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contra costa: California Short Sale Tax relief bill stalled, probably to be vetoed by Schwarzenegger - 03/18/10 10:53 AM
Our California Governor is threatening to veto the tax bill (SBX8 32)passed by California lawmakers last week. As part of an LA Times blog article:
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that he would not sign a bill lawmakers passed to bring new tax relief to homeowners and green energy companies, in large part because it would ramp up the penalties against those who abuse such tax credits."
I say, follow the money. Look a the next paragraph:
"The governor's move came at the urging of a coalition that includes the California Chamber of Commerce, the Western States Petroleum Assn. and the … (2 comments)
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contra costa: Sorry, we won't show you that listing, it's a short sale - 03/06/10 02:18 AM
I was surprised when on one of my google alerts I saw one of my own listings - no , not surprised at seeing the listing as we (brokerages) share information all the time. I was surprised at the notation on the listing:
Short Sale
This home is flagged as a short sale. We're sorry, we don't tour or write offers on short sales because of the slim chance that you'll get the home.
I know that everyone has differing views, and different experiences in short sales. But in my opinion, if you're a buyer in some areas, it really is … (2 comments)
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contra costa: The funny things agents say on the MLS (are you good at problem solving?) - 03/16/09 07:04 PM
This, I noticed today , on a new REO listing that just came up in my town. We all know the problems these days with keys that "walk away," or, doors that get left unlocked, but here is one agent's warning. Maybe its been a bad day, but I found this hilarious:
"DO NOT LEAVE ANY DOOR UNLOCKED-Do not steal the key from lockbox; Do not forget to replace
lockbox face-- Back door is tricky,so if you are not good at problem solving, don't open it!
… (13 comments)
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contra costa: Countrywide: Technical Difficulties? All Day? Sure.... - 01/29/09 01:22 PM
You know, when you want to call a company and register a complaint, most legit companies have a mechanism to do that. Well I've been trying to call Countrywide all day. At every number I can find for their "complaint" line, it eventually ends me up to a recording saying they can't help me right now, call later (technical difficulties). The recording has been saying that all day long.
Do Federal Lawmakers know this? Should we (collectively as an industry) make a complaint to the Office of Thrift Supervision? The FDIC? Who? Who really looks into company complaints these days? Anyone? Or is just … (6 comments)
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contra costa: Wells Fargo / Wachovia unveiling new loan modification program - will it help? - 01/27/09 10:29 AM
For Wachovia customers in danger of losing their homes, Wells Fargo is announcing a new program to help Wachovia customers in danger of losing their homes in foreclosure. As outlined in an article today in Forbes, it is noted they will provide a reprieve thru the end of February for almost 500,000 borrowers possibly eligible for a modification program.
"Wells Fargo said 478,000 Wachovia customers, with loans totaling about $120 billion, will have access to the program, though San Francisco-based Wells Fargo said it was unsure how many customers would take part.
The customers within this portfolio that are being referred to foreclosure … (12 comments)
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contra costa: Walnut Creek, CA Median Pricing Chart by zip code - 01/26/09 01:10 PM
I have access to some fabulous Contra Costa County statistics and beautiful visual charts, so thought I'd share some local Contra Costa cities and their median pricing by zip code.
Here is Walnut Creek:
… (1 comments)
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contra costa: Listings and short sale updates! - 08/11/08 12:16 AM
So some say short sales never close, never work and are not worth showing... here are some Contra Costa and Alameda County short sale listings available and some noted successes (for details on any listing go to Contra Costa Real Estate.) Much of a short sale success will depend upon the listing agent and/or the entity performing the negotiations with the lender(s). Do your research! Ask questions! Work with only an agent experienced in short sales.
Concord, CA Short Sales1669 Thornwood Dr, Concord $449,000 - 3 bedroom, 2 bathBOTH LOANS APPROVED FOR SHORT SALE. Scheduled to close in September.
3154 Ameno Rd, … (2 comments)
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contra costa: Anatomy of a recent Countrywide Short Sale (updated) - 07/10/08 12:51 PM
So, we're not there yet, but what a relief that a big lender like Countrywide has made it a mission to streamline the process. In case you didn't see my post on June 29th, let me recap and let you know where we are in case you're following along:
June 14th: Submitted authorization to communicate in anticipation of offer(s) on property.
June 17th: Called. Confirmed authorization received and went thru "telephone intake" with CW rep. They asked me questions about the sellers financials, situation, hardship and then questions about the buyer's offer. We passed and we were sent on to the short sale … (16 comments)
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contra costa: Short Sale vs. Foreclosure - When to seek PROFESSIONAL HELP! - 04/24/08 03:29 PM
YOU need professional help!
. . . on the decision to foreclose or short sale that is. You must seek counsel of an experienced real estate professional, a qualified tax professional and/or an attorney before making any decisions as to whether to foreclose or attempt a short sale. Both can have pros, cons, consequences and benefits. Believe it or not, sometimes foreclosure is the right answer. Often a short sale is the best solution as it enables you to negotiate up front with the lender for any future recourse.
Logistics - there are distinct differences as to how your occupancy of your … (1 comments)
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contra costa: MOST people won't owe taxes ? What ? - 04/02/08 10:27 AM
So you're an agent, you've done a few successful short sales (or worse, you've never done one)... and voila.. you're the expert. Right? Well, I want to challenge that ... There are now a plethora of new training companies out there now... pay me, I'll show you how to do a short sale. Pay for my seminar and I'll give you the tricks of the trade. These often look like everyday agents realizing they can make a buck on training others. Frankly, that's great, real estate agents can always use more information, more training - no problems there unless you don't know … (9 comments)
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contra costa: So you want to be a short sale specialist? - 02/02/08 01:46 PM
I always hesitate to call myself a specialist in anything, as there is always so much more to learn about any subject, can any of us ever be truly a "specialist?" Does calling yourself a specialist hold you to a higher standard? I think so. Short sales are the new niche of the day. Many agents are trying to work within this growing market segment. But be careful.
What made me think about this blog post are the agents I talk to on a daily basis representing sellers on short sales, that really have no idea what the ramifications for their clients … (11 comments)
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contra costa: Homeownership, financial assistance and foreclosure prevention fair - FREE - 01/14/08 10:53 PM
The following was excerpted from a flyer sent home home with the children of the local elementary school. Obviously this housing crisis is impacting families so much that the local school district actually approved this flyer to go home with students. This is important and very timely, I've re-typed the information below so that if you wish to attend, all the information you need is below.
"Every Child Needs a Home!"Foreclosures are impacting our families and communities
Rate about to go up? Caught in a high cost loan? Falling behind on your mortgage? Seeking other financial assistance?
"Healthy Communities Financial Justice Fair"
This event is FREE and for … (2 comments)
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contra costa: The unintended victims of foreclosure: THE PETS - 12/22/07 10:22 PM
Our local paper today ran a heartbreaking article today about the pets that are being left behind when homes are foreclosed. Since some are forced out in sheriff evictions, or moving to a "no pets" rental, it must be that the former homeowners feel they have no choice. Agents specializing in foreclosures are finding pets left behind, sometimes locked in the homes, sometimes outside, but alone (or already dead) nonetheless. We all know its bad enough when we see the end result of an eviction after foreclosure. Kids toys, evidence of good family times, all remind us that a family has lost … (15 comments)
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contra costa: New Listing on Private Country Lane in Concord, CA - 12/13/07 01:22 PM
… (0 comments)
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contra costa: Alternatives to Foreclosure - 11/11/07 08:53 PM
There are many do's and don't's related to foreclosure proceedings. We'll have a follow up blog soon with more on that, but for one thing, don't move out of your home, as you may not qualify for certain types of assistance if you move out. We'll also be posting a list of local resources and non-profit housing counselors who may be able to help. So stay tuned.
There are a few alternatives to a foreclosure. Always communicate with your lender, first and foremost. Some of these options only work if you've missed only a payment or two. Missing more than that without communication … (11 comments)
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contra costa: FREE Housing Resource Fair for Contra Costa County residents - 11/10/07 03:07 AM
The Mt. Diablo Housing Opportunity Center (http://www.mtdhoc.org/) is offering a FREE housing resource fair on Saturday, November 10th from 10am to 3pm. Official representatives from local cities will be on hand to provide information about housing programs in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and Martinez. You'll be able to also find information about credit, first time buyer programs, senior programs, community outreach programs, foreclosure preventation and much more. There will be various presentations all day, and from their flyer you can expect to see the following:
11:00am Senior Housing Rights11:30am Foreclosure - ways to save your home (for more on this topic … (0 comments)
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contra costa: Short Sales in Contra Costa County - a checklist - 11/10/07 02:34 AM
Many homeowners in Contra Costa County are facing some very difficult decisions. Some are behind in their loan payments and some are upside down and owe more on their mortgage than their home is currently worth in today's market. Terry Osburn and I have teamed up to provide these homeowners with guidance and information in order to navigate the rough waters of a short sale. To that end, we have launched a new blog to offer resources and information for those considering a short sale as an alternative to a foreclosure action. Check out Contra Costa Short Sales. We offer confidential consultations to … (0 comments)
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contra costa: Staging makes no difference? You be the judge . . . - 10/07/07 05:56 PM
What do you think? Did staging matter here? What house would you rather come see? Yes, this is the same condo in both the before and the after photos. Does neutralizing paint matter? Does trying to evoke a feeling, matter? Is it a mechanism of just putting stuff in a corner? Or do you want pizazz? What do you think? Anxious to hear.... does it matter? (I know my answer of course, curious of yours...)
Before After
I have a lot more photos of this condo , I love the before and afters. What do you think? Can you tell now that a couch … (6 comments)
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contra costa: Contra Costa Restaurant Inspections - 09/05/07 09:01 PM
So you thought this blog was everything real estate related huh? Well, in an effort to keep the community informed, I will occasionally be posting news of note (at least to me). I ran across this today. I did not know that you could look up the details of restaurant health inspections. Maybe I'm the only one who didn't know this. Take a look, and check out your favorites... or, ok, maybe not...
Contra Costa Health Services, Food Facility Inspection
… (2 comments)
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contra costa: Top Relocation companies per customer satisfaction - 08/31/07 12:42 PM
If you're like me , you have the occasion to work with relocating buyers and sellers. Sometimes they come with a large, corporate relocation services company and benefits thru their companies.
Anytime I get a call from a buyer or seller saying they're "relocating" or moving for their job, I ask if there will be a relocation package involved. Often, there is. I do work a lot of relocation, and even in this "down" market, there are always people buying and selling due to a relocation of their jobs.
A recent survey by JD Powermeasured customer satisfication of the large relocation firms:
GMAC … (1 comments)
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Catherine Myers, Walnut Creek, CA Real Estate
Walnut Creek,
CA
More about me…
Windermere Bay Area Properties
Address: 1981 No Broadway, Suite 120, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596
Cell Phone: (925) 683-2125
Email Me
Real estate news, home for sale listings and market updates. Short sale listings, foreclosure and REO information. Contra Costa County. Specializing in Contra Costa relocation near and far.
Contact me at 925-683-2125 or at www.DiabloValley.net Get great free widgets at Widgetbox!
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