Who Are You and What Did You Do to My Blog? - 07/31/12 09:04 PM
 
Kathy Streib discovered something unusual on her posts.  There were words that were underlined, but she had not done the underlining.  She discovered that the underlining was done by a hijacker and was call text enhancement.  She offers a fix in case anyone else has this problem. I am bookmarking this post in case I have a hijacker in my future. Maybe you should too.


Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
Who Are You and What Did You Do to My Blog?I was wandering around the Rain today and noticed some words … (5 comments)

Frank Bette Center for the Arts Plein Air Paintout - 07/31/12 08:14 PM
 
Frank Bette Center for the Arts Plein Air PaintoutThe Park Street Art and Wine Faire took place this weekend.  One of the highlights of the Faire on Sunday July 29, was the addition of professional artists who participated in the Frank Bette Center for the Art's Plein Air Paintout quick draw.  It was wonderful to see artists on the sidewalk painting scenes from the Faire for the Plein Air event.  Having artists painting at the Park Street Art & Wine Faire is just like Paris' Montmartre district, well maybe not quite just like Montmartre, but close.  Plein Air is a … (0 comments)

Senior Living in Alameda and downsizing and decluttering - 07/31/12 06:41 AM
 
Senior Living in Alameda and downsizing and declutteringSenior Living in Alameda and downsizing and decluttering may mean selling your home of many years.  But it can also mean clearing away the years of accumulation of possessions. It may seem to be a daunting task however if you go through a room at a time, or even a section of a room at a time you can parse the task into easily manageable size.  You may need help downsizing and decluttering your belongings andto accomplish the task of sorting your possession.  If you have a family member or several family member … (4 comments)

Hardwood floor refinishing - Is it a good Do-it-yourself job? - 07/30/12 09:32 AM
 
Debbie Gartner has written some good advice for people considering refinishing their own floors.  A sander is a very touchy tool which requires training and constant use to become proficient.  I always advise people that they employ a competent professional.  It is well worth the price. Debbie is a professional and her advise is very good.


Via Debbie Gartner - Westchester Flooring -Hardwood Floors Carpet Tile Refinish - (Floor Coverings International Westchester NY & Stamford CT):
Should I sand my hardwood floors myself or hire a professional? Lately, I have run into a LOT of botched up sanding jobs, most … (3 comments)

Should pre-listing inspections be “required?” - 07/30/12 09:07 AM
 
Charles Buell ponders about home inspection and whether they should be required.  Personally, I don’t think they should be required.  However, I encourage sellers whom I represent to obtain a home inspection prior to putting their home on the market.  It was show some things the home owner did not know about but might be able to repair easily.  

Via Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com):
I have made the case for doing pre-listing inspections before and I thought I would take another stab at it.  They are still VERY rare in my market.
As a home … (1 comments)

NINE Things That Will Disappear In Our Lifetime - 07/30/12 09:01 AM
 
Glenn Freezman has written a thought provoking post about 9 things that we use now which don’t have long to survive.  Interesting but I do hope books have many more years of survival.  There is nothing like holding a book in your hand.

Via Glenn Freezman (Family Abstract, Inc.):
At our Title Insurance Office we were having a huge debate regarding the changes that have occurred in our lifetime and those that are on the Horizon.  The death of the 8 Track,  Hip Hop, Plastic slip covers and the “Pay Phone” we all had no problem doing without.  My Grandmother may … (3 comments)

Snap shot of Alameda real estate market July 23 5o July 30, 2012 - 07/30/12 08:36 AM
 
Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market - July 23 to July 30, 2012This is a snap shot of the Alameda real estate market activity July 23 to July 30, 2012:New homes on the market.........................................................14Price changes...............................................................................5Homes that sold.........................................................................19Pending activity - all not just last week......................................120All properties currently on the market..........................................68Condos currently on the market.................................................15Townhouses currently on the market............................................6Distressed properties:Bank Owned properties................................................................7Short Sales..................................................................................1Average days on the market......................................................23(including distressed properties)Average sales price of single family homes.......................$544,000The snap shot of the Alameda market shows that the number of new homes on the market last week's decreased to 14 since the previous week total … (0 comments)

Things to do in Alameda July 27, 2012 - 07/27/12 09:14 AM
 
Things to do in AlamedaThings to Do in Alameda:  The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department free Starlight Movies in the Park “The Muppets” will be shown at July 27 at 8:15 pm at the Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field at 1101 Alameda.  The field opens at 6:30 pm.  Please bring your chairs and blankets because the weather may be chilly on Friday evening.  Please no barbecue grills, alcoholic beverages or pets.  Call Alameda Recreation and Park Department at 510-747-7529 for more information.

Things to do in Alameda: The Park Street Art and Wine Faire coming to Park Street on July … (3 comments)

Park Street Art and Wine Faire 2012 - 07/26/12 04:28 PM
 
Park Street Art and Wine Faire 2012
The 28th annual Park Street Art and Wine Faire is coming this weekend. Robb Ratto, executive director of the Park Street Business Association, promises “that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever and it’s free for the whole family.”  The Faire will start on Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29 at 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day.  
The Park Street Art and Wine Faire covers four blocks of Park Street between Encinal Avenue to Buena Vista Avenue in the heart of the Park Street Business District.  There … (3 comments)

Why do you want to hire a Preferred Vendor? Part I - Roofer - 07/25/12 09:50 PM
 
Shanna Day gives some good tips for choosing a roofer and the items you should check before hiring a roofer. She suggests that you check references, licensing, insurance, standing in the roofing community and many other facts that are important to know before hiring a roofing contractor.


Via Shanna Day (Keller Williams Realty EV (AZ) & Keller Williams SLC (UT)):
Why do you want to hire a Preferred Vendor? Part I - Roofer


How can you make sure you are hiring a qualified roofing contractor?  The National Roofing Contractors Association provides the following guidelines to help you … (0 comments)

The Top 10 Signs You Live In a Rural Area - 07/25/12 09:42 PM
 
Debbie Laity has posted an amusing blog titled The Top 10 signs you live in a rural area.  Very funny and probably so true.  I especially like Number 4, when a new pizza place opens it makes the front page of the newspaper.  That is a rural area alright.

Via Debbie Laity, Cedaredge Land Company, CO (Cedaredge Land Company):
The Top 10 Signs You Live In a Rural Area. Many of you have heard me refer to my area as an extremely rural area, but maybe you don't really know what this distinction really means. So I've compiled a list of things that … (0 comments)

I just had a Big Mac Attack - 07/25/12 09:28 PM
 
My old Dell laptop is on its last leg.  Since I have an iPhone and iPad I have been thinking about transitioning over to a MacBook but I had reservations.  John McCormach’s blog about a Mac attack nudged me in the direction he took.  He took the leap and bought a MacBook and he seems happy with his selection.  I may be following him soon.

Via John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
I just had a Big Mac Attack!
It has been a long time in the making (decision making that is) regarding the purchase of a new laptop. … (0 comments)

My Social Media HomeFinder.com Makeover - 07/25/12 09:21 PM
 
Dick Greenberg has a pretty good plan to tackle social media and make it work for him.  He has developed a clear program for putting his plan into action.  And he has added to his plan an important element - he will engage people on his social media sites.  That seems to me to be the hardest part.  I guess you have to learn how to engage people by actually trying.  Dick's plan sounds achievable. I'll be following to see how he does.
Via Dick Greenberg (Coldwell Banker - Fort Collins, CO):
OK, I admit it. The social media component of my … (0 comments)

No Adult Supervision at California Association of Realtors - 07/25/12 09:05 PM
 
Lloyd Binen takes issue with the California Association of Realtors for dropping an important element of the former Purchase Agreement and Receipt for Deposit by eliminating or making the receipt for deposit optional.  He contends that without the deposit the buyer may not be fully committed to the purchase.  I feel he has a point.  What do you think?

Via Lloyd Binen Silicon Valley R since 1976;408-565-8177 (Certified Realty Services):
No Adult Supervision at California Association of Realtors; Teenagers are in Control.
The entire universe requires a prospective buyer to tender an Earnest Money Deposit when that buyer offers to purchase … (0 comments)

The Alameda Welfare Council's successful fundraiser - 07/25/12 04:56 PM
 
The Alameda Welfare Council’s successful fundraiser
The Alameda Welfare Council hosted a wonderful fundraiser at Rock Wall Wine Company.  The sales tables included all sorts of great stuff.  The jewelry booth is always popular with lovely pieces of jewelry, purses, hats, scarves and other accessories.  My favorite booth is the market place where you can buy yummy treats like homemade fudge with nuts, cupcakes, pies, cakes and other sweet items.  The home and garden always offers gorgeous orchids and other decorative items.  The silent auction featured gift baskets of wine, food items and other specialty gift basket items.

The … (0 comments)

Ten Reasons Why Every Social Media Manager Should be Over 30 - 07/24/12 03:42 PM
 
Bob Stewart has a great post challenging Greg Proulx and Cathryn Sloan that social media managers should be under 25 years.  He had them cold.  I especially like his number one items on his list of reasons social managers should be over 25 years.  “there are no incriminating photos of him on the net.....”  That really depends on what you think incriminating means.  Very funny.  


Via Bob Stewart - Community Evangelist - ActiveRain (ActiveRain):
Cathryn Sloane, a 2012 graduate of the University of Iowa, recently wrote a pretty juicy post about why Social Media managers for companies should be … (0 comments)

Some More Reasons To Use Evernote ... as if you needed more! - 07/24/12 03:33 PM
 
 
I use Evernote for a few things like grocery lists now.  I guess I have been missing out because Sandy Nichols has some good advice for using Evernote for client documents.  I guess I have to rethink Evernote based on Sandy’s information.
 
Via Sandy Nichols Acevedo, Prudential Calif Ventura County Homes for Sale (951-290-8588):
Some More Reasons To Use Evernote ... as if you needed more! I must admit, that I vastly underrated the value of Evernote. I initially used it to jot down grocery needs, and as an atm spending register.   Then I really graduated! I found … (0 comments)

Why Kerrie is Too Old to be the Community Manager at ActiveRain - 07/24/12 03:27 PM
 
Eric Proulx, the 25 year old punk thinks he’s better at social media than our Kerrie.  No way.  You need some experience which comes with age to be a great social media spokesperson.  Kerrie is just that person and she is still very young by my standards.  but I guess the best way to tell is to attend their, and Bob Stewart’s July 26th 3 For 3 show on YouTube and Google +.  Can’t wait.


Via Eric Proulx (RealEstate.com):
I have recently been enlightened that 25 year olds are the entitled owners of the social media job sector. Let’s face … (0 comments)

Exporting CRM Data – The rest of the story - 07/24/12 03:19 PM
 
Gary Hall has some good information about CRM companies and what you should expect them to do for you.  His blog deal with exporting data which may be important to you to have access to your data.  I am in the process of trying to find a good CRM so this information is valuable for me.


Via Gary David Hall, RE CRM Broker, REALTOR,e-PRO,RECS (RE-ACT, LLC):
A common misconception agents have about Real Estate CRMs is that some of them intentionally make it difficult to export your data. In interviews with over 30 Real Estate CRM developers, that does not … (0 comments)

Alameda Municipal Powers' 125 th Anniversary - 07/24/12 02:46 PM
 
Alameda Municipal Power's 125th Anniversary


Woody Minor, local historian,will speak about Alameda Municipal Power's 125th Anniversary at the Alameda Museum lecture series on Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 pm.  Woody will talk about our local municipal electric company's history which began on July 11, 1887 when the Alameda Board of Trustees voted to start its own power company thus becoming the oldest utility west of the Mississippi.  Edison developed the first electric light bulb in 1879 and the city of Alameda's power company was not far behind. Woody always has some interesting and juicy tidbits about the subjects … (2 comments)

Snap shot of Alameda real estate market - July 16 - July 23, 2012 - 07/23/12 10:10 PM
 
Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market - July 16 to July 23, 2012This is a snap shot of the Alameda real estate market activity July 16 to July 23, 2012:New homes on the market........................................................17Price changes..............................................................................8Homes that sold.........................................................................9Pending activity - all not just last week.....................................128All properties currently on the market........................................64Condos currently on the market................................................14Townhouses currently on the market...........................................5Distressed properties:Bank Owned properties...............................................................6Short Sales.................................................................................4Average days on the market......................................................30(including distressed properties)Average sales price of single family homes......................$522,838The snap shot of the Alameda market shows that the number of new homes on the market last week decreased to 17 since the previous week total … (1 comments)

Mastick senior center has everything for senior living in Alameda - 07/22/12 09:20 PM
 
Mastick Senior Center has everything for Senior Living in Alameda

Mastick Senior Center has everything for Senior Living in Alameda.  You need only to pour over the July 2012 Mastick Newsletter, the “Bee”, to find computer, fitness, language and crafts classes, trips information, local and abroad, opportunities for volunteering, a library for research or relaxing with a book, a thrift store and more.
The July edition of the Mastick Bee also details the services and resources that are available for Alameda Seniors.  Those services include:
Transportation and paratransit services AARP driver safety program American Cancer Society program … (3 comments)

Willie Stargell and the Major League Baseball All-Stars Forever Stamps - 07/22/12 04:13 PM
 
Willie Stargell and the Major League Baseball All-Stars Forever Stamps

Willie Stargell was honored with commemorative stamps recently. Ceremonies at Cooperstown at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and PNP Park in Pittsburgh also honored Willie Stargell and the new stamp.
Willie Stargell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and was a longtime players with the Pittsburg Pirates.  Stargell was born in Oklahoma and attended Alameda’s Encinal High School where he began playing baseball.  He also played for Alameda Boys Club teams.
In the 1970’s the Pirates won six of ten divisional titles and … (0 comments)

Mortgage impound accounts. Buyers ask, "What's that?" - 07/21/12 09:41 PM
 
Mortgage impound accounts.  Buyers ask, "Why do I need them?
What are mortgage impound accounts and why do I need them, buyers frequently ask me.  Mortgage impound accounts are trust accounts set up by the lender to pay certain fees associated with owning a home.  Those fees usually include property taxes, fire and hazard insurance premiums and if applicable, private mortgages insurance premiums.Typically a mortgage lender will require a mortgage impound account, also known as reserve or escrow account, when the buyer’s down payment is less than 20%.  If a buyer’s down payment is more than 20%, impounds accounts are … (3 comments)

Things to do in Alameda July 19, 2012 - 07/20/12 08:36 AM
 
Things to do in AlamedaThings to do in Alameda: Still Life - A New Point of View Friday, July 20 at 6:00 pm and Saturday, July 21 at 2:00 pm features seven artists at the popUp Gallery at Autobody Fine Art studio at 1517 Park Street in Alameda.  The artists include Sue Averell, Gabriele Bungardt, Ken Draizan, Mi’Chelle Fredrick, Dan Granett and Chris Tedesco who cover the gamet from acrylic and oil paintings, steel sculptures, drawing, photography and glass art.
 
Things to do in Alameda: Christmas in July at Angela’s Bistro on Saturday, July 21 at 3:00 pm to … (4 comments)

Batman marathon at the Alameda Theatre - 07/19/12 11:43 AM
 
 
Batman marathon at the Alameda Theatre
The Dark Knight Rises, the final movie in the current Batman series starring Christian Bale, will open Friday, July 20, at the Alameda Theatre. To celebrate the opening the Alameda Theatre will hold its Dark Knight marathon on Thursday, June 19.

This is your chance to see all three Batman movies for $20.00.  Batman Begins will show at 5:00 pm today, The Dark Knight at 8:00 pm and The Dark Knight Rises at Midnight.  What a great bargain for Batman aficionados.
A costume contest will be part of the fun. Create a … (1 comments)

Alameda foreclosure trends July 2012 - 07/18/12 03:37 PM
 
Alameda foreclosure trends July 2012

Alameda foreclosure trends July 2012 indicate a decrease of foreclosed properties in Alameda since July 2011. Additionally, California foreclosure sales were down 13.4 percent over May 2012 and down by 48.8 percent over June 2011.Currently there are 162 distressed properties in Alameda.  According to Foreclosure Radar, there are 21 bank owned properties in Alameda.  There are 57 preforeclosure properties and 84 properties calendared for auction in the not to distant future.  


Foreclosure Filings is the first step in the foreclosure process. “Notice of Trustee Sale” is the final notice letting the … (4 comments)

Owning a Home - The American Dream - 07/18/12 03:00 PM
 
Is owning a home still the American Dream? Mahesh Mike Patel thinks so and he provides good reason why people still want to own their own home.  Given the awful market we have gone through, many people said they did not want to own a home.  I think that was a reaction to the crazy market.  People do want to own their own home, they do not want to rent forever.
Via Mahesh Mike Patel - Search Anaheim Homes -For Sale Anaheim Anaheim Hills Ca (Prudential California Realty):
Owning a Home -  The American Dream
 
If you ask anyone, owning … (0 comments)

Even With Over 900 Million Users, Facebook Is Still A Rental Space - 07/18/12 02:36 PM
 
Jeremy Blanton refutes the assertion by some experts that "Websites and SEO are dead.  They are now being replaced by Facebook".  He offers some good information making his case.  You should definitely read his post.
 
Via Jeremy Blanton (210 Consulting~ Social Media Advisors):
Not too long ago Facebook released it's latest stats saying it now has over 900 million members.  While this is a very impressive milestone, there is one thing I hear from people that makes me want to simply bang my head against my desk is a statement similar to the following one:
Websites and SEO are dead!  They are … (0 comments)

You're selling your home, but are you in Selling Mode? - 07/18/12 02:16 PM
 
Some sellers refuse to alter the way they live in their home when it is on the market.  Janice Ankrett’s post offers advice about how the Seller needs to alter their perspective about their house.  It is a commodity now and must be treated that way.  Janice offers some good advice to share with sellers.

Via Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):
 
As we live in our homes we adjust it to fit the rhythm of our lives.
This is  called Living Mode.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming that … (0 comments)

If You Are Sitting on the Fence - You May Get A Splinter - 07/18/12 01:46 PM
 
Debbie Balde’s post about getting off the fence and buying a home now offer some good information for buyers and investors.  But the best thing about her post is the title. Very clever.
Via Debbie Baldes, ABR, SFR, CDPE, e-PRO, CHS (Executive Properties):
If You Are Sitting on the Fence - You May Get A Splinter
 
If you are one of those people waiting for that great time to buy a home, you may be running out of time! House prices are starting to climb in the Sacramento area, rates are at record lows and inventories are shrinking quickly! In fact, … (0 comments)

HAPPENS EVERY YEAR! Why don't the "experts" understand?? - 07/18/12 01:34 PM
 
Lenn Harley has written a post about a subject you and I know well, but the experts don’t seem to understand. She has written about the flow of sales during the year. Properties come on the market in the spring and there is a lot of activity.  Summer is in the doldrums for sales. Sales pickup in September, ad infinitum.  Why can’t the experts see this yearly trend?  Your guess is as good as mine.

Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
HAPPENS EVERY YEAR!!
 
Heard last March … (1 comments)

A list of some text lingo and acronyms used when chatting..... - 07/18/12 01:23 PM
 
Roger Mucci has broken the code for me, that is, the text lingo code.  Now I can text my daughter and others coherently and read their texts without going to the dictionary.  I copied his post for future reference.  You should too.

Via Roger D. Mucci Lake, Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties (Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092):
A list of some text lingo and acronyms used when chatting or commenting on ActiveRain

BTW - by the way BFN - bye for now DYLI - do you love it? GGOH - gotta get outta here GMAB - give me a break IMHO - … (3 comments)

Most Difficult Client Ever Texas Sized Mouth and Coffee Cup to Match~ - 07/18/12 01:02 PM
 
Cherimie Crane has written a charming post about her most difficult client, herself.   This post is a wonderful example of very good writing for an entertaining topic and should be read by all.
 
Via Cherimie Crane, www.BeaufortTime.com (Cherimie Crane & Associates, Ballenger Realty):
After almost ten years in an industry known to discourage sobriety and encourage aging, I fancy myself as experienced. Having sold hundreds of homes, shown thousands, inspected inspections to the point of delirium and argued appraisal with Shakespearean eloquence; I consider myself knowledgeable and well versed in the topsy –turvy realm of real estate.
All that is fine … (1 comments)

Flushing it Down the Drain in Clark County, WA - 07/17/12 09:22 PM
 
I recently wrote a post about what to do with out of date medicines which included flushing them down the drain. It is OK for certain medications. Deb James goes into more detail aboout what you can and cannot flush down the drain.  You should check with your local municipality for their rules.
Via Debb Janes~EcoBroker Camas, Washington EcoBroker (The Carl Group, LLC):
Down the Drain in Clark County, WA 
It sure can be confusing for many of us wondering what’s okay to flush down the drain in our communities, including Clark County, WA. As an EcoBroker,  it makes sense to me … (4 comments)

What you need to get a loan - 07/17/12 09:16 PM
 
What you need to get a loanThe loan application process can be a lengthy and tedious process.  The lender will tell you what you need to get a loan. There will be a long lists of items they will ask you to provide to them. If you are considering buying a home, it may be worth your time to start collecting all the documents in advance.
The first thing the lender will ask for is a copy of the purchase contract and information about the property if you have an offer that has been accepted.  
The lender may require … (4 comments)

How to Value Your Real Estate Assets - 07/17/12 04:53 PM
 
In his post, David Hill describes the different methods of valuing real estate.  He writes about costs basis, comparative analysis and income approach.  Very good information to provide to your client who may be considering purchasing income property.

Via David Hill PhD,ePro,SFR,CIAS,BPOR,CNE Chicago Real Estate Agent (Midwest Premier Realty, Gurnee IL 224-321-0699):
Property valuation (or appraisal) of your real estate assets is a key aspect of property investment. It's important in the purchase and resale of a property, but also for insurance and financing purposes for the time you own the property. Understanding the valuation process allows you to assess and … (2 comments)

Uploading Pictures and Documents to Dropbox – “Homefinder.com Makeover” - 07/17/12 04:22 PM
 
Belinda Spillman tells us about her discovery of DropBox in the cloud.  She found that she needed to access her two computers when she is at either location and Dropbox seemed to fit the bill.  She is especially happy with the 2 gigs she can use for all her photos.  I have DropBox and plan to upload all my photos there after Belinda's recommendation.


Via Belinda Spillman Colorado Real Estate Professional (Cornerstone Homes/Metro Brokers Marina Square):
Uploading Pictures and Documents to Dropbox – “Homefinder.com Makeover”
 
Being a Realtor, alloys me the convenience of working from any place … (2 comments)

Creating Videos with an iPhone or iPad is EASY! - 07/17/12 03:57 PM
 
Richard Yates shows us videos he created with his iPad or iPhone and IMovie.  His videos are creative with great music and titles which enhance the videos.  I am not sure I could do what Richard does, but it looks like it would be fun to try.  Thank Richard for the nudge to create your own videos.




Via Richard Yates - Broker (Coldwell Banker Real Estate):
Creating Videos with an iPhone or iPad is EASY!
  
I can't believe how easy it is to create videos with an iPhone 4S, iPad2 and iMovie ($4.99). 
I've been creating videos … (5 comments)

One Of The First Things You Should Do After Moving Into Your New Home - 07/17/12 03:05 PM
 
Sharon Tara has some good advice for people who have recently purchased a home.  Check your appliances’ filters.  But beware, don’t read this post before a meal if you have a touchy tummy.  Her suggestions are easy to do and will help your appliances work more efficiently.


Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):
What's One Of The First Things You Should Do After Moving Into Your New Home?
 
You've just moved, and the last thing you need is me adding to your "to-do" list.  But this is something many homeowners don't think of and … (5 comments)

First time home buyers watch your credit score like your blood pressure - 07/17/12 02:47 PM
 
Greg Cook has written a witty and informative post for first time home buyers.  His advice concerns a prospective buyer’s credit score and how to keep it healthy and high. He compares how to keep your credit scores and your blood pressure healthy.
Via Greg Cook (FirstTimeHomeBuyersNetwork.com):
First time home buyers watch your credit score like your blood pressure
In this "credit crunch" world having a good credit score is even more important when you're a first time home buyer.
Why is my credit score different from time to time?
I met with a First Time Homebuyer last week and when we … (1 comments)

DIY Gardening Tips - 07/17/12 02:05 PM

Ryan and Sheri MacDonald offer some good advice about how to keep your garden free of weeds without using heavy duty pesticides.  Their suggestions are also economical, so everyone wins, your garden you and the environment.

Via Ryan & Sheri MacDonald Calgary Home Team (Re/Max First):
Do you want to enjoy a fresh, healthy garden free from weeds and pests without spending too much money? Here is a list of some cheap, biodegradable and homemade solutions that you can use to maintain your garden as presented by comFree Living:
To control and prevent weeds: While Mulch is used to cover the soil, retain its … (0 comments)

We Don't Care What The Buyers Offered, We're Countering! - 07/17/12 01:48 PM
 
Liz and Bill always offer sound and cogent advice for buyers and sellers.  This is another valuable tip about negotiating an offer.  Sellers and buyers often become emotional during the negotiation process.  Bill and Liz reminds everyone involved in the negotiation that their goal should be to reach agreement where everyone feels that they have gotten what they want.

Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
We Don't Care What The Buyers Offered, We're Countering! Okay, we can't exactly say those words in that order, because the decision during negotiations ISN'T ours to … (5 comments)

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Each Morning Before Leaving for Work - 07/17/12 11:12 AM

I often worry that my clients who are selling their home will forget to make a bed or leave the kitty litter in the kitchen when they leave in the morning.  Valerie Zinger has compiled a list for home sellers to review each time they leave their home.  Buyers want to see the home in its best condition and Valerie’s list will help sellers remember.


Via Valerie Zinger (House Proud Ottawa-Ontario-Canada):
Your house is for sale and you leave for work each morning.  What should you be asking yourself before you leave for the day?  

Why do so … (2 comments)

Snap shot of Alameda real estate July 9 to July 16, 2012 - 07/16/12 04:29 PM
 
Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market - July 9 to July 16, 2012This is a snap shot of the Alameda real estate market activity July 9 to July 16, 2012:
New homes on the market.......................................................20Price changes.............................................................................6Homes that sold.......................................................................15Pending activity - all not just last week....................................125All properties currently on the market........................................62Condos currently on the market................................................12Townhouses currently on the market..........................................6Distressed properties:Bank Owned properties..............................................................8Short Sales................................................................................3Average days on the market....................................................18(including distressed properties)Average sales price of single family homes......................$540,461
The snap shot of the Alameda market shows that the number of new homes on the market last week increased to 20 since the previous … (5 comments)

Things to do in Alameda July 13, 2012 - 07/13/12 08:32 AM
 
Things to do in Alameda

Things to do in Alameda: Still Life - A New Point of View July 13 at 6:00 pm features seven artists at the popUp Gallery at Autobody Fine Art studio at 1517 Park Street in Alameda.  The artists include Sue Averell, Gabriele Bungardt, Ken Draizan, mi’Chelle Fredrick, Dan Granett and Chris Tedesco who cover the gamet from acrylic and oil paintings, steel sculptures, drawing, photography and glass art.





Things to Do in Alameda:  Evening Concert at the Cove on July 13 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Crab … (2 comments)

Beatles Bingo at Rhythmix Cultural Works - 07/10/12 08:38 PM
 
Beatles Bingo at Rhythmix Cultural WorksBeatles Bingo will be held at Rhythmix Cultural Works on Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 pm.  “Mr. Entertainment and the dancing Yay girls will perform art spectacle, dazzling entertainment, cash prizes and outrageous costumed revelry will be featured.”
Guests are encouraged to dress as your favorite Beatle to join for the wildly popular entertainment extravaganza.  “Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and come see why bingo has garnered new hipster cachet!”

Play 10 games of bingo for $25.00 which includes the chance to win prizes. For more information call Rhythmix at 510-865-5060 … (3 comments)

Senior living in Alameda disposing of drugs safely - 07/09/12 04:12 PM
 
Senior living in Alameda disposing of drugs safely


When my mother passed away recently I was left with a box of different medications she had been prescribed during her last year.  Some of her medications were powerful drugs others were medication commonly prescribed for the elderly.  Regardless of their type I needed to dispose of them safely.  
I asked the pharmacist at my pharmacy about disposing of those medication.  I was given an address and envelopes where I could send out of date medications.  Since my Mom had dementia before she passed away, I had a lot … (5 comments)

Snap shot of Alameda real estate market July 3 to July 9, 2012 - 07/09/12 10:49 AM
 
Snap shot of Alameda real estate market - July 3 to July 9, 2012This is a snap shot of the Alameda real estate market activity June 25 to July 2, 2012:
New homes on the market.......................................................10Price changes.............................................................................6Homes that sold.......................................................................19Pending activity - all not just last week....................................122All properties currently on the market........................................65Condos currently on the market.................................................9Townhouses currently on the market........................................12Distressed properties:Bank Owned properties.............................................................10Short Sales.................................................................................4Average days on the market.....................................................26(including distressed properties)Average sales price of single family homes......................$507,265
The snap shot shows that the number of new homes on the market last week continues to decline slightly since the previous week(18).  All statistics … (0 comments)

My first sighting of a phalarope - 07/08/12 09:12 PM
 
My first sighting of a PhalaropeToday I visited the Hayward Regional Shoreline with other birders to see if anything new had come in.
Our group of about 20 people made our way to see a new colony of terns, including Forster’s and Least terns on an island specially designated for terns.

On the way to the island we saw lots of birds common to the area, great and snowy egrets, song and Savannah sparrows, eared grebes, ruddy, gadwall and mallard ducks with their chicks northern harriers, turkey vultures, white pelicans and many more.

As we walked we saw … (9 comments)

What is a mortgage? - 07/07/12 11:23 PM
 
What is a mortgage?

Buyers who want to buy a home in Alameda ask me many questions about the process. One of the most important questions they ask is, “What is a mortgage?”
According to Wikipedia “a mortgage is a loan secured by real property through the use of a mortgage note which evidences the existence of the loan and the encumbrance of that realty through the granting of a mortgage which secures the loan.”
“Wikipedia also states, “The word mortgage is a French legal term meaning "death contract", meaning that the pledge ends (dies) when either the … (3 comments)

Things to do in Alameda July 6, 2012 - 07/06/12 11:27 AM
 
Things to do in Alameda

Things to do in Alameda:  July 6th is "First Friday" at the Frank Bette Center.Sterling Hoffmann'ssolo show will be featured in the Signature Gallery. Sterling's work is featured on this year's PAPo ad materials for having won the "Best of Show" in 2010.  Frank Bette Center for the Arts is located at 1601 Paru, Alameda.
Things to do in Alameda: Still Life - A New Point of View July 6 at 6:00 pm features seven artists at the popUp Gallery at Autobody Fine Art studio at 1517 Park Street in Alameda.  The artists include … (2 comments)

Casitas townhomes for sale in Alameda - 07/05/12 02:31 PM
 
Casitas townhomes for sale in AlamedaCasitas townhomes in Alameda are located on Bay Farm Island and were built in 1967.  The 406 units have lush greenbelts and nearby shops, grocery stores and parks. The townhomes are minutes from the ferry terminal, Oakland International airport, 880 freeway and the Chuck Corica golf course. We are experiencing a shortage of all types of property including Casitas townhomes. Current there is one Casitas townhome for sale. A 3 bedroom F model townhome is for sale for $395,000.  

Public schools where children who live in Casitas townhomes attend Amelia Earhart Elementary School … (0 comments)

Garden Isle Townhomes for sale in Alameda - 07/04/12 10:52 PM
 
Garden Isle townhomes for sale in AlamedaGarden Isle townhomes in Alameda are located on Bay Farm Island and were built in 1973.  The 346 units have lush greenbelts and nearby shops, grocery stores and parks. The Garden Isle townhomes are minutes from the ferry terminal, Oakland International airport, 880 freeway and the Chuck Corica golf course.  

Garden Isle townhomes have a wide variety of models. There are 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms units which are all two stories, except the Model A unit which is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath single level unit. There is a shortage of … (3 comments)

Islandia Townhomes for sale in Alameda - 07/03/12 10:11 PM
 
Islandia Townhomes for sale in AlamedaIslandia Townhomes in Alameda are located on Bay Farm Island and were built in 1969.  The 438 units have lush courtyards and nearby shops, grocery stores, tennis courts and parks. The Islandia Townhomes are minutes from the ferry terminal, Oakland International airport and the Chuck Corica golf course. There is a shortage of inventory of Islandia townhomes for sale.  Presently there is one 2 bedroom 2 bath unit for sale.   

Islandia Townhomes amenities include the clubhouse, pool, greenbelt, tennis courts and play yard.

The public schools near Islandia Townhomes are some of … (4 comments)

Laguna Hacienda condos for sale in Alameda - 07/03/12 03:41 PM
 
Laguna Hacienda condos for sale in AlamedaLaguna Hacienda condos in Alameda offer a leisure lifestyle just steps to the beach and a short walk to Alameda South Shore Shopping center.  There is easy access to public transportation. Most condos overlook the courtyard, the pool and the lagoon.  The 50 Laguna Hacienda condos were built in 1964. Laguna Hacienda condos for sale may be found here.

Laguna Hacienda condos have many amenities including a pool, greenbelt, lagoon views, covered parking with storage, common area maintenance and six laundry rooms free to residents

Laguna Hacienda condos nearby public schools are … (2 comments)

The Willows Condos for sale in Alameda - 07/02/12 08:07 PM
 
The Willows Condos for sale in Alameda
The Willows Condos in Alameda are in a prime location near the beautiful Alameda Shoreline. The Willow Condos location is desirable for another reason, they are adjacent to the South Shore Shopping Center where you will find anything you might need, from grocery stores, pharmacy, retail stores and any type of restaurant you may be in the mood for.

The 201 unit Willows Condo complex was built in 1974 when Alameda was extended to create South Shore. Currently there is just one Willows condo for sale in Alameda. It is … (3 comments)

Beachcomber condos for sale in Alameda - 07/02/12 07:04 PM
 
Beachcomber condos for sale in Alameda

Popular Beachcomber Condos are tucked away at the foot of 9th Street on the lagoon and are only a few blocks from Alameda's exclusive Gold Coast area.  These are desirable units which seldom come on the market. Currently there is one one-bedroom unit for sale. The unit has no lagoon view, but with a very nice enclosed, private patio. The unit is priced at $199,000.   

Beachcomber condos were built in1959 and there are 36 total units in the complex.  The amenities include a pool, secured building and parking lot, laundry room, carports, … (2 comments)

Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market June 25 to July 2, 2012 - 07/02/12 03:59 PM
 
Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market June 25 to July 2, 2012
This is a snap shot of the Alameda real estate market activity June 25 to July 2, 2012:New homes on the market.......................................................13Price changes.............................................................................8Homes that sold......................................................................18Pending activity - all not just last week....................................128All properties currently on the market.......................................68Condos currently on the market...............................................10Townhouses currently on the market........................................12Distressed properties:Bank Owned properties..............................................................9Short Sales................................................................................2Average days on the market.....................................................59(including distressed properties)Average sales price of single family homes......................$524,068
The snap shot shows that there were fewer new homes on the market last week since the previous week(26).  That indicates that the low inventory is … (0 comments)

Marina Village waterfront condos for sale in Alameda - 07/01/12 01:20 PM
 
Marina Village waterfront condos for sale in Alameda

Marina Village is in a casual, tranquil setting with bike and walking paths wending through the complex.  Marina Park is on the edge of the community adjacent to the Marina Village Harbor with its spectacular water views.

Bay Area Rapid Transit(BART) and 880 freeway are 5 minutes away from Marina Village and bus service and the Marina Village Shopping are just steps away.  Marina Village also includes an office park, so residents might find themselves with a short walk to work.  People who may want to buy a unit in … (20 comments)

 
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Evelyn Kennedy, Alameda Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Alameda, CA

More about me…

Gallagher & Lindsey, Alameda, California

Address: Alameda, Oakland, Emeryville, San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Alameda, CA, 94501

Office Phone: (510) 748-1120

Cell Phone: (510) 504-5612

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