Wisdom & Wit

On Monday the Livermore City Council consolidated the Planning Commission and Design Review Committee. The action is aimed at improving the efficiency of the design review process by having a single body address both land use and design issues. Property owners could benefit by eliminating steps ...

Income tax, sales tax, estate tax, excise tax, alternative minimum tax...and just when you thought you'd paid them all...along comes your property tax bill as a homeowner. But did you know that the National Taxpayers Union estimates that as many as 60% of homes are assessed for too high of a valu...

As we approach the end of the year December can be one of the busiest times of the year. There is decorating for the holidays, shopping for the kids, traveling to see the relatives and enjoying the festivities, this month can fly by like no other. Be sure to take a few minutes to make sure your f...

For the last several weeks, NARs team in Washington D.C. and REALTORS from across the country have been pushing Congress to adopt a four-point housing stimulus plan that would  jump-start the housing sector.  At the same time, NAR has been working directly with the Federal Housing Finance Agency...

On Saturday (12/6), Congressman Pete Stark will hold a town hall meeting from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the the Fremont Senior Center, which is located at 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont.  These events are a great opportunity to meet with the congressman in a low-key, informal setting and to get St...

The City of Hayward is seeking input from residents about housing and neighborhood issues through an online survey. The information from the survey will be incorporated into the updated General Plan Housing Element. If you live in Hayward or have clients that are Hayward residents, please take a ...

Adjust your thermostat  ~  Lowering the temperature in your home by just one degree in the winter can save you three percent on your heating bill. Make it automatic by investing in a programmable thermostat (about $30). Embrace the cold cycle ~  Washing your clothes in cold water not only preser...

Well today's a first for me and a three year old.  The memorable  Gingerbread House!  It took four generations of women to construct this one and I must say the eldest of the four was certainly trained and tacked this project with a vengance.  The little one ending up taking a nap and joining us...

Thanks giving was a wonderful time spent with my family.  My brother knocked himself out with a fabulous turkey that was brined.  It turned out quite moist. Today I am off to assist Annalynn make her first gingerbread house for the upcoming season.  Well this will actually be my first ginberbread...

With the economy slowing and holidays just around the corner, many consumers may be looking to credit cards to help them get through the heavy shopping season. While that may be a good short-term solution, you want to make sure you don't overlook the long-term impact on your credit rating. After ...