Real Estate Information

A recent update from the National Association of Realtors states that "pending home sales have leveled from a market swing driven by response to the home buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®."

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in December, increased 1.0 percent to 96.6 from 95.6 in November, and remains 10.9 percent above December 2008 when it was 87.1. In November, the monthly index had fallen by 16.4 percent from surging activity in preceding months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said it’s important to recognize how the tax credit is skewing market data. “There are easily understood swings in contract activity as buyers respond to a tax credit that was expiring and was then extended and expanded,” he said. “These swings are masking the underlying trend, which is a broad improvement over year-ago levels. December activity was the fifth highest monthly tally in two years.

Make sure to get all your questions answered about the Tax Credits today. Time is running out to take advantage of this great offer!

Jack London Square is a popular attraction on the waterfront of Oakland, California. Named after the author Jack London it is the home of stores, restaurants, hotels, an Amtrak station, a ferry dock, and a movie theater. In addition, the square offers the historic Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, the (re-located) cabin Jack London lived in the Klondike.  

The name has also come to refer to the formerly industrial neighborhood surrounding Jack London Square proper now known as the Jack London District, which has undergone significant rehabilitation in the last decade, including loft conversions and new construction.

Jack London Square is located at the south end of Broadway, across the Oakland Estuary from Alameda.

We are currently offering an Exclusive Listing in Jack London Square by appointment only, with our team of professionals. Contact us today (888-627-4399) for a no obligation preview of this rare property.

Get a free Zillow Zestimate and see more great color pictures and descriptions for properties just like this at www.mlsEastBay.com

Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of an agent when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before you make any moves.

Hiring a real estate agent is just like any hiring process - with you on the boss’s side of the desk. It's critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make.

We are glad to answer any specific questions you may have to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Before you hire any real estate agent, call and get the answers for the Top 5 Questions you need to ask:

 How Long Have You Been in the Business?

 What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?

What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?

How Much Do You Charge?

What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer?

Regards,

Dave and Carla

Next to Lake Merritt & across from the new Lake Chalet Restaurant. Stainless Appliances, Master Suite w/Views, Private Balcony, Custom Bathrooms, Fabulous Location. Best value on Lake Merritt (w/Lowest HOA Dues). Pet Friendly Building. Just Blocks from BART, Hwy Access and more. Will not last!

View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:
http://www.mlseastbay.com/results.aspx?listingid=6139885&propType=C&area=1179&minPrice=250000&maxPrice=375000&minBeds=2

Superior search engine for MLS. Search by city, year built, square footage or any other detail. You will see multiple photos, satellite image, full MLS descriptions and Zillow pricing estimates. See how easy this is. Search in Oakland and all surrounding areas.

Dave Higgins - Keller Williams - 4341 Piedmont Ave., Oakland CA - 94611

151 Lakeside Drive, Unit 213, Oakland

Located just off Lake Merritt, steps to the new Lake Chalet Restaurant and minutes from Whole Foods. This space offers a fabulous floor plan, updated kitchen with wine cooler, custom hall and master bathrooms and designer paint colors.  Low home owner association dues, pet friendly building environment, and more.  Just blocks from several BART locations and close to Hwy access to the 880 or 580 for commuters. See this property on www.mlsEastBay.com.

Sophisticated Work Live Loft of grand proportion.  True conversion space featuring concrete floors, elevated ceilings, open kitchen, large spa like bathroom with whirlpool tub, in-unit laundry and amazing city and water views from the common rooftop garden and BBQ area.

Just blocks from the Jack London Square Ferry Building, Farmers Market, Yoshi's and all the great area amenities! Quick access to Hwy 880.  This is an exclusive Dave and Carla listing and is not on the MLS.  By appointment only with our team of professionals - great opportunity, please contact us today for a no obligation preview of this rare property.

Get a free Zillow Zestimate and see more great color pictures and descriptions for properties just like this at www.mlsEastBay.com

  Some interesting real estate news was released today.

 *Yahoo published an article stating that the sale of previously occupied homes rose in 2009, while the average home sale price declined. Apparently home prices have declined as far as 12 % in some areas.

 *Realty Times stated that "Fixed mortgage rates followed bond yields lower for the third consecutive week, pushing 30-year mortgages below 5 percent once more."

 * And finally, the FHA is tightening it's lending requirements to help stabilize the FHA products moving forward and avoid the need for bailouts in the future.

While all of this can seem confusing, the bottom line is there are indicators the industry is coming back, there has been more than average activity for the beginning of the year with the tax credits and opportunities are still available on both sides of the real estate transaction!

As always, we are glad to answer any questions you may have!

Dave and Carla

Open living room w/ cathedral ceilings, spacious kitchen that opens to family room w/ wonderful gas fireplace. Private patio w/ fenced in level grassy backyard. Attached two car garage with direct access into the home. Must See! Open Sunday 1/24, 2-4:30.

View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:
http://www.mlseastbay.com/results.aspx?listingid=5831093&propType=SF&area=1204&minPrice=400000&maxPrice=600000&minBeds=4

Superior search engine for MLS. Search by city, year built, square footage or any other detail. You will see multiple photos, satellite image, full MLS descriptions and Zillow pricing estimates. See how easy this is. Search in San Leandro and all surrounding areas.



Dave Higgins - Keller Williams - 4341 Piedmont Ave., Oakland CA - 94611

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you're not informed and prepared.

Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments, while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly commitment. While not all of these costs will apply in every situation, it's better to know about them ahead of time so you can budget properly. Remember, buying a home is a major milestone, and whether it's your first, second or tenth, there are many small but important details, not to mention stress and excitement, to deal with during the process. The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations in the hours before you take possession of your new home. We are always prepared to help homebuyers understand what these extra costs are. Simply call the office at any time (888-627-4399) and we will be happy to discuss your situation.  

Regards, Dave and Carla