I was rolling the Washer and Dryer into the Laundry Room yesterday and was looking for the 220 outlet.  There wasn't one.  Only a Gas hook-up.  I was a little shocked and disappointed.  We have high end Washer and Dryer that I bought my wife for Mothers Day a few years ago (let the boos begin - but it was what she asked for!)  Well we are probably only here a short time, year or less, so we are going to go buy a low end Gas Dryer, but I am saving the Electric one.  Who knows what the next place will have. I would love to help you with your next move buying or selling by providing quality service as your Realtor/Broker. 06/05/2010

A Moving Experience - A Sentimental Journey - Part 2 As I wrote in the prior post, I am trying to make this move on an organized basis.  These means going through the boxes and sorting everything out.  For me this has been hard.  I save all my cards and letters from friends and family going back to high school, I start reading and remembering.  Then I find my parents year books, not to mention my own.  Then I find all the old Boy Scout stuff.  It was nice to read the letters from my dad he wrote me while I was away one summer.  It reminded me of how much he loved me.  He has been dead 11 years now, but it was like having a little visit.  I do not remember my mom that well, she died when I was five, but to read her high school year book was a treat, and a few of the letters she wrote . .... 06/02/2010

I am moving.  Since my job is to help people move I thought I would chronicle some of the challenges.  Unlike are last move where we closed escrow and had 3 days to be out, this is a slow move.  I have until June 30 to complete the move.  I can move into our new place now. The advantage of this is that we are taking to time to organize and clean, and get rid of the clutter.  For me this is a challenge as I am a junk collector.  I never like to throw anything away that may be of some possible value in the future.  My entire house and garage has such stuff all over the place. Our move is a downsize move and the challenge is to get the family into about half the space we are used to. I notice in getting started things are getting messier rather than cleaner, more disorganized rather than o... 06/01/2010

Brentwood Ca Homes for Sale I ran the numbers last week on Brentwood Ca Homes for Sale and the market is still very hot. There are 182 Brentwood Ca Homes for Sale as of last week. The average price of the homes is $464,799.00 and the median price is $364,495.00. The average price per SF is $198.00 and they have been on the market 62 days. However if you look at Brentwood Ca Homes for Sale priced under $1,000,000.00 there are only 165 homes with an average price of $378,982.00 and a median price of $359,900.00.  This is an average of $165.00 per SF and these homes have been on the market an average of 61 days. In April 98 of the Brentwood Ca Homes for Sale sold for an average price of $314,312.00 and the median price was $289,500.00 with an average price per SF of $138.00. Those homes sp... 05/28/2010

Brentwood Ca Investment Properties Brentwood Ca Investment Properties offers fantastic opportunity for a good return on investment either from rents or buying and flipping.Brentwood Ca Investment Properties are popular as it is an affordable community to live in offer great Investment Properties in all price ranges. Brentwood is a very upscale East Contra Costa County Community, but if we just look at homes priced under $1,000,000.00 there are 182 single family homes on the market in Brentwood with an average price of $378,982.00. However, if you are interested in Brentwood CA Investment Properties there are also opportunities not on the MLS. I help people make money on Brentwood Ca Investment Properties and Investment Properties in other areas. Click here for a Free No Nonsense Book on... 05/20/2010

Census Says I cannot be an American! When I completed my census card I was confused on the entire race issue and left it blank.  As I expected I got a call from the census.  The main reason they were calling is I have 6 kids and there had not been space for all of them on the form.  They also asked me what Race we are. I was concerned about this question as the only Constitutional Reason to ask a persons race was to marginalize people as 3/5's of a person.  Fortunately amendments to the Constitution made this irrelevant.  When I was told I had to answer this question I answered "American."  I was told this is unacceptable and "American" is not a race. I was confused by this as my family background is basically a mutt (I should have asked if I could put Mutt.)  There are many definitions... 05/19/2010

Investing in California Real Estate! This morning I read a post by Loreena Yeo about Real Estate Investing.  Loreena talks a bit about her introduction to real estate and then she talks about the amount of waisted time at some investment groups and home many people are running around trying to close a deal with no assets and no clue. Investing in California Real Estate has been very profitable for a number of people over the years and I think right now is a good time for Investing in California Real Estate.  However, Real Estate Investing is not something to be done without thought or planning.  There are ways to invest with a minimal amount to start, but I will tell you the truth, it is hard work and needs to be done smart. If you are interested in Investing in California Real Estate, ... 05/15/2010

Homes for Sale in Brentwood California Every month I publish market reports about Homes for Sale in Brentwood California. If you are looking for Homes for Sale in Brentwood California it is pretty informative. I will be doing another report this month just like I do every month. However, today I am going to give you five reasons why you should be interested in Homes for Sale in Brentwood California: Homes for Sale in Brentwood California are in the finest community in East Contra Costa County that rivals living in some of the more upscale central county luxury communities at a far more affordable price. Many Homes for Sale in Brentwood California set on many of the fine golf courses in Brentwood. Homes for Sale in Brentwood California include homes in many of the 55+ gated communities; ... 05/12/2010

Today I took a new client out.  It was our first meeting.  About mid way through the eight homes I showed him he asked me about a discount, like they provide through Costco.  Apparently he had been shopping with a Costco referral agent but did not see anything he liked.  He liked the homes I was showing him. At first I deflected the question and changed the subject, but inside I was fuming.  I prayed for wisdom and direction on how to handle this without being rude or loosing the client. At the next home I pointed out the seller wanted to see a pre qual from a large nationwide bank.  He asked me what advantage there was to going with that bank, did they offer a discount?  I told him in fact there were some incentives offered, but often those "deals" were recouped by the lender in other ... 05/07/2010

My son Corbin pitched his first regular season game the other night.  As a dad I am trying to look for the positive.  The first two batters put the ball in play; and although they were well hit they could have been outs, but were not.  Through the first 3 batters balls and strikes were about even.  The ump was calling a small strike zone.  He walked batters 3 and 4 and hit batter 5 before being pulled.  His team lost its first game 11 to 9.  Brian Kingman who pitched with the Oakland A's in 1980 lost 20 games that season.  He was very ashamed of this for a long time.  Then he realized that to loose 20 games you have to be given enough starts to do that.  So if you are loosing but still starting you must have something going on.  Kingman now takes some pride in the number.  That season ... 05/07/2010

I obtained my Broker's License in March and am now opening a new Brokerage - Home Point Real Estate! What difference will this make to my current customers?  Not a lot on the surface, you will still get the same great personal service and integrity I have always offered.  However, I now have better control over my back office and support.  These are things you do not see on the surface.  Many of these changes will be implemented slowly over the next couple of months. Working at Home Point Real Estate under my own license will also allow me to develop different markets and service for my clients. I always look forward to serving you.  Please call me with any questions. 05/05/2010

Bank Owned Homes in Brentwood California The Bank Owned Homes in Brentwood California Market is significant part of the Brentwood Housing Market and offers prices a little better than most homes on the market on average. This report looks at Single Family Bank Owned Homes in Brentwood California and compares the current market to sales for the last 2 months. Right now there are 37 Bank Owned Homes in Brentwood California for sale with an average price of $249,030.00 and a median price of $285,000.00. This homes are priced at an average of $133.00 per SF and have been on the market for an average of 28 days. In February 33 Bank Owned Homes in Brentwood California sold for an average price of $290,881.00 and a median price of $275,000.00. This is an average of $124.00 per SF and these hom... 04/22/2010

Short Sales in Brentwood California Short Sales in Brentwood California are the dominate part of the market. This report looks at single family homes currently for sale as Short Sales in Brentwood California and compares it the pending and sales of Short Sales in Brentwood California for the last 2 months. Right now there are 78 Active Short Sales in Brentwood California with an average price of $324,381.00 and a median price of $309,450.00. The average price per SF is $135.00 and they have been on the market an average of 46 days. In February 14 Short Sales in Brentwood California closed with an average price of $288,547.00 and a median price of $302,500.00. The average price per SF is $127.00 and they have been on the market an average of 36 days. In March 27 Short Sales in Brentwood ... 04/16/2010

  I've had the pleasure of being part of a BNI launching chapter in the East Bay known as the East County Business Builders and honored to be on the Leadership Team as our chapter's Educational Coordinator.  As a mortgage professional, it is extremely difficult to get into a referral network as openings for this category are always filled.  So I am truly honored to be apart of this amazing chapter! We had a very successful launch December 2009.  We are continuing to grow and becoming a very strong and successful chapter.  We meet on Thursdays from 12 to 1:30pm at: Vic Stewarts, 2270 Balfour Road, Brentwood, CA  94513. BNI has more than 111,000 members in 40 countries, more than a 2,000 of whom are in BNI chapters in the San Francisco Bay region.  Every member of the BNI San Francisco B... 04/11/2010

Summerset Homes in Brentwood California Brentwood California offers a number of 55+ Communities including Summerset Homes and Sommerset Homes.  These homes are all designed for people 55+ in age.  Many of these homes set on golf courses.  Summerset Homes and Sommerset Homes both offer gated security, club houses, pools, and community activities. This report looks at Summerset Homes and Sommerset Homes for sale as well as homes in other 55+ Communities. Right now there are 27 homes for sale in Summerset Homes, Sommerset Homes, and the other 55+ Communities priced between $195,000.00 and $666,869.00.  The average price is $410,302.00 and the median price is $410,000.00.  The average price per SF is $221.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 93 days. Currently there are ... 04/08/2010

        The Fannie Mae HomePath Loan is for homes currently owned by Fannie Mae. The biggest draw to this type of financing is that there is no appraisal required since Fannie Mae already owns the property and has set the sales price. Also to the buyers advantage is the fact that many of these homes are priced under market value, so purchasing such a property gives the buyer built-in equity immediately! You can find current listings in your area at www.homepath.com Currently there are 8 active HomePath listings in Brentwood, CA and 2 properties "coming soon."  There are 2 properties under contract. The home prices range from $159,900 to $449,000.   Purchases closed before May 1, 2010 will receive a 3.5% incentive from FannieMae for closing costs. With no appraisal required Diversified ... 04/07/2010

Homes for Sale in Brentwood California Homes for Sale in Brentwood California are some of the nicest homes in East Contra Costa County. This report looks at Active Homes for Sale in Brentwood California and sales for the last two months. This report only looks at single family Homes for Sale.There are 176 Homes for Sale in Brentwood California with an average price of $463,886.00 and a median price of $339,916.00. This is an average of $197.00 per SF and have been on the market an average of 61 days.  However, there are a number of Homes for Sale in Brentwood California priced over a $1,000,000.00.  Many of these homes have land and these homes skew the numbers.  If we look at Homes for Sale in Brentwood California priced under $1,000,000.00 there are 168 with average prices of $359,857... 04/07/2010

Garin Ranch Park Garin Ranch Park is located in Garin Ranch on Lawerence.  Basically it is on the backside of Edna Hills Middle School and Garin Ranch Elementary School.  The two schools share some common open space that adjoins the park. The local Pony Baseball League uses the combined open space for t-ball and coach pitch baseball for the little kids.  The park nearby has some great play structures for the other kids to play on.  It all so has a huge green belt that I often see soccer teams on and kids use for a number of purposes.     04/04/2010

Brentwood 3 Car Garage Homes Lane Baily wrote an excellent post on 5 Steps to Make Your Garage Cool.  It is almost enough to make me want to get out and clean my Man Cave.  One thing Lane talks about is moving some of the clutter to the attic or basement.  Well that does not work around here, most homes in this area do not have basements or much usable attic space. This Makes Brentwood 3 Car Garage Homes even more important, because you are going to need all the space you can get.  I decided to compare Brentwood 3 Car Garage Homes to the 2 car garage homes and I was somewhat surprised by the numbers. Right now there are 56 Brentwood 3 Car Garage Homes on the market compared to 97 with only 2 car garages.  The average price of the Brentwood 3 Car Garage homes is $432,635.00 or $144.00 pe... 04/03/2010

Garin Ranch Brentwood California Garin Ranch is a neighborhood on the East Side of Brentwood California.  There is actually several developments in the neighborhood and Garin Ranch has come to define an area rather than any one development.  For this post I am using the area north of Balfour and south of Spruce, east of the old downtown and west of Sellers to define Garin Ranch, and I am only using single family homes. Garin Ranch offers some of the most affordable homes in Brentwood at very reasonable prices.  Garin Ranch is a very nice area, on average the lots in Garin Ranch are a little smaller than most in the area. Right now there are nine homes for sale in Garin Ranch with an average price of $265,755.00 and a median price of $269,900.00.  These homes are priced at an average of ... 03/31/2010