Market Report of Alameda real estate activity 2/10/14 to 2/17/14   Last week’s totals from 2/10/2014 to………..………….…………………2/17/2014 New homes on the market..............................................................10 Price changes....................................................................................0 Homes that sold..............................................................................10 Pending activity - all not just last week.............................................50 All properties currently on the market...............................................32 Condos currently on the market.........................................................5 Townhouses currently on the market..................................................5 Distressed properties: Bank Ow... 02/17/2014

Although the market in my neck of the woods has rebounded considerably, some clients' properties have not recovered their market value at the peak. And as such,  yes, I'm still working with short sales.   California short sale homeowners get a tax break Fortunately for California home sellers facing short sale... "With the Franchise Tax Board’s clarification, underwater home sellers also are assured that they are not subject to state income tax liability, rescuing tens of thousands of distressed home sellers from California tax liability for debt written off by lenders in short sales."   Short sale process --- still s-l-o-w ! Is the short sale process any quicker now? Sadly, no.....especially when the banks turn over the files to mortgage loan "servicers". I have been in contract since ... 02/09/2014

  Things to do in Alameda on February 7, 8 and 9, 2014     Things to Do in Alameda:  Father Daughter Western Hoedown Dance Party on Friday, February 7, at 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Al DeWitt O Club at 641 West Red Line Avenue at Alameda Point in Alameda.  Kindergarten girls through fifth grade are invited to attend with their fathers or a favorite role model.  The girls will participate in dancing, arts and crafts and there will be refreshments and a special memento for each girl.  Sponsored by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department and Girls Inc. of the Island City.   Please call 510-747-7529 to pre-register and for tickets.     Things to Do in Alameda:  Il Trovatore on Friday February 7 at 7:30 pm, presented by the Virago Theatre Company at the Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Av... 02/07/2014

      Market Report of Alameda real estate activity 1/27/14 to 2/3/14   Last week’s totals from 1/27/2014 to………..………….…………………….2/3/2014 New homes on the market..............................................................10 Price changes....................................................................................1 Homes that sold...............................................................................9 Pending activity - all not just last week.............................................49 All properties currently on the market...............................................30 Condos currently on the market.........................................................4 Townhouses currently on the market..................................................6 Distressed properties: Ban... 02/03/2014

VA Mortgage Loans in Alameda California and 100% financing on  Alameda County VA Loans - the best loan program and loan payment in the country! Designed for both active duty military and honorable discharged Veterans, VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today. Here are some of the main features of this great program: - 100% financing, no down payment required. - No monthly mortgage insurance added to your payment. - Easier credit qualifying compared to other types of mortgage loans. - VA Mortgage Rates are low compared to other types of home loans. How do you know if you qualify for a VA Mortgage Loan in Alameda California?You must first verify your eligibility. This is done by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. An Alameda California VA l... 02/03/2014

  Things to do in Alameda on January 31, February 1 and 2, 2014     Things to do in Alameda:  The Altarena Playhouse presents “Side Show” with a performance on Friday, January 31, at 8:00 pm at the Altarena at 1409 High Street.  The play will continue through February 23 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and on Sundays at 2:00 pm.  Please call 510-523-1553 for reservations.        En La Habana featuring Felix Samuel and Friends on Friday, January 31 at 8:00 pm  at Rhythmix Cultural Works at 2513 Blanding Avenue. Please call 501-865-5060 for information.   FELIX SAMUEL   Il Trovatore opening night on Friday January 31 at 7:30 pm, presented by the Virago Theatre Company at the Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda.  Tickets are $25 to $45.  Ticket info.    I had tickets... 01/31/2014

When I first met with my client and took a tour of his home, I was a bit worried about how we can present this Alameda CA Victorian home so that it will appeal to a potential buyer.   MEN AND THEIR TOYS Here's the situation.....and this is not a put down of men....but these guys are real heavy into the men "stuff". The father and his two grown up sons are avid motorcyclists and bicyclists. As such, there are multiple bicycles, motorcycles, helmets, riding gear, tools, etc. scattered throughout the house. There is no dining room table....just couches and chairs parked in front of their TVs. Stereo equipment, CDs, DVDS, games, controllers are at every level of the house where there's a TV. Clothes strewn here, there and everywhere. Hard rock and motorcyle pictures and posters on the wall.... 01/31/2014

  The Zany Three Ring Bingo Returns to Rhythmix Cultural Works   The zany Three Ring Bingo returns to Rhythmix Cultural Works on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 7:30 pm.  It is another wild and fun filled evening of bingo and much more.  You will not only be able to play 10 games of bingo for only $25.00 but you will have the chance to win valuable prizes including a grand prize of $200 sponsored by Buested Construction.         Mr. Entertainment will once again be the masters of ceremony for the evening which will feature the dancing Yay Girls and special guests.  Silly costumes and red foam noses advised for this zany night of fun and “comedic spoof of bingo culture.”  So don a wild costume and join the fun at Rhythmix Cultural Works at 2513 Blanding Avenue in Alameda.  Please call 510... 01/30/2014

      Market Report of the Alameda real estate activity 1/20/2014 to 1/27/14   Last week’s totals from 1/20/2014 to………..………….…………………….1/27/2014 New homes on the market................................................................11 Price changes......................................................................................2 Homes that sold.................................................................................3 Pending activity - all not just last week...............................................49 All properties currently on the market.................................................28 Condos currently on the market..........................................................4 Townhouses currently on the market...................................................5 Distre... 01/27/2014

  What’s So Funny After 50?  Comedian Dan St. Paul knows. What’s so funny after 50? Comedian Dan St. Paul knowsand will share some of hisfunny anecdotes about aging will be featured at the Alameda Pinball Museum on February 7 at 8:00 pm. at 1510 Webster Street in Alameda.  Ticket are $15.00. Dan is a veteran of the San Francisco comedy scene with a hiatus in Los Angeles and as a opening act for Jerry Seinfeld, Natalie Cole and Smokey Robinson.     He talks about the changes he has experienced since reaching the half-century mark.  “I am a cylinder now.  I can wear a belt anywhere on my body,” he says of his maturing body.  “ I have eight  pairs of reading glassing and I have no idea where they,” he says of his faulty memory.   Lovers of comedy in their 50’s will relate to Dan’s revelati... 01/26/2014

  Want to Know More About Your Family History in Alameda?   Want to know more about your Family History in Alameda?  Well, you are in luck.  The Alameda Free Library has added the Ancestry Library Edition database from ProQuest to make your research easier.  All you need to do is use the public computers at the Library and start your search.   ALAMEDA FREE LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH     Learning about your family history is a trend that has attracted more and more interest.  Many people are curious about their ancestors for many reasons.  They want to tell their children about their background and preserve their family cultural and ethnic traditions for future generations.   Knowing about your ancestors can enrich your life.     People may want to investigate their family’s medical  history to... 01/25/2014

  Things to do in Alameda on January 24, 25 and 26, 2014     Things to do in Alameda:  The Altarena Playhouse presents “Side Show” with a performance on January 24, at 8:00 pm at the Altarena at 1409 High Street.  The play will continue through February 23 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and on Sundays at 2:00 pm.  Please call 510-523-1553 for reservations.     Things to do in Alameda:  TheAlameda’s Farmer’s Market is open to the public Saturday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 28 morning from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine.  All the winter fruits and vegetables are available at great prices.  So good.  Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for delectable winter fruits and vegetables.  The market is on Webster Street and Haight Avenue.   Things to do in Alameda: Alameda South Shore ... 01/24/2014

Life in Alameda.....wonderful duet opens to WATERFRONT. Fabulous home by San Francisco Bay Location: Brittany Landing in Harbor Bay Living in Alameda is quite a blessing. And to live in a home with direct access to the trail along San Francisco Bay....that's glorious!Having an extra large patio where one can entertain outdoors, enjoy views of the Bay, commune with nature, or go on the trail especially with Alameda's ever-beautiful weather....that's joy! Fabulous home with open plan that integrates indoorwith outdoor living areas. Exceptionally spacious living room with gas burning fireplace and wet bar. Superlative master bedroom with bath en suite, its own gas burning fireplace, wet bar and balcony with overlooking the trail by San Francisco Bay.  Largest 2-story model in gated commun... 01/22/2014

  The Alameda Museum announced that the Meyers House and Garden will be open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.  That gives Alamedans and visitors to Alameda more opportunities to visit this beautiful example of a colonial revival home.  Formerly the House and Garden were only opened once a month.  It will be open this week on Saturday, January 24, 2014 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.       The gorgeous colonial revival home was built in 1897 for the prominent Alameda architect, Henry H. Meyers.  Mr. Meyers designed many building in the Bay Area including the Alameda Veteran’s buildings and other Veteran’s buildings throughout the County.  He also designed churches, schools and the Posey Tube Portal of the Webster Tube.        MEYERS' HOME PARLOR   Meyers’ last remaining daughter, ... 01/22/2014

Realtors’ bad behavior at another realtor’s brokers tour/open house    Broker’s tour Yesterday during a broker’s tour, I was reveling in the good and positive comments from agents and neighbors who came to see my newest Alameda listing. As always, I served Chinese dim sum, which helped provide a festive atmosphere where agents lingered and talked among ourselves.  Here comes Ms. Sourpuss. She didn’t say hi, and proceeded to complain that I should have put on the gate what the access code is to enter. I told her that I provided that info under confidential remarks on the MLS listing, and again in the tour listing. Obviously, seeing many agents on the premises, they got there without any problems. But oh no, that wasn’t enough for Ms. Sourpuss. She said she doesn’t print the MLS listing d... 01/22/2014

  Alameda real estate market activity 1/13/2014 to 1/20/14   Last week’s totals from 1/6/2014 to………..………….…………………….1/20/2014 New homes on the market..............................................................11 Price changes....................................................................................0 Homes that sold................................................................................7 Pending activity - all not just last week..............................................43 All properties currently on the market................................................26 Condos currently on the market.........................................................4 Townhouses currently on the market..................................................3 Distressed properties: Bank Owned ... 01/20/2014

Someone asked me how long it takes to prepare a property for sale. The usual answer is “It depends”. For the benefit of potential sellers, this should give you an idea of the process.   ONE DAY The shortest period of time I enjoyed from start to finish was just one day.   I was lucky enough to get a call from a couple who said they wanted to talk with me about selling their home in Alameda CA. We set up a meeting that very afternoon. And when I arrived, they said they were ready to sign the listing agreement (this was before Docusign, so thank goodness I had the listing agreement and other documents printed ahead of time). Even better, the house was pristine, and show-ready. And they wanted to get it on the market as soon as possible..meaning, that same day!   While they were filling ou... 01/18/2014

Things to do in Alameda on January 17, 18 and 19, 2014 Things to do in Alameda:  This is the last weekend The Little Ice Rink will be open at South Shore Center.  The last day it will be open is January 20, 2014. Admission is $15 for ages 9 and up, $10 for ages 8 and under, with a discount if you furnish your own skates.  For more information please call 510-629-1432.     Things to do in Alameda:  The Altarena Playhouse presents “Side Show” opening performance on January 17, at 8:00 pm at the Altarena at 1409 High Street.  The play is about siamese twins working at a circus side show. The play will continue through February 23 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and on Sundays at 2:00 pm. Please call 510-523-1553 for reservations.     Things to do in Alameda:  The Alameda’s Farmer’s Mar... 01/17/2014

  10 Things do before selling your Alameda home     10 things to do before selling your Alameda home.  If you are planning to sell your home in 2014, you will need to do some preparation prior to putting your home on the market.  Maybe the paint is peeling or the kitchen faucet has been leaking and needs to be repaired.  There is always something to do.  Here are the basics things you must do.   1.  Make minor repairs on the exterior of your home.           2.  Make minor repairs on the interior of your home.         3.  Declutter the home and garage.  Remove family pictures and jewelry and valuables, collectables,firearms.  Clean and make your garage neat and organized.  Box those things you will be taking with you and stack the boxes in the garage.   4.  Curb appeal is key to attracti... 01/16/2014

  10 ways to save on your electric bill in Alameda   1.  Replace light bulbs with CFL or LED lights.     2.  Use appliances strategically.  Drying loads of clothing consecutively minimizes energy consumption because the unit remains warmer longer.   3.  Wash clothes in cold water.   4.  Select drying cycles that uses the uses the moisture sensor.  Moisture sensors monitor laundry dryness and stops the drying cycle when there is no moisture in the laundry. 5.  Unplug appliances when you go on vacation.  Plug devices only when you need them.         6.  Use power strips for electronic equipment.  Some electronics consume energy even when you’re not using them.  Plugging those electronics to a power strip lets you turn them all off with the flick of one switch.     7.  Use computer and gam... 01/15/2014