.

Homebuyer Tax Credit info...

2010-09-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Nearly half of all Americans who claimed the first-time homebuyer tax credit on their 2009 tax returns will have to repay the government.

According to a report from the Inspector General for Tax Administration, released to the public Thursday, about 950,000 of the nearly 1.8 million Americans who claimed the tax credit on their 2009 tax returns will have to return the money.

2010-08-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

WSJ House of the Day page

The Wall Street Journal has a great slideshow tour of some of the finest homes in the country.

Got a million? Buy a house in Disney World

2010-06-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Got a million? Buy a house in Disney World

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mickey Mouse is about to welcome a bunch of new neighbors. Disney unveiled a luxury residential community on Wednesday, with about 30 homes currently for sale at the Disney World resort in Florida.

The community, called Golden Oak, sprawls across 980 acres and features single-family custom homes for between $1.5 and $8 million.

2348 Scenic Drive!!!

2010-04-06T02:24:00.001-07:00

2348 Scenic Dr!!! You don't get many opportunities to own a home right on the bluff... This may look like a fixer property, but with the exception of the kitchen... flooring and paint will be your biggest challenges. See this one for yourself! TREMENDOUS UPSIDE!!!

Coming Soon to Manteca!

2010-02-16T23:52:00.001-08:00

This is right down the street from the Big League Dream sports complex... right off of the 120. Three bedrooms, two baths built in 2003! See it first... call or email today!

REALTORS® Donate $550K to Haiti Relief...

2010-02-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation of the National Association of Realtors® is contributing $550,000 to the relief of victims of the Haiti earthquake, and is calling upon its 1.2 million members to help.

The Foundation is donating $500,000 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund which is supporting earthquake recovery efforts with immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors. The fund is headed by former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Home values plummet $500 billion... Glass half full...

2009-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Residential real estate owners suffered through another down year, but losses were much lower than in 2008.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- American homeowners will have lost nearly $500 billion in home value by year's end.

Still, that's a big improvement over 2008, when values fell by $3.6 trillion, according to a report...

AUCTION DAY!!!

2009-12-05T09:39:00.001-08:00

We're at the Convention Center in beautiful Sacramento today for the
REDC real estate auction!

This is an exciting FIRE sale of bank owned properties!

Let's do this!!!

Open House Day!

2009-11-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

Just Listed in Newman!

2009-11-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

This FIVE bedroom beauty just hit the market! Almost 2600 square feet built in 2005! $169,900! It is approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing! You can buy this home for as little as 3% down! It will not be on the market long... Call me soon! 209-595-3806.

The Calm Before The Storm???

2009-09-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's awfully quiet around here... Makes me think that something is about to happen.

Recent conversations with other REO brokers lead me to believe that the storm is coming. Granted, we've been hearing about this mythical release of bank properties for at least 6 months now. But this time, for some reason it feels different.

We'll keep you posted.

FDIC pushes mortgage help for jobless

2009-09-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Interesting article from CNNmoney.com

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Some unemployed homeowners at risk for foreclosure could get a temporary break on their mortgage payments under a plan being pushed by the FDIC...

In my father’s house, there are many rooms…

2009-07-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today we laid my good friend Ben to rest.

I don’t know how Ben and I became such good friends. Not only was he twice my age, but I’m a Dodger fan… and he loved the Giants.

But within 10 minutes of meeting Ben for the first time, I had a real friend.

He was also a top producer… a real top producer.

I have a ton of respect for an agent in today’s market that is making it work. An agent with even 20 or more listings in today’s market is an agent that worked hard to position himself for success.

Back when I met Ben, he had more than 50 listings. No bank owned properties… more than 50 individual sellers who hired him to manage the most important sale of their lives.

It’s one thing to convince a bank to send you 50 houses to sell. It’s quite another to convince 50 different homeowners to hire you.

Without question, Ben was one of the best agents in our market. And he helped me find my way.

Ben also had the biggest heart. If he had the means to help someone, he wouldn’t think twice to do so. If he didn’t have the resources… he would give you his time and energy.

Without question, Ben was one of the best people in our community. And he helped me find my way.

Ben would be the first to tell you that his life was far from perfect. At times he battled demons, struggled with addiction and faced obstacles that would have broken most men.

These are struggles many people face. But most people deal their own struggles in private. Ben was so well known, many people knew of his past shortcomings.

I can tell you that Ben never tried to hide his past. He committed to learning from his mistakes and tried his best to be a good man everyday.

He was a man of great faith. No matter how hard life became, he knew that God would see him through. It didn’t always happen exactly when wanted it… but God was always with Ben when he needed him most.

God came for Ben on June 25th.

Without question, Ben was one of the greatest. And my life is better for having known him. I will miss him terribly.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

2009-05-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Continue to be patient... More homes are on the way!

2009-05-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to the buyers who continue to wait for that perfect home.
You can definitely hear the frustration in their voices when they call and ask for the status of a home.

Just to give you an idea: we have a house in Ceres listed for 88,000. It is just about in move in ready condition.

We received 15 offers in the 1st week. After the home went into Pending status, we received 5 more offers that wanted to be in a back up position.

The shortage of inventory is really taking a toll on buyers who are finally ready to purchase a home.

Hang in there. Good news is coming... Your patience will pay off soon!

1685 Lahola Ct, Tracy CA!!!

2009-04-05T20:09:00.001-07:00

Call us today for a private showing!

209-595-3806
or
209-401-6348

1685 Lahola Ct, Tracy CA!!!

2009-04-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Call us today for a private showing!

10884 Iris Bloom Dr, STOCKTON

2009-04-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Located in a pleasant gated community, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home was built in 2006!
Approved for Homepath Financing! Purchase this home of as little as 3% down! Call us for more information. Llame hoy!

1444 Henley Pkwy, Patterson CA

2009-03-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Greeting from our nations capital!

2009-03-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

If you’ve never been to DC, I highly recommend you put it on your list of cities to visit. It’s hard to not feel patriotic when you walk the streets. Our young country has come a long way… we are truly blessed to live in a country where literally anyone can wake up in the morning with an idea and have the freedom and opportunity to put a plan into action.

In this country, anyone that provides a useful service has the opportunity to accumulate riches based on the amount of effort they put into their trade.

“As great as it is, as far as it reaches, as many privileges this country provides… it does not and cannot bring riches without effort.” - N. Hill

I’m in DC for a couple of days to attend a real estate conference… James is covering over the weekend. Feel free to call his cell: 209-401-6348
You can also email him at James.VizReg@gmail.com

CONGRATS!!!

2008-12-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to announce that James and Cheri gave birth to their twins last week!
Here is their 1st family picture:

Cheri is holding Ethan... Jerica is resting the background. Smiles all around!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2008-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

We have much to be thankful for! Professionally, this year has been a challenging one compared to years past... but with the support and trust of our family and friends, we have seen our way through. We are greatful for the relationship we've built over the years and I hope that together, we can continue to prosper.

Thank you Central Valley Professional Exchange!

2008-10-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last night, the Central Valley Professional Exchange had their annual Shadowfest at Galletto Ristorante in downtown Modesto.

With proceeds going to benefit underprivileged children of local elementary schools.

As you can see, some of their members have a lot of fun with their costumes. It was a good time for a great cause.

Soon to be listed!!!

2008-10-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

In Salida:

This beauty has a sharp looking in-ground pool. Excellent commuter location.

In Ceres:

This 2 story home has 4 bedrooms with 3 full baths! Good sized backyard too!

In Modesto:

3 Bedrooms right across the street from an elementary school! Also close to shopping and Highway 99.

Call or email me for address and the anticipated prices on these homes!

Down payment assistance?

2008-09-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello from Phoenix!

It's not looking good for DPA programs. I just heard from FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery. He is absolutely, 100% convinced that seller assisted down payment programs were a major contributor to the troubles we are having now. He is working hard to make sure Congress and the President know that he feels that some DPA programs helped to artificially inflate home prices.

What does this mean to you?

When you're ready to buy a house, you'll need to have no less than 3% of the purchase price saved for the down payment.

Stearns, Fannie, Freddie, ING...

2008-09-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Crazy economic times!!! Wall street is a mess... but what does it mean for you locally? In regards to real estate, I think this is good news for home buyers. Need proof? Check out interest rates! After the Fed announced it was stepping in to back Fannie/Freddie, interest rates dipped downward. Give me a call or shoot me an email... I'd be happy to talk to you about it.

Sept 11th 2001

2008-09-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

As amazing as it was to think that we've come into September already... it is even more incredible that 7 years have past since that horrible day.

However much or little we have, it makes me think how lucky we are to have anything at all.

September already?!?

2008-09-05T12:03:00.001-07:00

Another busy weekend is ahead of us... the first weekend in SEPTEMBER???

This year started out so slow, and now it seems to be flying by.
So how does it compare to last year? Well, lets take a look at the numbers:

In Stanislaus county:
July 2008, average median price of homes that SOLD: $204,000.00
July 2007, average median price of homes that SOLD: $336,000.00

In San Joaquin county:
July 2008, average median price of homes that SOLD: $225,000.00
July 2007, average median price of homes that SOLD: $431,000.00

Real Estate in the Central Valley has undergone a drastic price adjustment. This is such a good thing for buyers. Especially for buyers that are considering buying their first home. If you have any questions on why these numbers are important to you, please call or email me. I'd be happy to talk to you about it.

Phone Upgrade!?!

2008-08-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

So I finally upgrade to the new "in" phone...

So far, so blah!

I've been getting really choppy reception, and a client just text me that he tried to leave me a voice mail, but wasn't able to.

So please bare with me for a bit. Technical difficulties might temporarily keep me from returning calls... but rest assured that I am working hard for you!

Thanks for understanding!

Congrats!!!

2008-08-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Maldonado family comes to us from the state of Indiana. Jose and Angela met in Italy while serving in the Military. Now they are the newest residents of Tracy. Welcome and CONGRATS!!!

Multiple offers!

2008-08-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

I was showing property this weekend and came across a nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Ceres. It was off of Nadine. Tile, newer paint, decent yard. Asking price was $99,000.

I called the listing agent and learned that it had 17 offers on it! Another agent I spoke to said that the bidding was up to $130,000.

Houses that are in "move-in" ready condition are getting a lot of attention. If you're a buyer, be prepared to compete with other buyers.

The best way to beat out the competition is to have an APPROVAL letter in hand, know how much of a payment you can handle and make the strongest offer that you feel comfortable with.

There are many buyers out there that have made offers on several properties and have been beaten by a better offer. After this happens a couple of times, a buyer will 1st get discouraged; but then, they will get aggressive. So with the next "move-in" ready house they find, chances are that they will come over the top of an asking price. Sometimes by 10k or more.

So remember, if you come across a listing you can picture yourself living in... chances are, that several other people will feel the same way.

COMING SOON!!!

2008-07-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

234 S PACIFICO ST, Mountain House
Built in 2006!

672 CASPER LN, Manteca
Pool for the summer!

These will hit the market soon... Call me for more info!

IT'S HEATING UP!

2008-05-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

725 Salamanca Ct, Ceres
Extremely well kept home on a HUGE LOT. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths! Property sits towards the back of a private cul-de-sac. RV parking possible. Beautiful pool, great yard for entertaining.
Seller is looking at ALL OFFERS!
209-595-3806
Aly@Casa209.com

Now on the market...

2008-05-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

2265 Mayfaire Drive, Turlock
PENDING SALE

2608 Franklin Ave, Stockton
$120,000

2278 N Cherokee Rd, Stockton
$89,900

1006 6th Street, Modesto
$89,900

2724 Astro Dr, Ceres
$132,000

1500 Soda Canyon Ct, Ceres
SOLD

Very Favorable Buyer Conditions!!!

2008-03-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

America's Money: In their own words

2008-03-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

This a great read... CNN Money profiles people from different walks of life as they talk about their financial situation.

Article at CNN Money

Why mortgage rates are still heading higher...

2008-03-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Fed has cut interest rates again, but long-term fixed-rate mortgages may go up.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point Tuesday, but don't expect mortgage rates to go down too. In fact, home loans could be heading higher.

Consider recent history: The Fed issued an emergency cut of short-term rates in early January, and then trimmed more just a few days later - but the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has responded by bouncing up from 5.6% to 6.4%.

Article at CNN Money

Best time to buy in four years!!!

2008-03-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Home values have declined across the country, giving homebuyers the best buys they've had since 2004.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- It may be the best time to buy a house in more than four years.

Home prices have dropped so quickly and so far that valuations - the difference between what a home should cost and its actual price - are the lowest they've been since 2004, according to a report.

The Cleveland-based bank National City Corp. (NCC, Fortune 500), together with financial analysis firm Global Insight, revealed Tuesday that more than 88% of the 330 housing markets surveyed showed price declines and improved affordability during the last three months of 2007.

"Housing valuations are almost back to long-term norms," said National City's chief economist, Richard DeKaser. He called current affordability "the best in the past four years."

But DeKaser cautioned that home prices could fall even further.

"This isn't to say home price declines are over," he said. "We could move below historic norms. By the end of 2008, housing markets could be broadly under valued."

Prices still improving:

Article at CNN Money

"Mortgage crisis: Don't forgive debt, just postpone repayment"

2008-02-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

From CNN Money:
A new plan from the Office of Thrift Supervision would have lenders reduce mortgage balances, but let them collect the difference later.

A plan that would help troubled mortgage borrowers today - and might make lenders whole later on - was unveiled Wednesday in Washington.

The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) is urging the federal savings and loans lenders under its authority to refinance loans by reducing mortgage balances to the current market values of the homes. Thanks to falling home prices, many homeowners are now stuck with mortgages that are actually worth more than the houses themselves.

But instead of having lenders forgive the difference between the old mortgage and a house's current resale value, called a short sale, the OTS advises that lenders issue a warrant or "negative amortization certificate" for the difference. If a home regains its market value and is then sold, lenders have first claims to the profits.
CNN Article

BANK PROPERTY in Stockton!

2008-02-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

Excellent opportunity to buy a great home! This property also qualifies for ExpressPath™ Financing. If the buyer is an owner occupant, Fannie Mae will pay for a 1/2% permanent interest rate buydown! Call for more information!

BANK PROPERTY in Stockton!

2008-02-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

This property qualifies for ExpressPath™ Financing. If the buyer is an owner occupant, Fannie Mae will pay for a 1/2% permanent interest rate buydown! This is a super clean property in a great neighborhood. Make an offer! Call today!

1 Minute Real Estate Inventory Update...

2008-02-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

BANK REPO!!! 912 WALNUT WAY, MODESTO

2008-01-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

3 Bedrooms, 2 full baths. Special financing is available. Call today for more information.

Stimulus plan also sparks housing market...

2008-01-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

The measures would make mortgages easier to get and reduce borrowing costs -- especially in hard-hit, high-cost housing markets.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The economic stimulus plan announced Thursday by Congress and the Bush administration includes provisions that specifically address the mortgage crisis. It aims to make getting a mortgage easier and cheaper in high-cost markets, to facilitate refinancing and to prevent foreclosures.

The package proposes lifting the dollar amount of loans that are eligible for purchase by Freddie Mac...

Is this the year to buy a home???

2008-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

A great article from CNN Money about Timing the Real Estate Market:

Question: At some point I plan to buy a house in the $250,000 to $400,000 range. I have generally good credit and plan to make a down payment of 20 percent or more.

But given the instability in the housing sector and generally tightening credit landscape, I'm wondering whether I should buy now or wait several months, maybe even a year, to see where the market settles. What do you think?

Answer: I don't recommend trying to time the housing market any more than I would timing the stock market. So if your aim by holding off is to try to get the best deal by buying just as prices have hit their low, I think that's unrealistic.

After all, even assuming you can figure out the ideal time to buy - that is, when prices have hit not only hit a trough but are on the verge of rebounding - by the time you find the house you want, line up the financing and close the deal, the "best" time may have already passed.

And given the huge inventory of homes already for sale plus the ones likely to come into the market as more homeowners default on their mortgages and go into foreclosure, prices are forecast to tumble another 6 percent or so in 2008.

So... with that said... if prices are expected to "tumble" another 6 to 10%... if you found the house you were looking for, in the neighborhood you always wanted to live in and could offer the seller 10 to 15% off of the asking price... does it really make sense to keep renting??? ;)

Happy Holidays!!!

2007-12-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

We want to thank our family, friends and clients for their support this year. We know no matter what venture we might take on, we can count on you to help see us through! We are truly blessed to have all of you in our lives. Best wishes and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! ;)

AFFORDABLE!!!

2007-12-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

EXCELLENT ENTRY LEVEL HOME! THIS IS A SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME. AN OPEN KITCHEN AREA AS WELL AS A LARGE, VAULTED CEILING GREAT ROOM. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

DEALS!!!

2007-11-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

Sign up for our BANK REPO home tour. Every Saturday we tour
the newest bank owned properties. We open the door for you
to browse and inspect… 20 minutes later, we are on to the next
property. Email Aly@Casa209.com to sign up!

Coming Soon!!!

2007-11-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

We have just secured 3 multi-unit investment properties.
2, and 3 bedroom units. These are excellent opportunities to live in one unit and rent out the others.
Your tenants will help you PAY YOUR MORTGAGE!!!

Upscale Opportunity!

2007-11-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

Exceptional single story, upscale home in a low traffic cul-de-sac! This is one of the best locations in the city. Spotless inside & out! This stunning modern residence is ideal for both entertaining and for the quite life. This instant upgrade includes a built in pool/spa. Call today for a private showing. 209-595-3806

House Hunting???

2007-10-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

We have access to every major MLS in the Central Valley and the Bay...
Looking for bank properties or foreclosures? These might be the best deals in town!
We have a list of the newest properties, we can send them to you by email, or call you with the updates. Call or email us today!

NEW PRICE!!! $229,900!!!

2007-10-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Excellent opportunity to live in a great neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Sharp updated tile and granite! Great starter home / investment. A short distance from Waterford Head Start, Moon Elementary and less than half a mile from Waterford High School. 209-595-3806

DUPLEX IN AN EXCELLENT LOCATION!!!

2007-10-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Lakewood and Orangeburg, Modesto!
A buyer could purchase this Duplex... live in the 2 bedroom unit and rent out the 3 bedroom unit for about $1,100.00 a month. That means your mortgage would be $1,100.00 less than what your would pay for a Single Family Residence. 209-595-3806

10 Cities Ready To Bounce Back...

2007-10-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

I have some good friends in Dallas that would be happy to show you around...

Click on the pic for a great article from CNN...

BRAND NEW!!!

2007-09-30T18:21:00.002-07:00

BRAND NEW!!!

2007-09-30T18:21:00.001-07:00

BRAND NEW!!!

2007-09-30T18:01:00.001-07:00