Bank of America and Twitter   Having worked with Bank of America doing short sales for the past 6 years I'm pleased to say that Bank of America has vastly improved their systems working with short sales. Equator is a great way to keep track of communication between the bank and the REALTOR. The best little known fact that Bank of America has added is their Social Media Group. If you don't use Twitter, you need an account if only to reach BofA in the event of a situation where you need help. In the past month, I've become the "go to person" for other agents in Tracy, CA. One Realtor in Tracy needed help moving loan documents so a buyer could close on their home. One Realtor need a foreclosure postponed on a short sale, and couldn't get a GOOD answer from anyone else. One Realtor had a Bo... 10/23/2011

Free list of Tracy Foreclosures, Bank owed and Short Sale Properties   <a title="Tracy &amp; Mountain House Foreclosures" href="https://sjgoulding.wufoo.com/forms/q7x3p3/" data-mce-href="https://sjgoulding.wufoo.com/forms/q7x3p3/">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a>   10/17/2011

Wanda Hirsch Elementary School in Tracy CA has been a CA Distguished School and is one of the most sought after elementary schools in Tracy CA. The Staff is outstanding, the sports during lunch and after school is fabulous, and the CA Score Card is exceptional. Buyers frequently call me and ask, do you have a house for sale near Wanda Hirsch School.  Usually my answer is NO.  There is Very little turnover in this neighborhood of predominately single family homes. The neighborhood surrounding Wanda Hirsch School was built in the mid to late 90's.  Most of these buyers put 20% or more down, and came to raise their children. Right now, in the middle of October, 2011, I have ONE house that is available. 4 bedrooms, 3 car garage, 2.5 baths all of only $263,000  Back yard is plenty big for a ... 10/12/2011

Living in Tracy, CA, things you might not know.   One thing I love about living in Tracy, CA is that there are 4 international Airports within 60 or so miles. Sacramento Internation Aiport is 60 miles to the north. Oakland International Airport is 45 miles to the West. San Francisco International Airport is 60 miles to the far west San Jose International Airport is 60 miles to the south west. Whenever you need to fly anywhere, check all 3 airports.  I just took a trip to San Diego and Southwest Airlines was $80 cheaper flying in and out of San Jose than it was out of Oakland.   You are going to drive from Tracy to an airport anyway, so does it really matter which was you go? If you're planning a trip somewhere from Tracy, CA be sure to check the flights from all 4 International Airports... 10/08/2011

Dear Mr/Mrs Buyer,    Do you know that when you purchase a property in Tracy, CA using the listing agent you may be leaving yourself exposed to NO representation?  That's right, every BANK, REO contract that I've seen clearly state, that is the listing agent represents both buyer and seller, the lising agent is ONLY representing the seller and the seller's best interests. Hmmm. Is that what you want?  Or would you prefer an agent who looks out for your best interests?  I know, I know, you want the house and the only way you will get your offer accepted is if you write the offer with the listing agent.  Is this true, sometimes, but how do we stop this?  By STOPPING the practice.  Right House, Wrong Agent, by Deb Brooks on Active Rain got me thinking...  I'm not sure what the answer is.  ... 09/28/2011

This is exactly why Tracy CA has multiple offers on newly on the market listings. This is why Tracy CA has over asking offers on newly listed properties. This is why 99% of the homes on for sale in Tracy, CA sell for over asking within 10 days of being put on the market. When you have a market with MORE solds per month than new listings, you supply gets depleted. Economics 101 - Supply goes UP prices go down; Supply goes DOWN and Prices go UP. More SOLDS than New Listings means supply is going DOWN.  We currently have 6 weeks of supply of homes in Tracy, CA.  Is it a good time to BUY a home in Tracy, CA? You betcha.  Prices are record lows, interest rates are as low as any can remember, and if you're willing to be competitive, offer your best and be patient you'll be moving into your n... 09/26/2011

Changes in Downtown Tracy, is it worth $3.5 million? The City of Tracy is boung and determined to create a downtown to create a "Heart of Tracy" where people will congregate, meander and spend money. It's been weeks and the construction is just getting started.  What you see used to be a parking lot for 2 restaraunts, 2 small boutiques, 1 county mental health facility, a hair salon, some offices and  some apartments.  These business may benefit from the changes. they may not.  Parking will no longer be right outside their door of these businesses.  Customers will have to walk half a block or farther to reach their front door. I have my opinion on how effective this new venure will be, time will tell. 09/25/2011

Kellie Picker Came, Kellie Pickler Went and Kellie Pickler Rocked the House in Tracy, CA at the Grand Theater.  The Opening Band is  a new band out of Sacramento called Attwater.  They were fabulous.  A duo, Erika and Jonathan are amazing together.  Erika has great vocals and Jonathan plays the guitar like a dream.  Personally, Jonathan should sing more, he's got an amazing voice. The duo has great harmony.  "Never Gonna Happen" is thier newly released single.  You can check it out on the Attwater Website. Kellie Pickler came out and sang for about 90 minutes.  She sang some of her new stuff, her old stuff and some vintage Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.   Some of her new songs like Tough and Throwing Rocks instead of Rice are attitude songs.  Cute, spicey songs. It was a... 09/24/2011

Who has Come to Tracy, CA?  Tracy is a "little town" by California standards, with only 80,000 people.  We are isolated commutiy surrounded by freeways and farms.  So our "little town" does not run into other towns thus enhancing the small town feel.A few years ago Kathy Griffin came to Tracy and the Grand Theater, because her assistant graduated from Tracy High.Tonight, Kellie Pickler of American Idol fame is performing at the Grand Theater to kick off this season.I was driving downtown and drove past her buses.  What a life, town to town, living on a bus.  I'm guessing she sleeps on the bus at night and wakes in a new town.I'll be at the concert tonight in Tracy CA, and will let you know what it was like tomorrow.This is BIG news in Tracy.  I wonder if it means Kellie Pickler's career... 09/23/2011

Tracy Housing Report - 9/21/20011 Active properties in Tracy, CA are typically REO - bank owned propeties or investor flips.  Very few home owners have equity and are able or willing to sell their homes at this time. As you can see Tracy has fewer active propeties that short sales or short sale contingents. If you want to know what short sale contingent means you can read all about it here. Pending is just that, the seller's have accepted an offer, sometimes short sales are marked pending while sellers wait for an answer from the bank. If you'd like more information on the Tracy Real Estate Market, contact me. 09/22/2011

Should he be driving? I've driven through Tracy more times that I can tell you, and I always happen along this "driver".  Fortunately he is usually parked outside the local Starbucks.  I wonder who is co-pilot is. You can't tell but this is a teeny tiny car with a great big HUGE dog insde. 09/21/2011

Today was the first time I've ever taken the ACE train.   ACE means Altamont Commuter Express and the train takes communters from Stockton to San Jose. I had to meet the train at 5:50 a.m in Tracy, CA.  First let me assure it is DARK outside at that time of the day.  I didn't even realize that 5:50 a.m. comes twice a day, but I learned today that it DOES. Once I boarded the train at the Tracy ACE Station, I was pleasantly surprised to find 2.5 floors, wifi, plugs for computers, some seats had tables between 4 seats, and plenty of room for people to sit comfortably. If it had been daylight I'm sure the view through the Altamont hills would have been lovely. After stops in Livermore, Pleasanton, Fremont, Great America in Santa Clara we arrived in San Jose. I was headed to the CARExpo, the... 09/21/2011

  This house in Tracy CA came on the market priced at $254,000  It's an investor flip, which means an investor purchased it and and is now selling it.  Usually investor flips are either previous short sales or properties purchased on the court house steps.  This house was purchased on the court house steps San Joaquin county. Here's the good, bad and ugly part. The previous owners NEVER had the house listed for sale.  They never tried to short sale this Tracy CA property.  They should have.  It is always worth trying, save your credit, be able to buy again sooner, and avoid a foreclosure on your record. However, this investor picked up this piece of property for $201,000  There could have been liens, past due taxes, etc those details aren't in the public tax record, only the sale price.... 09/20/2011

Where is there to host a party in Tracy, CA?  Whether that party is a baby shower, birthday party, or even a wedding where in Tracy has a facility to do this? I'm frequently asked this question and last night I found another great place to host a party. I have no idea what the cost was but the venue was fabulous.  Windmill Ridge Winery, 8350 Linne Road, Tracy CA was this unexpected party place.   Windmill Ridge Winery is located between McArthur and Chrisman Roads on the south side of Tracy, CA. A friend turned the dreaded 50, and what was supposed to be a surprise girls night out party turned out to be a full blown event that she knew about. Windmill Ridge Winery has a gazebo with an intimate lawn area and the entirior building has wine tasking. Last night the Band, Rumors, performed. ... 09/17/2011

National Talk Like a Pirate Day sing along is here. Monday September 19th is National Talk Like a Pirate Day - The official website. Who knew there was a day, that was National where you spend the day saying, RRRRRRRRR and talking like a Pirate? In Tracy, CA there will be a celebration at Applebees.  So if ye be a thinkin' that you should attend le affair, put on ye best pirate and join the fun. If ye be attendin' and a parrrrtying like a pirrrrate, be surrrre to post ye picturrrress on the National Pirate Day site. What a pirate's favorite letter? I'll be you thought it was "RRRRRR" but it's really "AYE".     09/16/2011

There's a New Starbucks in Tracy, CA!  It opened 2 weeks ago and in the mornings has a line out the door. Unfortunately there is no drive through at this location.   Down here on the south side of Tracy, CA there has been nothing for years.    Last year Red Maple Village opened with Raley's as it's anchor store.   There is a Chase, Wells Fargo, Chillaberres, Subway, Taqueria, Queen Bee Nail Salon, Medifast, Great Clips, a dentist and NOW finally a STARBUCKS.   I'm not a coffee drinker, so I didn't think a Starbucks opening 4 blocks from my house would be an impact on my world.  Was I wrong!   There are people in there all the time, I guess this is typical for a Starbucks.  Drinking coffee, sitting at tables with thier laptops, there is a cooperate looking conference table for 12, and ta... 09/12/2011

Happy Hour in Tracy, CA Chevy's Restaraunt has a happy hour that has been expanded.    Happy Hour is not 7 days a week, from 4 - 8 in the Cantina only. They serve $3.00 Margaritas, half price appetisers and on Tuesday and Wednesday there are $1.00 tacos.  It's a cheap meal for 2 adults if you eat in the bar/cantina area, and have appetisers.  Frequently my bill has been less than 20, and that included 2 margaritas. Applebee's Restaraunt also has a happy hour.  Applebee's in Tracy, CA   is really pumping up their bar acivity.  Happy Hours in the TRACY Applebee's in Monday - Saturday from 3 -6 and it includes drink specials, $3.00 Long Islands, $3.00 Well Drinks, $3.00 Beer and half off some of their appetisers.  Happy House at Applebees is also 9 - closing on Monday - Thursday and 10 - C... 09/11/2011

One location scores from all 3 Tracy, CA High School Football Teams This is the first year that John Kimball High School will play with Seniors.  John Kimball High School Jaguars played Merrill West High School Wolfpack for the first of the year cross town rival. Kimball's class of 2012 has a substatial number of students that attended West High as Freshman, thus this will be a great rival game. Scores Freshman   - Kimball 21  West 7 JV - Junior Varsity - Kimball 26  West 0 Varsity - West 29  Kimball 13   Tracy High School Bulldogs Played Golden Valley from Merced Freshman - Tracy 35   Golden Valley 6 JV - Junior Varsity - Tracy 14  Golden Valley 12 Varsity - this game was called early do to a BRAWL on the field.   Golden Valley 42  Tracy 28    To read the full story on all 6 games you ... 09/10/2011

It's been a long 6 months, many of those months and the waiting were chronicaled on Active Rain.    It's been awesome to have so much support of the Active Rain family while my oldest son was in Iraq.   Now it's time to share the JOY.   He's officially back at his home base in Los Angeles. His plane landed at 1:40 today, 40 minutes early and I was able to be AT THE GATE TO GREET HIM!   I'm beyond thrilled to have him safetly back on USA soil.  He is delighted beyond words to a) Drive his car b) have a 40 degree temperature differential - from 128 in Baghdad to 78 in Hermosa Beach c) where "normal" clothes d) have the first weekend OFF in 180 days and he's eagerly awaiting Pizza and Beer for dinner.   Thank you to every one for you love, support and kind words to Tyler and myself the pas... 09/09/2011

What does active short sale contingent mean? Metrolist is the predominat MLS service in the Central Valley which includes Tracy and Mountain House. Metrolist several years ago decided to put a "active short sale contingent" as a status option in the Multiple Listing Service. Unfortunately this brings with it a lot more questions than problems it solved. Definition: Active Short Sale Contingent, is a short sale property that has an accepted offer by the seller.  However, because it is a short sale, the sale is contingent on the bank approving the short sale. Sounds simple enough, here is where the confusion lies. 1) frequently sellers are no longer allowing showings and do not want any more offers presented to them (Theoretically at this point it should be marked pending, but more often ... 09/08/2011