Monterey County Real Estate...It's A Lifestyle!

Everything Italian On Old fisherman's Wharf, Monterey CA Celebration

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 04:24:26 -0700

“EVERYTHING ITALIAN! MONTEREY’S OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION”

Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is holding a special free “Everything Italian! Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Columbus Day Weekend Celebration” event on Saturday, October 12^th and Sunday, October 13^th. Join in the celebration of Monterey’s Italian heritage on Fisherman’s Wharf at their first ever Columbus Day weekend event.

The “Everything Italian! Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Columbus Day Weekend Celebration” will highlight special Italian dishes featured at the many Wharf restaurants in honor of the holiday plus great entertainment.

On Saturday, October 12^th and Sunday, October 13^th, there will be many fun family activities, including special “guests’ from history including Isabella and her court and the Knights of Columbus, local performers and entertainment, music and much more. Experience a “voyage” on the seas with one of the Wharf’s Whale Watching boats, deep sea fishing boats, sailboats or the Little Mermaid Glass Bottom boat. Plan your visit to the City of Monterey’s nearby historical sites that weekend, including walking and bus tours, live battles, and more -- all open to the public for this special celebration.

Visitors to the Wharf are urged to stay to enjoy lunch or dinner on the Wharf that day. Many restaurants will be featuring a special Columbus Day Weekend Menu. By going to www.montereywharf.com, visitors to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf can access the “Enjoy the Wonders of the Wharf” free VIP Card promotion with 27 special offers.

A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn’t complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey that was built in 1870 for regular passenger and freight service. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey’s Old Fisherman's Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, live theater, special events, whale watching, bay cruises, glass bottom boats, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay. Savor delicious cuisine at a myriad of fabulous restaurants featuring stunning views and award-winning Italian food, sustainable seafood, grass-fed steaks, including the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari. Enjoy salt water taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and many other yummy treats. View sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, sea birds and other wildlife up close and personal that also share the Wharf. Watch people who have gone out and caught their own fish on the local and chartered fishing boats return with their own “catch of the day”.

Celebrate the first location in Monterey County where tender abalone was cooked and served in a restaurant. Check out the many fun shops to find the perfect memento of your visit and a variety of unique gifts. Enjoy the exquisite views and the “best place to walk and people watch” in Monterey County! Situated near downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail and has plenty of nearby parking.

For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, go to www.montereywharf.com or call 831.238-0777.

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

DeLuca Real Estate

Wed, 29 May 2013 06:00:24 -0700

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Ask A Realtor Webchat

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:51:08 -0700

California Association of Realtors is hosting three “Ask a REALTOR®” webchats.

These webchats focus on three different topics and allow home buyers, home sellers, and homeowners to ask questions of various real estate experts.

The second “Ask a REALTOR® webchat” will be held this Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. PST. During the hour-long webchat, California REALTOR® Bob Wolff will answer consumers’ questions about staging and open houses.

To Acess The Webchat

The California Association of Realtors has many great areas for consumers to gain valuable information on buying or selling a home in California.

Median Home Prices In Monterey County

Megan's Law Information

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Triplex For Sale In South Salinas

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:42:33 -0700

Search current inventory of South Salinas

Listing Details

Triplex In South Salinas Live In One Rent Out The Others

349 Alexander Street
Price: $435,000
MLS number: 81311780
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Square Footage: 2098

Call Leslie DeLuca at 831-214-1934 to see if this property is still available and arrange a showing.

3 bed Single Family Residence and Duplex 3 Car Garage Two For The Price Of One

Wonderful opportunity to own a gem in South Salinas. This unique property offers a single family home and a duplex all on a large corner lot. If you have been looking for a home to keep extended family close while maintaining privacy, this is your home. Investors can walk into a property with loyal long term tenants. This is a great opportunity and one that is hard to find in this area. Live in one and let the other help to pay your mortgage.

Charming Old World Style

Click here to see additional information of this South Salinas Triplex

Description Of Property

Corner house has large living room, 3 bedrooms, dining room, laundry and bath. Both homes have high ceilings and unique old world features. The duplex has a one bedroom 1 bath unit on the right with large living room and functional kitchen. One the other side is a two bed one bath unit, laundry and large bathroom.

Discover South Salinas

Salinas’ hospitality blends yesterday’s charm with today’s modern conveniences. The California Rodeo, California International Airshow, and the world famous Steinbeck Festival are major attractions of our colorful and diverse city. Visitors can also explore the nearby Monterey Peninsula, the historic missions of San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Carmel and San Antonio de Padua, the world-class wineries of South Monterey
County, the beauty of nearby beaches, and Pinnacles National Monument.

Salinas and the Salinas Valley offer a unique combination of climate, natural resources,
and people. Although agriculture forms an
economic base, more than 100 manufacturing
firms call Salinas home.

Some of the largest employers in the area include: Dole Fresh Vegetable, the County of Monterey, Household Credit Services, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

FIND SIMILAR HOMES IN SALINAS

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Mother's Day Celebration At The Sardine Factory Monterey California

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:50:12 -0700

The Sardine Factory is a world famous restaurant in Monterey. For 45 years, The Sardine Factory, has been creating distinctive and memorable experiences for discriminating diners. The restaurant offers three unique and elegant dining rooms each with it's own personality. This award winning restaurant is locally owned and operated by Chef Bert Cutino and partner Ted Balesteri. These partners rank quality of food and customer service as a top priority. I have included a video where you can meet Bert Cutino, a local born and raised Italian who will give you a great history of life on the Monterey Peninsula.

The Sardine Factory
701 Wave Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(Free Valet Parking Available)
Phone: 831-373-3775
Email: info@sardinefactory.com
Dining Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5pm to 9:30pm Friday & Saturday 5pm to 10pm.
Lounge Dining Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 10:30pm Friday & Saturday 5pm - 11pm.
Cocktails: Daily 5pm to Midnight.
Reservations are not available for the Lounge.
For Directions & Map, click here.

World Class service, beautiful ambiance and amazing cuisine that you will not soon forget. The Sardine Factory is another family and personal favorite. From special occassion dining, to the relaxed atmosphere of the lounge...one can have a fun and flavorful experience. My husband and I love to go and sit in the lounge and enjoy the piano bar, fun appetizers and interesting beverages. We celebrated our anniversary there, my Mother's birthday....and yes let's talk about Mother's Day.

Mother's Day at The Sardine Factory will be a special event. Dinner will feature a Special Prix Fixe Menu for $39.00 per person A three course brunch will be offered from 11:00 -3:00 p.m. for $35.00 per person.

Treat Mom this Mother's Day
to special Brunch & Dinner
Prix Fixe Menus!
Sunday, May 12th

Three-Course Brunch
Served 11:00am to 3:00 pm only

~ CHOICE OF STARTER ~
Spring Baby Lettuces Salad
Tanimura & Antle Artisan™ lettuces,
crumbled Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, red onions, raspberry vinaigrette

Garden Hearts of Romaine® Caesar Salad
creamy garlic-anchovy dressing

Chef Brant’s Baked Oysters Rockefeller
Salinas Valley Spinach, Applewood bacon,
Hollandaise sauce

  Lobster Bisque
cognac, truffles

  Castroville Artichoke Soup
sun-dried tomato oil

~ CHOICE OF MAIN COURSE ~
Slow Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef au Jus
twice baked cheddar potato, sautéed local asparagus, horseradish sauce (Extra Cut….add 10)

Dungeness Crab Omelet Florentine
Salinas Valley Spinach, Monterey Jack cheese,
Mornay sauce, O’Brian potatoes

Steamed Alaskan Halibut Fillet
velvety mascarpone risotto, braised rapini,
creole tasso – shrimp sauce

Filet Mignon Benedict
toasted sourdough croutons, poached hen eggs,
béarnaise sauce, sautéed asparagus,
Momotaro pink tomato

Prawns Alfredo Rigatoni
sweet wild Gulf prawns, silky alfredo sauce,
rigatoni pasta

—~ CHOICE OF DESSERT ~
House Made Watsonville Strawberry Shortcakesweet Chantilly crème

Delectable Valrhona Chocolate Mousse
Watsonville strawberries, whipped cream

$35.00
(per person)

In addition, we will also be serving our children's menu.

Three-Course Dinner
Served 4:30pm - 8:30pm

~ CHOICE OF STARTER ~
Spring Baby Lettuces Salad
Tanimura & Antle Artisan™ lettuces,
crumbled Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, red onions, raspberry vinaigrette

Lobster Bisque
cognac, truffles

~ CHOICE OF MAIN COURSE ~
Slow Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef au Jus
garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed baby carrots & asparagus tips, horseradish sauce (Extra Cut….add 10)

Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut Fillet
velvety mascarpone risotto, braised rapini,
creole tasso – shrimp sauce

Prawns Alfredo Rigatoni
sweet wild Gulf prawns, silky alfredo sauce,
rigatoni pasta

USDA Prime Petite Filet Mignon
& Local King Salmon
whiskey-peppercorn reduction
& tarragon-shallot vin blanc roasted fingerling potatoes

~ CHOICE OF DESSERT ~
Classic Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
sweet Chantilly crème, fresh berries

Watsonville Strawberry Tart
Grand Marnier pastry crème, mango coulis

$39.00
(per person)

In addition, we will also be serving our
children's and full regular menus.

Split Plate Charge $10 ~ No Substitutions

Meet Bert Cutino

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Mother's Day At Old Fisherman's Grotto On The Monterey Peninsula

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:25:40 -0700

Mother's Day is here...what are you going to do for your Mom? We all know our mothers are special....why don't you surprise her and give her a weekend of fun? I have given you some ideas on things mom's like in this blog. I hope you've at least picked up a card already? And what about reservations for brunch? It's a mother's day institution......taking mom for brunch.

My families favorite place to celebrate in Monterey is Old fisherman's Grotto on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.

Located at 39 Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, this is a special place. If you want to experience great service, great food and be a hero in Mom's eyes...take her to Old Fisherman's Grotto for Mother's Day. You can make reservations by calling 831-375-4604.

"The Grotto" as locals call it, is a special place. It is a locally owned and operated restaurant that has been in the same family for over 50 years. Sabu Shake opened the restaurant with his family by his side. His son Chris Shake, has taken his father's legacy and heart, and keeps improving the restaurant and finding ways to make guest's experience better and better every year. The food is fresh, inspiring and beautifully presented. Talk about service? Chris Shake insists that his guests be treated like they are the only people in the restaurant. This is a place that prides itself on great food, hospitality and client satisfaction. Owner Chris Shake wants everyone to leave feeling like a local......

Great Idea For Mother's Day Agenda:

1. Make a reservation at Old Fisherman's Grotto

2. Take a walk along the recreation trail

3. Go Whale Watching

4. Get a manicure and pedicure with mom on Saturday

5. Don't forget to buy her candy at Carousel Candies on Old Fisherman's Wharf (right next door to The Grotto) two great places side by side.

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Buying A Home: Lessons From Buyers Remorse Post Closing

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:57:55 -0700

This is a great blog to share. Some of the agents in my office are working with first time home buyers who want to buy and are pre-approved, but their wish list far exceeds what they actually can buy today.

One huge piece of advise I like to share is this: either look at this as a starter home to get you into the game, or save more money, clean up credit etc and wait until you are in a better financial position. Also, one may "qualify" for more than they can actually afford. So when looking at purchase price, really think about how much reserve money you want to have as well as the big picture of what your monthly expenses will be.

Buying a home is a great thing, we all want to own our piece of paradise on The Monterey Peninsula. Make this a smart decision and carefully thought out decision. You want your home purchase to enhance your life and make it better.

Via Dave diCecco (Coldwell Banker United):

Buying a home is the largest single purchase any of us will ever do in our lifetime. So, whether it is your first house or your seventh house there is a natural tendency among us to question are we making the right decision now. Being on both ends of this I can tell you that there is no clear cut answer to this question. If there was i would be traveling the world right now giving lectures on how to be positive you bought the right house. But a recent study of home buyers across the United States polled what they thought were the biggest regrets (if any) about the house they ended up buying. Quite honestly I was a little surprised by the top answers.

First, the size of the home was too small. over 34% of home buyers who had a regret of the house they bought said it was due to the size of the house. They had wished they purchased a larger home. I know some people had this regret because they bought their first home and now a few years later they are realizing they have outgrown it and need to move to a larger home. It usually is just when you get the house to the way you want it and like the home. Then a change in family dynamics causes you to need more space. Most people are buying a home as an investment for their future and plan on move on average every seven years according to the National Association of Realtors.

I always ask buyers what is their long term goal with this house. Are they looking at it as a first step to get into home ownership or a long term investment they can grow with? Those answers help me point out things with the house and the space that either help ease their minds that they are making the right decision. Or whether we should keep looking.

Second, not doing enough remodeling when they moved in. I can say without a doubt that this ranks first for me. I bought my last house and said to my wife I will get this and that done. Then I started and said i will get to it a little later and that little alter has turned into years. So, if you are planning on buying a house that needs paint, flooring, or updating. Sit down and decide what you are going to do now and what you are going to do later. But set a realistic timeframe and stick to it. Otherwise you will be like me saying I wish I did that before I moved in.

Third, not having more information about buying. I pride myself on giving my clients all the information they need and sometimes too much information. But I believe that you can never have too much information when it comes to buying a home. A large investment like that requires careful planning and thought....Do not buy if you have any doubts is what I tell my clients. I have sat down and talked through their doubts and sometimes it was just nerves and other times they were valid and we moved on from that transaction onto another one....Just do not be afraid to say NO.

Fourth, putting more money down. With interest rates as low as they are today i usually advise my clients to seek the advice of a financial planner before putting a large sum of money down on a house. Rates are historically low right now and you may get a better return in the market. but the drawback is when you go to sell the house you have less equity to play with when you want to upgrade to your next house. So, looking at it and seeing that you need a larger space but will not have enough money out of your home to buy...the first thing you say is I should have put more money down. But it is relative. Depending on when you bought a house you may be in an equity position right now and not know it.

Last, not waiting until they were more financially secure. I think this tends to hold true now and was a little surprised it was fifth on the list. Considering we just came out of an economic depression where people were unsure about their futures and jobs daily. but over thinking this too we all do not know what the future holds for us. I believe if you want to buy and are unsure of your financial stability right now buy smaller and more affordable. It still is less expensive to own than it is to rent in most of the United States.

I think this survey was a good one for buyers to look at. If they had regret these were there top five. Now, it does not say how many of the respondents did not have any regrets but I imagine there were a few.... but always make sure you are 100% sure before buying and talk to your Realtor and seek advice for him/her on your concerns.

Dave diCecco
Realtor/Broker
Coldwell Banker United
Cell;704-519-7895
ddicecco@cbunited.com
www.davedicecco.com

Dave diCecco

Realtor/Broker

www.davedicecco.com

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Easter Seals Central California Provides Services To Monterey County

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:18:51 -0700

As a real estate professional, I feel that it is important to provide clients with information not only on homes for sale in Monterey County, but also referrals to a multitude of services, restaurants, things to do as well as service providers of varying degrees that provide value to The Monterey Peninsula. Blog posts are an excellent way to reach many people to provide information.

I would like to introduce you to Easter Seals Central California.

I have had the pleasure to get to know Tom Conway, CEO of Easter Seals Central California. I asked him what he wants people to know about Easter Seals. He told me that the most important item is for the public to understand that the organization provides access to services for children and adults with disabilities. They are not a religious organization, and they have services for in home respite, as well as contracts with the schools to provide services in the classroom. If you are a resident of this area and need information on services for a child or adult with disabilities you can contact Easter Seals for services and referrals:

Administrative Office:

9010 Soquel Drive
Aptos, CA 95003-4002

831-684-2166 (voice)
831-684-1018 (fax)
800-400-0671 (toll-free)

Fresno Office:

2503 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 102
Fresno, California 93711

559.241.7233 phone/tty
559.228.9200 fax

Each year, Easter Seals provides educational, early intervention, therapeutic, camping and recreation as well as family support to nearly 1,000 children and adults with disabilities.

Some of the programs offered are:

Camp Harmon - A residential camp for children and adults with disabilities...ages 8-65 have week-long sessions and participate in swimming, arts and crafts, horseback riding and many other fun activities. It is an opportunity to make new friends, experience new things and gain social interaction. Also offered is Family Camp which is a new program for the entire family.

Respite Services - Primary caregivers are offered the opportunity to have a break from care-giving. Easter Seals serves the needs of family members so that everyone can benefit from a less stressful home environment.

Educational Services - students receive assistance within the classroom with 1:1 academic support. Health Aides provide 1:1 support for children with health needs as well as academic support.

Autism Services - This provides early detection to address the urgent need for effective intervention in children on the autism spectrum. The early intervention autism program provides early intervention for children 0-3 to help to build meaningful behavioral, self help, language and communication as well as other important skills.

The great news is that Easter Seals provides a multitude of services to help families cope with the challenges of raising a child with a disability or other special needs.

It is a great organization for families who need their services. Easter Seals has been recognized for the high amount of money that is used on direct services to people with disabilities. Easter Seals is a non-profit organization that benefits from community support and financial donations. Although they do receive state funding and grants, budget cuts have severely impacted human services.

Find out here how you can access services

Click here to find out how to donate to this very important organization

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Top 5 Reasons To List Your Monterey County Home

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:49:47 -0700

Top 5 Reasons To List Your Monterey County Home

It's a Sellers Market...real estate has exploded in Monterey County

1. There is pent up buyer demand: With interest rates remaining attractivemore buyers are eager to enter the housing market. We have many qualified buyers who are ready to make an offer!

2. Low Inventory: Available homes on the market are at a record low. Homes are spending 22% less time on the market than last year.

3. Increase In Median Sale Prices: Low inventory and high buyer demand = increasing sale prices! Traditional sales are on the rise..There is less competition with bank owned and short sales properties. Median home prices in Monterey County is up 21% over last year.

4. Multiple Offers: Properties that are priced right for the competition and location have the advantage of receiving multiple offers. Sellers have more control over contract conditions.

5. More All Cash Buyers: Investors are still in the market

If you want to downsize, the value of the property you want to buy is increasing (the lower end of the market) faster than the higher priced homes.

The market has exploded find out the value of your home here

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Beautiful 7.95 Acre Lot In Upper Carmel Valley

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 07:59:40 -0700

$170,000 , 0 bedrooms, 0 full baths, 0 half baths, 0 square feet

Leslie DeLuca | DeLuca Real Estate | (831) 214-1934

44175 Carmel Valley Road, Greenfield, CA

Beautiful property in upper Carmel Valley. Includes new well and several good building sites. Private and serene.

7.95 acres Vacant Land

offered at $170,000

Lot Size

7.95 acres

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous setting located in upper Carmel Valley. Property has private well very private with several building sites. Amazing location for your own private sanctuary, yet close enough to town and 101. Enjoy sun, fresh air and the beauty that is South Monterey County

Greenfield

see additional photos below

LOCATION FEATURES

- Close to services, freeway

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- New well, near Arroyo Seco, views of mountains.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Many Building Sites	New Well
Peace and Tranquility

Contact info:

Leslie DeLuca

DeLuca Real Estate

01364722

(831) 214-1934

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Apr 13, 2013, 5:35am PDT

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Cannery Row Then And Now

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:50:17 -0700

I have lived on The Monterey Peninsula my entire life. My family has deep roots in the fishing industry in Monterey. My Grandfather, Pietro Vermi came to the USA from Sicily. He was a sardine fisherman, and my Grandmother Angelina Scardina, Vermi worked in the canneries. I remember all of the stories of the old days while I was growing up. My Grandmother said the whole town used to stink!

I also vividly remember when Cannery Row was a dismal, quiet place with rows of dingy burned out buildings reminding all of us what a thriving place Cannery Row once was.

Last weekend,

MOM or Museum of Monterey, presented a special screening of the movie

"Street Of The Sardine" which is the last visual testimony of the once thriving Cannery Row. "Street Of The Sardine" was shot on 16mm in the 70's. The filmaker Eva Lothar said she borrowed a camera for 2 months and kept it 2 years. This film brought memories flooding back to me as I watched it. It is a beautiful, and poetic film that captures the essence of Monterey and Cannery Row during that period. It makes one think about our environment and the responsibility we all have to help to preserve our natural resources.

To purchase the film an find out more information on Eva Lothar

From Eva Lothar's website:

STREET OF THE SARDINE, made in the 1970’s, captures the mood of an abandoned Cannery Row after the sardines and the last canneries disappeared. It brings to the fore the daunting question of man’s responsibility in the management of natural resources.

Scenes of STREET OF THE SARDINE were used on the CBS network show 60 Minutes at a time when the concept of “environmental conservation” was just beginning to reach public consciousness.

I had the pleasure of meeting Eva Lothar, who in my opinion, was ahead of her time and made a beautiful poignant film which forces us to think about why this happened..and raises our consciousness of the world we live in.

Cannery Row is once again alive and vibrant...old canneries have been given new life, Hovden Cannery is now

Monterey Bay Aquarium, others have been turned into shops, restaurants and museums, world class hotels sit along the row. Cannery Row has been revitalized and one can immerse themselves in the history while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities and events.

One restaurant on Cannery Row: The Sardine Factory, is world famous for fine dining, service and hospitality. This video captures the essence of the local flavor here and the commitment we have to our locals and visitors.

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

5 Reasons Brokers Should Help Agents Build Their Business

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:30:15 -0700

As Owner/Broker I feel a responsibility to help my agents achieve their highest goals. When I first became an agent, my broker was very helpful in teaching me the fundamentals and I still hear his words today. I enjoy teaching and watching people grow. It is a pleasure to help agents and one of the reasons I became a broker.

Our brokerage has a family atmosphere, lots of support and team building...it works for everyone so that we all work smarter not harder.

Via Bryan Robertson, Real estate broker Los Altos & Silicon Valley Luxury Homes:

Perhaps I look at the agents who work for me a bit differently. As the managing broker, I see my role as one where I help my agents grow their business. Sure, many other brokers send their agents to "training" but that's kind of like throwing them into the deep end of a pool at hoping they swim. With my agents, I see my role as much more involved.

Business Strategy

If I have an agent who wants to grow their business 20% in the next year, it seems that we need to sit down an have a strategy session. That session (perhaps many sessions) should be about creating a specific, detailed plan on how we're going to do that. It should include some important facets:

Identify a target market

Identify the client base within that market

Determine the advertising/lead generation strategy to get those clients

Develop a budget, timeline, etc

This is all VERY high level but the point is - a quickie training class leaves most agents asking more questions and not getting to "revenue generation". I'd much rather take the time to actually walk my agents through the thinking so they get to an action plan and results...fast.

Business Development

This is a huge gap in the real estate industry - creating business. It goes beyond just advertising and lead generation. For example, if you want to build a business doing REO sales you have to identify who make the decisions to hand out REO inventory, set up meetings, build relationships, and then...get some business. As the broker, I like to sit down with my agents and talk about how we can do the same thing for them.

I've got agents who like to work with builders. OK, so a business development exercise would include:

Decide to work with spec builders, flippers, etc (or all of them)

Identify builders to work with

Identify funding sources and budget

Identify properties or land to build

Put all the pieces together with a proposal on budget, ROI, etc

Again, this is all very high level with a lot of underlying detail. The idea here is to actually work out the details so that the agent can take measurable action that results in revenue. If the agent is good at doing this (with my help), the assumption is they'll continue to do it and grow their business.

The five reasons are: builds business, improves morale, improves retention, generates revenue, and helps the company.

I'm looking forward to working with my new and existing agents on growing their business this year.

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Bryan Robertson, President | T: 650.799.9951 | Email: bryan@arrivva.com | Website: http://www.BryanRobertsonHomes.com |CA License: 01191946 | ARIVVA | 744 San Antonio Road Ste 24 | Palo Alto, CA 94303

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

To Rent Or Buy On The Monterey Peninsula? Good Question

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:03:39 -0700

To Rent or To Buy? Good question...

While sources may differ about how positive the move in the residential housing market has been, they mostly concur that the worst is behind us and we are in recovery. Last year ended on a positive note, with C.A.R. reporting a 27 percent year-over-year increasein median price, and this year is not off to a bad start, with a January median price of $337,040—24 percent higher than the January 2012 median price. Home sales made more modest progress, ending 2012 with a one percent year-over-year gain in December. Due to the constrained supply of inventory, sales declined to 491,720 in January 2013—a 3.9 percent drop from 511,760 a year ago.

Those are the stats that we have from C.A.R., but real estate is local and in Monterey County real estate is moving very quickly and prices are rising. The houseing market is on it's way to prosperity and interest rates make it a good idea to think about buying a home right now.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

COSTS AND BENEFITS OF BUYING VS. RENTING:

COSTS:

The monthly mortgage payment
Insurance and taxes, and
Improvements and repairs.

BENEFITS:

Mortgage interest and property tax deductions,
Investment appreciation.

COSTS OF RENTING:

monthly rent payment
Renter's insurance

BENEFITS OF RENTING:

No Mortgage
No Taxes
Landlord makes repairs

For the State of California, consumers can save 32% per month by buying a property.

For Information on homes for sale in Monterey County

Search For Homes For Sale In Monterey County

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Selling Your Home On The Monterey Peninsula

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:41:10 -0700

If you are thinking about selling your home on the Monterey Peninsula....it has become a seller's market. In saying that, it is also a very emotional decision, and there are many different things to take into consideration. If you are thinking of selling your home on The Monterey Peninsula, please call DeLuca Real Estate....we will help you to achieve your goals.

Via Angelica Williams, Angelica Williams (DeLuca Real Estate):

When placing your home for sale on the Monterey Peninsula, a concern for most sellers is always wondering how many people are going to be in and out of their house. Although sellers do want to have people looking at their home, it is still their home and it is unnerving for the current homeowner to think of all the "strangers" that are going to be walking around in their house, opening up cabinets, and looking in closets.

Having many view your home is a good sign however, "just looking" and making an offer are not the same thing. The homes that will sell are selling quickly and having a home on the market for more than sixty days does mean something needs to be addressed. In most cases, meaning that the home must be overpriced.

Price your home well and it will sell quickly, make sure that it is clean and open. Does it have curb appeal? It is going to take awhile for people to get used to the idea that homes sell fairly quickly and the demand in our market is high. Some homes are selling within a few days of being on the market. There is an abundance of buyers that are more than ready to purchase, they are just having trouble finding the right home to buy.

In this market, I am finding that it is more than possible to get sixty to one hundred showings and get maybe one to three offers, or none at all (in a short period of time on the market). The demand for housing is high and steadily increasing, but the inventory is low so we are finding buyers that are looking at homes that they wouldn't normally have considered. Sometimes they do not buy them they just look. Sellers need to consider this: if there have been just a few showings or none at all, it is time to change something.

If you had your home on the market last year and it did not sell, now is the time to put your home back on the market and sell! If you are planning on selling your home at some point this year there is not an advantage in waiting! There are buyers out today looking for a house to call home, possibly your home. Interest rates are low and I am finding buyers wanting to take advantage of that.

I am currently working with a few sets of buyers who are all pre-approved and qualified for financing and would love to find a home sooner than later. If you want to sell your home please call me and let me help you put your property on the market. Lets work together as a team and get it sold! I will work hard for you, I am willing to do what others will not. As we always say here at Deluca Real Estate, NO ONE KNOWS LOCAL LIKE DELUCA.

Angelica Williams, REALTOR

No One Knows Local Like DeLuca!

Direct: (831) 594-1230

CA DRE#01927454

SEARCH FOR HOMES ON THE MONTEREY PENINSULA HERE

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

15 Sure-Fire Ways to Get Your Offer Rejected!

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:58:15 -0700

Great Blog to share. Please look at this an consider all of these points when making an offer on Monterey Peninsula Real Estate.

Many people do not understand the market, and have unrealistic expectations. A good real estate agent is going to explain your local market to you and make sure you are prepared to win when writing offers.

Via Fred Griffin, Tallahassee Florida Real Estate Broker (Fred Griffin Real Estate, LLC):

You found your Dream House! After weeks of looking at houses, this is it! Your Agent prepares an offer; you sign it. But wait - oh, No! Your Offer has been Rejected!

15 Ways to Get Your Offer Rejected

1.   Offer Price is Low!

     This is the first thing that a Seller looks at when in an Offer comes in! If you believe that a Lower Price is justified, have your Agent present some comparables or an appraisal to back up your offer.

2. Fail to understand your Local Market

     Is it a Buyer's Market, a Seller's Market, or just a Market? Look at actual sales data, including time on market, inventory (number of houses for sale), and sales price to list price ratios.

3. Fail to understand the Seller

     Moving out of town, moving up, investor unloading an asset, bank owned, short sale, Court-ordered sale... does your Agent know the motivation or reason of the Seller?

4. No Pre-Approval Letter or Proof of Funds Letter

      Is the Seller supposed to wait a week or two to see if you can afford it?

5. Ask Seller to Pay All Closing Costs

     Asking the Seller to pay $$$ Thousands of Dollars in Costs is effectively lowering the Price!

6.   Low or No Deposit

     In some States (including Florida) there is no monetary deposit required. Your "promise" is considered valuable consideration. But how do you think those Goose Eggs on the Deposit Line look to a Seller?

     Or maybe you presented a whopping $500 or $1000 deposit. The strength of your Offer is reflected in your Deposit! Even with a 100% USDA Rural or 100% VA Loan, you should still offer a significant deposit.

7.   Contingencies

     Financing and Inspection contingencies are common and expected. But for how long? Five days looks better than 14 days or 21 days!

     Other Contingencies can be detrimental to an offer. For example, "Buyer's Home Must Sell First".

8.   Asking for Personal Property

     The Seller has volunteered to leave the light fixtures, window treatments, and the appliances. You decide to ask for the Pool Table, the Flat Screen TV, and the Furniture.

8.   Closing Date

     The Seller has already moved out. Your Offer shows a Closing Date several months from now.

9.   Asking for Repairs

     Especially before Inspections have been done! Or, when the MLS Listing reads, "As Is, Subject to Inspections".

10. Trying to Get a Deal on a Foreclosure

     Forget it! The hucksters on those "Get Rich Quick in Real Estate" Infomercials are either in prison or under indictment.

11. Asking for Early Possession

     There is a lot of risk and potential liability for a Seller who allows Occupancy Prior to Closing.

12. "Creative Financing"

     Asking a Seller (who has not volunteered) to carry Owner Financing, or asking a Seller to do a Lease Option or Lease Purchase, or a Contract for Deed, or other "Creative Financing".

13. Ignoring Seller Requests

     Seller has made specific requests in the MLS Listing (preferred Title Closer, length of Closing, days for Acceptance, etc.) and your Offer blatantly disregards those requests.

14. Not Understanding "Multiple Offers" if you are in a Hot Market

     If you are in a Market where Multiple Offers are typical, you MUST come in with your Best at the very beginning! A low-priced, contingency-filled offer will not warrant a second look!

15. Your Offer is Never Presented (yes, it happens)

     It may be illegal and/or unethical, but sometimes Agents do not present Offers!

    Your Agent may be "embarassed" over your Low-Ball Offer, so he pretends it was rejected.

    An unethical Listing Agent has multiple Offers; she only presents the Offers that will net her both sides of the commission!

      It is up to you to verify that your Offer was presented!

     Every Real Estate Market is different, every Seller and every Property will be unique. But the same general principles apply. A Buyer must present an Offer that is attractive to the Seller.

     Don't do any of the 15 Things that will get Your Offer Rejected!

___________________

Disclaimer:   The author of this blog article is not an attorney; the author of this blog article is not a certified public accountant. Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice. For legal advice see an attorney.   For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.

Frederick Griffin, Licensed Real Estate Broker       Tallahassee, Florida       850-339-4861

Hire an Experienced Professional

     Buying or Selling a Home in Tallahassee, Florida? You need the services of a serious, dedicated Real Estate Broker when making the biggest financial transaction of your life. Call Fred today! 850-339-4861



www.FredGriff.in

Frederick Griffin, Licensed Real Estate Broker       Tallahassee, Florida       850-339-4861

Search For Homes For Sale In Monterey County

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

The Time Is Right To Buy A Home On The Monterey Peninsula

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:20:14 -0700

With Low interest rates and the combination of rising rents: Is now the time to buy a house on The Monterey Peninsula? Buyer confidence is up on The Monterey Peninsula, with multiple offers on most properties. It seems that many people are in agreement that now is the time to buy a home on The Monterey Peninsula.

It's more affordable to buy a house today than is has been in a very long time. The National Association of Realtors say's houses were the most affordable in 2012. More so than they had ever been since the group began tracking the data in 1970.

"Today's high affordability combines two factors: low prices and low interest rates", says Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist for the California Association of Realtors in Los Angeles.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to buy real estate. I emphasize that double bold and underline," she says.

Home Prices on The Monterey Peninsula are rising, this is great for sellers who have wanted to move up, but wanted to wait to regain some equity. It is a seller's market, but that being said, it is still a great time to buy a home on The Monterey Peninsula.

If you have been waiting to buy a home, talk to a local reputable lender, find out if it is in your best interest to become a homeowner. If you are credit or income challenged, a good lender will be happy to guide you in what you need to do to get ready.

CHECK OUT MONTEREY PENINSULA HOME PRICES

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Tips For Buying A Home On the Monterey Peninsula

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:35:56 -0700

This is a great blog written by one of my agents Angelica Williams. It is great advise for home buyers...The Monterey Peninsula real estate has turned into a seller's market and if you want to be successful, you must throw out your perceptions and understand how the market is working today. We are here to help you to understand what role you play in getting that phone call that say's 'Your offer has been accepted"!

Via Angelica Williams, Angelica Williams (DeLuca Real Estate):

The real estate market today is very aggressive and properties are receiving multiple offers, in most cases at least ten. When making an offer on a property, especially in today's market, you want to put your best foot forward. Come in with your A game, make your initial offer your highest and best! Make sure you have your finances in order, a letter with a pre-approval from a reputable lender, and a bank statement that shows you have proof of funds to close the deal. When I start working with a buyer, I want their letter in my file along with proof that they have the funds to close the deal. This is the key element one needs before even starting to look for a home to buy. A good clean offer with a price that is the highest you can comfortably pay, along with the knowledge that this is the highest that it will appraise for is a good bet in winning in the multiple offer situation. Many sellers are also impressed when your agent writes a letter to the seller about you, your intentions for the home...this makes you real to them, rather than just a piece of paper with numbers on it. Last week, my client's offer was not the highest of the multiple offers, but it was clean, well written and the cover letter is what made the seller choose my clients over all of the other offers.

Every buyer has a strategy or a process when making an offer. A common practice with buyers is to offer less than the asking price and assume that the seller will come back and counter half way in between the low offer and their high price, thinking that through a series of counters the buyer will end up paying what they can afford. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way and anything can happen between two negotiating parties. People are unpredictable when it pertains to real estate transactions. In my local market, that strategy is highly unlikely to be successful. With buyers out numbering sellers, it has turned into a seller's market.

In situations today, where there are multiple offers, it is very rare to see a seller accept a price that is far less than the initial asking price. In reality, sellers can expect to receive more than their asking price.

Real estate negotiations are definitely a game to be played, but if you play with a set of assumptions that turn out to be incorrect, you may end up the loosing party. Unfortunately this will result in you, the buyer, not really ever getting a chance to play. Listen to your REALTOR's advise, become educated on what the market is doing, don't listen to Uncle George who hasn't bought a house since 1960. We REALTORS who are out there every day are your best resource. If you have too many decision makers, this may cause confusion. Let your lender and your REALTOR help to educate and guide you to make the best decision for your personal situation.

My advice on how to handle a multiple offer situation is to again, put your best foot forward! Make an offer that you believe is right for the comparables in the market, and don't get emotional. Make sure this is something that you can commit to and see through to the end. Don't make an offer based on assumptions on how you think the other party will negotiate. Make sure your REALTOR pulls the comparables of similar homes in the area relevant to the subject property to help you decide on a number together. As your Realtor, I will help walk you through this entire process, step by step.

My goal is to make sure that you understand how the market is working, what similar homes have sold for, and to make sure you are in a position to win when you make an offer.

TO SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE ON THE MONTEREY PENINSULA

Please call me and together we can work toward your dream of home ownership on The Monterey Peninsula

Angelica Williams, REALTOR

No One Knows Local Like DeLuca!

Direct: (831) 594-1230

CA DRE#01927454

SEARCH FOR HOMES ON THE MONTEREY PENINSULA HERE

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK

Search For Homes For Sale In Monterey County

MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

HOW TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:03:00 -0700

Homes for sale on the Monterey Peninsula vary in size, condition and price. If you are willing to buy something that needs updating or remodeling, it may be a great way to get more bang for your buck. There are many things you can do to increase the value of your home. How to get the most return on your dollar for home improvements.

There are many homes that need a little love and attention that will turn into shiny pennies once they have a little lipstick and....well you know.

In the recent past, clients of mine bought a house in the mid $700,000 range, put about $150,000 in remodeling and if I listed it today, I would put it on the market for at least $1,300.000. Now, I am not saying that this will happen every time, but if you have the help of a good realtor, they will keep you posted

Search For Homes For Sale In Monterey County

MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Tips For Getting a Real Estate Loan

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:57:56 -0700

This was sent to me from Mike at Blue Adobe Mortgage. Great Advise for those who are trying to get a real estate loan! Thanks Mike and if you want to find out if you qualify for a mortgage loan. Mike has done a great job for my clients and I highly recommend him.

Mike Boerlin

Blue Adobe Mortgage
Branch Manager
mike@blueadobemortgage.com

Mike Boerlin
Branch Manager
NMLS# 79365
26390 Carmel Rancho Lane
Carmel, California 93923
Branch NMLS# 379702
831-626-2112

mike@blueadobemortgage.com
www.BlueAdobeMortgage.com
Summit Funding, Inc NMLS# 3199

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Monterey County Real Estate.....WE'RE BACK!

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:44:00 -0700

The good news is that home values are rising in Monterey County.

The market is alive with buyers who are bringing their highest and best offers to the table. While it is competitive, with multiple offers on most properties, buyers can be successful if they have the ground work laid and understand the market. The water's warm...jump in.

It has become a SELLER'S MARKET Find out how much your Monterey County Home is worth. Have you been holding off selling and waitng for the market to turn? Well now is the time to think about selling your home on The Monterey Peninsula. Our team has hundres of buyers who are ready to close in 30 days. We are looking for homes to buy. We provide top notch care before, during and after the transaction.

DELUCA REAL ESTATE FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

Data provided by ActiveRain, the #1 social community for real estate professionals.

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Monterey County Homes Keep Your Home California Launches New Website

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:01:23 -0700

KEEP YOUR HOME CALIFORNIA

I have been reaching out to homeowners who are in a situation where the mortgage just does not make any sense. Our team is working with home owners who have decided that a short sale is their best option. I have provided information here regarding a new website for homeowners to find out if they are candidates for mortgage assistance. Many programs are available to help keep your home or provide options to get you out from under a mortgage that does not work any longer. Many times banks are giving incentives to help you relocate. In a short sale the bank pays all of the expenses...it is a great option for some people.

Keep Your Home California debuts new interactive website
Keep Your Home California has launched an easier-to-use website at www.KeepYourHomeCalifornia.org, allowing homeowners to answer questions online and determine if they are a good candidate for the free mortgage assistance program, and, if so, which program works best for them.

The federally funded program helps homeowners who have suffered a financial hardship, such as a job loss, a reduction in pay, divorce, or significant health care expenses, to make their mortgage payments.

The program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, can only help homeowners if they meet income requirements and their mortgage servicers participate in the program. More than 100 servicers now participate in the Keep Your Home California, so most mortgages in California are serviced by a participating Keep Your Home California servicer.

The website also includes lists of participating servicers and HUD-approved housing counselors who support the program and can help homeowners in-person.

Homeowners can obtain full details of the four programs:

Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program: Homeowners can receive as much as $3,000 per month in mortgage assistance for up to nine months. Homeowners must be currently receiving or approved to receive jobless benefits from the state Employment Development Department.
Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance Program: Homeowners can receive as much as $25,000 in assistance to help them “catch up” on their past-due mortgage payments. Homeowners must have suffered a financial hardship and be able to make their mortgage payments going forward.
Principal Reduction Program: Homeowners can get as much as $100,000 in principal reduction. To qualify, the homeowner must have suffered a financial hardship and be able to make their mortgage payments in the future. Also, the current market value of the home must be less than what is owed on the mortgage, that is, “underwater.”
Transition Assistance Program: Homeowners can collect up to $5,000 to cover relocation costs as part of a servicer-approved short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure of their home.

Homeowners seeking more information about the program should call 888-954-KEEP (5337) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The Keep Your Home California counseling center can answer questions in virtually any language, and there is never a charge for services through Keep Your Home California. A Spanish-language version of the website is available at www.ConservaTuCasaCalifornia.org.

if you or someone you know needs help, please call us today. We have great success with short sale approvals.

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

They Don't Teach Home Ownership in School

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:43:49 -0700

The DeLuca Real Estate Group is very keen on educating clients on all aspects of buying and selling real estate in Monterey County. This blog will help potential home owners to understand many of the details that one should think about before investing in Monterey County real estate.

We are offering home buyers workshops once a month and invite those interested in purchasing real estate to call us and sign up to learn about investing in real estate. Topics that are covered are how to get pre-approved for a loan, choosing the right property, making the offer and beyond the sale.

Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):

Sadly, No one really teaches Home-ownership and for what could be the largest investment in a persons life, way too many homeowners have no plan for owning and maintaining a home.

There is no shortage of information on how to qualify for buying a home and how much home one can afford. What is not out there in abundance is everything else about the home and it is significant.

Taking a buyer through the paces of qualifying and getting a mortgage to close is a service and it is natural that some can help the new homeowner better than others. But what about the next day after they move in and the reality of what's coming begins to face the new homeowners.

Many first time buyers who have rented see the rent money going out and into the pocket of the landlord and figure they could just as easily own a home as pay rent. And yes that is true but there are costs associated with owning it that far surpass the mortgage that you were told you could qualify for.

Home Insurance: One tip here is to be sure to get enough insurance with an escalating clause that covers the replacement of the home should it be destroyed. So how much did you budget? Humm, No Budget? Tip: Be sure to photograph all your belongings at least once every two years to verify clearly what you own.

Homes are subject to all kinds of maintenance issues from the really expensive to just the little annoying things that seem to accumulate. The roof has a useful life span. How long is it? If it is not new and has a shorter life span, how much have you budgeted for its eventual replacement? A roof should be inspected at least once every three years. Have you budgeted for it? Humm, No Budget?

What about painting the exterior? Is there a garden? Do you have all the tools and the supplies to tend it? How about the lawn, will you be paying someone to take care of it? If not, do you have the lawnmower and edger and other maintenance tools budgeted? Remember, lawn movers also have a useful life and the less expensive ones do tend to break down.

Utilities: When you are renting, the cost of electric for the small apartment wasn't all that much. But if your new home is much larger, the heating and cooling costs go up exponentially. What are you budgeting for utilities and cable and water. Remember that lawn watering at the apartment was paid by the landlord and the coin operated laundry was cheap in comparison to owning you own washer and dryer and paying the water bill. How much have you budgeted? Humm, no budget? There are economical ways to use energy more efficiently. Have an energy audit and it could pay huge dividends.

That new office at home with the new computer, printer, and all the other equipment that needs charged made the electric bill surge. Don't forget about the heating and cooling bill in the oh so wonderful new space. It can cost plenty. What have you budgeted for the extreme hot and cold months on your utilities bill.

Then we get down to pests. It is good to have a pest inspection on your home annually. You should be budgeting the inspection. But what if you get termites or have have other infestations. There will be a nice bill for remediation.

How Old are the appliances? Typically they have a 10 to 15 year life cycle. If your appliances are not new, chances are during your ownership they will either break down or fail. How much are you budgeting for repairs or replacement ? Humm, No Budget?

Carpets and some flooring wear out or get soiled or stained to where they can't be cleaned. How much are you budgeting for replacement costs. Investing in well designed hard surface flooring can last decades and wood floors can be for a lifetime. The caveat here is if you take care of them and maintain them. How much are you budgeting for their care?

These are just some of the costs associated with owning a home. Maintenance costs when budgeted properly will help maintain the value and any new capital improvements can increase the value. Conversely, lack of maintenance and not having a well established budget for replacement costs can decimate the value.

Sadly they don't teach Home ownership in school. But if you connect with the right real estate professional, they will help you establish these budgets and show you the benefits of a well maintained and well managed clean home.

I am going to step out on a limb and suggest that every home owner should have an active home warranty. I have had my home warranty renewed for every year that I have owned my home and it has saved me thousands and thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. This home warranty like my home insurance is a key part of my household budget.

With good planning and good budgeting, we can help our new homeowners keep their dream home a dream and not a nightmare.

If you are Buying, Selling or Relocating to San Diego and need help from a professional REALTOR®,

Give me a call or visit my San Diego Real Estate website and
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I specialize in Single Family Homes and Condominiums
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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Errand Service In Los Angeles Specializing In South Bay and West Side

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 17:58:32 -0800

Errand Service In Los Angeles Does your TO DO LIST...seem endless?

Errand service in Los Angeles can take the pain out of your day and help you to get on with your life.

LITTLE BIRDIE ERRAND SERVICE

Little Birdie Errand Service is a dynamic group of organized service oriented professionals who want to help with all of those tedious tasks that take up your time. From grocery shopping to waiting for the CABLE GUY, (how's that 12-5 window working for you)? better things to do with your time and money? Let Little Birdie Errand Service wait for the not so often on time CABLE GUY.

Let us talk about your day, does your to do list seem endless? Meeting with your boss, have to go to the kids open house, but then you need to grocery shop, pick up a gift for mom, pick up your dry cleaning, stand in line at the post office to mail that gift, oh and then you bought that fabulous pair of shoes on sale, got them home and turned on them...need to take them back, but they have been sitting in your car for a week. You have errands we have the time to help.

So relax, we will take the stress out of your life, wrap your packages, feed your cat, water the plants and check on your house when you are gone,.

Moving? we can help with that too...packing, unpacking, or new to the area, just started a new job, or business...again let us talk about waiting for the CABLE GUY...

WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR BUSINESS SO YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF THE BUSINESS!

Some of the people we help are:

BUSINESS OWNERS

BUSY PROFESSIONALS

NEW AND EXPERIENCED MOMS AND DADS

SENIORS

ARE YOU ON BEDREST?

Everybody needs help some of the time.

Little Birdie Errand Service is your one stop shop for errands in The South Bay and Westside areas of Los Angeles California.

We can help you.

Call Shannon Green at (323) 547-9117

or e-mail at shannon@LittleBirdieErrands.com

WE ARE BONDED AND INSURED

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Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

Monterey Peninsula Home Buying Tips On Energy Efficiency

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:50:53 -0800

This is a great post by one of my new agents who is well on her way to being a superstar. Angelica has taken this business and made it her own. Great tips on how to shop for a home and make sure that you have all of the pieces before you write the offer. In this market of low inventory, and multiple offers, don't get emotional keep your head on and make offers that are smart, good for your future...you will get a home...bring you "A" game to the table and make sure your agent educates and guides you in the right direction. Energy bills and recurring costs are an important factor to consider when buying a home on The Monterey Peninsula...a cost that can break your budget if you are not careful.

Via Angelica Williams, Angelica Williams (DeLuca Real Estate):

When purchasing a home on the Monterey Peninsula, there are many factors to consider. Yes, purchase price, mortgage payments, down payment and the house itself are all important factors. But when buying a home on The Monterey Peninsula, one must also consider the costs of home ownership and make sure that the house you choose will serve your needs in all areas of your life.

Making sure that the recurring costs are going to be in your budget is also a consideration. when making an offer to purchase a home, ask your REALTOR to find out what the utility bills have averaged. If you are thinking of selling your home, this is something that you should have available to potential buyers. I always make sure that my buyers consider the big picture and that their purchase is going to be something that they are happy about 5 years from now.

WAYS TO CUT DOWN ON YOUR UTILITY BILL

This is a great piece I found courtesy of The California Association of Realtors:

A survey by Fannie Mae found that the cost of heating, cooling, and hot water for a home is the highest cost of homeownership outside the mortgage loan. When home shopping, it is possible to compare the energy efficiency of homes by looking at its Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score.

More than 1.1 million homes now carry a HERS score, which is gaining acceptance as a standard among government agencies, utilities, mortgage lenders, and home buyers. In 2012, 40 percent of all new homes sold in the U.S. were issued HERS scores.

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® offers the C.A.R. REALTOR® Energy Audit Program (R.E.A.P.), which provides up to a $250 rebate on a HERS home energy audit conducted by a certified HERS rater.

To qualify for R.E.A.P., applicants must: Purchase a home between Oct. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2013; conduct a HERS home energy audit of the home before the close of escrow or no later than 60 days after the close of escrow; use a California REALTOR® in the transaction (referrals do not qualify); purchase a primary single family residence in California; and review and download the application (application must be submitted by an active California REALTOR®).

I am a California REALTOR andcan help you to take advantage of this very important program. Call me today to start your home search on The Monterey Peninsula.

Angelica Williams, REALTOR

No One Knows Local Like DeLuca!

Direct: (831) 594-1230

CA DRE#01927454

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934

FHA Mortgage Premiums Set To Increase

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:02:42 -0800

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MEET HAPPY CLIENTS

Leslie De Luca, Broker/Owner

DeLuca Real Estate- Real Estate Sales

Elysium Estates - Property Management

California License #01364722

Phone: 831-214-1934