5 homes FOR SALE in Summerset Brentwood!

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Summer is almost here and inventory is increasing SLIGHTLY in Summerset.   There are currently 5 HOMES FOR SALE in Summerset, Brentwood, ranging from 1400 to 2222 square feet.  Prices range from $325K (for 1400 sq ft) to $485K (for 2222 sq ft).  Here is a link to those homes. Summerset is an “OVER 55″ community ...       [Read More]

Summer is almost here and inventory is increasing SLIGHTLY in Summerset.   There are currently 5 HOMES FOR SALE in Summerset, Brentwood, ranging from 1400 to 2222 square feet.  Prices range from $325K (for 1400 sq ft) to $485K (for 2222 sq ft).  Here is a link to those homes.
Summerset is an “OVER 55″ community of 2,000 homes in 4 developments, built from approximately 1994-2004.  Each development has a clubhouse, pool/hot tub, billiard tables, tennis courts, bocce courts and many other activities & trips.  Many other monthly activities and trips also take place for residents to enjoy.
Should you want more information, please call me @ 925-852-1659, as I live in Summerset.

Have you Laughed today?

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Why We Love Children 1. A nursery school pupil told his teacher he’d found a cat, but it was dead. ‘How do you know that the cat was dead?’ she asked her pupil. ‘Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move,’ answered the child innocently. ‘You did WHAT?’ the teacher exclaimed in surprise. ...       [Read More]


Why We Love Children
1. A nursery school pupil told his teacher he’d found a cat, but it
was dead.
‘How do you know that the cat was dead?’ she asked her pupil.
‘Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move,’ answered the child
innocently.
‘You did WHAT?’ the teacher exclaimed in surprise.
‘You know,’ explained the boy, ‘I leaned over and went ‘Pssst’ and it
didn’t move’
2. A small boy is sent to bed by his father.
Five minutes later…..’Da-ad….’
‘What?’
‘I’m thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water?’
‘No, You had your chance. Lights out.’
Five minutes later: ‘Da-aaaad…..’
‘WHAT?’
‘I’m THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??’
‘I told you NO! If you ask again, I’ll have to smack you!!’
Five minutes later……’Daaaa-aaaad…..’
‘WHAT!’
‘When you come in to smack me, can you bring a drink of water?’
3. An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief,
finally asked him ‘How do you expect to get into Heaven?’
The boy thought it over and said, ‘Well, I’ll run in and out and in
and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, ‘For Heaven’s
sake, Dylan, come in or stay out!”
4. One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was
tucking her son into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he
asked with a tremor in his voice, ‘Mummy, will you sleep with me
tonight?’
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug.
‘I can’t dear,’ she said. ‘I have to sleep in Daddy’s room.’
A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice:
‘The big sissy.’
5. It was that time, during the Sunday morning service, for the
children’s sermon.
All the children were invited to come forward.
One little girl was wearing a particularly pretty dress and, as she sat
down, the minister leaned over and said, ‘That is a very pretty dress.
Is it your Easter Dress?’
The little girl replied, directly into the minister’s clip-on
microphone, ‘Yes, and my Mum says it’s a bitch to iron..’
6. When I was six months pregnant with my third child, my three year
old came into the room when I was just getting ready to get into the
shower.
She said, ‘Mummy, you are getting fat!’
I replied, ‘Yes, honey, remember Mummy has a baby growing in her
tummy.’
‘I know,’ she replied, but what’s growing in your bum?’
7. A little boy was doing his math homework.
He said to himself, ‘Two plus five, that son of a bitch is seven.
Three plus six, that son of a bitch is nine….’
His mother heard what he was saying and gasped, ‘What are you doing?’
The little boy answered, ‘I’m doing my math homework, Mum.’
‘And this is how your teacher taught you to do it?’ the mother asked
‘Yes,’ he answered.
Infuriated, the mother asked the teacher the next day, ‘What are you
teaching my son in math?’
The teacher replied, ‘Right now, we are learning addition.’
The mother asked, ‘And are you teaching them to say two plus two, that
son of a bitch is four?’
After the teacher stopped laughing, she answered, ‘What I taught them
was, two plus two, THE SUM OF WHICH, is four.’
8. One day the first grade teacher was reading the story of Chicken
Little to her class. She came to the part of the story where Chicken
Little tried to warn the farmer. She read, ‘…. and so Chicken Little
went up to the farmer and said, ‘The sky is falling, the sky is
falling!’
The teacher paused then asked the class, ‘And what do you think that
farmer said?’
One little girl raised her hand and said, ‘I think he said:
‘Holy Shit! A talking chicken!”
The teacher was unable to teach for the next 10 minutes.
9. A certain little girl, when asked her name, would reply, I’m Mr.
Sugarbrown’s daughter.’
Her mother told her this was wrong, she must say, ‘I’m Jane
Sugarbrown.’
The Vicar spoke to her in Sunday School, and said, ‘Aren’t you Mr.
Sugarbrown’s daughter?’
She replied, ‘I thought I was, but mother says I’m not.’
10. A little girl asked her mother, ‘Can I go outside and play
with the boys?’
Her mother replied, ‘No, you can’t play with the boys, they’re too rough.’
The little girl thought about it for a few moments and asked,
If I can find a smooth one, can I play with him?’
11. A little girl goes to the barber shop with her father.
She stands next to the barber chair, while her dad gets his hair cut,
eating a snack cake The barber says to her,
‘Sweetheart, you’re gonna get hair on your muffin.’
She says, ‘Yes, I know, and I’m gonna get boobs too.’

Homes to 9,000 Homeless Vets…

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HELLLLOOOO My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!….Today is a cooler day but soon to be warmer days… I hope you’re all enjoying our Wonderful Bay Area… Today I’d like to revisit “homeless vets”…. I wish I could find a way to truly help our vets…homeless, disabled and otherwise … for all they’ve done in service for ...       [Read More]

HELLLLOOOO My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!….Today is a cooler day but soon to be warmer days… I hope you’re all enjoying our Wonderful Bay Area… Today I’d like to revisit “homeless vets”…. I wish I could find a way to truly help our vets…homeless, disabled and otherwise … for all they’ve done in service for our safety at home… we should all be so thankful and repay them in every way possible… the reality is we’ve havent held up our end of the bargain… the current sellers market allows sellers to peruse multiple offers, mostly over list price, as is, no contingency, best price and terms… the VA Loan was created to help and thank our vets… it does have certain requirements that hinder VA Loans to be looked as the best finance option in addition to a few other requirements…  if more owners who’s priority is to repay our vets by accepting their purchase offer backed by a VA loan… this would be a more ideal world… if this were true… to the contrary… owners however thankful they may be… are much more apt to accept an offer without any contingencies, with much higher down payments (VA loans dont require any downpayments), better terms and faster close times…of course they would… lets face it… if we were in that position can you honestly say you would accept an offer with a VA Loan?… (hmmmm if we were in a Buyer’s market I wonder what the climate for a VA loan would be)…which brings me to my update today…
As a reminder… here’s my posting on May 24,2012 (almost a year ago) http://bit.ly/11VtkuD
Today’s update…(is provided by RisMedia)… HUD & VA Team Up: Provide Homes to 9,000 Homeless Vets…  9000 Vets living on the streets or who are participating in the nation’s shelter system will soon find permanent homes due to extra $60 Million Dollars funded by HUD… (please read the link below)
http://bit.ly/1aPellA
This is good news… not the ultimate best… but definitely good… I hope we can one day find a way to erradicate this tragic situation once and for all.
 

Tax Savings

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JUNE 2013 – BRENTWOOD UPDATE & HOMES FOR SALE/RENT IN SUMMERSET

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Warm weather, graduations and outdoor events are bringing in this six month of 2013.  I hope it is a fabulous month for you to enjoy.  In Brentwood, Relay For Life is tomorrow, 6/1 at Liberty High School.  It is a fabulous way to support charity with comraderie and purpose. Starry Nights (outdoor concerts) are also starting ...       [Read More]

Warm weather, graduations and outdoor events are bringing in this six month of 2013.  I hope it is a fabulous month for you to enjoy.  In Brentwood, Relay For Life is tomorrow, 6/1 at Liberty High School.  It is a fabulous way to support charity with comraderie and purpose. Starry Nights (outdoor concerts) are also starting in a few weeks (June 14) at 7PM on alternating Friday nights.  Hannah Nicole winery’s music series is also starting this month; cost is $20 and does not include a glass of wine. 
There are currently three homes for sale in Summerset, ranging from $325K to $506K.  The least expensive, Castlebright model in Summerset 4, is a cute model with a covered patio, eat-in kitchen, fireplace and tile floors.  Here is the link to homes for sale in Summerset.
Two homes are for rent in Summerset, one is 1300 square feet in Summerset #1 and the other is a duet in Summerset #2.  Here is a link to those two properties.  As a renter, you are eligible to partake in all Summerset activities and events.  Rents are rising and are currently starting at $1500/month.
If you are over 55, Summerset in Brentwood is a purchase option that should be considered. Summerset has 4 communities, each with a clubhouse, pool, hot tub, billiard tables, and many activities to keep as busy.  A monthly newsletter provides residents a list of activities going on at all four (4) locations  Some of the fun includes local day trips, gambling buses, international tours, bunko, pinochle, poker, tennis, weight control, line dancing, bocce, poker, ceramics and more.  The award-winning Summerset singers are also a fun group to join, and they are performing at Liberty High School on June 30th! 
There are currently no resale in Trilogy Vineyards at this writing, but please check back.  Wishing you a fabulous June!!!

To buy or To rent

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Question of the Day…

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Q…How large a down-payment should first time homebuyers expect to put down? A…Hello..now this is a question all buyers should be aware of… not only first x homebuyers..to be completely honest its not the best market for any buyers but especially for 1st x homebuyers… unless they have lots of money down ie) more than ...       [Read More]


Q…How large a down-payment should first time homebuyers expect to put down?
A…Hello..now this is a question all buyers should be aware of… not only first x homebuyers..to be completely honest its not the best market for any buyers but especially for 1st x homebuyers… unless they have lots of money down ie) more than 20-40% down or better yet All Cash… we’re currently in a Seller’s Market which basically means if sellers price their properties correctly… they’ll receive multiple offers which drives the offers upwards… Down payment (which includes Earnest Money to go with your purchase offer…) is only part of the package buyers must submit with their purchase offers… the more prepared and complete your Offer Package including best price & terms will help you… Down Payment is absolutely part of what the Seller’s Agent will be looking for but is not the only criteria that needs to be met… 
Please talk with your realtor and work on ways to strengthen your offer in all ways… there are many options you can find the right property for you. Its a fact we have very low inventory all the more reason you have to be completely prepared to make your move on a property asap… dont forget interest rates are still super low… they’re inching upwards…seize the time to make your purchase come true… 
Thanks for your question… 
Much Luck and Perseverance!… Isi

6 Months Vs 6 Days – Lender Vs Buyer in Short Sale

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Hello, dear readers: Does it sound familiar to you that when we ask how long we need to wait for the short sale to approve, the answers are at least 3 month, could be 4 month, 5 month or 6 month?  But after the length period of time waiting, all of sudden, the bank required ...       [Read More]


Hello, dear readers:
Does it sound familiar to you that when we ask how long we need to wait for the short sale to approve, the answers are at least 3 month, could be 4 month, 5 month or 6 month?  But after the length period of time waiting, all of sudden, the bank required us to close in 6 days !!! Sound familiar?
According to Elena Celestine, Short Sale External Engagement Team speaker from Bank of America, the parties involved in the short sale are sellers, seller’s agent, buyer, buyer’s agent, seller’s lender (first lien holder, second lien holder), investors behind the liens, escrow officers, buyer’s lender.  Any mistakes make at this complex communication path means a delay of the approval.
Well, you may say that listing agent may make mistakes in communicating with the bank and then the bank may make mistakes when communicating with the investors and so forth and so on.  But why the bank after giving the approval be so ridiculous and give only 6 days to close?  Do they not understand to process a loan 45 days is reasonable and 30 days is an express?
Let me give you an example to explain why.  Let’s say the offer acceptance date is January 5th and the bank required the listing agent to put a fix date of closing and so that listing agent put 90 days from the acceptance date thinking that maybe safe enough and that date would be April 6th.  So this date stated at the computer.  Somehow the approval went for a long period and on March 26th, it was approve.  The computer, being a machine, would not make an adjustment and so this April 6th became the required closing date.  Seeing this would not be possible to close, the agent went back to the bank asking for another 24th days extension.  However, this may mean the original appraisal report had passed the 90 days period and no long was no longer valid.  Now, another updated appraisal report would be ordered, price may have to be renegotiated and so forth and so on…
I hope this story may help you understand the ffffoooorrrrreeeeevvvvveeeeerrrrrrr   waiting.
Thank you for checking in.

San Francisco Hits $1 Million Mark Median Sales Price for Single Family Homes

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SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–San Francisco median home prices hit the $1 million mark in April, exceeding highs not seen since the residential real estate boom of 2007, the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® said Friday. “Shrinking inventory combined with low interest rates and motivated buyers has resulted in historically high sales prices” The median sales price ...       [Read More]

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–San Francisco median home prices hit the $1 million mark in April, exceeding highs not seen since the residential real estate boom of 2007, the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® said Friday.
“Shrinking inventory combined with low interest rates and motivated buyers has resulted in historically high sales prices”
The median sales price for single family homes in San Francisco hit $1,000,000, up 31.6 percent from $760,000 a year earlier, the Association said.
“Shrinking inventory combined with low interest rates and motivated buyers has resulted in historically high sales prices,” said San Francisco Association of REALTORS® President, Christine Dwiggins. “Buyers who are hoping to own a home in the San Francisco market need a qualified REALTOR® now more than ever if they hope to reach their dream of home ownership in the Bay Area.”
The months supply of inventory for single family homes dropped 40 percent to 1.1 months in April 2013 compared to the previous year. Five to seven months supply of inventory is considered normal in a balanced real estate market.
Single family homes in the City, on average, stayed on the market just 28 days in April, down 43.5 percent from 49 days on the market in April 2012.
The median sales price for condominiums in San Francisco topped out at $850,000 in April, the highest level in the last 24 months.
Data comes from the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® MLS; the most accurate and up-to-date source of property listings in San Francisco County.
The San Francisco Association of REALTORS® is a professional association of more than 4,000 members that provides business services and legislative representation to real estate practitioners and affiliated service providers in San Francisco and surrounding areas. Visit www.sfrealtors.com to learn more.
Source:
San Francisco Association of REALTORS®
Christine Dwiggins,
SFAR President

You’re Gonna Want this Condo!!… I’m Serious…

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  HELLOOOOOO My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!!… its abit after midnite now… we’re into the early morning hours of Thursday 5.16… In this crazy market we’re in… wanted to give you a heads up…I just listed a Brand New Condominium Listing in beautiful Pleasant Hill… Its a Regular Sale… not distressed in anyway… Sellers are ...       [Read More]

 

HELLOOOOOO My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!!... its abit after midnite now… we’re into the early morning hours of Thursday 5.16… In this crazy market we’re in… wanted to give you a heads up…I just listed a Brand New Condominium Listing in beautiful Pleasant Hill… Its a Regular Sale… not distressed in anyway… Sellers are very motivated but may need time to move… perfectly maintained… just move right in…Lots of Upgrades too many to list for you here… 2 bedroom 2 bath… very comfortable 973 sq.ft… feels quite spacious… has a low maintenance backyard-is an end unit-plenty of parking-community pool and clubhouse… Convenient to everything – incl downtown- lots of eateries – all shopping needs – Bart – freeways – pet friendly, walk friendly…Just a Great Location!! You’ll love this unit… Dont Miss It!…  (minutes to Concord, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Danville etc… all points E-W-N & S…
If you know someone who might love this nice unit… let me know asap at isiwu@comcast.net or better yet call me at 925.997.2426 or if you’re a realtor please check MLS#40614945… Thanks Very Much Everyone…












12% of Californians can no longer afford a Median Priced Home!

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CAR’s recent article on  median home prices increasing $70K from 1st quarter 2012 to 1st quarter 2013 as GOOD NEWS for people owning homes.  On the other hand it is NOT GOOD NEWS for those trying to buy.   This $70K increase causes buyers to need another $14K for a down payment on a conventional loan.  ...       [Read More]

CAR’s recent article on  median home prices increasing $70K from 1st quarter 2012 to 1st quarter 2013 as GOOD NEWS for people owning homes.  On the other hand it is NOT GOOD NEWS for those trying to buy.   This $70K increase causes buyers to need another $14K for a down payment on a conventional loan.  It also increases the required salary needed to qualify; it is now $69K.   In addition, we lost 12% of buyers, as only 44% of  Californians can now qualify (it was 56%).  
YES to the equity of homes going up, but we may be creating a generation of renters with investors making the gains in the next few years!  Here is a link to the article!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND!

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Mother’s Day weekend is a great time to celebrate our mother’s and the women in our life who nurture us and take care of us, and to you I wish you a great day!   To celebrate Mom’s Day, at Summerset 2, we had a very nice brunch.  It is an annual event at the clubhouse, catered ...       [Read More]

Mother’s Day weekend is a great time to celebrate our mother’s and the women in our life who nurture us and take care of us, and to you I wish you a great day!   To celebrate Mom’s Day, at Summerset 2, we had a very nice brunch.  It is an annual event at the clubhouse, catered by Mimi’s and it was very good!  The Summerset Jazz plan played and all attending had a great time.
Summerset is located in Brentwood and made up of 4 communities, each with a recreation center, pool/hot tub, work out area, and activity director.  Once you are a resident of Summerset, you will receive a monthly activity calendar, and can attend activities at any of the four Summerset locations.  The monthly HOA’s range in price from $84 – $125 (approx), depending on the community. 
Currently, inventory is low and there are only 5 homes for sale in Summerset.  (and NO RESALE homes in Trilogy currently available)  Here is a link to those homes.
If you would like more information, give me a call or email me.  Have a great weekend!

The most cost effective resale remodel item

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Strong job growth boosts asking prices

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With the spring house-hunting season well underway, asking prices on homes listed for sale rose 8.3 percent nationally year-over-year in April, according to Trulia’s Price Monitor report. This time last year, asking prices fell 1.6 percent year-over-year. Seasonally adjusted, asking prices rose 1.3 percent month-over-month and 4.3 percent quarter-over-quarter. Strong job growth and the housing ...       [Read More]

With the spring house-hunting season well underway, asking prices on homes listed for sale rose 8.3 percent nationally year-over-year in April, according to Trulia’s Price Monitor report. This time last year, asking prices fell 1.6 percent year-over-year. Seasonally adjusted, asking prices rose 1.3 percent month-over-month and 4.3 percent quarter-over-quarter.

Strong job growth and the housing recovery go hand-in-hand. Nationally, job growth increased 1.5 percent  year-over-year in March. In San Jose, Orange County, San Francisco, and Phoenix – where asking prices rose more than 18 percent year-over-year – job growth was well above the national average.

Rents rose 2.4 percent annually nationwide, but rent growth has slowed. In 19 of the 25 largest rental markets, rent gains year-over-year were slower in April than in January. In some markets, rents and prices are moving in the opposite direction, or nearly so: the four metros with the slowest rent growth or even declines – San Francisco, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Seattle – all had price gains of more than 15 percent year-over-year.
More info
(Source CAR and Trulia)

Houses sold (closed) in March and April in Lynbrook High area

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Almost all properties are sold over asking price! Street   name Listing Price Sold Price DOM Beds Baths (F|P) SqFt Lot Size City Age WINDSOR STREET $2,450,000 $2,673,000 8 5 5|1 5,245 11,775 Sqft San Jose 6 CALABAZAS   CREEK CIRCLE $1,750,000 $1,870,000 16 5 3|0 3,209 6,098 Sqft San Jose 20 NEWPORT COURT $1,678,000 ...       [Read More]

Almost all properties are sold over asking price!

Street   name
Listing Price
Sold Price
DOM
Beds
Baths (F|P)
SqFt
Lot Size
City
Age

WINDSOR STREET
$2,450,000
$2,673,000
8
5
5|1
5,245
11,775 Sqft
San Jose
6

CALABAZAS   CREEK CIRCLE
$1,750,000
$1,870,000
16
5
3|0
3,209
6,098 Sqft
San Jose
20

NEWPORT COURT
$1,678,000
$1,870,000
8
4
3|0
2,524
12,825 Sqft
Saratoga
45

SARAGLEN DRIVE
$1,678,000
$1,760,000
10
4
2|1
2,604
10,925 Sqft
Saratoga
47

KRISTY LANE
$1,598,000
$1,700,000
11
6
2|1
2,527
10,030 Sqft
Saratoga
51

HARLAN DRIVE
$1,449,888
$1,750,000
8
5
3|0
2,370
7,808 Sqft
San Jose
46

WOODSIDE DRIVE
$1,438,000
$1,475,000
9
3
2|1
1,845
10,350 Sqft
Saratoga
56

OAKTREE DRIVE
$1,425,000
$1,405,000
33
4
3|0
2,836
6,120 Sqft
San Jose
49

NORTHAMPTON   DRIVE
$1,398,000
$1,600,000
11
4
2|1
2,075
12,696 Sqft
Saratoga
46

BENTOAK LANE
$1,368,000
$1,432,000
15
5
3|0
2,112
6,000 Sqft
San Jose
48

VIEWOAK DRIVE
$1,298,000
$1,527,000
9
4
2|1
2,042
9,945 Sqft
Saratoga
46

CLARKSPUR LANE
$1,288,888
$1,408,888
6
4
3|0
1,995
8,064 Sqft
San Jose
56

BIGOAK DRIVE
$1,220,000
$1,285,000
16
3
2|1
2,280
5,757 Sqft
San Jose
48

GOLDEN GATE   DRIVE
$1,168,000
$1,320,000
9
4
2|0
1,752
6,000 Sqft
San Jose
54

OAKTREE DRIVE
$1,150,000
$1,275,000
9
3
2|0
1,813
6,825 Sqft
San Jose
50

WINDSOR STREET
$1,150,000
$1,260,000
8
2
1|0
816
10,686 Sqft
San Jose
61

SEA GULL WAY
$1,132,000
$1,350,000
9
3
2|0
1,405
10,648 Sqft
Saratoga
56

WEST WALBROOK   DRIVE
$1,088,888
$1,230,000
25
3
2|0
1,430
6,000 Sqft
San Jose
53

BUCKTHORNE WAY
$1,088,000
$1,270,000
11
3
2|0
1,547
6,300 Sqft
San Jose
54

DANBURY DRIVE
$1,048,600
$1,220,000
10
4
2|0
1,371
6,405 Sqft
San Jose
56

Hummingbird   PLACE
$1,045,000
$1,100,000
7
3
3|1
1,771
4,258 Sqft
San Jose
3

ORA STREET
$1,040,000
$1,241,000
9
3
2|1
1,636
5,959 Sqft
San Jose
49

ALDERBROOK   LANE
$1,010,000
$1,181,000
9
3
2|0
1,300
6,900 Sqft
San Jose
53

TUCKER DRIVE
$999,999
$1,128,000
10
3
2|0
1,300
6,800 Sqft
San Jose
53

KINTYRE WAY
$998,000
$1,203,000
8
3
2|0
1,357
6,180 Sqft
San Jose
54

Bay Area home prices soar in buyer bidding wars

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Tough market for buyers (& their agents), this mercury news story provides good insight:   As many sellers remain on the sidelines, desperate Bay Area homebuyers are streaming through open houses, making offers tens of thousands of dollars above asking price and still coming away empty-handed. A three-bedroom Dublin home recently drew more than 40 ...       [Read More]

Tough market for buyers (& their agents), this mercury news story provides good insight:
 
As many sellers remain on the sidelines, desperate Bay Area homebuyers are streaming through open houses, making offers tens of thousands of dollars above asking price and still coming away empty-handed.
A three-bedroom Dublin home recently drew more than 40 offers. Across the bay in Cupertino, 300 visitors streamed through one home for sale during a weekend showing…. (read more at the link below)
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23054077/bay-area-home-prices-up-12th-straight-month
 
 

Tax Advantages to purchasing a home

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There are so many advantages to purchasing your own home.  For instance, it offers the pride of ownership, provides an overall sense of accomplishment, and is a place where you and your family will build many lasting memories.  Among others, real estate opens the door to many tax benefits as well.  Let’s discover some of ...       [Read More]

There are so many advantages to purchasing your own home.  For instance, it offers the pride of ownership, provides an overall sense of accomplishment, and is a place where you and your family will build many lasting memories.  Among others, real estate opens the door to many tax benefits as well.  Let’s discover some of the following ways that owning a home/s can help to create a tax shelter.
Mortgage Interest & Points: If mortgage debt is $1,000,000 or less, married couples filing jointly can deduct the full amount of their interest.  Otherwise, those filing separately can write off up to $500,000 worth.  This also includes second homes or adjacent land to your main residence.  Points on either a home purchase or refinance can also be deducted, but these must be amortized for the latter.
Property Tax Deductions: All state and local taxes regardless of how many properties you own can be deducted, up to the alternative minimum tax required by law.  Funds that are held in escrow accounts can only be written off once the taxes are paid.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): A portion of PMI can also be deducted if household income is less than $109,000 per year or $54,500 for those filing separately.
Interest On Home Equity Loans: As long as you have the necessary equity in your home to secure the required debt, you can write off the interest on a loan of up to $100,000 for those who are married filing jointly, or $50,000 when submitted separately.
Working From Home: That’s right!  Even those who use a portion of their home for work purposes are able to deduct a percentage of the home’s depreciation, utility/maintenance costs and insurance.  This is one you definitely want to review with your tax professional to make sure you are getting the maximum available to you.
Home Maintenance Interest: This is a tricky one, as you can write off the interest on any capital improvements made to your home, which will increase value and/or prolong the life of your home.  This includes certain types of restorations or additions made to the home with no cap on the investment.  However, you will not be able to deduct minor patching or cosmetics made to the home.
Capital Gains/Selling Costs: As long as you have lived in your primary residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years, you are permitted to sell your property for up to $500,000 of profit for married couples filing jointly, or $250,000 for singles with absolutely no tax penalties.  However, if you end up selling for an amount above either threshold, you can subtract the amount of closing/selling costs that you incurred from your total gain.  Those who fall outside of the 2 out of 5 year limitation may be granted an exception given certain unique circumstances such as health problems, relocating for work or other such occurrences.
Therefore, it pays to consider the benefits of home ownership and to discuss with your tax professional what you may qualify for.  Especially for those who are entertaining the thought of buying instead of renting, it is very important to consider the long-term impact that owning real estate can have on your overall financial future.  There are advantages whether you are buying for yourself or investing in properties for additional income.  Contact us today using our information above to start exploring what options may be available for you!

May Update – Summerset, Brentwood!

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Happy May – people are working on their yards, cleaning their closets/garages and getting ready for the yearly Summerset Garage Sale on May 18th.  On this day, all 4 Summersets are open to the public to shop the bargains of the Summerset homeowners.  Put it on your calendar, as you never know what you will ...       [Read More]

Happy May – people are working on their yards, cleaning their closets/garages and getting ready for the yearly Summerset Garage Sale on May 18th.  On this day, all 4 Summersets are open to the public to shop the bargains of the Summerset homeowners.  Put it on your calendar, as you never know what you will find.
You will definitely find more at the garage sales then you will in available housing to purchase in Summerset. There are currently 3 homes on the market and range in size from 1121-1793 and in price from $325K to $425K. Here is a link to Summerset homes for sale….
Prices are going up greatly.   I recently listed a small home in Summerset 1 (size 1022 sq ft) for $284,900 and it SOLD for $321K ALL CASH!   It is difficult for buyers to find what they are seeking and those with financing are at a disadvantage.  Also, many “pocket listings” are coming up as SOLD. 
Summerset is located in Brentwood and made up of 4 communities, each with a recreation center, pool/hot tub, work out area, and activity director.  Once you are a resident of Summerset, you will receive a monthly activity calendar, and can attend activities at any of the four Summerset locations.  The monthly HOA’s range in price from $84 – $125 (approx), depending on the community.  Brentwood Golf Club has its course run throughout Summerset; this is a public course.
For more information, give me a call at 925-852-1659, as I live in Summerset.

入息樓買或不買?

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三月初三藩市愛西施區有間兩單位上市,總合法面積為2365尺,樓上複式但租客是不許上角樓,相信以前曾作為第三個單位出租因內有舊廚具積像亦有一全厠(即包厠盤、洗面盆及花灑。雖然樓上只有兩個合法房間但有正式飯庁洗衣房偏庁等,很容易改動為四房一厠或三房兩廁,如果閣樓大套房納入裏面,合理租值為$2500,但現只月租$1020,樓下雖為合法兩房但有落地窗通向後花園且很容易改為三房(因有入牆櫃大如一細房),現月租$1295。房屋看來材料很好,交通方便,樓底很高,很多買家十分喜歡尤其是亞洲人及西語族。叫價495000,上巿11天已在合約中。 這物業在價格上並不合符一般投資計算,現在三藩市多單位合理的定位是年租金總數的12至14倍,以此房屋為例 1295+1020*12*14=388920 你或會向閣樓單位可租出吧,是否要加入內,我曾至電巿府有關部門查詢有否投訴,發現閣樓多方面有被投訴存擋,雖然賣主已在處理中並確保修正但是聰明的你請想為什麼有投訴,是誰投訴? 假如你和我想法一樣便是舊租客,試問作為投資者的你是否還會再次將閣樓租出,當然不會。換言之這閣樓只會作為屋主自住但設勿裝廚房,所以很難把收入計算再內。 是什麼人會去買?我想你已猜到,要屋自住的家庭們或單身一族。根據Ellis Act受保護租客是可以以屋主自住為理由收回出租單位。但以此為例因上下租客均為保護租客,所以要有兩戶現時無物業且家庭成員內有受保護類別才可以實行。 如有任何房地產問題 歡迎至電屠經紀 415∕8301235 或郵電tina@tinato.com 或題意見將你想知的題目告訴我。謝謝       [Read More]


三月初三藩市愛西施區有間兩單位上市,總合法面積為2365尺,樓上複式但租客是不許上角樓,相信以前曾作為第三個單位出租因內有舊廚具積像亦有一全厠(即包厠盤、洗面盆及花灑。雖然樓上只有兩個合法房間但有正式飯庁洗衣房偏庁等,很容易改動為四房一厠或三房兩廁,如果閣樓大套房納入裏面,合理租值為$2500,但現只月租$1020,樓下雖為合法兩房但有落地窗通向後花園且很容易改為三房(因有入牆櫃大如一細房),現月租$1295。房屋看來材料很好,交通方便,樓底很高,很多買家十分喜歡尤其是亞洲人及西語族。叫價495000,上巿11天已在合約中。
這物業在價格上並不合符一般投資計算,現在三藩市多單位合理的定位是年租金總數的12至14倍,以此房屋為例
1295+1020*12*14=388920
你或會向閣樓單位可租出吧,是否要加入內,我曾至電巿府有關部門查詢有否投訴,發現閣樓多方面有被投訴存擋,雖然賣主已在處理中並確保修正但是聰明的你請想為什麼有投訴,是誰投訴?
假如你和我想法一樣便是舊租客,試問作為投資者的你是否還會再次將閣樓租出,當然不會。換言之這閣樓只會作為屋主自住但設勿裝廚房,所以很難把收入計算再內。
是什麼人會去買?我想你已猜到,要屋自住的家庭們或單身一族。根據Ellis Act受保護租客是可以以屋主自住為理由收回出租單位。但以此為例因上下租客均為保護租客,所以要有兩戶現時無物業且家庭成員內有受保護類別才可以實行。
如有任何房地產問題 歡迎至電屠經紀
415∕8301235 或郵電tina@tinato.com
或題意見將你想知的題目告訴我。謝謝

Your ROI On That Remodeling Project

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Have you ever wondered how much money will you recoup from a remodeling project that you’ve been thinking about? This might help!         [Read More]

Have you ever wondered how much money will you recoup from a remodeling project that you’ve been thinking about?
This might help!