Serena Russell ~ Bay Area Real Estate Specialist

Four  Essential Steps to Conserve Energy and Save Money Through the Winter
As we leave winter behind, it’s important to take these four steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency — they’ll save you money and keep you warm, all season long.
1. Insulate
Insulating areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills.
2. Seal your windows
Use silicone caulk to seal air leaks or place shrink wrap film over drafty windows to help reduce energy loss.
3. Have your furnace inspected and clean your HVAC system
“Having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned can extend the life of your furnace and can even make it run up to 20 percent more efficiently” says Aaron Marshbanks, board member at NADCA — The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance & Restoration Association. “Having your system cleaned can also save up to 30 percent in energy costs and the increase in air flow usually translates into increased comfort.”
4. Change filters regularly
Once you have a clean HVAC system, it’s crucial to change your furnace filters regularly. Change your furnace filter once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.
For more information on how to winterize your home, visit NADCA.com.

A friend called me from across the bay to ask about the market  in the east bay and tri cities.     We chatted a while, and then I gave her some idea in a nutshell of what the market.

• If your are looking for something under   200K then keep your mind open to condos and townhomes, and you will find lots of great buys!  Offers are  all cash only for the most part.   Investors are jumping out of the woodwork having discovered that it’s better to invest in Real estate (which is real and tangible) than waste their time on stocks!
• If you are looking for something over 200K you can still find a decent home   but it may not be  move in ready.  Be prepared to put your special touches on the home . You may have to change carpets, paint and remove wallpaper in some homes.
• Between 250 – 350K  you may  find a larger percentage of older SFR properties to choose from and some newer condos with amenities.
  
• If you are concerned about location, amenities, distance to  freeway and BART , good schools, then work with an experienced agent to narrow down your options.

Always remember that your real estate agent is going to be your best friend when it comes to giving you all the information you need about pricing and competition.  Your agent knows how to negotiate with  sellers agents, REO banks and short sale lenders.

If you are a motivated seller, then now mayt be the best time to get value for your dollar.

Homes are selling faster than before.  You many need to make plans to move sooner than your expected, which might be a good thing for you.  I consider it a great time  to sell as well as to buy.  Finally we may be approacing a meeting of the minds.   If you sell today, you   will have the luxury of deciding  between multiple offers.    Want to sell quickly and move on?  Now is the time.

If you are a motivated buyer,  then be ready to move quickly.

It is the best time to buy in today’s market.  Are you ready to move forward ? Have you been pre-approved for a loan?

Please check my blog again , for the latest updates in the market.  I look forward to meeting you and assisting you with your real estate needs.

Serena Russell
Realtor®
REALTY WORLD, VIKING & FINANCIAL
2698 Mowry Avenue, Fremont, CA 94538
PHONE:  510.303.2549  mobile
Fax 510.794.9843
email:  srussell at rwnetwork.com
Member National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Member California Association of Realtors (CAR)
Member Bay East Association of Realtors
DRE License #01824057

THE BUZZARD

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and
is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its
ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is
that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a
run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit,
it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner
for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable  nimble creature in
the air, cannot take off from a level  place.  If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air.. Then,
at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:

A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies,
unless
it is taken out.  It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists
in
trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom..  It will
seek a
way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:

In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee.
We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing
that all we have to do is look up!  That’s the answer, the escape route and
the solution to any problem!  Just look up.

Tomorrow is different day!

With fabulous interest rates, an amazing variety of once-in-a-lifetime home purchase opportunities, a good economy, a record-setting stock market, -your timing is spectacular! In fact, the fundamentals that typically lead the home building industry out of a slowdown are already in place – so now is the best time ever to buy the home of your dreams!

Rates are still near historic lows:

You can take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates in 40 years. Our preferred lenders are now offering programs with low rates still available.

Over the long term home ownership has traditionally been a rewarding investment.

There are great benefits for buying now!

* Mortgage interest and real estate taxes are deductible***.
* Capital gains can be rolled into future homes and may even be tax-free***.
* Below-market financing is available.
* A wide range of loan programs is available.

In our local area, the economy is still strong, and you have more choices than ever before.
When you choose me as your agent,  you’re choosing my unsurpassed reputation and  deep commitment to your needs.  My goal is to  make the home of your dreams a reality!

Are you in the market for a vacation home or second home?  Would you like a place to get away to.  The beach or the mountains?  If you’ve been thinking about this, then now is the time to achieve your dream of owning your second home.   According to the National Association of Realtors® Vacation-home sales recovered in 2009 while investment sales fell sharply,

“The typical vacation-home buyer is making a lifestyle choice, with nine out of 10 saying they intend to use the property for vacations or as a family retreat.  “Investment buyers primarily seek rental income, with six in 10 planning to rent to others, although one in five wants a family member, friend or relative to use the home.”says cheif economist Lawrence Yun of NAR.

Only one in four vacation-home buyers plan to rent their properties to others, while one in five investment buyers plan to use their homes for vacations or as a family retreat. However, 26% of vacation-home buyers and 8% of investment buyers intend to use the property as a primary residence in the future.

The median transaction price of a vacation home was $169,000 in 2009, compared with $150,000 in 2008.  “The higher vacation home price may reflect increased sales in higher-priced markets, particularly in areas of Florida and California where prices became highly attractive for buyers over the past year,” Yun said.

Half of vacation homes purchased last year were in the South, 21% in the West, 17% in the Midwest and 12% in the Northeast. Seven out of 10 were detached single-family homes.

Source: National Association of Realtors®

Share your thoughts and comments on this.

Serena Russell
Realtor®
REALTY WORLD, VIKING & FINANCIAL
Fremont, CA
DRE License #01824057

Buying a home is one of he biggest investments you’ll every make.  You will want to protect your investment during the purchase transaction with title insurance.

If you won the land that the house is on, you have a strong right to the property.  But if others have rights to it through liens, unpaid taxes, or mining rights, they are also part owners of the property.  Even if you know nothing about these risks, as the homeowner you are still vulnerable to such claims on your property.

Title insurance which protects against claims on your real estate by others, requires that certain risks be eliminated before the policy takes effect.  It then covers hidden risks thereafter.  If you have to go to court in regard to your property, the title insurance company will pay for your legal counsel.  If you lose your rights, you should be protected up to the amount of the policy.

Make sure you discuss a title insurance policy with your title company.

When you are ready to buy a home, call me.  As your real estate professional, I’ll be happy to help you through the process.

WHAT DOES YOUR REALTOR DO FOR YOU?

·    Rather than focusing on a REALTOR®’s compensation, consumers instead should focus on identifying and selecting a REALTOR® who best meets their needs and unique situation.  The guidance and value a REALTOR® brings to the transaction cannot be determined by his or her commission rate alone.  In this instance, the saying “you get what you pay for,” may ring true.   Consumers should interview several REALTORS® to identify the best fit for them and their situation.
·    It’s critical to point out that although there are more than half a million licensed agents, not every real estate agent is a REALTOR® who voluntarily agrees to subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics.
·     As members of their local, state, and national associations of REALTORS®, REALTORS® constantly receive updates on the latest housing legislation impacting them and their clients.
·     Additionally, REALTORS® have access to the latest technologies for the real estate industry, including critical housing data, pricing trends, time on market, and historical sales activity in the neighborhood.  These tools and resources enable REALTORS® to provide the highest level of service possible, including helping sellers determine the best price for their home in today’s market.
·    A REALTOR® also can assist with the critical negotiations included in every real estate transaction, and help both buyers and sellers finalize the many details that comprise a purchase agreement.
·     For sellers, a REALTOR®’s role may include negotiating a sale price and other terms in this tough market. A REALTOR® also can help sellers determine what, if any, repairs may be the owner’s responsibility, and can help negotiate deadlines for their completion.

Home Fire Safety
When buying, building or renovating your home, make sure all roofing materials are fire resistant.
Never leave candles or other open flames burning unattended.
Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.
Don’t leave hot irons, or burning stovetops and outdoor grills unattended while in use. Double-check that you’ve turned them off after use.
Regularly clear and dispose of dry or dead vegetation in your yard or areas near your home.
Make sure the lid stays on your trash can, and store firewood and other combustibles away from your home.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. For the best detection and notification protection, install both ionization and photoelectric-type smoke alarms. Put them inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.
Don’t have deadbolts that lock with an inside key. You need to get out fast if a fire starts. A missing key could trap you inside. Also, don’t nail windows shut. Make sure they open easily.
Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
Be sure your street address is visibly posted so that firefighters can identify your home in the event of an emergency.

Whether you are buying and selling a home today, you should hire a Realtor who knows the market and is willing to spend the time to really understand your needs.

Your  Guide to Keeping House Cleaning Under Control

From the kitchen to the bedroom here is a how to for keeping your home neat and tidy.

Linda, the Queen of Clean, shares her secrets for a shipshape home.

FLOORS

The key with floors is to focus on high-traffic areas. If you keep those clean, your floors will stay fresh looking forever — well, almost.

Each week, attend to the most heavily traveled areas of your home. These include the hallways and entryways where your family walks all the time, and of course, the kitchen floor.

For wood floors: Vacuum with an appropriate vacuum or dust with a good microfiber dust mop to pick up dirt before you wash it. Then put hot water and up to six tea bags in a bucket. Make it strong. And wash the floor with that. The tannic acid in tea is really, really good for wood floors. It doesn’t stain; it’s inexpensive, natural and it’s safe for pets and kids. When you wring out your mop, wring it until it’s just damp; you don’t want to put a lot of water onto your floor.

For vinyl: Again, vacuum with an appropriate vacuum or dust with a good microfiber dust mop. Then put a gallon of plain water, or water with just a tablespoon of Borax, into a bucket. And wash your floor with that same microfiber mop.

For tile: As with all hard flooring, vacuum with an appropriate vacuum or dust with a good microfiber dust mop first.  Caution, that ceramic tile owner’s stay away from vinegar-based cleaning products, it’s an acid and can etch your grout, she notes. Instead, you can use an all-purpose cleaner or a tablespoon of Borax in water, and remember to wring out your mop well as you’re working.

Read the rest of this entry »

Getting a Mortgage When Self-Employed

By Kirk Haverkamp, Published: November 09, 2009

Getting or refinancing a mortgage when you’re self-employed can be a real challenge these days. With the virtual disappearance of stated income loans, it’s become much more difficult for anyone who doesn’t get a regular paycheck to qualify for a home loan. But it still can be done.
Stated income/stated asset loans, also known as Alt-A mortgages, used to be one of the most common ways for the self-employed to obtain a mortgage. You simply told the bank what your income was and the bank took your word for it. When housing values were rising, it really wasn’t that big of a risk for the lender.

But Alt-A mortgages got a bad reputation as “liar loans” during the housing bubble, when they were abused to exaggerate incomes for borrowers who otherwise would never qualify for a loan. When the housing market and economy went sour, stated income/asset loans accounted for some of the highest rates of defaults and foreclosures, and most banks simply stopped offering them. Read the rest of this entry »