Roots2RealEstate

  photo courtesy of www.Flickr.com

Every year I wait until the stroke of midnight the night before Halloween to decide upon how I’m going to spend this delicious holiday.  I understand there are those folks who do not like the thought or practice of such a holiday, but for me I see it as a holiday for letting the imagination run wild and I love watching kids make believe and allowing them to be fun, freaky, and free. 

Here is an exhausting list of enchanting events happening all around the Bay Area leading up to Nov 3rd.  http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/calendar/listings.asp

For Halloween Fun Seekers, visit

http://www.zvents.com/search?swhen=&swhat=halloween&trim=1&st=event&swhere=San+Jose%2CCA&sort=0&srad=50&svt=map&ssi=0&search=true&new=n&srss=50

For Dia de los Muertos seekers check out the link here:

http://www.zvents.com/search?swhat=day+of+the+dead&swhen=&swhere=San+Jose%2CCA&srad=50.0&st=event&svt=text&search=true&srss=50

What’s Dia de los Muetos you ask?  Check out a very cool Wonka’s tutorial about the “Day of the Dead”  http://www.wonka.com/wonkafactory/shome.htm?section=dod

And check out these websites: www.Dayofthedeadblog.com  http://www.crizmac.com/online_catalog/store.cfm?step=results  www.mexicansugarskull.com  lots of oddities!http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/flash/dod.html.co

For a small history about Halloween and the other three holidays click on http://www.floramex.com/lihallow.html ionalmuseumofmexicanart.org

Ironically when I looked up All Saint’s Day which is the day after Halloween not much came up. Here’s a taste http://www.homiliesbyemail.com/Special/Saints/saints.html 

And no mention would be complete without a list of the Saints. http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/saintday/index.html

Or about All Soul’s Day which is the day after All Saint’s Day  http://all-souls-day.123holiday.net/

I did find an interesting web site that is well stocked with interesting facts for the days of November.  http://members.aol.com/TwoGeekInc/nov96.htm

If you have the need to feel normal, learn what others are doing at this time in a post about the 13 freakiest attractions around the U.S.

http://cg.channel.aol.com/freaky-attractions-photos

Find stories and people who do believe at http://www.aimpages.com/paranormalAIMPg/profile.html -Chat with these folks about the latest calling out the dead live event that just took place last weekend at our very own Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, Ca. 

Want real haunted house stories that may make you stay in for the evening read on at http://www.realhaunts.com/ 

http://www.ghosthaunts.com/

http://www.haunted-places.com/

A site for souls twisted enough to know about Horror with all its blood and guts visit their blogs at http://www.aimpages.com/masshorrorbuff/profile.html

Or view an extensive blog list of the spookiest and scariest movies of all times as well as the hottest horror girls at http://www.cinematical.com/tag/Halloween2007/

I hope your last days of October and beginning days of November is filled with nothing but sweet memories. 

My current furry friend lover bloggers just put out a scoop about newspaper advertising and how this source of advertising has gone to the dogs.  See articles at:  http://sandiegohomeblog.com/2007/10/18/paper-trained/

I loved their antidote about moving on to new territory and how agents should be marking their territory with newer sources like Web 2.0. - a more community felt forum rather than a one dimensional ad campaigning like advertising in newspapers.

At every open house (and yes, I still do open houses and Twilight Tours, http://parkalmaden.roots2realestate.com/instant-message/ ) I always start off my first initial conversation with the question  “How did you come to find the open house today”?  I do this survey so I’ll have more than just the number of heads that walked through my clients door, but a further analysis of what type of buyers were out looking at my clients house.  Surprisingly the answer “From the newspaper”, is still one of the comments I receive.  See it really depends on the type of neighborhood your hosting an open house at.  Demographics largly play an important part on who is searching for homes and where.  Un-savvy and not connected to the Internet people are still alive and they do depend on the more traditional way of getting information like newspapers.  I call them for the sake of this post the ”Can’t teach a dog a new trick click”.  They are people like my Dad, who sold computers for a quarter of his life, a man who could tell you all about a computer’s interior guts and all about its motherboards but a man who doesn’t know anything about the software system it runs.  Or another close relation of mine my aunt, who wants a computer but only when she doesn’t have to type or use a mouse, for the mouse makes her dizzy to operate.  I keep telling her that a software has existed for awhile now, but that she needs to train the software to recognize her speech pattern; she then follows with “Well then I’m going to wait until I don’t have to do that”.  Or my husband, who doesn’t get the liberty to be online at work and who hardly gets the time to do so at home, only because email and social networking is relatively new to him and all his time online goes to www.FantasyFootball.com.  I also have several clients and affiliates (26 of them in fact ) who fall into my “Call Only” part of my address book.  Ironically most of these people are seniors, or at least in their minds they are.

At the beginning of this year, I met and listed a home in a neighborhood from an open house newspaper advertisement.  One of the main reasons this client hired me was the fact I advertised in my print ad a website to go to.  This ”I’m too old to learn something new like a computer” senior, knew nothing about creating a virtual online personality but liked the fact that I did.  They also liked how I demonstrated another creative way to advertise the property that I was holding open at the time, by doing something different in hosting a twilight tour of homes for the area, (Think of it like speed dating for open house hunting).  They were intrigued enough to call me and the conversation started from there.  When we met in person, they had a flyer in hand from a door-to-door campaign I did in the neighborhood from two years ago that I had used while I was looking for a home in this particular tract!  This same family was kind enough to give to me right before their move to San Diego all of the flyers they had liked and collected throughout the years from the many agents who had targeted their house along with all the open house flyers that mostly she had visited.  The reason they said they chose me over the other Realtors (besides my patience with them) was that I did something unique, that it matched their pace and I had an appreciation of the neighborhood being a now newer resident of Blossom Valley’s Allen Heights / Santa Teresa Foothill neighborhood.  From their set of open house events that I hosted for them (4 weekends total), I got to meet and list another new client who owns a home that can be seen at: www.AllenHeights.Roots2RealEstate.com

Now of course this scenario doesn’t happen all that often, and yes, there are more buyers and sellers online now more than ever.  So I do agree with one thing my furry friend lover bloggers touched upon, that it’s very important to create something that stands out, similar to marking on a fire hydrant.  By creating a unique presence using web 2.0, it should help an agent attract a stronger more educated type of potential customers.

Or just until the moment before when every agent jumps in and is then doing it too - at that point something new will have to be done to be the next big hype.

If your niche market is filled with folks who don’t want to go online, show them the importance and the power of an agent who can.  Use this opportunity to teach them how, so you may build a stronger connection and relationship with them in the future.

Wow, how did I get so fat again?  It seems like yesterday I was in shape and down to 127 pounds, (I’m 5′2 so by doctors’ recommended weight that is still on the heavier side).  I was working out three days a week and I was feeling really good about my results.  Then I went on vacation, made lots of excuses not to work out and ate at Wendy’s a few times.  5 months later, I have ballooned to 145 and my clothes hardly fit, what a reality check.  so it’s back to the gym three mornings a week, watching my carbs and sugars and no Wendy’s or Taco Bell. 

I know the basics of eating right and working out but like most of us I don’t always follow them.  I think basics relate not to our health but also everything else in our life.  How easy it is to watch TV at night instead of talking with our spouse and children?  The question “How was your day?” and the answer “fine” just doesn’t count as conversation.  Even at work, we know what we should be doing, like getting to work on time, giving a full days effort and asking for more responsibility. 

I realize how easy it is to let things slide and get off track.  As I get back to my basics, I hope you do too.  I hope the last quarter of 2007 is your best.

Lastly, if you have gotten off track financially, comment back to me about your weak spot when it comes to handling your money, your anonymous dilema could be my next post.  Don’t get caught up about the weighty topic of real estate and finances, ask me, for I love to help give you ideas.  Plus, I need more topic ideas to keep you reading my blog!

My recent decision really makes me wonder about my sanity.  Several years ago, I inherited a pit bull mix from a home that I sold that had several of these types of dogs in it.  The owners had found homes for all of the dogs except for one, the runt of the bunch.  Naturally we wanted to show the home staged and friendly, so the dog came to my home, which was only supposed to be until the home sold.  9 pairs of shoes, and several years later she has found a home into my heart.  She has been a great walking buddy, snuggler, and guard dog.

My husband and I was blessed with our first son back in November almost two years ago.  I felt awful for my first baby and was afraid  she was lonley and feeling neglected as we cooed over the new arrival. 

I was considering adopting a new dog when back in April, returning from visiting my sister, I rescued a puppy who was heading for a bad situation.   I was sold when I saw her unusually bright green eyes.  I found out she was a Basenji breed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basenji.    Being part Basenji (a bark-less dog variety) I thought she would make a great fit into our family of four - my  young son, my husband, my 10 year old pit bull mix, and me.   

Last week, I really went over the deep end.  As with caring for  a new puppy, this dog has taken over several things that I own.  For some reason she has not picked off anybody’s else stuff except for mine! I really lost it when she some how got into a drawer where I’ve had to retreat all of my shoes to.   

As I was fuming mad she came over and laid her sweet big eared head on my lap and looked up with me with those light green eyes to say “I’m sorry”.   I couldn’t help but laugh out loud and remember the early days with my other dog and how shoes was her favorite pass time, and I have to remind myself that this phase will pass.  I bet its only a matter of time before my son is growing fast and destroying more of my stuff. 

I feel people do not enjoy life enough - kids, pets, vacations, work, church, family, and fun time.  I am 30 and life is a quarter over.  I do not want to miss out on anything.  You need to play with your kids, dogs, friends, and each other.  Go on vacation, laugh while you are working.  I know that I get way too serious and I imagine so do you.

We all need to lighten up.  This might help you to lighten up - just think about me hobbling around on my last pair of chewed up insoles for shoes.  That should give all of you a big laugh. 

Thanks for reading

I’ve love having both my own roots planted near the new New Almaden area, as well as my personal family roots along the Santa Cruz /

I’d like to share with you my experience and what it takes once you have found the ideal plot that you would like to build on.   Just know there are about 5 steps needed to take prior to applying for a construction loan that either you or your savvy real estate agent can do to  determine if the property is buildable.  Properties advertising that a land survey is available and utilities can be reached are in a greater position to get such a project started.

Go to your county or city hall and ask lots of questions, find out who they find easy to work with when dealing with contractors and builders. Interview several builders and take detailed notes on the process and how long they think a project would take.  Visit the vacant land and figure out the best placement for the home you desire.  Many factors should be considered and talked about with your preferred builder/architect.   Set time aside to analyze this data and get the plans approved through your local permit department.  Expect that there will be upfront costs incurred that you will need to pay out of pocket to investigate such a project with your city/county and builder.

Below are some of the highlights about going through the loan process that you might be expected to complete when applying for a construction loan to build a new primary residence that has either one or two homes on itFirst off, find yourself a lender who is familiar with the local and state requirements and specializes in construction loans.  You’ll want to receive a Good Faith Estimate upfront or within three days from applying for the new loan.  The lender will want to know upfront if any work has or will start prior to closing when accepting the borrower’s application.  They will also want to see an executed Builder Resume.

In addition, you’ll be asked for a copy of your general liability insurance policy.  Guidelines may need to reflect a policy for $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Also check to see if the property falls in a potential flood area, for you may be required to provide additional flood insurance. 

Another item needed for review by a lender is a total cost of project and a required funds worksheet should be completed.  You may ask for it from your builder/architect or you can create on your own a Builder’s Line Breakdown form on Excel, which would include a line breakdown reflecting project costs at a trade line level plus any of the pre-paid amounts associated with each trade line.  Provide a W-9 form reflecting the appropriate tax ID numbers to be associated with the vendor disbursements with it.  You may also be asked to fill out and complete an Indemnity Agreement which protects the lender against any mechanic’s liens. 

 Towards the end, you’ll be asked to show proof of a Copy of the building permit and also records of paid items; like a letter executed between you and the builder with proof of cancelled checks or paid invoices as supporting documentation.   Be aware that your builder will need to sign-off on applicable documents towards the end as well.   

Lenders could require a pre-closing inspection at your cost; this can range up to $500. (It helps to show this cost with your Required Funds needed worksheet!)

Lastly, you’ll be asked to provide title coverage on the new home and project.  Make sure to select a title insurance company which is familiar with construction-related services that include:   Foundation Survey and Endorsements, Interim Date Down Endorsements, Course of Construction and/or Builders Risk Insurance, or any other additional title insurance endorsements required by the lender, a bonding around Mechanic’s Liens, and one that can do title policy re-writes. 

Did you find this article helpful?  If so, please let me know! 

and to my lender bloggers out there, did I miss anything?

As the season falls back, so do sellers, or so it appears so in the sub-neighborhood areas that I work and am apart of, which are the Cambrian, Blossom Valley, Santa Teresa, and Almaden Valley areas of South San Jose.  As home prices decline at the entry and mid level, current sellers whose homes are priced competitively, staged and clean for presentation, and whose homes have been “certified” (getting all inspections up-front and completing the work needed to transfer to a new owner), are still not selling because of the bad economic news that has been forecasted over San Jose. 

It doesn’t help any sellers’ cause, or bring buyers out to shop for a new home when such sources as http://seekingalpha.com and http://housingpanic.blogspot.com, as well as many other bloggers and news feeds, depicts San Jose real estate market as one of the most inflated markets out there in the U.S.!  Truth be told…

These sellers, (who are victims of bad timing), are deciding to take a risk by taking their property off the market for now and wait for Spring with a hopeful sense of renewal to our marketplace, against the advice of their agents.  I’ve spoken to many of the agents in my favorite neighborhood pockets, and they have shared with me that their listings are like a “haunted house” that no one dares look at. 

Some Sellers in the entry level price range are saying no to more marketing and wanting to wait until the bad press blows off.  A wise decision?  I think not, as some of my previous posts eludes to.  I do agree with one thing, traffic is slow now.  We can all but hope it will gain more momentum in the spring time.  However, buyers will be demanding more than a 10% drop in prices when it does become “selling season” again.   Sellers who need to sell need to price their home aggresively and expect to wait 2-3 months for an offer.

On the flip side, Buyers will have to weigh the pros and cons and educate themselves on the mortgage market.  They will have to  consider in factors such as, rising interest rates, and the cost of borrowing getting to be more expensive.  This raise in interest rates will be needed to help balance the weak dollar internationally and help with inflation.  This double edge sword must be drawn soon. 

 Mother and son are bonded by family’s steep tradition.

  Another beautiful Saturday was spent welcoming the fall season and feeling a sense of community at the Emma Prusch Park in the middle of bustling downtown San Jose, for their annual Harvest Time Festival.  The event was free and had so many wonderful things to experience for all ages.  Cooking demonstrations, hay tractor rides, a guided park tour, lasso’s for kids, pony rides, 4H demonstrations and animals, pumpkin patch, several art activites, vendor booths, as well as many different things to taste and eat.  Including, free fresh pressed apple juice, that was out of this world tasty, fresh squeezed lemon-aide, homemade tamales, and enormous Purple Heart hot dogs, who shares their proceeds to help give aid to veterans.

 If you’re wondering where and  is Emma Prursh Park is, you need not travel too far - it sits between 280/680 and 101 freeways at 647 South King Road.  An unlikely place to see a historic landmark and home to a community of gardeners and friends of mother earth.  http://www.PruschFarmPark.org/News/

Those attending could buy from the farm’s bountiful of crops that had been harvested, as well as purchase sweet local honey.  A treatment some say helps build up  the immune system to help fight off the effects of allergy season. 

The farm is maintained all year round with the help of many of San Jose’s local schools and families, who want to teach children the origin of where the food they eat comes from.  I think this is a brilliant idea to teach to kids, especially the importance of  proper nutriction and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  I believe being in touch with the food source and helping it cultivate and grow helps kids develop a long term appreciation of the food that’s on their plate and the environment. 

The really special part  of the Harvest festival to me and to my son was the music and dancing, especially the Aztec Dancers and drummers.  With their elaborate feathers and costumes they called to the four winds and welcomed the fall and winter months with a prayer for good tidings to all of San Jose.  I was touched by this because it reminded me of a Give Thanks time, when strangers got together to share their sense of community and culture with others.  When as humans we were open to new ideas and we all felt the sense that we belonged to a higher power no matter where we came from.  The Harvest Time at Emma Prursh Park was not Thanks-giving related - but I couldn’t help think of all the different cultures that make up this city and my own family and how we all have come so far and have given up so much to feel apart of something greater.   

If my son could talk sentences, (he’s not quite two) he’d tell you how he loved to stomp his feet in unison with the dancers, and how much fun it was petting all the farm animals. - Well except for the giant goose; he was staring my son down as if he was a giant corn on the cob. 

Thank-you Prusch Park for giving us something fun to experience! 

Park and parking are always free at Emma Prusch Park.