1209 Ridgeview Place, Pleasant Hill – $394,000 is a post from: Mark's Remarks

Impeccably maintained town home in quiet North Pleasant Hill. Please stop by Saturday, 9/4, 1-4pm for our open house.

1920 Cameron CT, Concord CA – $209,000 is a post from: Mark's Remarks

Opportunity knocks. Solid 3 bedroom, 2 bath cosmetic fixer tucked away from it all. Excellent pocket of homes in central location, close to freeways, shopping and BART. Hardwood floors, 2 car garage, private lot. Why rent? 

Eight Home Buying Tips in 2010 is a post from: Mark's Remarks

Buying a home in any market can be daunting. No matter how left brain you are, most people buy emotionally, then justify logically. Here are ten tips to make your home buying adventure a little less “adventurous”…

1)      Pre- Qualify: Don’t forget to work closely with a qualified Loan Agent before you find the house of your dreams. Banks are currently demanding more documents such as tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements. Be sure to hold off on large purchases which may affect your credit. 

2)      Keep Closing Costs in Mind: Remember to set aside funds for closing costs. Loan points, escrow fees, appraisals, inspections and other fees will need to be addressed at the time of closing on your new home. 

3)      Make Use of Technology: Although nothing beats an actual walk through of the home of your dreams, great websites, email updates, voice activated IDX systems and virtual tours can save you time with your search. Even if you have a clear picture of what you want in a home, you may turn a corner and surprise yourself. 

4)       Look for Incurables: Deficiencies such as power lines, freeways, commercial areas and busy streets can all affect the marketability of a home, even in the best of times. Pay attention to the incurable aspects or most expensive items first (lot position, floor plan), then work your way to the least expensive (carpet, paint, touch up). 

5)      Work with an Experienced Agent: Nothing replaces experience. A good Real Estate agent, whom you preferably find by referral, will pay great dividends. The 3 questions to keep in mind are: (1) Can I trust you? (2) Are you good at what you do? (3) Do you care about me? 

6)      Don’t Major in the Minors: Every home has defects and deficiencies – even brand new ones. Once in escrow, do your best to focus on what the home has to offer in the long run (neighborhood, quality of life, utility), not on all the minutia that turns up on the home inspection. Avoid getting caught up in the “process” as it can be taxing, stressful and somewhat anticlimactic. Keep your eye on the prize and always retain a “business” mindset. Resist the temptation of making it a “personal” shootout with the Seller.

7)      Count on Repairs: Although most home sales have a home warranty negotiated, have a few dollars set aside after closing for unexpected repairs. 

8)      Look into the Future: Even though you haven’t even closed on the home yet, you will most likely sell it someday. When searching,  focus on location, neighborhood and the amenities that get you excited. Chances are your next buyer will feel the same way.

Ten Ways to Use Your $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is a post from: Mark's Remarks

When was the last time anyone offered you $8000 to buy a home???  Well, here it is folks.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 provides an $8000 federal tax credit for first time buyers who have not owned a home within the last three years.  Purchasers who close on a principle residence between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2009 are entitled to a tax credit equal to 10% or a maximum of $8000.

Keep in mind, this is NOT a tax deduction, but an ACTUAL CREDIT paid to you from the federal government.  If you owe $2000 in taxes at the end of the year, you will receive a check for $6000.  Conversely, if you are owed $2000, you will receive a check for $10,000.

Time is running out and with the current delays in obtaining financing through most lending institutions and the lack of inventory in many areas, it is imperative to secure a property into contract by no later than October 15, 2009, to have a chance at getting your piece of the stimulus package.

Since I cannot give you direct tax advice, always confirm any tax information with a qualified specialist such as a CPA or EA.

Click image for larger version

Here are some of the ways to use your $8000 tax credit:

1. Go on a cruise or second honeymoon to Venice Italy
2. Improve that tired bathroom you’ve been meaning to for years
3. Take almost 4 ½  years worth of piano lessons
4. Buy over one year’s worth of groceries for your family
5. Purchase a really cool motorcycle
6. Fly to Paris for lunch 5 times
7. Try your luck in Vegas without caring
8. Take eight friends on an exotic scuba diving excursion
9. See how many live sports events you can attend until the money runs out
10. Buy a small experimental airplane and an insurance policy for your spouse

Resources for tax credit buyers:

www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf

http://taxes.about.com/od/deductionscredits/qt/homebuyercredit.htm

Feng Shui – Your Way to Peace, Harmony and the Best Price for Your Home is a post from: Mark's Remarks

Have you ever walked into a room or home and it “just felt” good? Conversely, you may have encountered a space that did not feel right and you just couldn’t put your finger on it. Feng Shui (pronounced fung-SCHWAY) is the ancient art of organizing our physical environments to harmonize with our inner selves, thus creating order, relaxation and ease in our lives. In the practical sense, Feng Shui compels us to look around at our home and work environments to increase the flow of Ch’i (CHEE) or life energy. There are a variety of professional consultants available to fine tune individual spaces. This short article will, by no means act as a substitute for a full consultation by a qualified professional. What it will do, is give a taste of how the average household can improve their performance and quality of life by making a few simple adjustments.

ATTIC & BASEMENTS: Make sure they are well lit, organized and that everything stored has a good home and is easily accessible.

BATHROOMS: Keep all drains closed when not in use. This includes toilet seats in the down position. Ch’i can therefore remain in the home and not go “down the drain”. In addition, Ch’i can be lifted with a fresh coat of paint, new towels, artwork or a small vase with fresh flowers from the garden.

BEDROOMS: Bed and furniture placement are important factors in the bedroom. It is best when lying in bed to be able to see out of the bedroom doorway. Keep art objects serene and sensual. Avoid pictures or paintings with busy cityscapes or chaotic themes. Move exercise equipment, televisions into another room and keep wall colors neutral & calming for maximum “rest & renewal”.

DINING ROOMS: Formal or casual, dining rooms are a sanctuary for enjoyment, nourishment and relaxation. How do the table and chairs interact? Keep chairs comfortable, in good repair and safe. Avoid sharp edges on tables with table cloths or runners. Decorate walls with artwork that tranquil, staying away from large mirrors that tend to over stimulate the environment.

GARAGES: Along with stables and carriage houses, garages were originally designed for the exclusive purpose of transportation and thus detached from the home at the rear of the property. Today, it is oftentimes the first appointment. Our tendency is to (myself included) park cars worth tens of thousands of dollars outside in the elements and store worthless junk in our garages. Keep garages free of clutter and organized. Install shelving or work areas that are easily accessible. If you do park in you garage, keep the garage door open for five minutes after you enter to let fumes dissipate, and so increasing the flow of Ch’i.

KITCHENS: Food is the symbol of health and wealth in Feng Shui, thus the kitchen is a very important element in any home. Keep surfaces and counters uncluttered. Ask yourself the question – Do I use everything on my counters everyday? Store knives out of sight when not in use. Avoid piling mail on your kitchen counters. Keep recycling and trash receptacles out of sight. If you enter your home through the kitchen, consider an alternate entry. First sight of the refrigerator can promote an “external appetite.”

LIVING ROOMS: Place furniture carefully. Position the sofa so you can view the front door. Put televisions and stereo equipment behind closed doors, if possible. Pay attention to sharp corners in metal, glass or wood tables.

MIRRORS: Mirrors are a great way to activate and expand Ch’i throughout your household. Take care not to over activate bedrooms, dining rooms or place of serenity. Place mirrors so that when you walk by, you can see your head with several inches of room to spare. Avoid placing mirrors back to back for the “infinity” look as this disorients people and Chi’i.

FOUNTAINS: Water features are an integral part of Feng Shui. Running water can increase the flow of Ch’i. Bird baths are excellent as well if kept sparkling clean. Keep all pools and hot tubs safely locked or fenced and clean.

Whether doing a quick spiff or hiring a Feng Shui consultant for a complete overhaul, it is important that you feel comfortable in your space. If you feel good, so will others and when marketing your home, you may be surprised at the compliments you may receive from your prospective buyers: “I can’t explain it, but this home just feels right.”