Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Let's hope this Year of Rabbit is one that is calm, peaceful and full of lots of good luck. We are between years of the Tiger (2010) and Dragon (2012), so we need to enjoy this year of rabbit's tranquility. Money should come easy, but be careful not to be too indulgent.

Fantastic Laguna West Home Just Reduced

I know it's too chilly to swim today, but in a few months, you will want this pool. This spacious, bright, fully upgraded and open home was just reduced today to $415K.  Located in a gated community of desirable Laguna West and close to all amenities, including award winning schools, parks, recreation, community club, and much more.

For more info: http://www.postlets.com/res/4898018

Short Sale Closings are the Sweetest Sold Homes

We are about to close this home, which is a short sale. As agents we work so hard to have the stars align that when one of these listings closes, it's such a fantastic feeling for both our accomplishment and the relief of our sellers. Most sellers do not make the decision to short sale their home easily, and many of our clients have revealed how difficult the decision can be. This is an Indymac/Onewest bank short sale approval and this has been our best bank and negotiator short sale experience to date, with hopefully many more to follow.

iphone App for Home Buyers

To download: http://bhghome.com/iPhoneApp.aspx

Cheapest Home Listing in Galt

This is a fantastic deal at $49,900 for a home with lots of potential. With some work this fixer would make a great first-time buyer home or investor rental. For more information: http://www.postlets.com/res/4996750

Foreclosures are Now the Normal Market

I believe that the foreclosure crisis will continue through 2015 and maybe even beyond. This is our now normal market. I think the so called normal market of the past is gone for many years to come, unfortunately.  And now the FHA loans with their low 3.5% down payments are the new 100% financing loans where buyers have little stake in the property. Watch for these buyers to start defaulting. The very sad part of all this is that many of these foreclosures (REOs) represent a family who has lost their home.

Getting Ready to Remodel?

Or maybe just spruce up your living environment? There's a website, iphone app and ipad app that is a must, www.houzz.com. The ideas bursting from this site are endless. You can search by space, theme or metro area, and then add them to your "idea book" on their site via a free account. Warning, it's hard to leave this site. I got entranced into the bathroom section and couldn't leave.