Fremont Real Estate Blog

Sewer Lateral Inspections Required in Oakland, Emeryville, and Piedmont

2012-01-30T15:36:00.001-08:00

The East Bay Municipal Utilities District is now requiring sewer lateral inspections prior to homes being sold in Oakland, Emeryville and Piedmont.

-Steven Fong

Government Affairs Action for the Week of January 22, 2012

by David C. Stark, Public Affairs Director, Bay East Association of REALTORS®

Oakland Sewer Lateral Point-of-Sale Requirements: The East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) is now requiring sewer lateral inspections prior to homes being sold in Oakland, Emeryville and Piedmont. The inspections also are required for certain remodeling projects and when a property owner changes the size of their water meter.

The EBMUD point-of-sale requirement is in response to a court order from the the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is requiring EBMUD repair damaged sanitary sewer pipes to prevent untreated waste from being released into the San Francisco Bay. EBMUD is in turn passing the responsibility to individual property owners who will have to obtain a certificate from EBMUD showing their sewer laterals are not damaged and are connected properly.

Please visit the EBMUD Website to determine if a property is subject to the sewer lateral inspection requirements and how to obtain a compliance certificate by clicking here.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
REALTOR, Broker, President, MBA

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

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Advice from a 90 year old on how to live your life.

2012-01-28T13:27:00.001-08:00

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old. This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, it's their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn't mean you are. Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain. So keep it working

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Sunil Sethi / Broker, President, REALTOR, MBA, CPA (inactive)
38750 Paseo Padre Pkwy Suite B3 / Fremont, CA 94536
www.sunilsethi.com

CA DRE#: 01173766

Administration Announces Changes to HAMP

2012-01-27T14:29:00.001-08:00

Administration Announces Changes to HAMP

The Obama administration has announced changes to its flagship foreclosure prevention initiative – the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). Among the changes, borrowers who are struggling because of debt beyond their mortgage will be eligible for a secondary evaluation with more flexible debt-to-income criteria, and eligibility will be extended to investor-owned homes that are used as rental properties. The administration is also giving principal reductions a bigger role within the program, tripling incentives for investors that agree to write down an underwater borrower’s principal balance and offering these same incentives to the nation’s two biggest mortgage investors – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

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Building permits, housing starts rise in December

2012-01-25T21:21:00.001-08:00

It’s nice to see folks interested increasing new homes. It’s shows confidence in the housing market.

-sunil

Building permits, housing starts rise in December
Building permits for single-family homes rose 1.8 percent in December to a rate of 444,000 units compared with November, according to a joint release by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Single-family housing starts rose 4.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 657,000.

An estimated 611,900 housing units were authorized by building permits in 2011. This is 1.2 percent above the 2010 figure of 604,600. Approximately 606,900 housing units were started in 2011. This is 3.4 percent above the 2010 figure of 586,900.

More info

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

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Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

2012-01-25T12:03:00.001-08:00

I always the say went, loose lips sink ships. Wasn’t it loose credit that started the build-up to the bubble? Yes I’m being sarcastic.

From DS News
Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit. The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago. Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios (LTV), which Capital Economics denotes "the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions." » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

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Housing Inventory Down 22% From Year-Ago Levels

2012-01-25T12:03:00.000-08:00

We feel the lack of inventory every day.

From DS News

Housing Inventory Down 22% From Year-Ago Levels

At the national level, the inventory of for-sale single-family homes dropped by 22.29 percent over the last year, according to new statistics released by Realtor.com. The site concludes that at the close of 2011, there were 1.89 million single-family homes on the market, down 6 percent from just one month prior. Realtor.com views the development as a positive sign the market is holding its own at the national level, but notes that the weight of foreclosures is keeping the market in a fragile state. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

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What's crazier, the enforcer or the enforced into this situation regarding unmanned aircraft in LA

2012-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

Forwarded to me by C.A.R.

LAPD Warning Against Hiring Unmanned Aircraft Operators for Aerial Photos

Los Angeles authorities have asked C.A.R. to communicate this warning to REALTORS® who hire unmanned aircraft operators to take aerial photographs for marketing high-end properties. Using these devices (also known as drones) for flight in the air with no onboard pilot may violate, among other things, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) policy on unmanned aircrafts, and Los Angeles's local ordinance requiring permits for filming commercial motion pictures and still photographs.

The Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) investigation has apparently revealed that aerial photos where unmanned aircraft were observed have appeared on certain real estate sales websites. According to FilmL.A., the LAPD Air Division has issued this warning as it intends to prosecute violators in the near future. FilmL.A. is a public benefit company created by the City and County of Los Angeles to manage film permit activity and related issues.

Under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s current policy, no one can operate an unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System without specific authority. Operators who wish to fly an unmanned aircraft for civil use must obtain an FAA experimental airworthiness certificate, which will not be issued to an unmanned aircraft used for compensation or hire. Although the FAA allows hobbyists to fly model airplanes for recreational purposes under specific guidelines, that authority does not extend to operators flying unmanned aircraft for business purposes. More information is available from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Notice on Unmanned Aircraft Operations and the FAA's policy.

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

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Fire Prevention Fee disclosure - $150/ property within California Wildland Fire / State Fire Responsibility Areas (SRA) starting in 2012

2012-01-23T07:51:00.001-08:00

The notice of the Fire Prevention Fee disclosure has been included in all Property I.D. Reports since it was signed into law in July 2011. Property I.D. was the first and only NHD company that provided information on this new law since its inception. This fee will be imposed on all properties that fall within California Wildland Fire / State Fire Responsibility Areas (SRA) starting in 2012.

Notice of Fire Prevention Fee: The Governor signed AB 29 of the First Extraordinary Session (ABX1 29) into law on July 7, 2011. ABX1 29 imposes a $150 annual wildfire protection fee per habitable structure for property owners in the SRA. SRA lands cover about 31 million acres in 56 counties, and include an estimated 1.1 million to 1.5 million individual parcels, and approximately 800,000 habitable structures. Public Resources Code Section 4210 provides a legislative finding and declaration that the presence of structures within the SRA can pose an increased risk of fire ignition and an increased potential for fire damage within the state’s wildlands and watersheds and that the costs of fire prevention activities should be borne by the owners of these structures.

The State Board of Equalization (BOE) is required to annually assess and collect the fee from property owners on behalf of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) in accordance with the Fee Collection Procedures Law. CDF is responsible for providing the BOE with a list of property owners who are liable for the fire prevention fee, and the amount to be assessed. However, the BOE is currently waiting to receive funding from the State of California in order to begin its collection duties, so the BOE has not yet finalized its method for the billing procedure of the Fire Prevention Fee.

For more information from the BOE, please click on this link: http://www.boe.ca.gov/abx129.htm

Property I.D. was the first NHD company to include this disclosure in its Reports, and Property I.D. will continue to monitor and report to you what the BOE and CDF will do in the implementation of this new law.

If you have a Property I.D. Report that was prepared prior to August 2011 for a transaction and escrow has not yet closed, please contact us for a free update which will include the Notice of Fire Prevention Fee.

Ingrid

Delinquency and Foreclosure Rates Down From a Year Ago: LPS

2012-01-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

From DS News

Delinquency and Foreclosure Rates Down From a Year Ago: LPS

As of the end of December, Lender Processing Services (LPS) counted 6,167,000 borrowers behind on their mortgage payments, including those already in the process of foreclosure. That tally is the culmination of a steady decline over the last year, with both the national delinquency rate and foreclosure rate down when compared to their December 2010 readings. Delinquencies dropped by 7.7 percent from their year-ago level, while foreclosures declined by 1.0 percent. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

See What's Happening at the Union City Sports Center!

2012-01-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

YOUTH YOGA w/ Ari Weinberg

Union City Sports Center • Classroom B

Classes Start: Sunday, January 29^th • 11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Let your child experience the world of yoga! Children will work through yoga poses which can instill calmness, confidence and balance. Yoga also helps children develop a better body awareness, self-control, flexibility and coordination. Children should wear comfortable clothing to class. For registration information, call (510) 675-5808.

CODE DAY DATE TIME FEE (Sprt Ctr Mem/ UC Res/Non)

47771 Sunday 1/29 – 3/11 11:30 – 12:30 pm $35/$40/$45

BOX & SCULPT w/ Jennifer Morrison

Union City Sports Center • Aerobics Room

Tuesdays • 8 am – 9 am

Find out why boxing and kickboxing are rapidly increasing in popularity. Burn up to 100 calories and learn a new skill at the Union City Sports Center on Tuesday morning!

What to expect:

· 15 minute warm up w/ cardio strength training

· 15 minutes of boxing

· 15 minutes of kickboxing

· 15 minutes of abs and stretching

NUTRITION SEMINAR

Conquer Your New Year’s Resolution!

Union City Sports Center • Classroom B

Saturday, January 28^th • 10:30 am – 11:30 am

This seminar is created by certified personal trainer and registered dietitian Shandy Torain and will help you learn to set realistic goals and stick to your fitness and nutrition plan all year round! Prevent falling off the wagon and gain control of your health! Samples of quick and easy snack recipes will be provided.

CODE DAY DATE TIME FEE (Sprt Ctr Mem/ UC Res/Non)

47451 Saturday 1/28/12 10:30 am – 11:30 am $12/$15/$18

TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Union City Sports Center • 31224 Union City Blvd, UC

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Enter the Union City Sports Center’s Winter Table Tennis Tournament. Winners will receive a FREE 20 Visit Table Tennis Pass at the Union City Sports Center! Click here to download tournament rules and application. For more information please call (510) 675-5805 or email maynarde@unioncity.org. Register today!

SPORTS CENTER’S ANNIVERSARY 5K/ 10K FUN RUN

Civic Center (City Hall) • 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, UC

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Get yourself prepared for the annual Union City Sports Center’s Anniversary 5K/ 10K Fun Run & Walk! 5K Stroller and Pet Walking division will be held as well! Click here to download an application. For more information, please call (510) 675-5808. Must register by February 24, 2012 to be guaranteed a fun run t-shirt.

JR GYMSTER’S CHILDCARE

Jr. Gymsters provides childcare for parents who are utilizing the fitness programs at the Union City Sports Center. Parents MUST stay on the premises. Children will enjoy recreational activities in a safe and secure environment. There is a 2 hour time limit for childcare per visit. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior. Spots can be reserved either in person or by phone. A minimum of 2 children must be committed to attend or the childcare session will be cancelled for that day. For more information and childcare hours, call (510) 675-5808.

UNION CITY LEISURE SERVICES CLASSES & ACTIVITIES:

2012 PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST EXHIBIT

Paddy’s Coffee House • 3900 Smith Street, UC

Exhibit Dates: February 1^st – February 29^th

Come see some great photography at Paddy’s! The annual Union City Photograph Contest winners have been selected. The winner’s exhibit will be shown at Paddy’s Coffee starting Wednesday, February 1, 2012. There will also be a special reception for the winners at Paddy’s on Friday, February 3, 2012. For more information visit www.unioncity.org or call (510) 675-5328.

BELLY DANCE FUSION w/ Beatrice Ross

Kennedy Community Center • 1333 Decoto Road, UC

Basic Belly Dance and Golden Belly Dance Fusion are classes designed for both adults and seniors. Beginners are welcome as the class is aimed to promote exercise enjoyment of dance, health and longevity. For more information, call (510) 675-5328.

CODE DAY DATE TIME FEE (UC Res/Non)

47771 Monday 2/20 – 3/26 7 pm – 8:15 pm $40/$50

47771 *Tuesday 2/21 – 3/27 10 am – 11 am $40/$50

*Tuesday class designed for the older adult.

EXCITING CLASSES BEING OFFERED BY UCLS THIS WINTER

Union City Leisure Services will be offering classes in the arts, music, dance, enrichment and martial arts for youth and teens this winter! For more information please click on the following links.

Winter Special Interests More Winter Programs

TENNIS CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

UCLS is now offering NEW tennis classes for people of all ages through new tennis instructor Kirsten Pacis. We have classes for youth, teens and adults of all skill levels and private/ semi private lessons. Contact Zach Wolfe at (510) 675-5445 or click on the following links for more information.

Tennis Homepage Winter Tennis Tennis Program

LEARN HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE

Kennedy Community Center • 1333 Decoto Road, UC

Class begins: Monday, February 20^th • 6 pm

Learn how to produce a true independent film. Bryan Nelson has worked in over 30 film projects ranging from music videos, commercials and big box office hit movies. In this class, Bryan will share his knowledge of script writing, production, to selling the final project. Class begins on Monday, February 20^th at 6 pm. For more information, call (510) 675-5329.

31224 UNION CITY BOULEVARD, UNION CITY, CA 94587 • (510) 675-5808 • www.unioncity.org

Hours: Monday – Friday • 5:30 am – 9 pm | Saturday & Sunday • 7 am – 3 pm

Freddie Mac Approaches 2012 with 'Cautious Optimism'

2012-01-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

From DS News

Freddie Mac Approaches 2012 with 'Cautious Optimism'

Freddie Mac expects a 2 percent to 5 percent increase in home sales in 2012 amid moderate economic growth over the year, according to the GSE's U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for January. Approaching the year with "cautious optimism," Freddie Mac's chief economist Frank Nothaft says there are some positive signs in the job market and consumer confidence levels, and even housing is starting to raise hopes for a continuing, gradual economic recovery. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 18, 2012

2012-01-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

These homes were sold at the Alameda County Courthouse steps. These properties were foreclosed on and will become tomorrow’s REO and Flips for sale in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, and other parts of the Alameda County. They will eventually be listed on a MLS and resold. If you are interested in buying these let us know.

There was a big one sold at 37273 Aleppo Dr, Newark today.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

The California legislature enacted the following new laws for 2012 that are relevant to real estate.

2012-01-18T10:40:00.001-08:00

The California legislature enacted the following new laws for 2012 that are relevant to real estate.

Disclosures

Sellers Disclosure of Water-Conserving Plumbing Fixtures: The Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) now provides a checkbox in Section IIA for a seller to disclose whether the property has water-conserving plumbing fixtures. By January 1, 2017, a single-family residence built on or before January 1, 1994 must be equipped with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. If a single-family home is altered or improved after January 1, 2014, the water-conserving plumbing fixtures are required for final building permit approval. (Civil Code Section 1102.6) (effective January 1, 2012).

NHD Disclosure for Mining Operations: A company preparing a Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) Statement for a prospective buyer, must now disclose whether the property is located within one mile of a mining operation, according to map coordinate data from the Office of Mine Reclamation. If a property is within one mile, the NHD company must give a specified notice that such mining operations may cause inconveniences. (Civil Code Section 1103.4) (effective January 1, 2012).

Foreclosure

Revising the Notice of Trustee Sale: Effective April 1, 2012, a notice of trustee’s sale for the non-judicial foreclosure of one-to-four residential units must contain specified notices to the owner on how to seek postponement of the trustee’s sale, and advising potential bidders on the risks involved in bidding at trustee auctions. Additionally, a lender or authorized agent must make a good faith effort to provide up-to-date information about sale dates and postponements to persons who want this information. The lender must also provide updated information through the Internet, a telephone recording, or any other means that allows free access at any time. (Civil Code Section 2924(f)) (effective April 1, 2012)

Homeowners Association (HOAs)

HOA Disclosures: Upon request for applicable transactions, an HOA must provide a specified cover sheet itemizing: (1) the HOA sales disclosures required by law; (2) the HOA disclosures provided by the HOA; and (3) the estimated fee for providing the required HOA disclosures distinguished from other fees, fines, or assessments. C.A.R.’s standard form Homeowner Association Information Request (revised 11/11) complies with this requirement. The fee for providing the required HOA disclosures must be reasonable based upon the HOA’s actual cost for procuring, preparing, reproducing, and delivering the HOA documents. If such fee is paid, the HOA cannot withhold the required HOA disclosures for any reason. If an HOA maintains the HOA documents electronically, they must be made electronically available to a requesting party at no additional fee. This law also requires an HOA to, upon a buyer’s request, provide 12 months of approved minutes of the association’s board of directors meetings (excluding executive sessions). (Civil Code Section 1368(b)) (effective January 1, 2012).

Restricting HOA Board procedures, executive sessions, emergency meetings, discussions, and decisions. Notice of an executive session meeting of an HOA board of directors (other than emergencies) must be given to unit owners at least 2 days before the meeting. The board of directors cannot take action on any item of business outside of a meeting, except for actions that have been validly delegated to managing agents, officers, or any other persons. A board meeting may be conducted be teleconference as specified, but the notice of a teleconference meeting must identify at least one physical location where members can attend, and at least one director must attend the meeting at that location. A board meeting cannot be conducted by email, except for an emergency in the manner specified. Agendas for executive session meetings are no longer excluded from the records that HOA must make available for inspection. (Civil Code Sections 1363, et seq.) (effective January 1, 2012).

Owner’s Right to Rent Condominiums: An owner in a common interest development is exempt from any prohibition in a governing document against renting or leasing the unit, unless that prohibition was in effect before the owner acquired title to his or her unit. When renting out a unit, the owner must give the HOA verification of the owner’s acquisition date, and name and contact information of the prospective tenant. An owner’s right to rent under this law does not terminate for certain transfers of title, including, but not limited to, probate, spousal, parent-to-child, adding a joint tenant, and other transfers exempt from property tax reassessment. For sales transactions, the required HOA disclosures must include a statement describing any prohibition in the governing documents against renting or leasing. This law does not apply to rental prohibitions in effect before 2012. (Civil Code Section 1360.2) (effective January 1, 2012).

Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. An HOA must allow the installation or use of electric vehicle charging stations, but may impose reasonable restrictions. An HOA cannot willfully avoid or delay an application to approve an electric vehicle charging station, which may be deemed approved if not denied within 60 days. If a unit owner seeks to install a charging station in a common area or exclusive use common area, that owner and each successive owner of the parking stall on or near the charging station will be responsible for certain costs and for disclosing to prospective buyers the existence of the electric vehicle charging station and related responsibilities. An HOA that willfully violates this law shall be liable for actual damages, plus a $1,000 civil penalty. (Civil Code Section 1353.9) (effective January 1, 2012).

Landlord- Tenant

Tenants’ Right to Display Political Signs: A residential landlord must generally allow a tenant to display political signs related to elections, legislative votes, initiatives, and other political matters as specified. The landlord can make reasonable restrictions as to location, size, and duration of display. In a single-family dwelling, a tenant’s political signs can be displayed from the yard, window, door, balcony, or outside wall of the leased premises. In a multi-family dwelling, a tenant’s political signs can be posted in the window or door of the leased premises. A landlord can restrict the size of a political sign to 6 square feet. A landlord can also prohibit a tenant from displaying political signs that violate local, state, or federal law, or a lawful provision in an HOA’s governing documents. A tenant must remove political signs in compliance with time limits set by local ordinance, or absent such time limits, the landlord can reasonably restrict the posting of a sign to 90 days before an election, and require removal within 15 days thereafter. (Civil Code Section 1940.4) (effective January 1, 2012).

Tenants Recycling Rights: A multifamily residential dwelling of 5 or more units (or a multifamily residential dwelling or business that generates more than 4 cubic yards per week of commercial solid waste as defined) must arrange for recycling services in an effort to help reduce solid waste. The required recycling services must be consistent with state or local laws to the extent that these services are offered and reasonably available from a local service provider. A multifamily residential owner may require tenants to source separate their recyclable materials to aid in compliance with this law. (Public Resources Code Section 40004) (effective July 1, 2012.)

Tenants Smoking Ban: A residential landlord can prohibit the smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products anywhere on the premises, including any interior or exterior area on the property. For new tenants in 2012, the areas where smoking is prohibited must be stated in the lease or rental agreement. For preexisting tenants before 2012, a new smoking ban is a change in the terms of tenancy that requires adequate written notice, depending on whether the tenancy is a month-to-month or fixed term agreement. (Civil Code Section 1947.5) (effective January 1, 2012).

Right to Terminate Tenancy for Victims of Domestic Violence: The law allowing a tenant who is the victim of domestic violence to terminate a tenancy as specified has been revised to require that the notice must generally be given within 180 days of a temporary restraining order, police report, or as provided. (Civil Code Section 1946.7) (effective January 1, 2012).

Probate

Value Increase for Probate Exemptions. The total value of a decedent’s estate that can be transferred using simplified petition procedures, rather than a formal probate administration, has been increased from $100,000 to $150,000. The total value of all real property in a decedent’s estate that can be transferred by an affidavit procedure, instead of a formal probate administration or the petition procedures, has been increased from $20,000 to $50,000. (Cal. Probate Code §§ 7620, 13200, and 13600) (effective January 1, 2012).

Property Taxes

Deferral for Seniors and the Disabled: Counties can elect to participate in a County Deferred Property Tax Program that allows senior and disabled citizens to defer payment of property taxes owed. If the claimant who applies is eligible, and the county’s Property Tax Deferral Fund has adequate funds, the county treasurer or tax collector may defer property taxes for a claimant’s residential dwelling for that fiscal year. The amount of deferred tax plus interest shall be secured by a judgment lien as specified. (Government Code Sections 20800 et seq.) (effective January 1, 2012).

Real Estate Licensees

Property Valuation: A real estate licensee cannot knowingly or intentionally misrepresent the value of real property. Furthermore, a licensee who offers or provides an opinion of value for residential property that is used as the basis for originating a mortgage loan cannot have any direct or indirect interest in the property or transaction. A licensee or other interested party is prohibited from using coercion, extortion, bribery, intimidation, compensation, or instruction to improperly influence a person preparing an appraisal or valuation for a real estate transaction. (Business and Professions Code Section 10177.3) (effective January 1, 2012).

Brokers Designating Managers: Effective July 1, 2012, an employing broker may appoint a licensee as a manager to supervise the licensed activities, clerical staff, and day-to-day operations of a branch office or division. An appointed manager who fails to properly supervise licensed activities will be subject to disciplinary action by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Appointing a manager, however, does not limit the employing broker’s supervisory responsibilities. The appointment of a manager must be in a written agreement in which the manager accepts the delegated responsibility. The employing broker must notify the DRE when a manager has been appointed or terminated. A licensee cannot be an appointed manager if the licensee holds a restricted license, is or has been subject to a debarment order, or is a salesperson with less than two years of full-time real estate experience within the last five years. (Business and Professions Code Section 10164) (effective July 1, 2012.)

Licensee’s Duty to Report Discipline to DRE: The DRE will have greater disciplinary authority to achieve its highest priority of protecting the public. A licensee will be required to report to the DRE within 30 days of any of the following: (1) disciplinary action taken by another licensing entity in California or another state, or by a federal governmental agency; (2) an indictment or information charging a felony against the licensee; or (3) a conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, including a plea of guilty or no contest. A failure to comply with this reporting requirement will be cause for discipline. (Business and Professions Code Section 10186.2) (effective January 1, 2012).

DRE Disciplinary Authority over Licensees. The DRE’s broader disciplinary authority will also include, among other things, the following:

· Entering into a pre-prosecution settlement with a licensee or applicant, instead of pursuing an accusation or statement of issue, but the settlement will be considered discipline,

· Including payment of reasonable investigation and prosecution costs in a disciplinary order. A licensee’s failure to pay can result in non-renewal of license,

· Requiring that a restricted licensee pays the costs of monitoring the licensee and monetary restitution to any person who sustained damages caused by the licensee’s misconduct. Failure to pay can result in non-renewal of license,

· Automatically suspending the license of anyone incarcerated after a felony conviction

· Conclusively presuming without a hearing that a licensee’s conviction for murder, rape, lewd and lascivious acts, or a violation of dangerous drugs or controlled substances law, is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee,

· Making public information confirming the fact of certain investigations or proceedings regarding a licensee, and

· Applying for a court order to enforce a subpoena that a licensee has refused to obey.

(Business and Professions Code Sections 10079 – 10186) (effective January 1, 2012).

DRE Citations and Fines: The DRE can issue a citation and fine up to $2,500 if, upon investigation, it has cause to believe that a licensee has violated the DRE rules, or if an unlicensed person has engaged in licensed activities. The person cited can request a hearing within 30 days from receipt of the citation. The citation and fine will be in lieu of DRE disciplinary action for the offense cited, and the citation will not be reported as discipline. However, failure to comply with the terms of the citation or pay the fine within a reasonable time specified by the DRE shall result in disciplinary action and non-renewal of license. This law also gives the DRE the authority to make public information confirming the fact of certain investigations or proceedings regarding a licensee, and to apply for a court order to enforce a subpoena if a licensee has refused to obey. (Business and Professions Code Section 10080.9) (effective January 1, 2012).

DRE License Suspension for Tax Delinquency: Both the State Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board must periodically make public a list of the 500 persons in California with the largest tax delinquencies in excess of $100,000. The lists must include, among other things, each taxpayer’s occupational or professional license numbers. The DRE and other state governmental licensing entities (with certain exceptions) must suspend and refuse to issue or renew an occupational or professional license for anyone on either tax delinquency list. (Business and Professions Code Section 494.5) (effective January 1, 2012).

Schools

Parent’s Workplace Establishes Residency for School Attendance: A school district may deem that a pupil has complied with the residency requirements for school attendance in the district if at least one parent or the legal guardian of the pupil is physically employed within the boundaries of that district at least 10 hours per school week. This provision, which was originally scheduled to expire on July 1, 2012, has been extended to July 1, 2017. (Education Code Section 48204) (effective January 1, 2012).

Small Claims Court

Increasing Small Claims to $10,000: The small claims court jurisdiction will generally increase from $7,500 to $10,000 for an action brought by a natural person. For a claim of bodily injury from a car accident, the increase to $10,000 will not occur until 2015. The dollar limit in small claims court for an action brought by a corporation or other entity will remain at $5,000. (Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.221) (effective January 1, 2012).

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 11., 2012

2012-01-12T16:10:00.001-08:00

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

36052 Blair Place, Fremont - Great New opportunity in Brookvale

2012-01-12T14:55:00.001-08:00

Located on one of the best streets in Brookvale. Checkout this 3/2 1688sqft home on Blair Place.

Click Here to View Listings

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

J. Daley Durham Elementary School Named Blue Ribbon School for 2012

2012-01-12T14:41:00.001-08:00

That's a great accomplishment.

-sunil

Number of 'Improving' Housing Markets Nearly Doubles

2012-01-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

From DS News

Number of 'Improving' Housing Markets Nearly Doubles

The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January, with the addition of 40 new metros to the Improving Markets Index put out by First American and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The index tracks housing markets that are showing signs of improving economic health based on three independent datasets - employment growth from the Labor Department, home price appreciation from Freddie Mac, and single-family housing permits from the Census Bureau. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

California, however, at a 53 percent net influx, was classified as a "balanced" state in the report, like most states of the West

2012-01-09T08:58:00.001-08:00

Top 10 US places with a net influx of movers

Only Washington, D.C., and nine states -- primarily in the Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions -- were labeled "inbound" by receiving a net influx (over 55 percent) of Atlas moves in 2011, according to Atlas Van Lines' 2011 annual... Continued »

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Home Prices Down in 2011, but Market Stability Forecast for 2012

2012-01-09T07:47:00.001-08:00

From DS News

Home Prices Down in 2011, but Market Stability Forecast for 2012

While year-over-year home price measurements notched down in 2011, prices are expected to see a slight uptick in 2012, according to Clear Capital. Should the valuation company's predictions ring true, it would be the first time since 2006 that the change in annual home prices has landed in positive territory. Data released by Clear Capital Monday shows year-over-year, national home prices dropped 2.1 percent in 2011. For 2012, the company projects a slight gain of 0.2 percent. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 6, 2012

2012-01-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

There were a lot more sold today and yesterday than we normally see, probably because the banks delays some over the holidays.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 5, 2011

2012-01-06T11:51:00.001-08:00

5109 Sloan Way is the most attractive home sold off at the auction in the Tri-cities yesterday.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 4, 2012

2012-01-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

A new year but the auctions continue just like last year.

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Sunil Sethi (510) 388-2436
sunil@sunilsethi.com

Steven Fong (510) 673-6509
steven@sunilsethi.com

DRE #01173766, #01729474

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December 2011 - Housing Inventory Snapshot By County

2012-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

We hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot		December 31, 2011
	Average List Price	Median List Price	Average Days On Market
Santa Clara County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$557,975	$548,000	84
Single Family over $1M	$2,578,401	$1,825,000	109
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$336,111	$325,000	85
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$748,455	$709,995	89
San Mateo County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$566,288	$525,000	91
Single Family over $1M	$3,589,378	$1,880,000	110
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$355,955	$359,000	93
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$802,679	$698,250	96
Santa Cruz County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$536,096	$529,000	97
Single Family over $1M	$2,215,229	$1,659,000	132
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$332,179	$299,900	104
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$851,000	$799,000	155
Monterey County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$438,817	$350,000	99
Single Family over $1M	$3,253,096	$2,395,000	167
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$320,186	$316,500	92
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$924,226	$749,000	123
Alameda County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$388,709	$349,000	86
Single Family over $1M	$1,808,609	$1,475,000	130
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$262,403	$244,100	96
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$833,236	$675,000	74
Contra Costa County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$359,726	$284,900	86
Single Family over $1M	$2,250,939	$1,575,000	146
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$213,651	$175,200	90
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$760,854	$699,000	93

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give us a call. We will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Sunil Sethi (510) 388-2436

Steven Fong (510) 673-6509

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

FHA extends waiver to help resell foreclosed homes

2012-01-03T05:43:00.001-08:00

FHA extends waiver to help resell foreclosed homes

In response to high foreclosure rates and a continually sluggish housing market, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced today they will extend the temporary waiver of FHA's anti-flipping regulations through 2012. The waiver, which was first announced in 2010 and set to expire in December 2011, will permit buyers...Read Full Story>>

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Taylor Bean & Whitaker CEO Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

2012-01-01T18:35:00.001-08:00

30 years is a long time. Surprised the govt actually made a CEO accountable for their actions, but what about, Countrywide, Fannie and Freddie, they were obviously bigger players in this fiasco. Could it be too many politicians were in bed with their top officers?

From DS News

Taylor Bean & Whitaker CEO Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

06/30/2011 The man charged with orchestrating possibly one of the most notorious mortgage fraud schemes in U.S. history has been handed a 30-year prison sentence. Lee Farkas, CEO of Taylor Bean & Whitaker, was told Thursday by a U.S. district judge in Virginia that his crimes merit three decades behind bars. Judge Brinkema said she did not detect "one bit of actual remorse" in Farkas. From 2002 through 2009, Farkas and his co-conspirators manufactured fraudulent mortgages and securities in a scheme that led to the collapse of Colonial Bank. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

FHA will keep funding flips

2011-12-30T11:47:00.001-08:00

Positive news, FHA home buyers will continue to have the opportunity to buy flipped properties. Flipped properties are healthy for the real estate market as quality flips help bring up home values. Flipped properties are homes purchased with the intention of reselling it in a short period of time, often fixing up what’s needed to get it to move in condition or better. Flipped homes are revitalized and sell for more than in fixer upper condition, raising home values and the condition of the neighborhood. While your first impression may be that this is great for existing home owners and investors, but it also benefits FHA buyers. These flipped homes give FHA home buyers the opportunity to purchase move in condition houses, when they don’t have the reserves or resources to fix up a home themselves. Buyer taking FHA financing, often allocate a good portion of their savings towards their down payment and don’t necessarily have a budget to rehab a home. Therefore, as long as they are able to buy flipped homes with FHA financing, they are able to buy a home and have it in move in condition.

-Steven

December 30, 2011

FHA will keep funding flips

Waiver for 90-day resales extended through 2012

By Inman News
Inman News®

For the second year in a row, the Federal Housing Administration is extending a temporary waiver of its "anti-flipping" rule, meaning homebuyers relying on FHA-insured financing will continue to be able to buy homes that have changed hands in the last 90 days.

The waiver is a boon for investors seeking to rehab and flip properties, because it expands the pool of eligible borrowers to include those relying on FHA-backed loans, popular with first-time homebuyers and others who lack the cash to make large down payments.

In extending the waiver through 2012, FHA said all transactions must continue to be arms-length. In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller’s acquisition cost, the waiver will apply only if the lender can document the justification for the increase in value, FHA said.

FHA instituted the anti-flipping rule in 2003 to protect its mutual mortgage insurance program from losses on homes that were merely flipped, rather than rehabbed. Homes repossessed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and state- and federally chartered financial institutions were exempt from the rule.

In February 2010, the Obama administration waived the waiting period for resales -- including homes purchased and rehabbed by private investors -- in the hopes of stabilizing home prices and revitalizing communities hit by foreclosures.

It often takes less than 90 days to acquire, rehabilitate and sell properties, the Department of Housing and Urban Development said at the time. Some sellers of rehabbed properties had been reluctant to enter into contracts with FHA buyers because of the cost of holding a property for 90 days, HUD said.

In extending the waiver through 2011, FHA said it insured 21,000 90-day property flip loans worth more than $3.6 billion in 2010 that would otherwise not have qualified for financing.

That number has since grown to nearly 42,000 mortgages worth more than $7 billion on properties resold within 90 days of acquisition.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
REALTOR, Broker, President, MBA

Fremont Real Estate

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods |

New Years Eve is a big night for celebrations and your safety is our number one priority. Please follow these tips..

2011-12-28T16:56:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy New Years!

-Steven

Wednesday December 28, 2011, 1:08 PM
Fremont Police Department (CA)

Community: New Years Eve is a big night for celebrations and your safety is our number one priority. Please follow these tips..

Are you hosting or attending a New Year's Eve party? Following a few simple guidelines could prevent a tragedy:

• Plan ahead by naming a "designated driver." Make this your responsibility. Remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving.
• Contact a local cab company to provide rides for you and/or your guests.
• Take advantage of the special late night service BART is offering http://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2011/news20111212.aspx
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option.
• Make sure you have plenty of food on hand.
• Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
• Provide your guests with a place to stay overnight in your home.
• Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive.
• Staying inside at midnight to celebrate with friends and family is always the safest place to be.
• DO NOT fire weapons into the air. Bullets and projectiles can travel long distances causing injury and death. You have no control where a projectile will land when fired indiscriminately into the air.
• All fireworks (even those deemed safe and sane) are illegal in Fremont.
• Keep an eye on your pets. Loud noises, fireworks, gunshots, all can be frightening to animals. Keep your pets indoors or consult your veterinarian for options. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification should they become lost.

If you are the designated driver:
- Be a defensive driver.
- Keep distractions (cell phones, food, and drunk friends) to a minimum.
- Make sure that you and your passengers are wearing a seat belt.
- Find a safe location and call 9-1-1 if you see a drunk driver on the road.

All of us at the Fremont Police Department would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe 2012.

For full details, view this message on the web.

Sent by Fremont Police Department (CA), 2000 Stevenson Blvd, PO Box 5007, Fremont, CA 94538

To manage your email settings, click here. To update your account settings, login here.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
REALTOR, Broker, President, MBA

Fremont Real Estate

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods |

Actions on Housing Policy Will Make or Break Recovery

2011-12-27T22:53:00.001-08:00

Actions on Housing Policy Will Make or Break Recovery

On December 22, 2011

We have many reasons to be optimistic about housing. Past-due mortgages and foreclosure filings have been trending down in recent months, not to mention inventory is decreasing, interest rates are lower than ever and home prices are stabilizing. But the progress is fragile, and ongoing recovery won’t be helped by unreasonable regulation. The only appropriate focus for legislators is helping families who are struggling right now and doing whatever it takes to keep properties out of the REO market.

Recent steps to provide distressed homeowners with more viable alternatives to foreclosure, such as easier refinancing through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and ongoing streamlining of short sales by major lenders, are important steps in the right direction—and at the right time.

Lawmakers have the power to either continue helping or risk hurting the economy with their decisions on housing. It’s important they hear the message that housing needs focused attention to gain real traction toward sustained recovery, which really is in the best interest of the entire economy. I urge you to contact your representatives to offer your professional opinion on what it’s going to take to make the turnaround stick.

Mission Critical

There’s no more important goal than keeping families in their homes if they have a reasonable ability to pay the mortgage. The Obama administration’s executive order to allow homeowners to refinance their government-backed loans under HARP, regardless of how much value a home has lost in the downturn, sets a great example for other major lenders. And by following suit, the big banks can avoid flooding the market with costly foreclosures and avoid jeopardizing consumer confidence.

More importantly, homeowners who’ve had to cut back in these lean times can save hundreds of dollars a month on their mortgage payments with previously denied access to historically low interest rates.

Next Best Thing

In cases where homeowners have no reasonable ability to pay their mortgage because of unemployment, illness or other personal challenges, a short sale should be the first consideration. Next to lenders needing to continue ramping up their abilities to handle short sales, one of the biggest obstacles to closing these life-changing transactions is educating homeowners about the option. More lenders are being proactive in contacting homeowners who are at risk of default and outlining alternatives to foreclosure, such as short sales. Plus, in many cases, these homeowners are being introduced to one or more trained real estate agents who can help them through the process.

With short sales becoming increasingly commonplace (Bank of America reported recently that its yearly total of short sales has more than doubled since 2009), it’s more important than ever for real estate professionals to promote their expertise in distressed properties and their willingness to help. The key for any agent who’s interested in taking part in the short sale solution is getting appropriate training, such as the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation or the NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification.

Economists and real estate leaders alike agree that foreclosure alternatives are going to make the difference between needless struggle and real recovery. And as lawmakers and lenders become wiser to this reality and the primary task, refinancing and short sales will play a major role in pulling us out of the current downturn and pronounced cycle of foreclosures.

Margaret Kelly (CRB) is chief executive officer

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
REALTOR, Broker, President, MBA

Fremont Real Estate

38% of homes purchased with all Cash

2011-12-26T08:39:00.001-08:00

From DS News:

Study Finds 38% of Homes Purchased in 2011 Bought with Cash

Despite record low mortgage rates, 2011 has seen a surprisingly high level of cash home purchases, according to the real estate research firm Hanley Wood Market Intelligence. Analysts with the company say between tight lending standards and a desperate search for yield by investors, cash purchases of homes – particularly for distressed properties – are becoming more common. The company's study found 38 percent of homes purchased in 2011 were bought with all cash. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Please Stop Pandering to the Banks

2011-12-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

How can you not require the ability to repay to be part of the underwriting.

Form DS News

Fannie Mae Removes 'Ability to Repay' from HARP 2.0 Guidelines

Fannie Mae has updated its Selling Guide to reflect the recently announced changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Most of the revisions were previously disclosed in November, but there's one nuance that stands out. Fannie Mae has removed the "reasonable ability to repay" clause from the criteria for vetting borrowers for a new HARP loan. Analysts say the subjective ability-to-pay requirement was one of the significant hurdles to HARP refinancing. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 22, 2011

2011-12-22T16:57:00.001-08:00

Nothing interesting to buy today if your focus is in the Fremont, Newark or Union City.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Existing-Home Sales Rise in November

2011-12-21T08:34:00.001-08:00

It does feel like sales were at a good pace last month, however December might e slower because there is less to sell.

From DS News

Existing-Home Sales Rise in November

Existing-home sales rose again last month, according to data released Wednesday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That assessment, however, is coming off of lower sales numbers than previously thought, reflecting revisions to NAR’s data going back to 2007. The trade group has adjusted sales and inventory figures for the last four years downward by 14.3 percent. NAR’s latest monthly report shows sales of previously owned homes increased 4.0 percent to an annual rate of 4.42 million in November from 4.25 million in October, and are 12.2 percent above the 3.94 million-unit pace in November 2010.

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

REOs Selling Faster

2011-12-21T07:54:00.001-08:00

We definitely feel. Investors are very active in the under $300k mkt

From DS News

REO Properties Are Moving Faster: Survey

Homebuyer demand appears to be intensifying, especially among lower-priced REO properties, according to an industry study released Tuesday. Time-on-market for move-in ready REO was just 10.1 weeks in November, the lowest in 15 months, according to the HousingPulse survey. Time-on-market for damaged REO was even lower at 9.0 weeks, also the lowest in 15 months. The HousingPulse survey polls approximately 2,500 real estate agents nationwide each month to assess market trends surrounding homes sales. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

DRE #01173766, #01729474

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Why Would you Expect Politicians To Not Get Favors

2011-12-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

If everyone had cake to eat, we wouldn’t care about politicians misguided behavior.

From DS News

Politicians Allegedly Participated in Countrywide's VIP Loan Program

Rep. Darrell Issa of California sent a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to inform them that he has found evidence that four current members of the House of Representatives received loans through a VIP loan program that has been under investigation since 2008. The loan program was operated by Countrywide as the "Friends of Angelo" program, named for CEO Angelo Mozilo. » Read More

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Gas Pipeline's Not Disclosed in NHDs

2011-12-20T10:21:00.001-08:00

From Disclosure Source a provider of NHDs

San Bruno Pipeline Explosion -
A Year Later
Real Estate Advisory - Gas Pipelines

The September 2010 explosion of a gas pipeline in San Bruno was a terrible disaster and it greatly increased the public's awareness of the potential dangers associated with underground pipelines. However, government policy has not established pipeline disclosures in a real estate transfer. Consider the following:

1. The State of California has since enacted five new laws to strengthen pipeline safety; however, official disclosure of pipeline proximity in a real estate transfer has not been addressed by California law.

2. Congresswoman Jackie Speier earlier this year introduced the National Pipeline Safety Bill that, among other suggestions, will prescribe minimum standards to require the owner or operator of a pipeline facility to notify all owners and residents of the location of a transmission line and how to obtain a map of the pipeline system through the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) website, http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/.

3. The California Association of Realtors® has updated the Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory (SBSA, Rev. 11/11) and the Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ, Rev. 11/11) forms to address awareness and notification of underground pipelines to prospective purchasers. If the seller is aware of the proximity of pipelines, that knowledge becomes a material fact that must be disclosed on these two forms.

4. Most available pipeline maps are limited, incomplete and inaccurate.

1-800-880-9123

By disclosing information from maps not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness, pipeline disclosure places the seller and seller's agent directly in the line of liability and clearly at risk. Agents want to defer all liability attached to disclosures. A sensible way to achieve this is via an advisory which directs buyers to the NPMS website and the local utility company during the investigation contingency period.

As an agent, choose your NHD Provider with care. Not all NHD Reports are created equal.

Disclosure Source provides an advisory for Gas Pipelines in ALL NHD Reports.

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec 19, 2011

2011-12-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

What’s interesting today is that 1998 Sioux shows on the MLS as having sold on 12/12/11 for $945,000 but supposedly they had auctioned it off today to another bidder for $632,537. There’s definitely something messed up on the banks systems. I’m guessing here of course, but most likely the bank will have to rescind this sale, as it looks like have been paid back already and didn’t have authority to take this to sale.

Also 43519 Puesta Del Sol, Fremont is a beautiful property off of Ocaso Camino in Fremont’s Mission San Jose District. It was sold to the bank, but was subject to some very large IRS liens which is why it was sold so low. It’s value is about $680,000.

4557 Delores in Union City was sold to the bank for $416,250. If it’s in prime condition this should sell for $480,000 to $500,000.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

3 Must-knows Before Backing Out of a Purchase Contract

2011-12-19T14:28:00.001-08:00

3 must-knows before backing out of purchase contract

REThink Real Estate

By Tara-Nicholle Nelson
Inman News®

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec 16, 2011

2011-12-16T15:45:00.001-08:00

Two went to sale today in Fremont. Only one was sold to an investor and the rest to the Bank. When the banks take in the property they generally don’t do as good a job rehabbing (if any). It takes them longer to get a property to market, and they do a poorer job marketing. If more were sold to investors, you’d see home prices rebound faster.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 15, 2011

2011-12-15T16:06:00.001-08:00

Everything today was sold to the BANK. Everything was overpriced.

34901 Oyster Bay Ter, Fremont, CA is probably the best new addition to the bank’s holdings.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 14, 2011

2011-12-14T15:36:00.001-08:00

Most interesting was the union city Blvd sale. This is a mixed unit property, which is impossible to get financing for. However for a cash buyer it could offer term a 6-8% cash-on-cash return.

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Community Message: Holiday Package Delivery Crime Prevention Tips

2011-12-14T09:53:00.001-08:00

Wednesday December 14, 2011, 9:14 AM

Newark Police Department CA

Newark Police Department

Community: Holiday Package Delivery Crime Prevention Tips

Hi Steven Fong,

Don't let some Grinch ruin your Holiday!

Here are a few safety tips you can take to better protect yourself if you are expecting a holiday package Delivery.

• Always retrieve packages (and mail) as soon as it arrives.

If you aren't going to be home to receive the package:

• Send the package to the residence of a trusted friend or relative who you know will be home. Be sure that the friend is ready and waiting to retrieve the package when the doorbell rings.

• Ask the package delivery company to hold the package if you will not be home (many have local delivery centers). While we can't promise that this service is available, we do know that some companies will hold a package for up to five days.

• Request that your package is marked "signature required." This requires the delivery person to stand by and wait until you're available to retrieve the package. You could also put a note on your door, requesting the deliverer go to your next door neighbor for the signature.

• Mark the package with a value of $100 or more, which will likely require a signature.

• Leave special instructions on where to deliver the package. A good place is on the side or back of the house, so that the package is out of sight from the road. Ask the deliver to take and discard the note with him/her or leave it with the package.

• Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when it is scheduled to arrive.

• Have the items shipped to the nearest store for "in-store pick up."

• If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to you at work.

Please be vigilant during the holidays and report any and all suspicious activity to the Newark Police Department at 510-578-4237. If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

For full details, view this message on the web.

Sent by Newark Police Department CA, 37101 Newark Blvd, Newark, CA 94560

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
REALTOR, Broker, President, MBA

Fremont Real Estate

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 13, 2011

2011-12-13T15:58:00.001-08:00

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

California's Foreclosure Sales Slow for the Holidays

2011-12-13T08:41:00.001-08:00

CALIFORNIA'S FORECLOSURE MARKET

View all California statistics by county, city or ZIP »

- sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Property Search | Featured Listing | Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 8, 2011

2011-12-08T15:45:00.001-08:00

These homes were sold at the Alameda County Courthouse steps. These
properties were foreclosed on and will become tomorrow's REO and Flips for
sale in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, and other parts of the Alameda
County. They will eventually be listed on a MLS and resold. If you are
interested in buying these let us know.

New REO in Brookvale community at 35766 Gissing Pl, Fremont. It's a big home
on a big lot.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

California Real Property Tax Deadlines

2011-12-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Nice Chart!

Property Tax Deadlines.jpg

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 6, 2011

2011-12-06T20:38:00.001-08:00

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Novemenber 2011 Housing Inventory Snapshot

2011-12-06T09:06:00.001-08:00

We hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory
interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for
the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot

November 27, 2011

Average List Price

Median List Price

Average Days On Market

Santa Clara County, CA

Single Family under $1M

$580,157

$559,500

Single Family over $1M

$2,383,327

$1,750,000

Condo/Townhome under $600K

$340,794

$339,000

Condo/Townhome over $600K

$766,386

$719,000

San Mateo County, CA

Single Family under $1M

$606,493

$575,000

Single Family over $1M

$3,460,142

$1,895,000

100

Condo/Townhome under $600K

$354,032

$340,000

Condo/Townhome over $600K

$812,734

$738,000

Santa Cruz County, CA

Single Family under $1M

$546,821

$549,900

Single Family over $1M

$2,042,950

$1,659,000

129

Condo/Townhome under $600K

$341,405

$333,703

126

Condo/Townhome over $600K

$846,816

$799,000

149

Monterey County, CA

Single Family under $1M

$446,945

$374,000

Single Family over $1M

$3,152,317

$2,295,000

148

Condo/Townhome under $600K

$308,587

$299,000

Condo/Townhome over $600K

$960,894

$699,900

123

Alameda County, CA

Single Family under $1M

$417,197

$379,900

Single Family over $1M

$1,741,478

$1,448,480

111

Condo/Townhome under $600K

$269,438

$249,950

Condo/Townhome over $600K

$759,403

$675,000

Contra Costa County, CA

Single Family under $1M

$379,299

$299,900

Single Family over $1M

$2,063,786

$1,498,000

141

Condo/Townhome under $600K

$222,369

$174,900

Condo/Townhome over $600K

$739,359

$698,000

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give
us a call. We will provide professional & courteous service along with
knowledgeable guidance through the process.

Fannie / Freddie to postpone evictions on foreclosed homes until Jan. 2

2011-12-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

From DS news

Fannie Mae <http://fanniemae.com/portal/index.html> and Freddie Mac
<http://www.freddiemac.com/> announced temporary eviction moratoriums on
all single-family homes and two-to-four unit properties over the holidays.

Both companies will enforce the moratorium from December 19 through January
2.

http://www.dsnews.com/articles/index/gses-announce-foreclosure-moratorium-fo
r-holidays-2011-12-01

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods

Investor's buying more REO properties

2011-12-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

From DS News

<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=98cdd02183&e=ebe71b748c> Study Uncovers Declines Among Owner-Occupant REO
Buyers

Looking for an REO buyer? It's becoming harder to find owner-occupants to
fit that bill. New Vista Asset Management has published the results of a
three-year study on buyers of foreclosed homes, covering 18 counties hit
hardest by the mortgage crisis. The company says the percentage of REO homes
sold to owner-occupants has decreased in almost every market. In Los
Angeles, for example, the share of owner-occupant REO buyers dropped from 80
percent in 2009 to 60 percent by the third quarter of 2011.
<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=b5b7a4ea9e&e=ebe71b748c> > Read More

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/index.htm> 2011 Reader's Choice Best of Fremont
Realtor

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods

Signs of a Recovery - Unemployment drops to 8.6%

2011-12-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

From DS News

<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=6377163684&e=ebe71b748c> Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6%

The nation's unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent during the month of
November, as employers added 120,000 new jobs to their payrolls, the U.S.
Department of Labor said Friday morning. By the government's calculations,
the unemployment rate declined by 0.4 percentage point from 9.0 percent
reported in October to hit its lowest level since March of 2009. Employment
assessments for both October and September were revised upward.

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods

Occupy Movements in California Call for Foreclosure Moratorium

2011-12-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

This will not help get the economy back on track. The mistake the
politicians have made is by thinking that delaying a foreclosure you make it
go away. The delays have only resulted in having it take longer to compete
this cleansing cycle. People who can't afford to make their home payments
have to lose their homes. New owners need to buy them, and once this happens
we'll move faster into the next up cycle in the economy.

From DS News

<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&
id=274260d044&e=ebe71b748c> California Activists Call for Foreclosure
Moratorium

Two California divisions of the Occupy Wall Street movement -- Occupy LA and
Occupy Santa Cruz -- are beginning to focus their efforts on halting
foreclosures. Mario Brito, leader of Occupy LA, announced a plan this week
to pressure both banks and government officials to impose a foreclosure
moratorium. Also this week, Occupy Santa Cruz sent a letter to its County
Board of Supervisors calling on board members to invoke a foreclosure
moratorium and set up a task force to study foreclosure practices.
<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=7362ad877c&e=ebe71b748c> > Read More

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 1, 2011

2011-12-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

No bargains at the auction steps today. Everything that sold went to the
bank. One new listing in Charter Square. It's in a relatively good location
away from the freeway. At 34232 Gadwall Cmn, Fremont, CA

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 30, 2011

2011-11-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

more good news: Study Finds Fewer Borrowers Sinking in Negative Equity

2011-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

From DS News

<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=fd3c930b77&e=ebe71b748c> Study Finds Fewer Borrowers Sinking in Negative
Equity

The depreciation of home values over the past half-decade has left millions
of mortgage borrowers owing more than their home is worth -- 10.7 million,
according to CoreLogic. The company's latest negative equity study found
22.1 percent of all residential properties with a mortgage were underwater
as of the end of September. That's down from 22.5 percent - or 10.9 million
- at the end of the second quarter, but CoreLogic says the number remains
high and makes borrowers more vulnerable to economic shocks such as job loss
or illness.
<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&
id=62d17339aa&e=ebe71b748c> > Read More

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/index.htm> 2011 Reader's Choice Best of Fremont
Realtor

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 29, 2011

2011-11-29T16:06:00.001-08:00

Not as many auctioned off today as yesterday. Only one sold in Fremont .

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Programs & Resources to assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure

2011-11-29T14:42:00.001-08:00

If you or someone you know is facing losing their home, please forward them
the link below, this is the least we can all do for them.
HUD Programs to assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure
<http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure>

Sincerely,

-sunil

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Sunil Sethi / Broker, President, REALTOR, MBA
www.sunilsethi.com <http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

CA DRE#: 01173766

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 28, 2011

2011-11-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

Today there was a lot of homes sold at auction. I'm guessing the banks
decided to hold off on the events until after thanksgiving.

I've highlighted the real estate sold in Fremont, Union City and Newark, and
Pleasanton.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Inventory Continues Decline

2011-11-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Existing home sales unexpectedly rose 1.4% in October to a seasonally
adjusted annual rate of 4.97 million units from a downwardly revised 4.90
million units in September. The inventory of unsold homes on the market
decreased 2.2% to 3.33 million, an 8-month supply at the current sales pace,
down from an 8.3-month supply in September. The inventory of unsold homes on
the market is down from a 10.6-month supply in October last year.

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods |

Shadow Inventory Continues Declining

2011-11-28T08:14:00.001-08:00

From DS News

<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=196c981d49&e=ebe71b748c> Industry's Shadows Continue to Shrink

That ominous shadow inventory of repossessed and soon-to-be repossessed
homes is getting smaller. Standard and Poor's (S&P) has released its
third-quarter shadow inventory update. The agency says the volume of
distressed assets included in its assessment dropped from $405 billion in
the second quarter to $384 billion in the third. This figure has been on a
steady decline since mid-2010. At current liquidation rates, S&P says it
will take 45 months to work through the industry's shadow inventory.
<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&
id=6f9f0f6feb&e=ebe71b748c> > Read More

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods

Investor's Represent Greater Share of Purchases

2011-11-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

From DS News

<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=3b246e198e&e=ebe71b748c> Investors Increase Market Share, Especially in
Distressed Sector

Investors are making up an increasing share of home purchase transactions,
especially in the distressed sector, according to an industry report. In
October, investor purchases accounted for 22.3 percent of transactions, in
keeping with the last three months during which the rate has remained above
20 percent. At the same time, distressed property transactions grew to take
up a larger portion of the market. Investors are seeing profit potential in
homes that may need repair because rents are steadily rising.
<http://dsnews.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=59816bad6939d5a7dd87e45a5&i
d=e47134ae34&e=ebe71b748c> > Read More

- sunil

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/>

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Helping Families Find Homes with Great Schools.

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/index.htm> 2011 Reader's Choice Best of Fremont
Realtor

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/property_search.htm> Property Search |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/featured_listing.htm> Featured Listing |
<http://www.sunilsethi.com/neighborhoods.htm> Neighborhoods |

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 23, 2011

2011-11-23T13:47:00.001-08:00

<http://www.sunilsethi.com/> cid:image002.png@01CC66EB.6E0634F0

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE
Fremont Real Estate

Fremont Real Estate Blog

Sewer Lateral Inspections Required in Oakland, Emeryville, and Piedmont

Advice from a 90 year old on how to live your life.

Administration Announces Changes to HAMP

Building permits, housing starts rise in December

Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

I always the say went, loose lips sink ships. Wasn’t it loose credit that started the build-up to the bubble? Yes I’m being sarcastic.

From DS NewsHousing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Housing Inventory Down 22% From Year-Ago Levels

What's crazier, the enforcer or the enforced into this situation regarding unmanned aircraft in LA

Fire Prevention Fee disclosure - $150/ property within California Wildland Fire / State Fire Responsibility Areas (SRA) starting in 2012

Delinquency and Foreclosure Rates Down From a Year Ago: LPS

See What's Happening at the Union City Sports Center!

Freddie Mac Approaches 2012 with 'Cautious Optimism'

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 18, 2012

The California legislature enacted the following new laws for 2012 that are relevant to real estate.

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 11., 2012

36052 Blair Place, Fremont - Great New opportunity in Brookvale

J. Daley Durham Elementary School Named Blue Ribbon School for 2012

Number of 'Improving' Housing Markets Nearly Doubles

California, however, at a 53 percent net influx, was classified as a "balanced" state in the report, like most states of the West

Home Prices Down in 2011, but Market Stability Forecast for 2012

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 6, 2012

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 5, 2011

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Jan. 4, 2012

December 2011 - Housing Inventory Snapshot By County

FHA extends waiver to help resell foreclosed homes

FHA extends waiver to help resell foreclosed homes

Taylor Bean & Whitaker CEO Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

FHA will keep funding flips

December 30, 2011

FHA will keep funding flips

New Years Eve is a big night for celebrations and your safety is our number one priority. Please follow these tips..

Fremont Police Department (CA)

Actions on Housing Policy Will Make or Break Recovery

38% of homes purchased with all Cash

From DS News:

Please Stop Pandering to the Banks

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 22, 2011

Existing-Home Sales Rise in November

REOs Selling Faster

Why Would you Expect Politicians To Not Get Favors

Gas Pipeline's Not Disclosed in NHDs

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec 19, 2011

3 Must-knows Before Backing Out of a Purchase Contract

3 must-knows before backing out of purchase contract

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec 16, 2011

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 15, 2011

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 14, 2011

Community Message: Holiday Package Delivery Crime Prevention Tips

Newark Police Department CA

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 13, 2011

California's Foreclosure Sales Slow for the Holidays

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 8, 2011

California Real Property Tax Deadlines

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 6, 2011

Novemenber 2011 Housing Inventory Snapshot

Fannie / Freddie to postpone evictions on foreclosed homes until Jan. 2

Investor's buying more REO properties

Signs of a Recovery - Unemployment drops to 8.6%

Occupy Movements in California Call for Foreclosure Moratorium

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Dec. 1, 2011

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 30, 2011

more good news: Study Finds Fewer Borrowers Sinking in Negative Equity

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 29, 2011

Programs & Resources to assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 28, 2011

Inventory Continues Decline

Shadow Inventory Continues Declining

Investor's Represent Greater Share of Purchases

Foreclosed on at the Alameda County Courthouse steps today, Nov. 23, 2011

From DS News
Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards