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February: IN THIS NEWSLETTER |
- Financing
- Green Real Estate
- Coming Soon
- Sales in Your Neighborhood
- Resources for Buyers and Sellers
- Lots Going On
A true effect to our real estate market for both Buyers and Sellers is the financing that is available now and that it could disappear within the next very few months.
- The interest rates are expected to increase in March. Everyone is talking about this with a guess as to just how much (1/2 %, or even up to 1%). Rates are low now but not for long.
- There is no discussion to extend the first time buyer credit program. This has been a boost to sales but we are told it is gone end of April. There is a provision for 2nd homebuyers and that will disappear.
- FHA qualifications, monthly mortgage insurance and owner concessions are all changing, the policies are being changed - almost daily. We have a low inventory of property to sell and have plenty of buyers, which dictates a sellers market.
Over at the City of Berkeley Planning department Offices, while waiting in line to use their micro fish to research a property (you too can do this if you are interested); I found plenty of pamphlets that caught my eye. Since becoming a certified GREEN agent, I am more conscious of energy costs or sustainable developments. The statistics are remarkable, like, it takes about 3 gallons of oil per day to sustain our lifestyles. More than 1 quart of that goes towards plastics we use every day-worse is that plastic is unrecoverable, ends up in landfills and waterways. Plastics are not biodegradable. They do break down in sunlight into smaller and smaller bits, but it is still plastic. A program for Berkeley/Albany residents for free weatherization service is available. This can include minor home repair services. You should call 981-7770 for more information.
And to Contractors: building permits will not be issued to contractors who do not possess a valid 2010 business license.
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RESOURCES FOR
BUYERS AND SELLERS |
Sales History By Zip Codes
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A lovely, recently built condo at 1392 Henry (one of 3 brown shingle units) and will be officially on the market February 16. Asking price is $785,000. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths on 3 levels and bay views from the decks. The appliances are a Dynasty stove, Viking refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Bosch washer and dryer. The flooring is solid maple plank and bedrooms are carpeted. Special too is the interior access to the garage.
Contact Me for more details.
Super Bowl Sunday (congratulations Saints!), then Lincoln’s Birthday, wrapped up to be better known as President’s Day which is really for George Washington. As the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen, the holiday was celebrated on (the last full year of his presidency) on February 22.
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