I could't believe that realtors all over CA are telling me that there is a shortage of available housing... NOT. I didn't think so therefore I started looking to see for myself. The properties ARE there and lots of them if you know where to look. If you are having problems finding houses to purchase in Northern CA call me 704 451 1599. I'll show you where they are if you are nice... ha Sorry guys and gals, they are not 203k though I have access to those as well. NO, they aren't necessarily listed on the MLS M 02/10/2010

Wells Fargo is the champ at the moment. I'm seeing contractor draw payments in 2-3 days. Prospect Mortgage is going to start making the first draw on a streamlined 203k at close of escrow in January... they are already one of the largest 203k lenders in the nation. That will move them strongly into second place I believe. Lots of independent FHA lenders out there... smaller banks etc that can close them pretty fast. Don't discount the little guys.  I had a strange call tonight. She said she was a borrower gathering info.. .sounded a little more line an interview for a news program.... who knows. She had already made up her mind on a consultant but was searching for info on lenders. She had been thinking about BofA but they have a little more to show me but they are getting better each w... 12/23/2009

  I'm a beleiver that Wachovia is the quickest and most aggressive bank out there for short sale approvals. I have a happy seller that was paid $5000 at the close of escrow. I listed a property in Vallejo on 10/31/2009, and the Short Sale was approved on 11/4/2009. I was unaccustomed to this speedy deliverance of an approval and we did close this transaction on 11/25/2009 11/27/2009

Where oh where did the listings go?  SOLD is one way and there is very little coming on the market. I was updating my website last night for some July numbers from our local Bay Area Real Estate Information.  OF course it is a point in time for posting what is happening in the Vallejo, CA real estate market.  So that means some Realtors do not post a listing SOLD quickly or at all.  However the source gives a very good picture of what is happening in today's world. As of last night, in Vallejo there were 252 homes listed for sale (single family and condo), 78 are foreclosures and 116 are short sales.  There were 193 homes sold (at least posted sold) from July 1- July 31. At this rate we have less than a month and a half of inventory at this pace of homes being sold.  The homes are slowl... 08/02/2009

Well..... they have been sold with not much more inventory coming on the market for buyers to choose from. From January 2008 through April 2008 time period 175 homes were sold.  $65,000 was the lowest price and $620,000 was the highest.  Median price was $261,000.  All information is from Bay Area Real Estate Information dated 5/2/09. From January 2009 through April 2009, 725 homes have sold.  The lowest price was $23,000 (price of a car and life expectancy is longer!) and the highest price home sold was $495,000.  The median price was $120,000. WOW, more than a 50% drop in median price. As of 5/2/2009 there were 152 foreclosures for sale.  You do the math, not a whole lot of inventory to choose from!! There are homes coming on the market every day, just not as many as last year.  Now i... 05/03/2009

Our inventory of homes for sale in Vallejo, CA has dropped tremendously since the last year.  HUGE drop in inventory.  As I have written previously this is now a seller's market with multiple offers on homes time and time again-as soon as they hit the market. As of 4/19/09 per the Bay Area Real Estate Information (MLS), Vallejo has 491 homes for sale (single family and condos).  We had that many listed as foreclosures 6 months ago!! 166 of these listed homes for sale are foreclosures and the new news from several months ago is the number of short sales has gone up.  There are 222 short sales listed.  And short sales are going through.  I recommend to my buyers that if a short sale home for sale appeals to them, go for it.  It will be a long bumpy road, however, could be worth the wait. ... 04/19/2009

Two year ago my partner and I were the first in our office to list homes as short sales.  The banks were awful to deal with and dragged the process out.  As a buyer a short sale can be a great way to buy your dream home and as a seller an opportunity to get out from under a undesirable situation. Alot has happened since two years ago.  Sellers who need to get out from under their mortgages should consider a short sale.  Granted it is NOT for everyone.  It is an alternative to consider when researching your options on wanting to move on with your life. As agents listing homes that are short sales, organization and constant communication with the banks is paramount.  I am so proud to say we have gotten two approved short sales in the past month in Vallejo CA.  Our clients are ecstatic.  A... 04/06/2009

I just completed January's Vallejo home sales report and its available for download by clicking on the graphic. It lists every Vallejo home that closed escrow last month and includes bedrooms, baths, square footage, original list price, final list price, closing price and even a comparison showing the net difference between the seller’s starting price and the ultimate selling price. The least  expensive home in Vallejo last month sold for $23,750 on N. Camino Alto. The most expensive was $495,000 on Landmark Dr. in Hiddenbrooke (one of only two Vallejo homes to sell above $400,000). Next month’s report will be posted in early March. To see Benicia’s January home sales report, click here. Remember, too, that I’m always happy to provide more custom and/or more detailed analyses of our mar... 02/05/2009

A year has passed way too quickly.  As time marches on, so do the foreclosed properties for sale.  A quick glance from the Bay Area Real Estate Information as of 1/4/09 indicates the majority of sold residential properties in Vallejo, CA were foreclosed properties. There were 1457 properties SOLD.  1191 were foreclosures.  A whopping 82%!!! Sales prices ranged from a low of $27,000 to a high of $650,000. As of today we have 885 residential properties for sale.  536 of them are foreclosures.  In the city of Vallejo we are selling homes quickly when they are priced right.  From historical homes to newer homes we have it all to meet your needs! With interest prices low and FHA having some wonderful low downpayment programs, make 2009 the year you invest or purchase a home to live in!! Now ... 01/04/2009

  Dionne R. Morgan | REALTY WORLD Solano Realty | dionne@dionnemorgan.com | 707 386-1184 633 Kirkland Avenue, Vallejo, CA *EXCITING PRICE SLASHED* ON THIS SPACIOUS ‘LENNAR’ DREAM HOME. WON’T LAST-SEE IT NOW! 4BR/3BA Single Family House   offered at $378,000 Year Built 2005 Sq Footage 2,496 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 4,704 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION THIS MAY BE THE OPPORTUNITY YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT!PLENTY OF ROOM FOR LIVINGGREAT FOR ENTERTAINING & GREAT INVESTMENT!SEE THIS 2496 SQ. FT. 4 BDRM/ 3 FULL BATH BUILT IN 2005Imagine living the American dream on the historical MARE ISLAND. Now imagine a quality built spacious home at a fraction of the original price. YOU WILL LOVE ITS YESTERYEARS' ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN W/ ITS N... 09/26/2008

A Vallejoan's Spirit of Compassion   Vallejo resident, Judy Lafear recently returned from a journey which will benefit individuals and families battling blood cancers such as: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Strangely what actually began as a personal fitness goal for her quickly blossomed into a lot more- when fate took a sudden twist. This story illustrates her true spirit of compassion.   Not long ago, the quality of life of one of her family member was completely changed by the selfless act of an organ donor. In gratitude, Lafear sought to find a cause in which she could give back. She found the Team In Training® organization which raises funds for the 'The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society'.  http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org. The organization offered her a dual opportunity to meet her ph... 07/24/2008

Our owner of Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific coined the word "Collective Market Conscience".  This means that everyone else at the same time wants to buy the same house.  Now most of you may say "multiple offers in this market?".  And I say YES and YES again. With the home prices being at the price point they are, buyers are starting to realize if they do not want to miss out they best put an offer in.  Early in the year some buyers would not even look at any new homes coming on the market.  They just thought to wait it out.  Thinking the price will come down, kind of like letting them "season"! What is happening in today's market, the homes coming up for sale are past the "seasoning" stage and many are priced to sell NOW. For example, I had a condo in Vallejo for $60,000, and it was mov... 07/21/2008

Time has flown since I last posted foreclosure numbers for Vallejo.  The number of foreclosures has increased.  In March of this year, a large number of mortgages reset to higher payments.  We are now seeing the demise of homeowners who were not able to keep up the new payment schedule. Information extracted from our local Multiple Listing Service, (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services 7/21/08) indicates Vallejo has 502 homes for sale that are bank owned out of a 1053 total homes listed for sale.  Almost 50%.  And 397 of these are under $300,000. Foreclosed homes range in price from $54,999 to $634,900.  A price for every one.  By golly, you could buy a car for the price of $54,999.  Older homes, newer homes, in the hills, on the flat land, near the water, near a golf course.... a ... 07/21/2008

Come to Historical Downtown Vallejo Every Wednesday Night July through August and enjoy the Wednesday Night Street Fair. Free to All. Enjoy a different and popular band each week. Fun for all ages. Activities for the kids. Farmer's market. Classic and Vintage Cars on display. Food Vendors. Beer and Wine. For further information: Go to www.VallejoMainStreet.com 07/18/2008

Come one, come all. All Vallejoans and tourist are cordially invited to attend our city's all day 2008's, Fourth of July celebration. There will be activities planned for all ages. The festivities will kick off at 10:00 a.m. on the corner of Tennessee and Broadway with a parade presented by the Vallejo Parade Association. The parade theme this year is 'DREAMS'. The Reviewing Stand will be located in the 300 block of Georgia Street. The parade will feature giant puppets honoring our city's history and its name-sake General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and his wife Doña Francisca Benicia Carrillo. All other activities will continue at the Marina Green located in proximity to the Vallejo Waterfront. You can expect to enjoy beautiful weather and comfortable temperatures. Temperatures should be... 07/02/2008

BUYERS - DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS MARKET!  The media reports daily that we are in a "Buyer's Market". If you are considering purchasing a home in Solano County, congratulations, but don't be left in the dark. At this moment there are some exciting opportunities and wonderful homes available.  Get the information you need to maximize this life-changing opportunity. I T   I S   A   B U Y E R S'   M A R K E T   A N D   A   S E L L E R S'   O P P O R T U N I T Y  ! !SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT ANSWERS TO ARE: • What exactly is a Buyer's Market? The Market favors the Buyers. The quantity ofhomes available simply exceeds the pool of buyers. In essence: Buyers have anadvantage. They have more choices, less competition and most homes areaggressively price. • How can I benefit from the current mar... 03/30/2008

If you are looking for information regarding private schools for your children to attend in Vallejo then here is information regarding the Private Schools in Vallejo which includes the address and phone numbers.*All numbers begin with a 707 area code. Al-Noor Islamic (K-3) 1020 Sonoma Blvd. 557-6667Hilltop Christian Elementary (K-8) 210 Locust Drive 643-1726North Hills Chrisitian (K-12) 200 Admiral Callaghan Lane 644-5284Reignierd Elementary (k-12) 380 Contra Costa Street 644-0447St. Basil's (K-8) 1230 Nebraska Street 642-7629St. Catherine of Siena Catholic (K-8) 3460 Tennessee Street 643-6691St. Patrick-St. Vincent High (9-12) 1500 Benicia Road 644-4425St. Vincent Elementary (K-8) 420 Florida Street 642-4211 If you are making a move to Solano County and in search for the perfect home f... 03/29/2008

Well with Spring here in full bloom the real estate market seems to be picking up here in the Vallejo/Benicia area in terms of buyer and seller activity.  There have been numerous reports of agents receiving multiple offers on properties that are listed in a range that makes sense for the current market conditions.  The thing for buyers to keep in mind is that this is a great market to start looking in.  And especially for investors there is lots of great homes available under $200,000 here.  Interest rates on 30 year fixed rate loans are in the neighborhood of 5.75%.  So what are you waiting for?  Get out there and start looking today! 03/22/2008

VALLEJO, CA - MARE ISLAND TOASTMASTERS®                                                             Toastmasters Meet AtSereno Village Apartments' Community Center 750 Sereno Avenue - Vallejo, CA 94589                                           THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO EMERGE YOURSELF INTO A GROUP THAT IS ALL ABOUT YOU BEING ALL YOU CAN BE!           Meetings Are Held  Thursdays  AtP.M.For Further Information Contact the VIP of Membership at (707) 553-7933 © 1998-2007 Toastmasters International 01/25/2008

Foreclosuresare a hot topic.  Solano County certainly has its share of foreclosures.  When misfortune happens and people lose their homes for what ever reason, something has to happen to the homes.  The banks are not in the rental business nor want to own homes.  They are in the business of lending.  This is an update to a previous blog last year as to the state of foreclosures.So how many foreclosures are there in Vallejo?  Our local multiple listing service as of 1/12/2008 indicated there are 358 single family homes or condos that are now owned by the bank and listed with a Realtor to sell in Vallejo out of a total of 1070 homes on the market. Their price range is from a low of $113,900 to a high of $869,900.  The median price is $299,700 for a foreclosure.  That compares to a home no... 01/12/2008