Home Sales volume is UP in Walnut Creek CA!* There are currently 55 single family detached homes pending sale in Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $499,900 to $2,495,000, with an average asking price of $960,729. Your Walnut Creek California real estate market update written May 10, 2008   Statistics show the Walnut Creek CA real estate market for single family homes has hit bottom and turned. The Contra Costa County home sales data is posted monthly and includes units sold and average price and is posted separately for detached single family homes and attached homes (duets, condos and townhomes)  There are currently 58 single family detached homes under contingency contract or pending sale in Walnut Creek CA. That's a huge increase over the number of homes sold in Apr... 05/11/2008

Jumbo Rate Locking   It's a shame that a great idea can sometimes be dragged down by others. Yes, I'm still touting Jumbo Mortgage  Rates. Here's a synopsis of what happened. Tuesday, May 6th: Fannie announces to that they are going to enable lower interest rates for Jumbo Mortgages - pushing them closer to Conforming Loan Rates. Wednesday, May 7th:  Fannie did just that.  Jumbo Mortgage Rates dropped significantly. Thursday, May 8th:  Lenders are reporting, as expected, an increase in Jumbo Mortgage Locks.  However, upon closer inspection, those Lenders are reporting today that the loans that were locked were also a "bit higher than the prevailing interest rate". Let me decipher that for you (I'm using all hypothetical numbers and rates just for clarification) You applied for a loan a ... 05/08/2008

The April 2008 median home price in Walnut Creek CA was $845,000 for single family detached homes. There were 33 home sales of single family detached homes, the highest priced home sold for $1,950,000, the lowest price home sold for $569,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for April 2008 in Walnut Creek California was $929,637. Your Walnut Creek California real estate market update written May 1, 2008.Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Danville CA! There are currently 55 single family detached homes pending sale in Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $499,900 to $2,495,000, with an average asking price of $960,729. In April 2008 median home price in Walnut Creek was $422,995 for attached homes including duets, patio homes, condo... 05/05/2008

The April 2008 the median home price in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek was $315,900 for attached homes including duets, condos and town houses. There were 29 attached units sold, the highest priced unit sold for $925,000, and the lowest price unit sold for $185,000. The average selling price of attached homes for April 2008 in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek California was $376,093. Your Rossmoor in Walnut Creek  CA real estate market update written May 1, 2008.Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Rossmoor in Walnut Creek CA! There are currently 50 attached homes pending sale in Rossmoor Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $99,000 to $835,000, with an average asking price of $313,107. Sales of detached single family homes in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek CA, an active adult ... 05/05/2008

What recession? Not only is GDP still positive, but today's April payroll report, expected -75k, only showed a drop in Non-farm payroll of 20k, stronger than expected. The Unemployment Rate moved from 5.1% down to 5.0%, although Hourly Earnings were -.1%. During the last recessionary period, the US Unemployment Rate hit 6.3% five years ago. Did it move the markets? You bet: mortgage prices are worse between .250-.5, and the 10-yr yield shot up into the mid-3.80’s. Speaking of how many of us feel in the mortgage business… A man walked into a cafe, went to the bar and ordered a beer. "Certainly, Sir, that'll be one cent." "One Cent?" the man thought. He glanced at the menu and asked, "How much for a nice juicy steak and a bottle of wine?" "A nickel," the barman replied. "A nickel?" exclai... 05/02/2008

Fixed Rates are Better! Ok, so are the ARMS. I just wanted to stir up the pot a little. As of this morning we are almost 1/4% lower for the same conforming loan profile that I would have quoted two days ago. That's a pretty big jump! This has little to do with the Fed's and more to do with what is happening in the market today. Remember, we are in an extremely volatile market right now.Change happens and it happens fast!   How's your Ducks? I hope to lock two loans today, maybe three. These have approvals already and ready to close. They have their Ducks in a Row. BTW: If you are locking your loans - make sure you get a lock confirmation (in writing). If not your loan officer is probably playing you. I recently streamlined the application process I'm using.Cleaner, Neater, More Concise... 05/01/2008

 Here's what a blank form looks like.  In a Short Sale or Foreclosure this is what the Lender might chose to file (a foreclosure might send you a 1099-A too).  Like any other 1099, one copy goes to the taxpayer (you) and another copy goes to the IRS.  (click to enlarge) The most important box is   Box Number 2:  Amount of Debt Canceled This is not your loan balance.  It's your loan balance, plus every single little nit picking fee the Lender can tack on.  Add penalty and fees too!   In a Foreclosure, these fees and charges are pretty much left unchecked by anyone from the homeowner's side.  In a Short Sale, either the Listing Agent or a Negotiator can help negotiate a reduction of these charges.  In fact everything in a Short Sale is negotiable including the very issuance of this 1099.... 04/14/2008

Come join in the fun things to do in Walnut Creek CA! The 60th Semi-Annual Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival will be held April 24-26-27 along the sidewalks of North Main, Cypress, and Locust Streets between Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Civic Drive in downtown Walnut Creek. Hours are 10-6 on Friday and Saturday, 10-6 on Sunday. The festival will feature works from more than 175 professional artists traveling from throughout California and the Western United States to showcase original paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and other fine works. This event is free to the public When buying or selling real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive area knowledge and strong negotiation skills and am truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"Considering a Move to th... 04/13/2008

Come join in the fun things to do in Walnut Creek CA! Enjoy a Gourmet Bike Tour of Walnut Creek and Lafayette Gardens on Sunday, April 27, 2008; 9:30 - 3:30. This is part of the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Bring your bicycle and water (helmets required) for the tour and 11 mile round trip bike ride that includes one moderate hill. The cost is $50, reservations are required, call (510) 236-9558. Proceeds benefit Bringing Back the Natives. Jeff Jerge, owner of The Pedaler in El Sobrante will lead this bike tour of two spectacular Walnut Creek and Lafayette gardens.Meet at Judy Adler's in Walnut Creek and enjoy coffee, tea, juice, and pastries before touring this half-acre garden, which embodies the principles of LifeGarden, a nonprofit cofounded by Judy created to promote susta... 04/11/2008

The new Iron Horse Place provides a unique blend of quality and affordability in a new luxury condominium home. All units have custom tile work, Bosch stainless steel appliances, granite, marble, hardwood floors, 48" bath mirrors, in-home washer and dryer, gas fireplaces, large master bath wuites, walk in closets, nine-foot ceilings, abundant storage and private decks.All one-bedroom homes have one and one-half bathrooms. The two bedroom homes have two full bathrooms. The size of units available range from 891 square feet of living space to 1,700 square feet of living space.Located at the end of a secluded cul-de-sac alongside the Iron Horse Trail, these homes offer urban/suburban living. Just minutes to downtown Walnut Creek via the Iron Horse Trail and situated conveniently near to pu... 04/11/2008

There are currently 23 homes for sale in NorthGate in Walnut Creek CA ranging in price from $699,900 to $2,700,000. Seven homes are currently pending sale In NorthGate ranging in price from $705,000 to $2,300,000. Five NorthGate home sales closed in the month of March 2008 with a median selling price of $1,000,000.NorthGate is a large diverse area in Eastern Walnut Creek CA. One area includes a number of subdivisions full of upper end homes, generally priced from $1,400,000 to $3,000,000 that have sprung up in the past 10 years. Another area is comprised of older homes, mostly built in the 1960's and 1970's and 1980's, priced from $750,000-$2,000,000 based on size, condition and updates.The most affordable home in the NorthGate area currently listed is a rancher built by Jordan Reed in ... 04/11/2008

With the real estate market in what seems like a downward spiral the need for doing a 1031 Exchange may seem less necessary.  Recent events in the 1031 industry have made investors more leery of entering into an exchange transaction.  There are many factors to consider when contemplating an exchange.  The first thing to do is seek the advice of a tax professional; the second is to check with your financial planner to ensure your investment portfolio is not to heavily weighted in any one type of investment.  Once an investor feels confident that a 1031 Exchange is the correct investment strategy they must find an accommodator they can trust with their funds.  Questions to ask a potential Qualified Intermediary:  Are they bonded?  Do they carry errors and omissions insurance?  Do they seg... 04/10/2008

Remember the 80's?...the Rubik's Cube, playing Pac-Man, watching The Breakfast Club for the nth time, or my personal FAVs...FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF and FLASH DANCE...big hair, Aqua Net hairspray, mohawks, too much make up, muscle shirts, leg warmers, neon everything, Swatches, IZOD, Vans, listening to WHAM, MADONNA,TEARS FOR FEARS, SHEENA EASTON, WHITNEY HOUSTON (pre-Bobby Brown), DURAN DURAN, PAT BENATAR, CHICAGO...I can go on and on...Yeah I love the 80's!...Of course I did... I was a teenager back then...not a care in the world.But folks we were in a serious recession back then... there was nothing fun about it...of course at the time I knew nothing about it....a mere teenager, anxiously waiting to be asked to the next school dance... I digress....YES FOLKS A RECESSION! ...and belie... 04/09/2008

I like Zillow Mortgage Marketplace.  I really do.  I can't say I like the Mortgage people who are there right now.  Look out! Here Comes a RANT.... Case in Point:  Here's a wonderful piece of  trash.  This was a quote request where the Walnut Creek homeowner was looking for a real rate quote on a 30 yr. fixed mortgage. This bucket of loan officer scum (not harsh enough) used the platform to spam this homeowner on his companies biggest profit producing product.   The Home Ownership Accelerator. or if you like a little outside reading, here's 100,000 pages on the topic Let's look a little deeper into his profile... As Borat would say, "very nice!" Brent is a Quote Farmer.   He's a Scammer, a Spammer, a Liar and Cheat.  He and so many others like him, are the reason my industry holds such ... 04/09/2008

It's not all Doom and Gloom out there!   Saturday, I was invited to pop in to an open house being held at Security Pacific in Walnut Creek. This wasn't in one of their Listings but an Open House of their Office.  It was Client Appreciation Day! Past Clients, Future Clients, (and even loan guys like me) were invited to come and spend a little time with our favorite Agents. Sec Pac provided all the goodies too. Hamburgers, hot dogs, cotton candy, soda and brownies.  It worked, the people came and the conversation and smiles flowed! Not to stop there, they combined this all with E-Waste Recycling, Cell Phone Recycling, Free Shredding Service, Eye Glass Donations, Massage Therapy (really!  Right there in the front lobby)and even a Raffle! The only thing I didn't see was a recycling bin for ... 04/07/2008

In March 2008 the median home price in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek was $307,000 for attached homes including duets, condos and town houses. There were 28 attached units sold, the highest priced unit sold for $695,000, and the lowest price unit sold for $125,000. The average selling price of attached homes for March 2008 in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek California was $314,844.Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Danville CA! There are currently 38 attached homes pending sale in Rossmoor Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $169,000 to $949,950, with an average asking price of $367,898.Sales of detached single family homes in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek CA, an active adult community are quite rare as there are only 68 detached single family homes in Rossmoor of Walnut C... 04/01/2008

The March 2008 median home price in Walnut Creek CA was $752,000 for single family detached homes. There were 28 home sales of single family detached homes, the highest priced home sold for $1,530,000, the lowest price home sold for $443,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for March 2008 in Walnut Creek California was $802,353.Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Danville CA! There are currently 49 single family detached homes pending sale in Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $499,900 to $2,399,000, with an average asking price of $1,013,074.In March 2008 median home price in Walnut Creek was $341,250 for attached homes including duets, patio homes, condos and townhomes. There were 12 attached units sold, the highest priced unit... 04/01/2008

Walnut Creek, CA Subdivisions 94597 ZipcodeI have been working on a list of real estate subdivisions for Walnut Creek, CA in the 94597 Zipcode.  Please let me know if I have missed any good ones....Acalanes |Ashford Court |Beacon Ridge |Buena Vista |Carriage Place |Centerre Place |Chanteclair |Country Wood |Greenwood |Honey Trail Cond |Hook Estates |Iron Horse Ests |Larkey |Larkey Park |Main Chance Est. |Mayhew Court |Northwood |Oak Road Station |Oak Road Villas |Parkside |Quail Ridge |Sky West |Summit Ridge |Sunnyvale West |Sunnyvale West |The Grove |Walnut |Walnut Creek |Walnut Gardens |Wayside Commons |Wesley Square |Westcliff |Also if anybody knows any good places to get a comprehensive list of subdivisions for Walnut Creek, California or any / all cities for our Walnut Creek Real E... 03/27/2008

This is the 15th of 17 entries I've written for the "Mortgage Creative Writing Challenge".  The traditional Japanese Haiku format follows the syllable pattern of 5 - 7 - 5.  The writer might bring in a word or concept (kiga) that evokes memories of a particular season.  The last line is usually in sharp contrast (caesura) to the body of the poem. I chose to backdrop each poem with a traditional Japanese watercolor or photograph.  Some in contrast, others not. To the Haiku purist the following might not be proper in the strict sense.  Your latitude is appreciated. Mortgage Haiku # 15   Why 17?  It is the total number of syllables in a Haiku, no other reason.Why separate them?  Each one should be read and engaged individually.  You can find my whole series here:  Mortgage Haiku   03/26/2008

My bride and I were discussing the changes in our town, in our neighborhood, and in the way kids grow up these days over our coffee this morning as she bemoaned the fact that Bonanza Books is going out of business.  Bonanza-- long the independent new and used book store in downtown Walnut Creek-- is a symbol of our small-town past when people actually went downtown and browsed for goods [like books] instead of browsing for them on their laptops.  Unlike some other shopping, the used bookstore phenomenon specialized in that feeling of elation at actually finding something worthy of buying.  Browsing for a $4 treasure became an art form for the married and the single crowd alike [though few marrieds gathered for a cup of coffee after bumping into each other in the Saturday evening stacks ... 03/26/2008