Placer County Blog

How to navigate Placer County property taxes

Aug 01, 2017

Buying a home is a complex financial transaction that requires multiple parties to execute and covers a range of costs, including a down payment, mortgage, closing costs, brokerage fees and multiple taxes.

While you may know how much home you can afford, taxes insert a variable on budgeting. It’ll take a little digging before you fully know the scope of the taxes you will be paying.

The amount of taxes due and when they are paid can be a little tricky, too.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect on your tax bill when you move to Placer County.

Tax Overview

The state determines how much tax homeowners must pay. The tax system is based on state law that all property has an established base year value and it also restricts assessment increases to no more than 2 percent a year. The base year value stays in effect until ownership is changed or new construction is added.

Get an overview of where your tax dollars go in Placer County.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are typically linked to a homeowners’ mortgage account and a portion of the mortgage payment gets deposited into an impound account. This is then used to pay the county taxes, which are collected in two installments throughout the year.

How much will I pay?

Property taxes are assessed by the Placer County Tax Assessor. The office provides tax information on specific properties. In your search, you will be able access the home’s value, what taxes have been paid and which are due. The website will also allow you to see the tax bill on the property by entering the parcel number of the accessor’s ID.

Mello-Roos

Here’s another tax you may have to pay. This fee pays local government or special districts to finance public works projects. These funds are used to make bond payments for schools, roads, libraries, police and other public safety services.

A homeowner will pay Mello Roos until the bonds are paid off. The tax is included in annual property tax bill.

When you buy a home, the owner is obligated to disclose whether or not the home is subject to this special tax.

Supplemental Property Tax

As mentioned above, property taxes are assessed upon change of ownership and the supplemental property tax reflect the gap between the most recent assessed value and the previous one.

If the new value is higher than the existing amount, you will get a bill for the difference. New homeowners will receive a credit if the new amount is lower.

Timing is a factor as well and will dictate the prorated amount you will pay based on when you purchase your home.

Here is the specific breakdown on payments as outlined by placer.ca.gov.

June 1 – December 31: You will receive one supplemental assessment prorated from your date of event to the following June 30.
Jan 1 – May 31: You will receive two supplemental assessments. The first will be prorated from your date of event to the following June 30. The second will be for the entire subsequent assessment year from July 1 to June 30.

IheartPlacer.com is here to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing world of taxes when you buy a home. We have the resources and knowledge to help you understand exactly what each tax is about and how it can help you in the process of buying a home. Knowing how much you’ll owe in taxes is integral to establishing your family’s budget and negotiating with the current owner.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact one of our Placer County ambassadors.

PG&E’s Budget Billing program can save you money during summer heat

Jul 27, 2017

Here’s a great cost-savings program that Placer County families can take advantage of during these summer months when the air conditioner is running on overdrive.

As you know, this is the time of year that utility bills typically go up. Luckily for PG&E customers, which many residents in Placer County are, there’s a solution called Budget Billing.

Here’s how it works: It averages your household’s monthly payment across the last 12 months. It’s designed to avoid those big summer spikes on your energy bill each summer because you pay the average for the year, instead of any one given month.

Those who utilize this program will find that their statements become more predictable. There’s no extra charge to enroll. Finally, you and your family can end your participation at any time. And PG&E says that once you enroll, you will begin to see savings pretty quickly. The Budget Billing cost structure gets to work the following billing cycle upon enrollment.

Call a PG&E a customer service representative at 1-800-743-5000 for additional information about Budget Billing.

What about solar energy?

As a resident of Placer County, solar energy is another viable option if you’re looking to save money.

Not only are prices down across the industry, but you can also take advantage of tax breaks and other financial incentives that will help you save on your energy costs each month, much like the Budget Billing program mentioned above.

In addition, solar applications are not just for electricity. Companies offer solar service for water and pool heating.

Placer County also offers the mPOWER program, a Property Assessed Clean Energy program. It offers financing for both residential and non-residential property owners in the county, covering energy efficiency improvements and solar and water conversation measures.

If you’re looking for a tax break, the government offers an Investment Tax Credit. This credit is good for 30 percent on solar installs and lasts until 2021. The rate will begin to drop from 30 percent to 26 percent in a few years. By 2021, it will be lowered to 22 percent.

Want to learn more about solar? Here’s a fact sheet provided the California Solar Energy Industries Association that covers some of the basics.

Loomis Costco project clears hurdle, could open in 2018

Jul 25, 2017

Plans for a new Costco in Loomis took a step forward this month when the Town Council approved a consultant for the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

AECOM Technical Services will facilitate the EIR, which will examine possible issues arising from the project and the surrounding area, relating to traffic, air, water and land. The new 152,000 square-foot Costco building would be located on a 17-acre site southeast of Brace Road and Sierra College Blvd.

The EIR can take several months and precedes other crucial steps, including comment from the public and other stakeholders, according to a Loomis official. During the July 11 council meeting, the resolution capped this part of the project at $199,215.

According to the Sacramento Business Journal, the membership-only mega store could open in time for the 2018 holidays.

Costco has a location on Stanford Ranch Road in Roseville if you are wondering about a store near Loomis.

To get updates on other projects around Loomis, make sure you check out I “Dig” Loomis.

Lincoln community group planning fundraiser for McBean Stadium upgrades

Jul 20, 2017

The Friends of McBean Park in Lincoln are planning an aggressive fundraising campaign with the goal of raising up to $3 million for stadium upgrades, including fencing, lighting, updated dugouts, expanded seating and more.

The Lincoln group includes community members interested in restoring and revitalizing McBean Park into an affordable entertainment opportunity for residents and visitors.

More information can be found here if you are interested in pitching in.

A little history and what’s next

In 2015, the city of Lincoln partnered with William Jessup University with the goal of revitalizing the historic stadium at McBean Memorial Park. This new fundraising effort marks the next phase of the revitalization goals. The partnership gives the university’s second-year baseball program a field for practice and games over a 10-year period.

In addition, the field will benefit future baseball players as it supports the local Little League Program.

The agreement made way for other improvements, including irrigation, poles, fencing, batting cages, dugouts, electrical scoreboard, synthetic turf and more. The latest fundraising will also go toward new restrooms, ticket booths/concession areas, an announcer’s booth and seasonal upkeep.

McBean Park was established in 1925 with roots to World War II. A group of workers from Gladding-McBean clay works factory at the time formed a league known as the Placer-Nevada Baseball League. The first game was played 60 years ago.

Lincoln is a wonderful place to live with quite the history. It is great to see the community coming together to help restore this great stadium!

City of Roseville offers residents chance to win complete landscape makeover

Jul 18, 2017

Roseville residents who think they have what it takes to be one of the area’s most water-wise home owners, may win a complete landscape makeover.

Courtesy of the city of Roseville, Quick Quack Car Wash and Green Acres Nursery and Supply, the “Sustain the Gains” contest allows Roseville homeowners to compete for the crown of water efficiency king.

Since 2013, Roseville made a lot of progress in terms of reducing water consumption – more than 30 percent to be exact. The Sustain the Gains contest is an effort to keep that momentum going. The winner of the contest will have their “front yard re-imagined and transformed into a low-water-use landscape.” The “Landscape Makeover” will be for up to 1,500 square feet of landscape in the front yard valued at up to $12,000. The contest rules can be found here. You must enter by Aug. 31.

The city reminds Roseville residents that there are a variety of rebates available for residents that utilize efficient water technology. Rebates include: high-efficiency toilets, lawn conversions, irrigation efficiency and weather-based irrigation timers. On July 1, this list was expanded. For more information, visit the city’s website.

And for those looking to enhance their water efficiency, here are some quick tips:

Decrease time spent in the shower.
Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and hand-washing dishes.
Run major appliances like the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer before peak times (run them between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
Hire a professional to inspect your house’s pipes for leaks.
Use hand tools like a broom to clean off pavement. Avoid relying on the hose.

New park opening in West Rocklin this weekend

Jul 13, 2017

Rocklin is already home to some incredible parks and playgrounds, and now it’s adding another!

Wickman Park, the area’s 34^thpark, is hosting a Grand Opening on Saturday.

The ceremony will feature members of the Rocklin City Council. Those in attendance can enjoy a free snow cone. The park is located off Monroe Court not too far from Stanford Ranch Road and W. Oaks Boulevard in West Rocklin. The new park will feature a playground, picnic tables and a covered picnic area.

The ceremony will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 15. You can RSVP on the Facebook page.

Along with the arrival of Wickman, the city is also planning the Mini Park, which will be the first of its kind in Rocklin. It will be in the new development behind Brass Pro Shop and house a small play structure.

Details coming soon.

Find a park near you

The City of Rocklin has an amazing map of parks across the city.

Click on the park nearest you or the one you want to visit to get more details, including park hours, amenities and a link to the park’s website.

Many of the parks feature fields, picnic areas, playground sports courts and Wi-Fi! Rocklin uses state-of-the-art equipment and fiber technology to limit computer threats and provide family-friendly internet connection for all.

If you’re having a larger gathering for a bigger event, the city of Rocklin offers three park locations with pavilions for rent:

Johnson-Springview Park

Margaret Azevedo Park

Whitney Park

Tips for keeping your house cool in the summer heat

Jul 11, 2017

The Northern California Summer is officially here, and in Placer County all you need to do is step outside for proof that it’s really hot! But you shouldn’t notice the heat when you’re inside your home.

Here are five easy tips that are sure to help keep your house cool all summer long!

Get a home energy audit

An energy audit assessment shows you how much energy your home is taking in and evaluates its efficiencies and inefficiencies. This analysis, conducted by a professional, can save you money in the long-term. It is a great first step to maximize the energy you’re using to keep your home cool during summer.

Better insulation

Sometimes it’s what you don’t see that keeps your house cool. While tucked away behind walls, insulation does a lot of good in summer as much as in winter. Proper insulation will trap the cool air in. This is a good thing, because heat is always looking for a cooler place to move. Without the proper insulation, heat could move into unwanted areas and counter the effects of your air conditioner.

Foam and fiberglass insulation are options to consider, but injection foam insulation has proven to be one of the most effective methods.

New windows

New windows are a large, but wise investment. Along with pleasing aesthetics, new windows will keep money in your pocket by lowering your energy consumption. Furthermore, windows can also block out noise and provide privacy. Air leaks and water condensation may be signs it’s time for new energy-efficient windows. Older windows often leak the cool air you’re trying to enjoy inside your home. You can gauge the effectiveness of your windows through an energy audit (tip 1 above).

Simple modifications like weather-strips can boost window efficiency, too!

Consider solar

Beautiful Placer County is one of the sunniest places in the world, so why not put it to use? Installing solar panels and other energy-efficient applications is as affordable as ever. Why? The price of solar installs is down and you can take advantage of special government perks, like tax incentives. A solar install is not just about saving on your electricity bill, either. For example, some solar installs are designed for hot-water systems (which may be gas). Solar installs can also be used to heat swimming pools. Learn more about how affordable solar is here.

Put your fans to use

Fans may seem outdated, but they are still as useful as ever. Ceiling fans, for example, help circulate cool air at a very low cost. If a box fan is next to a vent it can provide an extra boost behind the cool air. Finally, a whole house fan can do a lot of work behind the scenes. Whole house fans are designed to suck out hot air through the attic and displace it away from the comfort of your home.

Some homes come with all of the above when you purchase them. If you are looking for a new home in Placer County, reach out to us and we can help you out!

5 reasons to consider moving to Whitney Ranch

Jul 06, 2017

Whitney Ranch, which is located on the west side of Rocklin, is the kind of community you’d be proud to call home. It’s a place for family, friends and fun. It’s a place where neighbors look out for one another and come together. Here, families grow closer and children thrive.

Whether you’re in the market for your first home or a luxury property, there are plenty of reasons to consider Whitney Ranch.

Variety of Prices Ranges

Whitney Ranch offers a variety of floors plans to fit your family’s needs. Yet it makes no compromise despite the availability of diverse floor plans. Each home within the community is well-crafted, charming, warm and spacious.

Floors plans range from the mid-$400s to the low $800s.

Parks and Trails

Your family will love the recreation and outdoor opportunities scattered across the Whitney Ranch community.

Residents can enjoy Whitney Park, a 40-acre greenbelt of sports fields, multilevel play structures, playgrounds, covered pavilions, a water playground and more. Nature lovers will delight in the Audubon Demonstration Garden featuring native plants and flowers. There are other parks, too, including Bolton, Brigham and Hawes.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a network of trails and walkways connecting the community’s homes awaits you.

Great Schools

A community isn’t great without great schools. Schools in this area are part of a top-rated district, Rocklin Unified School District, giving children and their families an academic edge they deserve. In fact, two of the top-rated state distinguished schools are located within the community’s boundaries.

Excellent education does not stop at K-12, either. Students can continue to grow their academic wings at nearby higher education institutions, including William Jessup University and Sierra Community College.

Dining/Entertainment Within Reach

From the Fountains, Top Golf, Movie Studio Grill, Roseville Galleria, neighborhood markets and restaurants, there is no shortage of dining and family entertainment options in the area. You’ll love exploring the full menu of amenities across Rocklin and Placer County.

The Ranch House

Within the heart of the community you’ll find The Ranch House. It’s the ideal place to unwind and reconnect with your family, friends and neighbors. Have a long day at work? Then you can head over and take one of the fitness classes. Planning a family event? You’re welcome to host that special gathering in one of the multiple meeting rooms. Throwing a milestone birthday party or wedding? Why not plan it here, where you and your guests can enjoy resort-style amenities?

As you can see, The Ranch House, much like the community as a whole is inviting, accommodating and fun!

For more information, make sure you visit the Whitney Ranch website.

Report: Placer County schools have some of the best SAT scores in the region

Jul 05, 2017

Two high schools in Placer County recently posted very high marks on their SATs.

Students who took the college-entrance test during the 2015-2016 school year at Western Sierra Collegiate Academy in Rocklin and Granite Bay High averaged scores above 1700! The two schools are among the top 5 high schools in the region when it comes to SATs, according to data from the California Department of Education. Only five of the schools listed in the data scored higher averages than 1700.

Also scoring well was John Adams Academy in Roseville (1676) and Rocklin High School (1623).

The SAT is a standardized test that assesses core learning topics including math, reading and writing. The highest possible score in 2400.

Take a look at the data here.

Good schools and property value

Schooling and quality educational opportunities are important factors to families for obvious reasons, especially if they are looking to relocate.

Homes in excellent school districts, on average, are valued higher than other comparable homes in areas with lower-performing schools. In some cases, homes within distance of good schools were mostly immune to declining values in some markets.

Demand in areas with better schools is also strong. This totally makes sense because families put a high premium on quality schools. Realtor.com concludes that more than half of these families pay more than they had intended for the right school district.

Find more information on Placer County schools.

You can learn more about the finding the right school in our free Guide to Buying in Placer County.

More resources:

Conduct your own research on schools in Placer County.

What is the SAT?

Your complete 4th of July Placer County Events Guide

Jun 29, 2017

We have rounded up some family 4th of July events across beautiful Placer County for you! From the spectacular fireworks show over Lake Tahoe, to community parades, games and music, here’s a list of things you and your family can do to celebrate our nation’s independence.

Auburn

What: Old Town Auburn’s Old Time Family 4th
When: July 4, starting at 7 a.m.
Where: Streets of Old Town Auburn
More information: The big day starts with the Annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Bootlegger’s parking lot. Family-friendly games continue from 9 a.m. to noon. It’ll be a blast. Games include foot races, gunny sack race, shoe race, barrel hoop roll, watermelon-eating contest, tug of war and so much more!

What: Auburn 4th of July Celebration
When: July 4, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Gold Country Fairgrounds, 1273 High Street, Auburn, CA 95603
More information: This event is hosted by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Come out and enjoy a parade, live band, great food, bingo and fireworks!

Colfax

What: Colfax 3rd of July Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3, from noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Main Street in downtown Colfax
More information: This is an annual happening that provides a little for everyone. From fun activities for the kids, food, fireworks and a Little Patriots Parade, this is a family fun event!

Dutch Flat

What: 4th of July at Dutch Flat
When: July 4 starting at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Dutch Flat Community Center, 933 Stockton Street, Dutch Flat, CA 95714
More information: The 166th annual July 4th celebration will start with a 5K run-walk at 8 a.m.

Foresthill

What: Foresthill’s Independence Day Parade & Celebration
When: July 4, starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Downtown Foresthill
More information: The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. The fun continues with vendor booths, food, games, music and so much more. The organizers bill it as “old-fashioned family fun!”

Lincoln

What: Lincoln Annual 4th of July Parade and Activities
When: July 4
Where: Downtown Lincoln at 5th and F streets. Fireworks at McBean Park
More information: Pancake breakfast, fireworks, KidZone, swimming, live music, horseshoe tournament and more. There’s a lot to do and see in Lincoln this Fourth of July!

Roseville

What: Music in the Park/ 4^th of July Celebration
When: July 4
Where: Royer Park, 130 Park Dr., Roseville, CA 95678
More information: Parade at Royer Park at 9 a.m. Stay at Royer Park after the parade for carnival games and food. Performing Arts of Roseville will also welcome the Capital Pops Concert Band! Fireworks will take place at the Placer County Fairgrounds. The show begins at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Tahoe City

What: Tahoe City’s 72nd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show
When: July 4
Where: Commons Beach, Commons Beach Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
More information: Enjoy a family beach day this Independence Day with food, activities and, of course, an awesome fireworks spectacular over iconic Lake Tahoe!