May 29, 2009

AVOCADO, THE GREAT FRUIT FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Posted to Annie Nguyen

It was a beautiful day on Thursday morning. I was driving to Pleasanton to get my lock boxes exchanged. On the radio, a gentleman was talking about the California Avocado. He had picked the right moment to talk about that wonderful green fruit that everybody knows about when they eat Mexican food, a big scoop of guacamole is a must for the slim dip for the chip. What kind of a nacho plate without guacamole? I am a big fan of guacamole. I also love avocado a great deal. When talking about avocado, I can’t help but think about my creation of shrimp and avocado that I used as a filling for the croissant sandwich I served in my French restaurant-bakery many moons ago. Don’t worry. I am going to share the recipe with you at the end and you will have the chance to wow your guests with this simple dish that will not take much of your time to prepare. Besides using avocado in the cuisine, you will be surprised if I tell you avocado makes a great facial mask for you to nourish your skin against the summer’s heat. All you need to do is mash an avocado, then mix with 4 oz of plain yogurt and you have an instant beauty mask under $5 for your face. Don’t forget the throat. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Then wash with lukewarm water and finish with a cold rinse. You will have very soft, subtle skin ready to take the summer’s heat. I love to eat avocado with a little sugar sprinkled on the halves for my dessert. It tastes like ice cream if you keep it cold. I can’t stay away from avocado shake. It is too yummy to say no. I know I am guilty as charged. Sorry for my weakness to good food.

Avocado has many nutritional benefits. It can contribute nearly 20 beneficial nutrients to the diet. An avocado can contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, which include 4% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, 4% vitamin C, 8% folate, 4% fiber, 2% iron, 4% potassium, 81 micrograms of lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene per serving. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases. Lutein is great for your eyesight. Despite the fatty taste of it, an avocado has only 50 calories. It contains 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats which are important for normal growth and the development of the central nervous system and brain.

Now can you see the nutrition this one little green fruit can provide and how good it tastes to provide you such benefits for your body and health? Are you ready for my delicious recipe? Before we get down to the business of making the dish, I just want to let you know that growing an avocado tree is so easy because California is the ideal place to grow one. We are so fortunately living on this wonderful land so what are you waiting for? We can start to grow one from the seed of the avocado we are going to use in our dish so we can have more fresh avocado just picked from our own trees from our back yard. Isn’t it really organic and really healthy living? Visit this website to learn more about avocado and how to grow them.

Don’t forget to share with me your success story of planting your own avocado tree. I can’t wait to hear it!

Here is my recipe:

  1. 2 just ripe avocados seeded and cut into cubes. Save the outside halves

  2. ½ lb of cooked shrimp. (You can make it better by cooking the fresh shrimp yourself. Make sure you devein the shrimp before cooking them to slightly pink. Don’t overcook them. Blanch them in boiling water for 8 to 10 min or until they turn pink.)

  3. ½ cup of French Mayonnaise ( see following recipe)

Toss the 3 items together. Add pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Before serving squeeze ¼ of fresh lemon into the mixture. Scoop them back into the halves for a meal. Garnish with one radish rose. (Cut a radish at top, use a sparing knife going counterclockwise to create the petals from the peel. Put the radish in a bowl with ice water to open the petals). The radish will give the dish more flavor if you eat them together. Serve with slices of French Bread ( I found the French bread from Panera Bakery is the perfect candidate for this kind of dish) or garlic bread. You can serve as hors d’oeuvres by scooping it on Wheat Thins crackers or Melba toast.

French Mayonnaise:

2 egg yolks
½ cup of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic chopped really fine
Pinch of salt to taste

Beat the egg yolks slightly. While you are beating the yolks, drizzle the olive oil into the bowl. The more oil you add to the bowl, the more mayonnaise it will yield. After the yolks form into a mayonnaise mixture, add garlic and salt.

This mayonnaise is best when served with seafood like lobsters or crab.

I hope you will enjoy and wow your guests at the next summer party with this easy to make dish. You can even make it while you sleep. I am sure. For more information and yummy recipes you can reach me at 510-921-8501 or you can email me annie.re.consultant@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading my blog. See you next time.

Posted by:ANNIE Nguyen



May 28, 2009

Affordability Index

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

The California Association of Realtors recently released the Housing Affordability Index 2006- present – based on quarterly numbers. Presently 54% of the California population can afford to purchase a home – in Alameda County 45% and in Contra Costa County 32%. See the chart below for other areas and the historical data.

Looking at the figures for First Time Buyers the end of first quarter 2009, 69% can afford to purchase a median priced home of $213,044 with principal, interest, taxes and insurance totally $1,270 with a qualifying income of $38,089 at 4.96% interest. This is great news for many which when coupled with the various tax credits available puts home ownership within reach of many.

Give me a call if you would like to speak to a loan counselor about the various loan programs available and which would work best for you. I can be reached at 925-287-0550.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



May 26, 2009

Fruit Picking Time is Here

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

Its harvest time in Brentwood! For a fun family outing, take a short trip to Brentwood in Eastern Contra Costa County. Here you can visit a number of farms and depending on the fruit available pick fruit yourself or go to one of the stands where the fruit is freshly picked.

Be aware Brentwood can get hot so plan to go early in the day if you can. Wear sunscreen and take a hat. Traffic on weekends is heavy as “pickers’ come from throughout the Bay Area.

Right now it is cherry time with some farms featuring apricots and berries as well. To download information on the farms, fruits and a map go to www.harvest4you.com.

When picking cherries look for fruit that is firm, not hard, and a dark deep color. Cherries usually are available for about six weeks and now is the time to go. Bing cherries will reach their peak in about three weeks. Store unwashed cherries in the coldest part of your refrigerator and they will last about a week. You can freeze cherries for up to a year – wash and dry and freeze either pitted or whole in a zip lock bag.

Soon peaches, nectarines, corn as well as other fruits and vegetables will be available. Have fun and enjoy!

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



May 23, 2009

California API Public School Scores

Posted to Kay Korbel

California API public school accountability scores are in. The API (Academic Performance Index) scores measures the academic performance/growth of schools on numerous levels. For more information and details about specific schools visit www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap for individual school district scores.

Looking for a new home near great schools and located in a beautiful neighborhood? I can help. Contact me at 510-676-2731 or visit my website at www.KayKorbel.com.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 22, 2009

Ways to Know When the Real Estate Market is Up or Down

Posted to Kay Korbel, Real Estate Tips

It pays to search for clues to gauge the market’s directions. Here are measures and issues to consider:

POPULATION Rising population creates demand.

NEW HOME STARTS More units create supply and that can keep a check on prices.

PRICES Call me today at 510-676-2731 for customized pricing data for your neighborhood.

DAYS ON MARKET The length of time it takes to sell a typical home is an important measure of what the local market is like. Some homes will sell fast; some homes will take longer to sell. There is a general average that gives us a sense of what the market activity is.

NARROW YOUR INQUIRY Use care when looking at general statistics; they may give you an incorrect picture. For instance, broad market trends may include both condos/townhouses and single family/detached homes. It may be that the local market is doing well generally but condo prices have stalled or vise versa.

GET REAL PRICING INFORMATION Recorded sale prices may not reflect actual transaction values. If a home sells for $750,000. but the seller credits a $15,000. concession to the buyer; the real price is $15,000. less than the reported sales price.

WATCH THOSE INTEREST RATES Lower interest rates are good for real estate, whether you are buying a home or selling a home. Higher interest rates constrict demand and reduce sales.

CHECK FOR JOBS If local employment is on the rise, this is a good thing for real estate. When jobs are declining, you will notice fewer home sales and moderated prices.

READ THE LOCAL PAPER Are there any new road openings? New factories or planned malls? Watch for school construction and building permits. All of these items suggest where local growth is headed.

If I may ever be of service to you, a colleague, friend or family member please call me at 510-676-2731 and I will help!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 20, 2009

California New Home Purchase Tax Credit

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

In a further incentive to help jump start the economy, California has passed a tax credit for purchasers of new homes. As Shannon Baird of Executive Metro Mortgage Shannon.baird@prospectmtg.com writes:

A buyer who purchases a newly constructed California home or condo between March 1, 2009 – March 1, 2010 is eligible for an additional tax credit on top of the $8000 federal tax credit. The California tax credit is for 5% of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is lower and will be divided over 3 successive taxable years. Residences must be owner occupied for at least 2 years or the tax break is forfeited. The state tax break is limited to $100 million – this credit will reach it’s cap soon. It is recommend that buyers act fast to take full advantage of up to $18,000 in combined state & federal tax credits!

The property must never have been lived in and single family homes, condos, co-ops, houseboats as well as manufactured and mobile home purchasers can apply for the credit. An owner built home is not eligible for the tax credit. As Shannon mentions the tax break is limited to $100,000,000 and is being applied on a first come first served basis. As of May 13, 2009 – 331 certificates have been issued for an allocation of $3,246,532 and many more applications are pending.

For additional information go to www.ftb.ca.gov and if you need a referral to a real estate agent to assist you in locating a property to purchase, give me a call at 925-287-0550.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



May 19, 2009

The Latest Housing Statistics

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

The Bay East Association of Realtors April 2009 statistical report has just come out. What the following statistics do not report is the micro markets that we are experiencing. In many communities certain neighborhoods are in high demand with little inventory and often multiple offers on properties with only a few days on the market. However, a broad overview by city will give you an idea of what is happening in each city. Number of properties on the market, days on market and median sales price are as of the end of April.

Castro Valley
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 96
Median sales price - $480,000
125 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 122
Median sales price - $332,000
14 active listings

Dublin
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 77
Median sales price $602,500
54 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 43
Median sales price $387,000
54 active listings

Fremont
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 76
Median sales price $484,000
304 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 98
Median sales price $250,000
147 active listings

Hayward
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 78
Median sales price $245,000
286 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 103
Median sales price $185,000
135 active listings

Livermore
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 82
Median sales price $391,000
217 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 95
Median sales price $290,000
44 active listings

Newark
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 71
Median sales price $366,000
64 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 126
Median sales price $241,500
22 active listings

Pleasanton
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 97
Median sales price $665,000
230 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 91
Median sales price $320,000
40 active listings

San Leandro
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 71
Median sales price $309,000
129 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 149
Median sales price $182,000
33 active listings

San Lorenzo
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 72
Median sales price $287,500
32 active listings

Union City
Detached properties
Year to date days on market – 73
Median sales price $490,000
95 active listings
Attached properties
Year to date days on market – 80
Median sales price $200,000
60 active listings

For information on what is happening in your neighborhood, give me a call and I will have one of our Legacy sales associates contact you.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



May 13, 2009

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Posted to Kay Korbel

Are you craving chocolate chip cookies? But don’t want to bake 3 dozen at one time? I have a great recipe for you from Cooks Magazine (from many years ago). Click here for the recipe and get ready for some delicious cookies.

If you would like my recipe for Oatmeal Raisin cookies, drop me an email at: KayKorbel@comcast.net.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 12, 2009

$19k Price Reduction at 53 Comanche Court Fremont, CA 94539

Posted to Kay Korbel

Check out this one owner property located in the desirable Weibel district of Fremont, California. Tour this pristine single story, court location home this Thursday, May 14th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Register for your chance to win $200 CASH.

If you can’t make it on Thursday there is an open house this Sunday from 2pm until 5pm.

For more information visit: www.53COMANCHE.com

Call me at 510-676-2731 for a private showing of this lovely home.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 11, 2009

It's Almost Fair Time!

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

It is almost time for the Alameda County Fair. This year the fair will be July 1 – July 19 (closed on Monday). Now is a perfect time to purchase discount tickets to the fair and get some additional information at www.alamedacountyfair.com.

This year’s theme is Come Out and Play and every year the fair features something for everyone. There are the carnival rides, livestock and small animal exhibits, pig races, petting zoo, concerts and live horse racing. The landscape exhibits are always a favorite and the plants are auctioned off at the end of the fair. The art and cooking demonstrations attract a large crowd.

My sister and I have made the trip to the fair on July 4th for several years now. We visit the various displays, eat our way through the food courts, take a look at the animals and then see if we can win our fortunes at the horse races! A day of fun we look forward to each year and now several friends have joined us on our pilgrimages to the fair.

Get your tickets on line now or stop by a local retailer and save some money.

More details on the fair as fair time approaches.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros


May 07, 2009

First Time Buyer Tax Credit

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

Part of the economic stimulus package includes a tax credit to first time home buyers. The credit is designed to encourage first time buyers to purchase now. Combine the tax credit provided with historically low interest rates and falling home prices and first time buyers could lead the way to economic recovery.

When first time home buyers purchase, it often starts a chain of events leading to additional home purchases. Oftentimes sellers are unable to purchase a move up home until a buyer is found for their present home. By enabling a first time buyer to begin the chain of events, often multiple home sales result - one of the things economists point to as a sign of the beginning of the economic recovery.

Paula Iacomini of Executive Metro Mortgage (paula.iacomini@prospectmtg.com) provides the following information on the first time home buyer program:

One of the most exciting provisions of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The credit was expanded as part of the most recent economic stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). The credit is designed to encourage first time home buyers to go ahead and make the leap to purchase their first homes. Combine this tax credit with the fact that home prices and interest rates are at historical lows, and it is indeed an ideal time for many first-time homebuyers to purchase a home!
Here are some things to keep in mind:
  • A first time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last three years.
  • Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
  • You cannot purchase the home from a related party like a spouse, direct ancestor, or direct lineal descendent (child or grandchild); however, you can still qualify for the credit if you purchase a property from siblings, nephews, nieces, and others.
  • If you are married, both spouses must be first-time home buyers.
  • If more than one unmarried individual is buying the property, the credit can be split up among all the individuals who qualify. However, the total credit taken cannot exceed $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009.
  • The credit amounts to 10% of the purchase price of the home, not to exceed $8,000.
  • The tax credit does not need to be paid back if you continue living in the home as your primary residence for three years without selling it.
 How does a tax credit work?

A tax credit is a special provision that reduces income tax liability on a dollar for dollar basis. When filing a tax return, you must include income items, deduction items and the number of exemptions, among other things, to figure your total tax liability. For example, if your total tax liability for the year is $8,000, and you qualify for the full $8,000 tax credit, this credit would wipe out all of the tax due. If your employer already deducted the $8,000 from your pay checks throughout the year, you would receive a tax refund of $8,000. If you owe less than $8,000 in taxes for the year, you are still eligible for the full $8,000 credit when you file your tax returns. In that case, the IRS will write you a check for the difference between $8,000 and your actual tax bill.
Should you be considering your first home purchase, give me a call at 925-287-0550, and I will introduce you to Paula as well as a real estate agent who can assist you in your home search.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros


May 06, 2009

Distressed Options - Important Information for Homeowners

Posted to Kay Korbel, Real Estate Tips

Here is a very useful resource on “Distressed Options” that I’d like to share with everyone. Any homeowner can benefit from reading it. This resources covers best practices for short sales, discusses barriers for investors and home owners, and much more.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 04, 2009

Smart Moves for Home Sellers in 2009

Posted to Kay Korbel, Real Estate Tips

WHAT DOES ‘MARKET VALUE’ MEAN?:
It is not what your friend sold their house for a couple of months ago or a year ago. It’s not the value on your property tax bill or what an appraiser said the house was worth last year. Your property is worth what a ready, willing and able buyer is willing to pay for your house today, nothing more and nothing less.

AS-IS SELLER:
Most buyers aren’t looking for houses they can fix-up today. Foreclosed properties are already being sold as fixers and most auction properties are in poor condition.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL:
In this market, you need a Realtor® who works full time and has the respect of her colleagues and routinely achieves excellent sales numbers. I posses an innate sense for that right price and I have a winning marketing plan as well as 100% client satisfaction. I can target your home to the appropriate buying niche. I am a tough negotiator, for you!

KNOW YOUR LOCAL MARKET:
No two markets are similar. In many areas, moderately priced homes have bigger buying pools because tighter lending qualifications are keeping buyers out of more expensive homes.

INTERNET:
Half of all prospective buyers start their home shopping on the internet. My proven marketing plan includes comprehensive cutting edge internet marketing of your property.

CARRY A NOTE:
Consider carrying part of the buyer’s note with interest, secured by an asset belonging to the buyer or a deed of trust. Only do this after a careful credit check and only if you have enough money to wait for the balance of the purchase price.

REDESIGN:
Focus on curb appeal, de-personalize and de-clutter. My professional team includes a Redesigner to assist you presenting your home in optimal condition and give prospective buyers the opportunity to envision themselves living there. Please contact me today to schedule a personal appointment convenient to your schedule to discuss your specific real estate needs. I look forward to cater to your needs. Until then, I remain, very truly yours.

OH BY THE WAY… If I may ever be of service to you, a colleague, friend or family member please call me at 510-676-2731 and I will help!



Posted by:Kay Korbel