tri valley homes: Everyday Living Tips that Can Save You Time - 08/15/08 11:23 PM
Check Out Your Airline Seat: You book your ticket and select a seat. When you get on the plane, you find that the seat is less than desirable. Seat Guru can help ease your travel woes. Start by selecting your airline. Then, specify the type of plane. You'll get a … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Bishop Ranch Upcoming Events - 08/15/08 11:00 PM
Pleasanton First Wednesday Street Fair ~ Come visit our booth at the first Wednesday Street Fair, September 3rd in downtown Pleasanton from 6pm - 9pm. This will be the last street fair for the year and we'll have free give-aways and coupons. Dogs are welcome, so bring your dog and stop … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: How death can be a double loss! - 08/10/08 07:00 PM
The loss of a loved one is a very tramatic event and that is the time when we are most vulnerable. There are people who prey on loss's and are there to scam you.
The loss of a loved one is never an easy experience for a family, and people are … (9 comments)
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tri valley homes: Did you hear the news on FIRPTA - 08/02/08 11:23 PM
It seems once again our rules and reg's have changed here in California. California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) announced this week.
SELLER NEED NOT REVEAL SSN TO BUYER UNDER FIRPTA: Effective immediately, sellers are no longer required to provide to their buyers the Seller's Affidavit of Nonforeign Status (C.A.R. Form AS), … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: Ceiling fans vs air conditioners - 08/02/08 12:23 AM
We still have a bit of summer ahead of us and keeping the cost of electricity down is important. Instead of running an air conditioner at a cost of 16 cents per hour or 43 cents per hour for central air, use a ceiling fan.
If you use an air conditioner, … (9 comments)
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tri valley homes: More tips for a greener living - 07/23/08 09:23 PM
I really keep trying to do this "green thing" and as I am finding out there are so many little things we can do to be just a bit greener. Here are some thing I found this week.
BRING YOUR OWN MUG ~ Each year, Americans discard more than 14 billion … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Ed Dilworth featured Speaker for Tech Tuesday - 07/23/08 08:55 PM
It has never been more crucial to the success of the real estate industry to stay on top of today's tech trends and anticipate the needs of current and future clients when it comes to technology, online user platforms, applications, products, and services.Join Ed Dilworth, CEO of Nimblefish Technologies for what … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: Conforming Loan Limit Increase from Senator Feinstein - 07/22/08 11:18 PM
Today I received a personal letter from our State Senator, Diane Feinstein about increasing the conforming loan limit. I will say she is responsive.
Dear Ms. Winterbauer:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for permanently increasing the conforming loan limit. I appreciate the time you took to … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Name that mother! - 07/19/08 06:24 PM
What's up with your mother's maiden name? Passwords are crucial to accessing your personal accounts and information. The problem is: We all have so many accounts that we worry more about remembering our passwords than we do about making sure they actually protect our data from hackers. So we end up … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Attitude in Today's Market - 07/19/08 01:12 AM
Our industry of real estate/loans had dominated the news this past year. We all know these are challenging times but I think we need to step back and take a look at the big picture. From 1997 to 2005, real estate values appreciated 150% in the Bay Area and real estate commissions increased … (15 comments)
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tri valley homes: The sad truth, "No one should have lost one penny." - 07/19/08 01:03 AM
What You Need to Know About FDIC Insurance: Those who are going to lose money either did not take the time to learn about the FDIC insurance rules for full coverage, or they assumed that the bank teller who told them their money was safe knew what he or she was … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Second Pleasanton Hillside Initiative - 07/18/08 05:22 PM
On Tuesday (7/15) a divided Pleasanton City Council approved language for a second hillside protection initiative to be placed on the November ballot. Pleasanton voters will now have two hillside ordinances to consider. The first was written by a group of Pleasanton residents including former City Council member Kay Ayala.
The new initiative, … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: California Adopts Foreclosure Relief Law - 07/18/08 05:10 PM
Last week the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported the adoption of a new law that dictates how foreclosed properties must be maintained and managed and requires lenders to provide options for home owners facing foreclosure.
According to C.A.R. the following two provisions of Senate Bill 1137 go into effect … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Let me count the ways to save on cooling costs - 07/12/08 10:33 PM
Heating and air conditioning usually represent the biggest portion of home energy bills. As we head into the hottest part of the year, here are some ideas from author and home improvement expert Don Vandervort that will help you stay cool...and save money in the long run:
Get 'In … (7 comments)
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tri valley homes: Tude.....where is your tude these days? - 07/07/08 01:47 PM
It is often said that attitude is everything! It is not what happens to you but how you handle what happens to you.
That being said how is your tude today?
I received the following story today and it seems to fit into our life's pattern and I wanted … (13 comments)
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tri valley homes: 43 minutes and counting! - 07/05/08 01:45 AM
Today, July 4th is her eighth birthday. She is loving, independant, cute, petite, charming, spoiled and most of all loved! Her name is Murphy Brown after Candice like in Bergan.
I have been blessed to have shared my life with her. She brings joy to those who meet her and she is … (17 comments)
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tri valley homes: Great Deals on Vacation Car Rentals - 07/04/08 09:48 PM
LOOKING FOR THE BEST DEAL ON A RENTAL CAR.....You have spent hours doing the research, multiple sites open and finally find the best deal. You start filling out the form and you get to the field that asked for a promotional code, coupon code or rate code.
Here's the scoop. … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: What's Preparation Look Like These Days? - 06/29/08 10:17 PM
It's another Sunday evening and the beginning of preparing for the week. As we all know or should know preparation is a crucial element to success whether it is preparing for an important meeting or an upcoming summer vacation. As Zig Ziglar once said, "You were born to win, but to be … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Second Pleasanton Hillside Initiative - 06/27/08 10:56 PM
At a special meeting held on Thursday night (6/26), the Pleasanton City Council voted 3-2 to place another initiative on the November ballot that deals with hillside development. A little over a week earlier, the council approved a resident-led initiative that would ban development on steep slopes, near ridge lines and change … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Lawn Watering and Water Conservation Tips - 06/24/08 12:35 AM
Summer is here and we all want a green lawn but at what expense. Here are some little tips I found while figuring out what I was going to do this summer expecially since the HOA nazi's are out and about checking on the front yards.
1. Don't drown ~ … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: 4 Summer Care Tips for Pets - 06/24/08 12:13 AM
Summer is upon us and we have already expecienced the hot hot weather. Here are some tips I found helpful for our four footed family members.
Never leave your pet alone in a car during hot weather. A car's inside temperature can increase as much as 40 degrees in an hour-with … (10 comments)
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tri valley homes: Windermere Community Service Follow Up - 06/21/08 12:08 AM
Today was Windermere's Community Service Day. Every Windermere office closes on the third Friday in June in the 13 States to give back to the Communities we work and serve in.
Our office volunteered to work at Shephard's Gate an emergency shelter for homeless women and children, while committing to change their … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Summer Food Safety Tips - 06/15/08 03:21 PM
Summer-time is one of the best times of year to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that aren't available year-round. Recent salmonella outbreaks like those in last year's spinach crops or this year's tomato crops are an important reminder about handling food properly.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Dublin Facts and Trends for May - 06/15/08 12:30 AM
The May statistics are in for Dublin. During the month there were 127 single family homes for sale with an average property being on the market for 40 days prior to receiving an acceptable offer.
The median price was $632,000 and the average list price was $829,000, the average sold price was … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Big Win for REALTORS® on Point-of-Sale Bill - 06/14/08 12:14 AM
C.A.R. initially OPPOSED AB 2678 (Núñez) because it effectively would have required, among other things, that ALL homes and commercial property in California have an energy audit at point-of-sale, and that mandatory energy efficiency investments be made. While C.A.R. appreciates the goal of energy conservation, C.A.R. strongly opposes point-of-sale requirements … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: Why do we celebrate Flag Day? - 06/12/08 11:22 PM
Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Fax Machines versus All-in-One Models - 06/11/08 11:20 PM
If your office still has a fax machine, a scanner, a copier, consider the saving sâ€"400 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year â€"by upgrading to an all-in-one product.C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors) is supporting the Green Movement and working torward helping their members become more Green. They are making an effort to raise … (8 comments)
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tri valley homes: Wonderful Sunset Livermore Home for Sale | www.ebValleyHomes.com - 06/10/08 10:30 PM
… (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: What verse was Nehemiah? - 06/10/08 05:25 PM
Can this be the same Nehemiah? Well let's see.
Guidelines for this Nehemiah: This is a grant program that provides gift funds for downpayment and closing costs to qualified homebuyers.
The seller contributes 6% to the Nehemiah Program. The program grants up to 3% for down payment and 3% for closing costs. … (11 comments)
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tri valley homes: One stop utility connection - 06/08/08 12:20 AM
Moving can be very exciting...but it can also be a bit of a pain as well. Besides packing and unpacking, there is a long list of details to be handled. Things like choosing a mover, connecting utilities, getting Internet and cable service, or subscribing to newspapers or magazines in a new … (8 comments)
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tri valley homes: Retailers Looking for Some Stimulus - 06/08/08 12:09 AM
I was reading that according to a recent poll on how consumers intend to spend their stimulus checks, 19% of consumers plan on using their economic stimulus check for a special purchase, and 23% plan to use their check for everyday expenses. The rest... well, 36% say they will pay down … (7 comments)
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tri valley homes: Sending the right message - 06/05/08 12:54 AM
I am here in Sacramento at the C.A.R. meetings and we are commited to going green. One of the tips I picked up today is the ECOENVELOPESTM SEND A STATEMENT and I wanted to share this with your since we all use envelopes.
Want to tell your green clients that you care, increase … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: What happened to my friend? - 06/01/08 09:56 PM
Yorkie meets Mr. Squirrel........
While enjoying my morning coffee my little pupp (murphy brown) wanted outside. Out she went to do her business.
A fierce barking started in an unusual manner. Something was different! I opened the door to go see what was going on and there I saw Mr. Squirrel … (18 comments)
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tri valley homes: Small Drips Add up to Big Losses - 05/28/08 11:06 PM
Water conservation and water rationing seems to be just around the corner in our area due to the lack of rain this spring.
SMALL DRIPS ADD UP TO BIG LOSSES ~ A small drip, even five drips per minute, from a leaky home or office faucet can waste more than 250 … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: What do you know about Prop 98 and Prop 99? - 05/27/08 09:36 PM
As election day is just around the corner it seems there may be some misunderstanding on Prop 98 and 99. Our California Association of Realtors was kind enough to provide some talking points and a Q & A that might help with the understanding.
Ignore the Myths - Get the Facts!
… (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Enjoying Mount Diablo - 05/27/08 08:49 PM
I live in a community that is surrounded by hills, mountains and wildlife. One ot the highest peaks in the area is Mount Diablo. It can be seen for hundreds a miles away. It makes for a nice Sunday ride up the hill or an energetic bike ride on a Saturday … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Got energy hogs, bet you do! - 05/21/08 12:26 AM
We are always talking about ways to save energy, go green and leave the world a better place. I was reading an article recently and some of our modern day items are really zapping our energy.
Today's televisions can be real energy hogs. Televisions do not turn off when you hit … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: ICE.....Are you using ICE to it's full extent? - 05/19/08 10:26 PM
We carry our cell phone's and PDA's everywhere we go. We use them to make phone calls, appointments, check email and send text messages. They are our electronic leashes. Today's technology can save your life!
In our phone directory we can use the initials "ICE" to save our lives.
ICE stands for In Case … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: How to get more properties sold! - 05/19/08 09:31 PM
I was talking with my lender today and he walked me through how I could get a couple of my listings sole without lowering the price and offering some creative and legal financing. I wanted to share this with you so it may help some of your sellers get homes sold … (15 comments)
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tri valley homes: What exactly is an "as is" sale? - 05/18/08 06:16 PM
In today's market we are seeing a lot of properties being offered "as is". Most of these properties are REO/bank owned properties, foreclosures and short sales. Many times our clients want to know what does this term exactly mean.
Many years ago an attorney and I were discussing the term "as is" … (17 comments)
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tri valley homes: What are VOC Paints? - 05/14/08 10:13 PM
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK: WHAT ARE VOC PAINTS?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by a wide array of household products, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: As a buyer, what questions should I ask? - 05/13/08 10:47 PM
When you're in the market for a home, it seems as if there are millions of questions to ask -- and no doubt plenty more. As buyers we become so wrapped up in the physical aspects of the house -- the rooms, amenities, and structure -- that we give less attention … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: How to Evaluate an Agent - 05/13/08 09:58 PM
The question always seems to come up.....How do I select my agent? Here are some things that one can do when looking for a REALTOR® to represent you.
Without any obligation, you can invite local REALTORS® to visit your home and give you a "listing presentation" about why they're the best … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Giving Back to the Communities We Serve - 05/13/08 09:34 PM
Community Service Day 2008 ~ Every year Windermere Real Estate closes all of their offices on the third Friday in June to give back to the communities we serve. Each office takes on a project in the community where all of their associates participate from 8 AM to 5 PM.
This … (11 comments)
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tri valley homes: What you believe is how you perceive! Thinking long term is the secret! - 05/13/08 09:17 AM
I have been accused of being too optimistic about the future of real estate and I consider that to be a compliment. As professionals, we have an obligation to ignore the headlines and provide intelligent, well researched alternative thinking for our buyers and sellers. I was recently asked, "What do you … (15 comments)
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tri valley homes: YES to Prop 98 and NO to Prop 99 - 05/13/08 12:15 AM
Here goes another paid (acutally not paid) political announcement.....
C.A.R. is urging REALTORS® to support Proposition 98 and oppose Proposition 99 when they vote in the upcoming statewide primary election in June. This is the commercial where the children are being evicted out of their home by eminent domain because they … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Rising Prices Not Just at the Gas Pump..... - 05/12/08 12:49 PM
If you've noticed your grocery bill getting bigger lately, you're not alone - and it's likely not because you're eating more. According to Rising Food Prices: Policy Options and World Bank Response, global wheat prices have increased a whopping 181% over the past three years - and overall, food prices have … (10 comments)
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tri valley homes: The Art of Monotasking - 05/08/08 10:10 PM
(Or Get Everything Done, One Thing at a Time)
Multitasking was the catch phrase on most time management experts' lips for many years. Achieving more in less time by doing more than one thing at a time was considered the way to efficiency and greater profit. However, these days, it seems … (32 comments)
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tri valley homes: The new subprime loan........... - 05/06/08 10:54 AM
FROM MY DESK TOP TO YOUR DESK TOP........Everything you wanted to know about FHA Loans and how they can help your buyer.
I think it is vital to the financial well being and future success of all my REALTOR® clients that they become as knowledgeable and conversant about the FHA program as … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: I am ready to buy.....what's next - 05/06/08 12:48 AM
When you buy a house, you also invest in the neighborhood that surrounds it. The identity of a neighborhood may be as important to property values as the individual properties themselves. In a planned community, strictly controlled architecture governs a carefully crafted identity block after block. In a rural town, tree-lined … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: So your thinking of buying a home - 05/06/08 12:38 AM
What you should ask the seller or the listing agent when you're interested in a home?If you know why a seller wants to sell, it can help you negotiate a better offer. The more motivated the seller, the more you can negotiate. It may take some finesse, but see if you … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: A Penny for Your Thoughts! - 05/05/08 11:41 PM
Starting May 12th, it'll cost you one extra little penny to mail someone your thoughts. That's right...the US Postal Service is getting ready to make some price changes, and the biggest change for most consumers will be a price increase for First Class stamps from 41¢ to 42¢.
The news isn't … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: BUYING VERSUS LEASING: WHICH OPTION BEST FITS YOU? - 05/04/08 12:45 AM
As my car lease comes to an end in the next few weeks I find myself doing my homework on lease vs buy and what will work best for me in the next several years of my career. Here is what I found and would like to shat it with you.
Despite … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: Beat High Gas Prices.... - 05/04/08 12:34 AM
With record-setting gas prices at the pump, now's the time to make sure you're stretching every mile you can out of each gallon of gas. So before you hit the road this spring and summer, make sure you take a few simple steps to operate more fuel efficiently... and save some … (8 comments)
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tri valley homes: Home Buyer Fair draws nearly 5,000 Attendees - 05/01/08 12:22 AM
Southern California Home Buyer's Fair Draws Nearly 5,000 Attendees
Nearly 5,000 consumers attended the Southern California Home Buyer's Fair held April 12 and 13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Co-sponsored by C.A.R. and the Los Angeles Times, the free Southern California Home Buyer's Fair featured more than … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Green, Green....are you Green? - 05/01/08 12:14 AM
ECO-FRIENDLY PAINT STRIPPERS
Your green-minded client bought a fixer-upper and has asked for several referrals, but wants to refinish the floors and 1950s cabinetry. Here's another closing gift you can offer: aMAIZEingTM Biobased Solvent & Stripper.
Forget the noxious odors and health risks associated with paint strippers, this 100-percent bio-based solvent and stripper, … (11 comments)
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tri valley homes: Bay Area April Housing Stat's are Out - 05/01/08 12:02 AM
Well here we go the April Bay Area housing statistics are out the the seven Bay Area Counties......Alameda, Contra Costa, Sanra Clara, San Mateo, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.
Our length of time on the market is a bit less for April in most area's
* Mortgage rates were collected from … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Winners, Losers, Where is Your Focus? - 04/29/08 11:54 PM
Have You Lost Your Focus? We all know how important it is to focus on what we want. But what happens when we lose focus? It's easy to do, isn't it?We get distracted. Something captures our interest and diverts our attention away from our chosen objective.We suffer setbacks. Things don't work … (8 comments)
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tri valley homes: Gloria and MOMO's heavenly orange fluff - 04/29/08 11:07 AM
My friend Gloria celebrated her 32nd birthday this weekend and her 16th year cancer free. It was a special day for her as she shared it with her new sweetie and now has been cancer free for the half of her life. She shared it with her family and some of her … (8 comments)
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tri valley homes: Pleasanton Real Estate Town Hall Meeting - 04/29/08 12:12 AM
The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, City of Pleasanton, Pleasanton Weekly and the Bay East Association of REALTORS® are co-sponsoring a town hall meeting on the status of the real estate market in Pleasanton. The free event is open to the public and takes place on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: The m & m's of Life! - 04/28/08 11:45 PM
I was going thru my computer this afternoon looking for something I saved in my document folder and of course I couldn't find what I was looking for. I did however find something I needed called the m & m's of life.
We always talk about taking care of ourself and sometime … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: Do You Remember the Fly Lady - 04/27/08 12:23 AM
SPRING HAS SPRUNG...some time ago a dear friend introduced me the the "Fly Lady" concept and keeping things in order. The more stuff we have the more congested our minds and life is. I am not even sure the fly lady is still around.
Spring is an ideal time to declutter our … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Cherokee Wisdom - 04/26/08 01:08 AM
What a great story to pass on to our kids and a lesson to be learned by us all.
Two WolvesOne evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.One is … (16 comments)
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tri valley homes: Earthquake Awareness: Are you prepared? - 04/24/08 11:11 PM
April is the month of the 1906 "big quake". I have lived in California all my life and lived with the little jolts every now and again. I remember the last one in 1989 the Loma Prieta. We hear the next big one is coming soon, very soon and we need … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: A Penny for Your Thoughts - 04/20/08 11:48 PM
Starting May 12th, it'll cost you one extra little penny to mail someone your thoughts. That's right...the US Postal Service is getting ready to make some price changes, and the biggest change for most consumers will be a price increase for First Class stamps from 41c to 42c.
The news isn't all … (14 comments)
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tri valley homes: Got Air? Clean Air? - 04/20/08 11:22 PM
Since it's spring time we know summer will be fastly approaching. We are to conserve energy and we still may be forced to turn on our air conditioning. I found the following checks an balances that may assist in conservation and saving money.
Read on my friends and Save Money and Improve Air … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: May is Deck Safety Month - Is Your Deck Safe? - 04/20/08 10:45 PM
As spring approaches, thoughts turn to sprucing up the yard, the garden, and spending more time outdoors. Part of gearing up for this time of year is making sure your deck is safe and wellmaintained.
In an effort to save lives and prevent injuries, the North American Deck and Railing Association, … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Are you at risk? Let's find out together - 04/20/08 09:41 PM
As I look around it is real clear that Spring is here. Our hillsides are green with the wild flowers popping up, the turkeys and wildlife have returned. Mama and papa doves are nesting in our courtyard to deliver their young again this spring.
It's the time of year that fosters new beginings! With … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: It's BBQ Time.....Let's bring in the Beef - Garlic Marinated Steaks - 04/20/08 01:09 AM
Tomorrow is Sunday and it's a great day for a BBQ. Here is one of my favorite recipe's and I hope you enjoy this one.
Garlic Marinated Steaks
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Attention all California Realtors - C.A.R. Issues Red Alert on Point-of-Sale Energy Audit Bill: - 04/18/08 08:48 PM
… (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Foods to Calm You Down Fast - 04/18/08 07:55 PM
I was thumbing through my mail today and in my box I found an artice that addresses the every day stresses we have. I know there are times when I am stressed to the max and head out for a walk or a moment to look at the flowers and enjoy … (15 comments)
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tri valley homes: Free & Easy Timesaver for our Computers - 04/18/08 06:09 PM
How often do we discover by accident an incredibly timesaving tool, which we COULD have been using for years in our computer work, but just had not known about. Well, you will bless the day that you learned here about this true time saver.
Google Desktop: How many times have you misfiled something … (7 comments)
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tri valley homes: Free & Easy Timesaver for our Computers - 04/18/08 05:55 PM
How often do we discover by accident an incredibly timesaving tool, which we COULD have been using for years in our computer work, but just had not known about. Well, you will bless the day that you learned here about this true time saver.
Google Desktop: How many times have you misfiled something … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: Your road warriors could be leaving a trail of customer data behind them. - 04/17/08 01:19 PM
I recently read and article about Computerworld's sales department's performance and how it is measured on revenue, not on data protection. So it's no surprise that salespeople focus on closing deals, not security holes. As a result, they sometimes sacrifice security for convenience. We log onto Wi-Fi hot spots in airports to work … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Green Tip of the Week: Reduce Your Paper Waste - 04/16/08 11:14 PM
Ever feel like you're literally throwing away money when you print from a Web site and discard those annoying extra pages containing a Web address or footer information? GreenPrint's patent-pending technology automatically eliminates these pages (and waste) by analyzing each page of every document sent to the printer by searching for … (5 comments)
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tri valley homes: Six Simple Steps to Ensure a Smooth Purchase - 04/15/08 11:19 PM
Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process. There are a few things that you can do to help make the process go as smooth as possible: 1. Check your credit.Before you apply for a home loan, regardless of your credit, it's a smart idea to obtain a … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Investment and Vacation Homes – Still Desirable - 04/15/08 06:29 PM
Little change is expected in existing-home sales over the next few months, before improving notably during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the market will come into clearer focus this summer. "Existing home sales could start to show a sustained … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Poll: Most Say It's Good Buyer's Market - 04/14/08 08:59 PM
I just finished reading an article from the National Association of Realtors stating in a receint poll 59% felt this is a great time to buy real estate.
It seems if we are looking towards long term confidence we are in the right market to buy! When have we seen interest rates … (7 comments)
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tri valley homes: Consequences of "Walk-Away" Borrowers - 04/14/08 06:18 PM
There has been so much talk about "Walker Loans" and "Walk-Away" buyers and in today's post I found this article that is addressing some consequences for the borrowers.
It is not easy for our clients that are upside down in their home loand and it is so important for all of … (4 comments)
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tri valley homes: Last Minutes Tax Tips..... - 04/14/08 12:24 AM
"I shall never use profanity...except in discussing house rent and taxes." ~Mark Twain. April 15 is just a few days away...and hopefully this year's tax season hasn't caused too much profanity in your household. Of course it's always wise to be careful about criticizing the IRS, but no matter what you … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: C.A.R. Establishes Presence on Facebook - 04/13/08 01:25 AM
C.A.R. this week established a presence on Facebook, one of the leading social networking sites on the Internet. The launch represents C.A.R.'s expanding presence into new media venues. Members may view C.A.R.'s Facebook page without joining the network.
C.A.R.'s Facebook page includes an overview of the Association and its mission; a … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: Spring Spaces Light Up Buyer Faces - 04/13/08 12:56 AM
Today's home buyers place a premium on outdoor spaces. According to the 2007 NAR Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences, half of all buyers think a backyard or play area is very important, one-third want a patio or porch, and more than one in five are looking for a deck.
But … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Lawn Care - Aerating and Mowing - 04/11/08 11:49 PM
Spring is here are it is time to maincure your loans and here are some Aeration Tips.....
Some tips for successful lawn aeration include:
Be careful of shallow sprinkler lines getting punctured by the aerator.
Be careful of shallow sprinkler lines getting punctured by the aerator. Water your lawn heavily, up to … (13 comments)
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tri valley homes: Lenders retreat as housing market plummets - 04/10/08 11:31 PM
The national housing market decline and resulting financial institution write-downs are beginning to hit home in the form of tighter credit, even for highly qualified borrowers with solid-gold credentials. As lenders clamp down on new borrowers and cap existing home equity credit lines in an effort to limit future exposure, everyone … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Homeowners are told to stay by lenders - 04/10/08 11:17 PM
Banks swamped by a tidal wave of foreclosures increasingly may be looking the other way and letting homeowners remain in their homes, according to some sources. Banks say they are allowing homeowners more time to work out financial issues and potentially save their homes by avoiding foreclosure. But some observers have … (6 comments)
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tri valley homes: Central County Annual Trends - 04/08/08 11:23 PM
Today I received the Central County market trends and housing statistics for the last several years. I thought I would share this information with you.
These were provided by Kenny Braillard with Chicago Title, Castro Valley.
Central County Market Trends Report 1999-2007 Castro Valley Annual Real Estate Market Trends … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: Are you molding or molting? - 04/08/08 09:21 AM
Mold seems to be a growing issue in our area. There is always some mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold grows where there is moisture. While doing my research I came accross some information from the … (7 comments)
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tri valley homes: Are you eligible for a Child and Dependant Care Expense Tax Credit? - 04/08/08 01:35 AM
Taxes are due April 15 - If you pay someone to care for your child so you can work or look for work, you probably qualify for this credit.
Normally, your child must be your dependent and under age 13. Though often referred to as the child care credit, this credit … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: Banks fail to lower mortgage rates as Bernanke cuts - 04/08/08 12:06 AM
This article is from the California Association of Realtors Market Matters Newsletter and is free to their members!
Though they've received seven interest rate cuts and a program designed to kick-start borrowing, banks are rebuilding their balance sheets rather than passing on the cuts to consumers in the form of lower interest … (10 comments)
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tri valley homes: Ever wonder how much mileage those appliances will give you? - 04/06/08 04:25 PM
I was the other day waiting for the appliance repair guy to show up at my house. It seems when I went to use my microwave the other day the door handle came off in my hand.
Humm....there is I was handle in hand, piece of chicken in the microwave and … (7 comments)
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tri valley homes: Tips for the Buyers / Sellers / REO / Foreclosed and Vacant Properties before you conduct a Home Inspection - 04/02/08 09:51 PM
I recently went to have the home inspection on a vacant property and was left in a lurch with no utilites turned on at the house. Here some handy tips before have a home inspection on a vacant property so you do not end up wasting time and energy.
1. Have all utilities … (1 comments)
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tri valley homes: Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit - 03/30/08 10:01 PM
Risks … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Lower than Low in Livermore - 03/30/08 03:29 PM
I have this Livermore single level townhome that needs to find a new owner. The seller has just reduced the price and we are lower than low!
If you have a buyer that is looking for a cute place to call home or maybe just looking for an investment this is the … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: About Livermore - 03/30/08 12:58 AM
Founded in 1869, Livermore is California's oldest wine region, framed by award-winning wineries, farm lands and ranches that mirror the valley's western heritage. The City of Livermore (pop. 80,723) encompasses twenty-two square miles and is the easternmost city in the San Francisco Bay Area; the gateway to the Central Valley. Protection … (0 comments)
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tri valley homes: The Everyday Magic of Small Steps - 03/30/08 12:01 AM
Today as I was looking for reading material I came across and interesting article written by Philip Humbert, Ph.D. and I thought it was worth passing along.
One of the great tragedies is to spend life nurturing a great dream, a "magnificent obsession" and never see it come true. To die … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: The History of San Ramon - 03/29/08 11:20 PM
A Community Begins.
Today San Ramon is a dynamic young city, one of California's outstanding urban villages. It has a variety of homes, parks and stores and a major employment center --- all in a setting of remarkable beauty.
It was once home to the Seunen Indians, Ohlone/Costanoans who lived adjacent … (3 comments)
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tri valley homes: Things To Do in Pleasanton - 03/28/08 09:30 PM
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tri valley homes: A History of Pleasanton - 03/28/08 09:04 PM
Information from the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce
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tri valley homes: What Can You Deduct When You Own a Home? - 03/28/08 02:15 PM
Now that tax time is upon us it seems that everyone is wondering what is and is not tax deductable. Here is some great information from the NAR website that will assist new homeowners and prospective buyers with thos deductions.
What Can You Deduct When You Own a Home?For tax purposes, deductions … (2 comments)
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tri valley homes: Are their tidbits of good news on home sales? - 03/27/08 11:15 PM
Well it's Thursday and the "Market Matters" for all of us across the nation. Here are some tidbits of good news on home sales from the California Association of Realtors.Wall Street and others cautiously applauded this week's home sales reports as a sign that the real estate and stock markets may be … (0 comments)
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