From the monthly archives:

February 2010

In the news

February 26, 2010

The California Association of Realtors compiles a weekly summary of relevant new articles. This week’s includes articles on the decline in the lux market, trends in jumbo financing, and consumer behavior in credit card vs. mortgage payments, etc.

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One-stop open house online shop…(almost)

February 22, 2010

The firm has just launched Open.APR.com. This site is the first of its kind in the Bay Area. It feeds from all of the different MLS systems in our region…so it’s a consolidation of data from Santa Cruz to Napa, from San Francisco to Livermore. It’s meant to be a one-stop portal to Bay Area [...]

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Prop 60 and 90 paperwork

February 18, 2010

Here’s the form to file for Prop 60/90 transfers in Alameda County. These docs should be available online at Assessor’s Office websites of the property’s home county. Not all CA counties have adopted Prop 90. Effective February 15, El Dorado will become the current eighth.

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Pacific Renaissance – Phase II grand opening

February 16, 2010

The Below Market Rate (BMR) condos at Pacific Renaissance Plaza will hold a Grand Opening event this Saturday to kick off their Phase II release. Please help spread the word! Located in the heart of Oakland Chinatown, Pacific Renaissance Plaza is ideal for those looking for downtown convenience, especially access to senior services. There’s a [...]

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Title insurance – an explanation

February 12, 2010

The folks at Chicago Title provided an explanation of the role of title insurance. When buyers ask why it’s required as part of a purchase, the short answer is (if the sale is getting financed): Because the lender requires it. Well, attorneys can give plenty more reasons beyond that. Whether the buyer or seller pays [...]

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Short sale scenario – surprise soft notes

February 11, 2010

The lienholder(s) have approved your short sale. You’re the seller. Escrow is due to close next week. At your signing appointment at the title company, there’s a big surprise: the lienholder(s) want you to sign a promissory note. “No way!” you say. Deal’s off. Buyers not happy. Six months of work down the tubes. It’s [...]

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Luxury Portfolio Magazine – Winter 2010

February 10, 2010

Here is the Winter 2010 edition of Luxury Portfolio Magazine. Alain Pinel Realtors is a charter member of Luxury Portfolio™, Fine Property Collection, a division of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. This gives us the ability to enroll high-end listings into this gateway to the world’s most distinctive estates.

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Oakland zip 94602 trends

February 8, 2010

Here are the latest trends in the 94602 zip code for single family homes.

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Emeryville condo trends

February 8, 2010

Here’s an 18-month snapshot of Emeryville’s condo market. Keep in mind the small sample sizes corresponding to most of the months.

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Federal short sale solution

February 5, 2010

Here’s some more information about the federal Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA) that will go into effect on April 5th. Will this be the answer to everyone’s short sale struggles?

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