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

I am pleased to share our Quarterly Market Report for the Second Quarter of 2009 for Contra Costa County. If you would like to learn about your particular neighborhood, or how this data can help you in buying or selling a home, please contact me.

For more information or to search the MLS for homes in the Walnut Creek and surrounding areas, please visit my website:  http://www.terriadams-scott.com

I just had an 'AFLAC' moment....uh?.....grrrr!

This new 'traditional' listing came up (no REO/Short Sale)...beautifully updated throughout...in the neighborhood my buyer wants...perfect size and amenities...and best of all, priced competitively and in their price range!  I hurriedly called the agent...WooHoo...a live person answers the phone!  I start asking my typical questions and find out there's 3 offers on it already.  Okay... when are you going to present/review the offers?  I hear this long, hesitant sigh as the agent proceeds to tell me the seller's demands...or don't bother putting an offer in:

1.  Wants a $5,000 deposit  

2.  No FHA loans 

3.  ALL contingencies removed in 10 days

4.  If appraisal comes in lower than your offer, there will be NO re-negotiation so plan to come up with the difference in cash.

UH?...Okayyyyy...the first two demands are no problem.  It also wouldn't be a problem to remove inspection contingencies within 10 days...but removing the loan and appraisal that quickly in today's market is not that realistic for non-cash offers.  In regards to demand #4...that's really stretching it!  If I KNEW the appraisal could come in around $5000 below, we could probably deal with that.  BUT...we all know how crazy this appraisal system is right now!  It could come in...for example...$20,000 below our offer...and we'd be expected to pay the difference or risk our deposit (plus inspection costs) if we don't perform?  I do have a handle on the values in the area, but gambling that the chosen appraiser shares that expertise...there lies the problem...grrrrr! 

So if you feel hurt and can't make the contract work...they'll take cash...which is just as good as money!      UH.....GRRRRR!!!

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Moving to Walnut Creek, CA or surrounding area...let me help you!

I love my new iPhone 3Gs and all the cool apps that are available!  I don't go 'app crazy', but when I find one that strikes my fancy, I just gotta have it! 

I came across this app called "iCam" by SKJM, LLC.    You can stream up to four webcam video and audio feeds from anywhere in the world to your iPhone or iPod touch over WiFi, 3G and EDGE.

This is not a free app, but was well worth the $4.99 for me.  There are multiple reasons why someone may want a surveillance system and mine was primarily out of curiosity to see what my dog is doing while I'm away from home. 

There are limited features to this compared to a full surveillance system.  It is a one-way system in which you can see and hear what your web cam is picking up.  You cannot have a 2-way conversation back to it.  It also does not record.  So, if you want to spy peek in on the animals, kids or whoever while you're away, this is a handy app to have on your iPhone.

If it sounds interesting, I recommend you read the reviews/forums for yourself and you be the judge.  Also, the software you download onto your computer is in beta form.  I have used this app for 3 days and have enjoyed it!  I'm using the built-in camera on my MacBook Pro. 

So...the next time you're out viewing property, BEWARE...the sellers just may be spying on you!  With all this technology, it's easier than ever!

Has anyone tried this app?  Would love to hear your opinion.  If you have another app you really like, please share it with us!

Moving to Walnut Creek...call me at 925-765-4339.

www.TerriAdams-Scott.com