Is this you?  Are you currently renting your home?  I have one simple question..... WHY?What keeps you renting?  Bad Credit - ok maybe a good reason.  Don't make enough money.... Are you SURE?  Absolutely, certain?  Do you know there are fabulous down payment assistance programs, especially for first time buyers where no down payment is needed?Here are some great options for you to consider.  First, talk to a lender.  If you don't know ask your Realtor for a great referral.  You might be surprised.  Second, consider a short sale.  Why I suggest a short sale is simple.  These homes are priced to sell QUICK.  A Short Sale can take a bit longer for a bank to accept your price, but if you're renting, especially if you're a month to month renter, then you are in the driver's seat on a short ... 11/09/2007

Buyers Beware!There are homes on the for sale in Tracy, CA and Mountain House, CA that are priced to sell TODAY.  However, these homes are not really priced to sell.  These are Short Sale properties that an agent prices significantly lower than any other home in the area.  I understand that this seems like an awesome opportunity for a buyer. It can be, however, in most cases it is a Bait and Switch plan by the agent.Explanation:  A Short Sale property must get the approval of the bank(s) that holds the loan to that property.  Part of the procedure is the bank will order a BPO (Broker's Price Opinion).  A BPO is an outside Realtor that will give the bank a fair market value for the property.  Typically the bank will only go 5 - 17% of the BPO.  THAT'S IT!  Now lower.Example, a home in Mo... 11/07/2007

We all have friends who have their Realtor license, however, that does not mean that they are the best person to sell your home, or help you buy a home.  WHY NOT?Let's look at selling your home in Tracy or Mountain House.  I can not tell you how many times I've gone to a listing appointment and the seller's home has been listed for 3 - 6 months with a friend from out of the area.  Here is why that is a problem, the out of the area agent RARELY advertises or posts the home on Metrolist, the most widely used MLS in Tracy and Mountain House.  The last 2 homes I was at one home was only listed in the San Jose MLS and the other in Vallejo.  As an agent, I am not searching these MLS's for homes for sale in Tracy or Mountain House.  I'm looking at our local MLS.  I also commonly see homes that... 10/31/2007

The sun is out, the wind is not blowing and I'm headed to wash cars to raise money for the families affected by any of the fires above.  If you know me, and you're reading this you can stop laughing right now. Let's just say that I can't remember ever washing cars for money.  In fact, I can't remember washing a car, you can PAY people to do that.  However, this was a great cause and I wanted to be a part of it.So I got rid of my   high heels, put on some  flip flops and wash some cars.We spent 5 hours washing cars,  you can click on this link and see everyone who was involved.  We did raise money - a few dollars short of out goal.   However, we have more money to send to the people who need help than we did before.Keller Williams Realtors, friends and family did this.  Keller Williams c... 10/29/2007

Keller Williams is a great company and known for their passion to help others.  The Modesto Keller Williams Office will sponsor a car wash, this Sunday, October 28th, from 12 -5.  We will wash your car or just come by and drop a donation in the bucket. All money raised will go DIRECTLY to victims.  There is no administrative fees, all MONEY goes DIRECT to those who need it the most.Please come by and help us accomplish our goal.Tracy Location - 95 W. 11th Street; watch for the signs, wet and happy people!  You can even mail a check toSusan GouldingKeller Williams Cares95 W. 11th Street #104Tracy, CA  95376Modesto Location - check back here. 10/25/2007

I've been thinking, again,  My most recent thoughts bring me to how a short sale or foreclosure will affect credit reports in the future.  There are so many people affected by the mortgage meltdown on 2007 that I wonder if lenders will few these items as a footnote. "OH yes, another person who got caught."Now does this mean everyone should bale out of thier homes?  No.  Can you afford your home? Can you keep making your payment? Do you have any reserves, assets?  Do you HAVE to move?No one knows for sure what is going to happen.  You can be pretty sure that 100% stated loans are gone, Adjustables loans are already going through SERIOUS re-vamping.  However, if you have a down payment, a good job, chances are you will be able to get a loan in the future.If you have questions about a shor... 10/24/2007

I am not a loser, I have a job, friends, family and I pay my debts.  I'm honest, I have integrity, I am trying my best, and I can't make my mortgage payments.I feel like a failure.  I feel like a loser.  I feel stupid.  I don't answer my phone, the only people who call are asking me to make a payment I can't afford.What am I supposed to do?  get help!You are not a loser, stupid, a failure. You are none of those things.  You bought a home, and it was one of the best days of your life, now that wonderful home is a rock around your neck.  So get help.You may have options- don't wait, please don't wait until you are so far behind on your payments that it is too late for anyone to help.Bottom line, bad things happen to great people.  So pull up your boot straps, pick up the phone and ask que... 10/19/2007

Tracy Home Statisitics as of 10/15/07 904 homes for Sale as of 10/15/0764 Pending - WOW - YIPPEE -- that's a great stat29 SOLD in the past 30 days.These numbers are a significant increase in Pendings and Solds than we have seen in the past 6 months.Buyers are Buying.    10/15/2007

WOW, rain in the Central Valley in early October, this mean snow in the mountains.  Does this have anything to do with Real Estate?  Nope, just an observation.Will the home market slow down even further now that winter is approaching?  Perhaps?Are potential home buyers ready to move, I hope so.  Are their any guarantees that the market will rebound soon, nope. However, if you've been sitting on the fence waiting to buy, now is the time.  If you have plans to remain in your home 3 - 7 years, you should have nothing to worry about. The one thing that is certain about the Real Estate Market is that it is forever changing.  With change brings great opportunity if you want it.So, buy now, move in and hunker down for the winter.  10/12/2007

I am actively looking for delapidated, falling down - or almost property in Tracy, CA.  If you have boarded up property that you no longer want call me.  I can promise a fair price and a quick close.  Do you think your property isn't worth anything to anyone, think again, and call me.  Only if you have property in Tracy, California, preferrably in the downtown area, but even if it's not, call me.  10/11/2007

What I have come to understand is the post-boom real estate market in the central valley is full of micro markets. A micro market could be another word for subdivision. Some subdivisions are holding there values while others are not. For the most part the real estate market in Tracy is all tied together, but when you look deeper and more closely you will see that there are micro-markets in our local market........................Click here to read more 10/11/2007

The following information is from the local MLS database, as of September 27th 2007(data from September 1st, 2007): Total # of Residential properties for sale in the city of Tracy: 966 (906) Average # of days on market: 78 (74) Median price of all Homes for sale in Tracy: 459,900 (469,999) Average price of all Homes for sale in Tracy: 487,734 ($500,130) (PENDING), Number of properties currently under agreement: 58 (52) Avr. pending home is 4bd, 2.5ba, 2003 sq.ft at a price of $423,042 and 63 days on the market................. Read on....... Brian Barringerbrian@tracyhomes.com http://www.tracyhomes.com/ and www.tracyrealestate.blogspot.com 10/11/2007

Listing 270$370,000Cul-de-sac location and No Mello Roos!Features include:  4 bedrooms2.5 bathrooms2,140 square feet of living space on a 5,663 sq ft lot More Photos Tri Level style Up the stairs to entry off wide porch Formal living room and dining room Kitchen with breakfast nook on main level, slider to deck Kitchen features electric built in range, oven and microwave, dishwasher Tile counters, pantry, wood floors Family room on lower level with wood burning insert, wet bar, slider to back yard Laundry and half bath 2 car garage Four bedrooms upstairs Master features wall length closet with mirror doors and hidden space for storage inside Master bath has shower over tub, tile sinks Two more bedrooms are large Cul-de-sac location Easy access to shopping and freewa... 10/05/2007

First time home buyer?  Don't make a lot of money?  Want to live in the Bow Tie Downtown area of Tracy?  Want $75,000 from the City of Tracy, deferred for 30 years or until you refinance.Believe it or not the City of Tracy does have a program for you.  This program is easy to use, if you know about it and now you do!Call today, I'll be happy to tell you not only what homes are for sale in Tracy, but what homes qualify for this deferred loan and downtown assistance program.  10/04/2007

Wow, Fall has arrived.   Besides kids in costume, pumpkins, football, leaves turning colors, and temperatures dropping.  What else has dropped, Tracy home prices.  The National Association says this has been the worst year on record for home sale prices.  So is that bad news?  It depends.  Are you looking to purchase a homein Tracy?  Great news.  Are you looking to buy an investment property and start building wealth?  Great news.  Are you a move up buyer who'd like a bigger house?  You're going so sell for less than you did a year ago, but you are going to be able to buy for less, your property taxes will be less, so it's GREAT NEWS!What about those of you who bought a home in Tracy or Mountain House, CA with in the last 24 - 36 months?  You bought your home hoping home prices would co... 09/30/2007

The following information is from the local MLS database, as of September 27th 2007(data from September 1st, 2007):Total # of Residential properties for sale in the city of Tracy: 966 (906) Average # of days on market: 78 (74)Average price of all Homes for sale in Tracy: 487,734 ($500,130) Median price of all Homes for sale in Tracy: 459,900 (469,999)(PENDING), Number of properties currently under agreement: 58 (52) (SOLD), Residential property over previous 30 days: 26 homes or $10,908,570 (58) Highest sale price was 597K for a 5/4bd 3000 sq.ft home. Lowest was a 3bd/1ba 936 sq.ft home for 271K.Avr. pending home is 4bd, 2.5ba, 2003 sq.ft at a price of $423,042 and 63 days on the market Lots of more infomation, READ ON........................... Brian Barringer    09/27/2007

Did you know that there are huge, enormous deals available in Tracy right now.  I was out previewing homes today and there was a home in an area on $550,000 - $600,000  homes this home was priced at $399,000.  I had to go in, it was vacant.  Imagine my surprise when I found granite counters, new carpet, live grass...so this isn't a foreclosure?  No Short Sale?  WOW what is the matter with this property? Ok, the back yard is a bit small, but the home sits on a corner.  The floor plan is a bit odd for my tastes but I can see how it would be great for some people.There is home that has 3509 square feet, has a pool and a sun room - it is priced at $500,000!  This is great bargain. The largest bedrooms I have seen since I moved to California 30+ years ago.  Tracy home buyers - what are you w... 09/25/2007

Well to put it simply its a willing buyer getting together with a willing seller at an agreed price. There are 51 homes currently pending in the city of Tracy. What made these homes go pending? Each of these homes has at least attract a buyer who is interested in purchasing the home. Is there anything these sellers have in common? When reviewing the homes, overall they are all in above average condition and below average price.Some homes have great comments in the marketing section which help the home stand out...........Read on.............   Brian Barringerbrian@tracyhomes.com 09/25/2007

OPEN HOUSE 11-3 next Saterday and Sunday  Price: $405,900ADDRESS: 558 Burlington St. Tracy, Ca(off south central)Family home with 4 bedrooms!Features include:  4 bedrooms2.5 Bathrooms2,135 square feet of living space on a 3,484 square foot lotBuilt in 2000 More Photos Formal living and dining room with high vaulted ceiling Tile Floor through out first floor Large kitchen with tile counters and oak cabinets Dining nook in kitchen Family room with gas fireplace and media niche Gas range and oven, built in microwave, dishwasher Backyard has a patio and no rear neighbors Inside Laundry with cabinets and half bath on main floor 2 car garage Four bedrooms upstairs Master features double doors Master bath has separate shower and soaking tub Large walk in closet in master Three other bedrooms a... 09/24/2007

Why don't first time buyers BUY?  FEAR!There are so many great programs right now for first time home buyers, especially in Tracy, CA.  Home prices are down and within conforming rates, the FED just dropped the interest rate, there are many down payment assistant programs, so why not buy a home? FEARCase #1 - first time buyer, afraid they won't qualify - so they don't even try.Case #2 - afraid something monumental will happen and they won't be able to afford thier home.Case #3 - they have no idea what the process is and they are afraid to ask.So how do we educate them?  We just start telling them the facts.1) You won't know if you don't try.  I have a buyer who makes less than $15.00 an hour, and guess what she is BUYING a home.2) Something monumental CAN happen whether you are buying o... 09/18/2007