Life in Walnut Creek, Lafayette and surrounding areas: March 2009

If you are a homeowner facing a possible foreclosure or financial difficulty, the Federal Government has prepared a number of helpful oline sites with articles and tips to help.  The following are the US sites and some sample articles you can find on each.  (Click on the logo to view their website)

U.S. Dept. of Justice

"List of Approved Credit Counseling Agencies"

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD")

"How to Avoid Foreclosure"

"Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure"

Federal Housing Administration

"You can avoid foreclosure and keep your home"

Federal Trade Commission

"Mortgage Payments Sending you Reeling.  Here's what to do."

Internal Revenue Service

"Questions & Answers on Foreclosure and Debt Cancellation"

Neighborhood Networks

"Center for Foreclosure Solutions"

The Vagabond Players, Inc. is a non-profit theatre troupe that travels to senior centers, retirement homes and communities, assisted living centers and health care facilities, who bring live theater to seniors who may not have the opportunity or capability to get out to see live theater. In addition, they perform for churches, clubs, organizations, and often perform at community theaters as well.

I caught their production while performing at the Tabernacle Church in Concord, CA.  I think it is wonderful that these talented actors and actresses dedicate their time to enhance the lives of our senior community!  If you are interested in knowing more about them or would like to book a performance, go to their website at www.vagabondplayersinc.com

The following video is a highlight of the production, but not quite the same as seeing it live!  Enjoy!

It seems everyday I read about scammers...in one form or another... preying on the consumers. The Federal Trade Commission has come up with a couple of videos highlighting the differences between AnnualCreditReport.com and those other sites that claim to provide “free” credit reports. Other sites require users to pay hidden fees or agree to additional services. For example, some sites provide a free credit report if you enroll in a new service. If you don’t cancel the service during a short trial period, you’re likely to see membership fees on your credit card statement. Here is one of the videos the FTC has come up with. Share it with your clients, friends and family

With today's Real Estate Market, there are many consumers that are being targeted by Scammers, Fraud companies...and as much as it pains me to say it...unethical/unprofessional Realtors.  Unfortunately, the consumers don't know where to turn to or who to ask.  How do they know that the person knocking on their door...offering to save them from pre-foreclosure... is really a licensed Realtor?  There are many legitimate sources, but one that is rarely advertised is The California Department of Real Estate. 

The CA Dept. of Real Estate is also a useful resource that we can direct consumers to who wish to file a complaint or get further education about California Real Estate.  As Realtors, we have all heard 'head shaking' stories and it always saddens me to hear them.  Here's a recent situation that prompted this blog:

I received a frantic chat request from one of my newly acquainted friends on Facebook (I'll refer to him as "Mr. friend").  Mr. Friend was in escrow with another Realtor representing him.  He was totally upset and confused about what was going on with his escrow.  My heart went out to him while hearing his story.  Knowing I couldn't advise him because of his agency agreement, I could only listen and recommend he call his agent.  You guessed it...his Realtor wasn't returning his calls!  He was set to go sign documents and was so irrate with this Realtor that he wanted to back out of the contract.  Not because of cold feet...he loved the place...he just didn't want that Realtor to get a penny of his money!  I will spare you all the details...and granted, I was hearing only one side of the story...but something just didn't ring right!  I quickly went to the DRE website to verify that this Realtor was actually a licensed Realtor...which they were.  Knowing this, I knew Mr. Friend at least had a legitimate contract and there wasn't much else I could (would) say or do other than advise him about the website should he not resolve his issue with his Realtor.  One good ending to this story...the buyer did close on his home.

As Realtors, we use this website to verify that the agent on the other side of our contract is actually licensed, but I have found that it can be a valuable referral site for the consumer as well.

The following video is a market report on Pending home sales in Walnut Creek, CA.  It covers detached, single family homes only.  Shows price ranges, average price per square foot, average days on the market and the percentage of distressed sales.  It's very encouraging to see the number of pending sales in this community.  Walnut Creek is a beautiful place to call home with all the fine dining, upscale shopping, great schools and recreational activities.  The figures were taken from the Contra Costa Assoc. of Realtor's MLS as of March 6, 2009.