East Bay Real Estate with Mary Smartt

By
Real Estate Agent - Lawton Associates / www.LawtonAssociates.com

ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS

2008 

Living in the East Bay for the last 15+ years, it seems like the powers that be are always talking about a revival of Jack London Square. And, it looks like it might actually be on the verge of happening!First, there is the highly anticipated California Harvest Hall, which is planned to be larges...
01/31/2008
As most people are now realizing, this is a terrific buyer's market--possibly the best buyer's market in over a decade. With home prices staying steady and even going down in parts of the Bay Area, now is a great time for first time homebuyers to to make a reasonable entry into the real estate ma...
01/28/2008
Yesterday, I blogged about getting ready for tax season by helping you decide whether to hire a CPA or do it yourself. Today, I'll provide some tips on getting yourself organized to make your work go smoothly. Of course, everyone's tax situation is different, but these are some basics to get you...
01/24/2008
Each month, I send my regular clients a selection of tips and advice on real estate, home ownership, finances and other life issues. This month, we focus on getting ready for tax season. Today in the blog, I will look at whether you should hire a CPA or do your taxes yourself and tomorrow I'll b...
01/23/2008
Last night, I was watching the Democratic Presidential Debate, and they discussed the topic of the subprime mortgage meltdown and the housing market. If my memory is correct, this was the first time I had seen the topic discussed in depth at any of the presidential primary debates. So, it made me...
01/16/2008
More and more people are becoming curious about reverse mortgages, and I am seeing an increase in coverage about them. I even see banks hanging big banners promoting their reverse mortgages to lure in new customers. But what are they, and are they right for you?If you are 62 or older and your hom...
01/15/2008
Okay, time for a few laughs on a Friday. One thing I love about being a Realtor is seeing all the ridiculous wording to describe less-than-attractive properties. You know the ones...the listings that describe a house as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and it turns out to be the most ordinary house o...
01/11/2008
January means tax season is upon us, and there is one aspect of real estate than can be quite confusing when it comes to filing your taxes. That is the California Real Estate Withholding requirements. Legally, sellers of real estate owe taxes on the sale, but it is a complicated process involving...
01/10/2008
Want to start the year off in a peaceful, calming manner? Who doesn't after several weeks of hectic holidays? Implementing some basic tips from the school of Feng Shui is a great way to begin 2008 surrounded by harmony.I'm sure you have heard of Feng Shui, so you probably know that it is far too ...
01/09/2008
Buying a condominium can be such a great deal and a very affordable way to enter the housing market. But, always look beyond the mortgage at your HOA dues and special assessments, making sure to figure them in to your real estate investment.Now most people know that you have to pay monthly Homeow...
01/02/2008
Rainer
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Mary Smartt

Smartt Moves with Mary Smartt
local_phone51(054) 759-7057
smartphone(510) 386-8636
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My thoughts, observations, and musings on the East Bay real estate market