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Vickie Nagy, Realtor, Pre-Foreclosure Specialist Certified Call 925.407.7987

San Ramon Faves – Places to Live – Terravista at Gale Ranch

Terravista at Gale Ranch is located in the master-planned Gale Ranch community in San Ramon and situated within the highly acclaimed San Ramon Valley Unified School District. This community is surrounded with inspiring vistas and vast open spaces and boasts multiple parks for outdoor enjoyment.

Shapell Homes is currently offering four spacious one and two story home plans in Terravista at Gale Ranch. These homes have dual-glazed windows for energy consumption and the exterior walls and attic are insulated for energy efficiency. All plans have rear and side yard fencing. Interiors include family room gas fireplace, dreamy kitchens with large pantry and luscious bedroom suites and bathrooms. Master baths have soaking tubs. The Calabria (Plan 1) with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2 car garage is the only single story home of the four with approximately 2,094 sq feet. Each of the following two story plans has a 2-car garage and tandem. The Emilia (Plan 2) with four bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms has approximately 2,771 sq. feet. The Umbria (Plan 3) with four bedrooms, three bathrooms has approximately 2,845 sq. feet. The Veneto (Plan 4) with four bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms and bonus room has approximately 2,944 sq. feet of living space. Prices quoted on February 15th, 2008 start at $1,024,900.

Also within the Gale Ranch master-planned community, you'll find the verdant 18-hole championship "Bridges Golf Course" designed by the renowned Johnny Miller nearby.

Please contact me today for more details and to set up an appointment to see these fine homes.

When buying or selling San Ramon CA real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive area knowledge and strong negotiation skills and am truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Considering a Move to the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

925-407-7987 or Click to e-mail: Vickie@VickieSellsHomes.com

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy Realtor for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.besttrivalleyhomes.com/ for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

Pittsburg Faves – New Homes in Pittsburg – Mariner Walk

After a trip to the Mariner Walk model center, I discovered that this development is different. The Olson Company specializes in urban infill. What does that mean? It means that they work closely with the city officials and align the development to meet city's objectives, thereby winning approval to develop parcels within urban areas. Their goal is to provide low-maintenance lifestyles in cities rather than in quiet, tame, isolated suburban areas.

The representative at the model center was very competent and informed, able to discuss area revitalization efforts, including the construction of mixed-use commercial development nearby for which the city is already seeking tenants. The city is purportedly seeking businesses to create a pedestrian destination shopping area. Furthermore she pointed out that the marina was just blocks away as is a new elementary school under construction. The BART station is a short drive, approximately four miles.

The model homes were superbly finished and decorated, although loaded with options. I wanted to run home for my suitcase and toothbrush. My partner, ever pragmatic, suggested we wait until there is a bit more shopping in the area. It's a good argument, but the new home prices are so very affordable to be just a short distance from the BART line that will allow commutes into employment centers in Contra Costa County, Alameda County and the city of San Francisco.

Mariner Walk offers four plans, but the Anchorage at approximately 1,685 sq ft. is sold out in the current phase. There is currently one Starboard at approximately 1,810 sq. ft. being offered at $375,000. The Spinnaker at approximately 1,868 sq, ft, and the Regatta at approximately 1,967 sq. ft. currently range between $380,000 and $391,300. All models have a 2 bay garage and at least 3 bedrooms and at least 2.5 bathrooms.

Mariner Walk boasts an on-site playground and views of outlying hills. Please contact me to arrange a tour of the area and showing of these homes.

When buying or selling Contra Costa County real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive area knowledge and strong negotiation skills and am truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Considering a Move to the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

925-407-7987 or Click to e-mail: Vickie@VickieSellsHomes.com

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy Realtor for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.besttrivalleyhomes.com/ for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

See for yourself what Vickie's extraordinary clients have to say about their real estate experience.

Lease Options – Information and Tips for Sellers

A Lease Option is created when a potential buyer and seller enter into an agreement regarding a specific piece of real estate where the potential buyer will pay a small option payment and agree to rent the property for a specified period of time. This option payment is applies to the purchase price if the option is exercised. Additionally, most Lease Options require that the monthly rent is higher than current market rent so that a portion of each monthly rent payment then accrues toward the purchase.

A couple of common reasons for buyers to request a Lease Option would be those who have satisfactory income, but are don't have the cash for a large down payment, or those individuals expecting some sort of windfall (inheritance or bonus).

Should the potential buyer decide not to exercise the Lease Option, the option money and any monthly rental money set aside to apply towards the purchase is forfeited to the seller.

Like any contract, the terms of a Lease Option are negotiable. The primary items to be negotiated are:

•· the length of the lease,

•· the amount of the option money

•· the amount of rent (and what portion goes toward the downpayment, if any)

•· the purchase price

Possible benefits to the potential seller include:

•· Monthly rent higher than market rent

•· Top market value for the property

•· Renter more likely to treat the property as if they own it

It is wise to consult with your attorney regarding the Lease Option terms prior to entering into this complex agreement.

When buying or selling Danville CA real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive area knowledge and strong negotiation skills and am truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Considering a Move to the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

925-407-7987 or Click to e-mail: Vickie@VickieSellsHomes.com

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy Realtor for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.besttrivalleyhomes.com/ for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

Lease Options – Information and Tips for Buyers

A Lease Option agreement might help you take the leap into home ownership if you have the income to make the payments but can't come up with the down payment or if you simply can't qualify under today's stringent lender requirements. Admittedly, a seller will most likely review your credit history, but may choose to work with you. Additional information and tips for buyers follows.

A Lease Option is created when a potential buyer and seller enter into an agreement regarding a specific piece of real estate where the potential buyer will pay a small option payment and agree to rent the property for a specified period of time. This option payment is applies to the purchase price if the option is exercised. Additionally, most Lease Options require that the monthly rent is higher than current market rent so that a portion of each monthly rent payment then accrues toward the purchase.

Should the potential buyer decide not to exercise the Lease Option, the option money and any monthly rental money set aside to apply towards the purchase is forfeited to the seller.

Like any contract, the terms of a Lease Option are negotiable. The primary items to be negotiated are:

•· the length of the lease,

•· the amount of the option money

•· the amount of rent (and what portion goes toward the downpayment, if any)

•· the purchase price

Potential buyers in the lease option agreement might want to consider to be sure to protect their interest under the Lease Option.

•· Record a Request for Notice of Delinquency on each recorded Deed of Trust on the subject property. This document, when recorded in the county where the property is located, places the Trustee/Beneficiary of the specified Deed of Trust on notice that should the Note secured by the recorded Deed of Trust become delinquent, the Trustee/Beneficiary will be required to notify the potential buyer of this matter.

•· Employ/purchase a real estate tax reporting service to notify the customer when ad valorem real property taxes become delinquent.

Possible benefits to the potential buyer include:

•· Not required to provide a large down payment

•· Tie up the property at today's prices

•· Live in the property before making the final decision to purchase

•· Seller can't sell the property to someone else without your approval.

It is wise to consult with your attorney regarding the Lease Option terms prior to entering into this complex agreement.

When buying or selling Danville CA real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive area knowledge and strong negotiation skills and am truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Considering a Move to the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

925-407-7987 or Click to e-mail: Vickie@VickieSellsHomes.com

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy Realtor for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.besttrivalleyhomes.com/ for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

Down Payment Assistance for California Teachers

If you're a first time home buyer and need help with a down payment, you just may be in luck if you are a teacher, administrator, staff member or classified employee who serves in one of California's high priority schools (API rank 1-5).

The Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program (ECTP) provides a deferred-payment junior loan for down payment assistance on homes that will become your primary residence. This benefit is only available when combined with a CalHFA first mortgage loan. Provided the first mortgage loan is a CalHFA 30-year fixed mortgage, the interest rate on the first mortgage will be at a special reduced rate. Interest on the junior loan is deferred and may be reduced to zero if the borrow meets continued eligibility requirements.

These junior loans range from $7,500 to $15,000 depending on the location of the property, or 3% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Other conditions apply, including income limits and sales price limits. Consult with an approved lender if you are interested in more information. Approved lenders in Contra Costa County and surrounding areas include:

Branch City First Name Last Name Phone Number Lender Name

CONCORD LENNOX BYER 925-671-5626 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

DANVILLE BRENDA CARROLL 925-314-7005 COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.

DANVILLE SERGIO SZYRKO 925-855-2037 BANK OF AMERICA, NA

FREMONT AURELIO GONZALEZ 510-574-0191 WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK

LIVERMORE ROBIN LEWIS 925-245-2400 NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE

NAPA CYNTHIA HARDY 925-671-5634 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

OAKLAND JEANETTE FANENE 510-587-8359 BANK OF AMERICA, NA

OAKLAND HEATHER HEADLEY 510-251-3564 WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK

OAKLAND ERIC NOBLES 510-333-1048 COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.

OAKLAND ROBERT STEWART 510-663-7840 COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.

OFALLON JANETTE MAYES-RUIZ 510-435-8860 CITIMORTGAGE, INC.

PLEASANTON TAMMY CRYER 925-283-3404 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

PLEASANTON RICHARD EWERS 925-227-6343 DHI MORTGAGE COMPANY

PLEASANTON SUSANNAH HARTE 510-409-1061 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

PLEASANTON DON HINTON 925-609-5064 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

PLEASANTON YVETTE PRICE 925-426-36001 COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.

PLEASANTON DENISE WILSON 925-460-2823 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

SAN FRANCISCO BRAD STODDARD 415-247-1245 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

SAN JOSE JEFF PARROTT 415-561-5600 MERIWEST MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC

SONOMA ERIC NOBLES 510-333-1048 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

WALNUT CREEK DICK EUBANKS 925-274-2704 NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE

WALNUT CREEK MICHAEL EVANS 925-497-2501 INDYMAC BANK

WALNUT CREEK KRISTINE THINGER 925-946-3013 COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.

When buying or selling Contra Costa County real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive area knowledge and strong negotiation skills and am truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Considering a Move to the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

925-407-7987 or Click to e-mail: Vickie@VickieSellsHomes.com

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy Realtor for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.besttrivalleyhomes.com/ for median home prices, local information & featured listings.