Real Estate Guide_Summer 07.28.2023

Photo by Melissa Van Ruiten

How to buy a home in a tricky housing market

East County Realtor sheds some light

JEFF WEISINGER

Tracy Nelson remembers how she got into real estate. It wasn’t anything planned, nor was it because of a family history in the profession.

In 2004, along with a friend of hers, they bought a place in Arizona, sold it for more than she paid for it and bought another off the court steps and liked it so much that she went on to get her license. However, the start of her journey in real estate was anything but perfect.

“I was thinking, ‘Oh, this is amazing. I like this. Then I went and got my license,” she said. “Then the market crashed a couple of years later, and I was like, ‘Whoa, this is a horrible, but you win some and lose some.” For fi ve years, she was a loan offi cer, prior to being licensed in California

Fast-forward nearly two decades, and she’s become one of the top real

estate agents(top 1.5% nationwide), in Northern California, let alone East County since she was the top individual agent in 2022 and 2021 at another fi rm and in the top 1% Elite Agent group for that fi rm for Northern California. She is now with E3 Realty in Antioch.

“That (experience starting out) has helped me build rapport with people when they realize that I’m not just giving them advice from nowhere,” she said. “I have well educated myself, gone through hard times and through the ups and downs of real estate.”

The Press talked to her about the real estate market in Brentwood and East County:

Brentwood Press: So last time we talked was in the spring of 2022. How different is it buying a home now compared to then?

Tracy Nelson: Well, the rates are higher. We were spoiled for so long that we think a less-than-average rate over the last three decades is extremely high. And given the housing prices in our area, it makes a huge difference. As of last week, they’re below 7 percent, but we’re expected to have a little slight increase again this week. I do see a difference with the amount of buyers coming out, but it’s hard to put a blanket statement on that because we are seeing such a

micro community, tight market where if someone asked me if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market in Brentwood, you’d have to get into the neighborhood and specifi c development to even be able to answer that.

BP: Considering how volatile the market is, how hard then is it to navigate through it for both yourself and with your clients?

TN: It comes down to education

(in real estate) and taking the time to listen to what someone wants or needs, really understanding the microneighborhoods and what they want and where they want to be as a buyer. As a seller, it’s about making sure they understand that this isn’t 2021 or 2022, let me know what you need,but also let me educate you on how we can get there. Then setting those realistic expectations and making sure that it will work for everybody. It’s diffi cult in some ways, but I love what I do. I love getting in there and really just digging into the numbers because nobody can argue with facts, right? So whether I’m meeting with a buyer or a seller, I’m meeting them prepared with ‘Here’s what happening and here are the numbers. Nobody really has any confl ict with that, and now we’ve developed that trust because those numbers don’t lie. I’m listening to what they need and want, and setting realistic expectations and doing my homework, and where they want to make an offer, so that when I speak to that other agent on the other side, I know what they’re dealing with. There are plenty of other ways besides the list price and purchase price to get an offer accepted. It’s been tricky. But that’s kind of part of the fun

Photo courtesy of Tracy Nelson

of it; is actually doing it right, putting those puzzle pieces together.

BP: In our Real Estate Special Section last year, you mentioned that the housing market in East County has low inventory and high prices. Is that still the case?

TN: The prices in most of the Bay Area went down during the late fall and winter, which is a normal (pre-2020 seasonal change), then they flattened and some areas went back up a bit with the beginning of summer, along with low inventory. We have low inventory still and not enough housing for the amount of buyers out there, but that’s what kept the neutralness of the market, and one of the reasons we didn’t get a crash. But mostly sellers realized they needed to bring their prices down a little bit as rates went up.

BP: Given everything that we just talked about, what’s the state of the market right now?

TN: The state of the market …is extremely diffi cult unless you get into that micro community level. If you look at the broad Bay Area average, it’s a neutral market. But if you go into some areas, for example, in Brentwood, one development can be completely different from the other across the street. That’s because you have buyers that are not wanting to rush into a bidding war on a home at a higher rate that isn’t everything they’ve wanted. They are willing to wait for the right one. However, when

the right home checks all their boxes, some buyers are still willing to offer $50,000 - $80,000 over list. ‘A sale of mine this month went for $90,000 over list.’ A Realtor has to get really microneighborhood specifi c to be able to help their client, whether that’s list price strategy or offer price.

BP: What tips or advice would you give to someone looking to buy their fi rst home?

TN: The fi rst step is dialing in the fi nances and getting pre-approved with my team. Many times, buyers make the mistake of assuming monies paid off on certain debts will help them when a lot of the time the licensed mortgage offi cer can show where that money can be better spent so they qualify for better loan terms. Once that’s done, we get to the fun part, which is to dial in what they’re really looking for. I think it’s important for people to go drive in that community they want to be in, drive in that neighborhood that they think they want to be in morning, noon, and night. Don’t just look online. Go into the school your kids would attend, speak with the administration, speak with neighbors. You want to see what it’s like during commute time, after school time, during nighttime, and ask your Realtor for the list of questions they should be asking. An experienced and well-educated Realtor is your guide to taking the right steps.

Exterior renovations for the best return

Remodeling with a return on investment in mind can be a smart strategy for homeowners, whether one is thinking about moving in the next few months or farther down the road.

Though this approach is an inexact science, in many instances, it’s savvy for homeowners to consider what buyers may want when planning home improvements. Homeowners may be surprised to learn which renovations garner the best return on investment at resale. The home loan and refinancing company RenoFi indicates that overall home improvement projects provide a 70 percent return on investment on average. Many high-return on investment projects add functional space and improvement. The following are some exterior renovations that help homeowners recoup the most money at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2022 Cost vs. Value Report.”

1. Garage Door Replacement: 93.3 percent recouped of $4,041 cost

2. Manufactured Stone Veneer: 91.4 percent recouped of $11,066 cost

3. Siding replacement (Fiber Cement): 68.3 percent recouped of $22,093 cost

4. Window replacement (Vinyl): 67.5 percent recouped of $20,482 cost

5. Siding replacement (Vinyl): 67.2 percent recouped of $18,662 cost

6. Window replacement (Wood): 66.3 percent recouped of $24,388 cost

7. Deck addition (Wood): 64.8 percent recouped of $19,248 cost

8. Entry Door Replacement (Steel): 63.8 percent recouped of $2,206 cost The majority of renovations on Remodeling magazine’s list of the best investments are exterior renovations, making this area of a home a particular point of interest for homeowners. The only interior project that cracked the Top 10 return on investment for projects was a minor midrange kitchen remodel.

Exterior renovations perhaps add the most bang for your buck because they’re not only functional, but also because they add

immediate curb appeal. Much in the way it has been said people eat with their eyes first — which is why chefs spend so much time on elaborate plating — buyers will judge a property by how it looks when they arrive, even before they’ve stepped inside a home. In essence, home buyers often judge a book by its cover. A worn exterior may indicate

Homeowners should consider all factors before beginning a renovation. Certain projects offer a stronger return on investment than others, and that’s a significant consideration for homeowners thinking of selling their homes.

to potential buyers that the home was not maintained, however false that assumption may be.

For advice on how to upgrade your home, contact Carey Bros. Remodeling at www.careybros.com or by calling 877-734-6404

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Matthew Anderson DRE#01417175

Your Hometown Realtor ®

Making your new home a reality!

9030 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H Brentwood • (925) 584-6761

matthew.anderson1@yahoo.com

www.eastcontracostacountyrealestate.com

Courtesy of Metro Creative

Publication Date: August 11, 2023

for space reservation: August 1, 2023

925-634-1441

Buying a home still a numbers game

Potential home buyers still face financial shock this year while shopping for a home mortgage.

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate are 7.25% as of July 25 while a 15-year fixed rate is at 6.57%, according to Bankrate.com. This marks a contrast from the beginning of 2022, when interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate was at 3.55% and resulted in a housing market boom. However, with interest rates rising due to record inflation, the housing market cooled, thus creating a shortage of housing inventory, difficulty, and uncertainty for homeowners or prospective homeowners, local experts say.

“There are fewer buyers who can qualify for mortgages at the higher rates,” said Senior Financial Adviser David Roche of Apex Securities and Asset Management in Brentwood. “With rates going down, the value was going up. It’s a challenge. You’ve got other folks who are trying to get in. You have to come up with a bigger down payment, and I don’t know if people are sitting on all that extra cash. They know what they can afford.”

Statistics help explain the correlation between inflation and rising interest rates. Mortgage rates in 2020 dropped to historic lows as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate to nearly 0 percent to help stabilize the economy in the wake of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, experts said. By December 2020, the 30-year mortgage rate dropped to a new historic low of 2.68%. During 2021, mortgage rates varied between 2.70 and 3.10%, which enabled people to purchase properties or refinance at some of the lowest rates on record.

By March 2022, however, data from MPAMag.com shows that the consumer price index rose by 8.5%, the largest increase

since 1981. However, a recent Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the inflation rate has slowed to 3 percent last month, easing for 12 consecutive months and sitting at its lowest rate since March 2021.

What does this mean for the mortgage industry? Are interest rates still what they are because of inflation? “That’s the million dollar question these days,” said Cynthia Ulricksen of the Delta Lending Group of Brentwood. “Inflation is easing and improving, and we have not seen the equivalent of easing with interest rates. But yes, typically interest rates follow inflation, and we’re really hoping to see interest rates drop come the end of 2023 into 2024.”

According to Ulricksen, nothing much has changed with mortgages since March. Buyer activity has slightly increased as people have been forced to adjust to higher interest rates, while a few down payment assistance programs, such as CalHFA, have come and gone. Mortgage interest rates were hovering around 3.25 percent in January 2022. Prior to the release of an inflation report, mortgage rates were already increasing in early 2022, up from 3.45 percent at the start of the year.

In general, in Contra Costa county, year over year, as of June 2023, prices are down about 2.2% and the median price is around $840,000, said Nancy Gonzales of Homes 4 U By Nancy in Brentwood. While inventory is increasing in most cities in the county, “we are still running very low on inventory. A normal market carries 6 months of inventory. We are carrying about 1.25-2 months. There are buyers still out shopping and want home ownership. However, interest rates are playing a big part in qualification. There are sellers wanting to sell and maybe downsize, upsize or move out of the area. However they don’t as they have fixed rates as low as 2.9-4%. Why move and take a higher rate if they finance the new home. The current

see Buyers page 7B

SEAN TONGSON

market conditions do give homebuyers more negotiation power with sellers, with seller credits, and repairs.

Is there any other advice that you would like to give to any prospective homeowners going forward into the second half of 2023?

While interest rates now compared to the last two or three years may be considered high, historical data shows that mortgage interest rates now are comparatively low. Mortgage rates now are a stark contrast to those in the 1970s and 1980s, where mortgage rates remained in the double digits due to the rising annual inflation rate, topping out with a record high of 18.45 percent in 1981.

“Prices have continued to rise in all neighborhoods,” said Simone St. Clare, a real estate agent at Classic Real Estate Sales in Martinez. “There are fewer homes on the market for sale, and that is the main reason for the continued uptick in prices. Interest rates are now at their highest since April 2002. Not only are interest rates high, but the prices in 2002 were much lower than now, which results in an overall cost burden to buyers.”

Differing from fixed-rate mortgages are adjustable-rate mortgages, which are home loans that begin with a low, fixed interest “teaser” rate of three to 10 years, followed by periodic rate adjustments. Whether or not an adjustable-rate mortgage may be beneficial to a potential buyer can vary, as an adjustable-rate mortgage gives individuals flexibility and predictable, low payments for a certain amount of time. This could allow people to save money, but could also result in unpredictability and increased payments.

Shortening loan terms, converting loans, private mortgage insurances, consolidation of high-interest debts, buying investment properties, and financing repairs, renovations, or additions to a home are primary reasons people refinance, according to Banks.com. The primary reason however, is so people can obtain a lower interest rate and payment and therefore save money.

“Ever heard of ‘marry the house, date the rate’? Many buyers get into a home at the prevailing interest rate then refinance when the rates become more attractive,” said real estate agent Katherine Prinzivalli, who works for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Brentwood.. “There are currently loan programs that allow a buyer to lock in a rate, then refinance within a certain period at little to no cost.”

Still, in spite of mortgage rates remaining elevated, there are reasons for optimism looking ahead due to the easing of inflation, experts say.

“My best advice right now for a buyer’s financial future is this; yes interest rates are high right now, but most people don’t realize that in 2020-2021, 90 percent of homeowners that obtained a 3 percent or lower interest rate on their mortgage were already homeowners and obtained the low rate via a refinance,” said Ulricksen. “It’s financially sound to purchase a home now while the real estate prices are favorable with the knowledge that you can refinance to lower your rate and payment when rates drop again versus waiting for rates to drop like the majority of buyers are doing

because when rates drop and droves of buyers come out to the market it will create a buyer frenzy. And a buyer frenzy will drive prices up. Purchase your home at a reasonable price and rent the rate.”

St. Clare said there are some programs that have either grant money to offer or special pricing for some buyers, particularly first-time buyers, in the form of down payment assistance and lower rates. She advises finding an experienced real estate agent who knows how to work with buyers in this market and get educated on loans, while also advising sellers to work with an agent who will professionally stage the home and market it properly to receive top dollar as opposed to thinking that just sticking a sign on the front lawn will bring the best offer.

“Check references and be choosy. Not all agents are good at working with sellers, just as not all agents are good at working with buyers,” said St. Clare. “That agent needs to have excellent contacts with lenders who offer programs that have creative ways to qualify for a mortgage, including programs from the State that offer rate and/or payment reductions for certain categories of borrowers. Get educated on loans. There are programs out there that help borrowers with 3.5 percent down payments and rate reductions.”

Gonzales’ advice? “Buyers have much more negotiating power right now,” she said. “Use it to their advantage and ask the seller for credits to help pay down the interest rate. Look at the overall BIG picture of buying vs. renting, tax benefits. Rent is so high. If you can own, maybe not exactly your dream home right now, go for it , start somewhere, and get your foot in the door. You can refinance later. Ask yourself: If my payment to OWN is a few hundred more dollars, can I /am I willing to change some spending habits to be become a homeowner?”

More information about current mortgage rates can be found at the following link at https://www.bankrate.com/. Further information for the Delta Lending Group can also be found at https://pacresmortgage.com/delta-lending-group.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

The benefits of energy-efficient homes

Consumers’ efforts to be more eco-conscious are more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83 percent desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make

their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

Save money

Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 per-

cent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

Improve resale value

As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energyefficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

Be healthier

The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

- Courtesy of Metro Creative

What to know about installing a pool at home

Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard.

Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them, especially if they are considering selling their house at some point because experts say it can add resale value.

Cost

The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000. That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project

is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the project. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.

Pool type

As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option

may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground pool or above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.

Maintenance

Pools are undeniably fun, but they still require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in

pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cement-coated products can last a lifetime. Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely and cleanly will require an additional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.

Location

A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost.

These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Courtesy of Metro Creative

Installing a backyard pool can add resale value to a home.

Turn the key to your next vacation rental

Vacation time is included in many full-time professionals’ benefit packages. Too often, however, employees feel that personal time off is a luxury they cannot afford to use. When looking at vacation as a necessity rather than a luxury, workers may be more inclined to start planning time off.

The Harvard Business Review reports that data supports the notion that those who take more than 10 days of vacation are 30 percent more likely to receive a raise. Those who vacation often have greater job satisfaction. The World Health Organization found working 55 hours or more per week was associated with a 35 percent higher risk of stroke and a 17 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease than a standard work week. Studies have found that taking regular vacations may help reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome, which raises a person’s risk for various diseases.

People have different choices when planning vacations, and that includes a bevy of lodging options. The following is a breakdown of the types of properties vacationers can choose from.

♦ Rental by owner: Various companies facilitate the relationship between rental owner and renter. These include Airbnb, HomeAway and Vrbo, among others. These properties are stand-alone or in shared buildings. They’re frequently large and feature cooking spaces and multiple bedrooms, and typically do not come with the extra fees that some other vacation accommodations may tack on, such as paid parking.

♦ Bed and breakfast (B&B): A B&B rental is in a private home or inn. While accom-

modations may vary, one may get a private bedroom in the residence that may or may not include a private bathroom. B&B accommodations are smaller in scale than hotels, but offer a measure of personalized attention. B&B staff can help plan excursions and give opinions on attractions or restaurants in the area. As the name implies, breakfast is likely included in the stay, but guests may need to ferret out other meals.

♦ Hotel: A hotel is one of the more familiar vacation rentals that customers may encoun-

ter. They traditionally are large buildings that house many rooms. Shared spaces can include restaurants, gyms, pool areas, bars, and conference spaces. Some meals may be included in a hotel stay, like a continental breakfast. Perks may vary depending on the property.

♦ Motel: Motels are smaller and tend to be less luxurious than hotels. However, they can include basic accommodations that are perfect for short-term stays or breaks from long drives.

♦ All-inclusive: All-inclusive rentals generally are housed inside resort facilities. One price tends to cover the room, meals, activities, and sometimes even spirits. All-inclusive properties can cater to adults only or families. If the desire is to drop your bags and relax, an all-inclusive resort may be a place to consider.

♦ Timeshare: Technically not a rental, a timeshare, according to Investopedia, is a shared ownership model of vacation real estate. Multiple purchasers own allotments of usage of a property, which means they are allowed to use the property during certain times of the year - typically one-week stays. Those who purchase a timeshare may be restricted to one hotel or condominium, or those part of a larger company may be able to mix and match stays among a number of different properties for their designated weeks.

- Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Vacation

rentals enable people to get away throughout the year, which is good for individuals’ overall health and can even help them be more productive at work.

CALENDAR

For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events

Saturday, July 29 State of California Commissions

Appointments Workshop

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is hosting a workshop at the Brentwood Library at 104 Oak St., from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about state commissions, the application process and tips for a strong application. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3Kcqtas.

Sunday, July 30

2023 Celebrating Brentwood Gala Event

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a gala where they will announce winners for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Employee of the Year, Youth of the Year and Start-up of the Year. The gala will be at the Brentwood Community Center at 35 Oak St. from 4-8 p.m.

Tuesday, August 1

The Golden Years Expo Westmont of Brentwood at 450 John Muir Parkway is hosting an expo from 10 a.m.-noon. The event will feature a variety of senior services including information on downsizing your home, financial services, home health services, and mobile dentistry for Alzheimer’s patients, along with a classic cars display. For more information and to RSVP, call (925) 392-3991.

Thursday, Aug. 3-Saturday, Aug. 5

Used Book Sale in Antioch

The Friends of the Antioch Library is hosting a used book sale at the Antioch Library at 501 W. 18th St. Thursday hours are noon-6 p.m. Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with a $5 brown bag sale open from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/43ARMlI.

Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 13

Ghostlight Theatre Presents: The Drowsy Chaperone

The Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble is putting on a production of The Drowsy Chaperone at the Edna Hill theater at 140 Birch St., on Aug. 4-6 and 11-13. The Aug. 4-5 shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 6 show begins at 2 p.m. The Aug. 11 show begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 12-13 shows begin at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $28; senior/student tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3pAZ9fa.

On the Horizon

Saturday, Aug. 5

Back-to-School Bash

The Streets of Brentwood at 2455 Sand Creek Road is hosting a free back-to-school party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. that will feature musical performances, face painting and other kid-friendly activities. Local schools and community groups will also have tables set up. For more informa-

Looking for more things to do? Look at the many local events on

tion, visit https://bit.ly/3ry27lb.

Trinkets & Treasures Flea Market

The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. is hosting their monthly flea market from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 6

Brentwood Rock N’ Rides Car Show

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition, in partnership with Bill Brandt Ford, is hosting a car show in downtown Brentwood on First, Oak and Chestnut streets from noon-5 p.m. The event will feature a kids zone, a performance by Choros Charas and other live music. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3q1pJ14

Monday, Aug. 7-Tuesday, Aug. 8

The Drama Factory Presents: The House on Galloway Street Auditions

The Drama Factory is hosting auditions for their upcoming show The House on Galloway street at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre, at 213 F St. at 7 p.m. both nights. For more information, contact Lee Ballesteros at director@dramafactory.org.

Thursday, August 10-Saturday, August 12

Big Cat Poker Run

The Discovery Bay Lions Club annual Big Cat Poker Run will be held at the Discovery Bay Marina at 5901 Marina Road. The event features a Sponsor Appreciation Night on Thursday from 6-10 p.m., a Lunch Run at 11:30 a.m, and a welcoming party from 5-9 p.m. on Friday and the Poker Run at 9 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/43sNI6Z

Saturday, Aug. 12

Beyond the Reef & Back to School Bash

Market in the Park is hosting a free back-to-school party in Brentwood City Park at 790 Second St., from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will feature DJ Jack Hook, a meeting spot with Princess Ariel (from the Little Mermaid movie), more than 40 vendors and back-to-school donation bins.

2023 Kids Fishing Derby

Oakley Recreation is hosting a fishing derby at the Oakley/Antioch Pier off Bridgehead Road at Wilbur Avenue from 8-11 a.m. Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the derby runs from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call Alicia O’Leary at (925) 625-7044. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3XTujLv.

Saturday, Aug. 26

9th annual Hot August Bites

RioVision is hosting their annual rib and chili cook-off, Hot August Bites, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. in downtown Rio Vista. The event features live music, vendors, pony rides and a car and truck show. For more information and to enter the car and truck show and the rib and chili cook-off, visit https:// bit.ly/3pp0W72.

2023 Salvation Army 5th Annual Car Show & Fundraiser

Rivertown Community Church and the Disciples Car Club Ministry are hosting their fifth annual car show and fundraiser to benefit the Salvation Army from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration is $25 for cars and motorcycles, and $15 for bikes. The event will also feature raffle prizes and community craft vendors. Registration opens at 8 a.m.