Tracy, CA

I've helped so many first time buyers buy thier first home this year. I can not tell you how honored I am every time that these great people have chosen ME to help them with such a HUGE memorable experience.

I wanted to compile a short list of things you as a BUYER need to know....

1) Your Good Faith Deposit - Ernest Money - is not deposited until the offer is accepted by the seller. This deposit is APPLIED to your downpayment.

2) In Tracy California which is in San Joaquin County, closing costs, all the extra fees, prepaid amounts etc usually runs 3 - 4%. As of right now, December 22nd, many sellers, even Bank Sellers are willing to pay these fees. What's included in this 3% --- Prepaid Taxes, Prepaid insurance, Points for your loan, Appraisal, Inspection Fees, Home Warranty and many more.

3) Even if you have an impound account, an account where you taxes and insurance are taken out monthly, you still need to secure an insurance policy. Check with who you have auto insurance through. Your lender will require you have insurance prior to lending you ANY money.

4) You need to contact PG&E; Water, etc to get all those utilities turned on. If you forget to do this, you may move into your home and it will be very dark with no water.

5) Get your home re-keyed. This is especially important with all the foreclosures on the market. Do this first thing, before you move anything into the house.

These are not listed in any order of importance, and there are many more.

If you have any questions call or email me. I'm always available to answer your questions.

I decided to take my 11 year old daughter to see some Christmas lights --- WOW the options we have living in Northern CA. CLick on any photo for more information about THAT House. Have fun!

For a complete list of all Must See Displays in Northern CA Click HERE! to get to the Lights of the Valley Web Site.

One of the best and closest Holiday Display to Tracy, California is this house in Manteca, CA. Manteca is about 15 miles east of Tracy.

Then there is the home below, which is right here in Tracy, complete with snow and music you listen to through your radio.

Here is one more home with Christmas Lights in Tracy, CA

Enjoy!

Susan

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year, driving and looking at the lights is just fun, even if no one will go with me.

Ok, you probably read my first blog about WAMU's negotiation process in short sale. This is an update... I recently received a counter-offer from the negotiator and I think it is ridiculed. According to the appraisal report, WAMU countered the buyer's offer $40,000 more without any credits to buyer. Plus, the realtor's commission is only 4.5%. I don't know what appraiser did WAMU used, but I know for sure that that house isn't worth $320,000. I've sent another comparables to the negotiator and asking her if she could renegotiate. Hopefully, it will not take another 30-days of waiting.

Tons of information- Active Properties, REO - Short Sale are separated out in listings...check it out let me know what you think, Have we a turn in our Market?

Active Properties as of 12/7/08 – Non –Short Sale – either REO (Real Estate Owned – by Bank) or Equity Sellers

Short Sale Properties as of 12/7/08 – Short Sale

Pending Properties 12/7/08 – We will not know the SOLD FOR price until Recording. These are ALL Pendings – Short Sales, REO’s and Equity Sellers

Sold in the Past 30 days as of 12/7/08

Sold properties with in the past 30 days.

Do you have shiney penny syndrom (SPS), I do.  

I start to read Active Rain, or almost anything on a

social network and next thing I know - I'm bouncing around to 50 different places, thinking "Oh I need to add that to my profile, blog, web site, email, etc."  

Where does it stop?  

Where and what are the most effective tools IF you actually use them consistently?

I know Active Rain works, I've got proof.  Do making badges and widgets really help?  Does twittering daily movements make a difference or am just watching for that Shiney Penny.

Someone help-- I'm thinking therapy may be the answer.