Walnut Creek Homes

Why would you rent ?

2008-01-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

I know things seem tough out there. Every time you listen to the news or pick up a newspaper you read about gloom. The housing market is in its worst phase. The price of homes are at its lowest in 10 - 15 - 20 years. We might not have reached bottom yet. Foreclosures are rampant, and my favorite " we could go into a recession". I guess I will wait for the market to get better before I buy a house. I know that if I have to sell my home, I would rather you buy when the market is stronger, not weak. So where does that leave the renter? Rents are up 9% and climbing. What would it take for me to get off the fence and consider buying a home. It does not have to be a house or townhouse but maybe just a condo. The goal is own something.

There are large groups of people (investors) that hoard money and wait for just these signs to buy investment properties. If you think about it, wouldn't these conditions spell out the best and for some the only time to buy a home. To boot we have some of the lowest interest rates in history. We are in prime position to pick the right home because of inflated inventories. And with most homes I can buy with some kind of incentive. If I wait for the right time, I might not be in the driver seat anymore. Just something to think about.

Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com

Open today September 15th from 1-4 Great House, Neighborhood and School District

2007-09-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Luis Ramiez-Agudelo | Oakhurst Properties | (925) 567-6763

1 Sheryl Court, Pleasant Hill, CA

Beautiful home on the Walnut Creek border. Walk to Lunardi’s, Palos Verde Mall and local schools.

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $739,000

Year Built	1977
Sq Footage	1,794
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	9,200 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful home on the Walnut Creek border. Walk to Lunardi’s, Palos Verde Mall and local schools. Recently updated: new roof, exterior paint, interior paint, flooring, interior doors, bathrooms, kitchen and skylights throughout, home looks great. Huge kitchen-family room combo. Open 9/15 1-4.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Granite countertop	Attic
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Guest parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

R/V parking, Cul-de-sac location, walk to Pleasant Hill Elementary or Mary Jane's Pre-School

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Luis Ramiez-Agudelo

Oakhurst Properties

(925) 567-6763

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 13, 2007, 10:17am PDT

Home owner . . . Investor.

2007-09-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Owning a home helps you establish financial credibility. Owning your own home provides you with independence and more privacy than renting. You are free to paint walls, plant flowers, keep pets and anything else within legal bounds. As you make more payments and own more of your home, you add to its investment value. Most improvements you make will also add to its value. A home reflects its owner's values and lifestyle. Owning a home can provide you with a source of pride, enjoyment and satisfaction. A home can provide security against inflation because the value of your home increases as prices go up. Being established in a community provides a sense of belonging, stability and security. Finally most people find that the interest on your mortgage loan is deductible on your yearly personal income tax return. Many of the closing costs associated with purchasing your home are deductible, as are your property taxes.

All of these ideas are great for most Americans out there. I am looking for the investor or would be investor. The future investor is someone who has bought a condominium, Townhouse or small starter home many years ago and has realized a huge appreciation. The second step is to decide to move ahead. Sell or rent your place and move to a larger house. There is no better time to move up than now! Most people have at one point or another dreamed of a nicer, bigger, safer home in a better school district.

By doing this you accomplish two things, A better home for you and your family and a tangible retirement plan. To me the stock market is too volatile and of course Real Estate seems a little unstable too but if I had to pick between Stocks and Real Estate there is no question I would pick Land over an IPO. The only time Real Estate is risky is when you sell in a down market. I suggest not to sell at these times, just as any stock broker would not suggest to buy high . . . sell low, makes no sense.

This of course is not just a thought I decided to share with all but a testimonial. My first place was a Townhouse. I purchased it in 1998 for $210,000. After a couple of years I refinanced it, pulled some equity out rented the Townhouse and bought a house. Earlier this year I had the Townhouse appraised and was told that because of location it is worth $640,000. It is always rented and it rents positive every month. My idea for investors is simple, start small and make decisions based on researched data. The Motto “Location, location, location” still rings true in any part of the country. All you have to do is decide if you want to take control of your retirement yourself or leave it up to a stocks or a hedge fund.

I know that I would love to answer any questions that the future investor has on proceeding with this idea. There are also many Realtors and advisers in your part of U.S. willing to help and advise. Make sure you find someone established.

http://www.walnutcreekhomes.com/ (925) 567- 6763

What a life . . . Walnut Creek is a great place to live in

2007-08-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

The way the market is, there are many things to write about. I could reflect on the different op inions about the Real Estate market from so called experts. I choose to admire the beautiful place we live in. The trees and garden are starting to change. It is hot in the day and little cool at night. The kids have started school and you realize how much you miss them . . . at least I do. Maybe sometimes we take life for granted and don't realize all we have done and all we have. I think that if we all spoke only about the positives in our lives, our lives can only get better.

I have a good friend of mine that recently returned from Iraq. Today he had his first baby girl. I remember the joy I felt when my son was born. Lily Grace 8lb. 4oz. Is welcomed by all. Happy Birthday Lily Grace and congratulation to Chelsea and Joe.

I wrote a blog before about getting back to basics. You can't get any basic than birth. I am glad for the friendship with Chelsea and Joe. They make me remember things that sometimes I take for granted. This is a great time to be alive and to be an American.

Somewhere in this world there is someone not as fortunate as you are. It would be a sin not to embrace what is in front of you. Just like many cities around the United States and the world my slice of the pie is absolutely beautiful. I hope I wasn't rambling.

My son's first day of school

http://www.walnutcreekhomes.com/

Home for sale in Sacramento

2007-08-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Offered at $275,000.

4 Bedroom . . . 2 Bathroom on large .24 acre lot

2425 TAB COURT, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825

Great home for a large family . . . huge yard. Home located on a cul-de-sac near all downtown perks, public transit, high school and shopping. Great up and coming neighborhood, when you drive around you see pride of ownership. A really good location for the price.

Call to view (925) 567-6763. Thank you.

Hablamos Espanol

Lets get down to basics.

2007-08-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

By now it must be difficult to consider buying a home. With all the news of a falling market and banks going under. I can understand that people are apprehensive. In a lot of the markets across the United States the value of homes are back to what they were in the late 90’s early 2000’s. If over the past 7 years you contemplated buying a house . . . This is your time.
When I first bought my house, I did it for the security of having and controlling a roof over my head. Sure, I was interested in it’s investment potential put that was not my reason for buying. I was going to stay put for a while and wanted something to call mine. Almost a decade later I was glad I bought since it has appreciated handsomely over the years.
The reason for anyone to buy has never changed just maybe distorted a bit. To me a responsible home buyer is a person in the pursuit of the American dream. You buy a house with a least 20 percent down payment . . . Your monthly payment is fixed and affordable . . . And you plan to stay there until you retire. I think we need to get back to basics.
Regardless of where the market is a sellers or a buyers, I will still own Real Estate. If you have any questions on whether this is a good time buy or sell call or e-mail anytime . . . I would love to hear from you.

Deja para conseguir abajo a los fundamentos.

2007-08-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ahora debe ser difícil considerar la comprar de un hogar. Con todas las noticias de un mercado que cae y de los bancos que van debajo. Puedo entender que la gente es aprensiva. En muchos de los mercados a través de los Estados Unidos el valor de hogares está de nuevo a cuál él era en los últimos años 90 principios de 2000' S. Si sobre los últimos 7 años comtemplabas la comprar de una casa. Éste es tu tiempo.
Cuando primero compré mi casa, la hice para la seguridad del tener y de controlar una azotea sobre mi cabeza. Seguro, estaba interesado en el potencial de la inversión puesto que no era mi razón de comprar. Iba a permanecer puesto durante algún tiempo y deseado algo llamar mío. Casi una década a pasado y estoy alegre que mi compra se ha apreciado hermoso sobre los años.
La razón para que cualquier persona compre nunca ha cambiado apenas torcido quizá un pedacito. A mí un comprador casero responsable es una persona en la búsqueda del sueño americano. Compras una casa con una menos señal de 20 por ciento. Tu cuota es fija y comprable. Y planeas permanecer allí hasta que te retiras. Pienso que necesitamos conseguir de nuevo a fundamentos.
Sin importar donde está el mercado los vendedores o los compradores, inmóvil poseo las propiedades inmobiliarias. Si tienes cualesquiera preguntas encendido si esto es una buena compra del tiempo o llamada o E-mail de la venta en caulquier momento. Amaría oír de ti

It is going to get harder to buy a Home.

2007-08-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

What it takes to buy a home today and what it will take next year is going to be a huge difference. As the stock market continues to have problems, home mortgages are going to be harder to be approved for. The first time buyer is going to be re-established. The criterior for being pre-approved by a lender is tighting every day. Alot of potential home buyers were qualified yesterday but will not be approved today. It will be even hard tomorrow.

Va a conseguir más difícilmente comprar un hogar.

2007-08-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Qué toma para comprar un hogar hoy y qué tomará el año próximo va a ser una diferencia enorme. A medida que la bolsa continúa teniendo problemas, las hipotecas caseras van a ser más duras ser aprobado prestamo. La primera vez que el comprador va a ser reestablecido. El criterior para ser pre-aprobado por un prestamista es mas dificil diario. Muchos de los compradores caseros potenciales fue calificado ayer pero no será aprobado hoy. Será incluso duro mañana.

Short sale in Concord

2007-08-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Luis Ramirez-Agudelo OakhurstProperties
(925) 567-6763

4081 Clayton Road, Concord, CA

2 Bdrm /1 bath Condo

offered at $245,000 MLS 40288555
Year Built 1972
Sq Footage 868
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 1 Covered spaces
Lot Size Common space
HOA/Maint $320 per month

DESCRIPTION
Very clean end unit with private balcony. Third floor of a secure building. Perfect commuter location. Walk to shopping. Great for investor or first time buyer.Hablamos Espanol.

PROPERTY FEATURES

Dining room
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Stove/Oven
Yard
Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES
Covered parking
Guest parking
Clubhouse

Laundry on-site
Swimming pool(s)
Secured entry
Elevator
Wheelchair access

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Great commuter location
Walk to shopping

Seller contact info:
Luis Ramiez-Agudelo
Oakhurst Properties

(925) 567-6763
For sale by agent/broker

Www.WalnutCreekHomes.com

Hablamos Espanol

Características de la inversión

2007-08-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

Veo mucho "inversionistas" que buscan fuera de características del estado. Todavía creo que puedes crear un imperio en un mercado local, y no preocuparse si tu inversión se maneja a la derecha. Veo repartos subir casi diario. Hay tan cualquier hogar en el borde o en ejecución de una hipoteca. La mayor parte de estos hogares tienen equidad que no se pueda golpear ligeramente por el dueño del hogar.

Conexión a Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com para más información.

Compradores. ¿Cercas a jinetes, dónde te caes adentro?

2007-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Compradores. ¿Cercas a jinetes, dónde te caes adentro? El Internet y ciertas publicaciones son un gran recurso para las respuestas a las preguntas al comprar o vendiendo un hogar. La diferencia entre un comprador y un "jinete de la cerca" es conocimiento. Cuando mirar las propiedades inmobiliarias en California una debe considerar eso que compra un hogar para la mayoría es una inversión a largo plazo. Hay dos tipos de mercados. Un comprador y un vendedor, sucedemos estar en el mercado de un comprador. La carta siguiente demuestra el índice de la vuelta según lo representado por la asociación de California de Realtors.

La única vez que cuando es el precio es una consideración cuando compra o vende. A este punto, la regla del pulgar es compra en el mercado y la venta de un comprador en un vendedor. Para el consumidor que no es seguro en qué tendencia del mercado somos adentro, una fuente creíble de las noticias es provechosa. Pienso que un Realtor local en el área para la consideración es lo más mejor posible conveniente saber el mercado y que tiende en esa área. El área es una consideración importante al examinar una localización. No todas las vecindades son semejantes tú tienen precio, el districto de la escuela, la proximidad a los caminos importantes, amenidades locales, economía e incluso tiempo. En el mismo día Antioch podría tener temperaturas en los años 90 y San Francisco podría ser 65. La carta siguiente demuestra el pronóstico económico para California. Todos estos aspecto son consideraciones para los compradores caseros.

En las propiedades inmobiliarias "localización, la localización, localización" es el lema. La mayoría de la gente compra hogares para la seguridad del tener una azotea sobre su cabeza y de realizar "el sueño americano". Todos estas cartas y gráficos son grandes pero son inútiles si un comprador potencial falta todas las muestras que esperaban para comprar un hogar. Hay también ciertos criterios que necesitan ser establecidos. El precio del hogar o cuál es comprable, y más directamente, qué voluntad mensual del pago de hipoteca tengo. ¿Cuáles son las necesidades de mi familia? ¿Cuántos dormitorios? Y en viviera qué localización quisiera que. Nadie persona puede predecir para seguro lo que sostiene el mercado de propiedades inmobiliarias para nosotros en el futuro. Sé para seguro que poseería algo que me alquilo y que mi hogar valdrá más cuando lo vendo que cuando lo compré. ¡Pienso que los ajustes la mayoría de la gente, tú necesidad justa de conseguir poseer comenzado ahora!

Conexión a Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com para más información.

Ventas cortas. Ejecuciones de una hipoteca. . . Se congela el infierno !

2007-08-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Nunca he visto muestras mejores de los hogares del descuento que compraban en todas las áreas. La cantidad de ventas cortas y de ejecuciones de una hipoteca está escalonando. Esto sería un gran rato para un comprador responsable de comprar dentro de sus medios.

Conexión a Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com para más información.

Necesidades del comprador

2007-08-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Necesidades del comprador
Necesidades de los compradores Para vender las propiedades inmobiliarias adentro del el Condado de Contra Costa que pienso que necesitamos conocer a nuestro cliente. El comprador es hoy en día lo que todos estamos intentando atraer. Hay asigna de los aspectos para que un comprador decida sobre comprar. Lo que sigue es lo que pienso son los diez factores que deciden superiores para los compradores.

1. Districto de la localización, de la vecindad y de la escuela.
2. Precio o gama de precio, más importantemente cuota.
3. Aspecto del hogar, súplica del encintado.
4. El flujo de su plan de la disposición o de piso.
5. Número de dormitorios y de cuartos de baño.
6. Cuánto trabajo necesita ser hecho para maximizar su potencial
7. Tamaño de la cantidad de la porción y del cuadrado de la casa.
8. El timeline que tengo que moverme dentro.
9. Amenidades y características.
10. Detalles sobre la comunidad.

Estos artículos, más mí soy seguro que alguna gente tiene diferente desea y las necesidades, golpe la mayoría de los compradores. Las únicas condiciones que harían todos nuestros trabajos más fáciles son necesidad y deseo de la necesidad. Con toda la prensa negativa la compra casera recibe, yo está sorprendida que cualquier hogar está vendido siempre. No es una cuestión de si pero cuando esta depresión de la cubierta terminará. Busco pronósticos y el Internet para conseguir un mejor leído en un área. Algunas localizaciones despiden detrás más rápidamente que otras. Hay muchas fuentes útiles en la formación de una opinión. Pienso que estamos casi fuera de esto abajo damos vuelta en el mercado. Si soy un renter, necesito ahora actuar si desear ser un dueño casero.

Buyer needs

2007-08-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

To sell Real Estate in Contra Costa County I think we need to know our client. Nowadays the buyer is what we all are trying to attract. There are allot of aspects for a buyer to decide on buying. The following is what I think are the top ten deciding factors for buyers.

1. Location, neighborhood and school district.
2. Price or price range, more importantly monthly payment.
3. Appearance of the home, curb appeal.
4. The flow of its layout or floor plan.
5. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
6. How much work needs to be done to maximize its potential.
7. Size of lot and square footage of house.
8. The timeline I have to move.
9. Amenities and features
10. Details about the community.

These items , plus I am sure that some people have different wants and needs, hit most buyers. The only conditions that would make all our jobs easier is need necessity and desire. With all the negative press home buying receives, I am surprised any home is ever sold. It is not a question of if but when this housing slump will end. I look for forecasts and the Internet to get a better read on a area. Some locations bounce back faster than others. There are many sources useful in forming an opinion. I think we are almost out of this down turn in the market. If I am a renter, I need to act now if want to be a home owner.

Selling a home ain't easy . . .

2007-08-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

This market is not for the faint of heart. The biggest challenges are for sellers and their agents. With very few exceptions, all sellers need to learn to adapt to market conditions. This is not the same market we had two or three years ago. A lot of sellers feel it might be easier to sell their house themselves . . . “Easier said . . . then done”.

The challenges we all face with sellers is simple. A seller will logically want to cling to a home price when it was at its peak. As much as we would all like to sell for as much as the neighbor did a couple of years ago, we must follow the market trends. When doing a listing presentation the conversation of price comes up. The seller usually has an emotionally charged price in mind and I may have an educated researched alternative. If the difference is more than 10% then we need to have a heart to heart about price. As a Realtor and a professional my job is to get the most for my client, with that said if the price is unobtainable, there is potential for a waste of time and effort for both client and agent. I think that a large part of the excess inventory is attributed to overzealous pricing. I hope that we as professionals can find solutions where both Buyer and Seller come out ahead satisfactory.

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Buyers . . . Fence riders, where do you fall in?

2007-08-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Both the internet and certain publications are a great resource for answers to questions when buying or selling a home. The difference between a buyer and a "fence rider" is knowledge. When looking at Real Estate in California one must consider that buying a home for the majority is a long term investment. There are two types of markets. . . A Buyer's and a Seller's, we happen to be in a Buyer's market. The following chart shows the rate of return as depicted by the California Association of Realtors.

The only time when price is a consideration is when buying or selling. At this point the, rule of thumb is purchase in a Buyer's market and sell in a Seller's. For the consumer who is not sure in what market trend we are in, a credible news source is helpful. I think a local Realtor in the area for consideration is best apt to know the market and trends in that area. Area is a major consideration when surveying a location. Not all neighborhoods are alike you have price, school district, proximity to major roadways, local amenities, economy and even weather. On the same day Antioch could have temperatures in the 90's and San Francisco could be 65. The following chart shows economic Forecast for California. All these aspect are considerations for home buyers.

In Real Estate "Location, Location, Location" is the motto. Most people buy homes for the security of having a roof over their head and realizing "The American Dream". All of these charts and graphs are great but they are useless if a potential buyer misses all the signs they were waiting for to purchase a home. There are also certain criteria's that need to be established. The price of the home or what is affordable, and more directly, what monthly mortgage payment will I have. What are the needs of my family? How many bedrooms? And in what location I would like to live. No one person can predict for certain what the Real Estate market holds for us in the future. I do know for sure that I would rather own than rent and that my home will be worth more when I sell it than when I bought it. I think that fits most people, you just need to get started owning now!

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Short Sales . . . Foreclosures . . . Hell is frozen

2007-07-11T11:43:00.001-07:00

I have never seen better signs of buying discount homes in all areas. The amount of short sales and foreclosures is staggering. This would be a great time for a responsible buyer to buy within their means.

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Buying or Selling with Mortgage Assistance

2007-06-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

There are so many tools out there specifically made for First time Buyers.

I was recently certified for a mortgage assistance program that would help you make your monthly payments for two years. How this works is the seller, either on a resale or a builder, instead of dropping the price of a home puts an amount in a sort of escrow account that the buyer receives every month for two years. This two year window allows the buyer to be able to receive a negotiated amount ranging from $250.00 to $1,000.00 a month whilst fixing or refining his or her credit. The two year window is used ideally for fixing credit or hopefully to raise some equity for a better loan scenario on a refinance.

This could be a great tool for Buyers as well as a great incentive for Sellers!

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Buyers market

2007-06-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

I still see a lot of Sellers keeping to a particular price for their listing. In a buyers market, Sellers should know that they have to adjust price for market trends. If you are trying to sell a home at a top price, it better be in great shape. In my area if you have not sold in 90 days you need to adjust price. Many Realtors are afraid to have that conversation with their client.

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Investment Properties

2007-06-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

I see alot of "Investors" looking for out of state properties. I still believe you can create an empire in a local market, and not worry if your investment is managed right. I see deals come up almost everyday. There are so any homes on the verge or in foreclosure. Most of these homes have equity that can't be tapped by the owner of the home.

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Riding the "Fence" of Home Ownership

2007-06-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Every time I pick up the newspaper, I read conflicting reports about Real Estate. I feel it irresponsible that a newspaper one day can state a decline in the sale of homes, and the next, a leveling off of the market. As a Realtor, it is very important to my family and me what the true market trends are.
I know that a couple of things to be true there is a” Buyers" and a "Sellers" market. These conditions are dictated by Economic terms like supply and demand. We also have established times of a year that are inherently better than others to sell a home are. Between May and September is better than November and January. It seems that headlines are gotten if you can shock the public. It is a "Buyers" market but there are other contributing factors to home buying and selling. Interest rates, location, job markets, rents and consumer knowledge are some.
Riding the fence describes the future homebuyer waiting to buy a home. The first time homebuyer looks for the biggest, cheapest, lowest interest rate and best neighborhood with a view of all the city and mountains home. Realistically, I think only the likes of Donald Trump or Bill Gates are realizing those dreams. For the majority of homebuyers the fact that they are buying a home of their own should be good enough; if the home has investment potential, that is just icing on cake.
I live and work in the Walnut Creek Bay Area. I think our local conditions are completly different from those of someone two or three thousand miles away. There is no better time than the present to buy a home.

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.

Market Trends

2007-06-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Market in the East Bay

Christmas in June.

Log on to Luis@WalnutCreekHomes.com for more information.