Homey Things to Do When You Aren't Shopping for a Home...

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know, I know; it's been a while since I've posted but I resolve to be here more often, I promise.

Here's a short list of things to do on Saturdays, because I know you are busy at open houses on Sundays... Not busy with open houses on Sundays? Call me and I will show you some properties myself.

MAKE CHEESE
Yes, you don't need huge kitchen skills to make a quickie ricotta at home. Follow this link and let me know how it turns out! By the way, you can substitute white vinegar for the lemon juice in his recipe.

LEARN TO KNIT
Come on, everyone's doing it; learn what the cool kids are so excited about. Here's a good link to a basic video to get you started. I also find that www.knittinghelp.com is a great site for continuing education.

TEACH YOUR DOG (AND YOURSELF) A USEFUL SKILL
Your dog wants to hang out with you. Your dog wants to go places with you. Walking your dog on a loose leash is more fun for both of you, and this skill makes it possible to carry a grocery bag and hold the leash at the same time. Imagine that! Here's how.

Have any ideas for my next list of homey things to do when you aren't shopping for a home? Email me.

Ok, it's here at last: 535 Pierce St. Unit 5106 is ready and on the market. It's gorgeous, I say, and if you are in the market for a super clean Albany condo, do not miss it. Here's a link for more information on my website.

First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit

The federal government is providing a first time home buyer credit of up to $8,000 for the purchase of a principal residence by qualified purchasers who acquire their home in 2009. However, that program is scheduled to end as of December 1, 2009. Although other incentive programs were extended beyond the originally scheduled termination date, there is no indication at this time that the first time home buyer credit will be extended beyond its originally scheduled termination date.

To qualify for the credit, the first time home buyer must close escrow on or before November 30th 2009 and meet other eligibility requirements. Because your agent cannot promise or guarantee that you will be able to take advantage of any particular tax credit or other incentive program, it's important that you do some homework to learn whether it will apply to you. I have a handy fact sheet about these eligibility reqs- feel free to email me if you want a copy. There is also a website where you can learn more.

This Week in Coldwell Banker Real Estate

From our Coldwell Banker president:

Berkeley/East Bay offices report that we were inundated with multiple offers this week and large turnouts at open houses. 75% of our deals this week saw multiple offers, any number from 2-8 on seller owned and 12-18 on bank owned. Cash is still king on many deals because of increasing anxiety about appraisals.

Castro Valley: we are seeing cash offers everywhere and one agent reports that she has been outbid from the last five offers she has written by all cash deals. The number of multiples in the low range markets has been in the range of 10-60 offers, to give you an idea as to the inventory shortage we are facing here in our micromarket. Agents are waiting for banks to release more REOs. One thing is certain, we are definitely a recovering market.

The Danville office reported the activity level is good but we need more inventory. Lots of buyers are jumping off the fence.

In Fremont the listing inventory is reducing.

The Livermore office reports: Our pending sales are up in the office and the overall market in the Tri-Valley area remains strong. Multiple offers are still the rage below $500,000.

The Pleasanton office reports homes under $450K are moving very fast with multiple offers.

Bulb 101

Since everyone wonders what to do once their bulbs are finished flowering, I thought I'd post a little bulb primer.

From Ed Hume;

Q: How do you care for lilies, gladiolas, and irises after they have flowered, and is it the same as for tulips and daffodils?

A: Immediately after flower, I think it is a good idea to feed the foliage of all bulbs with 0-10-10 fertilizer. This helps build strength back into the bulbs, roots and tubers for the following year. If you live in the NW or other moderate climate areas, these bulbs can be left in the ground year-round. All you need to do is dig and divide them every few years, then replant them immediately if you wish. Iris and gladiolas need full sun, while lilies need a little shade for best and longest flowering.

Moving With Your Pets

I found this on moversnet, a site with some really helpful information. This is all about how to prepare for a move with your animals' health and safety in mind:

Keep your pets' routines as regular as possible as you prepare to move. If you normally feed, exercise or play with them at a certain time, continue to do so. During the final crunch of moving, you may find it works best to keep your pet either at a friend's house or a kennel, reducing the chance of your pet getting upset and running away, or in the case of cats, hiding in a box about to be shipped.

Keep some form of identification on the pet at all times and be sure you have current pictures along with a written description available. This will reduce a lot of stress should your pet escape. If the length of the move requires the animal be provided with food and water, be sure the food is bland and easily digested and that the water comes from your home supply. Changing diet or water sources are common causes of diarrhea and vomiting from upset stomachs. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian for food recommendations.

Prior to moving, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccination. While at your veterinarian's office, get copies of your pets' records and check to see if he can recommend another veterinarian at your new location. You can also call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301 for the names of AAHA veterinarians near your new home.

If your pet is on any medication be sure to have an ample supply so you won't run out before getting settled in your new location. Also discuss with your veterinarian whether your pet should be tranquilized during the move. If so, get enough to try it out prior to the move to be sure the dosage works properly.

Since each state has different laws and regulations regarding the importation of animals and some counties and municipalities have their own ordinances, check with a veterinarian in the new area to be sure your pet complies. It is important to do this several weeks before your move to allow time for all paper work to be completed.

Temperature extremes should be avoided. In most cases, it's best to transport your animal in a sturdy, insulated carrier to help regulate the changing temperature. Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer time or a cold car in the winter.

If you are transporting the pet by plane, try to book a direct flight to minimize the time the animal may be sitting outside the plane in inclement weather conditions. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. While this service costs a little more, it may be worth it for your peace of mind.

For more information about dealing with specific pets (they cover dogs, cats, birds, fish, pet rocks, etc) click here.

Happy moving!

It's Raining Money, Hallelujeh!

I say it all the time to my clients, but I want to make sure I pass the information along here too: The East Bay Municipal Utility District will pay you, yes I said pay you to upgrade your old, ineffiencient, water and energy-wasting appliances and systems.

They operate a rebate system where you may receive several hundred dollars for changing out your toilets, clothes washer and even landscaping, and replacing them with models or systems that incorporate water conserving elements. Go to their website now and read about how you can reduce your water use and maybe even your utility bill!

By the way, EBMUD is an amazing resource in other ways: they offer free water-saving devices like low flow shower heads and faucet aerators, just because you ask! Are you a teacher, or would you like your child's school to incorporate conservation education into their curriculum? Visit this page to learn about the classroom materials and school garden programs they offer.

I could go on, and I will (but later!), about everything you can find on the EBMUD site that will make your conservation efforts at home easier and your utility bills a little smaller. I hope you learn that when you take a few simple steps to actively conserve our natural resources, you feel good about it, and pass the information along to friends and colleagues.

Our Coldwell Banker President has this to say:

Coldwell Banker Weekly Market Watch

It has been an interesting week! The market reacted to the tightening of credit in the mortgage industry and the resulting stricter qualification criteria. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly review and understand the financing qualifications and terms for each potential home buyer. In order for any transaction to be closed successfully, buyers will require a real estate professional that is fully informed, knowledgeable and able to provide expert guidance as it relates to the financing aspects of the transaction. It is also important to ensure that buyers are working with a well-capitalized, established lender such as our partner, Princeton Capital.

In the Bay Area, the start of August shows numerous bright spots in what is traditionally a slower month for real estate sales. Many areas have seen an increase in activity as sellers have adjusted their pricing, and for qualified buyers this remains an excellent opportunity to invest in some great real estate deals. Working with an experienced Realtor® remains the savviest means for buyers and sellers to navigate the muddy mortgage waters. As one Sebastopol agent succinctly put it, “they need us more than ever.”

In Sonoma County open houses were well attended and there are reports of a few multiple offer situations. In general the market is holding steady with inventory continuing to build slowly. The Marin market remains mixed. The high end continues to outperform the lower priced properties. Mill Valley and Corte Madera are well into seller market territory for well priced and attractive properties. San Rafael and Novato are indicating more of a balanced to buyers market this past week. The East Bay markets remain stable from last week with price reductions showing good results on existing inventory. The Fremont, Livermore and Tri Valley areas are showing inventory building. The high end is performing well and well priced properties are needing aprox. 60 to 90 days to see offers.

For sellers, pay close attention to the intended financing as offers come in. For buyers, there are still a lot of options for financing and some excellent deals out there if you do your homework. Now more than ever, having a well educated agent is the essential first step in the process.

Hungry?

Well, our own vegetable gardens may not be producing anything edible yet (I should only speak for myself here), but fortunately someone has been thoughtful enough to grow some food for us so we don't starve, and it's out there at a local farmer's market, ready for our frying pans. Really, there is no good reason to buy a flavorless, mealy tomato from a giant food mart when you can find a place to buy fresh, locally grown food any day of the week, close to home. Besides fresh veggies, you will often find a variety of other goodies: hot prepped meals, local artisans & live entertainment; call a friend and make a date! -And just when I thought I'd have to compile the list of resources myself, I discovered this list, from SF Gate, an online version of The San Francisco Chronicle. Use this list to find a farmer's market near you.