Credit: Shell Ridge Spring oil painting by Kerima Swain
COMMERCIAL FINANCINGSBA & TRADITIONAL
Explore flexible options for your commercial ventures, from SBA loans to traditional financing. We offer tailored solutions to help you achieve your business goals.
CHOICERENOVATION®
Transform your property with ease using our CHOICERenovation® loan. Perfect for upgrading or remodeling your home with competitive rates and manageable terms.
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Find the perfect financing for mobile homes, including those situated in parks. Our loans offer great flexibility to suit your unique housing needs.
ITIN (HABLO ESPANOL!)
Our ITIN loans cater to individuals without a Social Security Number. ¡Hablamos español y estamos aquí para ayudar! Let us guide you through the financing process with ease.
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Has 600+ successful buyer transactions in his career (not counting listing sales)
18-month BUYER SATISFACTION
GUARANTEE! Will re-sale the house FOR FREE if the buyer no longer loves it
GUARANTEES negotiating at least 5K off the price of the house or will personally credit the buyer $1000.
Vigorously pursues off-market inventory not found on Zillow or Redfin, including NEW CONSTRUCTION, expired listings, probate sales, & “Coming Soon” listings
Has better than 80% success rate in multiple offer situations when competing buyers’ offers have similar price & terms
GUARANTEE : Should his client ever lose to another offer with similar price and terms, he WILL PAY $ to his client!
Knows 7 ways to often beat out all-cash buyers without offering a higher price
Has decades of experience helping buyers buy single family homes, townhomes, condos, foreclosures (REOs), short sales, & new construction
Steve Hill Agent X
Rea l GUIDE E state
EAST BAY J.P. G4
RATE Munoz 14
RATE O'Malley Team IFC
ACCORD Moulis ............................... G1
Classic, Stunning Bungalow
2609 68TH AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94605
2 BED / 1 BATH / 824 SQFT. / $475,000
A classic, stunning bungalow features 2 beds and 1 bath with an attached garage. As you enter, the home welcomes you with a warm, airy ambiance accentuated by natural lighting. The living room, a cozy retreat, features large windows- perfect for relaxed evenings. The heart of this home, the kitchen, is a culinary delight boasting sleek white cabinetry, Quartz counters, a practical breakfast bar with bar-top seating, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances and an open layout that seamlessly connects to the main living area. A spacious backyard to let your imagination run wild- al fresco dining, urban gardening or entertaining awaits! Enjoy the tranquility of nearby Joaquin Miller Park, offering ample greenspace for outdoor activities and relaxation. For those who travel frequently, Oakland Airport is a mere 10-minute drive, adding an extra layer of accessibility to this already wellconnected location.
Charming Home with Modern Upgrades
1292 61ST AVENUE, OAKLAND, CA 94621
2 BED / 1 BATH / 920 SQFT. / $389,000
Welcome home to this charming space! Open living & dining areas flow into a well-appointed kitchen with ample storage and granite counters. Remodeled bathroom features a full-sized shower. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout create a warm ambiance. Newer windows, paint, and fixtures enhance the sunfilled atmosphere. Converted garage and basement offer additional income or family space. Generous living area boasts natural light and cozy fireplace. Multi-generational home potential. Easy access to transit, schools, dining, and highways. Eligible for Community Lending Program Discounts!
PATRICK McCARRAN
3600 Byer Rd. Byron, Ca 94514
28 Acres situated in the heart of wine country, near renowned wineries and event centers. Impressive 23,000 sq. ft. estate inspired by exquisite Italian design. 120 olive trees surround the mansion’s
18615 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513 272 acres , Contra Costa County approved for 4-parcel subdivision – 52acre mature olive orchard with 50,000 trellised trees, adding significant agricultural value. Riparian water rights via Marsh Creek, 6 wells, and seasonal reservoirs. Multiple power locations across the property, perfect for diverse agricultural or residential use. Listed: $4,250,000
The New Broker In Town
Hire Cathleen Griebling if you want someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and determined to getting your home sold. We can’t say enough good things about Cathleen. She knows her stuff. We hired Cathleen based on recommendations from family and friends who had used her in their real estate transactions. There is no doubt that we would hire her again in a heart beat to handle any future real estate needs. Whether your buying or selling, it is so important to have a knowledgeable real estate professional watching your back and negotiating the best terms for you. Thank you Cathleen Griebling. Robert
T.
Cathleen is a true professional! She knows the business inside and out, works hard for her clients and follows through. We've had the pleasure to work with her on multiple occasions. Cathleen has helped us purchase 2 properties and sell 3 over the last 10 years. Even with the drastic ups and downs in the housing market over the last decade, she doesn't miss a beat. I can't recommend a more hardworking and trustworthy realtor.
Heather
Cathleen Griebling is a true real estate professional. She knows her community, the market and the best way to sell or buy a home. She has the utmost integrity and will be completely honest with you about how the process works, what you should know and expect. She works well with others and you can trust that Cathleen will do whatever it takes to get your deal done. I highly recommend Cathleen Griebling and due to her hard work my house sold over the listing price in the midst of Covid-19 . Julie
OAKLEY $75,000 Perfect Place for 55+ COMING SOON. 1 Bedroom /1 Bath 728 sqft. Kitchen Update with Countertops, Cabinetry, Appliances, and Laminate Flooring. XXL Primary Bedroom with 2 lrg closets! Stack Washer/ Dryer, Refrigerator Incl. Wheelchair accessible & Storage Shed. Park Space rent Lowest in the area. Call for a preview showing!!! $75,000
DRE#01713767 925-433-1880 Sheena
DRE#02235502 925-286-5657
This spacious 3, 528 sq. ft-home has 4 bedrooms and 4.5-baths, possible 5th bedroom or formal living room, currently being used as a den. You have an open-concept kitchen with granite countertops, sink in the island, double ovens, a gas cooktop and a Butler’s Pantry! Enjoy your meals with natural light in your Kitchen nook or host in your formal dining room. Downstairs, a private bedroom and full bath create the perfect guest or in-law suite, complemented by an additional half bath for convenience. Upstairs, has a loft and three more bedrooms, including the luxurious primary suite, it has a sunken tub, a large shower with a bench seat, double vanities, and a wraparound walk-in closet. Step outside and Relax in your outdoor California room and watch the kids, pets or birds play in your fully landscaped yard! With owned solar, a 3 car tandem garage and being conveniently located to shopping, freeways and the delta waterways (where you can boat swim and fish). What more could you ask for? BRENTWOOD $1,040,000
Discover your private retreat in this spacious, single-story 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home spanning 2,467 square feet. Professionally landscaped on over a quarter-acre lot with a lush yard featuring fruit trees, a sparkling pool, and an outdoor awning with skylights, this property offers both relaxation and room to entertain. A generous 3-car garage provides ample storage and convenience. Inside, the kitchenfamily room combo welcomes you with oak floors, Corian countertops, and a cozy gas fireplace. Sliding doors from the family room lead to the rear yard, creating a seamless flow for indoor-outdoor living. The formal dining and living rooms add an elegant space for gatherings. The luxurious master suite includes a walk-in closet, private sliding doors to the yard, and a spacious bath with a stand-up shower with built-in safety bars and a separate soaking tub. The hall bath features a shower over a tub. The fully equipped laundry room has a sink, washer, dryer that stay and both gas and electric hookups for ultimate convenience. Located near Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center, Contra Loma Reservoir, and nearby parks for hiking, picnics, fishing, and more. $780,000
Hablo Español
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ME
Doreen is a consummate professional. She thoroughly knows her business and communicates well with her clients. We appreciate her attention to detail and friendly approach when interacting with us. We would definitely use her again and would highly recommend her to our family and friends.
John
Doreen is an awesome agent and anticipates every need and want. We were given advice that resulted in an immediate and above market price sale. I would use Doreen a thousand times over if possible. Her positivity and outlook on life is extremely contagious. Her professionalism is above and beyond approach.
David
Doreen is the only agent I ever intend to work with. She is experienced, knowledgeable, thorough and highly professional. I cannot speak highly enough about the amazing level of her service.
Richard
AFFORDABLE SINGLE STORY!
This move-in ready home boasts a freshly painted interior, light, bright and open kitchen with oak cabinetry, SS appliances, gas stove, microwave, new GE dishwasher, GE fridge, tons of counter space and storage, built-in pantry, breakfast bar plus large picture window overlooking front yard and open space. Extensive tile and laminate flooring, formal living room, perfect space for home office, family room with wood burning fireplace, slate surround and custom wood mantle, updated hall bath with new vanity, spacious primary bedroom with tons of ambient light, primary bath features dual sinks, soaking tub with overhead shower and separate water closet. Low maintenance front and rear yards with succulent gardens, brand new AC, year-round patio cover, 12 x 12 shop/storage shed equipped with 110 & 220, side yard access with double gate. Home is located across from large neighborhood park, close to shopping centers, banking, coffee shops, great eateries and plenty of local U-Picks.
One prime acre lot situated between 2 large acre parcels..Beautifully maintained and landscaped..Electric gate opens to extra expansive drive way and one of a kind 5 car garage with bathroom..Home is classically designed with special architectural features..Some updates in kitchen and baths...Air conditioned..2 Wells and 2 septics ...Property is fully fenced and secure..This is a very special piece of Brentwood; come make this your dream home !
This light, bright, clean and absolutely darling home is located in the family friendly community of Emerson Ranch featuring 4 bed-rooms, 3 bathrooms and 2,449 sq ft of living space including a loft! Kitchen features solid surface countertops, stainless steel appli-ances, a Hisense French door refrigerator, modern cabinets, beautifully crafted tile backsplash and large walk-in pantry. Guest room downstairs features an adjacent bathroom with a walk-in shower. Under staircase storage and coat closet on the first floor provide additional storage space. Second story features a loft with additional storage cabinets. Laundry room comes complete with high efficiency washer and dryer. Full bathroom upstairs features dual sinks, a shower over tub ensemble and a linen closet across the way for additional storage. Primary Bedroom features not one, but two walk-in closets and thoughtfully designed bath-room with two sinks, two vanities, a walk-in shower, and large soaking tub. Easy to maintain front and backyard feature a covered porch and seating area. Pick up the trail at the end of the street and take in everything the community has to offer including a beautifully landscaped park, lake, children’s play structure and picnic/seating areas.
STREET, PACHECO
ALILOUPOUR REAL ESTATE TEAM
Adding Value to Your Home:
Very few people are aware of the added value an ADU can bring to their property. As an example the appraisal can be as high as 1 to 3 times the cost of the ADU and that value is added to the value of the existing home. Another reason is the high rental income in California. In fact, the number one reason people are building ADU’s is to live in the ADU and rent out their main home.
Benefits of Owning an ADU
Lets talk about the benefits of owning an ADU and all the tax credits and Grants.
• Income potential
• Privacy for office, music, artist, Inlaws, college students
• Adding value to your home creating equity
Best Ways to Use ADUs
There are quite a few ways an ADU can be used as they can be Non-Living Space ADUs such as:
• A gym/yoga place
• A home office
• An art studio/music studio
• A pool house
• Other use of ADU is to be a Guest House, Lodging Caretakers, Multi-Generational Housing Opportunity, Rental ADUs, and many more!
Lot Splits Can Bring Value and Income to Your Property:
Besides rental income and increased property value Senate Bill 9 allows for lot splits where you can now have up to 4 units after the Lot split. We are expert developers and can advise you correctly if this is proper for you and your financial goals. Give us a call and we will be glad to assist you.
EAST BAY FAMILY MORTGAGE ADVISOR
1. C alHFA's My Home Purchase Assistance Program Is Here!
• No D own Payment
• NO CREDIT REQUIREMENT!
• Combine with the C alHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) for closing cost & credits!
2. R enovation Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
• Ne ed funds for renovations but short on equity? Our HELOC lets you borrow up to 125% of your home's value
• Enjoy the flexibility to draw what you need, when you need it - no need to refinance your first mortgage!
3. Super Jumbo L oans - Up to $10M!
• Self-employed? No tax returns needed! We offer luxury financing with flexible terms and fast approvals for high-net-worth borrowers.
ShouldSellersHaveanInspectionBeforeListing!
By Patrick McCarran ~ Real Estate Broker
Should a seller hire their own home inspector? In my opinion yes, there are more good reasons for having pre-inspections than not having one.
As a seller, you know that most buyers are likely to have a home inspection conducted once in contract for purchase. So why should you pay for your own? Getting pre-inspections offers many key advantages to sellers that you may not be aware of. Having inspections before your house goes on the market ensures that you’ll find out the exact condition of your home, which makes setting a price much easier and whether to list “as-is” or do the repairs for a better return.
I recommend three basic inspections, a general home inspection, a termite and wood destroying pest inspection, and a roof inspection. These are the primary inspections and should provide a clear picture of the condition of your home. If there are any major issues you can hire a specialized inspection such as plumbing, roof or HVAC . Knowing what repairs are needed and knowing the cost will also help you have a good estimate of the bottom line when you sell.
One of the biggest unknowns or variables is that once a buyer has the home inspected, something will be discovered that may kill the sale. This concern is undoubtedly justified as the home inspection is often the point where sales fall apart – leaving the seller to start all over again tofind a new buyer. Not knowing if there is something wrong with your home often adds a lot of stress to the sales process. Selling your home is never easy. Worrying that the sale will fall through because of something that turns up during an inspection can only add to the anxiety of the escrow process.
By having pre-inspections done, you can feel much more confident about the current condition of your home. This also allows you set your own schedule for repairs. There is often no need to rush to list the property until you have made sure the home is in good shape.
If you wait for the buyer’s inspections you will only have until closing to get the repairs done and a limited time frame which may lead to scrambling to get everything fixed in time and can add additional costs to the repairs. You may want to make the repairs yourself and by knowing upfront what needs to be fixed, gives you greater flexibility to make that choice.
Buyers naturally are skeptical about a home’s condition. For many people purchasing a home will be the most money they will ever spend on a single purchase. Handing them inspection reports that details the present condition of a home will make them feel more confident about the purchase. Having pre-inspections allows the buyer to make a more confident offer and often can shorten the inspection contingency, and in turn make the offer stronger by cutting down the exit period to cancel. An inspection done before listing for sale can help eliminate much of the doubt about the home.
Just because you get pre-listing inspections does not mean you will not have to go through buyer’s inspections as well. However by having your own inspections and knowing the condition of your home, it can help you in negotiations if the buyers inspector has a different opinion.
Quite often buyers will use the home inspection as a negotiating tool to ask for additional concessions. They may use the home inspections as a
means to renegotiate the sale. That’s because they know that there will probably be one or more issues that will come up and possibly warrant reconsideration of the price. Preinspections put the buyer on notice and that both you and the buyer are aware of any existing issues and all repairs from the beginning of your interaction. Negotiations still may occur, but knowing up front usually will minimize this.
Another benefit by doing home inspections before listing for sale, you will be aware of any significant problems which can help you be in compliance on required disclosures. It is always better in my opinion to know up front and disclose than to have the buyer find out about an issue later and assume you should have known .
Remember there is no point in having your home inspected if the home inspector only catches a fraction of the issues. So make sure you use a reputable inspector who is a member of a trade group that sets standards and practices.
While having your own inspections is an added expense, it is a proactive step that puts you ahead of the curve. It allows you to see the path ahead of you much more clearly and can save you money in the long run. You can plan better, rest easier and get a better price on your home.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com.
An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160.
Equal Housing Opportunity.
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JESSICA ROBINSON
Event Calendar
JANUARY 9TH
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FEBRUARY 13TH
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AUGUST 14TH
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OCTOBER 9TH
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CCRIM Invites You to visit our website: www.CCRIMToday.com
SELLERS:
List your home with a CCRIM agent who will have your home on our Caravan Tour & Tuesday Broker Open.
BUYERS:
Ask your agent to attend the CCRIM meeting to learn about "Coming Soons"
AGENTS & AFFILIATES : Attend CCRIM every Tuesday Doors open at 8:00 am St. Stephen Catholic Church 1101 Keaveny Court Walnut Creek, CA One of the LARGEST networking groups in Contra Costa
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PRESIDENT
Michael Moore
Stokley Properties Inc.
925-588-4846
Michael@StokleyProperties.net
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lisalilleyre@gmail.com
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Stokley Properties Inc. 925-658-1415
JoeStokley@StokleyProperties.net
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Cross Country Mortgage 925-787-7515
ben.buehler@ccm.com
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RE/Max Accord 925-876-0255
Aliloupour@yahoo.com
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Keller Williams Realty 925-407-7667
RodAbdo@kw.com
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Receive a FREE rodent inspection to determine the best treatment options for you.
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WHEN RATES WILL NORMALIZE
Mortgage interest rates have been in the news every day since the buzz around inflation has been front and center daily for the past few months. As this paper is being composed, the rate has been circling around 7%. Stories are frequent from people that bought homes in the 1980s at rates of 15% and more. Prior to the inflation news, 3% rates were common and have influenced the number of homes going to market.
All of these items are causing a situation where potential Homebuyers are giving up the ghost and feel that they may never be able to purchase a home at all. There are some facts that might help you sort all of this out.
In the 1980s, home prices were significantly lower than they are today; there was no shortage homes available, qualifying for a loan was much easier and because we were in a true recession at the time which made more homes for sale. Flexibility was the word of the day and things went fairly smoothly. I was a beneficiary of this. We moved the family from SoCal to the bay area and bought a home for $102,000 using a 13% loan.
Today’s market is very different. Even at a 7% mortgage loan rate, this level seems to be very high. The perception of this is colored by the fact that mortgages have, until recently, been exceedingly cheap. Mortgages of 4% and lower have been lower for a long period of time. In fact, there are many people have taken themselves out of the market until such a time these rates reappear. Here is a hard fact….low rates will not be around for a very long time if ever. This is why. As long as the inflation bug continues to hang around like
a COVID virus, rates will have to remain high. This is due to the government continues to pump money into the economy, it will take higher offering rates for investors to purchase these bonds. Given this, a mortgage of 5% may be where things settle, and a 4% rate will be a gift.
Another impact on the market today is the lack of homes for male. My recent viewing of the Multiple Listing Service show me an awfully large number of homes. The problems, in my opinion, actually reflect that the prices, given the interest rates today, making these homes available but not affordable.
Finally, we are short in demand for properties. New homes are being built but not on the scale they need to be built. The gap is big and appears to be growing. Unless the demand for homes flags, the prices on them drops or we go into a recession, this solution does not look promising.
Closing, the answer to the question above is fairly simple, rates are already normal. While 7% may seem high, it is temporary, Homebuyers and Home Sellers will be able to come to agreement and more people will get their desires mat. Please note, I am not making a prediction about when this may happen; I cannot make such a prediction, however, I would love to discuss this with you and see what options you may wish to explore. Call me at 512-772-6293
John Case is a Broker Associate with Corcoran Icon Properties (CA) & Stanberry Realtors (TX) He has dealt with all aspects of Real Estate during his career and can answer any question that you may have regarding your home.
CalDRE Lic:00622378
He is also the editor of the East Contra County Real Estate Economic Report. He works with his wife Diana in Brentwood. They can be reached at 925-382-9771 or by email at johnacase@stanberry.com
Please join us every Monday morning (except legal holidays) to discuss and share information about Real Estate business and events for; Oakland, Berkeley and Piedmont at the Bridge Association of Realtors building at 2855 Telegraph Ave. (Telegraph and Ashby area).
Meetings starts at 8:30 am and ends at 10:00 am with local Broker's Tour afterwards. This event is free, space is limited so don't be late... and Realtors and Affiliates are all invited.
Current and potential customers can explore properties from any device, at their convenience, 24/7. Enjoy a fully interactive experience, similar to Google Street View, that lets you navigate every room as if you're actually there.
