Mortgage Regulations
Have Changed . . .
Mortgage regulations have
changed significantly over the last
few years, making your options
wider than ever. Subtle changes in
the way you approach mortgage
shopping, and even small differences
in the way you structure
your mortgage, can cost or save
you literally thousands of dollars
and years of expense.
Things You
Must Know Before
Obtaining a Mortgage
Before you commit your hard
earned dollars to monthly mortgage
payments, consider these 6 issues.
Effective consideration of these
important areas can make your payments
work much harder for you.
❶ You can, and should, get
preapproved for a mortgage before
you go looking for a home.
Preapproval is easy, and can give you
complete peace-of-mind when shopping
for your home. Your local lending institution
can provide you with written preapproval
for you at no cost and no obligation,
and it can all be done quite easily
over-the-phone. More than just a verbal
approval from your lending institution, a
written preapproval is as good as money
in the bank. It entails a completed credit
application, and a certificate which guarantees
you a mortgage to the specified
level when you find the home you’re looking
for.
❷ Know what monthly dollar
amount you feel comfortable committing
to.
When you discuss mortgage preapproval
with your lending institution, find out what
level you qualify for, but also pre-assess for
yourself what monthly dollar amount you
feel comfortable committing to. Your situation
may give you a preapproval amount
that is higher (or lower) than the amount of
money you would want to pay out each
month. By working back and forth with
your lending institution to determine what
this monthly amount is, and what value of
home this translates into at today’s rates,
you won’t waste time looking at homes that
are not in your price range.
❸ You should be thinking about
your long term goals, and expected
situation, to determine the type of
mortgage that will best suit your
needs.
There are a number of questions you should
be asking yourself before you commit to a
certain type of mortgage. How long do you
think you will own this home? What direction
are interest rates going in, and how
quickly? Is your income expected to change
(up or down) in the near term, impacting
how much money you can afford to pay to
your mortgage? The answers to these and
other questions will help you determine the
most appropriate mortgage you should be
seeking
“Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small
differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally
thousands of dollars and years of expense.”
cont’d
Get the Right Information
Whether you are about to buy
your first home, or are planning to
make a move to your next home, it
is critical that you inform yourself
about the factors involved.
Industry research has revealed
that there are 6 common mistakes
that most homebuyers make in
mortgage shopping that can have a
significant impact on the outcome
of this critical negotiation. If
handled correctly, these issues
could result in a mortgage that will
cost you less over a shorter period
of time.

The Real Estate Market
Has Changed . . .
Remember not so long ago, when you
could make your fortune in real
estate. It was nothing then to buy a
home, wait a short while, and then sell it
at a tidy profit.
And then do it all over again.
Well, as you probably know, times have
changed. As good as the market is right
now, home prices are still below what
they were at their peak. Buyers are far
more discriminating, and a large
percentage of the homes listed for sale
never sell. It’s more critical than ever to
learn what you need to know to avoid
costly seller mistakes in order to sell your
home fast and for the most amount of
money.
The System
to Get Your Home Sold
Fast and For Top Dollar
Selling your home is one of the most
important steps in your life. This 9 step
system will give you the tools you need
to maximize your profits, maintain
control, and reduce the stress that comes
with the home-selling process:
❶ Know why you’re selling, and
keep it to yourself.
The reasons behind your decision to sell affect
everything from setting a price to deciding how
much time and money to invest in getting your
home ready for sale. What’s more important to
you: the money you walk away with, the length
of time your property is on the market or both?
Different goals will dictate different strategies.
However, don’t reveal your motivation to anyone
else or they may use it against you at the
negotiating table. When asked, simply say that
your housing needs have changed.
❷ Do your homework before
setting a price.
Settling on an offering price shouldn’t be done
lightly. Once you’ve set your price, you’ve told
buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay
for your home, but pricing too high is as
dangerous as pricing too low. Remember that the
average buyer is looking at 15-20 homes at the
same time they are considering yours. This
means that they have a basis of comparison, and
if your home doesn’t compare favorably with
others in the price range you’ve set, you won’t
be taken seriously by prospects or agents. As a
result, your home will sit on the market for a
long time and, knowing this, new buyers on the
market will think there must be something
wrong with your home.
❸ More homework.
(In fact, your agent should do this for you). Find
out what homes in your own and similar
neighborhoods have sold for in the past 6-12
months, and research what current homes are
listed for. That’s certainly how prospective buyers
will assess the worth of your home.
❹ Find a good real estate agent to
represent your needs.
Nearly three-quarters of homeowners claim that
they wouldn’t use the same realtor who sold
their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to
poor communication which results in not enough
feedback, lower pricing and strained relations.
❺ Maximize your home’s sales
potential.
Each year, corporate North America spends
billions on product and packaging design.
Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish
to ignore this when selling your home.
You may not be able to change your home’s
location or floor plan, but you can do a lot to
improve its appearance. The look and feel of
your home generates a greater emotional
response than any other factor. Before showings
clean like you’ve never cleaned before. Pick up,
The 7 Deadly Mistakes
Most Homesellers Make
Failing to analyze why they are selling.
➁ Not preparing their home for the
buyer’s eye.
➂ Pricing their homes incorrectly.
➃ Selling too hard during showings.
➄ Signing a long-term listing agreement
without a written performance
guarantee.
➅ Making it difficult for buyers to get
information on their homes.
➆ Failing to obtain a pre-approved
mortgage for one’s next home.
“Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale don’t
sell the first time. It’s more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid
costly seller mistakes in order to sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.”

Don’t Pay Another
Cent in Rent
To Your Landlord . .
It’s a dream we all have - to own our
own home and stop paying rent. But
if you’re like most renters, you feel
trapped within the walls of a house or
apartment that doesn’t feel like
yours. How could it when you’re not
even permitted to bang in a nail or
two without a hassle. You feel like
you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with
no way of rising up out of it and owning
your own home.
Little Known Facts
That Can Help You
Buy Your First Home
The problem that most renters face
isn’t your ability to meet a monthly
payment. Goodness knows that you
must meet this monthly obligation
every 30 days already. The problem is
accumulating enough capital to make a
downpayment on something more permanent.
But saving for this lump sum
doesn’t have to be as difficult as you
might think. Consider the following 6
important points:
❶ You can buy a home with much
less down than you think.
There are some local or federal government
programs (such as 1st time
buyer programs) to help people get
into the housing market. You can qualify
as a first time buyer even if your
spouse has owned a home before as
long as your name was not registered.
Ensure your real estate agent is
informed and knowledgeable in this
important area and can offer programs
to help you with your options.
❷ You may be able to get your
lender to help you with your down
payment and closing costs.
Even if you do not have enough cash for
a down-payment, if you are debt-free,
and own an asset free and clear (such as
a car for example), your lending institution
may be able to lend you the downpayment
for your home by securing it
against this asset.
❸ You may be able to find a seller to
help you buy and finance your
home.
Some sellers may be willing to hold a
second mortgage for you as a “seller
take-back”. In this case, the seller
becomes your lending institution.
Instead of paying this seller a lump-sum
full amount for his or her home, you
would pay monthly mortgage installments.
❹ You may be able to create a cash
down payment without actually
going into debt.
By borrowing money for certain investments
to a specified level, you may be
able to generate a significant tax refund
for yourself that you can use as a downpayment.
While the money borrowed
for these investments is technically a
loan, the monthly amount paid can be
small, and the money invested in both
home and investment will be yours in
the end.
“If you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or
apartment that doesn’t feel like yours .”
Don’t Feel Trapped Anymore
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve
been renting, or how insurmountable
your financial situation may seem.
The truth is, there are some little
known facts that can help you get
over the hump, and transfer your status
from renter to homeowner. With
this information, you will begin to
see how you really can:
• save for a downpayment
• stop lining your landlord’s
pockets, and
• stop wasting thousands of dollars
on rent.

Random Thoughts
"Unless a man undertakes more than he can possibly can do, he will never do all that he can"
-Henry Drummond

"Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down"
-Unknown
"The greater the difficulty the more glory in the surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempest"
-Epicteus
"Great things are not done by impluse, but by a series of small things brought together"
-Vincent Van

There are many deals to be had in the market right now. Rates are still somewhat decent if you look at the situation from a historical perspective and many buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting to get back in. Unfortunately for many, they will likely get locked out of the market when they decide the time is right due to interest rates being too high, or because the type of loan programs they were hoping to use to buy (such a zero down) are no longer being offered by many lenders.
Short sales are abundant in the market now and you have an opportunity to go after these properties and possible achieve significant savings on many of them.
I guess our question would be what you think a deal is and what you are expecting as well as looking for (price, area, house type, etc.)?

SHADE'S OF GREEN TOURWe are pleased to announce a brand new event that will be taking placein one of Oakland's most charming neighborhoods on Sunday, October7th, 2007 from 10am to 5pm: the inaugural Shades of Green Home &Garden Tour and Green Design Expo for the benefit of Crocker HighlandsElementary school. The event will be advertised widely in the East Bayand San Francisco media, and posters promoting Shades of Green willsoon be seen on shopping streets throughout Oakland and Berkeley.Tickets for this event are already available online atwww.crockerschool.org/shadesofgreen, and will be in select storesstarting August 15th.The tour itself will consist of eight lovely properties in CrockerHighlands, and will be accompanied by a Green Design Expo held on theschool grounds highlighting eco-friendly construction and landscapingtechniques and giving the public access to professionals knowledgeableabout sustainable products and design.The Shades of Green Annual Tour represents a novel attempt to linkexcellence in public education to the promotion of eco-consciousremodeling projects throughout the East Bay community.If you have any questions regarding the Tour or the Green Design Expo,or if you would like to support the event by advertising your businessin the Tourbook that all ticket-holders will receive, please contactus at shadesofgreen@crockerschool.org or 510-325-0950.Thank you for your continued support of our great Oakland publicschool – we hope to see you on the tour! The Shades of Green Committee, Crocker Highlands PTA

Labels: Crocker Highlands home tour

Are You Over Your Head In Debt?
A recent report compiled by financial experts says that one in four – or 30 million – working American adults “is suffering serious financial distress.” The report took data from 11 major business-sponsored surveys and 10 academic research studies. The report indicates that those people are experiencing “overwhelming levels of financial distress.”

The study also indicates that many people who are experiencing financial distress are living paycheck to paycheck. These people are worried about their retirement, and insecure about being able to adequately manage their personal finances. Many have given up hope that they will ever be able to catch up.

Forty to 50% of those who report they are financially distressed also say that their worries are negatively impacting their health; they have trouble maintaining their relationships; they lead socially limited lives; and their job productivity has fallen. Eighty percent of those workers said that they spend some part of their workday dealing with financial issues instead of focusing on their work.

Financially distressed individuals are not necessarily low-income earners. Financial stress can also be attributed to amounts of consumer debt and lifestyle (also known as living beyond your means). The report made four recommendations for financially distressed people:

1. Spend less than you earn. You need to live below your means, pay off debt and start saving.

2. Get a plan. This means you need to plan ahead – and determine the difference between needs and wants. Be practical and realistic.

3. Determine your best options for relieving your financial distress. For instance, ask yourself how you can cut back on expenses, increase your income, pay down debt, obtain reasonable loans to pay off high-interest creditors, and/or seek professional help from credit managers or attorneys if necessary.

4. Check to see if your workplace offers any financial education programs. If they do, sign up.

Phillip and Shanna Go from Skeptical – to Satisfied



Here’s a quick note to let you know how we can help you or anyone you might refer to us.

Phillip and Shanna needed a larger home, wanted to be in a great School District, with more bedrooms and a bigger backyard. They had three young children, two dogs, and not enough space for their family to grow. However, the bitter memories of their last home buying experience still remained, so Phillip and Shanna hesitated to work with another Realtor. They even discussed trying to sell their home and purchase another using an online service to avoid a repeat of their last situation.

We helped Shanna’s aunt downsize from her house to a condo, and she suggested they talk to us. They were somewhat skeptical when we met for our Initial Consultation, until we explained that we were consultants, not salespeople, and more interested in building relationships than making a sale. As Shanna and Phillip grew more comfortable, they shared their thoughts about their goals and dreams. We started house hunting and three weeks later, Shanna and Phillip purchased a four-bedroom home with a huge backyard for $28,000 less than asking price. We are honored to say they’ve since referred two friends to us!

Dave and Carla, Your Real Estate Consultants For Life
510-595-7699
P.S. Ask Us About Our New Buyer and Seller Guarantees Where You Can Receive Up To $20,000 in CASH REWARDS. 510-595-7699

Helping Others Get Ready to Start School
Beyond being ready to take notes and work hard, Project Ready to Learn strives to make sure every student feels accepted and that they belong on the first day of school. Project Ready to Learn is a community drive collecting new school supplies and cash to help children in need. This project helped more than 3,000 children last year, and this year the hope is to increase the aid to thousands more throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.It’s very easy to help. Buy as many of the suggested supplies as you want and drop them off between August 1 and August 17 at one of the many collection sites listed below. You can also write a check and mail it to The Oakland Tribune.ANG Newspapers is part of the drive and is providing places for you to drop off these very essential school supplies. These locations include:
The Oakland Tribune, 7677 Oakport St., Suite 950, OaklandLincoln Child Center Campus, 4368 Lincoln Ave The Montclair Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd.
Donations in Alameda County will go to Tools 4 School, an umbrella project that joins the efforts of 15 agencies that work with children living in poverty. Lincoln Child Center is another organization helping with the school supply project in Alameda County.
Backpacks will be packed with supplies for kids in kindergarten through high school, with each age group needing its own specific items. Elementary school children will need items such as wide-ruled notebooks, colored pencils, crayons, etc. Middle school students will also need items such as a protractor or compass, a simple calculator and a dictionary. High school students need binders and scientific calculators for upper division math and science classes. Students of all ages need pens, pencils and, of course, backpacks. One important caveat: No bright red or bright blue backpacks, as they are often recognized as gang colors. For a complete list of requested items and more details of this program, please go here.
If your child needs a backpack or you know someone who does, please call Tools 4 School at (510) 485-7103 in Alameda County, and VESTIA in Contra Costa Count at (925)335-2190.

With the Fast Paced life in the Oakland/ Berkeley/East Bay Area sleep is more important than ever... The Question is are you getting a good quality sleep as well as the suggested 8 hours of sleep..
If Not Maybe your mattress is to blame?

Do You Need a New Mattress?
After a long day at work, you come home and try to figure out finances for the future. How in the world are you going to cover all your regular expenses as well as the expenses of both selling your current home and buying your dream home? Your eyes, mind, and body are screaming for sleep. The moment has finally arrived. You can now crawl into bed. The mattress seems to suck you in because you’ve slept on it for so long, and at least, you rest.
Morning came all to fast. At the sound of the alarm clock, you jump out of bed to stop the annoying noise. As you stretch, you begin to feel the results of sleeping on your twelve-year-old mattress. Your back aches. Your shoulders are tight. You actually feel more tired then when you went to sleep the night before.
Perhaps it’s time you invest in a new mattress. You may be thinking, “Getting a new mattress sounds great, but I can’t afford one right now. There are enough expenses right now.” Well, finances may be tight but take a moment to think about your health. Why Should I Invest in a New Mattress? Have you thought about how important a good mattress is for your overall wellbeing? You use your mattress everyday. In fact, you spend one-third of your life sleeping on that surface? Your mattress is supposed to realign your neck and back from the stresses of the day. Is your mattress performing that duty?
Take a realistic look at your mattress. Can you see the outline of your body on your mattress? Does your mattress sage more than an inch and a half anywhere? Is your mattress over 8-10 years old? Can you feel the coils in your mattress when you lay down? Are their coils popping out? Is your mattress heavier than when you bought it? That may sound like a strange question, but did you know that your mattress gains a pound each year from the accumulation of dead skin cells, dust mites, and other disgusting elements? And worse yet, all of these elements are common allergens.
Now, how about your body? Has your body changed from age, an accident, a dislocated disk, or significant weight loss/gain? Most of these body changes will affect the kind of mattress that your body needs. Do you wake up more tired than when you went to sleep? That question alone could very well indicate that you need to invest in a new mattress. How Do I Choose A Mattress?The following steps will help you make a wise choice for your specific health needs.
1. Choose Your Mattress Size. You may desire a king, but perhaps you may not be able to afford it or be able to fit it into your bedroom. The following chart will give you the universal measurements.
Twin/Single
39” x 75”
Double
54” x 75”
Queen
60” x 80”
Olympic Queen
66” x 80”
California Queen
60” x 84”
King
60” x 78”
2. Choose Your Comfort Level. Use a scale to measure of 1-10 to measure the softness and hardness of each mattress. One is very soft (no support) and ten is rock hard (not comfortable). The categories of comfort are as follows: extra firm, traditional firm, cushiony, plush. But don’t stop there. Try foam, pillow-top, water, adjustable, and air mattresses. Figure out what type of surface you like, and then determine if that surface will meet your health needs (back support especially). Usually the higher the lie across the mattress and let your feet hang off. Lay down fully on the number of coils and the thicker the padding, the better the mattress quality. Unfortunately, the pillow top mattresses that are “in” right now tend to leave body impressions and even sage much more quickly than other mattress types.
3. Lay Down on Your Mattress. Spend at least 15 minutes lying down on the mattress from head to toe in your normal sleeping position. Don’t just sit on the edge and dangle your feet. You may feel awkward laying fully down on various mattresses in the store, but you will be amazed at how your body will either accept or reject the mattress for you. Listen to your body after those 15 minutes. Do you have trouble getting comfortable? If your shoulders, hips, or lower back begin to feel uncomfortable, the mattress may be too hard or soft for you.
4. Inquire About the Coil Count. The coil count for a quality mattress should start at 300 for a full mattress, 375 for a queen, and 450 for a king. The higher number of stronger coils usually equals a higher quality mattress.
5. Buy a New Box Spring Too. You may be trying to save a few pennies by simply getting a top mattress and using your “in-good-condition box spring” at home. Do not cut yourself short. You will actually cut the life of your mattress in half by skimping on the box spring. The two are made to work together.
6. Buy From a Reputable Store. Talk with people who have recently purchased mattresses. Where did they buy their mattress? Where they satisfied with the store’s policy? Call the better bureaus office and ask for a few suggestions in where to start.
7. Make Sure the Company has an Exchange Policy. Do not buy from a store that will not let you exchange the mattress for another model if you are not completely satisfied. Many mattress stores have a policy that enables you to exchange the mattress within 60 days. Remember how important this sleeping surface is for your health.
8. Understand the Warranty. Most companies offer a 10-year warranty, but check the proration. The proration is the percentage of the original purchase price that the mattress manufacturer will refund if your mattress is defective. Some companies reduce the amount that they will cover by each year you own the mattress.
9. Consider Your Price Range. A basic queen set will range from $500 to $700 dollars. A better quality will cost $700 – $900. Top quality mattress sets start at around $1,000.
10. Never pay full price. You can often receive 10 to 20 perfect off the quoted price. And if you spend more than 500 dollars, they should throw in a frame and free delivery.
11. Talk With Those Who Have Gone Before. Talk with friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you can find. What are their suggestions about what kind of bed to buy? See if you can find other people with similar health issues to see what has or has not worked for them. Ask your doctor for recommendations on what would suit your needs.
12. Make Sure Consider Your Significant Other. Take your significant other’s needs into consideration. Do you like to spread out? Make sure you get a big bed. Does your significant other move a lot which wakes you up at night? Make sure you get a shock absorbent mattress. Do they have bad allergies? There are beds that cater to those needs.
Buying a new mattress should take you awhile. This is a big decision and a large investment that should last you about ten years. But don’t stress. Simple consider the 12 suggestions above and you will be well on your way to making a wise choose.

Although not something you see a lot in Oakland or Berkeley due to our abundance of unique older homes... But as a whole people are looking for more useable laundry spaces.

Laundry Rooms are a New $tatus Symbol
In the new homes, the washers and dryers are no longer stuck in the dark basement corner of the house. Homeowners are demanding more of their laundry rooms than ever before. Why? Well, most American families throw 8-10 loads of laundry in the washer per week. Plus, on average 20 million women and 10 million men spend hundreds of hours each year washing and drying clothes. These are the people that want their laundry rooms to be practical, organized, large enough to accommodate day-to-day needs, and well decorated. Laundry rooms are actually becoming the newest status symbol, seeing as some laundry rooms are worth more than $30,000.
Many families are actually making the laundry rooms into the messy chore, craft, sewing, and even gardening project rooms. The laundry rooms are in need of more than the typical cabinet, washer, and dryer. People want a folding station. They are now looking for DryAire drying cabinets, where sweaters and delicates can dry in a couple of hours rather than a couple of days. They want the SinkSpa, which is a jetted sink where hand-washables are washed by water jets. They desire ironing stations: including an adjustable board, place to store the hot iron, and automatic shutoff controls.
Now, perhaps you are simply looking for ideas to spice up your own laundry room. Maybe you’re trying to figure out ways to make your rental property a winner. Or, perhaps you’re getting your home into selling shape. Whatever your goal, the following will help you figure out ideas in how to make the laundry room pleasurably livable.
Before you start making all these plans to upgrade. Sit down in the laundry room for at least 15 minutes and really take some time to figure out your needs. What annoyances do you run into right now in the laundry room? Do you have any spot to hang clothes when it rains? Do you struggle to get the clothes from the washer into the dryer? Do you really need a utility sink? Do you tend not to iron because you have no place for the ironing board that is easy to get to? Does the room need a more cheerful paint color? Does the floor need to be replaced?1. Obtain a Practical Washing Machine. Some washers have a finger faucet under the rim, allowing you to easily wash detergent off your hands. Other washers feature “reminder chimes,” signaling you that the clothes are done. A few of the newest washing machines have some very practical features: a quick-wash cycle that enables you to wash the shirt you need for the party in record time, a virtually noiseless direct-drive washing system, a delay-wash feature that starts the washer up to 19 hours after you load it, and a steady-spin feature that keeps the washer spinning, even if the load is unbalanced. 2. Install Cabinetry. Before you install anything, sit in the laundry room and figure out your current needs. Do you need open shelving units or cabinets with doors? Do you need spaces for various laundry baskets? Where can all of the detergents, spot removers, and dryer sheets be easily reached? Will you add a countertop to fold clothes?3. Storage. An alternative to cabinetry is to Install Wire shelving. The wire shelving is strong, durable, easy to install, fits to your needs, and doesn’t rust easily. 4. Ironing Station. Either set up an ironing board station or install a built-in ironing board. Both set-ups should have a permanent spot for the hot iron. 5. Laundry Sorting Baskets. Use laundry-sorting bins to organize your laundry by color and cycle. If you desire your family to follow your new system, make sure the laundry bins are clearly marked, such as “darks, delicates, towels, whites, dry cleaning, cold wash” etc. The more you organize, the more time you have to do other things.6. Easily Accessible. If you are remodeling or building your home, make sure that your laundry room is easily accessible from the main activity areas of the house. 7. Windows. Install another window or two in your dark and dreary laundry room. Many people like their laundry windows to overlook the backyard play areas. Bay windows with a ledge not only take the “laundry room” feel away from the room but also provide a usable ledge for folded laundry and baskets. 8. Change the Lighting. Change your one-light in the center of your ceiling to attractive track lighting. 9. Hanging Space. Many clothes require drip-drying, so either hang a rod or two near the floor drain or hang string from one side of the room to the either. Whichever way you choose, make sure that it is practical and out of the way. When using hangers, choose the plastic ones rather than the metal ones, as they tangle less and do not rust. If you have wire shelving, you can also easily hanging clothes from those. You could also place a rod next to the dryer that is equipped with plastic hangers to immediately hang items when they come out of the dryer. 10. Usable Space. Rolling carts are a practical addition to the laundry room. You can slip a thin one between the washer and the dryer, which can hold the detergent, stain stick, bleach, dryer sheets, etc. This keeps deep space usable and practical. 11. Small “Catch-all” Basket. Get a small basket to put next to the washer to keep items that are still in the pockets such as lipstick, money, receipts, etc.12. Trashcan. Make sure that at trashcan is nearby to unload the lint tray, throw away used dryer sheets, and wrappers found in pockets

Ten Tips For First-Time Buyers
Each year more than 40 percent of all homes are purchased by first-time buyers according to the National Association of Realtors, a percentage which should offer some comfort if you're about to buy a first home. Others have done it, others are doing it, and you can too.
But like most things, there are ways to make the process easier. Here in capsule form, are 10 baseline strategies to make that first purchase a good experience.
Think credit. Poor credit will make you a bigger risk in lender eyes -- and more risk means higher rates and steeper monthly mortgage costs. Make a point of paying credit card bills, auto loans, rent, and other payments on time, all the time, and in full.
Consider taxes. When you buy a home mortgage interest and property taxes are generally deductible from income taxes. This means while monthly housing costs may be larger when you own than when you rent, what you save in taxes can make up some or all of the difference. For details, speak with a tax professional.
Know the broker's role. Real estate brokers are at the center of most property transactions. It's important for you to know what a broker does, who is represented, and how the brokerage system works.
Consider what location will work best for you. Look at your needs, the needs of household members, and your preferences in terms of commuting, shopping, recreation, and other factors that are important to you.
Plan on getting a home inspection as part of any offer you make. A professional inspection can help you understand the condition of the property and the repair bills you are likely to face in the next few years.
Look into the financing process as soon as possible. Get pre-approved so that you generally know how much you can borrow, what you can afford, and so owners will see you as a serious buyer.
Save. You'll need money for a down payment, closing costs, moving, and other expenses. Put off trips and luxuries until after you're in your new home.
Examine the different financial options which are open to you -- consider FHA, VA, and state-backed loan programs which require little down and have liberal qualification standards.
Look for gifts and grants. According to the National Association of Realtors, 22 percent of all first time buyers receive gifts from relatives and friends. Some companies offer grants and other incentives to employees who are buying a first home. Community groups may also have programs and financing in place for first-time buyers, while the federal government has established special programs for teachers and police officers.
Start now, take your time, and ask as many questions as you like. Being a first-time home buyer is challenging, but millions of people do it each year -- and you can too.
Have questions? I'm here to help, and I can provide the information and materials you need. Contact me today.

How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Mistakes Refinance Shoppers Make
"...you want to be deciding to refinance for the right reasons, with both eyes open..."
Make Sure of Your New Interest Rate
Make sure that you save enough to justify the process of refinancing. It is best to decrease your interest rate by at least .75% to 1%. For example, this will save you about $100.00 a month on a $150,000.00 mortgage.
Know Your Closing Costs Up Front
By law, closing costs must be disclosed within 3 days of the loan application, however, there are different approaches to calculating them. Closing costs are initially estimated until the details of your specific loan are clear. It is wise to use a worst case scenario and be pleasantly surprised.
Be Sure You Fully Understand Your Reason(s) For Refinancing
Some refinance simply to reduce their interest rate. You should be aware that simply reducing your interest rate is not always to your advantage, so make sure that the gains from your rate reduction more than cover the related fees. There are, however, other legitimate reasons to refinance that may not be related to interest rates. Some are debt consolidation, home improvements, or a major purchase. Some of these choices may offer other financial or personal advantages, such as taking cash out to buy a car. In this example, you may be able to deduct your interest payments on your tax return. Always consult an accountant or tax attorney before making these types of decisions.
Beware of "APR" Advertising
"APR" stands for Annual Percentage Rate. Some mortgage brokers use "APR" teaser rates to get your attention, however, they may actually end up costing you more. Such rates are often derived by using a 30 year mortgage coupled with an accelerated payment plan. Most lenders allow you to select such a plan, if you choose. Know your actual interest rate that you will be paying when comparing mortgages.
Should I Consider an Adjustable Rate?
Adjustable rate mortgages or "ARM’s," can be very helpful in assisting people into the housing market. They can help minimize your monthly payment, however, in the long run they can cost you more money if additional refinancing occurs.
Beware of the Quality of Service Provided
You want your refinance to be accomplished with as little hassle and in the shortest period of time. Ask your mortgage broker details of their service plan and performance guarantees.
Not All Mortgage Brokers are Created Equally
Be sure to ask your mortgage broker about all their available loan products, terms and rates. A subtle difference can save or cost you thousands.

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We recently had some clients that we helped sell their home in the Lakeshore Area of Oakland to purchase a home on the Bay Farm area of Alameda. We coached them throughout the process of what to and more importantly what not to do.

6 Mistakes To Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home
".....you have to sell your present home at exactly the right time in order to avoid either the financial burden of owning two homes or, just as bad, the dilemma of having no place to live during the gap between closings...."
Unlike the experience of buying a first home, when you’re looking to move-up, and already own a home, there are certain factors that can complicate the situation. It’s very important for you to consider these issues before you list your home for sale.
Not only is there the issue of financing to consider, but you also have to sell your present home at exactly the right time in order to avoid either the financial burden of owning two homes or, just as bad, the dilemma of having no place to live during the gap between closings.
Six Strategies
In this report, we outline the six most common mistakes homeowners make when moving to a larger home. Knowledge of these six mistakes, and the strategies to overcome them, will help you make informed choices before you put your existing home on the market.
1. Rose-colored glasses
Most of us dream of improving our lifestyle and moving to a larger home. The problem is that there's sometimes a discrepancy between our hearts and our bank accounts. You drive by a home that you fall in love with only to find that it's already sold or that it’s more than what you are willing to pay. Most homeowners get caught in this hit or miss strategy of house hunting when there's a much easier way of going about the process. For example, find out if your agent offers a Buyer Profile System or House-hunting Service, which takes the guesswork away and helps to put you in the home of your dreams. This type of program will cross-match your criteria with ALL available homes on the market and supply you with printed information on an on-going basis. A program like this helps homeowners take off their rose-colored glasses and, affordably, move into the home of their dreams.
2. Failing to make necessary improvements
If you want to get the best price for the home you're selling, there will certainly be things you can do to enhance it in a prospective buyer's eyes. These fix-ups don't necessarily have to be expensive. But even if you do have to make a minor investment, it will often come back to you ten-fold in the price you are able to get when you sell. It's very important that these improvements be made before you put your home on the market. If cash is tight, investigate an equity loan that you can repay on closing.
3. Not selling first
You should plan to sell before you buy. This way you will not find yourself at a disadvantage at the negotiating table, feeling pressured to accept an offer that is below-market value because you have to meet a purchase deadline. If you've already sold your home, you can buy your next one with no strings attached. If you do get a tempting offer on your home but haven't made significant headway on finding your next home, you might want to put in a contingency clause in the sale contract which gives you a reasonable time to find a home to buy. If the market is slow and you find your home is not selling as quickly as you anticipated, another option could be renting your home and putting it up on the market later - particularly if you are selling a smaller, starter home. You'll have to investigate the tax rules if you choose this latter option. Better still, find a way to eliminate this situation altogether by getting your agent to guarantee the sale of your present home (see point number 5 below).
4. Failing to get a pre-approved mortgage
Pre-approval is a very simple process that many homeowners fail to take advantage of. While it doesn't cost or obligate you to anything, pre-approval gives you a significant advantage when you put an offer on the home you want to purchase because you know exactly how much house you can afford, and you already have the green light from your lending institution. With a pre-approved mortgage, your offer will be viewed far more favorably by a seller - sometimes even if it's a little lower than another offer that's contingent on financing. Don't fail to take this important step.
5. Getting caught in the Real Estate Catch 22
Your biggest dilemma when buying and selling is deciding which to do first. Point number 3 above advises you to sell first. However there are ways to eliminate this dilemma altogether. Some agents offer a Guaranteed Sale Trade-Up Program that actually takes the problem away from you entirely by guaranteeing the sale of your present home before you take possession of your next one. If you find a home you wish to purchase and have not sold your current home yet, they will buy your home from you themselves so you can make your move free of stress and worry.
6. Failing to coordinate closings
With two major transactions to coordinate together with all the people involved such as mortgage experts, appraisers, lawyers, loan officers, title company representatives, home inspectors or pest inspectors the chances of mix-ups and miscommunication go up dramatically. To avoid a logistical nightmare ensure you work closely with your agent.

One of the first things that comes up on a buyer's list of requirements regardless if they are looking in Berkeley, Albany, Oakland and or Piedmont is that they want a safe neighborhood.
Here is an article about making helping make sure your neighborhood can be even safer.
How To Reduce Crime In Your Neighborhood
While we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime is on the increase in North America, and throughout the world. The number of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is growing at an alarming rate. Now you, as a resident, working with neighbors can help reduce the crime rate.
How? By organizing and/or joining a neighborhood program in which you and your neighbors get together to learn how to protect yourselves, your family, your home and your property. Working together, you can get the criminals off your block and out of your area.
There's safety in numbers and power through working with a group. You'll get to know your neighbors better, and working with them you can reduce crime, develop a more united community, provide an avenue of communications between police and citizens, establish on-going crime prevention techniques in your neighborhood, and renew citizen interest in community activity.
"Citizens Safety Projects" are set up to help you do this. It is a joint effort between private citizens and local police. Such programs have been started all over. Maybe one already exists in your community.
These organizations don't require frequent meetings (once a month or so). They don't ask anyone to take personal risks to prevent crime. They leave the responsibility for catching criminals where it belongs - with the police. This is NOT a "vigilante" group:
These groups gather citizens together to learn crime prevention from local authorities. You cooperate with your neighbors to report suspicious activities in the neighborhood, to keep an eye on homes when the resident is away, and to keep everyone in the area mindful of the standard precautions for property and self that should always be taken. Criminals avoid neighborhoods where such groups exist.
Through cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, some of the things you will learn - and all free - are:
What to do in an emergency.
How to best identify a suspicious person.
How to identify a vehicle being used in a suspected criminal activity.
Signs to watch out for before entering a house or apartment that may be in the process of being burglarized.
What to do in case of injury.
What to do about suspicious people loitering on your street.
How to identify stolen merchandise.
How to recognize auto theft in progress.
How to protect your house or apartment.
How to recognize a burglary in progress.
How to protect yourself and family - and much more.
It's easy to get your group started. All you have to do is contact your neighbors and arrange a date, place and time for the first meeting. Hold the meetings at your home or that of a neighbor. Try to plan a time that is convenient to most of your neighbors - preferably in the evening.
Then call your local police department. They will be happy to give your group informal lectures, free literature - and in many instances, window stickers and ID cards. Remember, police officers can't be everywhere. Your cooperation with them is for the benefit of you, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood.

Labels: Safe Neighborhoods