Buying Off-season is a Very Smart Move - 11/30/09 11:21 AM

Via Barb Fischer (RD Brown Real Estate):
Homebuyer alert-- a huge flock of people-- your fellow homebuyers (and competitors)-- have checked out of the market, and won't be seen again until around January 10th. This migration happens every year, starting around November 20. The #1 reason is holidayitis; home hunting can be a grueling process, especially in these days of multiple offers and cash/conventional only, and many people choose to enjoy the holidays instead.
What made matters worse this year was the impending end of the First time Homebuyers Tax Credit. Until that was extended and enhanced, there was a mad rush … (2 comments)

El Cerrito High Class of 1979 Parties like it is 1979! - 11/29/09 04:19 PM

The El Cerrito High Class of 1979 was a very spirited class of almost 500 People.  Last night we had our 30th Reunion at the Golden Gate Fields Turf Club. 
Hats of to Dwayne Fisher, David Washington, and Rachel Greenberg for pulling it together in just a few months.
I do not have the pictures yet but if you are one of the members or just interested you can get more details at the Facebook Page I suspect the pictures will be there soon.
It is great to connect with old friends, but in a class of almost 500 there … (1 comments)

I am ready for Christmas - 11/28/09 01:20 PM
I am ready for Christmas!                                                  Photo by GraceFamily on Flickr

I don't mean I am ready for Christmas in that everything is done that needs to be done; I am ready for Christmas in my heart.  I have been ready for Christmas for weeks, so ready I feel like a department store.  One of my kids told me I had to stop signing carols as it was not time yet.
There is a lot to be glummy about this year, the national economy, my personal economy, the direction of our country, and worry over the future; but I am filled … (8 comments)

Old Men Playing Football! - 11/26/09 08:00 PM
When I was a kid growing up in El Cerrito California on Sea View Drive we played a lot of street football.  I think we played it almost every day.  But rather than have a boring game of Telephone post to Telephone post we painted a field directly onto the street.  Needless to say the cops were not happy about it, but could not really pin it on anyone and we did our best to wear the paint off.
Now our field was particularly unique in that it curved and the telephone wires crossed over the street at this point.  This … (4 comments)

Where is Santa Claus? - 11/24/09 06:24 PM
Where is Santa Claus?
I told the boys that on this Tuesday we were going to see Santa Clause early this year.  Well my older two rolled their eyes and wanted to stay home, but my little boys were very excited.  They know that dad is a friend of the big guys and it is important to talk with him.
The older boys got more in the spirit when I told them about where we were going to see Santa - The Bass Pro Shop in Manteca, Ca.  Now I know a bunch of you are all ready saying, "You know … (4 comments)

Things I am Thankful for and the Holiday Weight Challenge - 11/23/09 01:47 PM
Things I am Thankful for and the Holiday Weight Challenge.
With this Post I kill two proverbial Turkeys with one stone.  Posting on thinks I am thankful for and weight loss tips.  Many of you on Active Rain know I post my diet struggles on the member side and use this as a place for accountability.
In our instant information and fast food culture we often do not enjoy food as it was intended.  Food and eating is a very intimate thing and that is being lost in our culture.  We eat on the run, we rarely eat as a family, … (2 comments)

Sommerset in Brentwood - November 2009 Market Report - 11/23/09 01:06 PM
Sommerset in Brentwood - November 2009 Market Report
Sommerset is a dynamic community in Brentwood California for people 55 plus.  This Sommerset Market Report focuses on Sommerset, Summerset, and other 55 plus communities in Brentwood.
Sommerset Communities feature single family homes and duplexes.  This report focuses on the Current Sommerset Market and the homes sold in the Sommerset Communities in October and September.
Currently there are 21 homes for sale in the Sommerset Community.  The average asking price of those homes is $459,406.00 and the median asking price is $439,950.00.  The currently active homes have spent and average of 68 days … (0 comments)

The things I am Thankful for - 11/22/09 01:07 PM

This week I am going to write about somethings I am thankful for.  At the top of my list is my family and my kids, but there is one of my five (and soon to be six) boys I want to tell you about.
My second son Corbin.  Corbin is from my first marriage (we had two together).  Corbin is a family name on my mothers said and my son always laughs when he sees a picture of Great Great Grandpa Corbin at prairie sod house with beard like ZZ Top.
My oldest son lives with me (his mother had … (5 comments)

Royal Ranger First Aid - 11/20/09 11:23 AM
Royal Rangers
My two oldest boys, Nelson and Corbin, and I just completed a first aid and CPR course through Royal Rangers provided by the National Safety Counsel.
First Aid has not changed much sense I took my Scouting First Aid badge, but it has changed some and the refresher course is always good.  My sons took this course to Earn their Gold Merit for First Aid (and becsue when I have my heart attack I want them to know what to do). 
This is just one of the great things they learn in Rangers.  Not only does it provide the … (6 comments)

Send A Gift- Thank You Card To Our Soldiers- Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program - 11/18/09 07:03 PM

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
Thanks to Xerox sending out a Thank You card to our soldiers is simple, fast and free.    At this time of the year we can take some time out to teach our children about giving thanks and living in gratitude. The best way of course to teach gratitude is by being a good example of being in a thankful state of mind. You can gather your children around your computer right now and go to this site: Let's Say Thanks- In Support of our Troops. … (0 comments)

Novato Home Back on the Market! - 11/17/09 04:26 PM

Novato Home Back on the Market!
One of the finest homes for the price is back on the market!  The owner took the home off the market for a short time to upgrade some of the fixtures and do some painting.  This home is excellent.  It offers:
Pool Two Decks Game Room Media Room Five bedrooms with a Jack & Jill Suite Hot Tub Gourmet Kitchen Large Park like grounds Flowing Creek Horses OK Large Lawns Could hold RV Parking Classic Hard Wood Floors Grand Fire Place Excellent Schools Attic Fan and so much more! For recorded information and/or an … (3 comments)

Econ 1A -- your Real Estate Refresher Course in 7 Simple Steps - 11/17/09 11:25 AM

Via Barb Fischer (RD Brown Real Estate):
Don't get stuck in Fantasyland!  Real Estate always follows a few basic economic truths.  Honor these realities, and you'll win what you want.  Here's a 7-step quick tour through real estate economics. Pass, and you can have a fighting chance to get the house you want.
1. Supply and Demand: When there are more buyers out there than desirable homes available-- you get A) multiple offers, B) offers over asking price. This is what's happening now.
2. Location, location, location: Real estate is always local in nature, and #1 above is what's occurring in most  … (1 comments)

At the NAR. HVCC Problems? Not according to the Government. - 11/14/09 07:13 PM
This is what your government is doing to "Help" you.  This is one of the big problems in buying and selling a home today. 
The HVCC is supposed to make the process better.  The reality is someone is making some money somewhere at the cost of the consumers and the public in general.
This is a Repost of a Blog Post by an agent at the NAR convention.
Via Gene Wunderlich - Realtor®, Government Affairs Director (Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors):
One of the seminars I attended today at NAR was entitled 'Managing the Risks and Opportunities of the New Home Valuation … (0 comments)

Fishing with the Rangers - 11/14/09 06:55 PM
Fishing with the Rangers.
This morning Outpost 5 of the Royal Rangers went on a Fishing Trip to Lafeyette Resevior in Lafeyette CA.  About 12 kids came along and an equal number of parents.  It was primarily the younger kids.  They got their feet wet (some literally) fishing, BBQ'd some Hot Dogs, enjoyed some other snacks and had an all around good time.
I took my two middle boys Weston (6) and Janson (5).
NO FISH WERE ACTUALLY HARMED IN THE PREPERATION OF THIS BLOG POST.  Maybe next time.
If you want to know more about Royal Rangers in this area … (6 comments)

Discovery Bay Housing Market Report - October 2009 - 11/13/09 07:20 PM

Discovery Bay Housing Market Report - October 2009
The Housing Market in East Contra Costa County is still very tight. There are some very slight price decreases, but they might be simple seasonal anomalies and certainly are not an indication of the market going soft again.
This Discovery Bay Housing Market Report for October 2009 compares the sales of single family home sales in October to those in September and the Active Housing Market in Discovery Bay California.
Currently there are 63 Single Family Homes for sale in the Discovery Bay Housing Market. The Average Asking Price on those homes … (1 comments)

Novato Open House 11-15-09 - 11/13/09 03:06 PM
Novato Open House 11-15-09
Come by 2424 Vineyard Road in Novato on Sunday from 1-4 PM to see an unbelievable home.   Pool, SPA, Corner Lot, almost a 1/2 acre, gourmet kitchen and more.  The property used to be a horse property and can be again.
This house is coming back on the Market Monday 11-16-09, but we will have a special preview open house on Sunday November 15 from 1 to 4 PM.
This house was fantastic, but has now fixtures and amenities have been updated and enhanced to look and appeal of the home.  I do not even have the … (1 comments)

I Want a Deal - 11/11/09 05:52 PM
This Post is very relevant to the local market here in Brentwood and East Contra Costa County.  I have reposted courtesy of the initial writer.
Via JL Boney, III Columbia, SC Real Estate (Russell and Jeffcoat):
 Well of course you do, in this day and age who doesn't? But the fact of the matter that all "deals" are relative to the situation. Your perception of what good deal is can be very different than than what the market says is a good deal.
 These days with all the fuss over foreclosures, every buyer that makes their way off of the proverbial fence is … (1 comments)

Brentwood California Housing Market Report - October 2009 - 11/10/09 04:42 PM

Brentwood California Housing Market Report - October 2009
The Housing Market in East Contra Costa County is still very tight. There are some very slight price decreases, but they might be simple seasonal anomalies and certainly are not an indication of the market going soft again.
This Brentwood Housing Market Report for October 2009 compares the sales of single family home sales in October to those in September and the Active Housing Market in Brentwood California.
Currently there are 162 Single Family Homes for sale in the Brentwood Housing Market. The Average Asking Price on those homes is $543,822.00 and … (1 comments)

Oakley California Housing Market Report - October 2009 - 11/10/09 03:08 PM
Oakley California Housing Market Report - October 2009
The Housing Market in East Contra Costa County is still very tight. There are some very slight price decreases, but they might be simple seasonal anomalies and certainly are not an indication of the market going soft again.
This Oakley Housing Market Report for October 2009 compares the sales of single family home sales in October to those in September and the Active Housing Market in Oakley California.
Currently there are 100 Single Family Homes for sale in the Oakley Housing Market. The Average Asking Price on those homes is $305,868.00 and the … (0 comments)

Antioch California Housing Market Report - October 2009 - 11/10/09 02:11 PM
Antioch California Housing Market Report - October 2009
The Housing Market in East Contra Costa County is still very tight. There are some very slight price decreases, but they might be simple seasonal anomalies and certainly are not an indication of the market going soft again.
This Antioch Housing Market Report for October 2009 compares the sales of single family home sales in October to those in September and the Active Housing Market in Antioch California.
Currently there are 176 Single Family Homes for sale in the Antioch Housing Market. The Average Asking Price on those homes is $227,827.00 and the … (0 comments)

Pittsburg California Housing Market Report - October 2009 - 11/10/09 01:57 PM
Pittsburg California Housing Market Report - October 2009
The Housing Market in East Contra Costa County is still very tight.  There are some very slight price decreases, but they might be simple seasonal anomalies and certainly are not an indication of the market going soft again. 
This Pittsburg Housing Market Report for October 2009 compares the sales of single family home sales in October to those in September and the Active Housing Market in Pittsburg California.
Currently there are 123 Single Family Homes for sale in the Pittsburg Housing Market.  The Average Asking Price on those homes is $223,990.00 and the … (0 comments)

Are we all headed for Public Housing? - 11/06/09 07:02 PM
Are we all headed for Public Housing?
The Feds have announced Thursday under Fannie Mae that homes in default would be taken over and leased back to the defaulters or the current tenants.  The stated claim is that they are trying to stabilize neighborhoods and provide a transitional arrangement.
The occupants will be given a one year lease then go month to month.  On one level this sounds very nice and practical but it raises big concerns.  With the governments taking over the banks will they soon just take over the entire housing supply?
The Obama Administration admits they want government … (10 comments)

Monterey Bay Aquarium - 11/06/09 06:42 PM
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Three of my boys are home schooled and Monterey Bay had the Home School Day on Monday November 2.  So we packed up four of the boys (the other is in Public School) and headed down Sunday afternoon for a fun night at the Hotel first.
Public School day is FREE which put this right in out price range.  The kids loved it especially the sea otters.  The big hype is on the Sea Horse exhibit which I felt was so so.  There is a large tank with sharks, big tunas, barracudas and a number of other fish.
… (4 comments)

First Time Buyers - A Bigger Concern than the $8,000.00 Tax Credit! - 11/05/09 06:26 PM
First Time Buyers

There has been a lot of debate about the $8,000.00 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers.  Should we keep it?  Does it create home sales?  Are we borrowing against future sales?  Is it causing price increases?
However, right now there is something that should motivate everyone to buy a home as soon as possible.  In 2010 the Bush Tax Cuts Expire.  Why should this be a big concern?  Because it will effect every tax payer in the country and it will make it harder to save for a home.  
But if you get into a … (3 comments)

Novato Market Report November 2009 - 11/04/09 04:10 PM
Novato Market Report November 2009
Set down grab a cup of coffee and some No Doze.  You are about to get some numbers to make your head spin and sleepy, unless of course you are excited about the Novato Housing Market and trying to buy or sell a home in that area.
The Novato Housing Market offers some of the best buys on Luxury Homes in Marin County with Excellent Schools and a fantastic life style.
This Novato Housing Market report looks at single family home sales in Novato and compares September figures to October figures looking for sales trends; and … (1 comments)

Don't Let this Happen to Your Photos - 11/03/09 02:01 PM
Don't Let this Happen to Your Photos    -    Why is there no Photo here?
I want to make a point about taking care of our photos.  About a year ago my wife's computer began to have trouble.  I told her to back up.  She quickly began to upload all of her photos.  But the computer went before she could finish. 
She got another computer and I procrastinated on taking her old computer in.  When I did they told me the hard drive was damaged.  To even see if stuff can be recovered they need to send it out to a clean … (12 comments)

This Brokerage Has 750 Listings…..So they must be the best! (Part 1) - 11/01/09 09:58 AM
Here is some more good information for consumers from another real estate blog.  Let me know what you think.
Via Ruthmarie Hicks (Keller Williams Realty):
Does size really matter?  Do the number of listings or the size of the brokerage have anything to do with the ability of the agent to market and sell a home successfully? Is it the brokerage or the agent that is the determining factor?
What Does the Brokerage Bring to the Table? One of the biggest issues  I encounter on listing presentations  are questions regarding the brokerage itself.   Most questions revolve around marketing.  What does the brokerage do in … (3 comments)

Seven Ways to Use a Home Inspection Report - 11/01/09 09:54 AM
Good thoughts you should read from another great blogger.
Via Jim Bushart (Home Inspection Services of Missouri):
In random order, I present to you seven different ways in which a home inspection report can be used by parties to a real estate transaction for advantage and benefit.
1.  Buyers can consider the reported conditions of the home's systems to determine their ability to afford to maintain the property.  A home with a 12 year old water heater, an 18 year old furnace and a 25 year old composite shingled roof is going to need some costly investments in the near future.
2.  Buyers … (1 comments)

 
Gene_head_shot_10-10 Rainmaker_large

Gene Riemenschneider East Contra Costa Home Sales 01492725

Brentwood, CA

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Home Point Real Estate

Address: Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Pittsburg,, Discovery Bay, Investors, Brentwood, CA, 94513

Office Phone: (925) 260-4321

Cell Phone: (925) 260-4321

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<!---- start copying here ----->Author Bio: Gene Riemenschneider is the Owner and Broker at Home Point Real Estate. He is a Realtor and a SFR (Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource). Home Point Real Estate works with Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors.<!-- insert your own bio between the <p> tags ---->   <!--- stop copying here. Paste all this into Notepad and change out the obvious stuff...like my name and the link to my Google profile. Then -------> Clicky Web Analytics

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