Serena Russell ~ Bay Area Real Estate Specialist

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@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!

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.

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.

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