East Bay Real Estate with Mary Smartt

Last night, I was watching the Democratic Presidential Debate, and they discussed the topic of the subprime mortgage meltdown and the housing market. If my memory is correct, this was the first time I had seen the topic discussed in depth at any of the presidential primary debates. So, it made me...

More and more people are becoming curious about reverse mortgages, and I am seeing an increase in coverage about them. I even see banks hanging big banners promoting their reverse mortgages to lure in new customers. But what are they, and are they right for you?If you are 62 or older and your hom...

Okay, time for a few laughs on a Friday. One thing I love about being a Realtor is seeing all the ridiculous wording to describe less-than-attractive properties. You know the ones...the listings that describe a house as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and it turns out to be the most ordinary house o...

January means tax season is upon us, and there is one aspect of real estate than can be quite confusing when it comes to filing your taxes. That is the California Real Estate Withholding requirements. Legally, sellers of real estate owe taxes on the sale, but it is a complicated process involving...

Want to start the year off in a peaceful, calming manner? Who doesn't after several weeks of hectic holidays? Implementing some basic tips from the school of Feng Shui is a great way to begin 2008 surrounded by harmony.I'm sure you have heard of Feng Shui, so you probably know that it is far too ...

Buying a condominium can be such a great deal and a very affordable way to enter the housing market. But, always look beyond the mortgage at your HOA dues and special assessments, making sure to figure them in to your real estate investment.Now most people know that you have to pay monthly Homeow...

You just know that an updated bathroom would help your house sell, but you wonder if you will be able to recoup the costs of the renovation. I hear this question, and others like it, all the time from sellers. That is why the annual "Cost vs. Value" report is so helpful. It provides a snapshot of...

If you have been in the real estate business for awhile, you might remember the McCormack's Guides. These are terrific little books with everything you could possibly want to know about a geographic area, and more. And, I mean EVERYTHING, from school scores to history to the local zeitgeist. All ...

This holiday season, take some time out to have a little adventure with your family and enjoy all that the Bay Area has to offer. If you are here in the East Bay, plan some day trips to get out and enjoy something new. Set a destination and let the day unfold!*Take the ferry to Pier 39 and be a t...

Okay, students, time once again for a little Real Estate 101. Today's topic is methods of holding title. Many people begin by wondering, "What does holding title mean?" Well, when you own a house, there are many ways to own it, or, in other words, many ways to have the title in your name.If only ...