Benicia Short Sales, will my home sell?  This question is often asked when we talk to homeowners who are underwater. Each situation is different but for the most part, short sales can be successful.

They automatically think because their home mortgage is more than what it can sell for, the home will not sell.  This is not true.  As a Benicia Short Sale Agent, it never fails to amaze me that this question comes up every time.

There is so much saturation of information, it is brain overloading to most people.  Their friends, family, co-workers, media are the fountain of information, however is it correct information?

My business partner and I made a business decision 4 years ago to learn all we could about short sales and that learning never stops.  When others shunned us, when buyers said no way, when sellers cried for our help, we made it happen.

Fours years later in 2012, everybody (and agents) is a short sale guru or at least they think they are. Short sales are not easy but they can be successful.  A successful Benicia Short Sale Agent knows the local real estate market,  markets your home to get the highest price, is fully knowledgeable and experienced in getting the short sale approved, is a counselor, negotiator, pit bull, time manager, and hand holding communicator.  They are the glue that holds the short sale all together to get the home sold.

If you are considering selling your home for less that what you owe, you owe to yourself and your future to work with someone who knows Benicia Short Sales, in addition we always advise you to talk to your CPA and an attorney.  As Short Sale Agents, what we do best is real estate and get your home sold, the CPA can help with tax questions and the attorney with legal advice.

Benicia Short Sales-Will my home sell?  It is worth it to call and find out!

Benicia CA homes for sale have dropped by 43% since October.  We have been lamenting about the scarity of homes to sell as the buyers are out it in full force since the New Year has started. 

This statistic came up as I was updating my website for Benicia CA and Vallejo CA homes for sale and sold numbers.  In October of 2011 there were 86 homes for sale in Benicia.  AS of today, 2-12-12, there are only 47 homes for sale.

Folks..... that is not a lot of inventory......  I have not seen this low of inventory since the height of the market in 2005.

What can that mean to those sellers sitting on the fence about selling their home?  If you want a good market price with multiple offers, now is the time. 

It does not matter if you are underwater with your mortgage or a conventional seller, your home will sell!  For those distressed sellers, don't be afraid to seek information about selling your home "short" from an experienced Benicia Short Sale Agent.

Call or email me if you want more information about what is going on in Benicia Real Estate and how much your home may be worth.

Mark your calender and take the family down for free pictures with Santa Claus at Pizza Pirate.  Pizza Pirate is known for their great food, just not pizzas, but pasta and the best salad bar.  Pizza Pirate has been a local favorite for many years.  They have big booths, TVs, a warm fireplace, and back rooms to host your big events.

Pizza Pirate is located at 72 Solano Square right off Military in Benicia with pleny of parking.  The picture taking will happen on Wednesday 12-14 and Sunday 12-18 from 6-8PM.  Get yourself all dolled up, bring an appetite for some good grub and pose with Santa for a picture.

Short Sale Sharks, they are circling and moving in for the kill.  I often get calls from people who just want to ask questions about short sales.  They are trying to figure out what is best for them.  My business partner and my mantra is be educated, be informed, and be engagaed. We never try to push someone into selling their home short.

But there are Short Sale Sharks circling.  I hear about these stories but this past week I got actual proof.  A person we have been chatting with for over a month about short sales and modifications called and told me this story.

Short Sale Shark contacted the homeowner, probably because he saw a notice of trustee sale coming up soon and the home is in an area hot for investors.  Mr. Shark informed the owner, I can buy your house now, which is better than me buying it on the courthouse steps, and then you can turn around and live there.  He even mentioned some cash for keys.  The owner would love to stay in his home and in fact is in the process of working out a loan modification.  The bank had contacted him several weeks ago and the owner was providing paperwork.

Mr Shark sure knows how to say the phrases most anybody would love to hear...stay in my home? cash for keys like $10,000?  The part Mr Shark does not realize is, this owner is savvy, savvy enough to call me and rehash the story.  He also agreed to get some paperwork from Mr Shark, which he promptly passed on to me.

What a fine line to take.....Mr Shark sent a listing agreement to sell the owners house for 50 cents on the dollar (current market value) and at the same time a purchase agreement from Mr Shark and another Mr Shark for even less than the listing amount, a authorization letter that would allow Mr Shark to contact the owners bank and negotiate on his behalf for the short sale, and a short sale bank application.  There were no agency disclosures, no short sale information advisory, nothing, nada, zero, zilch to even explain a short sale, nothing about when considering a short sale, a homeowner should talk with an attorney and your tax professional.  Mr and Mr Sharks's fins were all in this deal.

The bank involved specifically has an arms length affidavit which clearly spells out there might be an issue with this situation and the owner CANNOT live in the house. Period.  I sent the arms length form to the owner so he could see it himself. 

This is one owner who survived the Short Sale Shark Attack.  The sad part is how many unsuspecting homeowners are getting this same information?  IF it is too good to be true, then there may be something wrong. 

Homeowners, be informed, be educated, take it a step at a time and be in control of your future.  Don't let a Short Sale Shark Attack happen to you!

Benicia's Holiday Market is set for Saturday Dec 10th from 10am to 3pm.  Located at the foot of First Street between B and D street, this annual event has something for everyone.  Even though our Farmer's Market is over for the winter, this is the last chance to pick up some gourmet gifts, flowers, and handicrafts.

Benicia's Annual Christmas Parade is also taking place that day starting at 10am at D Street and traveling up first to H Street.  Make it an all day event by watching the parade and shopping at the Holiday Market.

Benicia is a great place to visit!

Benicia's Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday December 10th.  This is the 17th year for this local event that thousands turn out to watch.  The parade will start at First and D St and ends at H street.  First street will be shut down to local traffic.

There are local bands, car clubs, service clubs, dancers, floats, and of course Santa will be there too.  Bring a chair and grab a seat along First Street.  Come early and get a bite to eat at the First Street Cafe or Sailor Jack's. The parade starts at 10AM.

So far the weather report shows no rain.  After the parade, stroll the Holiday Market from 10am to 3PM located on First street between B and D Street. 

Teddy Bear Tea at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum on the corner of Marin and Capitol in downtown Vallejo is taking place Saturday December 10th.

This is a FREE event, although donations are gladly accepted.  The time is 11AM-3PM.  There will tea, sweets, and other drinks to be had.  Santa will be visiting and plenty of arts and craft projects.  Maybe your kids can make some gifts for the Holidays!

Bring your favorite Teddy Bear, parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, grandparents, friends, neighbors.....ok you get the picture!  You all come down for a great time to start the Holiday Season off!

Today we had our annual holiday breakfast at our local board of Realtors-Solano Association of Realtors.  Two of us were in charge of the agenda.  I asked one of our Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific Managers to write a tongue in cheek poem to Twas the night before Christmas.  I know he has a great sense of humor and is known for his poems, songs and writing skills.

We all got a good chuckle and I trust you will too!

Twas the night before Christmas in the foreclosed house
No copper pipes left, just three rats and a mouse.
The squatters all hung on the porch without a care
In hopes that cash for keys soon would be there.

... They didn't belong there, never rented nor owned
Just took advantage of this poor vacant old home.
Used it, abused it, simply made it a crash pad
To see its condition made every REALTOR sad.

But then what did my wondering eyes should appear
Peppino and the swat team in full riot gear.
They ran to the house, surrounded the place
Arrested the trespassers secured the front gate.

Contractors swooped in and did the repairs
Cleaned up the home even swept the stairs.
Fresh paint and new carpet, I just love that smell
By the time it was done it looked really swell.

Offers poured in before the sign was installed
"Highest and best" said the bank when we called.
But finally a family after much effort and grief
Closed on that house much to everyone's relief.

So now it is occupied, loved and cared for
Sure it's an asset but it's even much more.
For this poor little place that stood all alone
Because of our efforts is not a house but a home.
~Jeff Dennis
Inspired by Paul Winders and Peppino is one of our local Realtos too.

Benicia Tree Lighting and Open House today, 12-2. Don't miss our annual tree lighting service tonight at the end of First Street near the Carquinez Straits and pier.  First Street is closed off from 530-9PM.  Most stores will be open, carriage rides, pictures with Santa, pictures with Tinker Bell, goodies and hot chocolate and wine for the adults. 

Strolling musicians and dancers will be entertaining along the way.  This is not to miss event.  I think this is the one time you catch up with everybody you know in town.

Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific has Santa visiting and free pictures with you and him will be taken.  Grab some popcorn and cotton candy from elves out front and continue your stroll downtown. We are located at 900 First street.

Today the weather has been mild so we do not expect any rain so it will be the perfect night.

Grab your family and come down for a good time!

For several years running Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific in Benicia is a Toys for Tots Drop Off.  We have a huge box waiting for toys to delight the children of less fortune.  Our box does a great job in getting loaded up, so please, if you are downtown please stop by and make a deposit.  

Your heart will be joyful and the Toys for Tots program will be thankful.  You have plenty of time to contribute but don't wait til the last minute. 

Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific is open 7 days a week and even if it is before 8:30AM and after 5PM, knock hard and I am sure someone will be around to let you make a drop in the box. Our address is 900 First Street Benicia. 

After dropping by our office, meander down the street for some unique shopping at antique stores, one of kind shops, and for a break-grab a bite to eat at any of the fine restaurants along First Street.

Please remember Toys for Tots in Benicia at Coldwell Banker Solano