Catherine Myers, Walnut Creek, CA Real Estate

Our California Governor is threatening to veto the tax bill (SBX8 32)passed by California lawmakers last week. As part of an LA Times blog article:

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that he would not sign a bill lawmakers passed to bring new tax relief to homeowners and green energy companies, in large part because it would ramp up the penalties against those who abuse such tax credits."

I say, follow the money. Look a the next paragraph:

"The governor's move came at the urging of a coalition that includes the California Chamber of Commerce, the Western States Petroleum Assn. and the California Manufacturers and Technology Assn. It lobbied against the bill, SBX8 32, arguing that it would make businesses reluctant to claim tax breaks for fear of making an error."

Hmmm, really? The Western States Petroleum Association? The California Manufacturers and Technology Association? Oh, and the California Chamber of Commerce, supporting businesses? Shall we say, follow the money?

The HOMEOWNERS of this state need help, and somehow this bill got all tied into another and we may very well see a veto. Now at this time it is being urged that lawmakers urgently draft a new version, but we'll see what "urgently" means to our trusted (please read a lot of sarcasm there) lawmakers in Sacramento. It never ceases to amaze me what kind of junk could be thrown into a homeowner help plan that causes it to be vetoed and perhaps forever rejected.

Said in the article:

"Administration officials urged lawmakers to immediately get back to work crafting a new proposal and to pass it in time for Californians to be able to claim the credits on their 2009 returns, due April 15. But Democrats said it is unlikely a new bill would get enough votes, leaving taxpayers out of luck."

So, where does that leave us? I guess back to square 1. But, we can hope.

You can track the bill as it is now through the process at SBX8 32 and read the details within it. Have you read it though? Good grief, why can't anything be simple?

UPDATE: Bill was vetoed. Governor asks lawmakers to bring a new bill by April 15th written only to address the issue of helping homeowners.

Catherine Myers
Windermere Bay Area Properties
DRE 01337828

www.CCShortSales.com
Providing resources to homeowners in Contra Costa, Walnut Creek, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Martinez and surrounding communities.

Short Sales, REO, home buying, search for homes at Contra Costa Homes for Sale.

I was surprised when on one of my google alerts I saw one of my own listings - no , not surprised at seeing the listing as we (brokerages) share information all the time. I was surprised at the notation on the listing:

Short Sale

This home is flagged as a short sale. We're sorry, we don't tour or write offers on short sales because of the slim chance that you'll get the home.

I know that everyone has differing views, and different experiences in short sales. But in my opinion, if you're a buyer in some areas, it really is a shame if you're working an agent or brokerage who refuses to show you short sales. I suppose if their business model does not support the possible long waits for a short sale, that is one thing, but it simply is not true in my experience that it is a "slim chance" you'll get it. Almost all of my short sales close. Most experienced short sale agents have high success rates. It takes education though. Buyers need to have proper expectations of timing and requirements of the contract and terms of the lender approval. Buyers also need to be cognizent of the nuances of a short sale (as-is) and the emotional toll a short sale can sometimes take on a seller. It is true it is anything but typical. Though it's not hopeless. An experienced listing agent with short sales can certainly educated both a buyer's agent and the buyer to the process.

Also, when I work with a buyer, I take my fiduciary duty to a buyer seriously and part of that would be to show you ALL homes you want to see. If you instructed me not to show you any short sales , that is one thing, but if not, I want to show you everything that fits your requirements. Many short sales sell for 90-95% of their list price, so there can be good deals to be had. Many banks WILL allow closing cost credits. So what's not to love (other than the long wait and some of the terms of course )

My next blog post will be more about what buyer's should look for and know when considering a short sale, but don't dismiss all short sales. The chances are very good you'll get the house , if ... you have the right mix of patience and persistence. It's true.

Catherine Myers
Windermere Bay Area Properties

925-683-2125
Walnut Creek, CA
Clayton, CA 94517
Concord, CA
Pleasant Hill, CA

Serving Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
www.DiabloValley.net

Buy, Sell, Short Sale, REO - Contra Costa Homes for Sale

Clayton, CA a fabulous small city nestled beneath our gorgeous Mt. Diablo State Park . So much to offer in Clayton. I know, because it is where I call home myself!

Just in the last month or so in Clayton we've seen our own Oktoberfest, Labor Day soapbox derby, a weekly Farmer's Market and our bi-weekly Music in the Grove. Our walking trails are consistently voted TOPS, and Clayton itself is on the list of America's BEST CITIES to live in! Oh, and you'll often horses and riders walking thru town (or tied up behind the local saloon), coyotes roaming around and wild turkeys galore - seemingly unaware Thanksgiving is, oh, but a month away! For dining, playing, relaxing and living, you couldn't find a better place than Clayton, CA.

Check out www.CNNMoney.com for more on the Best Places to Live 2009 featuring CLAYTON!

So, now that I've talked about how great Clayton is to live... what about the homes for sale in Clayton?

There are some really good housing opportunities now. Prices have come down from the highs a few years ago and you can get a lot of house for your money here in Clayton as compared to neighboring Walnut Creek. Schools are TOP NOTCH and both the elementary school and middle school in Clayton are California Distinguished Schoools, the best in the area. The widely respected API score at Mt. Diablo Elementary School is 911. Huge gains. Diablo View Middle School is also distinguished with an API score of WELL over 800 and is the newest of middle schools in the entire district. Beautiful joint use gym, and a campus less than 15 years old offers air conditioning and all the latest technologies. Parental involvement at our local schools assure the success of our schools.

So, now let's talk housing stats, and market trends. Take a look, and contact me for more information, the full report on Clayton or other nearby cities, and what it all means:

Search homes for Sale in the Clayton, CA and Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek areas:

Contra Costa County, Clayton Homes for sale, Real Estate Expertise

I have access to some fabulous Contra Costa County statistics and beautiful visual charts, so thought I'd share some local Contra Costa cities and their median pricing by zip code.

Here is Walnut Creek:

Hey locals, have you explored the paradise that is in our backyard lately? If not, I decided to give you just a small taste of what you're missing. You can get a Mt. Diablo trail map at REI, at the ranger stations and at most bookstores. I got mine at Clayton Book Store in Clayton. For anyone new to Contra Costa, you have a real treat in store for you. This is the back side of Mt. Diablo, frankly I think the more beautiful side. Its got trails ranging from rustic and steep, to just slightly sloping fire roads. Get out there and enjoy the day! You can also learn more and get information on hikes for any level at : Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association

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For real estate information and to search homes for sale in Contra Costa including Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Alamo, Pleasant Hill and beyond, call Catherine Myers (Contra Costa Real Estate, Walnut Creek Homes) at 925-683-2125