To Short Sale Listing Agent-Get A Clue! - 05/31/11 11:56 AM


To the listing agent for a short sale I wanted to show our buyer the other day------Can you please get a clue on what to do when you get an offer for your short sale listing? 
The MLS stated I had to call the listing office to make an appointment and the seller needed 24 hr notice.  I dutifully called the office, left a message, and gave more than 24hr notice.  Two hours later, my phone rings, I answer it, and the young voice on the other end says sweetly "Oh we have two offers on this property, they … (7 comments)

Marche Benicia! An Outdoor Marketplace on June 11th - 05/30/11 11:02 AM
Marche Benicia, an outdoor marketplace is taking place on June 11th along downtown Benicia's shoreline promenade.  Sponsored by Benicia Main Street, this event was hugely popular last year.  Free admission to French music, wine garden, arts and crafts, entertainment and varied food vendors.
A hint of France from 11AM-4PM will keep anybody amused, entertained and full of good will.  Benicia hosts several events through out the year so put this on your calendar for a not to miss Saturday on June 11th.
After attending Marche Benicia, stroll down First Street and see what our local businesses have to offer.  Benicia has … (4 comments)

Overlook Park in Benicia - 05/28/11 12:11 PM
Overlook Park in Benicia is aptly named as you can see from the pictures.  This is one of many parks scattered among Benicia neighborhoods.  Overlook has meandering paths with benches to sit and ponder life.  There is plenty of grassy areas for playing tag or ball or soccer.  One is only limited by their creativity for an outdoor adventure.

Overlook Park overlooks the Carquinez Straits, the major water way to Central California.  Huge tankers chug their way to bring goods to Sacramento and Stockton.  Tall fragrant eucalyptus trees frame the view and picnic tables are ready for food or games.  … (0 comments)

Duncan Graham Park in Benicia - 05/27/11 08:07 PM
Duncan Graham Park in Benicia is a hidden jewel that not many people know about.  It is truly a neighborhood park surrounded by homes built in the 50's and 60's.

 
The large grassy area is perfect for running and jumping.  Maybe take a blanket and enjoy the sun.  There is a basketball court and playground equipment for young ones.  There are plenty of trees for shade.
Take Second street and turn on Hillcrest Avenue.  Follow Hillcrest where it intersects with Vista Grande.  The park is situated at the junction of three streets.  You cannot miss it.
Benicia has many beautiful … (3 comments)

Chug, Chug, Chug......engine that can for May Challenge - 05/26/11 12:40 PM
Chug, Chug, Chug.......I feel like the engine that could.  I mean I can!  We are almost to the end of May. 
I participated in the month long blog challenge last August and this one is even tougher.  I have ideas and thoughts twirling around in my head but lack the initiative to put them on paper with thoughtfulness.
So I am chugging, chugging, chugging and vow to write something more worthy for the last days of the 31 Day May Challenge.
Thank you all for listening to me. Yes, this engine CAN!  To all of you out there with the same feeling, you CAN … (2 comments)

Benicia REO or Short Sale- How about a Conventional Transaction? - 05/25/11 08:06 PM
I can remember several years ago when the foreclosures starting coming out of the woodwork.  My business partner, Jenny, and I decided to go for it.  We did and have been successful with representing the best servicer in the country (in our opinion) Premier Asset Services, which is really Wells Fargo.
Jenny and I are firm believers in flexing with the real estate market in order to keep our business healthy.  Our Short Sale transactions have picked up where the foreclosure transactions have slowed down.  Many agents do not want to deal with foreclosures or try to negotiate with banks for … (2 comments)

Relay for Life Fundraiser-Round Table Pizza - 05/23/11 03:51 PM
Relay for Life Fundraiser at Round Table Pizza is happening Tuesday May 24th from 5pm-9pm. Round Table Pizza is located at 878 Southampton Rd in the Raley's Shopping Center, Benicia CA.
Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific has a team raising money for the Vallejo Relay for Life.  For the past several months we have been raising money with different events.  We have had garage sales, Fish Taco Feeds, and Dump-Donate events.  So far our office has raised close to $3000.
Help raise more for this worthy cause!  Dine-in or Pick up only and Round Table Pizza is donating a percentage of their profits from Tuesday May 24th.
We will have … (1 comments)

Benicia Cupcake Contest Winners - 05/22/11 08:49 PM
Benicia Cupcake Contest winners have been announced.  Benicia Library held its own Food Network version of Cupcake Wars on May 19th.  It was a success!  One of our agents entered her strawberry cupcakes.  Cathy loves to bake and we always benefit from her skills.
The winning cupcake was called Champagne Cupcake with Cotton Candy Frosting.  The number two winning cupcake was Carrot Cupcakes and the number three winner was Chocolate Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Frosting.
View the cupcakes with this linkto the Benicia Library website. Check out the top winner......I love Champagne Cake. My sweet tooth hurts to think about it.
What … (2 comments)

This is one big Salad Bowl in Salinas! - 05/21/11 01:28 PM
This is one big salad bowl in Salinas!  Last weekend we attended a fund raiser for a local wildlife sanctuary for African Elephants.  EARS held their 11th Annual event on May 14th. 
On our way to a private tour of the facility on Sunday, we drove along country roads famous for providing vegetables and fruit.  We had rain the night before so everything glistened the next morning.

 
I could not resist asking my husband to stop so I could get some pictures of the lettuce fields.  The contrast between the red and green leaves was spectacular.  I am an amateur … (5 comments)

Vallejo Farmers' Market Every Saturday - 05/20/11 08:22 PM
Vallejo Farmers' Market is held every Saturday, rain or shine.  This is not a seasonal market but open all year around.  This is where you can get your weekly stock up of fresh vegetables and fruits. 
Vallejo Farmers' Market is located at the Georgia and Main Street and open from 9AM-1PM.  There are different events held during the market.  This Saturday May 21st is Health Day.  Come and enter to win a free bag of produce.
Next Saturday May 28th is "Cookin' the Market" with cooking demonstrations and free tastings.  Ummmm good free tastings is the best part.
There are many Farmer's Markets to choose … (1 comments)

Ghost Walk Benicia - 05/19/11 11:50 AM
Ghost Walk Benicia does not have to take place at Halloween.  Tomorrow, Friday May 20th, come meet the ghosts of Benicia's past!  Benicia Main Street sponsors events all year long.  This activity has been popular and held year round.
Every tour is limited to 20 people and is conducted by paranormal experts Donna Raymond and Devin Ssk.  This fun educational tour lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on what you encounter along the way!
Ghost Walk Benicia starts at 8PM, is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight and no children under 10 are permitted.  These tours … (1 comments)

Benicia Wildlife - 05/18/11 11:26 AM
Benicia Wildlife is at again. While I was trying to come out of my morning fog, my husband leaped up, flailed his arms, his voice several octaves higher "a raccoon just walked by on the side of our house". Our Devil Dog, Toby, raced from window to window to door to door frantically looking for what Larry was yelling about. There is open space behind our house and across the street behind our neighbors.  We have deer, birds, and a occasional possum. This year I wrote about Benicia Wildlife-Oh Deer and OPEN OPEN OPEN The Feeder is Open for Benicia Birds but we have some new … (4 comments)

Benicia Short Sale Questions - 05/17/11 11:38 AM
Benicia Short Sale Questions are asked every day, in the store, in the post office, in the health club and everywhere else.  The hot topic is short sales.  Two years ago it was REOS/Foreclosures.  Short Sales in Benicia are more prevalent now than ever.  IF you bought a home in 5-7 years ago you paid top dollar for a home.  Loans could be approved with little or no documentation to insure one could even pay for the home in 2010 or beyond.  Many of the loans are interest only, pick a pay and now the grim reaper is coming to collect.
This might … (0 comments)

Benicia Cupcake Contest May 19th - 05/15/11 11:49 AM
Benica Cupcake Contest is taking place on May 19th.  I often watch the Food Network Cupcake War.  We have our own version coming to Benicia.  Here is a chance for all you bakers to grab some fame!  The Benicia Public Libraryat 150 East L St Benicia, Ca will be hosting this event at 7PM on May 19th.
Cupcakes will be judged on appearance, originality and taste.  This event is free and if you would like to participate, call 707-746-4358 or email hbowles@ci.benicia.ca.us.
The judges are winners of the Food Network Cupcake War: Andrea Ballus and Corey Fanfa.  It just so happens that … (4 comments)

Vallejo Garden Tour May 15th - 05/14/11 11:37 AM
Vallejo Garden Tour is taking place on Sunday May 15th.  This year's theme is "A Community of Gardens".  This is the 8th annual Vallejo Garden Tour and sponsored by the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.  The tour is from 10am to 3pm.
There will be gardens to please most anybody's style! Some will feature home grown fuits and vegetables, vintage home gardens with shady nooks, waterfalls and creeks, plus the Vallejo Community Garden on Mare Island and the Loma Vista Farm will be featured on the tour.  Colors and fragrance will greet you as you meander the gardens.
Advance tickets are $30 … (1 comments)

Napa-Solano Home and Garden Show - 05/13/11 09:45 AM
Napa-Solano Home and Garden Show starts today May 13th and runs through Sunday May 15th.  This is one of my favorite home and garden shows.  It is located at the Napa Valley Exposition Fairgrounds, corner of Silverado Trail and Third Street in Napa.  Plenty of FREE parking for everyone. 
The show will feature over 400 exhibitors who will introduce you to new ideas and the latest and greatest in gardening, landscaping, home improvement and outdoor living.  You will not go hungry with many choices of delicious food to choose from.
This is the 21st year for the Napa-Solano Home and Garden Show.  … (1 comments)

Bike To Work Day May 12, 2011 - 05/12/11 11:58 AM
Today is Bike to Work Day in Solano County, May 12.  With gas prices soaring, today is the perfect day to try an alternate way to travel to work!
There are even SolanoEnergizer Stations with refreshments open from 7-9AM.  They are located at Benicia City Park in Benicia.  In Vallejo there is a station at the Vallejo Terminal.
Other locations include Fisk's Cyclery in Dixon ,Solano County Govt Center Plaza, Solano Community College, Ray's Cycle in Fairfield.
Even if you don't bike to work today, try it another day!  The weather is getting better and save some money and get some exercise!
… (1 comments)

Why can't you tell me everything about a short sale? - 05/11/11 05:43 PM
Why can't you tell me everything about a short sale?  I can tell you what has to do with the real estate transaction part of a short sale but not tax or credit concerns.
Did you know that you, as a borrower/seller, need to speak with your tax adviser and an attorney about how a short sale can affect you?  I am a Realtor, not a tax accountant or an attorney. There will be tax consequences and credit consequences and they are different for each person who goes through a short sale.  Just like every person has different DNA, so does a … (0 comments)

Benicia Farmers Market 2011 - 05/09/11 12:23 PM
Benicia Farmers Market 2011 is open for business.  The first day was Thursday April 28th.  The certified farmers market is every Thursday til October 27, 2011.  You can start shopping at 4PM and stay until 8PM. This popular farmers market is sponsored by Benicia Main Street Program.
The Benicia Farmers Market is on First street between "B" and "D" streets. Delectable goodies, fresh tasty organic vegetables, and local food vendors are just a few of the staples every week.
It is a way to meet and greet local neighbors as you stroll looking for the perfect ingredients for your next meal.  This … (2 comments)

ActiveRainPhotoBlogger Contest-A Mothers Day Bouquet! - 05/08/11 03:30 PM
A Mother's Day Bouquet is a fitting tribute to all moms, moms to be, and mom like people!  I love to buy flowers and my husband likes to plant them.  Notice I did not say he loves to plant them. Our yard always has some type of annual flower as our weather in Benicia, California allows us blooming plants anytime of the year. We have snapdragons and pansies positioned in the front and back yard. He planted over 200 bulbs last fall.  The daffodils came up first with smiles on their face waving to passersby walking past our house. 
The tulips came next and bloomed … (6 comments)

Mother's Day Cream Tea Sunday May 8th - 05/07/11 12:03 PM
Mother's Day Cream Tea is scheduled for Sunday May 8th at the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve.  This is the second year and is now an annual event to look forward.
Best of all it is free!  What a way to treat your mom to an outdoor tea with scones in a beautiful surrounding on historic Mare Island in Vallejo, CA.  The tea will be served in the Rowser Garden which is a  15 minute walk from the Preserve Visitors Center entrance at 3PM.  The entrance is located at the southern end of Mare Island.
Please make time for the Mother's Day … (1 comments)

Scenic Limited Train Rides in Suisun City Extended - 05/06/11 06:56 PM
"Scenic Limited" train rides organized by the Western Railway Museum located at 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City is extended til May 15.
These "wildflower" train rides normally are done by the end of April.  The wet winter and increasing temperatures has produced an abundance of wildflowers here in Solano County.  This has extended the popular train rides for a little while longer.  Train times will be on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11AM, 12:30PM and 2PM  But you have to get there by May 15th!
No reservations are taken and all seats are first come first served.  Coach tickets are $10 … (1 comments)

Dump and Donate at Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific May 7th. - 05/05/11 07:20 PM
" Dump & Donate"  We are raising funds for Relay for Life that will take place this coming August.  We have several teams busy raising as much money as we can for this worthy cause to fight cancer. This week we have two activities going on. Tomorrow (May 5) is Fish Tacos from 1130-1PM.  We are accepting $5 donations for 2 fish tacos made with Alaskan Halibut at the office. After your fill of tacos, come back on Saturday and get rid of your unwanted items.

Where: Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific
900 First St. Benicia (back parking lot)
When: May 7, … (1 comments)

Beauty and the Beast at Benicia High School - 05/04/11 11:33 AM
Beauty and the Beast at Benicia High School is being produced and played by our local high school students.  So far reviews are running high for this classic show currently playing for the next week.  I remember seeing the stage show in Los Angeles years ago when my daughters were 4.  They are now 20, but still love Beauty and the Beast.
Evening shows are May 6th and 7th at 7PM.  Matinees will be on May 7th and 8th at 2PM.  All shows will be in the Performing Arts Building on the Benicia High School Campus located on 1100 West Military.
Cost is a nominal … (2 comments)

Call 211 for Summer Program Information for Bay Area - 05/03/11 11:23 AM
Did know you can call 211 for information about your local childrens summer programs? This includes day camps, residential camps and therapeutic camps for those with disabilities or specific health conditions.  211 is operated by the United Way.
In addition to summer programs, it can also provide information about youth employment and internship programs, volunteer opportunities and child care resources.  211 is an easy number to remember but if you cannot dial, you can call 800-273-6222 to reach your local 211 call center.
During a disaster calling 211 can give you critical information about evacuation routes, food and shelter. 
Call 211 for summer program … (1 comments)

Rock out with Reach Out Benicia May 6th - 05/01/11 12:31 PM
This Friday May 6th is our annual fundraiser for Reach Out Benicia.  Reach Out Benicia is a local service provided for youth and young adults with drug and alcohol problems.  One of our local Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific Realtors, Earl Miller, is the back bone of this program.  He and his wife, Jane, started the program 19 years ago.  They have poured their soul and heart into it, saving many youths and adults over the year.
Friday night it starts at 6PM til 10PM.  There will be a live and silent auction with fantastic items. The cost is $25 and includes … (1 comments)

 

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