Short Sale Buyers who WALK once you have approval STINK!   Another sad story, different house, different buyers, different sellers, same story.  I'm getting really tired of THIS story! We have a Short Sale home in Tracy, CA. We make sure the buyer signs our disclosure stating this is a short sale. We ask the buyer to put money in escrow for at least 90 days while we wait for the approval. We talk to the buyer's agent once a week to give them an update. We talk to the buyer's agent on Friday, yes we have verbal approval, yes we should have our approval in 3 days, are you buyers still there?  YES, of course they are..... APPROVAL LETTER ARRIVES..... Yes our seller is bringing money to the table. Yes our seller has been making payments so the 2nd doesn't send the file to collections. YES ... 06/10/2011

I know you said NO, but I refuse to accept that as an answer.   This is more and more frequent when it comes to a short sale.  When talking to a Bank, taking NO is just not an option. Frequently we will hear "No, we can't do that."  "No we won't postpone the foreclosure date."  "No we won't contribute more money to the second." However, my policy is now - I will only take "NO" if that person has the authority to say "YES". What?  If I'm talking to a negotiator, I want to talk to their supervisor.  If I'm talking to a supervisor, I want to talk to their supervisor, I keep working my way up the proverbial totem pole until I get to the President.  I'm willing to go all the way to the top fighting for my Short Sale clients in Tracy and Mountain House, CA.   If you live in Northern CA and ha... 06/08/2011

It's That time of year again... The Tracy Wine Stumble Stroll.      The Wine Stroll happens twice a year once in the Spring and again in the Fall. Friday, June 3rd, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. you will find the community of Tracy downtown between 6th- 10th Streets and Central Street strolling through stores and shops as they taste different wines and indulge on snacks. Usually snacks entail cheese, bread and crackers, etc.  Wine's poured are usually local vineyards. This is a GREAT event that promotes downtown businesses in Tracy, CA. I'll be there, say Hi!  I'll have a bottle of water, as wine and I don't mix well due to a severe grape allergy, hence I'm the perfect designated driver.     If you're attending the Wine Stroll, bring a designated driver.... it's the responsible thing to do. 06/02/2011

I received a call today from a farmer from Redding, CA. Redding is several hours away from Tracy, CA.  He left a message asking me to call back as soon as possible. He wanted to know how to participate in MY FARMER'S MARKET..... At first I thought, this gentleman dialed the wrong number.  I had an appointment, and figured I'd call him back when I got back.   90 minutes later I had 2 more messages from him.  Asking if I would please provide information on how he could participate in MY Farmer's Market in Tracy, CA, THIS SATURDAY. Then, the LIGHT BULB came on.   I wrote a ACTIVE RAIN Blog last month about the Tracy Farmers Market.   I picked up the phone and called this frustrated farmer back.  I explained that the Tracy Farmer's Market was run by the City of Tracy (I think), I gave him ... 06/02/2011

I'm Singing in the Rain, Just Singing in the Rain..... it's really raining in Tracy, CA.   I'm sure you all thought I was talking about ActiveRain, and I'll get to that. REALLY, it's May 31st, it's raining and mid 60's here today. I don't know if the world slid south and we are really in the Northwest or if the world spun faster and it's fall already or if by change global warming is really global cooling.  Either way, it's strange weather in Northern California. I'm quite certain by next week we will go from average high of 67 to average high of 85 and everyone's systems will be shocked due to the change. That all being said, I did it.  Today is post day 31 in row.  WHO HOO, and singing in the rain is exactly I'm doing.  54 posts, in 31 days.  I thought this was the most posts ever, a... 05/31/2011

It's Memorial Day, time to honor those serving for our country & those that died doing it.  Thank you service men & women :)     The homes in the above newsletter are all the homes that went pending in Tracy, CA last week. Notice the color coding to make things easy. (green)=the number of stories (red)=garage size (*)= there is a pool (brown address color)=the house is Tracy country property. Noah's corner is the biggest hit in this one. It is my 11 yr olds version of his world summarized each week.  I am off my crutches.  i visited my cousin Michael's new house and saw my family.  we are going to the A's and Yankees game today.  05/31/2011

Happy Memorial Day - Tracy, CA Style - Our Own Little Arlington                    In Tracy, CA a town of 85,000, every year for Veteran's Day and Memorial Day the streets are lined with flags on the flag posts.  As you drive down 11th Street or on Central, flags are everywhere.   Every lightpole on Central Ave, in Tracy, CA, the light poles have a yellow banners, every person who is in the military is listed on these banners. there is a flag adoring these poles on Memorial and Veteran Days. If you drive to the Tracy Cemetary, someone puts a flag at every person buried there who served in the Military.   In addition to this there is "Little Arlington".  I've been to Arlington and it's impressive to see.  Tracy's "Little Arlington" is a wonderful tribute to those who served our country ... 05/29/2011

Introducing Our Newest Agent - Janice Adamson, Joins Crown Key Realty in Tracy, CA Today a good friend, a great agent joined Crown Key Realty. Janice is not a "mover" by personality, and she's been talking to me and thinking about this change for 6 months. We are excited to have Janice join us.   Janice works very diligently for her clients.  She helps buyers find the perfect homes.  She helps sellers get the best price for their homes. She works with some REO banks and equity sellers.  I've known Janice for several years and there aren't many agents I'd rather have on the other side of the transaction. It's always good to have a back up plan even when you're happy with your current brokerage.  Do you have a back up plan?  If not, it might be time to consider one. 05/25/2011

        The homes in the above newsletter are all the homes that went pending in Tracy, CA  last week.  Notice the color coding to make things easy. (green)=the number of stories (red)=garage size (*)= there is a pool (brown address color)=the house is Tracy country property. Noah's corner is the biggest hit in this one.  It is my 11 yr olds version of his world summarized each week.  I'm still on crutches.  School is almost over.  I couldn't finish baseball because of my ankle.  My dad is back from camping, I'm really happy about that. 05/23/2011

Price Per Square Foot in Tracy, CA This is one of the most powerful things to know when you are working with real estate.  If you're wanting to sell your Tracy CA home, you should know what the average price per square foot is so that you don't over price your home.  If you are putting your Tracy home up for sale as a short sale this information will ensure that the you don't price your property too high or too low. If you are buying a home in Tracy, CA, knowing the average dollar per square foot may give you an indication as to how much competition you will have.  Recently a home came on the market in Tracy, CA that was priced at $66.10/sqft.  The listing agent had 31 offers in less than a week.  Why, because the average price per square foot is $115 in Tracy.  Assume the house is 1,00... 05/22/2011

Tracy Guns & Hoses Basketball Tournament, Saturday May 21st benefits D.A.R.E. program in Tracy, CA Tracy Police vs Tracy Fire 7pm game time at West High School Gym Come out and support a great local cause. $2 ticket at the door Raffle prizes donated by lots of local businesses in town 1)  2 Nerf Hydro Cannon Supersoakers 2)  "Pool Fun"       Spring float lounge       Spring float papasan       twin pack foam blasters       sunscreen 3)  Have Dinner on us (flower pot) 4)  Have Dinner on us (flower pot) 5)  Have Dinner on us (flower pot) 6)  "Everything Store bag"        5.11 Push Pack       Rite in the Rain ~ waterproof notebook       5.11 anniversary cap       OD American flag patch 7)   "Prime Health & Nutrition Gym Bag"        $50 store credit        shaker mix bottle        towel    ... 05/21/2011

Reallocating of Funds?  Is it a HOME or is it a DEBT?   I was speaking to a lender today.  We were discussing short sales and strategic defaults. He said to me, "People are coming to the conclusion that they either have a house or a debt.   It's a matter of persepctive.  When they consider it a debt they have to decide if it makes sense to re-allocate funds."  Should they pay rent of $1500 and put $2000 in savings or pay $3500 to a mortgage that is $250,000 upside down, and may never have equity for a long time.  There is a tax write off for the interest, right now, if that goes away..... My question is, if it's only a debt and nothing more, is the dream of home ownership diminshing? Isn't home ownership more than a Debt?  Isn't it security, freedom and the American Dream? Or is it?     05/20/2011

Girls Night Out?   Progressive Pink Party? Really, and the City of Tracy is sponsoring the affair? What is this you ask...well it's an attempt to answer the question, "What is there for THE GIRLS to do in Tracy at night?" This is being put on by the City of Tracy and the Downtown Association  It will start at the Transit Station, progress to numerous shops in the downtown area, including Bellisma' and Elaines'. From there photos will be taken at the Photographic Studios and on to the Grand Theater. It's only $15 for a ticket.  Your ticket gets you admittance, a goody bag and more.  Buy your tickets here. Once you arrive at the Grand Theater there will be a DJ, Music and light snacks. I'm going, taking 6 friends, meeting more friends down town. Tickets were still available late Thursday ... 05/19/2011

Tracy Spring Wine Stumble Stroll Downtown Tracy CA Friday, June 3rd, 2011 6:30pm to 9:30pm hosted by Tracy City Center Association $25 pre-sale... $30 day of the event purchase your tickets online at Tracy Wine Stroll or you may call 209-831-6858 @ the Grand Theater Center for the Arts NOTE!!!: this event is not recommended for children (DUH!!!), quite sad that we have to put that disclaimer on it, but believe it or not , there have been parents (gasp) that have brought their children in strollers.  Maybe it was the "Stroll" part that encouraged them. hee hee (176,-3)   05/19/2011

        ear The homes in the above newsletter are all the homes that went pending in Tracy, CA  last week.  Notice the color coding to make things easy. (green)=the number of stories (red)=garage size (*)= there is a pool (brown address color)=the house is Tracy country property. Noah's corner is the biggest hit in this one.  It is my 11 yr olds version of his world summarized each week.  I sprained my ankle playing basketball, now I have to use crutches.  I don't like them.  My dad is camping in Arizona for a week.  We got my Grandpa a new tv. (176,-3) 05/18/2011

1st time home buyers, this is not Mom and Dad's home buying market. Back in the day, a REO property was a "deal".  It was a steal.  Sometimes it was in pathetic shape, sometimes it was in good shape.  However, a REO property is no longer the best deal in town. Recently I showed a home in Tracy, an REO property, it was priced at $132.00/sq ft.  For some areas of the country this is a great price, however, every home in this neighborhood was between $110 - $114/sq ft.  What does this mean to you?  The home was over priced.  Not only was it over priced, there was a leak in the garage, the pool was green, it needed new carpet.  Although it was an REO property it was NOT the best "deal" or I prefer VALUE in the neighborhood. REO Properties for sale and sold..... notice that in 3/11, sold wa... 05/17/2011

Speechless Sunday - God's Wonders Today the skies above Tracy, CA saw weather. In some parts of the country "weather" is nothing new. Here in Tracy CA, in May, having "weather" is amazing. There was rain, lots of it. There was HAIL, about the size of a marble, more than once. There were rainbows, lots of them. Probably due to the sun popping throuh the clouds like in the photo above. God's Skies were Wonderous Today. 05/15/2011

Stats for April 2011 for Tracy, CA  Zip Codes 95376, 95377, 95304   Intrepreted - The number of active listings has done up from March from 268 up to 283 in April. However the number of pending dropped from 213 in March to 189 in April. Sold listings dropped also.  March properties Sold was 128 and it droppped to 118. Why do these stats matter to consumers?  Buyers and sellers? As the spread between Actives and Solds show whether we are in a buyer's market or seller's market.  The farther the spread, the more inventory there is to choose from, the more willing sellers are to make concessions.  As you can see from the graph above in Spring of 2010 the number of actives and solds were much closer than they are in Spring 2011.  Fewer multiple offers, fewer over askng offers, etc.  Call tod... 05/15/2011

I bailed the babysitter out of jail...relay for life jail that is. It was a special day in Tracy yesterday.  Relay for Life event was in full swing.  This year I left my usual realtor team to help our Tracy Firefighter, Tracy Police & Tracy DARE program get a combo team going.  Lots of DARE kids from the community came to our booth to sign in & do some volunteer work.  One of those cute little DARE kids (younger brother of a DARE kid actually) came to our booth in the afternoon in a panic.  He said my sister is babysitting me & they arrested her.  I can't get her out, they want $3.  I was stunned, really, i was thinking.  At first I was irritated that how could they do that.  I pulled money out of my pocket & gave him the $3 him right away.  I almost walked him back over there.  I had t... 05/15/2011

    The homes in the above newsletter are all the homes that went pending in Tracy, CA  last week.  Notice the color coding to make things easy. (green)=the number of stories (red)=garage size (*)= there is a pool (brown address color)=the house is Tracy country property. Noah's corner is the biggest hit in this one.  It is my 11 year olds version of his world summarized each week.  My mom and dad are in Las Vegas.  This weekend i saw my Aunt Trudi and Uncle Nono and my cousin Matt.  I helped my cousin Michael and his wife Dana move. 05/13/2011