From the monthly archives:

June 2009

Open Sunday: Montclair Treetop Retreat

June 26, 2009

6935 Paso Robles Drive, Oakland – Montclair Open Sunday, June 28th: 2:00pm-4:30pm. Click here for brochure. – Live amid the redwoods in this adorable Montclair retreat. An open, single-level layout greets you at the entry. Double-pane picture windows in the living room offer Bay and Shepherd Canyon views. The tile kitchen features a gas stove, [...]

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Going mobile

June 17, 2009

So I finally caved in and got a “CrackBerry.” Only one day in, I’m beginning to appreciate its potential to streamline work. No wonder it’s a must-have for our trade these days. I also signed up for Pocket MLS. It’ll be useful while showing property; buyers often ask about those “mystery signs” we encounter in [...]

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The Bottom

June 12, 2009

excerpted from my forthcoming “State of Real Estate” letter to clients & friends: Only a couple years ago, Bay Area agents were casually tossing around “recession-proof” and other catchphrases. Median prices remained high as Wall Street fed brisk sales in higher-end properties. Mortgage defaults—many of which were associated with subprime lending—were just beginning. Then, things [...]

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The “Buying Season”

June 9, 2009

When is “Buying Season?” Most agents and buyers agree it runs from late Spring til the end of Summer. Herd mentality often compels buyers to get into contract within this period. However, they should consider: Is Buying Season necessarily the best, or only, time to buy? Special situations certainly will necessitate buying before September—like registering [...]

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Want to be an investor? How about a landlord?

June 7, 2009

Many buyers ask me about purchasing investment property. As a cautionary tale, I often recount my own parents’ foray into landlordom. Years ago, my folks bought a parcel—including a small motel and other rent-producing structures—in the Indiana town where they live. At the showing, the owner opened one of the motels units; it was clean, [...]

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$8000 1st-time buyer credit advance on FHA loans

June 2, 2009

Good news for first-time buyers purchasing via FHA financing. You don’t have to wait until next year while filing your 2009 taxes to claim that $8000 first-time homebuyer federal tax credit. It can be advanced to you now and applied at the point of sale toward the downpayment and/or closing costs. More details are available [...]

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