Tax Strategies – Real Estate Investing – Part 14C - The 1031 Exchange I This is Part 14 of my Real Estate Investing Series. You can view the first 13 Parts here: Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1 Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2 Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3 Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4 Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5 Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 A Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 B Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 C Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 D Passive Losses – Real Estate Investing – Part 7 Gross Rent Multiplier – Real Estate Investing – Part 8 Capitalization Ra... 10/20/2009

Brentwood Short Sale Homes for September 2009. This Brentwood Short Sale Homes Report focuses on Short Sale Home Sales in Brentwood California in September 2009 and Active Short Sales. If you think you might need to Short Sale Your Home or if you are considering Buying a Short Sale this in formation is for you. If you thinking of Buying a Short Sale Home you can get our Free Report Fifteen Facts about Buying a Short Sale Home.  Or if you might need to Sell Your Home in a Short Sale you can get our Free Report Nineteen Things You Need to Know About Short Selling Your Home.  This report will help you decide if a Short Sale is a solution for you. Currently there are 63 Short Sale Homes for sale in Brentwood.  This is about 40% of the Market so if you are thinking of Buying A Short Sale it ... 10/20/2009

Short Sales in Brentwood California If you think you might need to sell your home in a short sale and you have questions we have a Free 19 Point Short Sale Report for you to read and consider before deciding what to do.  This Report will address specific points that include: Will I have to pay the difference after a Short Sale? Should I continue to pay my mortgage? Should I pay an Agent up front for a Short Sale? And many more issues.  When it comes to Short Sales you do not want to loose any time.  Go get the Free 19 Point Short Sale Report and start making a positive plan today. If you are thinking of buying a home and want to know about the possibility of purchasing a Short Sale Home we also have a Free Report on Buying Short Sale Home.  There is also information on Bank Owned homes ... 10/18/2009

Brentwood Housing Market Report for September 2009. This Brentwood Housing Market Report focuses on Home Sales in Brentwood California in September 2009 and compare them to sales in August 2009. It also provides information on Homes Currently for Sale in Brentwood California. This Brentwood Housing Market Report are based on Single Family Homes and taken from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on October 12, 2009. Contrary to popular belief Prices in East Contra Costa County continue to head up in each and every community. If the number of sales is down it is because there are fewer homes on the market.  There are some changes in the market reflected by the numbers.  Shifts to buying larger homes seems to be the Brentwood trend. The Brentwood Housing Market shows a small decline in pric... 10/18/2009

Tax Strategies – Real Estate Investing – Part 14B This is Part 14 of my Real Estate Investing Series. You can view the first 13 Parts here: Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1 Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2 Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3 Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4 Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5 Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 A Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 B Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 C Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 D Passive Losses – Real Estate Investing – Part 7 Gross Rent Multiplier – Real Estate Investing – Part 8 Capitalization Rate – Real Estate Inves... 10/17/2009

Buyer's Choice Act hits California! The Governor just signed emergency legislation that insures the Buyers the Right to Choose Title and Escrow on home purchases. This applies to residential purchases of less than four units.  If the seller fails to comply they can be held liable for up to three times the cost of Title and Escrow.  Failure to comply does not invalidate the transaction.  The seller can still recommend Title and Escrow services, but they need to have the buyer sign a disclosure. This of course is all directed at the banks dictating the services to buyers.  Now will it really change anything?  I doubt it.  Most banks pay Title & Escrow for the right to choose it.  Most buyers are happy to let the bank pay for it in exchange for letting them choose it.  Furthermore if I buy... 10/14/2009

The Biggest Threat to This Real Estate Market is Uncertainty! Right now we have a Real Estate Market full of people that look like deer in the head lights.  Some of us agents look the same way to.  I am not criticizing anyone. Things are happening fast and the rules seem to change day by day.  Many of the rule changes bring about unintended consequences which further complicate the issues. In any market there is always and element of risk and uncertainty.  Risk and a willingness to take risk are good things; it has what helped make this country great.  Usually taking risk involves some knowledge or attempted discernment of markets and economic trends.  The problem is in this market no one can tell what will happen tomorrow.  NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK SHOULD HAPPEN OR BE DONE, you do not ... 10/13/2009

On October 7, 2009 Royal Ranger Outpost 5 had it's award ceremony. My six year old Weston picked up a number of badges as did five year old Janson, both are in Ranger Kids (think Tiger & Cub Scouts).  But this was a really big night for my older two boys. My son Corbin who turned 11 this summer earned his Gold Eagle over the summer and it was awarded to him.  The Gold Eagle is the highest award for Discovery Rangers (8 to 10 year olds) and not many kids get it.  I think only three other kids in our Outpost have the award. My Older Boys are both in Adventure Rangers now.       The Really Big Award was for my oldest son Nelson, who has had his Gold Eagle for several years.   He earned his Bronze Medal of Achievement.  The highest award in Royal Rangers is the Gold Medal of Achievement.  A... 10/10/2009

Why Should I over pay for that House? I had a couple that over paid the appraised value of the home they purchased by $5,000.00.  They did this with my reccomendation.  Many of you might think that I am crazy for reccomending this but there are some things you need to consider: Many homes are not being appraised properly due to new government rules to "protect" the consumers.  Often the appraisers are underpaid, over worked, in experienced, from out of the area, and pressured to come in low. In this market we have about 10 offers on every Bank Owned Home on the market.  Frequently the person getting the home comes in with the highest price and an ability to pay what they offer, not what it appraises for.  I am seeing more Asset Mangers and REO Listing Agents force buyers to agree to the... 10/09/2009

Why We Need the $8,000.00 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit! Anyone familiar with my comments know that I think we should keep this Tax Credit as it is the only Bailout/Tax Relief that is actually directed at middle class Tax Payers. The NAR has waived it's magic wand and come up with these numbers to support it and it's extension before Congress.  Since the Tax Credit Inventory has dropped nationwide from 9.1 months to 8.2 months.  Every Home Sold pumps $63,000.00 into the economy.  Putting $63,000.00 into the economy creates one new job.  NAR also went after the evil beast HVCC before congress.  Agree or disagree with the numbers (and there is a lot of room to fudge them) there they are. 10/09/2009

Friday night and Saturday I took three of my boys to the Royal Rangers Father Son Campout.  The annual Father Son Campout is not too intensive and is really designed to get the dads together and to get the younger boys on a campout.  We took the boys over to Lake Del Valle in Livermore.  My 13 year old came to help me heard my younger boys.  I allowed my 11 year old to opt out for baseball (He plays Fall ball), but the real fun was for my 6 year old and 5 year old.  Those two have been dying to go camping and they don't care where; to them it was cool. I got there early so the kids could ride thier bikes and fly a kite.  Then I helped set up the kitchen.  There was a lot of good food (but I stuck to my diet) and a great camp fire.  Being the oldest my 13 year old was placed in charge o... 10/04/2009

Tax Strategies – Real Estate Investing – Part 14A This is Part 14 of my Real Estate Investing Series. You can view the first 13 Parts here: Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1 Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2 Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3 Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4 Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5 Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 A Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 B Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 C Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 D Passive Losses – Real Estate Investing – Part 7 Gross Rent Multiplier – Real Estate Investing – Part 8 Capitalization Rate – Real Estate Inves... 10/01/2009

More on Rate of Return – Real Estate Investing – Part 13 This is Part 13 of my Real Estate Investing Series. You can view the first 12 Parts here: Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1 Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2 Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3 Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4 Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5 Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 A Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 B Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 C Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 D Passive Losses – Real Estate Investing – Part 7 Gross Rent Multiplier – Real Estate Investing – Part 8 Capitalization Rate – Real Estat... 10/01/2009

Edna Hills at the Jr High Wrestling Championships on 9-23-09 Well this is the final Wrestling Tournament of the year.  Edna Hills did very well and took home a number of medals.  Many of the kids will never wrestle again, but some will come back next year, some will sign up for the club wrestling season, and some will go out for the High School Team. This post is going to be a brag on my son Nelson.  He is pictured here with his friend on the team Scotty showing off the muscles.  Nelson won the Silver Medal.  He wrestled three matches and won 2.  He wants to Wrestle for Liberty High School next year that has one of the best programs and coaches in the state.  He has been invited to come over and work out with the Freshman Team this fall. You can see all the videos I have made of the tea... 09/30/2009

Contra Costa County First Time Home Buyers Assistance I work with a lot of Contra Costa First Time Home buyers especially in East Contra Costa County Communities of Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay, Pittsburg and Bay Point. First time Homebuyers in Contra Costa County are need of Assistance and that program may be here.  One problem faced by First Time Home buyers in Contra Costa County is the lack of properties to purchase.  Most First Time Home Buyers are coming in the FHA loans with a down payment of 3.5% and having to ask for a credit pay for closing cost.  This is fine and a good way to buy a house but you run into a number of major problems: Many homes do not qualify for FHA Financing or the seller will not take FHA Financing. On well priced decent homes that will qualify... 09/29/2009

                         BRENTWOOD CALIFORNIA BANK OWNED AND FORECLOSURE HOMES. Bank Owned Properties are moving very quickly here in my area.  If you see an REO, BANK REPO, FORECLOSURE FOR SALE in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Antioch or Oakley on my website that peaks your interest, it is important that you act quickly.  Most foreclosed homes are on the market for less than a week.  Make sure that you have your lender letter (Pre-approval letter) ready.  Sign up to receive E-mail Auto Alerts for Brentwood Real Estate Listings below.                          SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE ANYWHERE IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Search All Brentwood CA Homes For Sale Search All Brentwood CA Condos For Sale Contact me to be your Brentwood CA Realtor   SEARCH ENGINE KEYWORDSBRENTWOOD NORTHERN CALIFORNIABRENTW... 09/28/2009

Edna Hill Jr High Wrestling Match 9-21-09 I had missed the tournament on September 16, 2009; so no video of that match.  There were some very good matches; even some that we lost.  Here are three good ones: First of all Ryan, one of our teams better wrestlers looses one here.  The kid he was Wrestling has been to a number of national tournaments and is very good.     The Next one is Bryer and Bryer is one of our top Wrestlers.     This last one is my son lossing to Sullivan.  He almost gets him and Sullivan wiggles off the matt.  My son learned something valuable here. 09/26/2009

Edna Hill Jr High Wrestlers have had a great season.  Wrestling is a very difficult sport.  I see a lot of kids come out who are natural athletes and expect to be instant successes, and are not.  Many of them leave and go back to the other sports that have come so easy to them. The biggest skill for wrestling is sticking with it and applying yourself.  Coach Chappel would say that when two wrestlers are well matched the heart they put into it will make the difference.  I like this things as they are the life lessons I try to teach my kids about many things they will deal with. The first video is going to be one of my son, because I am proud of him.  He has a series of matches against his opponent Sullivan all season and they are good matches:       Here is a big win for a nice kid named... 09/26/2009

Growth or Income – Real Estate Investing – Part 12 This is Part 12 of my Real Estate Investing Series. You can view the first 11 Parts here: Are you planning for your Future? Real Estate Investing – Part 1 Starting at Home! Real Estate Investing – Part 2 Maintain Your Leverage! Real Estate Investing – Part 3 Picking Your Investment Property – Real Estate Investing – Part 4 Location * Location * Location – Real Estate Investing – Part 5 Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 A Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 B Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 C Cash Flow Analysis – Real Estate Investing – Part 6 D Passive Losses – Real Estate Investing – Part 7 Gross Rent Multiplier – Real Estate Investing – Part 8 Capitalization Rate – Real Estate Inve... 09/22/2009

I Have written on Edna Hills Jr High Wrestling a few times, but this was there first Tournament.  The main difference between a Tournament and a Match is more kids show to the Tournament; all seven schools in the district are usually there.  At the Tournaments they have double elimination brackets and give medals to the top 3 finishers. Edna Hills did very good at the first tournament of the year.  I was not able to stay for the full tournamnet but here are a few videos. A Big Win for Ryan!       Another Win for Edna Hills - Unknown     I do have trouble remembering all the kids names so if you can ever ID the kid in any of the Videos here or on YouTube let me know and I will correct the title and entry.   Subscribe to Gene Riemenschneider's East Contra Costa Home Blog by Email         09/21/2009