ACTUAL SALES and LISTINGS OF 1 MILLION AGENTS MADE PUBLIC --- courtesy of Redfin. Is this a game changer? - 09/30/11 10:31 PM
Curious about how an agent is doing now and in the last three years?  
Want to know YOUR own numbers in terms of buyers and sellers you’ve served, but you haven’t gotten around to getting that spreadsheet done?
Get the Goods on 1 Million Agents (September Roundup) Redfin’s September 2011 newsletter  had several noteworthy announcements. They just introduced its SCOUTING REPORT  In the newsletter, Redfin announces that
“Now you can use the brand-new Redfin Scouting Report to look up stats on any agent -- where he sold homes, how quickly, at what prices, with how many price reductions … (62 comments)

BUYER'S TOP CRITERIA: Where's the nearest Costco? And the nearest dog park? - 09/30/11 05:01 AM
Buyer’s TOP CRITERIA : Where’s the nearest Costco? Is there a dog park?
I love buyers who know what they want and who have clear priorities. And yes, my buyers actually asked these questions.
It doesn’t matter what one thinks the buyer would need or would appreciate. What matters is what the buyer tells you that is important to them. So listen, and accommodate the requests accordingly.
Fortunately, Alameda fits the bill.
COSTCO.
The nearest Costco is on Davis St --- and locals go there the back way, totally avoiding getting go on I-880, down Otis which is also Highway … (12 comments)

Money for nothing, and your checks . . . - 09/30/11 02:33 AM
Surely, until we ourselves decided to become REALTORs, that we had very little concept of what is involved. The start-up costs alone would have been a good indication of what to expect.
I missed this blog the first time, and I'm glad it was re-blogged. Just in case others have missed it too, I'm reblogging because it's important to educate the general public on what it takes just to get started in this business.
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
"I'm thinking about gettin' a Realtor's license.  I'm tired of this 9-5 schedule.  I'd be nice to … (2 comments)

University of California Veterinary Medicine in Davis CA--- a distressed pet and owner’s best friend - 09/29/11 04:09 AM
University of California Veterinary Medicine in Davis CA--- a distressed pet and owner’s best friend.
Our dog Joey, who is a loving and easy-going (but timid) dog became ill, and our local veterinarian tried to isolate the problem through a series of tests, xrays and medication.  But the vet couldn’t figure out what was wrong. And Joey kept going downhill.
When his gait turned from a happy saunter to a slow shuffle, we needed to do something different and asked our vet for a referral to take Joey to the University of California’s Veterinary Medicine in Davis CA where they have … (8 comments)

BERKELEY REAL ESTATE MARKET: PREDICTABLE - 09/29/11 02:29 AM
BERKELEY REAL ESTATE MARKET:  PREDICTABLE?
Berkeley has always had its fans --- and not just students and faculty – but also people who thrive in the city’s diversity,  education and culture-rich environment.
While reviewing Berkeley’s trends from August 2010 through August 2011, I was surprised to see that there are no significant changes as there were in neighboring cities like Oakland and Alameda.
Instead, Berkeley seemed to follow the traditional or view of a normal market: more active during the summer with more listings and more sales, then tapering off towards the Fall and completely slowing down in the winter.
… (0 comments)

Months' Supply of Inventory --- down to just 2.7 months in Oakland CA - 09/28/11 03:50 AM
OAKLAND CA Month’s Supply of Inventory at 2.7 months in August 2011?
Taking a look at ALL of Oakland CA’s inventory of homes – detached single family homes, condos, townhouses, duets, etc --- I had to do a double take.  As of end of August, the month’s supply of inventory is down to 2.7 months, compared to 4.5 months in August 2010. But what’s notable is that with the exception of the fourth quarter 2010, it’s been a downward trend for a year.
The blue line represents average days on market.
 
 
Under contract per month
This chart shows an upward … (4 comments)

What is Home? - 09/27/11 04:49 AM
This is a good reminder of why most people buy a house....it's to create a home.
Mike puts his thoughts so beautifully. Please tell him so.
Via Mike Martin ~ Fontana & Inland Empire Estate DRE #01327312 (Tri County Residential Real Estate Group):
A roof keeps out the storms. Four walls to block the wind. Floors to build a strong foundation. Yes, but your home is much more than that. It is the laughter of children, the caring of your mother, the strength of your father. The warmth of family love, light from joyful eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is the first school and first church for … (0 comments)

Sorry, I don't meet strangers at property! - 09/27/11 04:40 AM
Safety is a number one priority, as so many of us know of situations where our co-realtors have faced unpleasant circumstances.
This bears repeating.
When I receive a call/email --- there are two basic questions: are you working with a realtor, and more importantly, are you already preapproved (and if so, how may I get contact your lender).
Glad to see others who feel the same way and who stick to their guns. If you're the same way, let Michelle know and give her an attaboy. Comments are disabled on this post so you can visit Michelle's blog.
Thanks!
 
Via … (0 comments)

MULTIPLE OFFERS. OFFERS OVER LIST PRICE. SERIOUSLY! In Alameda CA - 09/27/11 04:16 AM
ALAMEDA CA is seeing multiple offers. Yes, SERIOUSLY!
I am fortunate enough to work with several first time buyers who move from San Francisco to Alameda --- some are first time buyers, others are thinking of starting a family, and all believe that Alameda offers more affordable homes than what they can find in the City. But they may be surprised to find themselves in competitive situations.
Months’ inventory
Tracking one-year’s trend of residential properties (all types) shows that the months’ supply of inventory at 3 months, down by 19.3% from where it was a year ago. The blue line represents … (3 comments)

ALAMEDA CA has the Z's -- Zagat-rated restaurant, Zydeco dancing, ze Big Band, ze comedy central and more! - 09/27/11 02:19 AM
Alameda CA has a social club
From its website, AlamedaSocialClub.com, it says that its purpose is to connect people of Alameda through special events. While talking with the social club’s founders, Sanford and Megan Marshall, we found out that they moved from San Francisco to Alameda, and wanted to better know the island. They found other new residents with the same thought in mind, and they decided to establish a social club. The group was featured on Alameda Magazine’s Around the Town section.
Most recent event
Tonight’s event was held at Pappo restaurant . Alameda’s only Zagat rated restaurant. Pappo was … (2 comments)

BICYCLISTS: You are invisible NOT invincible. Observe the traffic rules! - 09/26/11 12:16 AM
Bicyclists, you are invisible, NOT invincible. And you are NOT exempt from observing traffic lights/signs. Yesterday, I cringed when I saw a father on his bicycle, pulling his kid on a bicycle trailer, go through stop sign without stopping, not once, but twice! He didn’t even look right to see if there’s oncoming traffic, and if he did, he didn’t care because he rode through anyway.
Yes, I know that in Alameda CA, our speed limit is 25 mph and the risks are probably less here. But goodness, let’s not get careless and reckless, especially on a bike!
Somebody should get this guy … (17 comments)

Active groups of ballroom dancers in the Bay Area, CA - 09/25/11 03:17 PM
Last night was the 3rd Annual Pacific Grand Ball held at the Marriott in San Mateo CA.
Active Rainers Antonio Cardenas, Kathleen Daniels and I and went to watch the evening competition that consisted of so many heats at various levels of proficiency and ages.
If you have an appreciation for ballroom dance, and if you have never attended one of these events, then GO!
My favorite part was when the junior dancers competed. There was a couple of kids that were probably 6-8 years old that captivated the audience. They competed with older kids in the mid-teens, but all eyes were … (6 comments)

Go from China to Italy --- in San Francisco - 09/24/11 03:28 AM
Four grade school friends, reuniting for a Friday night out in San Francisco ….four grandmothers (except one  -- I don't have kids, just dogs) who just want to eat, drink and be merry. No, we didn't make reservations. On a Friday night. Is it possible to find a place downtown?
Apparently, it is
We decided to meet on the corner of Broadway and Columbus  in San Francisco to eat at the New Sun Hong Kong Restaurant.  This was a sentimental favorite since this was the favorite Chinese restaurant of the late father of one of the women.  Fortunately, there’s reason why it was a favorite: the … (6 comments)

AAAARGH! I'm a senior citizen...I can join the Mastick Seniors Center (Alameda CA) - 09/22/11 12:02 AM
AAARGH! I’m a senior citizen!
What do you mean by senior citizen?  Dictionary.com defines senior citizen as “an elderly or aged person, especially who is retired or whose principal source of support is a pension or Social Security benefits.” Well...if I’m not retired and not on social security, may I be excused from being called a senior citizen?
Today, the term “senior” has several connotations. If you want to shop at Ross Dress For Less, seniors who are at least 55 years old get their 10% discount every Tuesday. At Elephant Bar, you have to be 60 years old to qualify … (14 comments)

ACTIVE RAIN CONTESTS: ARE YOU IN IT TO WIN IT? - 09/21/11 05:44 PM
Are you in it to win it?
Just started participating in some of the contests – didn’t even really pay attention to any contests until just recently. And just noticed the tag "Contest" on the menu. Geez...where have I been?
There was the Docusign contest (although I don’t think I earned any extra points for that)
The kindergarten contest
Now, the 30-days of localism
Market Reports contest
And Best Practices contest
There are a few more, like Pay it Forward that I haven’t done (yet). I didn’t even know there was a contest until I started reading several blogs that started … (7 comments)

MARKET REPORTS: OAKLAND CA If you're not working on short sales and foreclosures, you're missing half the market - 09/21/11 04:04 AM
Oakland CA  Current market report as of Sept 21, 2011
It is worth noting that 45.6% of total listings for sale are distressed properties.
 
Why is this worth noting?
From a REALTOR’s point of view, this provides a clear picture of what the market looks like --- i.e., where the buyers and sellers are. If 25.5% of the listings are short sales, doesn’t it make sense that we should be fully educated and equipped to  handle this type of sale both as a listing agent as well as a buyer’s agent? If one isn’t well-versed with short sales, that … (7 comments)

THE WILLOWS: Fabulous BEACH condos in Alameda CA - 09/21/11 01:01 AM
The Willows at 2101 Shoreline, Alameda  CA
The Willows is one of my favorite condominium complexes in Alameda. It’s not the newest, not the flashiest….but it has so many amenities that one can describe living there as like being in a resort. The address describes it appropriately: it’s on SHOREline. Cross the street, and you’re on the beach.
Built in 1974, there are 201 units most of which are town-house style where the living areas are on one level, and the bedrooms are on another.  Most of the units have two bedrooms, with a sprinkling of 3-bedroom and 1-bedroom units.

 
… (8 comments)

Best Business Practice #3 - Keep Learning, and Don't Be a 'Secret Agent' While Doing So! - 09/20/11 03:50 AM
In corporate America (in my previous life) whenever someone attends or completes a seminar, we used to issue press releases about it. For some reason, this practice escaped me as a Realtor.
Karen makes an excellent suggestion to send your own version of a press release to your sphere of influence so that they know you are always improving yourself, and in turn, improving the quality of service you provide to your clients.
Please give Karen an attagirl. Comments are disabled so that you can tell her yourself what a really good business practice she has conveyed.
Via Karen Hawkins, MBA … (0 comments)

Best Business Practices: Blogging and.... - 09/19/11 02:30 AM
One of my best business practices is blogging.
I'm not the most tech-oriented blogger, don't have and don't know all the bells and whistles. I blog because it's a diary --- a record of things I do, and not all of them are business-related.
And I'm glad the blogs have brought me new business and new friends. Looking at the sources of my closed escrows, 40% of them were from leads developed through the internet.
But there are other business practices that help me through good times and bad times.
At the end of 2008, we knew things will be quite … (17 comments)

Trattoria La Siciliana in Berkeley CA --- our new favorite Italian restaurant - 09/19/11 12:51 AM
Sunday evening we felt like going out for a bite to eat. Didn’t want to go to the same old haunts and wanted to experiment. Decided to go to Berkeley/Oakland’s College Avenue. Walked up and down and stopped at what looked like a hole-in-the-wall. The young girl sitting outside invited us in, and swore that the food is great. A customer who was waiting for his party agreed. So we went in, and were promptly seated. Perfect timing! Less than two minutes later, there was a loooonnnnnggggg line of people outside. Hmm...obviously a popular place to eat.
We’ve never been to this … (9 comments)

U.S. subsidizes California's foreign competitor but California gets no help - 09/18/11 07:28 PM
San Francisco Chronicle's headline "Slicing up olive industy --- U.S. subsidies to foreign growers worry California farmers."
No one will ever mistake San Francisco Chronicle as being a conservative paper, nor California as a conservative-leaning state....so one should read this article and try to put themselves in the California farmer's shoes.
Here's the synopis of the article.  Or if you'd rather read it yourself, click HERE
California is the only state to commercially produce olives
For more than a decade, California competes directly with Spain and Morocco for the black olive and olive oil markets in the United States.
The … (6 comments)

FOOD TRUCKS: Where to get your next unforgettable dining experience in the Bay Area CA - 09/18/11 03:29 AM
The first time I had a real taco (as opposed to Taco Bell's) was from a food truck parked at the Home Depot lot in Emeryville CA. I remember how much I savored that taco. Truly flavorful. When I mentioned it to a co-worker, he laughed and said that the common term for those food trucks are "Roach Coach". The term scared me so much that I didn't go near a food truck for a long time.
That was over 10 years ago.
Now, the food trucks are gaining popularity.
We've read of displaced high-earning would-be entrepreneurs that have … (7 comments)

REASONS WHY IT'S A GOOD TIME TO....SELL YOUR HOUSE - 09/16/11 03:59 PM
We see, read, and hear all about why it's a good time to buy. Perhaps we should shift (or distribute) our focus and help our sellers see that for them, it's a good time to sell. Steve Harney's KCMBlog is one of my favorite blogs to read. This is a good article to share with people who are contemplating selling their home, whether they want to move up, or they are facing foreclosure and need to make a decision soon regarding doing a short sale or walking away.
Loan  Modification failed This month alone I listed properties of three sellers on the verge of foreclosure. … (8 comments)

Sampling cities with high number of distressed properties for sale in Alameda County CA - 09/16/11 03:13 AM
To get an idea of the current market, here's a comparison of a few select cities in Alameda County, CA, and how many distressed properties are for sale. These numbers are for all residential homes for sale as of September 16,2011 and consist of: detached single family residences, condos, townhouses, duets. The information was pulled from EBRDI (East Bay Regional Data Inc.) MLS.
Three of the cities in this sample had more distressed properties for sale than there are regular sales.
… (4 comments)

GOOD NEWS FOR VETERANS. VA LOAN COSTS ARE DROPPING SOON! - 09/15/11 01:50 AM
This is surely going to make a lot of our service men and women happy.
Please share. Reblog. Anything you can do to spread the news.
And tell Doug Bullwinkel thanks for posting
Via Doug Bullwinkel NMLS #281609 (Vitek Mortgage Group):
 GOOD NEWS FOR VETERANS.  VA LOAN COSTS ARE DROPPING SOON!
 The Veterans Administration has just announced that the VA Funding Fee required for VA Home Loans, will soon be reduced for most VA home purchase loans.  Effective October 1, 2011, the one-time cost will be reduced by approximately 35%.  This amounts to an up-front savings of $2,250 on a purchase price of … (6 comments)

The Mythical Loan Modification --- A SCAM? - 09/15/11 01:15 AM
MUST READ, MUST WATCH I have clients who tried desperately to apply for loan modifications.....but after months of trying, they were rejected. Their only way out is do a short sale, and hope it's not too late. One of my clients was two weeks from a trustee sale by the time  he came to me. We were lucky enough to get an all cash offer, and to have the trustee sale postponed less than 24 hours before the actual sale. Talk about a harrowing and frustrating experience.
Watching this video gave me chills....
MUST WATCH! MUST SHARE! Tell John and Kase … (8 comments)

EAT REAL FOOD FESTIVAL Sept 23-24, Jack London Square in Oakland CA - 09/15/11 12:03 AM
Eat Real Food Fest is a state fair, a street-food festival and a block party to celebrate the creation of good and organic food.
According to EatRealFest.org, "participants learn where food comes from, who grows and makes it, and how they make it....all the food incorporates regionally-sourced, fabulous , and sustainably-produced ingredients."

This organization is a social venture dedicated to promoting and teaching food craft. Its mission is to revitalize regional food systems, build public awareness of and respect for the craft of making good food, and encourage the growth of American food enterprises.
Its manifesto outlines the ways by which … (0 comments)

Dawn of the shadow inventory: a significant upswing in Notices of Default filed in California - 09/14/11 04:13 AM
ForeclosureRadar's August 2011 report showed a significant upswing in the number of Notices of Default (NODs) filed in August, to its highest level in a year. The report states that the Notices of Default or Notice of Trustee Sale rose in nearly every state. This may have been driven by Bank of America where there was an overall increase of 116% in foreclosure starts (or NODs) in August.
According to Sean O'Toole, Founder and CEO of ForeclosureRadar.com, "Bank of America appears to be primarily responsible for the surge in foreclosure starts this month since their average time to foreclose has recently increased … (4 comments)

PIEDMONT WALK of arts and crafts every third Thursday, Oakland CA - 09/13/11 04:20 AM
Oakland's Piedmont Avenue merchants are proud to present the beginning of a new tradition, every THIRD THURSDAY of each month --- ART WALK --- held from 6 to 9 pm. Stroll along Piedmont Avenues (Oakland CA) and meet local artists and crafters who sell their wares and art.
Date:   September 15, 2008
Time:  6:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA
Visit:  www.PiedmontAvenue.org
 And as a bonus, take a look and see the places and things you can enjoy in Oakland CA    
… (2 comments)

Closing Gift: Warranty and champagne, or packing boxes? - 09/13/11 01:45 AM
As a buyer, if you had a choice of a one-year warranty worth $270 and a $50 bottle of sparkling champagne versus $100 worth of packing boxes....which one would you choose?
Seeing that this is a buyer who is single and who may not know how to fix anything, it seemed like a no-brainer to give her a home warranty. The champagne is to toast the close of escrow.
Are tangible gifts more valuable than non-tangible gifts?
The answer must be "It depends."
It depends on who the recipient is and what her priorities are. Read the signs. Listen to … (86 comments)

VICTORIAN DUPLEX: restored, remodeled and upgraded. Alameda CA - 09/12/11 08:48 PM
… (3 comments)

Hijacking your credit/debit cards and passport without removing them from your wallet - 09/12/11 03:00 AM
HIJACKED!
In 2010, 32% of consumers reported card fraud in the past five years, according to a 2010 survey by ACI Worldwide, a company that supplies payment systems to financial institutions, and as reported by Consumer Reports. That's an increase from 27% in 2009.
For more information, read "House of Cards" published in June 2011.
Mercator Advisory Group, consultants to the banking and payment industries, estimates that U.S. card issuers total losses from credit- and debit card fraud at $2.4 billion. This does not even include losses borne by merchants who absorbed 43% of all losses reported by debit-card issuers.
Skimming … (5 comments)

East Bay Area CA --- has it bottomed out? - 09/12/11 12:35 AM
Headline in San Francisco Chronicle: Bay Area property tax decline seems to be ending.
According to the article "The beleaguered housing market may finally be bumping along the bottom, according to Bay Area county assessors, whose jobs rest on gauging the state of real estate.
After two years during which tax rolls in most of the nine Bay Area counties shrank, often by large margins, this year property tax rolls are fairly flat compared with last year, the assessors said. Admittedly, they're being compared with a lower base."
That's a mix of good and bad news.
The good news is that … (1 comments)

Words are not enough to express our sorrow on September 11, 2001 - 09/11/11 09:19 PM
We will never forget. The wounds are too deep. The pain too profound. The sadness indescribable. The horror beyond belief and understanding.
The United States has always been a friend, defender, protector, nurturer...we give, and we give and we give. So it is horrifying tp know that the unhinged zealots carried out such treachery. And they thought they did it in the name of their God? That we as infidels should be destroyed?
Still can't believe this happened on U.S. soil. May it never happen again.

… (10 comments)

Classic CAR SHOW in Alameda CA on October 8, 2011 - 09/11/11 02:38 AM
If you're a child of the 50s and the 60s, and you enjoyed the movie American Graffiti, then you may want to come and relive some of the good old happy days at
Park Street's 18th Classic Car Show in Alameda
Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
During the show, you will see over 400 show cars. And if you decide you'd like to ride your bike to the show, there will be valet bicycle parking. Tons of fun things to do, great food and drink, charming shops. Come see us! For more information, see http//www.ShopParkStreet.com/carshow.html  Classics … (7 comments)

Sept 11 SOLANO STROLL : Albany & Berkeley festival of entertainers, crafts and shops, and more - 09/10/11 12:01 AM
Leave your cars at home. Hop on the bus, Jack, or get on your bike for a mile-long block party.
SOLANO STROLL
Sunday, September 11, 2011, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

 
This year opens up with thw "Unsung Heroes" Parade with about 100 groups, starting at 10:00 a.m. Admission is free to a mile-long block party.
Here's what you will find: Over 500 vendors 50 entertainers 200 juried arts and crafters 50 food booths Established restaurants and shops on Solano Avenue Fun events for the family See giant slides, carmova; games, clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers, face painters, magicians, … (13 comments)

Affluent zip code 94618 in Oakland CA sees its share of bank-owned sales - 09/09/11 10:51 PM
Among buyers and their REALTORs, zip code 94618 is one of the most sought after locations in Oakland CA.
According to Neighborhood Link, zip code 94617 is a densely populated, affluent and upscale zip code in Oakland where real estate prices are significantly above average for the area.
Naturally, it begs the question ---- how did this area fare during the real estate crash?
To get a really good picture of the market trends, I looked at the 3-year history from August 2008 through August 2001. This information includes detached single family homes, townhouses and condos.
 
SOLD
Surprise! Second Quarter 2011 had posted … (3 comments)

Bank owned and short sale properties sold and for sale in Alameda CA - 09/09/11 05:14 AM
Alameda CA Market Report
SOLD PROPERTIES
Following are the reports for the most recent 12-month period for the total residential homes sold in the city of Alameda, CA. These sales are a combination of detached single family homes, condos, townhouses and duets.
Monthly Supply of Inventory
The inventory is very low at this time, and is 25% less than where we were this time a year ago. AS of end of August, we have just 3 months of inventory. The blue line represents average days on market (DOM). As we approach Fall, we expect the number of homes for sale to drop … (4 comments)

Skippy inspired Peanut Butter Jam Festival on Sept 10-11 in Alameda CA - 09/09/11 12:25 AM
Skippy Peanut Butter? THAT Skippy?
Yep.
Skippy was trademarked for peanut butter produced in 1933 by the Rosefield Packing Co. Ltd in Alameda, CA. And in its honor, West Alameda Business District holds its annual Peanut Butter and Jam Festival.
WHAT: Peanut Butter and Jam Festival now renamed Webster Street Jam. But for many of us who have enjoyed going to the festival, it will be the Peanut Butter and Jam Festival for a long time.
The festival is held on a closed, four-block strip of Wester Street. What to expect: wine and food from featured wineries and local restaurant favorites … (6 comments)

For the quick and dirty funnies....check out "There I fixed it" site - 09/08/11 03:50 PM
Someone sent me images of the ingenuity and laziness of how people do quick-fix-its and "repairs". Some were pretty disgusting. Some pretty clever. Other ideas may have resulted in someone applying the principle and inventing a new device. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention.
So for a quick belly laugh, check out some of the "fixes" that people do.
THERE, I FIXED IT!
Samples....
… (14 comments)

Turning a dumping ground to a model flying field in Alameda CA - 09/08/11 12:23 AM
 
When my brother stayed with us in Alameda CA, one of the things he sought was a model aircraft flying club and where they fly.
He is an avid flier of remote-controlled model airplanes and helicopters.
Would you believe that in our small city of 73,000 people, we have a club,and  aplace?The goup is called the Alameda Aeronuts, and they fly out of Bill Osborne Model Flying Field.
It was a dump?
What's even more notable is that it's located on what we call as our local Mount Trashmore. Yes, it's a play on words because it used to be … (4 comments)

THE ESSEX: fabulous lakeside condos by Lake Merritt in Oakland CA - 09/07/11 12:21 AM
The Essex is an impressive building overlooking Lake Merritt in Oakland CA. It iss located on a bend, and as such has views of nearly the entire lake.
 
The Essex is a relatively new complex that was started in 2001 and made a tremendous impact when it was completed in 2004. It was first introduced to the public as a 20-story luxury apartment complex with 270 units. I remember that when I inquired about rents, it reminded me of San Francisco prices where even the parking space had a price.
 
 
Not only is The Essex one of the tallest … (7 comments)

PAWS & STRIPES HELPING VETERANS - 09/06/11 01:00 AM
Spread the word about this wonderful, wonderful project.
Talk it up! REBLOG! DONATE
it's a small contribution to help the people who defend and protect us.
Via C Lloyd McKenzie, MBA (ALLSTAR REALTY, LLC):
PAWS & STRIPES HELPING VETERANS
Imagine for a moment having a family member who after serving his or her country, is diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  And what if the medication prescribed is not working; what do you do? There is no easy way out here...This is difficult.  Families Suffer.  The men and women who we call OUR HEROES need our … (4 comments)

FOOD TRUCK FRENZY at Rock Wall Wine Company in Alameda CA - 09/06/11 12:17 AM
Rock Wall Wine Company Presents: Food Truck Frenzy: Part Deux!
This is going to be such a fun, fun event. I am on the email list of Rock Wall Wine Company, and I was thrilled to get wind of this upcoming event.
The proprietor, Shauna Rosenblum (daughter of Kent Rosenblum who founded and sold Rosenblum Cellars) emailed that "one of my growers is growing some Norton, which is indigenous to Virginia, and is the national grape of Missouri. It has big fruity berry qualities, so we’re going to get a ton of it and treat it like a Zinfandel.
SPECIAL EVENT:
… (3 comments)

Save a life. GO GREEN. When Alameda Point Collaborative creates Growing Youth Program - 09/05/11 01:24 AM
From homelessness to self-sufficiency and urban gardening. Save a life. Go green!
ALAMEDA CA. The Alameda Point Collaborative "provides 200 units of housing to families and individuals who have been homeless...and offer supportive services for children and youth as well as on-the-job training and employment opportunities."
To encourage self-sufficiency, they created the Growing Youth Project to "provide teenage youth with meaningful part-time employment."
The result was an urban farm on site where year-round, the youth, parents and volunteers work together to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, keep chickens and bees --- and soon, they hope, fish --- to … (2 comments)

Oakland/Piedmont CA Market Report as of Second Quarter 2011. Looks like a seller's market. - 09/04/11 04:07 PM
 
Zip code 94611 includes parts of Oakland and Piedmont CA considered to be among the most desirable in these areas. Here's the map according to MyZipCodeMap.com.
Market reports of what's happening in this zip code appear to be more intriguing when one tracks the movement over a three-year period of time.
And these reports will support the contention that real state truly is local. What you read/hear on the national news may not  necessarily reflect what's happening here.
 
 
 
Average days on market.
This is specially revealing and indicative of how desirable this area is. When the average … (3 comments)

Create/keep jobs. Stimulate the econony. Buy MADE IN AMERICA products. - 09/04/11 02:10 PM
Diane Sawyer had a show wherein she asked a family to inventory everything in their home and get rid of anything that isn't made in the United States. It resulted in the family practically emptying their house.
br>
Their challenge was to try to find products that are made in the U.S.A. to replace what they removed.
It took a while, but they did it.
There is a movement to Buy American
Start with the book by Roger Simmermaker titled How Americans Can Buy American  If you go to his website, you can register to have his Retail E-Guide to more … (3 comments)

ALAMEDA ANTIQUE FAIRE -- largest antique fair in northern California - 09/04/11 04:01 AM
Alameda Point Antiques Faire is Nothern California's largest antique show.
Billed as the "Place to shop for vintage, retro, and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books and collectibles."

There are over 800 booths where all items are twenty years or older. The fair is held every first Sunday of the month and attracts approximately 10,000 visitors.
Show hours being at 6 am and end 3 pm.
It certainly helps that it's located at Alameda Point at the old naval base, with fantastic views of San Francisco across the Bay. Fair goers are treated to an array … (4 comments)

OPEN HOUSES can reap REWARDS - 09/04/11 03:21 AM
Lights! Camera! Action!
A huge benefit: if you do open house frequently, it helps your brand when they see your name all over town. Name recognition is the name of the game.
There's an ongoing debate about whether or not doing an open house is worth your time.
There are many of us who will attest to its value especially when stars align in our favor. The answer is, of course, "It depends." It depends on hows, whats, whos, wheres.
your local market condition the neighborhood the property the agent holding the open house. season (spring and summer versus the dead … (9 comments)

Home Inspection Tips- How To Protect The Siding And Foundation Of Your Home - 09/01/11 04:30 PM
This could be true of any home, and  not just in San Diego.
When we lived in Orlando, in this fairly new development where nearly all the homes were stucco, and in the middle of what used to be orange and other citrus orchards, termite infestation was so common. I had never seen termites swarm the way they did the first year we were there. The previous seller did not disclose a termite situation!
Turns out that termites like orange trees, and there may still be active nests under the ground.
One of the first things we were told was to … (0 comments)

SELLERS: TIPS TO STAY CALM DURING NEGOTIATIONS - 09/01/11 04:20 PM
SELLERS: After much soul-searching and working the numbers, you decided to put your home on the market. You may be selling to change cities for a job or are needing to downsize. Regardless of the reason, this is a big and important decision! The time has come, though. You have received an offer on your home.
How can you make it through? This can be a very trying time. How do you know which offer to take or what counteroffer to make?
Here are tips to help you stay calm during negotiations.
Trust your Agent: You hired your agent for a … (4 comments)

Let's talk up the 203K loan --- where one can get money to Buy AND Renovate - 09/01/11 01:52 PM
Can't say it often enough. When a buyer finds a home that needs work, tell him there's help! Look at getting a 203K loan! You can find more information on U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development's site regarding this program.
One of my favorite blogs is KCMblog.com by Steve Harney. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy who talks plainly, lays out things so that they're easy to understand, and practices the principle of keeping it simple and short
Here's what he has to say about
Money to Purchase AND Renovate Your Home He extols the unique features of the … (2 comments)

Sloppy offer, sloppy agent....why this hurts the buyer - 09/01/11 12:12 PM
A sloppy offer does a lot of harm to the buyer's chances of getting his offer accepted.
Yes, we agree that today's purchase contract is so much more complicated and several pages longer than the ones we had many years ago. And there are very good reasons why. Finetuning details should leave no doubt nor room for interpretation by either party.
But when an agent submits an offer that is so obviously carelessly prepared.....
What impression does that create? ....that the agent may be flighty and ditzy, with absolutely no attention to detail. Think: incomplete paperwork, missed deadlines
...that the buyer … (5 comments)

 
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Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA Alain Pinel in Alameda County CA

Oakland, CA

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Alain Pinel

Address: 6211 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA, 94611

Cell Phone: (510) 205-2992

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