Real Estate Guide 07.09.2021

JULY 9, 2021

ESTATE REAL G U I D E THE PRESS

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For more licensing information, please visit www.loanDepot.com/licensing. (110320 394400b)

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& SALES / LEASING / PROPERTY MANAGEMENT We have been a trusted leader in your Real Estate market for over 40 years. Let us provide the unparalleled representation you and your valued assets deserve.

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Photos by Jenna Hards/Brentwood Press

Loan Depot specialists, from left, Loan Consultant Maria Bruno, Branch Manager Darrin Matthews, Brentwood Sales Manager Brittany Sills, and Concord Sales Manager Jaime Joiner are ready to assist you with your real estate financing needs.

Sellers’ market continues in real estate DAWNMARIE FEHR

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ummer is traditionally the right time to list a home for sale, but this summer the real estate

market is on fire.

To help our readers better understand the market right now, The Press sat down with some managers from Loan Depot to discuss loans, interest rates, and strategies to get into contract in a sellers’ market.

Loan Depot offers customizable mortgages for a variety of needs and circumstances. They are currently looking for space in Brentwood to open a new office.

“We are looking for a Brentwood location because we are expanding so quickly and we are very much new buildercentric and that’s where a lot of the building is going on,” said Branch Manager Darrin Matthews. “There is a lot of growth in the East Bay, and we want to be a part of it.”

Matthews referred to the large amount of new construction currently available in East County. He said one of the perks of buying from a builder is a set price.

ON THE COVER: Loan Depot specialists, from left, Brentwood Sales Manager Brittany Sills, Branch Manager Darrin Matthews, Concord Sales Manager Jamie Joiner and Loan Consultant Maria Bruno are ready to serve your real estate financing needs.

“That’s why we do so well and have concentrated for years on new construction, giving people the option to go and pick out a house and not worry about getting overbid,” he said.

Getting outbid is a real concern for many homebuyers right now. With an aggressive market and rising home prices, sellers are seeing 15-to-25 bids on a home, offering tens of thousands over asking. To make themselves more attractive, sales manager Jaime Joyner suggested buyers go into an offer with their loan underwritten.

“Our office is big on getting a loan underwritten without a property attached to it,” said Joyner. “It allows us to close the property much quicker and assures the seller they are selling the house to a borrower where they don’t have to wait another 21 days to find out if they qualify.

Those loans get priority.”

Many people are looking to purchase a new home because of the historically low interest rates available this year. Joyner noted low rates are excellent, but they aren’t the only thing to take into consideration when securing a loan.

“I would say don’t wait, but do your budget first,” she said. “People get so interest rate driven, that they wait and they play the market, but find out what your budget is first. Know what you are comfortable with paying, what you can pay and still have a comfortable lifestyle and go with a mortgage that will suit your needs. Lenders can customize your mort-

Loan Depot Branch Manager Darrin Matthews encourages buyers to get their loans underwritten before they bid on a house.

That way, the seller knows that the buyer already has a loan in place.

gage plans now, so it’s really important not to just focus so much on rate. Focus on your payment.”

Matthews speculated one of the reasons for the booming market is the number of people who changed the way they worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. While offices across the country were closed, many people were able to successfully continue their work from home, eliminating the need to live near the office.

“We had a big influx of people that have realized they don’t have to go to an office every day,” said Matthews. “They realized they don’t have to spend $5,000 a month for a studio apartment in San Francisco and are moving out of the city and into the suburbs and working from home.”

Joyner agreed, adding if you can’t find the perfect home, Loan Depot offers loans

to fund a remodel to make your home just right.

“The resale industry is so hard right now,” said Joyner. “Loan Depot can help you make your home perfect. If you can’t find that perfect home, we can help finance the renovation costs to help make your home perfect.”

Sales Manager Brittnay Sills offered buyers a note of encouragement.

“The market is on fire,” said Sills. “But I would say there is a positive outlook.

There are a lot of opportunities for people right now. I would tell people to hang in there.”

For more information, call Loan Depot’s Concord branch at 925-326-1460, Internal Loan Consultant, Maria Bruno for your lending needs at 925-457-3211, or visit https://www.loandepot.com/branches/ concord-ca.

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Program waives lender fees for state heroes KYLE SZYMANSKI

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referred Rate Brentwood Branch Manager Rob O’Malley knows frontline workers and

educators have especially propped up the nation the last 18 months.

Now, he’s trying to return the favor.

The Preferred Rate Brentwood Branch is exclusively offering to waive lender fees for California heroes, defined as first responders, frontline medical workers and educators.

The token of appreciation means realtors will waive their $950 processing fee and the Preferred Rate Brentwood Branch will forgo the $895 underwriting charge for active or retired qualified recipients.

“It’s about giving back and saying thank you,” said O’Malley, whose branch is exclusively offering the deal. “The realtors and I are working for less. It’s a consumerdirect product, I really like that. I am the one promoting the product, and I get to kind of flip the script to get these consumers that are qualified. Then I can select the realtor partner that wants to participate.”

O’Malley, who crafted the idea, has been working to turn it into reality for about a year, collaborating with web design, marketing and compliance experts.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

The Preferred Rate Brentwood branch has launched a program that will waive lender fees for state heroes, which includes first responders, frontline workers and educators.

Now ready to launch, O’Malley said he hopes to “paint the town with the idea.”

He noted he has seen similar programs carried out in different ways, but none specially targeted at first responders, frontliners and educators.

“It’s giving back to people that deserve it and it keeps us feeding our families,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to do more business and make it up on volume, and do the right thing at the same time.”

O’Malley said the program is open to all

qualified state residents, and the branch has no plans to limit how many heroes it can help.

A similar program he knows of, open to state employees, has been running for 10 years strong, he said.

Prospective recipients in the new program must meet job title requirements, with just a few of them including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, hospital workers and teachers.

The loan qualification process mirrors

conventional or government loan programs, and licensed loan experts are available to help recipients choose a loan type. Pre-qualification can take as little as 15 minutes.

“I believe in the program,” O’Malley said. “These people have gone through so much, especially in the last year and a half.”

For more information on the HELP program, visit https://yourhomeloanexperts. net/help/ or call Mortgage Advisor Peggy Ann Valley 925-890-5255 or email peggy.valley@ preferredrate.com.

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Real estate trends are unprecedented compared to past years in East County JENNA HARDS

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nprecedented times have The housing boom in East County is unprecedented.

Buyers are paying $100,000 to $200,000 over asking price because the market is so competitive.

led to unprecedented trends in this year’s housing

market. While these high prices and demands are great for sellers, potential buyers are faced with competitive prices and few options.

Alongside these higher prices, real estate agents are reporting that they are receiving fewer offers for these houses but that the offers are usually much higher than the actual asking price.

“We’ve never seen houses go to such a rapid rate of price, you know, I mean, we’re selling $100,000-200,000 over asking, I’ve never seen that out of all the years that I’ve been doing business here for buyers. You know, that’s tough,” Heidi Hurst, a Bay Area Realtor and winner of “Best Realtor” in Brentwood in 2005, stated.

Hurst also explained that much of the housing market, even at entry levels, is very competitive. “If you’re a first time

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

buyer, I would advise that if you don’t have a lot of money to put down, I would probably say to wait until you can save up enough money to be able to compete with other buyers that are out there.

Because these other borrowers that are coming in, they’re coming in with a lot of cash- 50% down almost all cash and it’s very hard to compete with,”Hurst continued.

Tracy Nelson, another Brentwood real estate agent, confirmed much of what Hurst has seen in this market.

“Pretty much across the nation, and mostly in California, but in Contra Costa, Alameda County and the whole area, the market is continuing, extremely strong,” Nelson said.

Buyer fatigue is a consequence that Nelson has witnessed due to some of the

higher price ranges and competitive offers in Contra Costa. Buyers coming from the South Bay and San Francisco is making up an influx of many of these buyers as well. “[It’s unprecedented] for sure. And it’s something we’ve never ever seen before ever, including, 2000 to 20032004 days before the market crashed all that this is a whole different ball game,” Nelson further stated, “But it’s definitely going to continue this trajectory for a little while, then start to taper off some and stabilize. You know, you’re not gonna see a huge crash, these people are well approved and have the financing and funds to prove that they can more than afford these homes, it’s not easy to get a pre approval these days.”

Although this market is different from the past, Contra Costa Realtors are there to help both buyers and sellers.

Hurst can be reached at (925)-584-6377 or at her website hursthomes.com/ or any of her social media accounts: (instagram) @heidyhurst or (twitter) @heidyhurst1.

Nelson can also be reached by phone at (925) 872-0400, her website at soldbytracynelson.com/ or her social media is under @eastbayarearealtor.

Heidy Hurst W W W . H U R S T H O M E S . C O M

925.584.6377

Serving The East bay for two decades with over 200 million in sales

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Credit unions offer alternatives to borrowers TONY KUKULICH

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hen considering a home loan, traditional banks often come first

to the minds of home buyers, but

As memberowned and cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates.

borrowing from a credit union has some advantages over borrowing from a commercial bank.

Credit unions differ from banks in several important ways, and these differences may make them a better option for some consumers. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits, make loans and provide a wide array of other financial services. But as member-owned and cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates.

According to the website www.mycreditunion.gov – the consumer–oriented website of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) – credit unions are not-for-profit entities. Profits earned by credit unions are returned to members in the form of lower interest rates on loans, higher savings rates and lower fees. Banks, as publicly traded for-profit institutions, operate for the benefit of their shareholders and are expected to maximize profit while minimizing risk.

There are eligibility requirements to join

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

a credit union. Membership in a credit union is available to people who work for the same employer; belong to the same organization such as a labor union, place of worship or homeowners association; or live in the same geographic region. It also usually includes a one-time membership fee and requires a cash deposit. Membership is generally open to the families of members.

Credit unions are owned by their

members, and volunteers serve on the credit union’s board of directors. With control of the credit union in the hands of members, they can be more invested in the local community.

Credit unions often provide financial education to consumers, on-site locations and a greater focus on local and small business needs.

While credit unions take a borrower’s credit score into account when determining

creditworthiness, a low score won’t necessarily prevent a borrower from getting a loan. Credit unions consider an applicant’s entire financial situation when reviewing a loan application.

If a borrower doesn’t have great credit, credit unions are more willing to work with them than banks and online lenders, though higher credit scores will generally result in more favorable interest rates. Not all credit unions are alike, which means the application process, qualification requirements and rates will be different depending on the particular local institution.

While credit unions operate to improve the financial health of their members, there are a few downsides to their operation.

Because credit unions are generally smaller than banks, they may not employ the most current technologies. Features like banking by phone may not always be available. The number of branch locations may also be limited. Additionally, credit unions don’t offer pre-approved loans. Borrowers won’t know if they qualify for a loan until after a full application is made.

Borrowers looking for a mortgage should consider all available options to find the loan that best fits their needs. That best fit may come from a credit union.

To find a local credit union, visit https:// www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/ credit-union-locator.

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Not an offer or agreement. Information, rates & programs are subject to change without prior notice. Not available in all states. Subject to credit & property approval. Not affiliated with any government agency. For licensing information go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act License 4130655.

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Prepping a house for sale in a hot market JAKE MENEZ

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n real estate, the old adage is that nothing is as important as timing.

There’s never been a better time

to have a house on the market than right now, when things are the hottest they’ve been in years. Naturally, that makes for a competitive scene as more and more houses are listed for sale to a limited number of buyers. In this race to sell, what can a homeowner do to gain the competitive edge and make their house stand out among so many others?

“A hot market is no excuse to cut corners,” says Tracy Nelson, a realtor with Keller Williams. “If anything, it makes the prep work even more important because of how many houses a potential buyer might see.”

Nelson is one of the busiest realtors in the East Bay, armed with 16 years of experience and the knowledge that comes with it. When selling a house, she asserts, the first step is meeting with a realtor to create a checklist of what needs to be done before that house is ready for the eager eyes of buyers.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

When selling a house the first step is meeting with a realtor to create a checklist of what needs to be done before that house is ready for the eager eyes of buyers.

“The first step after the initial meeting is usually a cleaning process that borders on purging,” Nelson explains. “I have clients move what they wish to keep into the center of the garage or a closet and then the remaining items in the house are divided into three piles: items to sell, items to donate, and items to be taken away by junk removal services.”

Once this decluttering has been accomplished, Nelson says clients can expect to be partnered with a staging consultant — someone a realtor brings in to make sure the house makes the right first impression on interested parties. This consultant looks at everything from lighting to furniture to achieve a certain

look that might appeal to anyone looking at the house. In some cases, they may even bring in their own décor to help spice up the house, from curtains to couches to even bathroom towels. The only goal of the staging consultant is to create an environment that anyone looking at the home could see themselves living in.

When asked what aspect of preparing a house the homeowners often overlook before consulting a realtor, Nelson responded that it is typically pet related damages, especially to flooring.

“Flooring damaged by pet accidents can be a major hiccup in getting a house ready,” she elaborated. “In a situation where that has occurred, oftentimes new vinyl flooring will have to be installed and the quick turnaround because the house is set to go on the market makes that process that much more expensive. The best thing a homeowner with pets can do is not allow that damage to happen in the first place.”

After all the prep work and staging is finally completed, the last step before picture day and the subsequent listing of the house is to clean the windows inside and out and power wash the driveway and porch to bring the entire house together and give it that last bit of visual pop that will catch the eye of its new potential owner.

From there, it’s only a matter of time before someone comes along and turns that house into a home.

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Exterior renovations that can improve home value

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enovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior

Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home.

improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.

Landscaping

Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71% of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions.

As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.

Address insects and minor repairs Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way it is discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing.

front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants.

Improve the entryway

Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature.

Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property.

The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to add appeal. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9% ROI. Such a door provides visual appeal and added security features buyers look for. In addition to the

Outdoor lighting

Repaint the exterior

A fresh coat of paint or new) siding can

instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral, warm and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percent ROI, says Remodeling.

And, after doing the front door and siding, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.” This improvement returns 97.5% when selling.

Knowing which improvements add value to a home can help homeowners tailor their efforts to those that are most financially beneficial.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

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What are the differences between real estate agents and real estate brokers?

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eal estate transactions often involve significant amounts of money. As a

result, it’s common for both buyers and sellers to enlist the services of a host of professionals with real estate experience.

Agents and brokers are not one and the same, and there are some important distinctions between the two. ♦ Real estate agent According to Realtor.com, real estate agents are professionally licensed individuals who can help both buyers and sellers. Agents also may help property owners rent their homes. The amount of training real estate agents need to earn their licenses varies by state. Once individuals finish their required training, they must take a written exam that tests their knowledge of federal real estate laws and general principles as well as the laws specific to the state in which they want to become licensed. Only after passing this exam do individuals become recognized real estate agents. Investopedia notes that achieving agent status is the starting point for most real estate professionals.

Photo courtesy Metro Creative

Both buyers and sellers may work with real estate agents and/or real estate brokers en route to buying or selling their homes. ♦ Real estate broker Real estate brokers are those professionals who have continued their education past the agent level and obtained a broker’s license.

East !Bay Area REALTOR® Recipient of the 2020 Keller Williams NorCal/Hawaii Regional Cultural Ambassador Award

Each state has its own requirements in regard to becoming a licensed broker, but education and examinations are necessary regardless of where a person lives.

Your Listing Deserves an Expert!

‘What we appreciated most was Tracy’s communication, availability & work ethic’ -Jesse, June 2021

What is a Cultural Ambassador?

Awarded to the agent that follows the mission, vision, values of Keller Williams and belief system when carrying out business ethically in the industry. I am passionate about selling Real Estate and am grateful to wake up every ! day and do what I love. This goes deeper than selling homes for me, I am truly always looking for ways to support the communities I work in. It is imperative that our children grow up understanding the importance of helping others.

We rise up when we give.

Tracy Nelson, B.A. REALTOR® 925.872.0400 | DRE 01841691 Tracy Nelson Incorporated

Realtor.com notes that the extra coursework to earn a broker’s license focuses on various topics, including ethics, contracts, taxes, and insurance. Agents may learn about these topics as well, but coursework for prospective brokers goes into more depth than it does at the agent level.

Brokers also will study and learn about legal issues in regard to real estate. The legal issues brokers may learn about include brokerage operations, real estate investments, construction, and property management.

Requirements vary, but Realtor.com notes that brokers often must work as licensed real estate agents for no less than three years before they can earn their broker’s license.

There is more than one type of real estate broker. Principal/designated brokers oversee all agents at a given firm and ensure the agents act in compliance with all real estate laws.

Managing brokers tend to focus on the hiring and training of agents. Associate brokers have their broker’s license but work directly under a managing broker.

Real estate agents and brokers can help buyers, sellers and investors successfully navigate real estate transactions, and each can serve their clients in different ways.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

Social @EastBayAreaRealtor SoldByTracyNelson.com

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Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market

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combination of factors,

should be “offer ready,” which means having a mortgage pre-approval letter or proof of funds for a down payment ready to go.

Failure to have funds in check can slow down the process or compel sellers to reject an offer.

Work with a real estate agent. These are complicated times and it pays for buyers to have a professional working in their corner.

A real estate agent uses his or her knowledge

including low interest rates and a pandemic-driven

decision by many city dwellers to look for houses in the suburbs, has created a housing boom for much of 2020 and 2021. That boom has created an undeniable seller’s market in real estate.

Just what is a seller’s market? The financial resource Investopedia defines it as a marketplace in which there are fewer goods for sale than there are interested buyers, giving sellers the ability to dictate prices. Since mid-2020, there has been an extremely low inventory of homes for sale but a very high interest among purchasing parties.

Data from the National Association of Realtors indicated that, by the end of February 2021, housing inventory fell to a record low of 1.02 million units. These factors have led to a surge in competition from buyers, including bidding wars on homes and all-cash offers to entice sellers. In December 2020, the median listing prices for single-family homes shot up 13.4 percent from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor.com, and it hasn’t slowed down much since. Jeffrey Mezger, a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry and CEO of KB Home, says it’s the best seller’s housing market he’s seen in his career.

So where does this leave buyers interested in relocating? Here are some tips.

Consider areas with slower overall price growth. Experts say the southern and midwestern United States offer the best value for home shoppers because of their meager price growth. ClearCapital, which tracks housing values, says San Antonio, St. Louis and the Dallas/Fort Worth areas experienced the least price appreciation from 2019 into 2020.

Get pre approved or have your funds ready. Speed is the way to go if a buyer is interested in a property and wants to make an offer. Real estate professionals say buyers

In December 2020, the median listing prices for singlefamily homes shot up 13.4 percent from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor.com

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to make a timely offer and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf. He or she also will provide insight into specific neighborhoods, amenities and school districts.

Eliminate certain contingencies from the equation. Contingencies are factors that must be met before a sale can go through, according to the relocation site Moving. com. A common contingency is the need to sell one’s current home before closing on another. Asking for extended closing periods or certain home repairs are some additional contingencies that can make buyers less attractive to sellers.

Make it personal. Buyers can offer a personalized note with the offer that may connect with the seller emotionally and set one of them apart from others who have made similar offers.

Buying in a seller’s market can be challenging. But some strategies can set buyers apart from the pack.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

Call when you’re ready to talk.

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Passive income streams a good way to earn

Peggy Ann Valley Sr. Mortgage Consultant

As a top producing loan officer, her clients say she makes a hard process smooth.

Cell: (925) 890-5255

peggy.valley@preferredrate.com NMLS# 221369 DRE# 01000599

JULY 9, 2021

With family in the military, law enforcement and education, Peggy is excited about the new H.E.L.P. program which honors and helps all who serve.

Call or Text me at 925.890.5255 for immediate service.

- Peggy Ann Valley

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obs may be how many people earn their money, but there are other ways to generate income that may

not require the level of effort of a nineto-five gig.

Passive income streams can be a great way to earn substantial amounts of money.

Passive income can be earned through investing in stocks, money market funds, real estate, livestock, or savings bonds. Lending money also can provide passive income. Though such income streams are described as “passive,” they require an investment of time and/or money to get started.

Passive income streams enable the average person to make some extra money without taking on a full-time job. Unlike active income, where the more you work the more you earn, passive income often generates a flat level of return over time.

Passive revenue streams are continually evolving. Modern passive investments are varied, and can include the following ideas. ♦ Home-rental service Popular sites like Vacation Rental By Owner (Vrbo¨) and Airbnb put interested parties in touch with potential landlords. Vacation property owners or people who do not spend a

lot of time at a primary residence may find this is a lucrative way to earn some extra money.

Properties located in popular tourist areas may garner considerable income. ♦ Digital products Digital items, such as expert advice guides, books, informational articles, digital photography, digital artwork, and more can be sold online. The product only needs to be created once, and then it can be sold infinite more times to generate an ongoing revenue stream. ♦ Peer-to-peer lending According to the financial wellness site MyMoneyWizard.com, peer-to-peer lending (P2P) is the practice of lending money to borrowers who may not qualify for traditional loans. P2P is a growing market that removes large financial institutions from the lending process. Lenders serve as the “bank,” and the consumer pays interest on the principal. ♦ Real estate investment trusts Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, offer the benefits of being a landlord without the hassle of dealing with fixing broken pipes or handling rowdy tenants. REITs are like stocks in the real estate market. You purchase a share in a company that owns, manages or invests in various real estate properties. The higher the dividend rates the higher the risk, so investors must weigh REIT considerations carefully.

- Courtesy Metro Creative

We are excited to announce we are expanding our team!

At Prosper Real Estate, we are committed to Changing Lives With The Power of Real Estate.

Although we work to change the lives of our clients, we are just as driven to change the lives of the real estate professionals on our team.

Are you looking for a team who: Can provide and help you manage several warm inbound leads every week Offers support and training opportunities for new and experienced agents Supports a growth mindset Is passionate about helping you build your real estate footprint in East County Can provide you all the tools to market yourself Can provide a clear path to owning a piece of the business.

We’ve helped over 70 families sell or purchase homes so far in 2021.

Ready to join our team? Let’s grow together. Invest in yourself and join a Local Team on pace to close $100 million in sales in 2021.

Stop by our new office, located at 141 Sand Creek Rd in Brentwood, CA, or call us at 925-819-1072 today to see if you are ready to Prosper with Prosper Real Estate.

925.819.1072

MARK SCHWELLER

HEATHER WINHAM

EMILIO LEYPON

925.819.1072

925.548.7294

925.494.4136

Founder | Broker Associate

DRE#01437289 mark@prospercalifornia.com

• 141 Sand Creek Rd, Brentwood

w w w. p ro s p e rcalifo r n ia.co m DRE#02014153

Founder | Realtor

DRE#02086981 heather@prospercalifornia.com

Realtor

DRE#01422355 emilio@prospercalifornia.com

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JULY 9, 2021

What to know about outdoor living spaces

H

ome trends come and go. What was popular as recently as a decade ago

may have lost some luster in the eyes of today’s home buyers. Though that’s historically been the case in regard to real estate, outdoor living rooms are one relatively recent home trend that figures to have a longer shelf life, especially in the aftermath of a global pandemic during which people were encouraged to stay home as much as possible.

Real estate professionals and organizations like the National Association of Home Builders note the popularity of outdoor living spaces among prospective home buyers, and how that popularity has grown in recent years. Outdoor living rooms not only appeal to potential buyers, they also serve as a means for current homeowners to get more out of their properties. Homeowners mulling outdoor living space projects should consider various factors before deciding to go ahead.

COST: The home renovation resource HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of an outdoor living space is around $7,600.

That cost can easily go up depending on where homeowners live and the features they want to have in their outdoor living spaces.

For example, including a built-in fire pit in an outdoor living space will cost more than purchasing a stand-alone fire pit that can be picked up and moved. But many homeowners feel a built-in fire pit makes an outdoor living space even more special.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT: Return on investment is another factor for homeowners to consider as they try to decide if they should install outdoor living spaces and how to design those areas. Much conflicting data

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

features recover around 67 percent of homeowners’ initial investment. In addition, 83 percent of homeowners surveyed by the NAR who had installed fire features said they had a greater desire to be home after completing the project.

SPACE: An outdoor living space may only be as relaxing as the space allows. The proximity of neighbors may affect privacy levels, which can make it hard to enjoy movie night outdoors or curl up to quietly read a good book. In addition, landscaping also may need to be addressed if drainage is an issue in the backyard. That can add to the cost, and drainage concerns may limit the materials homeowners can work with.

Outdoor living spaces are popular.

Homeowners must consider various factors before deciding if such spaces are for them.

- Courtesy Metro Creative

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THINKING THINKINGABOUT ABOUT

SELLING SELLING YOUR YOUR HOME HOME OR ORREFINANCING REFINANCINGITIT?? SELL SELLWITH WITHAANEIGHBOR! NEIGHBOR! I’M I’MTHE THELOCAL LOCALROSE ROSEGARDEN GARDENAREA AREAAGENT AGENTYOU YOUNEED! NEED!

about the ROI on outdoor kitchens can be found online, but many trusted real estate organizations report that such additions do not mesmerize prospective buyers. Data from the American Institute of Architects indicates that outdoor kitchens are routinely ranked among the least desirable home features, which means homeowners should not expect substantial ROI when selling their homes.

But that built-in fire pit? Estimates from the National Association of Realtors suggest fire

Outdoor living rooms not only appeal to potential buyers, they also serve as a means for current homeowners to get more out of their properties

|

I’M I’MYOUR YOURNEIGHBOR NEIGHBOR JAMES JAMES W.W. GRAYDON GRAYDON

MORTGAGE MORTGAGE & REAL & REAL ESTATE ESTATE BROKER BROKER DREDRE License# License# 01236065 01236065 NMLS:995241 NMLS:995241

VISIT VISIT US US ATAT WWW.XXXXX.COM WWW.XXXXX.COM TO TO GET GET AaA HOME HOME VALUATION! VALUATION! Visit www.allphasebrokers.com for FREE Valuation!

FREE FREEHome

925-584-9886 925-584-9886

DRE# DRE# 01869812 01869812

D

D

L SO

L SO

Sold in June. 6 days on the market for $76,000 over list price!

Sold in June. 10 days on the market for $35,000 over list price

It’s still a great time to sell since median homes have risen 14.1% since last year.

I recently sold 219 Heartwood in Oakley CA in 6 days for $76,000 over the list price!

Call or Text me 24/7 if you would like to discuss your options.

Patrick McCarran “Know Your Options”

• Text or email for a buyer handbook • Sellers ask for a free list of staging tips • Contact me for a FREE Market Evaluation

(925)

899-5536

www.CallPatrick.com pmccarran@yahoo.com

Patrick McCarran DRE# 01325072 In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE#01931601

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JULY 9, 2021

WHO’S WHO IN THE BIZ!

Mark Schweller DRE#01437289 925-819-1072 mark@prospercalifornia.com www.prospercalifornia.com

Chris Sasville Owner Cal BRE #01806829 (925) 998-6227 1555 Riverlake Road Discovery Bay chris@sasvilleproperties.com www.SasvilleProperties.com

MORTGAGE AND LOAN

www.SheaHomes.com

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True!

Debbie Anthony Realtor® DRE 01171642 925.262.7702 DebbieDoesRealEstateNow @gmail. com Ronda Fast Realtor® DRE 02085045 650.430.9556 Ronda.Fast@compass.com

Cathie Marples Realtor®, Broker Associate Brentwood Office: 8340 Brentwood Blvd.

Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-8040

NEW HOME 55+ COMMUNITIES

Carlos Rivera Supreme Lending 925-448-3945 NMLS# 1529250 1200 Central Blvd Ste C, Brentwood

Maria Bruno Loan Depot 925-457-3211 NMLS# 1535081 mbruno@loandepot.com www.loandepot.com/mbruno

Rob O’Malley Branch Manager Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID#240904 (925)634-6600 omalleyteam@preferredrate.com Brentwood,CA

A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

Beth Miller-Rowe Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist 3478 Buskirk Ave., Suite 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 969-0380 office (925) 381-8264 cell Beth@YourReverse.com YourReverse.com NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 DRE: 00950759/01215943

Renee Parrett Senior Financial Advisor 1115 Second St., Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-6004 renee.c.parrett@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargoadvisors.com CA Insurance #0C92754

Kindred & Balfour 131 Summerset Dr., Brentwood (925) 558-9914 Trilogy at The Vineyards 1700 Trilogy Pkwy., Brentwood (925) 258-2414

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Matt Marples Brentwood Office: 8340 Brentwood Blvd.

Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-8040 Discovery Bay Office: 2453 Discovery Bay Blvd.

Discovery Bay, CA 94505 (925) 634-2224 www.marplespm.com

TW

OOD• CA 37 °55'54"

Debbie Does Real Estate in...

Barcelona 1511 Spumante Lane, Brentwood (925) 477-4572

"W BREN

Tracy Nelson 925-872-0400 DRE# 01841691 www.soldbytracynelson.com

Heidy Hurst REALTOR® The Hurst Team (925) 584-6377 HeidyHurstFirst@gmail.com 60 Eagle Rock Way, #B, Brentwood www.hursthomes.com DRE# 01280003

Peggy Ann Valley Sr. Mortgage Consultant 925-890-5255 Peggy.valley@preferredrate.com DRE# 01000599 NMLS# 221369

45

Tom Schieber 925-487-3172 DRE# 01404116 3860 Balfour Rd Ste B, Brentwood www.theschieberteam.com

Discovery Bay Office: 2453 Discovery Bay Blvd.

Discovery Bay, CA 94505 (925) 634-2224 www.marplesteam.com

121°41'

Patrick McCarran 925-899-5536 Jim Graydon DRE# 01325072 925-584-9886 DRE# 01236065 NMLS# 995241 pmccarran@yahoo.com www.callpatrick.com www.allphasebrokers.com

Craig Sasville Broker/Owner Cal BRE #01746093 (925) 550-6447 1555 Riverlake Road Discovery Bay craig@sasvilleproperties.com www.SasvilleProperties.com

N

REAL ESTATE OFFICES AND AGENTS

Contra Costa County Contact The Debbie Anthony Team for all your real estate needs!

The Debbie Anthony Team Debbie Anthony

Summerset Vista Resident 925.262.7702

DebbieDoesRealEstateNow@gmail.com DRE 01171642 DebbieDoesRealEstateNow.com

Ronda Fast

650.430.9556

Ronda.Fast@compass.com DRE 02085045 DebbieDoesRealEstateNow.com 3860 Balfour Rd., Ste B Brentwood CA 94513 DRE #01404116

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JULY 9, 2021

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

JULY 9, 2021

Welcome Back to Normal!

T

Nothing lasts forever but at least we got these memories. – J. Cole he memories of the last 16 months are memories we all might have been able to live without. Now that we have

experienced them, what will we do with them?

Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, ever envision what we have just lived through? The great news is that we have come out the other side. There is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but we have burst out the other side of the tunnel and we are basking in the sunlight.

I was in the grocery store with my husband last week and so many people were without masks, including the two of us. I was so thrilled to see people’s faces. I could not stop smiling. I was chatting with everyone. My husband kept saying “who was that”? I said, “I don’t know but she was really nice”. Then he saw me leaning in, chatting with someone else and he said, “do you know her” and I said, “nope but she told me all about this funny looking veggie I have never seen before”.

After about the 8th person, he stopped asking “who is that”. He realized I was just so thrilled to be “normal” again I was chatting with everyone who would chat with me. And those people felt the same way. Thank goodness we can talk to each other, welcome an approach by a stranger instead of turning away with fear, and share a genuine smile.

One of the most significant images of normalcy is 4th of July. Fireworks, parades, boats, watermelon, smoking ribs, and grilled corn on the cob. To celebrate our country’s birthday after the year we have just survived feels good, it feels right, it feels important.

People ask me if my staff and I were able to continue to work over the last 16 months and what the work environment looked like. We were incredibly fortunate.

We were able to very quickly pivot from full-time in the office, to most of us working from home. Most all of us had an environment that could serve as an office, whether it was usually used for school or was already set up to work from home. We have two people who work opposite days and were therefore able to work in the office itself. That was important so as to have access to the mail room, copiers, receptionist, etc. It really just all fell into place for us.

We know that is not the case for so many. Our ability to help some of those less fortunate is something we talk about often. It is an honor to be in a position where we can offer a solution to someone who was a year or two away from retirement only to lose their job due solely to the pandemic. Through no fault of their own.

They had a plan, had readied themselves for retirement, then the rug was pulled right out from under them.

That job may not come back at all, and if it does, is the 65-year-old the one who is going to get the call to return to work? Or the younger, less expensive employee who is likely to have many more working years left?

For many, the stimulus funds were a vital lifeline.

Extended unemployment benefits helped many to put food on the table. The forbearance programs offered by many mortgage lenders and banks was truly a lifesaver, allowing them to continue to live in, and own, their

family home.

The reverse mortgage program is a great solution for many of these very people because it provides amazing flexibility.

First and foremost, it is considered the Final Forbearance Program. For those who are willing and able to access their equity, the reverse mortgage program allows them to remain in their home without having to make a principal and interest payment. Of course, as is the case with any type of mortgage, the homeowner is still responsible for property charges including property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and HOA dues, if any.

Secondly, the number and types of programs now available gives many more homeowners the opportunity to access their equity. We offer the FHA insured reverse mortgage, as well as a wide variety of jumbo and proprietary programs.

The ways in which the funds can be taken also offers a variety of options. We offer lump sum access, as well as a line of credit option or a tenure payment option.

The line of credit does not accrue any interest until the funds are drawn off the line. Once the funds are drawn, the amount drawn becomes a part of the loan balance and begins to accrue interest.

On the FHA insured reverse mortgage the tenure payment plan allows you to access your equity via a monthly payment payable to you. Each and every month you will receive a payment for as long as you live in your home. If you live to be 125 years old, and continue to occupy your home, you will still be receiving that monthly payment, regardless of your equity position.

You may also choose a limited term payment plan.

For example, you may have a 5-year plan where you know you are going to sell your home and move to Texas to be closer to family. But for the next 5 years, you would like to live without a mortgage payment, or to receive a monthly payment to improve cash flow. In this example, you may choose to receive a monthly payment for the next 60 months and then sell your home, without any prepayment penalty, ever. You accomplished your short-term goals as well as your long-term goals.

I am running out of time to review all the options available to you under the reverse mortgage program but one that I must mention is that you can make payments on your reverse mortgage. Under either the FHA insured program or the proprietary programs, you can choose to make payments which will preserve equity. You may choose to pay $100 a month, or $1500 a month; or you may choose to pay $2500 twice a year, or maybe every other month. You can pay whatever you choose, whenever you choose, or you can choose to pay the loan in full when you leave your home. It is completely up to you, total flexibility!

The most important idea I can convey today is to “learn for yourself!”. I always hear “my aunt has a friend who said….”. Yes, everyone has an aunt, or a neighbor who has heard that reverse mortgages are bad, but they cannot quite put their finger on why they are bad.

They have heard… The bank owns your home – wrong! The bank takes your home in the end – wrong!

They kick you out if you run out of equity – wrong! You can outlive a reverse mortgage – wrong!

Is a reverse mortgage right for everyone? No, it is not. But it is a great tool for many people.

Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 38 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 12 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration.

Call us. Learn for yourself. Is it right for you? Only you can decide that. Hear the truth about today’s reverse mortgage. You will be surprised.

We look forward to chatting soon.

– Advertorial

Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.

Beth Miller-Rowe NMLS: 294774

Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist

The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.

Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com

3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True!

A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

DRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out.

Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. **American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is not financial service company or licensed tax advisors; the material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. We are not financial or tax advisors, please contact your financial professional for your personal financial situation.