Real estate blog entries tagged with alameda real estate by Pacita Dimacali, Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA (Alain Pinel)

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alameda real estate: AOL says 82% of Alameda homes for sale are ---- GASP---- foreclosures?!?! - 01/14/09 09:27 AM

Via a local blogger who posted on her site AOL's information on the real estate market, I checked the site to see their "pretty" charts and graphs.
AOL SAYS
"The total inventory of available homes in Alameda, CA market in January 2009 stood at 184 homes. Foreclosures made up the majority of the homes for sale. This accounted for 153 real estate properties of 82% of the Alameda CA real estate market.
The rest of the market comprised of resale homes and new homes totaling 32 and 32 houses respectively. These numbers do not represent all homes, as not all homes … (9 comments)

alameda real estate: From $300K fixer to a waterfront/boat dock $800K townhouse --- with the same buyer! - 01/10/09 07:34 AM

How do you go from this fixer to a waterfront townhouse?

This morning, I showed a major fixer upper to a couple looking for investment property. There was clearly a bit of disappointment that this fixer was more than they expected (although I had set expectations earlier).
I mentioned that there are a couple of fixers on the west side of town that they should also check out. Both said they weren't keen on seeing anything there (they're east enders, and there's a bit of west vs east mentality). I persuaded them to let me show those properties anyway, and … (3 comments)

alameda real estate: How I get leads when I hold an open house in Alameda CA - 01/10/09 04:26 AM

Like most people, when I go to a retail store, I don't like having a salesperson follow me around. Knowing how I feel about being "stalked", I try to conduct myself in a manner that would be helpful without being obtrusive. Someone commented on my latest post ANOTHER open house lead turned into a listing. Holding open houses work! that he hasn't ever had a lead from an open house---yet.
Yes, I know...it depends on the market. But a lot of it also depends on how you do open houses, too....right?
When I looked at sources of my business, 21% of them … (13 comments)

alameda real estate: Selling Your Home Does Not Have To Be A Mystery! - 01/09/09 08:23 AM

Just had to share....this is really good information (oh, you were thinking the card trick?)
Thank you, Bill, for providing an excellent way to illustrate the point.

Selling your home should not be a mystery when you have it priced properly and have selected an agent that knows how to create an online presence for you. A proper price and a coordinated marketing effort are the two most important factors that will lead to a successful sale. Have fun while I read your mind.

… (2 comments)

alameda real estate: An offer the Seller can't refuse --- and the shortest days on market for my newest listing - 01/06/09 07:41 PM

My Seller wanted a few more days to get his house in order before I activated it on the MLS. This is the newest listing which I blogged about ANOTHER open house lead turned into a listing. Holding open houses work!
Because he gave me permission to start promoting it (as long as I sent the waiver to our MLS), I talked it up among my clients and agents in the office,
Saturday afternoon, I got the listing. Sunday, I took a few pictures and created my first draft for a VISUAL TOUR. Although I could use more pictures, I started promoting this … (14 comments)

alameda real estate: Spanish Bungalow, 2 bedrooms/1 bath/bonus room and 3-car garage spaces! - 01/04/09 01:16 PM

For my first draft of the VISUAL TOUR check out http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1763848

… (7 comments)

alameda real estate: ANOTHER open house lead turned into a listing. Holding open houses work! - 01/03/09 05:57 PM

I am a strong believer in and advocate of open house. Perhaps it doesn't work for everyone, but it certainly works for me.
Last month, I closed escrows stemming from an open house lead in October, which resulted in my listing their house in November while they bought a duplex I had listed (double end!). That one contact turned into three deals for me in December.
OPEN HOUSE LEAD
Today, I picked up a new listing. This gentleman walked into one of my open houses in December 2007. I have seen him several times later, in other open houses. I maintained contact … (49 comments)

alameda real estate: God bless America. 2008 turned out to be one of my best years. And 2009 is looking good, too. - 12/31/08 06:57 AM

Coming off 2007 when the real estate industry was hammered by stories of doom and gloom, I approached 2008 with trepidation.
I was grateful for a trickle of sales that kept me alive, although I also saw my checkbook balance shrink to Lilliputian size, and my credit card balance grow to gargantuan proportions.
Then boom! My fourth quarter lifted my spirits when escrow after escrow closed (I even double ended one...yeah!). Year 2008 finished with a BANG, and turned out to be one of my best years ever. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Here comes 2009....perhaps buoyed by the promise … (4 comments)

alameda real estate: Gas Shut Off Valve is an ordinance in Alameda CA - 12/30/08 04:43 PM

In addition to installation of smoke detectors, strapping of water heaters, testing/repairing/replacing sewer lateral, one of the government requirements to close escrow in Alameda is installation of a gas cut off valve.
Automatic gas cut off valve ensures that the gas is shut off in case of a major earthquake. They are recommended, and in some cities in California, are now mandated when a home is sold. In Alameda, the cost of installation varies, but typically, the one-time cost will run around $525.
Although I haven't seen any links on the City of Alameda's website for a detailed explanation about … (2 comments)

alameda real estate: Whazzup in Alameda? Active and pending, short sales, REOs, and oh yeah, regular sales - 12/30/08 08:40 AM

Here's a snapshot of what's going on in Alameda CA as of this post.
Ahhhh-lameda --- a Historic and Picturesque Island on San Francisco Bay
ACTIVE AND PENDING SALES
117 homes actively for sale There 43 pending 11 pending properties are subject to lender approval (short sales or 7% of total active and pending properties) 33 are condos (20% of total) 17 are townhouses 4 are duets 111 are detached single family homes (69% of total Averages
Active listings
79 days on the market $625,714 list price $384/sq ft Pending
63 days on the market $508,230 $367/sq ft One may surmise … (3 comments)

alameda real estate: Sewer Lateral: What's that? Must be tested, repaired or replaced, per the City of Alameda CA - 12/30/08 06:37 AM

SEWER LATERAL hardly a topic one wants to discuss, but a very important consideration and negotiation item (and could be pricey) when buying/selling real estate in Alameda CA.
I didn't know anything about, and still have limited knowledge of what a sewer lateral is, until I moved to Alameda CA.
Here, prior to sale, properties over 25 years old must have the sewer lateral tested for infiltration. If it passes the test, it is certified for 5 years and need not be tested if it is re-sold during that period If it fails, it must be repaired or replaced, and then re-tested Replaced … (2 comments)

alameda real estate: Listed at $499K, but they won't take anything less than $594K. WHAT? - 12/29/08 02:26 PM

There is a listing in Alameda CA that has got us shaking our heads.
It's a short sale listing for a ranch style home, 3 bedrooms/2 baths, and steps to the beach. It's listed at $499K. However, the confidential remarks says that the loan "negotiator countered at$594K and needs an offer ASAP."
The listing agent who is from out of the area, was asked why she didn't simply list the price at what the lender wants to cut to the chase. She responded that they do this all the time in Hayward to stimulate interest and get people to show it.
Then she off-handedly says, "This is … (12 comments)

alameda real estate: SCREECHING halt to getting loan approved. What to look out for. - 12/20/08 05:21 AM

What situations have you run into where your clients' sales were jeopardized due to underwriters' requirements?
In recent weeks/months, when writing an offer on REOs, it has become apparent that underwriters wield tremendous power over what conditions will put a screeching halt to the loan process.
Allow me to share real examples where the underwriter stopped the loan until certain conditions were met
REO Fixers in Oakland
Hole in one wall Broken window glass panes (one shows signs of a BB gun impact) Missing steps on a back door stairs Dilapidated garage Rotted back door No stair railings leading to basement Carpet was … (9 comments)

alameda real estate: REOs in Alameda CA: Did they sell for more than list price? - 12/19/08 07:17 PM

I just posted a view of REOs in our neighboring city of Oakland CA. So how does that compare with Alameda CA? I looked for detached single familyhomes that closed escrow since November 1, 2008.
Here's what I found in our island city of approximately 72,000 people
How many closed escrow?
Total closed: 4 Price and Size
Lowest sale: $400,000 Listed at $276,500. Sold for $124,000 or 31% over list price This was also the smallest property with 888 sq ft of living space, 1 bedroom/1 bath. Three out of four listings sold for over list price. Highest sale: $555,000. Listed at … (4 comments)

alameda real estate: Best gift to clients: time together to relax and enjoy each other's company - 12/17/08 07:10 PM

STRESS OF MOVING OUT/MOVING IN My clients have gone through the ringer the last two months. They sold their home and bought another. They spent a lot of time decluttering, packing, cleaning, doing inspections, meeting with contractors, hiring people to do repairs, negotiating credits and following up on loans.
Their simultaneous move-out/move-in schedule was incredibly stressful.
EPICUREAN BREAK
My associate who is also their lender, and I decided to take them out to a local restaurant that they haven't gone to.
We had a truly delightful dinner at Barceluna, a local restaurant downtown that I had blogged about, where they have never gone. I told them that … (6 comments)

alameda real estate: This fixer has 13 offers, 8 of which are all cash! - 12/17/08 03:04 AM

FIXER IN DESIRABLE EAST END OF ALAMEDA CA
My friend and co-worker just left for a holiday in London, and she asked me to look after her short sale listing.
This is a fixer in Alameda, in a very desirable part of town called Fernside. It has good "bones" but has not been remodeled or upgraded in decades. It was refinanced a few years ago, but like some homeowners who later got in trouble, the funds from that refinancing didn't go towards maintaining this house. Hence, it's a fixer --- and a short sale.

It was priced at $300,000. … (39 comments)

alameda real estate: Helping a new real estate agent start and thrive in real estate - 12/02/08 03:57 AM

When I moved to the Bay area, I was literally jobless, homeless and friendless --- a trifecta of challenges. Having just been involuntarily retired (laid off) from a cushy corporate position, I was adrift in a sea of indecision. My love of architecture prompted me to be a realtor, at a time when it seemed that everyone wanted to be in real estate!
Starting as a realtor with no experience was daunting. But there were folks who helped along the way, and this is how.
Gallagher & Lindsey REALTORS based in Alameda CA, the company I joined at the height of the market, offered … (9 comments)

alameda real estate: Cape Cod Cottage --- a real charmer in East End of Alameda - 10/19/08 07:33 AM

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alameda real estate: Should you mention Zillow and Cyberhomes in your CMA & listing presentation? - 09/12/08 04:47 AM

I just listed a fixer home, and posted it on craigslist, using information I got from Zillow and Cyberhomes.
The local Alameda blogger saw it immediately. And although I got points for straight-talkin' the condition of the property, he zinged me (or realtors in general) for using Zillow zestimate in my craigslist/vflyer/postlet post.
And speaking of Zillow, after all the flak the big Z is getting from the real estate industry for their Zestimates(tm), I find it a bit rich that a Zestimate(tm) is not only mentioned in a listing, but ostensibly used to establish a "fair" list price by deducting … (5 comments)

alameda real estate: FIXER TUDOR on fabulous east end of Alameda CA - 09/09/08 05:01 PM

… (1 comments)

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