Karen Crowson

Whew, we knew it was a difficult process but now it's a special event??!! Just today I learned about a one day foreclosure prevention event being held in various parts of the country.

Homeowners who have been unsuccessful in modifying their loans are showing up en masse (50,000 are expected!) to gain face time with bank representatives who are said to speed up the review process so borrowers will know by the end of day if it's a yes or a no.

In a nutshell, here's the process.

• Group orientation of 500 individual homeowners.
• One-on-one meetings with individual counselors.
• Homeowner's documentation is scanned and an affordable payment is determined.
• File is submitted to their servicer who is on site.
• Homeowner meets with their servicer who will give them their solution, same day!

CEO Bruce Marks of Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America (NACA) claims 80% of attendess are leaving with modified loans. Click here for the complete article.

An upcoming event in California could be a lifeline for distressed Bay Area homeowners. The next event is scheduled for Oct. 16-20, setting up shop at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond. Visit https://www.naca.com/ for other cities and dates.

Let's hope this is a solution for many folks who've encountered nothing but roadblocks so far.

Built by Signature Properties beginning in 1992, this neighborhood is situated to the South of Hwy 580, at the west end of the City. Most notable is the Arroyo Mocho which runs east to west throughout the development, bordered by a pleasant walking trail. Stately eucalyptus trees provide welcome shade in the warm summer weather. Hagemann Park, is adjacent to the subdivision providing playground equipment, large grassy areas and picnic tables. Weekends bring families and soccer teams out for fun.

Commuter friendly, access to Hwy 580 is less than 4 miles and Hwy 84, just about 2 miles.

5 different models exist:

The Azalea: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. One story, with two car garage. 1761 sq. ft.

1761 sq. ft. The Camellia: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. One story, with two car garage. 1828 sq. ft.

The Marigold: 4 beds, 3 baths. Two story, with two car garage. 2239 sq. ft.

The Primrose: 4 beds, 3 baths. Two story, with two car garage. 2496 sq. ft.

The Wisteria: 4 beds, 3 baths. Two story, with two car garage. 2539 sq. ft.

Labor Day Weekend

Livermore Valley is located 45 miles east of San Francisco, and approximately 32 miles northeast of San Jose.

If you've never been to the Harvest Wine Celebration, now might be the time to come and enjoy a fantastic day in Livermore's wine country. A new twist on the event rolls out this year, increasing your chances to taste from many more of the wineries. With over 40 wineries in the region, it's a bit of a challenge to make your way to so many

Now, with the addition of the Harvest Village in Robertson Park, 20 wineries will be on hand to pour while you enjoy live music and arts and crafts vendors. Bring your blankets or beach chairs to sit back and enjoy the fun. Get hungry? Don't worry - plenty of food vendors will be there as well.

And for those who liked the original event experience, you'll still have the chance to visit more than 20 wineries who will pour at their location, offering additional food, music and art for your enjoyment. You'll have free shuttle buses available on Sunday only, so if Monday is your day of choice for the event, you'll need to arrange your own transportation between wineries. Note: for the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend, only ticket holders will gain admittance to the wineries.

A couple of rules though: no outside food or beverages, and no pets.

Tickets on sale NOW

Wineries pouring wine at the Harvest Village (located at Robertson Park):

Bodegas Aguirre Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery, Concannon Vineyard, Cuda Ridge Wines. Deer Ridge Vineyards, Eagle Ridge Winery, Eckert Estate Winery, El Sol Winery, Elliston Vineyards, Fenestra Winery, Les Chênes Estate Vineyards, Little Valley Winery, Longevity Wines, Occasio Winery, Page Mill Winery, Ruby Hill Winery, Ryhan Estate, Vineyards, Tenuta Vineyards, Thomas Coyne Winery, Wente Family Estates, Westover/Palomares Wineries

Wineries Pouring at their winery location on Sunday & Monday
Chouinard Vineyards, LVC , Bent Creek Winery, Big White House, Charles R Vineyards, Crooked Vine/Stony Ridge, Garré Vineyard & Winery, La Rochelle Winery, McGrail Vineyards & Winery, Mitchell Katz Winery, Murrieta's Well, Retzlaff Estate Winery, Rodrigue Monyneaux Winery, The Singing Winemaker, The Steven Kent Winery, Tamás Estates. Wente Vineyards TR, White Crane, Wood Family

California Market Update

Here are a few interesting marketing statistics for the State of California. Data collected statewide is provided by the California Association of Realtors® and typically runs a month behind that of our local association reporting.

Statewide Median Home Price, June 09 $274,740

Unsold Inventory 4 months

Tri Valley Home Sale Facts*

Think like a potential buyer. To really get a sense of what a buyer might be thinking, tour other homes similar to yours in size, age and price range. Consider how yours compares in terms of location, curb appeal, updates, price per square foot and amenities.

•·If you were buying now, would your house stand out as the best value? Evaluate the price range of your home and see what other choices a buyer would have in spending that same amount of money. Remember, a buyer will be looking to get the best house and the best price. Just like you'll be doing when you're choosing your next place!

•·Are you prepared to fix for someone else, what you didn't fix for you?

Maybe there was a pesky leak in the bathroom that you took care of, but left the bathroom vinyl flooring a bit stained. It's still functional for you, but, very probably the buyer will insist that it's repaired as a condition of buying the property.

Yes, homes are sold as-is and most people understand that everything isn't perfect. That is until they are in negotiation to buy one!

•·Can you be objective about how your house and yard look to a potential buyer?

Part 2 gave tips for preparing the yard and home for sale, but this aspect can't be stressed enough. Most buyers begin their search on the Internet. Walk across the street and really look at your house. Frame it in a camera lens. What will the viewer see? Put time and attention into making that great first impression. If you don't have the time or resources to do so, be sure your asking price reflects that fact.

•·How easy is it to get in to view your house?

Having your home picture perfect and ready for visitors at all hours of the day isn't easy. (I remember - my home was on the market while I had three young sons at home.) The easier you make it for people to see, the quicker your apt to get the job done. Remember, buyers typically get a search alert from their agent when a property matching their needs comes on the market, or they find it with an online search. They may want to see it right away, and have constraints with their job or kids schedule that need to be accommodated.

•·How much ‘work' will someone have to do to move into your house ?

Designer colors and themes may have been just perfect for your family, but could mean a complete overhaul for someone getting ready to move in to your place. If you have touch up work to do in any particular room, consider getting it back to neutral. Move-in ready as a marketing remark carries a lot of clout.

•·What about this house made you buy it in the first place?

It's very likely that the same things that inspired you once-upon-a-time will be appealing to the new homeowners too. Try to think back about what they were and share them with your Realtor. And if the only thing that attracted you was the price, (maybe a less-than-desirable location?) be realistic from the start. Knowing what's ahead of you and a realistic approach will keep your emotions in check and serve you will when the negotiations begin.

Keep your eye on the end-game. Soon it will be your turn to be the buyer and do the negotiating!

If you missed the first to installments of this series, you can read them here.

Part 1

Part 2