Prodigious tango composer/singer/dancer Carlos Gardel with one of his famous contributions – Por Una Cabeza, featured in the motion picture “Scent of a Woman” starring Al Pacino. A small sample of a larger work.

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Will one of the nation’s greatest musicians be noticed in a D.C. Metro? Will any passerbys stop during rush hour? Violinist Joshua Bell experimented for Gene Weingarten’s Sunday Magazine story in The Washington Post.

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Where is the Real Estate market going in 2012? Here are three myths that you may consider in your decision making process in 2012:
1) There is a national Real Estate Market. While Fisery Case Shiller reports can comment on the 384 Metro Regions in the US, this leaves us a huge sector that embodies pockets and neighborhoods in the US that vary as much as fingerprints or snowflakes. Schools, proximity to jobs, quality of life and many others factor in an overall market value.
2) There is a deep “shadow inventory” of bank-owned homes. No one actually knows what the banks are holding or holding off regarding bank-owned homes. Though a good piece of news is: “Mortgage delinquency rates have been falling for more than a year. Foreclosure rates have started to decline. The flood of bank-owned sales, which has swamped many markets, will finally begin to recede this year as fewer houses enter the foreclosure pipeline. Meanwhile, housing affordability has nearly returned to pre-bubble levels. Relative to family income levels, the average U.S. home is now only 5 percent more expensive than it was in 2000.” - Fisery Case Shiller 2012 forecast report.
3) It’s impossible to obtain financing. Not true – yes banks are requiring more documentation and in many cases a higher down payment. There is still, however, a 3.5% downpayment option through FHA if you are willing to pay for mortgage insurance.

Come one come all to this timely event…who knows, Norman Rockwell may even show up?

Come one come all to Collector's Choice Antiques

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Click here to view the video on YouTube.

7 Arbor Way, Lafayette CA

1) Rates: Ridiculously low interest rates can help you put more towards the principle every month.
2) Values: Lower values increase your buying power while reducing you property taxes.
3) Leverage: Put down 20% on a $525,000 home ($105,000) – when the value goes up 10%, it increases on total ($525,000) not on your initial investment, net +$52,500.
4) Forced Savings: If you pay rent all you have to show for after years and years are cancelled checks.
5) Choices: You get to paint your rooms primary colors without permission from your landlord.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.