Realty World – BLUE | Property Group, Inc.

In August, 50 homes SOLD in Brentwood.  The least expensive, with 864 square feet and built in 1947, sold for $128,000.   A home with 4820 square feet, built in 2005 was the most expensive Brentwood re-sale at $485,000. 
The average home sale was $303,000 ; with the average days on market being 27 days.  Homes sold for at/near list price, with the majority of homes selling for less than $400K.    (Here is a link to all August home sales in Brentwood.)

Labor Day weekend is the “official” ending of summer, but the pools here at Summerset will stay open until the end of October. Hot tubs are open year-round.  Summerset 2 is hosting a major fund raiser this month: Sip & Stroll.  A day to taste food from local restaurants, sip wine, enjoy a classic car show, listen to music and take part in a silent auction.  All of this to benefit our local Hospice!  This month events also include a Tribute to Johnny Cash and trips to Old Town Sacramento & Ghiradelli Square!
Weekly Bocce, happy hours and a monthly karaoke night will also entertain you as a Summerset resident.  Summerset, an “over 55 age-restricted” community located in Brentwood and made up of 4 communities: Summerset 1, Summerset II (The Palms), Summerset III (Vista), and Summerset IV (The Orchards).  Each community has its own HOA, recreation center, pool/hot tub, work out area, and activity director.  Now is a great time to take advantage of low prices (some at 2001 pricing) and interest rates in the 4% arena.   
Here is a link to current homes for sale at Summerset.  (Link is good for 30 days)
Here is a link to current rental homes for sale at Summerset.  (Link is good for 30 days)
I love living in Summerset, please give me a call for a personal tour and discover Brentwood’s original active-adult community!

Hellloooo My Wonderful Beautiful Bay Area!!… How many of you have gone through the home buying process and gone to the title company to sign off your loan documents and actually experienced waiting the day or two before your home finally became officially yours??… For those of you who have never gone through the process here’s a glimpse of what actually happens when you go to sign off your closing documents just prior to your home loan funding and recording at the County Recorder’s Office and getting your keys to your new home!…  the following video is an actual signing for one of my clients (who happens to be just 23 years of age, who purchased her first home without any financial help from her parents… (I want to make clear that this example is one that is happening much more frequently than ever before … and I want to emphasize that anyone I mean anyone no matter how young or old can achieve homeownership if the desire is there…)
I hope this will enlighten you and give you extra insight as to what happens towards the end of a transaction in escrow… By all means please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have… it will be my pleasure to assist you…

Maddi is now a very happy and proud homeowner and I’m very honored to have represented her!…
Thanks for checking in…
Isi
Isi Wu… the realtor for you
Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay…

Hi, all you animal lovers!  We all know that a pet can make a house a home!  So, please help both of these organizations….
 The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals.  It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the PURPLE BOX ‘fund food for animals for free’. This doesn’t cost you a thing.  Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.  Here’s the web site! (CLICK HERE) Please go on it, and click for the animals and pass it along 10 friends that you know.  (Per Snopes, this is a legitimate site!) I know this is a re-post, but hungry animals don’t mind you reading this again. 
Secondly, mark your calendar for the 15th Annual Black Cat Ball on Saturday, October 23rd at 6PM; location is the Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch.  There will be a reception, dinner, dancing, DJ, Silent auction and costume contest!  All proceeds benefit the animals at the Antioch Animal Shelter.  For tickets or information, call 925-431-8318 or 925-754-2923 (Friends of Animal Services)  THANK YOU for supporting both these worthwhile organizations!

The seven months of 2010 have flown by, and the home results are in for Brentwood (94513) home sales.  It is worth noting that most Brentwood homes sold at or ABOVE List Price, and the average days on market was 27!  Here are the results for Detached Home Sales in Brentwood:
            List Price         Sold Price
High  $1,7999,900      $1,350,000                 
Low   $       80,000      $     60,000
Avg.   $     318,304     $   320,644
Med.   $    299,900      $   310,000
Looking at Condos/Townhomes, there were 27 Condos/Townhomes/Duets that sold in Brentwood, below are the stats for the Jan-July period:
List Price         Sold Price
High    $215,000        $208,900                    
Low     $  91,875         $  93,000
Avg.    $153,245         $157,721
Med.    $159,900         $164,000
Included in the above numbers were 41 homes (detached and attached) that sold in Summerset (an active adult community in Brentwood).  Most Summerset homes are selling near or slightly less than list price, and the average days on market was 49 day.  Homes are moving if well-priced well and the buyer sees value in the home. (Click Here to see the Summerset Homes that SOLD – link not good past 30 days)  Here is the breakdown of Summerset Homes SOLD:
List Price         Sold Price
High    $598,500        $550,000                    
Low     $ 180,000        $ 182,000
Avg.    $314,054         $309,802
Med.    $274,500         $270,000
If you want additional information, please call me at (925)852-1659

The Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley housing market has been tight, especially if you have been searching for investment property.   It has not been easy for investors to find properties that make the numbers work for them.  Typically, investors use the 70% of market value as a basis, minus repairs & expenses, to calculate if the home is a good purchase.  For East Contra Costa County investors, homes with those criteria have been limited.  However, be patient!  More homes may soon be coming on the market. 
New projections on the rate of homeownership are estimated to go as low as 62% by 2012; a rate not seen since 1960. Homeownership numbers have slid since 2006, and an interesting fact is that the numbers even slid during the recent government tax credit!  A new poll predicts that 6 million of the 8 million homeowners behind on their mortgage to lose their homes. This could result in more bargains for investors that are willing to take the plunge, and more prospective tenants for those rental properties.  (Click here for complete article)

Nestled in the hills of Brentwood, there is a new destination to live for those 55+ in a one-of-a-kind resort location.  Trilogy is a unique lifestyle that exceeds your expectations with its new private resort club: Club Los Meganos.  Trilogy has fabulous home designs from 1734 to over 2800 square feet, and prices starting from the mid-$400,000.  Here is a map of Trilogy Vineyards.
In celebration of their Grand Opening, on Sunday, August 1st, come to Trilogy for a Wine Education (1-1:30PM and 5-7PM), a Culinary Demonstrations on the art of sautéing (2-2:30PM), or an afternoon tea with a twist (3PM-4PM).  Guided tours depart the clubhouse every 30 minutes.
The fabulous Club Los Meganos at The Vineyards is now completed and it is GORGEOUS!  You owe it to yourself to tour this beautiful and relaxing destination and consider this for your retirement home.  This resort location has it all,(inside/outside pools, bocce courts, tennis courts, cooking areas, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV’s, pool tables, banquet facilities, concierge, fabulous spa facilities and a wonderful resort feeling. and you can partake in its amenities by purchasing your dream home in Trilogy.  Now is the time to get the best pricing and get in on the ground floor of this resort community; approximately 125 of 1000+ homes have been purchased. 
Surrounded by vines and located near shops, restaurants and medical facilities Trilogy and the 24,000 sq ft Club Los Meganos offers a great blend of luxury and value. If you don’t want new, here is a link to some resale homes in the Trilogy complex.

Our pools offer a place to gather for water aerobics, a nice lap swim or a place to float on your noodle.  Residents gather at the pools and hot tubs to catch up on events, like people around the coffee pot or water-cooler at work.  Water aerobics, BBQ’s, luaus, and family swim time are all part of the activities. 
Last weekend, The Summerset Singers’ 10th Anniversary Revue highlighted hit songs from their past stage presentations.  It was a wonderful mix of old and new, fast and slow; and the talent of our Summerset Singers is incredible!  If you get an opportunity to come to their next concert, do not miss it!
This Summer is destined to be a fun month on a gambling bus to Thunder Valley Casino, trips to Sausalito/Monterey/Capitola/Hearst Castle, and Earth, Wind & Fire/Harry Connick Jr. concerts.  There is something for everyone at Summerset.  The bocce, tennis, and golf playing are also favorite Summer activities at Summerset.  Happy hour and a monthly karaoke night can also keep the fun going.  FUN – yes we do fun, and do it well! 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
Summerset, an “over 55 age-restricted” community located in Brentwood and made up of 4 communities: Summerset 1, Summerset II (The Palms), Summerset III (Vista), and Summerset IV (The Orchards).  Each community has its own HOA, recreation center, pool/hot tub, work out area, and activity director.  might have what you are seeking.  Now is a great time to take advantage of low prices (some at 2001 pricing) and interest rates in the 4% arena.
I love living in Summerset, please give me a call for a personal tour and discover Brentwood’s original active-adult community!

Brentwood has two “sister” golf course communities located just east of the Highway 4 Bypass on the north (Shadow Lakes) and south (Deer Ridge) side of Balfour Road.  These homes can range in size from under 2,000 to over 4800 sq ft.  Many of these homes had values over $1 million+ at the height of the market, and now can be purchased from the low $300K to just under $600K.  Not every home is located on the golf course, but those homes that are located on the golf course are highly desirable.
Current homes range from $295K to $629K, with most priced below $425K.  Here is a link to Deer Ridge & Shadow Lake homes currently available. (Link lasts only 30 days)  The community is located near schools, shopping, sidewalks for walking, and health care facilities.
Recent Sales in Deer Ridge & Shadow Lakes had 46 homes SELL from $225K to $631K, with most homes selling under $410K.  Buyers like this area for its amenities, the value for the money and the age of the home (built in 2001-2005).  Here is a link to homes SOLD in Shadow Lakes/Deer Ridge since April 1st; link lasts only 30 days.
Rated BEST GOLF Value 2008 in Northern California, Deer Ridge & Shadow Lakes golf courses are a treat to practice your swing at the driving range, enjoy a quick meal or play 18 holes.  The golf courses also have “e-specials”, so be sure to sign up!   Here is the link to the Deer Ridge/Shadow Lakes Golf courses.
So, if you are looking for a golf course community set against the backdrop of Mount Diablo, think Brentwood’s Deer Ridge & Shadow Lake golf course communities!

Nelson Mandela via last.fm

Hellooooo My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area… just had to share this with you… “the greatest glory in living… lies not in never falling… but in rising everytime we fall.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Hellooooo My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!!…  Happy Day to You!!… You may or may not have heard… but its Happy Hallelujah Day for all First Time Homebuyers who have ratified contracts in place as of  April 30, 2010!!… As of last nite the Senate passed the bill and the House of Representatives passed the same bill earlier this week to EXTEND the closing deadline for Homebuyer Tax Credit Eligibility from June 30, 2010 to the new date of September 30, 2010… The bill now goes to the President for his signature..
To be clear… the extension applies only to transactions with ratified contracts by April 30, 2010 that have not yet closed?  (Nearly 180,000 homebuyers would have missed out on the tax credit had Congress not taken action to extend the deadline to close escrow… Estimates from the National Association of Realtors show as many as 17,700 home buyers in California would not have received the tax credit without this extension…)
Will keep you posted… Thanks for checking in…
Cheers Everyone!…
Isi
Isi Wu… the realtor for you…
Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay!
 
Related articles …

Congress extends closing deadline for home buyer tax credit  sfgate.com)
Home buyers must scramble to claim federal tax credit  sfgate.com)
House votes to extend homebuyer credit 3 months  seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Rush on to meet tax credit deadline  lansner.ocregister.com)

 
Hello My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!!   Happy Sunday to you…  Summer is here, the sun is out, the days are longer, the kids are out of school, lots of great activities swirling all around our Beautiful Bay Area… and the nagging question remains… just what are you going to do with that old frig… its old and ugly, but still works but its costing you up to $100 or more a year for electricity… what to do… what to do… there’s plenty of folks not happy with PG&E’s  “smart meter“.. in fact there’s quite an uproar going on currently about the effectiveness of this program… I’m sure it will get ironed out in some way in the not too distant future… HOWEVER…  did you know PG&E has an “appliance recycling program”?…  They will actually come and pick up your old refrigerator for FREE, Recycle it and PAY YOU $35.00… if you recycle an old air conditioner at the same time you’ll receive an extra $25.00…  Find out more and Schedule a Pick Up at…
http://bit.ly/c8jIjy
Sounds like this will not only help you,  but help the environment and help someone else as well… whats not to like??… Go ahead be kind and nice… Make Someone’s Day… share this info with your family, friends and neighbors…
Happy Sunday & Cheers Everyone…
Thanks for checking in…
Isi
Isi Wu… the realtor for you
Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay!
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PG&E customer refuses to take smart meter, locks up old meter  sfgate.com)
San Francisco public power plan hits snag  sfgate.com)
Calif. utility giant under fire for ’smart meters’  seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Image via Wikipedia

 
Greetings My Wonderful Beautiful Bay Area!!…  Today I want to revisit what can happen to you if you enter into a Short Sale or if the Bank Forecloses on your property and sells it.
There is NO FREE LUNCH when it comes to the IRS… whenever your home is sold… whether by regular conventional means or if you sold your home at a loss and you paid the difference or by short sale approved by the Bank or involuntarily by foreclosure… be warned you may be subject to taxes!
It doesn’t seem fair and what’s worse… you may not even find out that you owe taxes until the day you open your mail and find a 1099.
The IRS has tax rules for foreclosures or repossessions by lenders of homes belonging to owners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments.  There can be severe and unexpected tax consequences for any owner who simply walks away just because he or she has little or no equity and the lender takes over and sells the property.  When a mortgaged property is foreclosed or repossessed and the bank re-acquires it or the bank knows the owner abandoned the property… the bank will send Form 1099 to the owner and the IRS… it will include the foreclosed bid price, the actual debt (loan) amount and the amount short of the debt amount… that amount will be taxed as ordinary income… the same as for your salary.
Sellers of residences acquired within the past two years or so are going to incur losses.  Even assuming no price declines, losses will result because of expenses for real estate brokers, lawyers and the like.  Sellers will not be able to deduct those losses… it makes no difference that they are forced to sell because of ie)… job changes or health reasons.
**  There’s also information floating around that Banks where distressed properties have overtaken the area in certain markets…are taking steps where even after they approve and close a property for short sale… they will be actively tracking the owner of that short saled property over the next 6 years… during that time if their credit rating goes up and if they attempt to purchase another home they will be pursuing them for the  “short amount” they lost when they approved that person’s short sale 6 years prior… This bit of information is not fact – as of yet here in California… yet people… Everyone please do everything you can to protect yourselves BEFORE A FORECLOSURE OR SELLING… PLAN AHEAD… especially before attempting to sell on a short sale or going through a foreclosure… please get legal and tax advice… do the planning BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!!…
Thanks for checking in…
Isi
Isi Wu… the realtor for you
Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Short Sales answered by my Short Sale partner IFR  visionaryrealtynews.com)
75% of modified home loans will redefault  money.cnn.com)

Good Day my Wonderful Beautiful Bay Area!!…          A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn’t slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American ….Good idea … One light bulb at a time . . .
Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were all made in China.
The next day I was inAce Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking …
In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else – even their job . So,after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let’s get behind her!
My grandson likes Hershey’s candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now.. I do not buy it any more.
My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico …Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything ..
 This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets . I was in
 the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, “Everyday Value” I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats – they were the same except for the price ..
The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in – get ready for this – the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio…
 So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here ..
 On to another aisle – Bounce Dryer Sheets . .. .Yep, you guessed it, bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA ! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using  for years and at almost half the price!
My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA – the job you save may be our own or your neighbors!
If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!
(We should have awakened a decade ago .. . .. . . . )
Let’s get with the program . . . .. Help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U . S . A ..
I passed this on ………. Will you ???????
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One light bulb at a time….um okay.  svmoms.com)