http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/ Primary home, vacation home and investment property purchase in Alamo, Danville, Concord, Clayton, Lafayette, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Orinda, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, California, Walnut Creek Realtor, Concord Realtor, Clayton Realtor, Martinez Realtor, Pleasant Hill Realtor, Alamo Realtor, Danville Realtor, Lafayette Realtor, San Ramon Realtor, Orinda Realtor, buying a home, selling a home, en-us http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/3135194/buying-a-home-is-a-combination-of-dress-up-online-matchmaking-speed-dating-and-chess <p>Originally posted on <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Contra Costa Real Estate Resource">Contra Costa Real Estate Resource</a></p> <p>My buyer said it perfectly, &ldquo;In the end, <strong>buying a Walnut Creek home</strong> is a <strong>combination of dress-up, online matchmaking, speed-dating and chess</strong>.&rdquo; I had to laugh because that one line summarizes the home buying process perfectly!</p> <p><img title="Online House Hunting" src="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OnlineMatchmaking.jpg" height="103" alt="Online House Hunting" width="192">Think about it. The home is first dressed up (de-cluttered, thoroughly cleaned and staged) and posted online looking for a match (a buyer). Buyers then go through the online matchmaking process of viewing all of the photos, reviewing the home&rsquo;s age, size, the Bio (the home&rsquo;s features) and photos.</p> <p>If the home appears to be a match, the buyer schedules a date to view it. Are the photos of the home current and accurate or are they from a time when the home was younger and slimmer? Is the home as interesting as it looked online or is this home one of those dates from which you can&rsquo;t escape fast enough?</p> <p>If the dress-up, online matchmaking and speed-dating portions of the process go well, the chess match begins. This is the unknown, unexpected and ultimately surprising part of the process for most buyers.</p> <p>Since the <strong>inventory of Walnut Creek homes for sale</strong> is now excruciatingly low, it&rsquo;s <img title="Negotiation is a Chess Match" src="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Chess-Pieces-SM.jpg" height="213" alt="Negotiation is a Chess Match" width="200">become a very strong seller&rsquo;s market. The chess match is the crucial part of the process to ensure the successful marriage of buyer to home. What are the seller&rsquo;s hot buttons? Are there other offers? Should you offer full-price? Full price with some &ldquo;takeaways&rdquo; so the seller can feel they negotiated? Short inspection contingency? Free rent-back? Fast close? What's the strategy if unexpected problems arise in the inspections? My buyer said, &ldquo;Wow, you really have to think 6 moves ahead.&rdquo;</p> <p>The perfect ending to any buyer's story of <strong>dress-up, online matchmaking, speed-dating and chess</strong> to <strong>buy a Walnut Creek home</strong> is when they are able to schedule the wedding date (closing) and start their Happily Ever After.</p> <p>P.S.&nbsp; Thanks Michelle M. for the great line!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:36:22 -0700 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/3135194/buying-a-home-is-a-combination-of-dress-up-online-matchmaking-speed-dating-and-chess http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2839687/wanted-walnut-creek-homes-for-sale <p><strong>Wanted: Walnut Creek Homes for Sale</strong>.</p> <p>Inventory of <strong>Walnut Creek Homes for Sale</strong> is significantly lower than at any time since January, 2007.&nbsp; This chart shows declining inventory, not declining prices!</p> <p><img title="Walnut Creek Inventory of Homes for Sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/4/7/4/3/ar132914678434743.jpg" height="327" alt="Walnut Creek Inventory of Homes for Sale" width="500"><br>Open Houses are busting out at the seams with throngs of motivated buyers.&nbsp; My recent Walnut Creek listing had over 70 people visit the Open House, received multiple offers and sold in 10 days above list price (and it wasn't priced low to start).&nbsp; The following week, an associate with a new Walnut Creek listing had over 150 people attend the Open House.&nbsp;</p> <p>As of the end of January, 2012 the inventory of homes for sale dropped to 58 homes and 42 homes went into contract during the same month.&nbsp; The lowest For Sale Inventory has been prior to this is 84 homes. By any measurement, Walnut Creek has become a Seller's market for the first time in years.</p> <p>If you are planning to <strong>sell your Walnut Creek home</strong>, don't dawdle.&nbsp; There are a slew of interested buyers!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:28:37 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2839687/wanted-walnut-creek-homes-for-sale http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2827835/is-it-worth-the-money-to-stage-your-home-to-sell- <p><img title="Before and After Staging" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/1/4/5/ar132890569754154.jpg" height="800" alt="Before and After Staging" width="237"></p> <p>Originally posted on <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/2012/02/10/should-you-stage-your-home-to-sell/" title="ContraCostaRealEstateResource.com"><strong>ContraCostaRealEstateResource.com</strong></a></p> <p>It can be difficult for sellers to imagine the end result of <strong>Staging a Home to Sell</strong> so it's not a surprise when balk at the expense, even if it's minimal compared to the returns.</p> <p>In order to encourage you to read the entire article, I'm going to start with the happy ending.&nbsp; The <strong>Walnut Creek, California home for sale</strong> referenced in these pictures had multiple offers and sold in 10 days at $12,000 over List price.</p> <p>Over 94% of home buyers start the house-hunting process viewing the home's photos online and <em>only</em> view the homes whose photos pass the muster but cameras are still not able to process the same amount of information as our eyes.</p> <p>The living room in the Before photo had a maroon accent wall.&nbsp; While a very rich color to the eye, it appeared extremely dark when photographed. Notice how much brighter the room appears after the wall was painted (by the way, the interior lights were on for both photos).</p> <p>The furniture was rearranged to demonstrate the expansive size of the room and display the fireplace. The addition of some colorful accessories added the warmth back to the room. The cost of staging this room consisted of a can of paint and accessories.</p> <p>The adage "Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes" is very true.&nbsp; The bathroom reflected in the Before picture on the left was very functional but dated in appearance.&nbsp; The bathtub tile surround was replaced, adding a 4 inch strip of glass tile for a little custom "bling", bringing the tile up to the same level as the top of the window.&nbsp; The light fixture and faucet were replaced with brushed nickel finishes and the "builder standard" mirror was replaced with a more sophisticated framed mirror.&nbsp; The walls were then repainted with a slightly darker white to offset the cabinetry.</p> <p><strong>Should you update your home to sell?</strong>&nbsp; These sellers initially felt very strongly that the house should be sold As-Is:&nbsp; "There's nothing wrong with the house. Let the buyers paint and update it any way they want to." Given the huge return on their Staging investment, they're extremely happy they changed their minds!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:45:08 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2827835/is-it-worth-the-money-to-stage-your-home-to-sell- http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2016454/timing-the-real-estate-market-don-t-forget-the-impact-of-rising-interest-rates- <p><big><strong>Are you trying to time the real estate market?&nbsp; Don't forget the impact of rising interest rates.</strong><br> <br> Many home buyers are struggling with the decision to purchase.&nbsp; Are home prices at the bottom? Will they decline further?&nbsp; Should we buy now or wait?&nbsp; But there is another factor that many home buyers fail to consider when making their decision to buy or wait, the <strong>impact of rising interest rates</strong>.&nbsp; <br> <br> Mortgage lenders issue their loan approvals based on a Qualifying Monthly Payment which is typically the maximum payment at which the lender will provide your mortgage financing.&nbsp; The qualifying monthly payment is on a seesaw between interest rates and home prices.&nbsp; </big></p> <p><img title="Seesaw of Interest Rates and Home Prices" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/7/9/1/ar129219319714.jpg" height="181" alt="Seesaw of Interest Rates and Home Prices" width="389"></p> <p><big>As interest rates rise, you will have to look at lower priced homes to qualify for your mortgage financing.</big></p> <p><big><br> <br> Let me give you an example, if you currently qualify to purchase a $430,000 home at an interest rate of 4.50%, the chart below demonstrates the loss of home buying power that results from rising rates.</big></p> <p><img title="Rising Interest Rates equals loss of Home Buyer Power" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/1/8/5/ar12921933158157.jpg" height="233" alt="Rising Interest Rates equals loss of Home Buying Power" width="401"><br><big> </big></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><big><br> An approximate "rule of thumb" to remember is that <span><strong>a</strong> <strong>1% rise in interest rates equals a 10% loss of buying power</strong></span>.<br> </big></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><big>Interest rates recently rose almost 1/2% in a short two weeks [this article was posted on 12/12/10].&nbsp; Armed with your new Rule of Thumb, you know this results in a 5% loss of purchasing power.&nbsp; Does that mean you should run out and buy a home RIGHT NOW?&nbsp; That entirely depends on your price range and local real estate market.&nbsp; In some price ranges and markets, the home prices have not only stabilized but are starting to rise.&nbsp; <br> <br> If you are a buyer in Contra Costa county of Northern California and DON'T KNOW if your price range has stabilized, sign up to receive a <strong>Buyer's Market Report</strong> and find out.&nbsp; If you're outside my market, contact a professional Realtor in your area. Don't get hit with the Double Whammy of rising prices and rising interest rates.</big></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:48:38 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2016454/timing-the-real-estate-market-don-t-forget-the-impact-of-rising-interest-rates- http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2634894/scam-alert-renter-loses-security-deposit-forced-to-move <p>Thank you Pamela for posting this true story.&nbsp;&nbsp; Renters, if a rental is advertised by an individual versus a property Management company, please be aware of <strong>another rental scam</strong>:&nbsp; homes that are listed For Sale are being copied by scammers and posted For Rent in order to get security deposits from unsuspecting renters.</p> <div>Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2632617/scam-alert-renter-loses-security-deposit-forced-to-move">Pamela Seley, REALTOR&reg; Temecula Valley California Homes (REALTY EXECUTIVES)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p><span>Scam Alert!! Renter Loses Security Deposit, Forced to Move</span><br><br><span>True story:</span><span> A trusting would-be tenant answered an ad on Craigslist to rent a home in <img title="Renter loses security deposit, forced to move" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/4/4/9/ar132306260494457.png" height="287" alt="Renter loses security deposit, forced to move" width="220">Hemet, California. She met the owner at advertised home. Loved it, so she signed a lease, turned over security deposit and first month&rsquo;s rent.</span><br><br><span>Everything&rsquo;s going great in her new home. Imagine her surprise after several weeks, the sheriff knocks on her door. Asks her who she is, and what&rsquo;s she doing there.</span><br><br><span>She explains, and the sheriff asks to see her lease. She is informed the &ldquo;real&rdquo; owner of the home contacted the police department that someone was trespassing and illegally living in their home.</span><br><br><span>Lucky for the tenant she had paperwork to prove she thought she was renting the home from the owner, and not from a con-artist. This is happening more often than any of us would like to know, and is fraud.</span></p> <p><span> The tenant lost her security deposit to the scammer, and had to move. The owner of record was kind enough to help her with moving costs.</span><br><br><span>If the tenant did not have paperwork to prove her story, she could have been arrested and charged with trespassing.</span></p> <p><span>Hope the &ldquo;real&rdquo; criminal finds her way behind bars.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span>Pamela Seley, REALTOR</span><span>&reg;</span><br><span>Short Sale Resource | CA DRE lic # 01824145 </span><br><span><a href="http://temeculavalleyhome.com/" title="Temecula Valley Home">www.temeculavalleyhome.com</a> | Dir 951.491.4063 | Email <a href="mailto:pamelaseley@gmail.com" title="Pamela Seley REALTOR&amp;reg;">pamelaseley@gmail.com</a> <br></span></p> <p><span>Serving Southwest Riverside County California</span>| <span>Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Winchester, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Corona, Wildomar | </span><strong><span>Temecula short sale agent</span></strong> <br><br><span>Sign up for </span><a href="http://pamelaseley.listingbook.com/" title="Pamela Seley's Listing Book"><span>FREE REAL ESTATE SEARCH</span></a></p> <p><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/pamelaseley" title="Pamela Seley on twitter"><img title="Pamela Seley Realtor on Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/0/8/2/ar130878858428082.jpg" height="30" alt="twitter" width="30"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaseley" title="Pamela Seley on LinkedIn"><img title="Pamela Seley on Linkedin" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/3/9/0/ar130859709509302.png" height="30" alt="Pamela Seley on linkedin" width="30"></a></p> <p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/activerain/znMM" title="Subscribe rss feed"><img title="Subscribe to Pamela Seley's blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/7/6/4/6/ar130878644164678.jpeg" height="30" alt="rss button" width="30"></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/pamelaseley" title="Pamela Seley's Picassa web albums"><img title="Pamela Seley's Picassa web albums" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/4/5/5/ar130878656055425.png" height="30" alt="picassa button" width="30"></a><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=PamelaSeleysTemeculaValleyCaliforniaRealEstateBlog&amp;loc=en_US" title="subscribe via email"><img title="Subscribe via email" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/0/4/9/ar130878784494032.jpeg" height="30" alt="email button" width="30"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/100631398586097497813#100631398586097497813/about" title="Pamela Seley on Google+"><img title="Pamela Seley on Google+" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/5/9/2/ar131121308729556.png" height="30" alt="google+" width="30"></a></p> <p><span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2632091/-temecula-valley-short-sale-question-what-s-a-short-sale-package-" title="What's a short sale package?">What's a Short Sale Package?</a></span></span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2573706/is-your-real-estate-agent-licensed-in-the-state-of-california-" title="Is Your Real Estate Agent Licensed in the State of California?">Is Your Real Estate Agent Licensed in the State of California?</a></span>&nbsp;</p> <div><span><a href="http://actvra.in/hbP" title="Agent-to-Agent Referrals - I Won't Be Your Huckleberry">Agent-to-Agent Referrals &ndash; I Won&rsquo;t Be Your Huckleberry</a></span></div> <div><span><br></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p><span>All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Copyright &copy; 2009-2011 by Pamela Seley, REALTOR&reg;</span></p> </div> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:31:45 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2634894/scam-alert-renter-loses-security-deposit-forced-to-move http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2627177/home-stager-changes-a-potential-disaster-to-an-opportunity <p>This is a short-story about how Home Stager, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/kathyburke" title="Kathy Burke"><strong>Kathy Burke</strong></a>, changes a potential disaster to an opportunity.</p> <p>It has happened to all of us at one time or another.&nbsp; The listing is signed, Kathy completed the staging consultation and once the seller's typical To Do list is completed (declutter, depersonalize, clean, touch-up paint, some minor purchases) the house will go on the market and be fabulous.&nbsp; That is until the Pest Inspection returns with over <a href="http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2621915/home-maintenance-tip-that-could-save-you-thousands-of-dollars-get-a-pest-inspection-" title="Homeowners Get a Pest Inspection"><strong>$15,000 of unexpected repairs</strong></a>.&nbsp; And worse, the repairs require removing the marble tile in both bathrooms and the cost to reinstall marble tile versus generic tile is a significant additional expense to the $15k bid.&nbsp; Not going to happen.</p> <p>Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes and now the bathrooms will only be generic.&nbsp; What to do?&nbsp; <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/kathyburke" title="Kathy Burke Sensational Home Staging"><strong>Call Kathy Burke</strong> </a><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/kathyburke" title="Kathy Burke Sensational Home Staging">of Sensational Home Staging</a>!</strong>&nbsp; My original question for Kathy was "What color should we pick that will most appeal to buyers?"&nbsp; <em>The answer I received was soooo much better</em>.&nbsp; Kathy provided fabulous design ideas using off-the-shelf tile products, a few inexpensive tweaks and, ta da!, a totally upgraded bathroom with a "designer look" and all within the budget.&nbsp; Buyers are going to love it!&nbsp; Suddenly the potential disaster is a wonderful opportunity.</p> <p>Kathy's approach to creating a designer-look on a budget suddenly made me realize how valuable her expertise could be to <strong>Walnut Creek homeowners</strong> (or anywhere in the East Bay) contemplating improvements, not just sellers.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:12:05 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2627177/home-stager-changes-a-potential-disaster-to-an-opportunity http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2621915/home-maintenance-tip-that-could-save-you-thousands-of-dollars-get-a-pest-inspection- <p><strong>If you own a home in Contra Costa county CA, this home maintenance tip could save you THOUSANDS of dollars in future repairs - get a Pest Inspection every 2 - 4 years!</strong></p> <p>Pest Inspections cover more than rodents and creepy crawly things.&nbsp; The #1 repair item on Pest Inspections in our market area of northern California is <strong>dry rot</strong>.&nbsp; The term dry rot is a bit of a misnomer.&nbsp; Dry rot is a fungus that causes wood decay and is the result of <em>water</em> in contact with wood over time.&nbsp; The main culprits for potential problems are kitchens and bathrooms.</p> <p>Let me share a story that will make the point.&nbsp; I listed a <strong>Walnut Creek home for sale</strong> and as part of my pre-sale preparation process, I view the home in detail in order to make a to-do list of items that need to be accomplished in order to sell for the highest possible price.&nbsp; During the preview, I noticed that the caulking in both bathrooms was an unusual, grayish color.&nbsp; Given that this home was clean and well-maintained, I knew the cause was more than the need for a good scrubbing so I suggested that the sellers obtain a Pest Inspection.&nbsp; The last thing any seller wants is to be broadsided by unexpected repairs with a short deadline for completion when their home sells.</p> <p><img title="Floor joists" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/2/5/0/ar132249619205209.jpg" height="150" alt="Floor joists" width="200"></p> <p>This is where the story gets painful.&nbsp; Both bathrooms had water leaks, one from the shower and one from the bathtub surround area.&nbsp; Unless you knew what to look for (and most home owners don't), these leaks were not at all obvious because they went through a gap in the caulking to the sub-floor of the bathrooms.....and the leaks occured over a long period of time causing significant damage.&nbsp; The sellers, who did all the appropriate maintenance <em>that they knew about</em> throughout their 18 years of ownership, now need to pull out the shower, the bathtub, all of the beautiful tile and replace the joists and sub-floors in both bathrooms.&nbsp; A very expensive repair.</p> <p><br>The sellers summed up their frustration by saying, "If only we had known to add a Pest Inspection to our maintenance, we would have gladly paid the $185 every 3 years rather than face this expense.&nbsp; Why didn't anyone tell us to do this?"</p> <p>So now you know, get a Pest Inspection every 2 - 4 years and save yourself thousands in future repairs!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:07:25 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2621915/home-maintenance-tip-that-could-save-you-thousands-of-dollars-get-a-pest-inspection- http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2609715/the-giving-in-thanksgiving-please-remember-the-contra-costa-food-bank <p><img title="Contra Costa Food Bank grocery bag" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/9/1/3/ar132163684131902.jpg" height="192" alt="Contra Costa Food Bank grocery bag" width="156">For several years I spent Thanksgiving day with a group of people who prepared and served a free Thanksgiving Dinner.&nbsp; It was always a wonderful day spent with interesting people but shocking to learn the extent of hunger in our community.&nbsp; From Senior citizens who had to choose between medication and nutritious food to young families whose primary wage-earner was unemployed, it was a significant eye-opener to a young woman (me, at the time) who never faced a hungry day.</p> <p>As Thanksgiving approaches, I would ask you to <strong>remember the "Giving" in Thanksgiving</strong> and donate to the <a href="http://www.foodbankccs.org/" title="Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties"><strong>Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano counties</strong></a>.&nbsp; Every $1 dollar you donate provides <em>two</em> <em>meals</em> for children, adults or seniors.&nbsp; Really think about that for a minute....a $20 donation would provide <em>40 meals </em>and over 1/3 of the food distributed is fresh produce (often the first food sacrificed when money runs short).</p> <p>The Food Bank has an additional - and very creative - donation opportunity called <strong>Tiny Tickets</strong>.&nbsp; Save all of your <strong>BART tickets</strong> that have nothing but change left on them - a penny, 5 cents, 20 cents - we all have them stashed in drawers somewhere.&nbsp; Please send them to the Food Bank so they can be redeemed for cash.</p> <p>With unemployment still above 10%, the need for <a href="https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=9248" title="your donation"><strong>your donation</strong></a> is greater than ever - and sadly that's true even in our affluent <strong>Walnut Creek</strong> <strong>community</strong> - so <strong>please remember the "Giving" in Thanksgiving.</strong></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:28:04 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2609715/the-giving-in-thanksgiving-please-remember-the-contra-costa-food-bank http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2600105/i-don-t-need-no-stinkin-realtor <p><strong>I Don't Need No Stinkin' Realtor</strong></p> <p>A few days ago I was attending a meeting and struck up a conversation with a man who is house hunting<strong></strong><strong> to buy a home in Walnut Creek</strong>. He does his own research, he knows the school district where he wants his family to live and the individual API scores of those schools, he has driven through every neighborhood in the school district to determine the neighborhoods he likes the most, he's been tracking the average sold prices and days on market and he has signed up for auto-alerts on multiple websites.&nbsp; He has definitely done his homework and said, "I don't really need a Realtor except to provide access to the homes and write the contract."</p> <p>I stared at him for a moment in shock because this buyer's livelihood depends on the real estate industry so I expected that he, more than John Q. Public would have a better understanding of the actual work required of Realtors.</p> <p><img title="Walnut Creek Real Estate Realtor as Chauffeur" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/2/6/8/ar132111151786245.jpg" height="225" alt="Walnut Creek Real Estate Realtor as Chauffeur" width="300"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I took a moment to gather my thoughts and said, "On behalf of your Realtor, I want to thank you for utilizing all of the resources on the Internet to educate yourself.&nbsp; This may come as a surprise but most of us are thrilled with buyers that take the time to conduct appropriate due diligence on their own behalf.&nbsp; Acting as a glorified chauffeur has never, <em>ever</em> been the highest and best use of a professional Realtor's time.&nbsp; It was a necessary service, nothing more.</p> <p>For the sake of conversation, let's put aside my personal belief in the value of Realtors and let me ask you a few questions.<br><br></p> <p>Do you know the questions to ask your mortgage loan officer to determine if your pre-qualification is valid or really just a pre-approval?</p> <p>Do you know that the type of your mortgage financing could impact which homes you can buy?</p> <p>Do you know the customary buyer and seller costs to ensure you aren't paying more than normal?</p> <p>Do you know the Point of Sale requirements?</p> <p>Do you know which seller disclosures are required by California Law and who is exempt?&nbsp; If the seller is exempt, do you know the additional investigation that you might want to consider?</p> <p>Do you know the difference between "passive" and "active" contingencies and how that lack of knowledge could potentially result in the loss of your earnest money deposit?</p> <p>When you view homes, do you know what to look for that would indicate something should be professionally inspected?</p> <p>Do you have a list of qualified professionals for Home, Pest, Roof, Chimney, Pool, Sewer Lateral, Geological and Structural inspections?</p> <p>Do you have an additional list of qualified, licensed contractors who can competently complete the structural, health and safety items on those inspections at a competitive cost?</p> <p>Do you know how to make a compelling request repairs from a seller who already feels like you "stole" the property even though you are paying fair market value?</p> <p>Do you know appraisal requirements and is your internet homework sufficient that you could legitimately challenge an erroneous appraisal if needed?</p> <p><strong>When you write a contract, you will quickly realize that the majority of a selling agent's work <em>starts</em> when the contract is accepted.</strong></p> <p>I think the National Association of Realtors should change their ad campaign.&nbsp; Rather than showing an impeccably dressed, well-groomed Realtor handing the keys to delighted homeowners, they should show the real work of our profession. The harried Realtor scurrying between inspection and appraisal appointments while on the phone following up with the mortgage lender and title company, arranging bids, badgering the HOA for the late documents, reading disclosures and negotating repairs - all within the tight contractual deadlines.&nbsp; It wouldn't be pretty but would help dispel the perception of "easy job, easy money".</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:59:29 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2600105/i-don-t-need-no-stinkin-realtor http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2595640/if-you-are-thinking-of-buying-a-home-rein-in-your-holiday-spending <p>This great article from L.A. agent, Jane Peters, puts your Holiday shopping in perspective with your desire to buy a home.&nbsp; A 52 point drop to your credit score from opening a single charge card is significant enough that you may not qualify for a mortgage OR pay a higher interest rate.&nbsp; Am I suggesting that you put your holiday shopping on hold?&nbsp; Absolutely not, but SHOP SMART.</p> <div>Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2589764/if-you-are-thinking-of-buying-a-los-angeles-home-rein-in-your-holiday-spending">Jane Peters - Los Angeles Real Estate (310-473-6919) (Power Brokers Int'l)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p>You are excited about&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/buyers" title="Buying a Los Angeles Home">buying a Los Angeles home</a></strong>&nbsp;and have been very good about keep your credit<img title="If you are buying a Los Angeles Home rein in your mortgage" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/0/3/5/ar132052205153027.jpg" height="375" alt="Mortgage House" width="250"> immaculate. &nbsp;However the holiday season looms putting your<br>hard work in jeopardy.</p> <p>Your shopping list sits in front of you beckoning. &nbsp;You are probably not going to pay cash for all those gifts, or write a check. &nbsp;You may open store credit, apply for a new credit card, or simply jack up your balance on your existing credit card. Too many enquiries on your credit in a short period of time is going to cause your credit score to drop. &nbsp;Simple opening a new line of credit can cause your score to drop by 52 points and raising your credit card debt can also decrease your score by around 68.</p> <p>This drop in score can cause a potential homebuyer to miss out on getting the best mortgage rate. If you are thinking of&nbsp;<strong>buying a Los Angeles home</strong>,&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://themortgagereports.com/" title="The Mortgage Reports">The Mortgage Reports</a>&nbsp;</strong>advises caution, especially during the holiday season. &nbsp;Don't open any new lines of credit, finance any expensive purchases, increase your credit limit, or make any other rash financial moves.</p> <h3><a href="http://www.homejane.com/los-angeles-home-search" title="Search Homes for Sale in Los Angeles">Search Los Angeles Homes for Sale</a></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate</h3> <p><a href="http://www.homejane.com/buyers" title="buying"><strong>Buying</strong></a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>selling a Los Angeles home</strong>&nbsp;can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you're new to L.A. Town. You'll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!</p> <p>When I list and&nbsp;<strong>sell Los Angeles homes</strong>&nbsp;for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.</p> <p>If you are an absentee owner, you'll need someone to handle all the details that you can't handle remotely. That's where I come in - I'm there when you can't be. I also specialize in&nbsp;<strong>lease property in Los Angeles.</strong></p> <p>Westside&nbsp;<strong>Los Angeles Real Estate,&nbsp;</strong>including, but not limited to:</p> <ul> <ul> <ul> <li> <strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/westwood-community" title="Westwood Real Estate">Westwood Real Estate</a></strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.homejane.com/westwood-homes-for-sale" title="Westwood Homes for Sale">Westwood single family homes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/westwood-condos-for-sale" title="Westwood Condos for Sale">Westwood condominiums</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/wilshire-corridor-condos-for-sale" title="Wilshire Corridor Condos for Sale">Wilshire Corridor condominiums</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/century-city-condos-for-sale" title="Century City Condos for Sale">Century City condominiums</a></em> </li> <li> <strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/brentwood-community" title="Brentwood Real Estate">Brentwood Real Estate</a></strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.homejane.com/brentwood-homes-for-sale" title="Brentwood Homes for Sale">Brentwood single family homes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/brentwood-condos-for-sale" title="Brentwood Condos for Sale">Brentwood condominiums</a></em> </li> <li> <strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/santa-monica-community" title="Santa Monica Real Estate">Santa Monica Real Estate</a></strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.homejane.com/santa-monica-homes-for-sale" title="Santa Monica Homes for Sale">Santa Monica single family homes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/santa-monica-condos-for-sale" title="Santa Monica Condos for Sale">Santa Monica condominiums</a></em> </li> <li> <a href="http://www.homejane.com/beverly-hills-community" title="Beverly Hills Real Estate "><strong>Beverly Hills Real Estate</strong>&nbsp;</a>-&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.homejane.com/beverly-hills-homes-for-sale" title="Beverly Hills Homes for Sale">Beverly Hills single family homes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/beverly-hills-condos-for-sale" title="Beverly Hills Condos for Sale">Beverly Hills condominiums</a></em> </li> <li> <a href="http://www.homejane.com/culver-city-community" title="Culver City Real Estate"><strong>Culver City Real Estate</strong></a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.homejane.com/culver-city-homes-for-sale" title="Culver city Homes for Sale">Culver City homes</a></em> </li> <li> <strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/about-silver-lake-community" title="Silver Lake Real Estate">Silver Lake Real Estate</a>&nbsp;-</strong><em>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homejane.com/silver-lake-homes-for-sale" title="Silver Lake Homes for Sale">Silver Lake single homes</a><br></em> </li> <li> <strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/echo-park-community" title="Echo Park Community">Echo Park Real Estate</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;</strong><em><a href="http://www.homejane.com/echo-park-homes-for-sale" title="Echo Park Homes for Sale">Echo Park homes</a></em> </li> </ul> </ul> </ul> <p>For more information on how I can best serve your&nbsp;<strong>Los Angeles real estate</strong>&nbsp;needs, don't hesitate to fill out the&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/contact" title="Contact Jane Peters">contact form</a></strong>&nbsp;or give me a call at&nbsp;<strong>310-473-6919</strong>.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jane Peters, connecting you to the L.A. real estate scene</p> <p>Buying or selling real estate in Los Angeles<span> can be an overwhelming process.&nbsp; Contact <a href="http://www.homejane.com/jane-peters.html" title="Los Angeles Real Estate"><strong>Jane Peters</strong></a>, Los Angeles realtor specializing in <a href="http://www.homejane.com/sellers" title="Selling your Los Angeles Home"><strong>absentee owners</strong></a>, <a href="http://www.homejane.com/info/buyer-tips" title="Relocating to Los Angeles"><strong>out of town buyers</strong></a>, and those who need that <strong>extra attention</strong>, in order to make the transaction a smooth, trouble-free, and fun experience.</span></p> <p><span><strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/los-angeles-home-search" title="Search Homes for Sale in Los Angeles">Search Homes for Sale in Los Angeles</a></strong><br></span><strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/los-angeles-lifestyle-search" title="Los Angeles Lifestyle Home Search">Los Angeles Lifestyle Home Search<br></a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/search-beverly-hills-real-estate-listings" title="Search Homes for Sale in Beverly Hills">Search Homes for Sale in Beverly Hills</a>|<br></strong><strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/search-homes-for-sale-in-brentwood" title="Search Homes for Sale in Brentwood">Search Homes for Sale in Brentwood<br></a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.homejane.com/culver-city-home-search" title="Search Homes for Sale in Culver City">Search Homes for Sale in Culver City<br></a></strong><strong><a 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You Tube"><img title="follow Me on You Tube" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/1/7/0/ar130327672107167.png" height="64" alt="You Tube" width="64"></a><a href="http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&amp;hl=en&amp;rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS297&amp;=&amp;q=jane+peters+los+angeles+realtor&amp;aq=f&amp;aqi=&amp;aql=&amp;oq=" title="Google Me"><img title="Follow Me on Google" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/1/2/6/ar130327675162184.png" height="64" alt="Google" width="64"></a></p> </div> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a 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href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:07:38 -0800 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2595640/if-you-are-thinking-of-buying-a-home-rein-in-your-holiday-spending http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2576809/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-iii-the-kitchen <h3>This Part III of the journey of how <strong>one battered home became a beauty</strong> using the<strong> FHA 203k Renovation Loan</strong>.&nbsp; This post addresses the "sexy" part of the renovation - the kitchen!</h3> <h3><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2571699/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-i" title="Battered Home Becomes A Beauty, Part I"><strong>To discover where this journey started, read Part I</strong></a></h3> <h3><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2575333/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-ii" title="FHA Renovation Project Exterior">To view the exterior renovation on this home, read Part II</a></h3> <p>While the FHA 203k Renovation program is time and paperwork intensive, it is an amazing opportunity to give new life to a home and create your dream home in the process.&nbsp; The amazing part is that my buyer's down payment was <strong>3.5% of the entire project</strong> (cost to purchase + cost to renovate)!</p> <h3>This home was built in 1950 and the kitchen reflected the standards of the day:&nbsp;</h3> <p><img title="FHA Renovation Home Kitchen" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/1/6/2/ar131981411226168.jpg" height="800" alt="FHA Renovation Home Kitchen" width="208"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>a small kitchen with an equally small doorway from the dining area&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <span>one</span> outlet for appliances</li> </ul> <ul> <li>one very insufficient ceiling light fixture</li> </ul> <ul> <li>the exhaust fan above the stove was a hole in the ceiling with a slowly rotating fan</li> </ul> <ul> <li>chipped, yellow, old-school formica counters</li> </ul> <ul> <li>you get the idea....</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The first - and most dramatic - part of the kitchen renovation was to remove the wall and doorway between the dining area and the kitchen, creating a "great room" with the dining/living area.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Upgrading the electrical panel to the entire home was required to upgrade the kitchen to the standards needed for current use</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The chipped yellow formica counters were removed and measured for new, beautiful Silestone counters</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The single ceiling light fixture was replaced with 5 recessed lights. Pendant lights above the counter were installed after the photo</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Dedicated electrical outlets were installed for all of the major appliances as required by current code plus a lot more for appliances</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The hole-in-the-ceiling exhaust fan was removed and replaced with an above-the-stove microwave with built-in exhaust fan.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>An unexpected benefit was that the piping for a gas stove was already in place behind the wall!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>In addition to the new microwave, the renovation included a new refrigerator and gas stove</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Pantry style cupboards were added on both sides of the refrigerator to compensate for the cupboards removed with the wall.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The ceilings and walls were re-textured and are ready for paint</li> </ul> <h3>Ta da! The outdated (ugly), claustrophic kitchen is transformed to an open, updated modern kitchen!</h3> <h3>If you want to create your dream home using the FHA 203k Renovation loan in Contra Costa county, California, I can guide you through the process.</h3> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:34:58 -0700 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2576809/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-iii-the-kitchen http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2575333/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-ii <h3>This Part II of the journey of how <strong>one battered home became a beauty</strong> using the<strong> FHA 203k Renovation Loan</strong>.</h3> <h3><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2571699/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-i" title="Battered Home Becomes A Beauty, Part I"><strong>To discover where this journey started, read Part I</strong>.</a></h3> <h3>While the FHA 203k Renovation program is time and paperwork intensive, it is an amazing opportunity to give a home new life and create your dream home in the process.&nbsp; The amazing part is that my client's down payment was <em>3.5% down of the</em> <em>entire project</em> (cost to purchase + cost to renovate)!</h3> <p><strong><img title="FHA Renovation Home Exterior" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/2/2/0/ar131972861002218.jpg" height="800" alt="FHA Renovation Home Exterior" width="215"></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Replaced the non-functioning hot water heater with a Tankless hot water heater.&nbsp; This allowed sufficient extra space to create a functional laundry area.</h3> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Added drainage to direct water from the downspouts away from the foundation</h3> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <h3>New roof and gutters</h3> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <h3>New attic insulation, sealed ducts and sealed building envelope (windows and doors) - big savings on future utility bills!&nbsp;</h3> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <h3>Removed the overgrown Palm tree that was a rodent bridge to the attic</h3> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <h3>New sewer clean-out</h3> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <h3>Wonderful new 12 x 14 deck.&nbsp; Previously this home only had access to the back yard and patio through the garage</h3> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <h3>New French Doors to the deck (the purple paint in the room is soon to go!)</h3> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2576809/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-iii-the-kitchen" title="FHA Renovation Project Kitchen">Part III is the "sexy" part of this Renovation - the kitchen!</a></h3> <h3>If you want to create your dream home using the FHA 203k Renovation loan in Contra Costa county, California, I can guide you through the process.</h3> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:51:13 -0700 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2575333/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-ii http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2571699/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-i <h3>This is the journey of how <strong>one battered home became a beauty</strong> using the<strong> FHA 203k Renovation Loan</strong>.</h3> <p>Let me give you a little background.&nbsp; My client, an absolutely delightful woman who will be retiring in one year wanted to purchase a small, single story home that she could afford on her retirement income and was reasonably close to her grandchildren.&nbsp; We viewed homes for over 7 months, made 5 offers and were out-bid by cash buyers each time.&nbsp; It was time for a change in strategy - purchase a battered home and make it a beauty using the FHA Renovation Loan.</p> <p>It's true that this program is time and paperwork intensive and not for the faint of heart, but wait until you see the results!</p> <p><img title="FHA Renovation Home original photos" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/8/3/5/ar131955678153888.jpg" height="540" alt="FHA Renovation Home original photos" width="249"></p> <h3>This is where we started....an 890 s.f., 2 bedroom, bank-owned home that had three positive attributes:&nbsp; structurally sound with dual pane windows and original hardwood floors.&nbsp; The list of problems was much longer:</h3> <ul> <li>the roof and gutters were at the end of their useful life</li> <li>the insulation was so old that it had turned to dust (it was literally vacuumed out of the attic)</li> <li>an overgrown Palm tree was acting as a rodent bridge to the attic</li> <li>the electrical was original, outdated, insufficient for current needs and had been spliced and repaired so poorly that it was a hazard</li> <li>the hot water heater was broken</li> <li>the downspouts were draining to the foundation</li> <li>there was no sewer cleanout</li> <li>the exterior of the home hadn't been sealed or painted in <em>years</em> </li> <li>the closet in the small bedroom had been turned into a 2nd bathroom and a psuedo-closet had been constructed (another poor DIY project of a previous homeowner)</li> </ul> <h3>The kitchen had a slew of issues:</h3> <ul> <li>Very small and out-dated with a narrow door from the dining area</li> <li> <em>One</em> ceiling light fixture</li> <li> <em>One</em> electric outlet (hm, do you plug in the microwave, the coffee maker or the toaster?)</li> <li>the exhaust over the stove was a hole in the ceiling with an old-school fan</li> <li>original, chipped, yellow formica counters</li> <li>One piece of good news - the cupboards were in decent shape!</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;The home has a large back yard that is adjacent to Open Space but the only access to the yard was through the garage.</p> <p>The retaining wall (the fence is on top of it) was starting to lean.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We visited the home several times, made our list of repairs and anticipated costs and added 20% for potential issues we couldn't see (and thank goodness we did!).&nbsp; My client took a leap of faith that this battered home could become a beauty and submitted an offer to the bank.&nbsp; <em>Our offer was declined</em>.</p> <p>&nbsp;I told my client, "Don't worry, an investor won't buy this house because it requires too much work.&nbsp; We'll let the bank sit on it for awhile."&nbsp; Two months later, we submitted our offer again and this time it was accepted.</p> <h3><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2575333/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-ii" title="FHA Renovation Project Exterior">Part II - photos of the renovation in progress, Exterior</a></h3> <h3><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2576809/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-iii-the-kitchen" title="FHA Renovation Project Kitchen">Part III - The Kitchen renovation</a></h3> <h3>If you want to create your dream home using the FHA 203k Renovation loan in Contra Costa county, California, I can guide you through the process.</h3> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:20:37 -0700 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2571699/battered-home-becomes-a-beauty-using-the-fha-203k-renovation-loan-part-i http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2551061/do-clients-choose-their-agent-based-on-the-car-they-drive- <p><img title="Toyota Prius" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/2/6/4/ar131834699746256.jpg" height="154" alt="Toyota Prius" width="200"></p> <p>I recently broke the "Agent's Car = Agent's Success" chains of bondage and purchased a Prius.&nbsp; I get it, it's not a sexy car (just asked my husband who literally BEGGED me to buy another Mercedes) but the lure of 45 - 50 mpg and reducing my carbon footprint was a siren song that I couldn't resist.&nbsp;&nbsp; My Prius fits four adults comfortably, has leather seats, premium sound, cool touch-screen for navigation, climate control, etc. It's true that the tires look like puffy doughnuts but I'll accept that in exchange for the smooth ride and $300 <em>per month</em> gas savings I've already realized.&nbsp; In my opinion, it's the perfect Realtor car given the crazy number of miles we drive.</p> <p>My bold and daring (practical) purchase started a series of unexpected conversations with other agents,&nbsp; "I wanted to buy a hybrid car too, but aren't you worried that clients won't realize you're successful if you drive a Prius?" <strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Do clients choose their agent based on the car they drive?</strong>&nbsp; I think that some clients do.&nbsp; Success attracts success and cars tend to be the most obvious reflection.&nbsp; Since my Prius purchase was a choice, I think I should buy a custom license plate frame that says, "Purchased By Choice, Not Necessity".&nbsp; No, it needs to be more funny. Any suggestions?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:48:18 -0700 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2551061/do-clients-choose-their-agent-based-on-the-car-they-drive- http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2490180/the-gift-of-my-sister <p><img title="Sisters hugging" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/3/8/2/ar1315154028384.jpg" height="282" alt="Sisters hugging" width="360">I met my sister when she was 9 and I was 11.&nbsp; We each had very annoying brothers (they have since improved enormously) and decided the very day we met that we had to get her mother and my father married as soon as possible.&nbsp; We actually spent the day scheming to get it done and felt quite smug when a few short months later the wedding happened.&nbsp; We learned years later that we weren't even introduced until the relationship between our parents was well underway but for a time we felt all-powerful.&nbsp;</p> <p>From that day forward, my sister has been a gift in my life;&nbsp; a co-conspirator against the sibs and a best friend.&nbsp;</p> <p>We attended college on opposites coasts - I went to the state of Washington for college and she went to Maine -&nbsp; and remained on opposite coasts as we built our lives and careers.&nbsp; At one point, we went 5 years without seeing each other but never lost the "sister link".&nbsp;</p> <p>A few months ago, my sister called and said she applied for a job in California.&nbsp; I tried not to be hopeful in case it didn't work out but the chance of having my sister and her family within driving distance for the first time in 30 years made it hard to tamp down hope.</p> <p>Today my husband and I are driving a mere one hour to spend the afternoon with my sister and her family at their new California home. &nbsp; 51 miles versus 3000 miles.&nbsp; My best friend is now local.&nbsp; I'll bet we get in trouble again for whispering and giggling at the dinner table.&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <h2><img title="Wendy Cutrufelli" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/9/8/8/ar127629793888988.jpg" height="119" alt="Wendy Cutrufelli" width="100"></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong><br></strong></span></h2> <h2><span><strong>Wendy Cutrufelli</strong><br>Broker Associate<br>925.917.1135</span></h2> <p><em><span>The positions on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Alain Pinel Realtors' positions, strategies or opinions.</span></em></p> <h3> <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-buying-tips/" title="Home Buying Tips">Home Buying Tips</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/category/home-selling-tips/" title="Home Selling Tips">Home Selling Tips</a> </h3> <p><strong>Search for Contra Costa Homes by City:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/alamo/" title="Alamo">Alamo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/antioch/" title="Antioch">Antioch Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/bay-point/" title="Bay Point">Bay Point Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/blackhawk/" title="Blackhawk">Blackhawk Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/brentwood/" title="Brentwood">Brentwood Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/clayton/" title="Clayton">Clayton Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/concord/" title="Concord">Concord Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/danville/" title="Danville">Danville Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/diablo/" title="Diablo">Diablo Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/discovery-bay/" title="Discovery Bay">Discovery Bay Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/lafayette/" title="Lafayette">Lafayette Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/martinez/" title="Martinez">Martinez Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/moraga/" title="Moraga">Moraga Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/oakley/" title="Oakley">Oakley Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/orinda/" title="Orinda">Orinda Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pleasant-hill/" title="Pleasant Hill">Pleasant Hill Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/pittsburg/" title="Pittsburg">Pittsburg Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/san-ramon/" title="San Ramon">San Ramon Real Estate</a> | <a href="http://contracostarealestateresource.com/contra-costa-communities/walnut-creek/" title="Walnut Creek">Walnut Creek Real Estate</a></p> <h3><em><span><br></span></em></h3> </div> Wendy Cutrufelli, Contra Costa Realtor (Alain Pinel Realtors) Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:34:57 -0700 http://sellingcontracostahomes.com/post/2490180/the-gift-of-my-sister