With food prices still soaring, supermarkets are offering many deals and specials to lure in food shoppers.
But sometimes, these good deals can actually cause people to spend more than they would have otherwise. Phil Lempert, author of Being the Shopper: Understanding the Buyer's Choice, offers these smart-shopping tips:
Limit Four Per Person: Scarcity can have a powerful impact on shoppers. A buying restriction can tempt people to buy more than they need, which could cause items to either spoil or sit in your pantry for a long time. Tip: In the long run, when you factor in the amount of products that spoil or are eventually thrown away, you will usually be better off financially if you only buy the amount you reasonably need and can use.
End of Aisle or Freestanding Displays: Often the "specials" displayed on the end caps of each aisle or on an island display aren't really the best deals that the store currently offers. These displays may also lead to impulse buys that you weren't intending to make. For instance, a display with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows could make you think, "I'll make s'mores for dessert." Tip: While the location of these items is convenient, especially during busy shopping hours, you should only buy these items if they really are good deals.
Buy One, Get One Free: While these deals can make you feel like you are getting something for half price, if the cost is more than that of a similar item...or if you don't need a large quantity...than this may be one special worth passing on. Tip: Ask the manager if you can buy one item for half the price instead of buy one get one free. While stores don't always advertise this alternative, they often allow it.
Pre-Sliced Produce: While pre-sliced produce can feel like an easy choice, it can cost twice as much as whole produce, and can spoil faster than whole produce. Tip: Pay extra for prepared meals and produce only if the time and effort they save you is significant and really worth it.
For more great grocery shopping tips, visit www.supermarketguru.com.
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Last month, President Bush signed the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008" into law. This $300 Billion rescue plan is aimed at helping struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure, as well as boost confidence in the housing market. Although the bill is several hundred pages long and contains a number of far-reaching provisions, here are a few of the major provisions in the legislation that impact homeowners and homebuyers:
1. Tax credits. First-time homebuyers who purchase their primary residence on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible for up to $7,500 in tax credit, provided they haven't owned a home in the last three years and fit certain income parameters. The credit is generous, but it is actually an interest free loan, paid back over 15 years at $500 per year when taxes are filed.
Special note: Some types of seller-paid down payment assistance programs are being eliminated as of October 1st as well - so purchasing a home before then may gain you a double benefit of tax credits AND seller-paid down payment assistance while it is still available.
2. Larger loans at lower rates. There have recently been provisions in place that have allowed loans larger than $417,000 to qualify for better financing rates than normally would be available for "jumbo" loan amounts of that size, thanks to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Although these provisions were set to expire, they are being extended...however, the top end of the loan size that will be allowed under these programs will be dropping down from $729,750 to $625,500 as of January 1, 2009.
3. FHA Hope for Homeowners. This provision is designed to help homeowners who are "upside down" on their mortgages--that is, they owe more on their house than they can sell it for in today's market. Essentially, this plan allows homeowners who meet the requirements and are upside down to refinance their mortgage to a new 30-year Fixed FHA mortgage. There are a number of qualifying details that must be met and requirements to be agreed to -- including agreeing to split the equity in your home with the government in the future. Still, if you're upside down on your mortgage and struggling in today's economy, this is an option worth exploring in more detail.
These are just a few of the provisions that may benefit you, and there are a number of other items that impact the housing and mortgage industry as whole. But the bottom line is, home prices are extremely reasonable right now, home loan rates are low, and new incentives are in place that may help make the decision to buy even more appealing than before. If you're in the market for a new home or need to make some changes with your current mortgage...there's never been a better time to act. Just get in touch so we can start the planning process together.
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The Bay East Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee (BORPAC) Trustees finished interviewing candidates running for offices in Dublin, Fremont and Pleasanton.
This week the BORPAC Trustees heard from Steve Brozosky and Jennifer Hosterman (both running for Pleasanton Mayor) and Bob Wasserman who's running for Fremont Mayor. Brozosky and Hosterman differed on the two competing hillside initiatives and had slightly different takes on how to deal with traffic congestion and how Pleasanton should work with neighboring cities on regional issues. Mayor Wasserman expressed his support for the Oakland A's planned move to Fremont, shared his concepts for "downtown" Fremont and plans for improving public safety. The BORPAC Trustees interviewed his competition (Gus Morrison and Steve Cho) last week.
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The Bay East Association of REALTORS® is proud to release the election results for its Officers and Board of Directors. Pat Huffman of Pat Huffman Real Estate in Pleasanton has been elected as the Association's 2009 President. Pam Winterbauer of Windermere Welcome Home in San Ramon will serve as the 2009 President-Elect and Otto Catrina of Catrina Real Estate & Investments in Castro Valley as 2009 Treasurer.
Newly-elected District Directors include: Central County (Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and North Alameda County): Craig Ragg of Craig Ragg Real Estate Broker in Castro Valley and Lisa Sterling of Sunshine Realty in Pleasanton; Tri-Cities (Fremont, Newark, Union City, Santa Clara County and South): Mary Florio of Syndica Realty in Fremont, Dorothy Jackson of Century 21 Oliver Jackson in Fremont and Shawna Jorat of Keller Williams Benchmark in Fremont; Tri-Valley (Dublin, Pleasanton, Sunol, Contra Costa County, San Joaquin County and East): Jeri Jorgenson of Legacy Real Estate & Associates in Livermore and Kim Ott of Alain Pinel, REALTORS® in Livermore; and Directors-at-Large: Mike Fracisco of Pat Fracisco Realty & Investment in Livermore and Michael Godfrey of Legacy Real Estate & Associates in Fremont.
They will be serving with the existing District Directors: Central County: Cynthia Chiasson of Sunshine Realty in Castro Valley; Tri-Cities: John Juarez of Prudential California Realty in Fremont, Jennifer Liu of Coldwell Banker in Fremont and Doreen Roberts of Master Key Real Estate Mission in Fremont; Tri-Valley: Roy Dronkers of Keller Williams in Pleasanton and Sherri Souza of Alain Pinel, REALTORS® in Livermore; Directors-at-Large: Jennifer Branchini of Prudential California Realty in Pleasanton; and Affiliate Director: Rena Newman of Fidelity National Home Warranty in Concord.
The Bay East Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association serving more than 5,000 Real Estate professionals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to serve the membership by developing and promoting programs and services that enhance the REALTOR® image; To develop and promote programs and services that enhance the members' ability to successfully conduct their individual businesses with integrity and competency, pursuant to the Code of Ethics; By collective action, to promote to the members and the community they serve the preservation of real property rights.
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On Thursday (8/21), Jeff Schwob, Planning Director for the City of Fremont, briefed the Tri-Cities 
Marketing Meeting on community development issues that impact the real estate market.
Mr. Schwob reported on the General Plan and how it impacts land use and housing policies, the status of the Oakland A's plans to move to Fremont and the ordinance which will allow neighborhoods to ask the City for a temporary ban on second-story additions. The Fremont City Council will adopt that ordinance at their September 23 meeting.
REALTOR® Impact: While the final decision on city policies are made by the City Council, it is the responsibility of city staff to actually research, develop and implement ordinances and regulations. By hearing the staff perspective on city issues, the REALTOR® community is getting a "sneak preview" on future city action that could impact the real estate profession.
Next Steps: We will be inviting Mr. Schwob to make another presentation about current city planning issues at the Tri-Cities Marketing Meeting later this fall. We will also invite planning directors from other cities to make similar presentations at the other marketing meetings.
Considering Moving to the East Bay? ~ Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?
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Serving the East Bay~San Francisco Bay Area since 1978; Communities of Alamo, Castro Valley, Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo & Walnut Creek
Pam has been selling real estate in East Bay communities since 1978. She recently was presented with the 2006 REALTOR® of the Year award from the Bay East Association of Realtors.
As an East Bay Native she has first hand knowledge of the communities and neighborhoods she services and their uniqueness. Pam's work ethic, integrity, and concern about her clients are the most important factors of her businesss. In her eyes success is not recognition or awards. True success is helping other people achieve their dreams and goals.
She is an experienced negotiator, an effective comunicator, provides superior service and positive results whether you are moving across town or across the country.
In her spare time she enjoys travel, playing golf, music, theatre and playing with her puppy, Murphy Brown. 
Pam received her sales license in 1978 and continued her education in Real Estate in acquiring many designations to enhance her professionalism. She earned her Brokers license in 1990 and is a Broker Associate with Windermere Welcome Home. She is active with her local and state Association of Realtors currently serving as the 2008 Treasurer of Bay East Associaton of REALTORS® and as Vice Chair of Equal Opportunity-Cultural Diversity Committee at the California Association of REALTORS® and serving on many different committies on both levels.
She has acquired the following designations to better serve her clients needs
She specializes in the East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties)
State and Local Organizations
"This is my 3rd time working with Pam. I would recommend her to all friends and family! She is incredible! Her experience and knowledge combined with her high level of integrity and honesty are invaluable to both the seller & buyers. She has my business for life!"
Silvia Ling
"She was very professional and understood my needs and concerns. She really came thru with solutions."
Heather Burton
"Although I am a first-time seller, I judge Pam to be completely competent, professional and accommodating. I am an out-of-state client and she went beyond the call with each time I asked her."
Anne Merhton
"She is knowledgeable, professional and helped ease our stress during the time the house was on the market."
Karen Sparks
"Pam's word is her credo, when she says she will do it, she gets it done. Whether it's a call back, legwork, or follow through it's taken care of with expediency."
Ina Baker
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