consumption must be reduced 20% this is achieved by lower flow shower heads (we like 5 gpm the new standard is 2.5), 1.2 gp flush toilets that you will need to flush 3 times to clear the toilet, you must have installed at final inspection an irrigation system that automatically adjusts to soil moisture and a remotely located rain sensor that can communicate with the controller, stricter energy efficiency standards, caulks and glues must pass the sniff test of our friends at EPA, at the time of final inspection a booklet, or computer disk specifying the materials and operation instructions for the home, stricter regulations on paints, carpet must meet Green Label Plus program, (what ever that means), moisture content on wood must be tested and reported on each piece of lumber in the house, I cannot believe that somehow this is going to lower the cost of construction. I only wrote down some of the regs from a cheat sheet. The actual code is 64 pages long. You can read about it, Google cal green building standards code. Debra and I first heard about this when we attended the Pacific Coast Builders Conference at Moscone Center in San Francisco this past June. Somehow imposing stricter regulations and adding to the cost of construction when the unemployment rate for trades’ people is extremely high does not make sense. It would make more sense to make it easier for builders by lowering the various agencies fees, or even waving them until housing starts approaches normal.

Skip Weahunt

Need a construction manager

2010-10-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to build a house? We can help. Not only can we provide construction financing but Skip can provide construction management for a set fee. He works with reliable subcontractors providing the best pricing that you can never get on your own. He has managed the construction of 3 new homes in the last 10 months. Two of them were done in approximately 6 months. Also if you are close to getting started, you should check with your building department to be sure that they are not raising fees January 1. I have heard that is a possibility.

And if remodeling / additions is what you are looking for, then you may want to do a FHA streamline construction loan. We can help you with that. Skip is a FHA/HUD approved contractor and inspector. These programs are great for small jobs or complete remodel.

Don't forget that I can help you with all of your real estate financing needs. Rates are extremely low right now so if you are on the fence about refinancing, call me. I will make is painless!!!!

A Dream Coming True

2010-10-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

The dream finally came true for the Capaglis. I was their realtor for the purchase of this beautiful property in Auburn. It was quite an ordeal. The seller lost the property to foreclosure after we entered into contract. It took 1 1/2 years to work through all the red tape but they were able to acquire the 5 acres this last week! Congratulations Bruce and Cherie, now I need to start working on your construction loan!!!

Serrano Gem

2010-09-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

3300 sq ft, beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath, office, 4 car tandem garage, two story home in Serrano. Getting ready to list at just under $500,000. Has a gorgeous backyard with beautiful pool. Know anyone that is interested. Call for more details and a preview. Won't last long!!!

Debra Verniest
(916) 961-2453 x112
License No. 01194050

Now doing FHA loans!!!

2010-08-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

We can now do FHA loans!! Streamlines included. Let us help you.

2011 Tax Hikes

2010-08-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Google the new tax hikes for next year. It is incredible. Pay taxes on medical insurance premiums, possibly losing the morgtage interest deduction, death tax soaring to 55%. Check it out, tell everyone you know and vote these jerks out.

10 acres in Placerville / $85,000

2010-07-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Great price for this 10 acre parcel!!! Three building sites w/two pads cleared of brush and trees. Need to walk the property to see the beautiful views. One of the property's best features is a 3/4 yr seasonal stream that includes an old stone retaining wall running through a good section of the property. Great horse property in a small community, small local airport, local fishing lakes, local fire department and many vineyards.

Call Debra Verniest 916-337-1637, Lic 01194050

Need a FHA or HUD Inspector

2010-07-12T13:05:00.001-07:00

For those of you who are interested in applying for a 203 K or 203 K streamline, call us. Skip is a FHA inspector and is also on the approved list of contractors to help you with your building project.

Don't know what a 203 K is? It is like a construction loan / remodel loan that rolls into permanent financing when the house is done. Interested? Give us a call.

Another project complete

2010-06-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Skip did it again. He is building 3 houses at one time and just finished the second one. 2500 sq ft house in 6 months. It is a beautiful two story 3 bedroom, two bath in Fair Oaks Village. Need a builder, call us. . . . . . . .

$1.4M Real Estate Transaction

2010-06-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Finally today after 9 months I closed a $1.4M real estate transaction in the Napa area. So happy to get that one closed. Does anyone need a real estate agent, how about me!!!!

2010-06-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

The Center offers classes and workshops on building and remodeling, giving you useful up-to-date information to use in managing your project. We also have qualified contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers to bid on your project, free of charge. Financing construction projects is our specialty and one of our most utilized and valuable services.

2010-06-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

Jan 2010
The Owner/Builder Center is a great resource for anyone interested in saving money on the construction of his or her new home. Debra Verniest offers clients a depth of expertise rarely found today. Her knowledge of the construction process coupled with her contacts in the lending industry make it easy to rely on her during the financing stage of the project and well beyond. In today's turbulent real estate market, it's important to work with someone who can get the job done and done right.
Martha Lewis

Contractor Referral Service

2010-06-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

We have a list of Sacramento area contractors that any home builder will find useful -- made freely available to you from us

4300 sq ft house built in 7 months

2010-06-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

The list is short, but I need to have it addressed immediately for a re-inspect on Monday. Serg, do you have the necessary T-26 documents? Jim, something is funky with the GFI to the left of the kitchen sink, and the plug just to the right of the sink shows only one light on the tester the other light is barely there.
Thanks guys, we finished this 4300 square foot house in seven months. I appreciate the good work.
Skip Weahunt

Owner Builders Wanted

2010-05-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of building your own home, let me know what are your major concerns. Now is such a great time to build. Land is inexpensive, building materials at an all time low price and YOU GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT.

So what are your questions? www.ownerbuildercenter.com

Debra Verniest
debra@ownerbuildercenter.com

2010-05-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

If you want to learn how to manage the construction of your own home, you need to come to our housebuilding class. It is a two day class in Sacramento. Check out www.ownerbuildercenter.com