Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

First Time Home Buyer Questions #1: Why has that property not sold? Is there something wrong with it?

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First Time Home Buyer Questions: Part 1

Anyone who maintains a blog or has ever written an article for a blog eventually faces the question - What should I write about?

The best piece of advice I received from the countless webinars I attended on blogging was - Write about the subjects you talk about, email about and discuss every day with your clients and friends. As Realtors, we entertain questions about the market, the process, the community and even our jobs every day. It's awesome and one of my favorite parts of being a Realtor - sharing information.

If you have questions, especially the ones you aren't asking because you think they are stupid - you are not alone (and your questions...

210 Spring Grove in San Rafael - First Sunday Open House, February 5th, 1:00 to 4:00

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Located near open space trails with no through traffic, this contemporary and spacious 5 bedroom/3 Full-Bath home features a 3-car garage and endless storage space. It also offers privacy yet easy access to downtown San Rafael and San Anselmo.  A formal dining room adjacent to the living room has a wood burning fireplace and can accommodate large gatherings.  Adjoining the kitchen is a family room with a beautifully updated entertainment center and gas fireplace that creates a warm and inviting place to watch TV, listen to music or launch an outdoor party.

The Master Bedroom is separate and private on the upper level and features two...

Financing for Foreign Nationals and U.S. Citizens Living Overseas

Although never a mainstream lending program for residential properties, many of the larger national banks used to offer loans for foreign nationals. Amid the major setbacks experienced by the housing and financial sectors over the past few years, most of these loan programs were discontinued. Nowadays, even U.S. citizens living abroad have a tough time securing financing and most foreign nationals eligible for any level of financing will find themselves obligated to put down at least 50% of a property's purchase price. Fortunately, lining-up financing for overseas citizens has improved dramatically and qualified foreign nationals can now secure excellent financing (up to $5 million) with down payments as low as 10%.

With interest rates hovering at all-time lows and property values stabilizing at 30% to 50% of 2006 levels, many overseas buyers see this as an opportune time to make their move into the U.S. housing market. But, in an atmosphere where mortgage financing is tough to nail down...

Oakland Restaurant Week, Jan 20-29 - East Bay Living

Looking for even more reasons to move to the East Bay?  Oakland Restaurant Week kicked off last Friday with over 25 restaurants participating in prix fixe menus allowing more opportunities to sample the booming culinary scene happening in Oakland.  The event goes through the 29th and reservations are recommended. 

Take a look at our recently updated Buyers Guide to the East Bay and sign up to receive notifications of new listings to get familiar with the East Bay real estate market.

Click the Visit Oakland link below for a list of participating restaurants.

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15 Mt. Tenaya Drive, San Rafael - Just Sold!

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I am delighted to announce my client's successful purchase of 15 Mt. Tenaya Drive in the Upper Lucas Valley region of San Rafael.

This 5 bed/2 bath Eichler home built in 1964 features a very desirable double-A frame layout, walls of glass to create an indoor/outdoor feel and a lush backyard with a beautiful waterfall.

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Originally listed at $920,000, I was able to assist my client in purchasing the home for $850,000.

If you are buying or selling a home in Marin, I would love the opportunity to represent you.

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Mid-Century Consignment Furnishings @ Urban Home Berkeley

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Looking for rare, vintage, mid-century furniture like this Jens Risom arm chair to complement your Eichler Home, Oakland loft or other modernist dwelling?  Check out Urban Home off I-80 off the University Avenue exit.  Click the link below to take a peek at their blog highlighting the first round of deliveries for the new year.

Urban Home Consignment Furniture

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Increased FHA limit to $729,750 - greater purchase power with less money down