Real Estate Guide Summer 06.29.18

ESTATE REAL G U I D E THE PRESS

JUNE 29, 2018

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Jim brings a unique combination of experience, expertise and commitment to all of his East County clients.

Specializing in: Real Estate Sales

•

Home Loans

•

Refinancing

925-584-9886 1145 2nd St., Suite 174 SERVING EAST COUNTY FOR 19 YEARS

Brentwood

JAMES W. GRAYDON

www.AllPhaseBrokers.com

BRE# 01236065 | NMLS #995241

Broker

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JUNE 29, 2018

THINKING OF SELLING?

1%

WHEN DOES 1% GET YOU MORE THAN 6%?

Finally, a FULL SERVICE – NO HIDDEN FEES Real Estate company that sets a reasonable fee to sell your home. The internet has changed the way we do business and thanks to the internet, we can reduce our fees and save our clients THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!

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DISCOVERY BAY N CATIO N - LO O I T A LOC

OAKLEY RED

Est. Savings $18,780

Est. Savings $8580

G

PEN

D

PEN

433 Hazelnut Dr. RV/BOAT PARKING + WORKSHOP/GARAGE 1548 Sq Ft • 3 Bed / 2 Bath $489,000

Est. Savings $9,380

DIN

ING

4716 Cove Lane SINGLE STORY 1795 sq ft • 3 Bed / 2 Bath $469,000

215 Flicker Court UPDATES THROUGHOUT 1536 sq ft • 4 Bed / 2 Bath $848,444

PEN

1832 Dolphin Court 3 CAR GARAGE + SIDEYARD ACCESS 2062 sq ft • 3 Bed / 3 Bath $649,900

Est. Savings $7,500

3176 English Oak Circle MOVE IN READY! 2198 sq ft • 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath $369,000

DISCOVERY BAY STORY INGLE S M O CUST

Est. Savings $19,600

5763 Prestwick Court 6 CAR GARAGE 4319 sq ft • 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath $980,000

DIN

Est. Savings $17,980

2859 Greenview Drive Unit 1 - 1050 sq ft • 2 Bed / 1 Bath Unit 2 - 640 sq ft • 1 Bed / 1 Bath $899,000

5645 Schooner Loop WATER VIEW END UNIT 1248 sq ft • 2 Bed / 2 Bath $469,000

PEN

PEN

D

Est. Savings $14,780

3909 Portola CMN Unit 6 END UNIT 2056 Sq Ft • 3 Bed / 2 Full / 2.5 Bath $739,900

DIN

NEW

CORTE MADERA PEN

2112 Westphalian Drive BETTER THAN NEW 2626 Sq Ft • 4 Bed + Loft / 3 Bath $579,900

DIN

G

Est. Savings $17,980

46 Mariner Green TIBURON SCHOOL DISTRICT 1378 Sq Ft • 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath $899,000

DISCOVERY BAY E URS F CO

Est. Savings $11,580

1958 Cherry Hills Drive PEBBLE BEACH VILLA 2212 Sq Ft • 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath $569,000

FAIRFIELD G N I LIST

Est. Savings $11,598

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1601 Riverlake Road COMPLETELY UPDATED SINGLE STORY 1289 Sq Ft • 2 Bed / 2 Bath $429,000

GOL

2055 Windward Point DEEP WATER • MASTER DOWN 2727 Sq Ft • 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath $899,000

DIN

Est. Savings $10,976

G

Est. Savings $17,980

LIVERMORE ING

PEN

DISCOVERY BAY

G

Est. Savings $9,380

DISCOVERY BAY

CASTRO VALLEY LOT N ONE SES O U O H 2

DISCOVERY BAY

G

STOCKTON ITY N U OMM C D GATE

ING

Est. Savings $9,980

Est. Savings $12,998

DISCOVERY BAY

D

DISCOVERY BAY

G

Est. Savings $9,780

D

PEN

648 Brinwood Way BETTER THAN NEW 2298 Sq Ft • 4 Bed / 3 Bath $539,000

DISCOVERY BAY

PEN

LIVERMORE

ING

Est. Savings $10,780

5341 Crystyl Ranch

DIN

5800 Starboard Drive STELLAR LOCATION - DOUBLE U-DOCKS 2498 sq ft • 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath $1,199,000

OAKLEY

2801 Sq Ft • 4 Bed / 3 Bath $939,000

PEN

Est. Savings $23,980

5413 Sellers Avenue 5 ACRES W/HOUSE Subdividable Up To 15 Houses $859,000

CONCORD DIN

D ATE UPD

Est. Savings $17,180

5611 Starboard Drive COMPLETELY UPDATED!!

3800 sq ft • 4 Bed / 3 Bath $1,199,800

PEN

DISCOVERY BAY

D UCE

NEW

WALNUT CREEK ING LIST

Est. Savings $10,000

DO THE MATH AND CALL US TODAY!

2700 Oak Road UPDATED THROUGHOUT 1259 Sq Ft • 3 Bed / 2 Bath $530,000

www.1percentListings.net Maureen Prince, Broker ®

Jeff Gray, Realtor ® Associate

BRE # 01196634

BRE # 02005431

510-882-1030 Maureen@maureenprince.net

408-663-0196 JGray5055@Yahoo.com

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

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All Phase Brokers is one-stop shopping for East County RUTH ROBERTS

N

avigating through the maze of real estate financing, loan options and

inventory can be daunting for even the most seasoned homebuyer.

But for the team at All Phase Brokers, it’s all in a day’s work.

“Buying a home can be confusing, and sometimes the translations between the realtor and the loan agent get mixed up,” said Jim Graydon, broker and owner of All Phase Brokers. “But like our name says, we do all phases.”

With over 20 years of experience in the business, Graydon, a Brentwood resident, prides himself on creating a positive one-stop shopping experience for his clients. Together with his team of experts – including Mark Evans, operations manager, and Elaine Locke, loan processor – clients receive the advantage of experience and an expert skill set that gets ON THE COVER: Jim Graydon, broker and owner of All Phase Brokers, offers East County clients a unique combination of experience and expertise.

Photo by Tony Kukulich.

them into their new home quickly and with minimal hassle.

“We’re a small team that handles every type of real estate transaction and every type of loan,” said Graydon. “Since we are a small team, we serve fewer clients, which allows us to get loans done incredibly fast and use our experience and insight to identify pitfalls before they happen and prepare our clients for any situation.”

Carla Nuccio, a former client, said the guidance, expertise and genuine caring Graydon and the All Phase group gave her during a tricky transaction made all the difference.

“My situation was a little complicated and had a lot of twists and turns, but Jim worked tirelessly to get my problem solved,” said Nuccio. “He has the ability to foresee the pitfalls before they happen, and he has a genuine ability to care. Honestly, I would recommend him to anyone. He is amazing.”

Graydon is so sure of the expertise of All Phase Brokers, he’s a client himself. He and his wife Jacqui recently bought a new home in the Rose Garden community, where they will live with the last three of their five children.

“I closed on my own house this week,” see All Phase page 14B

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Jim Graydon and his team at All Phase Brokers offer over 20 years of experience and onestop shopping for clients.

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

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JUNE 29, 2018

Catching up with real estate market trends AMY SCHRADER

R

eal estate’s hottest season is in full swing and local experts are predicting the

market will stay hot through the summer.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, local experts have shared trends that can help you prepare for your transaction.

The first trend should have East County homebuyers keeping their eyes peeled and ready to move quickly.

“Homes are selling at a faster pace than compared with this time last year,” said Craig Sasville, broker and owner of Sasville Properties.

This gives sellers more negotiating power, as they typically have multiple offers and can choose a buyer who not only has the strongest offer but also agrees to a time line that works best for them. Unfortunately, this isn’t great news for buyers, who have to compete with other offers.

The trend of homes selling at a faster rate might be linked to the decrease of home inventory available.

“According to BHHS Drysdale

Properties market trends, active listings are down 20 percent from a year ago,” said Donna Boland, broker associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties. “In addition, from the month of April to May 2018, there has been no change. This means buyers, who may have waited for the end of the school year to move, hoping for more homes to hit the market, may have a smaller selection to choose from.”

While houses in East County are flying off the market, home prices are on the rise.

“Home prices have risen,” said Boland. “According to Zillow, the average home value in Brentwood is $580,000, up 7.7 percent from last year and is expected to rise 11 percent within the next year.”

If you’re a seller, you will most likely make a nice profit. If you’re a buyer, finding a home that you can afford may be more challenging, and you might have to sacrifice some of the things you want in a house.

“Some buyers are forced out simply because they cannot compete or afford homes, because prices have increased,” said Sasville. “This is a more favorable situation for the seller, given they will have more offers to

The East County real estate market is robust and remains a desirable place to live in the Bay Area.

– Donna Bolan, broker associate

choose from and most likely a higher price than they were originally asking for.”

Some of those who have been pushed out turn to options other than purchasing a home.

“The low inventory and upward pressure on prices, coupled with rising interest rates has forced many wouldbe buyers in the renter’s market,” said Sasville. “There is also a lack of inventory for available homes to rent, which has put upward pressure on the amount of rent a home can generate.”

The trends hitting the East County real estate market is prevalent through the Bay Area.

“The overall East Bay market is still

quite hot,” said Boland. “The closer you get to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley, the heat intensifies.”

According to Boland, the East County market is strong because it continues to be an attractive and affordable option, compared to many other Bay Area cities.

Not only that, it also has much to offer its residents including access to the Interstate 580 corridor, minutes away from the Delta waterways and now just minutes from BART and public transportation.

“The East County real estate market is robust and remains a desirable place to live in the Bay Area,” said Bolan. “With its close proximity to virtually every major urban workplace, we are centrally located and have so much to offer our residents.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties is located at 141 Sand Creek Road, Suite E. For more information, visit www. askdonna4ebproperty.com or call 925-323-7570.

Sasville Properties has offices at 1555 Riverlake Road, Suite M, in Discovery Bay, and 80 Eagle Rock Way, Suite E, in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.sasvilleproperties.com or call 925-513-4483 or 925-513-5418 To comment, visit www.thepress.net

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

Remodeling your home H AY L E Y F I N E T T I

A

s remodeling becomes increasingly popular, homeowners should know which trends are in. What improvements are making

homeowners feel connected to their home, and which renovations are most increasing home value?

“Many remodel to be ready for a competitive market, and others are making their house a home that they will enjoy for many years to come,” said Rebeca De Leon, showroom manager and interior designer at Limitless Kitchen and Bath.

“There are options for everyone’s style. I say choose what goes well with the architecture and style of your home. Some people love modern design, while others are more traditional or want something in between the two – a ‘transitional style.’

Some trends right now are matte black and brushed gold finishes for your fixtures and handles. Encaustic tiles have made a big comeback.”

According to Gregg Cantor, CEO and president of Murray Lampert – a residential remodeling, renovation and construction company – smart kitchens are in high demand.

Technology plays a significant role in our everyday lives, with homeowners now seeking electronic products, known as smart home technology, in their kitchens. This can include appliance upgrades, phone-controlled lighting, smart refrigerators and more.

Cantor said industrial-style kitchens are a common remodeling trend, illustrated by “brick, dark-colored cabinets and trim, concrete countertops … (and) stainless steel appliances.”

He also expects bathrooms to take on this industrial style.

Exposed piping, brick and similar materials create a rustic look with imperfections that actually add to the elegance of the space. He emphasizes the popularity of gold-toned fixtures, which bring a traditional element to a modern room. Smart kitchens, gold-toned fixtures and industrial design impart the transitional style that De Leon describes.

“For remodelers with a smaller budget, paint makes a big difference and so does lighting,” said De Leon. “Upgrading to recessed LED lights or new lighting fixtures can change your entire room. If your cabinets are in good condition and solid wood, painting your cabinets is an option that will save you from buying new ones. New countertops ... can also really change the look of your kitchen or bath. New floors and a fresh coat of paint will help refresh the space.”

When working with clients, Limitless Kitchen and Bath takes part in a step-by-step process to ensure homeowners receive the desired result for their home.

“My job is to help them come up with a concept that works with their style and help them pick finishes and materials they like that work well together,” said De Leon. “If it is a kitchen, they will receive a quote and a rendering of what it will be like. For a bathroom, they receive a quote.”

If the customer agrees with their quote, the company moves forward with a contract and start date.

According to De Leon, their kitchen remodels typically range from $25,000 to $65,000, with bathroom remodels ranging $18,000 to $55,000. The project’s expense depends on the extent of the renovations.

Upgraded window coverings are also a popular choice.

“Shutters are classic and never go out of style,” said Matt Baker, owner of Contra Costa Blinds in Discovery Bay. “Gray tones are pretty on-trend, and motorization is very popular right now.”

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Kitchen remodels remain a popular trend and typically yield high returns.

To keep your East County home cooler year-round, Baker recommends cellular products, as they create a thicker barrier between the outside and inside of the home. He noted shutters also are efficient for this purpose.

“The price range for updating window coverings depends on the specific product and on the number of windows being updated,” said Baker. “You can cover a window with one product for $125 or with a different product for $1,500.”

More than anything, how you remodel your home comes down to personal preference.

“Sticking to your style and the style of your home will always be best,” said De Leon.

Limitless Kitchen and Bath is located at 1201 Auto Center Drive, in Antioch. For more information, call 925-2300556 or visit https://limitlesskb.com.

Contra Costa Blinds is located at 934 Lido Circle, in Discovery Bay. For more information, call 925-2400451, email matt@contracostablinds.com or visit www.contracostablinds.com.

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As a Local Realtor & Mom of two boys, keeping your family happy is important to me. I am not only working smarter, but working harder to make sure your dream home becomes your reality!

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5B

Susan Redgrave Realtor

925-483-3294 RedgraveRealty@gmail.com • www.RedgraveRealty.com

CalBRE#01997935

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The ins-and-outs of homeowners insurance AMY SCHRADER

A

fter you purchase a home, it’s vital to protect your investment.

Homeowners insurance gives you peace of mind and protects your investment by covering damage to the property and liability risks and can protect you against legal claims.

While there are different types of policies available, not all policies are created equal.

Local real estate experts have advice on what you need and what to look for in a policy and why homeowners insurance is so important.

“Not only does homeowners insurance cover the home, it provides coverage for other structures on your property, such as fences, decks and sheds,” said Emily Slatten, owner of East County Insurance Company.

“It also covers your contents and your personal property. If you or a family member are found legally responsible for accidentally damaging someone else’s property or injuring someone, the liability coverage may pay for related repairs, legal fees or medical bills.”

According to Slatten, homeowners insurance can also help pay for medical bills if someone is injured at your home.

When choosing an insurance policy, it’s important to know what’s covered in a basic policy and what options you should consider adding in.

“The basic coverage policy is still very comprehensive, providing coverage for many types of perils,” said Jerry Stone, co-owner of Jack Stone Insurance Agency.

A basic policy provides special limits of personal property, so someone who owns items that exceed the limit specified can buy back increased limits at a small additional cost.

Slatten recommends flood and earthquake coverage for East County homeowners.

“Floods can come not just from a rising river but any water coming into your home,” said Slatten.

“An example may be if the fire hydrant out front is hit by a car and broken off, causing it to send water gushing into your home.”

Earthquake coverage is also important.

REAL ESTATE OFFICES AND AGENTS

James W. Graydon All Phase Brokers (925) 584-9886 1145 Second St., Brentwood jwgraydon@aol.com www.AllPhaseBrokers.com BRE #01236065 NMLS #995241

Donna Brady Boland, GRI Drysdale Properties Senior Real Estate Specialist Pricing Strategy Advisor First Time Buyer Specialist Broker Associate Realtor® Serving the entire Bay Area Cell/Text: (925) 323-7570 donna.boland@bhhsdrysdale.com www.AskDonna4EBProperty.com CalDRE# 01063858

Delta Association of REALTORS® 3428 Hillcrest Ave., Suite 200 Antioch (925) 757-8283 www.deltaaor.com

Susan Redgrave Realtor® Dudum Real Estate Group (925) 483-3294 60 Eagle Rock Way Brentwood susan@dudum.com www.RedgraveRealty.com Cal BRE #01997935

Maureen Prince Broker® Flat Rate Realty (510) 882-1030 Maureen@MaureenPrince.com www.1percentListings.net BRE #01196634 Jeff Gray Realtor® Associate Flat Rate Realty (408) 663-0196 JGray5055@Yahoo.com www.1percentListings.net BRE #02005431

“We’re in earthquake country, and basic homeowners insurance does not cover damage from an earthquake,” said Slatten.

Besides choosing a policy that fits your unique needs, homeowners must choose a deductible, which can impact the cost of their overall policy.

“The higher the deductible the lower the premium,” said Sherry Stone-Johnson, co-owner of Jack Stone Insurance Agency.

“Select a deductible that is financially comfortable to you, and do not select a deductible that is too much for you to afford as an out-ofpocket expense.”

After choosing a policy and options, one of the most important things a

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Chris Sasville Owner Cal BRE #01806829 (925) 998-6227 1555 Riverlake Road Discovery Bay chris@sasvilleproperties.com www.SasvilleProperties.com

Matthew Anderson Realtor® DRE#01417175 JDK & Associates Realty, Inc. 9030 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H Brentwood (925) 584-6761 matthew.anderson1@yahoo.com Craig Sasville www.eastcontracostacounty Broker/Owner realestate.com Cal BRE #01746093 Cliff Olson (925) 550-6447 JDK & Associates Realty 1555 Riverlake Road 2170 Main St., Suite G, Oakley Discovery Bay BRE# 01909286 craig@sasvilleproperties.com Direct: (925) 864-4012 www.SasvilleProperties.com Email: cliff@olsonteamhomes.com www.olsonteamhomes.com

Tom Schieber Realtor®, Broker Associate J. Rockcliff Realtors (925) 487-3172 Tom@TomSchieber.com www.TomSchieber.com Cal BRE #01404116

Laura O. Medina Keller Williams East County Esther Kennedy 91 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100 Area Specialist Realtor® Brentwood HomeSmart Optima Realty (925) 683-3645 (925) 963-9475 Hablo Español www.55Places.com Real_Laura22@yahoo.com www.discoverybayhomesforsale.com www.LauraMedina.kwrealty.com Cal BRE #01847791 Cal BRE #01483022

homeowner can do is read their policy.

“I don’t think many people read their policy,” said Slatten. “It’s best to know what you have coverage for before you suffer a loss.”

Every few years, homeowners should review their policy and complete a home inventory, so they can identify what is missing in the event they have to file a claim.

East County Insurance Agency Inc. is located at 4550 Balfour Road, Suite G, in Brentwood, and at 2738B W. Tregallas Road, in Antioch. For more information, visit www. eastcountyins.com or call 925-240-1330 or 925-203-0849.

Jack Stone Insurance Agency is located at 144 Continente Ave., Suite 210, in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.jackstoneinsurance.com or call 925-516-7934.

Sandy Strobel Realtor® (925) 766-3791 1555 Riverlake Road, Suite M Discovery Bay www.SandyStrobel.com DRE #01828196

MORTGAGE AND LOAN

James W. Graydon All Phase Brokers (925) 584-9886 1145 Second St. Brentwood jwgraydon@aol.com www.AllPhaseBrokers.com BRE #01236065 NMLS #995241

WHO’S WHO

IN THE BIZ!

Real Estate and Loan Professionals

Peggy Ann Valley, MBA Senior Mortgage Consultant (925) 890-5255 Jason Peterson peggy.valley@summitfunding.net Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #3274 www.peggyvalley.com 141 Sand Creek Road, Bwd 5829 Lone Tree Way, Suite D NMLS ID# 221369 Antioch CA BRE ID# 01000599 (925) 278-6677 (925) 818-1376 jpeterson@guildmortgage.net www.guildmortgage.com Lic. by the DBO under the CRMLA NMLS #200686 Beth Miller-Rowe Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist Rob O’Malley 3478 Buskirk Ave., Suite 1000 Branch Manager Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 969-0380 office (925) 234-8870 teamomalley@summitfunding.net (925) 381-8264 cell www.summitfunding.net/romalley Beth@YourReverse.com www.YourReverse.com 141 Sand Creek Road, Bwd NMLS: 29477/831612/1850 NMLS ID# 240904 BRE: 00950759/012159433 CA BRE ID# 01423655 Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True!

A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

George Muñoz Senior Mortgage Consultant Hablo Español (925) 437-9520 George.Munoz@Summitfunding.net www.summitfunding.net/gmunoz 141 Sand Creek Road, Bwd NMLS ID# 252207

Renee Parrett Senior Financial Advisor 1115 Second St., Bwd (925) 513-6004 renee.c.parrett@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargoadvisors.com CA Insurance #0C92754

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

Tips for first-time buyers

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REAL ESTATE

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7B

AMY SCHRADER

B

uying a home can be stressful, especially for firsttime homebuyers.

Not only is it one of the biggest investments of your life, but the process itself can also be complicated for those who don’t know the ins and outs of real estate. Local real estate experts have some tips to help you navigate your first home-buying journey.

Before you can buy a home, you must save money for a down payment.

While it’s common to put 20 percent down, some lenders require much less and there are first-time homebuyer programs that allow as little as 3 percent down.

“The best loan programs and interest rates require 20 percent down, so the more you can save – and the sooner you can – the better,” said Tom Schieber, broker associate at J. Rockcliff Realtors.

According to Schieber, most firsttime homebuyers don’t have that amount available, so they look at other options.

“FHA loans require only 3.5 percent down with decent credit and are probably the most popular option for first-time buyers in our market,” said Schieber.

Once you have secured a down

payment, it’s important to decide how much you can afford and check your credit. Online home affordability calculators can help you determine what’s within your price range. Cleaning up your credit will help you secure a lower interest rate on your loan.

“The first thing you should do is obtain a copy of your credit report,” said Jim Graydon, broker and owner of All Phase Brokers. “Look through your credit history and find any unpaid or delinquent accounts and bring them to current.”

Graydon also recommends that firsttime homebuyers take care of all liens or judgments by paying them down to a zero balance and making sure that all credit card balances are under 30 percent of their high balance limit.

After you have determined how much you can afford while taking all factors into consideration, it’s a great time to start your home search. Before you search, first-time homebuyers should be prepared to compromise.

“First-time buyers should not try to buy their forever home the first time out,” said Schieber. “Buy what you can afford. Get into the market. Focus on a location or a neighborhood you feel good about.” see Buyers page 10B

Drysdale Properties

Donna Boland, GRI, Broker Associate Let me earn your Trust…

As a Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties, I assist my clients with every aspect of a Real Estate transaction, from start to finish. Whether you are buying or selling, upsizing or downsizing, or looking for an investment property, I am here to help.

I pride myself on my integrity and strong work ethic. My experience in both residential and commercial Real Estate gives me an edge in helping my clients fulfill their financial goals and help make their dreams come true.

My passion for Real Estate started in college where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate. I took time off to raise my family and now have my career back at the forefront of my life.

Education is very important to me and I continually look for new ways to bring value to my clients.

While I enjoy working with all age groups, I recently found familiarity with the 55+ communities. Earning the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation gave me the knowledge and tools to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions.

We have such gracious retirement

communities here in Brentwood with Summerset and Trilogy.

I am a Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute (GRI), considered by many Real Estate professionals to be the most advanced and comprehensive training program available to Real Estate Agents in North America. I am also a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), which allows me to use my professional expertise and market knowledge to determine property values with the most accurate valuation analysis.

My partnership with Berkshire Hathaway allows me immediate contact with over a thousand Drysdale Real Estate Agents. With 45 Bay Area Drysdale offices, each Agent receives an email notification when new homes hit the market. What does this mean for you? Maximum exposure of your property in the “Booming” Bay Area Real Estate Market!

I’d like to earn your trust…

Donna Boland, GRI, Broker Associate is located at 141 Sand Creek Road, Suite E in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-323-7570, or email at, donna. boland@bhhsdrysdale.com, or visit, www. askdonna4EBProperty.com. – Advertisement

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Ken Whitaker (925) 876-6100

5831 Yawl St., Discovery Bay 1729 Dune Point Way, Discovery Bay 925 Lido Cir., Discovery Bay 1270 St. Andrews Dr., Discovery Bay Cute DB Harbor Bay Condo - Desirable end unit Gorgeous deep water home, over 2200sq ft, 3 BD, 2 Adorable 2 BR/ 2BA townhome, w/ dock and boat Popular Augusta split level in DB Country Club is nicely updated - granite counter tops, new full BA and a small loft area - 2 car garage, side yard slip w/ hoist. Large master w/ fireplace, updated Updated vinyl windows, hardwood floors in appliances, recessed lighting, tile flooring, and more. access, huge deck and a newer dock are all ready bathrooms, whole house fan & new backyard entryway, kitchen & family room. Kitchen has granite 2 master suites & loft - walk to the marina, shop & for incredible sunset views. Updated kitchens and patio fencing. Exterior freshly painted. Water views, counters & new stainless steel appliances. Cool restaurants. Nice community pool to keep you cool. baths, totally move in ready for the summer. overlooking gorgeous Lido Bay, minutes to fast water. off in the sparkling pool and watching the sunset. $399,000. Presented by Bryon Gutow $699,000. Presented by Bryon Gutow Sold at $410,000. Presented by Chris Sasville $679,000. Presented by Chris & Craig Sasville

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

CAL BRE# 01219019

Cathy Engle (925) 570-6667 CAL BRE# 01891985

Linda Sepulveda (510) 432-2770 CAL BRE# 01221706

CAL BRE# 01828196

Laura Call (925) 667-8127 CAL BRE# 01440006

Christine Wallin (925) 525-7402 Cynthia MacDermott (209) 914-3360

CAL BRE# 01720106

CAL BRE# 01222446

Sandy Strobel (925) 766-3791

CAL BRE# 01475112

Max Austin (925) 550-0199 Alisa Ortiz-Proft (925) 323-2216

CAL BRE# 01430026

CAL BRE# 01416959

4603 Balfour Rd. #102, Brentwood 5501 Starboard Ct., Discovery Bay 2611 Cherry Hills Dr., Discovery Bay 4892 South Pt., Discovery Bay WOW!!! Single story lake home at end of cul de sac Beautiful 2 story, 2212 sq. ft. home, in Custom 4 BD, 2.5 bath home. LED lighting, granite, 1440 sf, 3 BD mobile has a Lg Living Rm, separate w/ huge 9801sq ft lot. Incredible water views from Discovery Bay Country Club, has 3 BD, 2.5 SS appliances, new windows, 16 ft slider, gorgeous Den/Office area & Dining Area w/ Built In Lighted Hutch. New Carpets, New Paint & Laminated your private deck and boat dock. Interior is freshly bath, with expansive views of the 16th fairway. master shower, dock w/ covered slip, covered painted, dual pane windows & sliders, & newer Plenty of room, both inside and out, to add your deck, boat lift, jet-ski ports, over-sized driveway & Flooring in Kitchen & Dining. Eletric stove, Laundry HVAC system. All ready to enjoy the summer! personal touch and make it your own. garage. Deep water home, minutes to fast water. Room, Porch, Parking for 2 Vehicles, and Side Patio. $159,900. Presented by Christine Wallin $580,000. Presented by Bryon Gutow $564,900. Presented by Chris & Craig Sasville $1,085,000. Presented by Bryon Gutow

1555 Riverlake Rd., Ste. M, Discovery Bay (925) 513-4483 www.sasvilleproperties.com

Julie Harris (408) 835-7415 CAL BRE# 01741631

Jerry Becker (925) 250-9868 CAL BRE# 02055058

Grace Milne (925) 980-6014 CAL BRE# 00950602

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

The New Reverse Mortgage – what’s so “new”?

L

ast year HUD made significant changes to the

option(s) given what you are wanting a reverse mortgage to accomplish for you?

FHA insured reverse mortgage, commonly

The other exciting change to the reverse mortgage industry is the Jumbo Reverse Mortgage. While this program is not brand new, it has expanded the offerings making it much more attractive to potential borrowers. The percentage of the value of your home that can be borrowed has increased and interest rates have decreased making it very competitive for higher end homes. We are expecting additional “proprietary” products to come on the market over the next several months. “Proprietary” simply meaning that they are not FHA insured loans but rather products offered by reverse mortgage companies. As of now, these programs all offer the same protections as the FHA program.

There is no personal liability to you or to your heirs and you are provided a substantial amount of time to repay the loan in the event that you need to move into a different living environment, or the last borrower has passed away. Under these programs you are still responsible for your property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues, if any.

referred to as a HECM. The changes were

controversial to say the least. The three major changes were a reduction in the percentage of the value that can be borrowed; an overall increase in the cost to most clients; and a reduction in the on-going cost of the loan. Is this good, bad, who cares? I think it is a bit of each.

There was frustration on just about everyone’s part because there was very little notice. We spent five weeks trying to get everyone in under the wire and it was extremely chaotic. So after the dust settled and we were now operating under the new guidelines the difficulty was in trying to explain to people why they could borrow less money today (after October 2, 2017) than they could previously. There were some difficult conversations especially for those who really needed every dime of the previous loan limits to be able to pay off their current mortgage.

Fast forward to today. Now that I have eight months under my belt with the new loan limits I have realized that the changes are really very positive. The changes allow for much greater equity preservation. For the last ten years the most often heard objections I were: • What if I need money to pay for health care later in life?

• Will there be anything left to leave to my kids?

The New Reverse Mortgage addresses both of those questions with the new math. I would like to believe that HUD listened. They heard the concerns of seniors and part of the restructuring of the product was designed to address those concerns.

As we grow older and we contemplate the changes that may come into our lives we have to consider the possibility that we may require, or desire, a move. That move may be medically necessary or it may be an exciting decision to move to a retirement community where you have less to worry about. Maybe a community that provides meals and house cleaning will better suit your lifestyle; or a place that has activities, parties, and group outings will be fun. I know at some point I am going to love a place where I can enjoy the gardens without having to pull the weeds and where I can pick the tomatoes without having to till the soil in the spring.

You may not decide to move into a community but rather to downsize to a one story home, or a condo or townhouse. You may decide to move out of state to be closer to the grandkids. The key is that equity preservation can provide the flexibility to enjoy your time now and to still be able to make different decisions later.

Under the “old reverse mortgage” it was conceivable that you could run out of equity. While it would depend on how you took the money, the point is that it was a possibility.

That was a big deterrent for a lot of seniors because there are clearly circumstances that are impossible to foresee.

I talk to people every day who say “I thought when we retired we would slow down, stay home more, spend a lot less money than we did during our working years”.

In fact, what they find is that they have time to do all the things they wanted to do ‘when they had time’.

Whether that is travel, golf, fine wine, a motorhome, or new hobbies they decide to take up, they want to enjoy

Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 36 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 10 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration. retirement. Certainly there may come a time when we slow down but not when we are enjoying the initial excitement of all the free time we want!!

Barring any economic calamity the likes of which we saw in 2008 – 2012, the New Reverse Mortgage will allow you greater equity preservation even while not having to make a mortgage payment. You are still responsible for your taxes, insurance, and HOA dues, if any, just like under the “old reverse mortgage”.

The concept of retaining equity while accessing equity seems to be a contradiction. While it cannot be guaranteed because it is dependent on a very conservative appreciation rate, the numbers speak for themselves. The amortization schedule shows you in black and white that even though your loan balance is increasing, your equity is as well.

While some people owe very little or nothing on their homes, there are also many senior who will use a reverse mortgage to pay off a current mortgage. Yes, you can do that. There seems to be on going confusion about the reverse mortgage program. Some people think that they have to own their home with no current mortgage, while others think that you have to have a mortgage to pay off in order to qualify for the program.

If a reverse mortgage sounds like something that you would like to learn more about, give me a call today. Let’s schedule a time for me to come to your home and explain the program, the process, and the costs. Let’s review your goals and what you hope a reverse mortgage will accomplish as relates to those goals.

I am very low key. No pressure and no obligation. I review all the information and then leave it with you to read, discuss with friends/family, and decide if it may help you to attain your retirement goals. If you think it might work well for you, give me a call and we will decide how best to move forward.

I look forward to hearing from you.

– Advertorial

Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.

Beth Miller-Rowe Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist

The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.

Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com

3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

There are several ways to access your equity through a reverse mortgage: 1. Use the funds to pay off a current mortgage, thereby eliminating your current principal and interest payment.

If there are additional funds above and beyond the pay off those are available to you in a variety of ways.

2. Set up a monthly income stream 3. Set up a line of credit to draw from as needed 4. Take a lump sum of cash to use for a specific purpose or project such as home improvement/accessibility, travel, car replacement or the like.

5. Or, a combination of several of these options.

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True!

A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

BRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850

Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

Each of these equity access methods provides benefits depending on your personal goals. This is what we will discuss when I come to your home. What might be the best

*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out.

Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. **American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is not financial service company or licensed tax advisors; the material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. We are not financial or tax advisors, please contact your financial professional for your personal financial situation.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

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9B

Things to consider before downsizing your home

T

he decision to downsize a home is often bittersweet. Many couples who downsize their homes do so after raising a family. A home

might be filled with memories, but downsizing helps couples save more money, and that financial flexibility often allows them to more fully enjoy retirement.

In spite of the financial impact of downsizing a home, there’s more than just money at stake for homeowners thinking of downsizing. The following are a handful of factors homeowners should consider before downsizing to a smaller home.

Real estate market The real estate market can be a seller’s friend or foe.

Many sellers have a sale price in mind when they decide to sell their home, but the real estate market can be fickle. Homeowners should do research before putting their home up for sale. Will the current market make it easier for you to get the most for your home, or will you have to settle for less than you prefer? How fast are similar homes in your area selling?

When studying the real estate market, it’s also a good idea to study the market for smaller homes. If you plan on moving into a condominium, but the market is not flush with properties, you might end up paying more than you want to for your new home, which might negate the savings you can expect from downsizing.

Furniture When downsizing to a smaller home, many couples realize their current furniture is unlikely to fit into a smaller home.

That means couples will have to sell or donate their

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Older couples must consider a host of factors before deciding to downsize their homes. current furniture and then buy all new items for their new home. If it’s been a while since you purchased new furniture, you might be in for some sticker shock on your first visit to the furniture store.

Another thing to consider regarding your furniture is which items you simply can’t live without. An antique dinner table might have been the centerpiece for your family holidays over the last several decades, but there’s no guarantee it will fit into your smaller home. You may want to pass this down to your son or daughter, but that’s only possible if he or she has the room for it.

Before deciding to downsize, consider your attachment to certain items that you may or may not be able to

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take with you to your new home and the emotional toll selling such items might take if you’re left with no other options.

Proximity to family When downsizing to a smaller home, many couples move out of the suburbs and into cities or towns with more ready access to culture and restaurants.

While that accessibility is great, grandparents may find it comes at the cost of less time with their grandchildren. That’s a steep price to pay for doting grandparents, and it may also impact your children if they frequently rely on Grandma and Grandpa for babysitting.

Before downsizing, consider if you’re willing to move farther away from your family. If not, you likely can still find a smaller home in close proximity to your current home and any nearby family members.

Medical care Many older people must also consider the effect moving may have on their medical care.

Downsizing to a home in the country may make it harder to maintain contact with your current physician, and rural areas typically have fewer medical practitioners than more densely populated towns and cities. In addition, if you have been visiting the same physician for years, you may not want to move and have to start all over again with a physician who is unfamiliar with your medical history. Consider how much maintaining your existing relationship with your physician means to you and if your next home will provide the kind of access to medical care you’re likely to need.

Downsizing a home is not just about moving into a smaller property. To ensure you’re making the right decision, many factors must be considered before downsizing.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

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3/4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,198 +/- sq ft

5 Beds | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,708 +/- sq ft

LISTED AT$519,950

SOLD for $810,000

Who you work with MATTERS. Tom’s experience in your local neighborhood gives you the advantage when buying or selling here in East County!

TOM SCHIEBER REAL ESTATE Broker Associate | DRE# 01404116

925.487.3172

Tom@TomSchieber.com www.TomSchieber.com

10B

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

Buyers

JUNE 29, 2018

from page 7B

According to Schieber, first-time buyers may miss out on a good home if they’re looking for a perfect house.

“You don’t have to jump at the first thing you see or buy a total fixer, but have realistic expectations,” said Schieber.

Buyers should also consider whether they want to move into a single-family home, condo or townhouse.

“Those who are single or have a small family find condos appealing for many reasons,” said Graydon. “They are in many cases neat, clean and well maintained by the HOA and may feature swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms.”

Graydon recommends that homeowners also make sure the benefits of a condo outweigh the risks by evaluating fees associated with the HOA as well as any penalties for breaking HOA policies.

When you’ve browsed houses and are ready to attend your first open house, bring a list of questions or a checklist of things for you to research. Finding out when the house was built and when the roof, furnace, air conditioner and water heater were last repaired or replaced will give you an idea of possible expenses that might arise down the road.

Open houses are also a great chance to scout the neighborhood. Check for traffic and noise, including from the neighbors next door.

The best loan programs and interest rates require 20 percent down, so the more you can save – and the sooner you can – the better.

– Tom Schieber, broker associate, J. Rockcliff realtors The final piece of advice for first-time homebuyers is to make sure you have a good real estate agent who will walk you through every step of the process and negotiate with sellers to make a strong offer on your first home.

J. Rockcliff Realtors is located at 3860 Balfour Road, Suite B, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-487-3172 or visit www.tomschieber. com.

All Phase Brokers is located at 1145 Second St., Suite 174, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-584-9886 or visit www.allphasebrokers.com.

To comment, visit www.thepress.net

When it’s time to move, call

Esther

Kennedy CDPE, CHS, CSSN, CPCA, Realtor®

AreA SpeciAliSt

OPTIMA REALTY

925-963-9475 www.BrentwoodHomes4Sale.com CALBRE #01483022

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

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11B

Ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

I

mproving a home’s curb appeal

narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

makes sense in today’s real estate market, as many people do their

own searching via websites such as Trulia or Zillow.

When browsing, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes time spent outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn and garden home-improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

3. Confine dogs to certain areas.

1. Maintain a lush, green lawn.

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was neglected as well. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

Real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home. to survive harsh conditions like drought.

During the summer months, water early in the morning or evening so little is lost to evaporation.

2. Address brown patch.

Even a well-maintained lawn can

fall victim to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of dead grass surrounded by

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards, but homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

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12B

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

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JUNE 29, 2018

Tips for first-time real estate investors

R

… investing in real estate can be risky, and it’s important that firsttime investors consider a host of factors before deciding to delve into the market.

eal estate can be a good investment that helps build wealth and secure a

financial future.

According to Investopedia, average 20-year returns in commercial real estate hover around 9.5 percent, while residential and diversified real estate average returns of 10.6 percent. Such figures may seem too good to ignore for many prospective real estate investors, but investing in real estate can be risky, and it’s important that first-time investors consider a host of factors before deciding to delve into the market.

Current finances

Real estate can potentially yield big returns, but these may only materialize after investors spend ample amounts of money refurbishing or even maintaining their investment properties. Prospective investors without the capital on hand to finance repairs or routine maintenance may find it difficult to make their properties appealing to potential tenants, which can make it harder to meet mortgage payments. Prospective investors who already have sizable debts, be it consumer debt or existing mortgage payments, may want to pay down those debts before investing in real estate.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Investing in real estate can yield big returns, but first-time investors should know such investments are vastly different than investing in a home for oneself.

Down payments

According to Wells Fargo, mortgage insurance does not cover investment property, and loans typically require a minimum down payment of 20 percent of the value of the property. So prospective investors cannot count on mortgage insurance to finance their investments in real estate. Investors should not just make sure they can meet that 20 percent

requirement but also ensure they have enough capital left after making their down payments to address any repairs that need to be made. If not, they might have trouble attracting renters willing to pay enough in rent.

Interest rates

Prospective real estate investors may be surprised to learn that investment property loans are often subject to higher interest rates

than those for homebuyers borrowing to purchase a primary residence, according to Quicken Loans. Investors should not count on getting the same or better interest rates for their investment properties that they did when buying the homes they currently live in.

Financial reserves

Some lenders may require prospective investors have sizable financial reserves before they will lend them money to invest in real estate. Some may require borrowers have several months worth of reserves to finance both their personal lives and their investments.

If a 20 percent down payment would make that impossible, then prospective investors may want to wait a little longer to invest and save more money until their financial reserves would prove more acceptable to lenders.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

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Easy weekend do-it-yourself projects

H

projects ramp up when the weather warms,

as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their to-do lists.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes. inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb.

Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. A new welcome mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood, travertine or marble. Installing a floor can take a day or two. ♦♦ Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures.

New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and low-flow faucets can help conserve water. ♦♦ Create a gallery on the staircase.

Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often-barren area of wall space. ♦♦ Install a fresh light fixture. Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better

rvice e S 9 kly Wee w as $9 as lo

Existing SFR Sales

315

Existing SFR Median Price

$525,000

Existing SFR Median Price/Sq.Ft.

$259.15

Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing tables or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space. ♦♦ Add molding. Molding can add instant aesthetic appeal to a room. It is appropriate near the floor, at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling or even mid-wall as a chair rail. Some homeowners like to create framed molding on walls in formal living spaces. ♦♦ Update kitchen or bathroom hardware. Replacing hardware is a fast and easy project, but one that can have immediate impact. Swap out tired or outdated hardware for newer brushed metals and more impactful shapes and designs.

Home renovations do not need to take weeks or months. Many projects can be completed over the course of a weekend.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Affordable House Cleaning Service!

Existing SFR Median Sales-to-List Ratio (%)

Our team only uses top quality cleaning products, and provides experience and service you can trust.

101.0% AFTER

11.3%

11.7%

13B

Home renovations do not need to take weeks or months.

Many projects can be completed over the course of a weekend.

ome-improvement

Large-scale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend. If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes. ♦♦ Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact.

The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project in less than a day. ♦♦ Install stair runners. Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners.

Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also can create visual appeal. ♦♦ Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both

|

6.5%

0.1%

BEFORE

• Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly • Deep Cleaning, and all other cleaning services • Licensed and Insured!

BEFORE

AFTER Existing SFR Sales: Closed transactions of properties listed on various MLSs across the state during the current month for the selected geography and property characteristics.

Existing SFR Median Price: Median price of all closed sales listed on MLSs across the state during the current month for the selected geography and property characteristics.

Existing SFR Med. Price/Sq. Ft.: Median price per square foot of all closed sales listed on MLSs during the current month for the selected geography and property characteristics.

Existing SFR Med. Sales-to-List Ratio (%): Gap between selling and listing prices for homes sold on MLSs during the month for the selected area and property characteristics.

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JUNE 29, 2018

All Phase from page 3B joked Graydon. “And it was great. We are busy.”

Life is good for the Graydons who spend much of their spare time serving the community. Graydon is a new member of the Brentwood Rotary, and the family participates at Golden Hills Church where his daughter was recently a camp counselor at a church youth camp. Time with the family also includes trips in their camper to the beach for weekend getaways.

According to Graydon, the current real estate market can be challenging for the buyer.

“The biggest thing that everyone is noticing is that there is a low inventory and a lot of people are competing for the same

house, so it’s much more competitive for the buyer,” said Graydon.

But the team at All Phase is up to the challenge.

“I will do whatever it takes to make sure that a loan closes on time,” said Graydon.

“I’m not just an agent, I’m also a broker and owner, and there’s a huge advantage to working with someone with so much experience. I know what to look out for, what not to do and how to prepare my clients, and I will always answer my phone. I am very available.”

All Phase Brokers is located in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.allphasebrokers.com or call 925-5849886. Bre#01236065/NMLS#995241 To comment, visit www.thepress.net

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JUNE 29, 2018

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MEET THE LOAN OFFICERS OF

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Connect About Our LOAN PROGRAMS

HOMEBUYER HERO PROGRAM - 14 DAY CLOSE

Purchase & Refinance

We use our own HVCC Appraisers

Special FHA financing as low as 550

Reverse Mortgages

Special VA financing as low as 550 3% to 5% Conventional Down Payment

USDA Loans 203K, 203K streamlines

Jumbo & Conventional High Balance

ROB O’MALLEY

Branch Manager / Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 240904 | CA BRE ID# 01423655

ALEX COONS

Director of Business Development

acoons@summitfunding.net

PEGGY VALLEY

GEORGE MUNOZ

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 221369 | CA BRE ID# 01000599

(925) 418-3951

peggy.valley@summitfunding.net

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 245711

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 252207

(925) 418-3936

george.munoz@summitfunding.net

RANDY COHN

COYNDA LOZANO

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 256506

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 242505 | CA BRE ID# 01755157

michael.bothelho@summitfunding.net

randy.cohn@summitfunding.net

coynda.lozano@summitfunding.net

ERIC SANCHEZ

RICHARD THIERRY

BRIAN WIEBER

(925) 634-6600

(925) 634-6600

teamomalley@summitfunding.net

MICHAEL BOTELHO

Down Payment Assistance programs: CalHFA, GSFA Platinum, MCC, etc.

(925) 354-6633

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 342496

(925) 418-3752

eric.sanchez@summitfunding.net

(925) 627-1024

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 838437

(925) 418-3955

richard.thierry@summitfunding.net

(925) 584-4824

Sr. Loan Officer NMLS ID# 243294

(510) 964-0621

bwieber@summitfunding.net

141 Sand Creek Road, Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513 | Branch NMLS ID# 880995 | 3088 Pinole Valley Rd. Pinole, CA 94564 | Branch NMLS ID# 1151809 | Summit Funding, Inc. NMLS ID# 3199 | An Approved Equal Housing Lender | *The 14 day close represents Summit Funding Inc.’s commitment to customer service, but does not constitute a guarantee. Summit is able to close in 14 calendar days in certain situations. Borrowers should have an underwriter pre-approval prior to signing a purchase agreement. All required borrower credit documents will need to be submitted within 2 business days of the signed accepted purchase contract. The appraisal will need to be received and reviewed within 9 days from the date of the signed accepted purchase contract. A rush appraisal may be required. Loan programs that are not eligible are: brokered 1st or 2nd loans, down payment assistance, all renovation loans, Jumbo and USDA. Some items that may cause delays in closing are, but not limited to: low appraisal value, appraisal delays, escrow or title delays, 2nd lien holder approval, short sale approval and conditions that cannot be met by any parties. Contact Summit Funding to see if you qualify for a 14 day close.

George Muñoz | Sr. Mortgage Consultant

Peggy Ann Valley | Sr. Mortgage Consultant

George is professional and very knowledgeable about many different types of loans, he always wants to get his clients the best deal possible and goes out of his way to make sure clients are taken care of. I highly recommend using his services.

NMLS ID# 252207

Helping you achieve your homeownership dreams!

• Listening • Communication • Education • Ethics

Call today for your financing needs.

Jorge es muy professional en su tratamiento y le explica el proceso en detalle.

NMLS ID# 221369 CAL BRE ID# 01000599

Cell: (925) 437-9520

Direct: (925) 418-3936 george.munoz@summitfunding.net

Cell: (925) 890-5255

®

Direct: (925) 418-3951 peggy.valley@summitfunding.net

®

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Live where you play.

Love where you live.

JUNE 29, 2018

KiperHomes.com

MOSAIC AT THE L AKES FROM THE HIGH $500,000s 3–5 BEDS, 2.5-3 BATHS 2,330–2,751 SQUARE FEET 7026 HARBORHAVEN WAY DISCOVERY BAY, CA (925) 478-7362

A

t The Lakes at Discovery Bay, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of living in a gated, lake-oriented masterplanned setting: scenic lakefront trails, landscaped parks, waterways, fountains and a true sense of community. In this resort-like setting, our two new neighborhoods offer homes that are timeless, yet contemporary, and filled with upscale amenities and the latest building technologies.

Square footages are approximate.

R E GATAT REGATTA THE TA LAKES FROM THE MID $500,000s 3–5 BEDS, 2.5-3 BATHS 2,106–2,731 SQUARE FEET 9213 SHEARWATER CIRCLE DISCOVERY BAY, CA (925) 266-5959