alameda real estate: Funding for Our Statewide MLS and More!
- 01/26/09 01:03 PM
The directors of the California Association of Realtors voted on Saturday to fund a line of credit in the amount of 3 million dollars for future development and ongoing operations of our new State MLS. It will be called CAL REDD (Calfornia Real Estate Dynamic Data). Concentric provided a demo of their system. It is great! If MLS' opt in to the statewide MLS they can use their own front end system or go directly to Concetric's system. I do not know why anyone would want to continue with their own front end system when Concentric is so wonderful with a lot … (1 comments)
I have lived in Alameda all my life. I love this little island located across the bay from San Francisco. i love this little island and all its changes. Boy has it changed a lot! I grew up on Bay Farm Island. Although that part of Alameda is not an island, it was farms and water when I was a child. i worked in the school district for 10 years and then started selling real estate 24 years ago. There isn't much I do not know about Alameda. Call me if you have questions about my city. I have included photos of Harbor Bay … (4 comments)
alameda real estate: Pre-Inspections Before Marketing Your Home?
- 01/09/09 08:59 AM
Benefits of Pre-Inspections The benefits of ordering a Physical Inspection and a Structural Pest Inspection when initially listing the home can make the entire marketing process move smoother and quicker. Establishes Objective Value The price is not merely set by the seller but placed on the home by a disinterested third party whose profession is to value property. Validates List Price If the comparable sales and the list price are the same, there is less likelihood that the buyer will discount the "asking price." Establishes Basis for Comparison The comparable sales and the inspection can be used to compare with … (0 comments)
alameda real estate: A Couple of Tips for Sellers!
- 01/09/09 08:44 AM
Consumers, Remember These Hlepful Tips. · An open house should showcase the home to potential buyers and should depersonalize as much as possible. · Remove family photos, mementoes, and distinctive artwork to help home buyers visualize the home as their own. · Additions, such as a fire in the fireplace, fresh towels and linens in all the baths, and fresh flowers throughout the home will provide an inviting atmosphere. … (0 comments)
alameda real estate: Are You Ready to Purchase?
- 12/19/08 03:51 PM
Ready to close the deal? Maybe not. Sometimes unforeseeable issues arise just prior to closing the sale. Hopefully, with negotiation, most of these have a workable solution. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. But don't panic. Another buyer might still be found who is willing to accept the house as is. Imagine that your prospective buyers are a couple with young children. They envision your unused attic as the perfect playroom for the kids but, before closing the deal, they request an inspection to see if it's safe and also if they will be able to install a skylight to … (2 comments)
alameda real estate: Back to the Good Ole Days!
- 12/19/08 03:44 PM
Buying a home in today's market may be a challenge. And given the economic news we're getting, it may take nerves of steel to jump in right now. But there are many homes on the market right now that are great values. If you have good credit, money for a down payment and are pre-approved by a bank, there are homes that may fit your needs. It is interesting how everyone is crying the blues about how difficult it is for buyers to purchase a home. We are back to how it was over 15 years ago, no stated income, … (2 comments)
alameda real estate: It Isn't Fair But It Is What It Is!!
- 12/18/08 04:13 PM
I just read an article regarding traditional sellers finding it very difficult to compete with banks and still retain much equity in their home. I closed an escrow last month in which the seller was over extended and had to sell his home. He is a contractor and his home was in great conditon with upgrades. He felt his home was worth more than the other homes in his area (and it truly was worth more) but had to reduce the price 3 times in order receive an offer. Because of all the foreclosures in his area, he was very … (1 comments)
alameda real estate: Consumers Reluctant to Sign Applications on New Mortgages
- 12/18/08 03:57 PM
With the interest rates down to 4.5% buyers are not completing their applications for a new mortgage. They think it will go down and want to wait. It seems they are doing their own bail out. It is possible for the buyer to lock in at a rate on the condition that it be changed if the rates go down. All they have to do is ask their mortgage broker or mortgage consultant. Some brokers offer a 60 day lock in but may charge for that stipulation. Read the Los Angeles Times article for more information on the subject. … (1 comments)
alameda real estate: Always Something!
- 12/17/08 04:34 PM
I have been lucky in the last few months. I have had a few closings. Every one of them have had different issues. One listing had major, major work and finally closed. the seller of another was so upset because he had to sell for a price that he thought was low and unfair due to all the foreclosure comps in the area. I had another where the buyer almost didn't get the loan because he owned too many investment properties. This week I have one closing in which we are out of contract because of the listing agent now doing … (1 comments)
I have been moving towards being as green as I can be. I have been watching and reading about the issue of drinking bottled water. They say that drinking tap water is better and cheaper than drinking bottled water. It definitely helps the environment by not purchasing plastic that causes so much disaster with our environment. You don't have to drink bottled water. A $3.00 bottle a day times 365 days times 10 years at an interest rate 6% can save you $14,694. That is savings in your pocket. Go Green! Here is an interesting site about tips on … (1 comments)
alameda real estate: Alameda's Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 12/14/08 03:10 PM
For the last couple of years I have been going to Alameda's Tree Lighting ceremony. The city sets up an ice rink in the Police Department and City Hall's parking lot. Santa Clara Ave is closed off In front of Alameda's City Hall. There is a band singing holiay songs. Santa drives in on his sleigh to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas but this is a lot of fun for young and all. I think we all should respect everyone's religious beliefs. I have to say best of all are the Dancing Christmas Trees! They have been … (0 comments)
alameda real estate: Are You Self Employed and Need a Loan?
- 12/11/08 01:32 PM
I have just received another update on Market Matters which is a service to the members of the California Association of Realtors. This article from the Wall Street Journal peaked my curiosity. Never before has the economy caused such strict guidelines to get a loan for people who are self employed. According to this article loans for people who are self employed are frozen. I think you will find this article very interesting or upsetting. … (4 comments)
alameda real estate: Remodeling! What is the Best Return when Selling?
- 12/10/08 03:32 PM
Buyers and sellers are always asking me what type of remodeling gives the best return on the sale of a home. I always respond by stating that they could possibly get a good return when remodeling bathrooms and kitchens. I just read an article by the National Association of Realtors in which they gave statistics on the percentage of return on remodeling a home. I am going to keep this article for future use. Hopefully it is helpful to you too!! … (0 comments)
alameda real estate: loan Modification! Interesting Information!
- 12/10/08 03:05 PM
WOW! This is very interesting information. There has been a lot of information out their talking about loan modifications. I was even thinking about looking into modifying my own loan. A few years ago, I did modify my loan by just signing one document. Of course that loan was through a credit union. They seem to have more liberties than banks. Well, if you are interested read this article regarding loan modifications. I am surprised! … (0 comments)
alameda real estate: Holiday Parties! It Has Changed!
- 12/10/08 01:54 PM
Parties! Parties! Parties! It has been years since lenders and title companies have had holiday parties for everyone in the business! I just went to Fidelity Title company in Alameda for the first holiday party in years. It use to be a lot of fun attending all the parties at the different banks, mortgage brokers and title companies years ago. We would have a party evrery night of the business week. Too bad we cannot have those old times again. I miss it! this week my office is having a family party for our children and grand children. There will … (1 comments)
alameda real estate: Holiday Parties! It Has Changed!
- 12/10/08 01:51 PM
Parties! Parties! Parties! It has been years since lenders and title companies have had holiday parties for everyone in the business! I just went to Fidelity Title company in Alameda for the first holiday party in years. It use to be a lot of fun attending all the parties at the different banks, mortgage brokers and title companies years ago. We would have a party evrery night of the business week. Too bad we cannot have those old times again. I miss it! this week my office is having a family party for our children and grand children. There will … (0 comments)
alameda real estate: What Do You Think?
- 12/10/08 01:27 PM
Leaf Blowers.. Some citizens of Alameda are in an uproar about gardeners and their leaf blowers! some cities nearby are banning the use of leaf blowers. Carmel, Berkeley and Los Angeles are a few cities in California who have banned these noisy machines. The complaints are that they are not only noisy but are noxious, wasteful and irritating to lovers of peace and quiet. Of course gardening associations and blower manufacturers are opposed to the idea of controls. It is very difficult for laws to be put into affect as most people will not file a compaint. It is interesting as the … (1 comments)
alameda real estate: Be Aware!
- 12/10/08 01:06 PM
Be Aware! I didn't know this until recently. Evidently there are unscrupulous locksmiths that are running rampant in this industry. When we need a locksmith we find a number in the Yellow Pages, 411 or go online and Google locksmiths. These calls may connect you to a "boiler room" where unlicensed, unscrupulous locksmiths leave their names and numbers. Consumers should be especially careful of locksmith's services on the internet. An elderly couple was duped by calling an 800 number that they found on the internet. California law requires locksmiths to be licensed. Make sure you are using a locksmith that … (1 comments)
alameda real estate: Recession! When Will it End?
- 12/04/08 03:00 PM
According to this article we will be in a recession until the year 2010. I have also read articles from other sources that the economy will improve by Spring or Summer of 2009. I just wish they all would get their theories straight! With all this conflicting information, it is so confusing as to what to think? … (1 comments)
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