Relax- Earth Day is Saturday So You Won't Miss Any Open Houses

That's right- it may be officially recognized on a different day elsewhere, but here in Berkeley we do things differently. This year's Earth Day celebration will take place this Saturday, April 21st at Civic Center Park in downtown Berkeley. Technically it was not arranged for Saturday so that you could still make it to open houses on Sunday, but the happy coincidence is not lost on me...

There will be live music, dance performances, green product demos, craft booths and food. Click here for more details.

First Time Buyer's Tax Credit Extended!

If you read the last post, you might be wondering whether the credit will still exist beyond this month. This is what the National Association of Realtors has to report:

"As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010".
  

To learn more about whether you and the property qualify for the credit, visit NAR's site.

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.

Albany Condo Update

Even the most optimistic predictions couldn't have seen this coming: my listing at 795 Taft received eight offers, seven days after it hit the market. It will close escrow next week- contact me if you want the scoop on where the price landed (or check back here).

Who Wants to Live in Albany?

Everyone!

Come see my newest listing on the east side of pretty Albany Hill. This condo has a big view of the East Bay hills, balconies, skylights, a big open floor plan and high vaulted ceilings. Refinished floors, dual-paned windows, fresh paint... visit my website here to see all the photos, more information, and a handy floor plan.

Open Thursday 4/2 9:30-noon, and Sunday 4/5 2-4pm.

I Know What I Did Last Summer

I love winter. I say it all the time. My friends think I'm nuts; I live in California, don't I? I should want the palm trees, sand, beaches... That's all fine, but I prefer a cool mossy fern grove on the shady side of a mountain. Northern California isn't the classic place to find palm trees and warm sandy beaches anyway; it's cold here right now and I could use a space heater next to me and the computer. Normally I'd say this cold makes me a little happy; bring on the rain etc. Right now though, I'd like a day of hot weather; just a day, then it can go back to cold and wet again. Yes, reading my last post might make me sound indecisive. So what? Here's a bit of what we should all be doing right now:

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.