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Benicia, CA Real Estate News

By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
The angst of short selling your Benicia home is real and makes homeowners underwater on their mortgages feel vulnerable.  That vulnerability can project itself to the others as anger, withdrawal from friends, shame, disappointment, and just downright awful. This is happening to friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers alike.  It is not something you want to think about, let alone talk about.  Your face may burn in silence, tears well in your eyes when alone from frustration and anger as to how did this happen, and your confidence battered. Short Sales will continue to part of our real estate landscape for years to come.  This is not going to go away.  There are just too many homeowners who need help. Today I read a very compelling story about a person who is in the financial field a...
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By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
This past weekend I received a call from a local homeowner who asked "What do I have to do to short sale my home".  Usually one of the first sentences I say is "Be prepared to give up your first born child".  In this case the potential seller adamantly exclaimed "Noooooo I won't do that!".  Ok then the foreclosure will happen that you told me has already started on your home. My next words were than you do not want to do a short sale.  The reason is, when you short sale your home, your lender will want the same information as if you were applying for a loan or loan modification. It is very rare (maybe a Wachovia short sale), when a lender will not want your past two years tax returns, most recent two months of checking and savings account, most recent two paychecks, financial statement,...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Renters- why we consider credit history   In qualifying prospects for rental properties, credit history is one of the more important factors in the decision.  Why is this?  After all, it’s not as if you are taking out a loan and could skip town with the cash. At Delgado Property Management, we consider credit history because credit history is a commonly accepted measure of financial responsibility.  The basic idea is that, if you develop a history of paying off debt as agreed, than it is more likely that you will continue to do so in the future.  So, good credit is an indication that you will consider timely payment of rent as important and will be reliable in making rent payments.   Of course, timely rent payments is very important to both us as property managers and to the homeowners ...
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By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
Benicia Short Sale Questions come up and people are searching for answers from any source they can find. Short Sales in Benicia are more prevalent now than ever.  IF you bought a home in the past 5-7 years ago you paid top dollar for a home.  Loans could be had for with little or no documentation to insure a homeowner could even pay for the home in 2010 or beyond.  Many of the loans are interest only, pick a pay and now the grim reaper is coming to collect. This might not have been so bad if the value of the homes did not decline so rapidly.  Any equity has been long gone.  You may have lost your job or hours reduced or no more overtime or a new child comes into the family or more debt is accumulated or a family member becomes ill and you to provide for them, or an illness has you off w...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Halloween in Benicia and Vallejo Halloween is a fun time of year for all and Benicia and Vallejo both participate in great ways.  From costume parades at local schools to afternoon trick-or-treat events at locations such as Southampton Shopping Center , to the Benicia annual Costume Contest and Parade this Saturday, there is something for everyone. Of course, be safe and don’t overlook some good tips like the ones compiled at Halloween-safety.com. But make sure to also have lots of fun and check into these local events and even the Halloween map of decorated homes: Spooky Fun In Benicia Benicia Main Street October events Vallejo events October Calendar Halloween map of Benicia homes I’ll be out taking my two sons trick-or-treating, so I’m sure that I'll be seeing everyone around town.  ...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Delgado Property Management is moving to First Street!   The new lease is signed and the walls are getting painted, the carpet is coming and all of the rest of the details are in the works.  We are moving to downtown!  We’ve enjoyed our current location near Benicia State Park but First Street really is the local business hub and it’s where we ought to be and it’s where we will be.   Our new address will be 917 First Street in a great location just across from Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific, the largest real estate firm in the area.  Since we ONLY provide property management and home rental services, we can compliment the skills and strengths of many of the real estate offices on First Street that focus on selling homes.    Our new location will increase our visibility to the public and...
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By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
Benicia Homes for Sale and Sold Market Report below indicates that our prices are higher than what price they are being sold for in the last 6 months.  Our inventory has decreased over the last few months, yet we have an inventory that starts with affordable to luxury homes right on the water in Benicia, CA.  Four months ago a single story home would not last on the market a week, now we have several gorgeous ones that would be ideal homes for any buyer. Interest rates are great so now is the time to get a home for the price you want and a payment that will be low for 30 years. Why wait? Benicia Homes for Sale and Market Report   Published Oct. 2011 Location : Benicia Avg Price For Sale & Sold    (Apr. 2011 - Sep. 2011) Price Range: $0 - No Limit SQFT Range: 0 - No Limit All Residentia...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Another attraction near Benicia - Redwood Valley Railway   In our continuing quest to find weekend entertainment within an easy drive of Benicia, we found the Redwood Valley Railway.   These small-scale steam engines will take you and your family on an open-air railroad journey through redwood tress in gorgeous Tilden Park.  Parking is free and for only a few dollars you purchase your tickets and the old- fashioned train station before the train chugs in.    Get your seats and hand over your ticket to the conductor so that he can punch the ticket before handing back your souvenir.  Listen to the whistle and see the steam billow from the engine as you begin your trip.  Through the redwoods you cross bridges and traverse tunnels as you are treated to both breathtaking views and also to cu...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Benicia California National Fire Prevention Week   Benicia started off National Fire Prevention Week with an open house at Fire Station 11.  National Fire Prevention Week is recognized as October 9-15, 201.   The Benicia Fire Department offers several tips for protection of your home and your family from fire. (As borrowed from Benicia Patch.com).  At Delgado Property Management we share these tips for your safety:   •              Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. •              Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. •              Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" aroun...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
    Benicia California's Joe Henderson School Country Fair Yesterday our family attended the Country Fair at Benicia’s Joe Henderson elementary school.  Let me tell you, it was a great event.   My child just started kindergarten so I hadn’t attended a Country Fair before but we will definitely be back!  There were many, many games such as a dunk tank, apple toss, jumpy houses, sack races and more.  There was live music that was very good as well as hot dogs and hamburgers for all.   There were many more events as well such as a silent auction and even pumpkin decorating.  I have to admit, I had never before seen a pumpkin with glitter!   Of course, since it was a fair, there was also cotton candy and sno-cones.   The event was organized by the Joe Henderson Parent Teacher Group.  All of...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Property Management Company reviews for Benicia California   Since Yelp has an annoying habit of filtering 5 star reviews when the reviewer is not a regular “Yelper,” I'm resurrecting the following Yelp review from the "filtered" screen so that it can see the light of day:   From Carole in Clayton:    I am a recently divorced single mom, who was looking for a rental home that suited myself and my two daughters.  As soon as I got in touch with Delgado Property Management, I was highly impressed with their quick response, and their desire to find a home that is right for me.  They are in this business for the customer, not themselves.  I worked with Adriana and she did an EXCELLENT job at meeting my needs, and exceeded all my expectations.  She made every request that I asked for happen, ...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Property Rental Company reviews for Benicia California   Since Yelp has an annoying habit of filtering 5 star reviews when the reviewer is not a regular “Yelper,” the following review is made public before it inevitably gets filtered away like our many other 5 star reviews:   From Anna in Concord:   What a great experience working with Veronica!  She is very professional and at the same time, very caring.  She cares about both the owners of the property and the renters.  She does the right thing for both.  I am very pleased to have chosen Delgado Property Management to manage my property.  Veronica tells you exactly what's expected from the owner and what to expect from her - I don't believe that I could have found a better management company.  I would definitely refer Delgado Property ...
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By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
A Benicia short sale got sold today and it was special to us this week. I do not typically write about the short sales my business partner I list and sell.  This one is very special as I wrote about it on July 20th and it was titled Wells Fargo Came Through.  We have had some really gnarly short sales this past month.  Enough for us to take turns dogging who ever to get the job done.  When we take turns the frustration level is reduced. In this Benicia Short Sale, we are rejoicing.  We were on the day of foreclosing and Wells Fargo pulled it back.  The people we worked with at Wells Fargo could not have been more professional and customer service oriented.  In fact, last week LeAnn sent a secure message asking if there was anything she could do or if I needed anything. SAY WHAT?? Now th...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Renting a home in Benicia   People rent homes in Benicia for a variety of reasons.  Benicia, located on the eastern "edge" of the San Francisco Bay Area is close to just about everything, from surfing to skiing to wine country to Big City to redwoods to on and on and on.  Benicia itself is host to a great school system, temperate weather, an historic and lively downtown "main street" business culture and more.    Yet, neighboring towns such as Martinez or Suisun could make similar (if not quite as good) claims for themselves.  So why is it that folks looking to rent prefer to rent in Benicia in lieu their other options?   Quite honestly, I think Benicia rental homes are so attractive because Benicia has just the right charms, location and myriad attractions in just the right amounts tha...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
  Why Benicia and Vallejo Realtors need Property Managers Just this past Thursday I was showing a Benicia rental home to a very pleasant couple and they expressed both that they loved the rental home and that were very impressed with the Delgado Property Management staff and how we conduct business and treat people well. They went on to say "we'll rent from you now and in a year you can help us to buy our own home. While I thanked them for their kind words, I had to explain that we do not buy and sell homes but that we limit ourselves to property management and rentals. However, there are Realtors in town that I have good working relations with and that I can confidently refer them to when they are ready to buy.  Their answer?  “If you refer the Realtor we’ll feel good about it and defi...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
Dear Homeowner / Investor,   You've hired Delgado Property Management to rent out your Benicia or Vallejo rental home and we’ve reported back that we have a qualified renter that is interested and has left a deposit.     “Great,” you say, “When can I meet the renters to approve them?”   Well, you don’t get to meet the renters to approve them before they move into your Benicia or Vallejo rental home.  You see, I’ve already run them through our qualification process and determined that they qualify.  You ask “Why, it’s MY house they’re moving into isn’t it? What if I don’t like them?”  Well, yes, it is your house, but you still don’t get to meet them to approve them.  I’ve already done that for you based upon legal criteria.    Let me explain…   Imagine that you are leasing a car. You've ...
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By Nicole Monary, Nicole Knows San Diego Neighborhoods
(Sellstate Next Gen Realty)
BENICIA REAL ESTATE STATISITCS FOR AUGUST 2011 BENICIA real estate seems to be holding its own this month.  There were a total of 26 sales of single family homes in BENICIA.  The good news for BENICIA real estate is in the fact that the average listing price was $382,578, but the sales price was $377,615.  This means that property was selling for 98% of their list price, which means there is demand for homes in BENICIA.    If you are thinking of selling your BENICIA home, please contact me so we can determine what the best price to list your home for to get it sold in the fastest time, at the best price with the less stress. Street Full Address Selling Price 63 La Cruz Ave Benicia, CA 94510 200,000 563 E H St Benicia, CA 94510 220,000 561 Willow Ct Benicia, CA 94510 245,000 220 W M St B...
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By Mark Delgado, Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
(houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove)
At Delgado Property Management, we strive to be the premier Benicia property management company, and the following quote suggests that we are heading in the right direction- "Mark, Delgado Property Management is fantastic!  You get the job done, and you take excellent care of the properties and get top dollar for the investors and provide needed housing for renters!!  You may not realize it but you and Veronica have taken care of several of our clients and we (Jenny and I) will continue to refer them to you." This quote comes from Melanie Ross, an established and well-respected Benicia Realtor.  Her comment was in response to a previous blog I wrote, also using a quote as a title "You rented out my clients new rental home so fast that they are buying another one." In that blog I wrote h...
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By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
Benicia Schools Academic Performance Index has improved once again!  Every year public education in California get its API score also known as Academic Performance Index.  School officials, teachers, parents, grandparents, and well.... just about anybody who is interested in how our schools fare compared to other schools, waits with bated breath for the results.  Every spring 2nd - 11th grade students stop their regular classroom subjects and take the STAR California Standards Test.  Benicia Schools have improved from 815 in 2011 to 853 in 2011 in the API Index.  Many of the local elementary, middle and high school have earned the prestigious California Distinguished School honor over the past 10 years.  All in all there is much the local residents can be proud about with our schools. B...
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By Melanie Ross, Benicia CA & Vallejo CA Real Estate, 707-319-2828
(Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)
Benicia Fine Arts and Crafts Fair is being held today from 10-4.  This is the 38h year for the wonderful event.  The event is sponsored by the Benicia Chamber of Commerce. Over 150 artisans and crafters will line First Street between First and G Streets.  Food will be sold to provide sustenance for those who need it.  This is a shopping extravaganza to start the holiday shopping. Last year I shopped til I dropped.  Read some of my blogs about what I bought.  I am sure the vendors will be represented again this year. Even tho I will be showing property today, I hope to sneak in an hour to some power shopping and hope some of the good deals are still around!! Read these blogs for some great ideas: my-wallet-is-empty-but-my-hands-are-full-from-37th-annual-benicia-fine-art-and-craft-fair lo...
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