Loan Modification… If You Can’t Take the Heat…Many of you have asked me about loan modification services. Last week, I attended a risk management seminar with Shannon B Jones (http://www.calrealestatelaw.com/profiles.html) , one of the best real estate attorneys in CA. Her perspective is that the loan mod business is in its infancy in 2009, comparable to where short sales were in 2008 and REO sales were in 2006. That means that every lender has its own rules, there is little oversight, and there is little predictability to how a modification will be handled. This is particularly true in cases with a second, when dealing with recourse loans, or when the property owner has assets beyond the property in question. Still, many people must find out if loan modification is an option, as it may... 06/25/2009

Press Release | 6-25-09 DAWN SMALLWOOD OF EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES SUPPORTS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WALNUT CREEK - Dawn Smallwood, Realtor at Empire Realty Associates, supports several community organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raising Program, Seven Hills School and Girl Scouts.  Dawn has been involved in Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raising Program for two years.  She has trained several guide dogs and is committed to volunteering her time to helping the blind.  Her assistance comes in the form of providing basic obedience training and enforcing good manners to the guide dogs that assist these individuals.  She has been on the committee for the Annual Giving Campaign, Co-Chair and the Annual Auction, Decorations Chair for seven years at the Seven Hills private sc... 06/25/2009

          Dream Weavers Women Homeownership Network                                                                                                  Kickoff Event!!   “Dedicated Women who provide practical resources for women in the community and enrich their lives for personal and professional growth.”   Proudly Presents "The Essential Facts of the Current Real Estate Market" ~ An educational seminar for Women ~   Speakers: Ellen Osmundson Prudential California Realty Published Author    Kris Viers Sr. Mortgage Banker, US Bank   Date and Time: Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.   Location: US Bank, 1655 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek   Cost: FREE   Why This Seminar? There have been confusing jargons and scary reports about the real estate market in the media in the last few years.  What exactly... 06/24/2009

If You would like a free Introduction to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California, let us know, and we will mail you a booklet we have put together. It is a great survival guide, and gives you the real dope on this really vibrant community. Such a deal! It is our goal as your full service real estate company specializing in the Walnut Creek, Danville, and Pleasant Hill areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. Our local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources we offer.  Michael 925.209.5140, Jackie 925.209.5130. www.WalnutCreekTeam.com   06/24/2009

There are currently 27 single family homes for sale in NorthGate area of Walnut Creek CA ranging in price from $689,900 to $3,200,000*. Homes for sale in the NorthGate area of Walnut Creek CA are some of the most popular homes among the offerings of Walnut Creek CA real estate due to the proximity of good schools, parks and trailhead access. The most affordable single family home in the NorthGate area is currently listed at $689,900 and is described in the MLS as a "Close to all Schools, shopping and transportation. Hardwood floors and new Family Room Vinyl. Fresh interior paint. Pool! New front landscaping with sprinklers. One Story. Lot size approx. 12150 sq. ft. Walnut Creek Golf Course close by." On the other end of the spectrum you will find an older estate  home offered at $3,200,... 06/23/2009

Every Tuesday in our area, we have our local "Broker Tour".  Many have asked what it is and many have said 'take me along with you'!  Broker Tour is an Open House of new listings within our local association of Realtors.  It is geared toward our fellow Realtors so we have a chance to preview these new listings.  We all have busy schedules so it's nice to have this one day to have these Open Homes available for us to see.  I hope this explains my 'tweets' and 'status' comments when I say 'Heading out to Broker Open'.  For those of you who asked to tag along, here's a little highlight video of 3 homes that I toured.   Walnut Creek, CA produced by Terri Adams-Scott on WellcomeMat If you would like more information about these homes or others in the Walnut Creek area, please give me a call.... 06/18/2009

It's no wonder that buyers seek out condos for sale in Walnut Creek CA. The city of Walnut Creek California has it all; cultural events, major shopping areas, good schools, parks & recreation areas, favorable climate, transportation via BART to San Francisco and points beyond! Use this link to Search the MLS for Walnut Creek CA condos and townhomes for sale in Walnut Creek CA and all Walnut Creek real estate. Click here to request a list of all townhomes & condos for sale in Walnut Creek including address, photos and description. This Real Estate Market Snapshot for June 17th, 2009 reveals that there are currently 104 condos & townhomes for sale in Walnut Creek CA.* No - Studio units for sale in Walnut Creek CA 28 - 1 Bedroom units for sale in Walnut Creek CA, priced from $130,000 to $4... 06/17/2009

I don't know about you, but real "new York" pizza is almost impossible to find around Contra Costa County. Sure we hve the best weather, and fantastic scenery here in Northern California, but New York pizza just shows me what we lack. A serious slice. Thin Thin Thin crust, a little drippy, and ya gotta be able to fold it, to do it right. This place I just discovered, has it all.  It is owned and operated by a guy named Michael Grunner, from the Bronx.  A hell of a product. Check it out; it's called East Coast Pizza, at 2085 N. Broadway, in Walnut Creek. There, One less reason to go back to New York! It is our goal as your full service real estate company specializing in the Walnut Creek, Danville, and Pleasant Hill areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. Our local expe... 06/17/2009

Empire Realty Associates   Press Release | 6-16-09 SUZANNE MASELLA OF EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES GRADUATES FROM CONTRA COSTA LEADERSHIP TRAINING WALNUT CREEK - Suzanne Masella, Realtor at Empire Realty Associates, graduated from the Contra Costa Leadership Training on June 4th.  This was a 10 month program sponsored by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.  Admittance is extremely competitive and only 35 members are selected from hundreds of applicants. Each month the curriculum focuses on a particular issue in the County. It was designed to motivate and identify potential leaders and prepare them for community leadership. Suzanne received awards from The U.S. Congress (Ellen Tauscher, U.S. Congress), State Senate (Mark DeSaulnier, State Congressman), State Assembly (Joan Buchanan, State ... 06/17/2009

June 17th, 2009 - 6 Short Sales in Walnut Creek CA sold and closed during May. 1 was a single family home Short Sale in Walnut Creek CA and 5 were attached homes (condos and townhomes).* It's a great time to buy investment properties in Walnut Creek CA. The 1 detached single family home that was a Short Sale in Walnut Creek CA was listed for $679,000 and sold for of $695,000. Additional details on this home sale follow:   The 5 attached homes (including condos and townhouses) that were Short Sales in Walnut Creek CA had a low sales price of $163,000 (for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo with a reported 889 square feet of living space) and a high sales price of $485,000 (for a 3 bedroom, 2 and a half-bath townhome with a reported 1,565 square feet of living space. The median sale price for shor... 06/17/2009

June 17th, 2009 - 12 REOs in Walnut Creek CA or Foreclosures in Walnut Creek CA sold and closed during May. 3 were single family homes and 9 were attached homes (all condos).* It's a great time to buy investment properties in Walnut Creek CA. ·         The 3 detached single family homes that were REOs in Walnut Creek CA or Foreclosures in Walnut Creek CA had a low sales price of $640,000 and a high sales price of $950,000. The median sale price for foreclosures in Walnut Creek CA sold during this period is $764,900. These homes spent an average of 95 days on the market. ·         The 9 attached homes (all condos) that were REOs in Walnut Creek CA or Foreclosures in Walnut Creek CA had a low sales price of $120,000 (for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo with a reported 517 square feet of living ... 06/17/2009

Heather Farm Community and Recreational Park is situated on 102 acres and located in Walnut Creek, CA.  It's a gorgeous park with views of Mt. Diablo in the background.  The park has a Swim Center, tennis, picnic areas, community center, equestrian center, skate park, off-leash dog park, bike and walking paths, six athletic fields, tot lots, sand volleyball courts, fishing pond, restrooms and connects to the Iron Horse Trail.  It's also the home of the annual Walnut Festival carnival. The Gardens at Heather Farm buttons up to Heather Farm Park.  Established in 1968, the gardens are a living museum, a wildlife habitat, an outdoor classroom and a beautiful place for all to enjoy.  For more information about Walnut Creek and all it has to offer, visit the city's website at www.walnut-creek... 06/08/2009

The May 2009 median home price in Walnut Creek CA was $721,000 for single family detached homes.* There were 26 home sales of single family detached homes, the highest priced home sold for $1,600,000, the lowest price home sold for $455,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for May 2009 in Walnut Creek California was $750,471. These homes were on the market an average of 52 days. Your Walnut Creek California real estate market update was written June 4th, 2009. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end. How much did 688 Charleston Court in Walnut Creek CA sell for? 688 Charleston Court in Walnut Creek CA sold for $455,000 after 55 days on the market:   How much did 1826 Castle Gate Road in Walnut Creek CA sell for? 1826 Castle... 06/04/2009

The May 2009 the median home price in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek was $171,000 for attached homes including condos and town houses*. There were 25 attached units sold, the highest priced unit sold for $750,000 (a rare 3 bedroom 2 bath with 1,972 square feet, level-in with access by garage chairlift), and the lowest price unit sold for $100,000 (a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit with 842 square feet of living space, single story, level-in. The average selling price of attached homes for May 2009 in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek California was $227,032 after being on the market an average of 82 days. Your Rossmoor in Walnut Creek CA real estate market update was written June 2nd, 2009. See below for information on attached homes sold on the low and high end. What did 1201 Oakmont Drive, Unit #4 in Rossmoo... 06/02/2009

Market Snapshot for Homes for Sale in Walnut Heights in Walnut Creek CA June 1st, 2009* -  There are currently 15 detached single family homes for sale in Walnut Heights in Walnut Creek CA. This is a very diverse area that includes vintage cottages and new estate homes. These single family homes for sale in Walnut Heights range in size from a reported 1,291 to 4,485 square feet with asking prices from $749,000 to $1,949,000. The median listing price in Walnut Heights on June 1st, 2009 is $999,000. Click here to request a list of homes for sale in Walnut Heights in Walnut Creek CA Click here to receive monthly market snapshots for Homes for Sale in Walnut Heights in Walnut Creek CA One detached single family homes for sale in Walnut Heights actually sold in the month of May 2009. Additio... 06/01/2009

CCAR Green Walk 5K June 14, 2009 Expect fun, camaraderie, sunshine, a lovely setting, and exercise at the CCAR GreenWalk5K which benefits the Moses Guillory Perpetual Scholarship! Participation fee is $20.   Registration is at 8am, with snacks, water, a tee shirt, and group photos provided for the walk, which begins promptly at 9am. Art Thoms Locker Room will conduct an auction of Raiders memorabilia, with a share of the proceeds going to the CCAR Scholarship Fund. Organize a team for your organization. Prizes will be awarded! Heather Farm 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek 8AM REGISTRATION 9AM GREENWALK BEGINS! Come join me!!  I am walking for Moses.  If you knew him, you know why!!   This is event will be followed by CCAR's first ever Green Fest!! Go Green Power, Cathy Lee Cathy L... 06/01/2009

I thought the whole rebound thing was wishful thinking.  But I have come to believe that we can change the economy, if we believe that things are getting better. If our clients think that it is now a great time to buy, it is now a great time to buy.  I keep running into multiple offers on properties. Yippie, the recession is now over! Perceptioon has become reality. It is our goal as your full service real estate company specializing in the Walnut Creek, Danville, and Pleasant Hill areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. Our local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources we offer.  Michael 925.209.5140, Jackie 9... 05/30/2009

There are currently 21 single family homes for sale in NorthGate area of Walnut Creek CA ranging in price from $699,000 to $3,200,000*. Homes for sale in the NorthGate area of Walnut Creek CA are some of the most popular homes among the offerings of Walnut Creek CA real estate due to the proximity of good schools, parks and trailhead access. The most affordable single family home in the NorthGate area is currently listed at $699,000 and is described in the MLS as a "Close to all Schools, shopping and transportation. Hardwood floors and new Family Room Vinyl. Fresh interior paint. Pool! New front landscaping with sprinklers. One Story. Lot size approx. 12150 sq. ft. Walnut Creek Golf Course close by." On the other end of the spectrum you will find an older estate  home offered at $3,200,... 05/27/2009

1. Build your inbound links 2. Put a video on your page 3. Rate all the meta keywords you use 4. Use an SEO grading school like the FREE one provided by Hubspot at http://website.grader.com/ or one of the more advanced tools listed on http://www.avivadirectory.com/free-online-tests/ 5. Follow RSS feeds, blogs, tweets, and any other social media network on at least 5 different networking sites and at least 5 people on each site and constantly learn and research new SEO methods. If all else fails pay someone else to do it.   Paul Hitchings www.hitchingsconsulting.com 05/25/2009

It's no wonder that buyers seek out condos for sale in Walnut Creek CA. The city of Walnut Creek California has it all; cultural events, major shopping areas, good schools, parks & recreation areas, favorable climate, transportation via BART to San Francisco and points beyond! Use this link to Search the MLS for Walnut Creek condos and Walnut Creek real estate. This Real Estate Market Snapshot for May 19th, 2009 reveals that there are currently 105 condos & townhomes for sale in Walnut Creek CA.* This is a link to all the townhomes and condos for sale in Walnut Creek CA on May 19th, including photos, address and price. (This link will time out on June 18, 2009) No - Studio units for sale in Walnut Creek CA 23 - 1 Bedroom units for sale in Walnut Creek CA, priced from $135,000 to $599,00... 05/20/2009