• We have special refinance rates for everyone that uses us for their mortgage financing
• Our refinance interest rates can be as much as 1% lower than purchase loan interest rates
• We pride ourselves on treating our clients like family while providing white glove service
• Offering below market rates for refinances is just one way we give back to our community while saying “Yes You Can!”
• Whether you need cash-out, want to lower your existing rate, or want to shorten your loan term, we have your Preferred Rate!
TWO GREAT AGENTS + TWO DIFFERENT COMPANIES = UNSURPASSED RESULTS!
Guarantee to Sellers: Will sell your home for more $ than comparable properties or will PAY YOU $!
Have 1000+ successful seller + buyer transactions in combined careers. Not kidding!
Professionally stage our listings at NO COST to sellers
Provide professional photography plus virtual tours at NO COST to sellers
Some listing agents require sellers to do major remodeling before going on the market. We don’t! We usually sell for top $ regardless of condition
For sellers on a budget, we have a curated list of exceptional vendors & tradespeople. (For example, our painters can usually beat the competition in both quality and price.)
For out-of-area sellers, we can arrange and be on site for all repairs, inspections, cleaning services, and movers
For sellers in a rush, we can have your listing on the MLS in under 24 hours
With seven years in the appraisal industry, we can more accurately predict the price a home can sell and—most importantly--appraise for!
Have decades of experience helping owners sell single family homes, townhomes, condos, short-sale homes, probate properties, and multi-units
Steve & Courtney Agent X
Rea l GUIDE E state
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
BRENTWOOD 2/2 1451 SQ FT 55+ COMMUNITY $718,000
Welcome to Kindred & Balfour by Shea Homes, an intimate 55+ community in the East Bay. This stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom plus study AREA, corner-lot home is filled with natural light and neutral tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pristine, the walls have never seen a nail, and the carpet has never been walked on with shoes, making this home feel like it came straight from the developer. A $20,000 backyard upgrade adds stylish cement work, artificial grass, and beautiful landscaping, creating a serene outdoor retreat. Exciting amenities are coming soon. At final build-out, the clubhouse will include pickleball courts, a unique spool (spa/pool combination), a park, bocce ball courts, and a fully equipped kitchen for community events. Walk to the Golf Course - Brentwood Golf Course right next door and play a round, or drive just minutes to downtown and enjoy multiple places to eat or shop. Don't miss the opportunity to call this exceptional home yours.
PENDING: OAKLEY
4 BED 3 BATH 2806 SQ FT $723,888
Welcome to this beautiful two-story home built in 2009, offering 2,809 square feet of spacious living! Located near Gehringer elementary school, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home features the desirable Acacia Plan with elegant architectural touches throughout. Enjoy a fabulous open layout, including a large kitchen with granite countertops that flows seamlessly into the living area and overlooks the backyard— perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. There’s plenty of room for everyone in this bright and inviting home!
ANTIOCH
3 BED 1 BATH 1312 SQ FT $425,000
Endless possibilities! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a desirable corner lot and offers plenty of space to make it truly your own. The garage has been converted into additional living space (done in the late 1970s/early 1980s, no permits), providing extra room for a home office, hobby space, or bonus living area. The backyard features a beautiful swimming pool, ready to be the centerpiece of your outdoor gatherings, with opportunities to enhance the landscaping and fencing to suit your style. A newer roof (approx. 2 years old) adds to the value and peace of mind. Ideally located near schools, freeway access, take-out
this home is ready for your
and future
PATRICK McCARRAN
WELCOME TO NORTH SHORE!
This condo community sits on 5 acres with a private lake & community pools. New HVAC installed Oct. 2024. Patio looks out to private Beach Club. Near dining, retail, grocery, banks, and Marina.
$140,000
SELLING TWO PARCELS IN ONE AMAZING PRICE!
Spacious 3 bedroom, 2bath Manufactured set away from street for privacy. Lot is mostly gentle rolling hills with trees around perimeter. Adjoining 1.8 acre lot sold jointly (no utilities on 2nd lot - 7395 Bluebird Road), for a combined 3 acres. Rancho Tehama is a rural subdivision located approx 12 miles from I-5, between Red Bluff and Corning, nestled between Trinity National Forest, Shasta Trinity National Forest, Lassen National Forest, and Mendocino National Forest. Offered at $140,000
Big Valley Mortgage is here to help you find the right path to homeownership. Reach out today and let's explore your options!
• Low Credit Score - Lenders want to see a history of responsible borrowing. A lower score can raise concerns about repayment ability.
• High Debt to Income Ratio - If too much of your income goes toward existing debts, lenders may see you as a risk.
• Insufficient Income or Employment History - Stability Matters. Gaps in employment or an income that does not align with loan requirement can cause issues.
• Too Many Recent Credit ApplicationsMultiple credit inquiries in a short time can signal financing instability.
• Low Appraisal Value - If the home's appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can impact loan approval.
The New Broker In Town
Hire Cathleen Griebling if you want someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and determined to getting your home sold. We can’t say enough good things about Cathleen. She knows her stuff. We hired Cathleen based on recommendations from family and friends who had used her in their real estate transactions. There is no doubt that we would hire her again in a heart beat to handle any future real estate needs. Whether your buying or selling, it is so important to have a knowledgeable real estate professional watching your back and negotiating the best terms for you. Thank you Cathleen Griebling.
Robert T.
Cathleen is a true professional! She knows the business inside and out, works hard for her clients and follows through. We've had the pleasure to work with her on multiple occasions. Cathleen has helped us purchase 2 properties and sell 3 over the last 10 years. Even with the drastic ups and downs in the housing market over the last decade, she doesn't miss a beat. I can't recommend a more hardworking and trustworthy realtor.
Heather
ASKINGSOLDFORPRICE
Cathleen Griebling is a true real estate professional. She knows her community, the market and the best way to sell or buy a home. She has the utmost integrity and will be completely honest with you about how the process works, what you should know and expect. She works well with others and you can trust that Cathleen will do whatever it takes to get your deal done. I highly recommend Cathleen Griebling and due to her hard work my house sold over the listing price in the midst of Covid-19
. Julie
OAKLEY $80,000 Perfect Place for 55+ COMING SOON. 1 Bedroom /1 Bath 728 sqft. Kitchen Update with Countertops, Cabinetry, Appliances, and Laminate Flooring. XXL Primary Bedroom with 2 lrg closets! Stack Washer/Dryer, Refrigerator Incl. Wheelchair accessible. Park Space rent Lowest in the area. Call for a preview showing!!!
CONCORD $690,000 Single Family, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with ADU potential. It also has a two car garage, fully fenced yard, an inground pool and s super large covered patio and screen room. The roof is approx 7 years old as are the 2 remodeled bathrooms. (both with a tub/ shower). Floors are hardwood, laminate and linoleum. Price reduced to $725,000
EAST BAY FAMILY MORTGAGE ADVISOR
1. C alHFA's My Home Purchase Assistance Program Is Here!
• No D own Payment
• NO CREDIT REQUIREMENT!
• Combine with the C alHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) for closing cost & credits!
2. R enovation Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
• Ne ed funds for renovations but short on equity? Our HELOC lets you borrow up to 125% of your home's value
• Enjo y the flexibility to draw what you need, when you need it - no need to refinance your first mortgage!
3. Super Jumbo L oans - Up to $10M!
• Self-employed? No tax returns needed! We offer luxury financing with flexible terms and fast approvals for high-net-worth borrowers.
• Lock in your rate while your search for a home
• L ock for up to 90 days with no cost upfront
• E xtended rate locks available %
Desirable Glenbrook SOLD in 5 Days!
Tucked away at the end of a peaceful court in desirable Greenbrook, this well-loved home is ready for its next chapter after 47 wonderful years. Backing up to the scenic Iron Horse Trail, the setting offers a lovely sense of privacy and connection to nature. Inside you'll find 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths across 2,251 square feet, set on a generous 9,700 square foot lot. The nearby Greenbrook community pool and amenities add to the appeal, along with easy access to shopping, dining and freeway--making daily life convenient and enjoyable. Greenbrook Elementary School about a quarter mile down the Iron Horse Trail in the sought after school district. If you're looking for a welcoming place to call home in a cherished neighborhood, this could be the perfect fit.
Only $1,749,888 for Danville's Greenbrook
2918 Newbury Street is a charming 3-bedroom, 1½-bath Berkeley home offering 1,405 square feet of living space on a generous 5,480 square foot lot. Built in 1905, this residence blends historic character with everyday comfort, featuring a sunny and spacious kitchen, a large enclosed backyard ideal for gardening, play, or entertaining, a separate storage shed, and convenient two-car parking. Perfectly located just one block from Berkeley Bowl and three blocks from Ashby BART, the home offers easy access to local markets, transit, and neighborhood amenities. A pleasant stroll leads to Bushrod Park, while UC Berkeley and Downtown Berkeley are only a short distance away, all within the sought-after Berkeley Magnet School District. With a Walk Score of 92 and a Bike Score of 98, the neighborhood is a dream for walkers and cyclists alike, supported by excellent options for getting around including BART, AC Transit, ZipCar, and GetAround. Drive by to explore the welcoming surroundings, and if inspired, contact us today to schedule a private viewing appointment. Berkeley • $1,299,000
BAY POINT
2 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS │ 1778 SQ FT │ $189,900 NEW PRICE!! Located in a family friendly community is this awesome home that boasts over 1,700 sq. ft. of living space & features 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & an impressive list
PITTSBURG
2 BEDROOMS │ 2 BATHS │ 1440 SQ FT │ $149,500 MOTIVATED SELLER - PRICE ADJUSTED!! We made a promise to update this home—and we’re delivering! Located in the desirable 55+ Delta Hawaii community, this rare 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an exceptionally spacious living area with a total of approximately 1440 sq ft.
HAYWARD
3 BEDROOMS │ 2 BATHS │ 1500 SQ FT │ 320,000 Need more space? This warm and welcoming manufactured home checks all the boxes! Ideally located in the heart of the Bay Area with convenient access to major bridges— including San Mateo, Dumbarton, and the Bay Bridge—this approximately 1,500 sq. ft. home offers a smart and spacious layout. Inside, you'll find 3 bedrooms, a den and 2 full bathrooms. Space rent is $1212.35 mo.
We are proud to present this Brentwood
9050 Deer Valley Rd.
featuring 6,595 upscale living. This estate is perfect for a family retreat, due to it's separate living quarters. The property sits on 5 rolling acres with producing olive trees and includes, large building, oversized garage and pool house! The backyard is fabulous and was featured and created by Pond Masters.
Twilight Open House on Tuesday, August 19 from 6:30 pm to 830 pm.
Checking all the boxes in must have items!
Welcome to 430 Ellisa Lane Brentwood
Amazing single story custom home, CHECK, featuring things like high ceilings, crown molding, lots of windows, CHECK, all bedrooms are ensuites, coffee bar, wrap around backyard covered patio, CHECK, unobstructed views of Mt. Diablo, ADU, stamped concrete driveway, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK.
Primary suite downstairs, Pulte's favorite model Just Listed! Over 3,000, soaring ceilings, court location, 4 bedrooms plus loft! Priced right at $899K
Looking for 2 spaces for the price of 1?
Check out 609 Lynn Ave Antioch. Cute as a button with water and city light views you will fall in love with. Priced to sell at $589K
this
in a desirable gated 55+ community. Inside, the thoughtfully
with
two more
and updated counters throughout,
community’s wonderful
and peaceful walking
Considering a career in Real Estate? Call Me! Maggie
Hurtado Realtor/Owner Partner
170 Main Street, Suite C, Oakley, CA 94561 weichert@hhandassociates.com • www.weicherthhcom
September 1, 2024
Hello Steve, I would like to Thank You Personally for going above and beyond what I expected, I thought I was putting my Real Estate inventory in a magazine, to help my listings get exposure to people outside my general area and help them sell, but Little did I know that I would be receiving much more! My homes are everywhere and so am I, and the calls never stop! I Had no Idea that The Real Estate Guide also has a website! When I went online and typed My Name into a search engine…..BAM! My homes POP up and so do I! Google, Trulia, Yahoo, Zillow and even Facebook…WOW….. I have paid big money in the past for this kind of Web presence and exposure and it has never come close to being this Great! From past experiences I knew your customer service was great and I appreciate that, but to back that up with such a wonderful product……. in my opinion…….. is above and beyond!
Thank You so Much …..Maggie Hurtado!
Oscar Acosta DRE#02117956 925-699-3725
Augustus Asuncion DRE#01713767 925-433-1880 English/Spanish
Barbara
Shelda Malek DRE#02012990 925-305-9645
Sheena Sunga DRE#02180962 415-583-0181
Vincent
DRE#002134011 925-849-0446 English/Spanish
Carla Libert DRE#02012990 510-912-1992
Sara Daviess DRE#02223751 925-584-3014
Tara
DRE#02233260 925-984-6838
Kevin Razineja DRE#02242858 925-864-8550 English/Spanish
Jeffrey Santos DRE#02235502 925-286-5657
ARE YOU STILL INTERESTED IN INTEREST?
As expected, the Federal Reserve reduced the short-term interest rate by ¼ of 1 percent. One may have thought that while the rate was reduced by a small percentage, people were dancing in the streets that mortgage interest rates were finally to become more affordable. As I expected, no substantial reduction in mortgage rates has shown up after a week. In fact, as I am writing this, rates are again rising. So where does this leave us?
Even with a promise of future rates reductions by the Fed, mortgage rates are not affected in a major way, if at all. Even if these rates begin to decline in a meaningful way, the impact of the cost of housing will not change very much. As more people take advantage of lower mortgage interest rates, it will increase the number of potential home buyers. This increased demand for homes, which will cause an increase in home prices, leaving the buyers pretty much where they are today.
Wherever the rates go, this is not the solution to make homes more affordable. The actual thing that needs to be done is to reduce the price of housing. Interest rates for construction certainly influence the cost of building, allowing the contractor to more affordably erect them. This is only one of many things the builder needs. The cost of land continues to increase and will until the demand for it slows or more likely, local government will allow more residential zoning wherever they are. Local
government also needs to take a serious look at the costs they generate with permits, regulations and other administrative costs. Prices for materials such as lumber, concrete, and other materials also continue to increase. The cost of labor also is a major input to the costs of construction. These costs will continue to rise as the labor force is renewed and more demand for higher wages becomes important.
As you may see, the interest rate on your mortgage is only a small part of what you pay monthly. When you factor in taxes, insurance, utility costs and food are the major impacts on the total costs. In fact, you can deduct the interest you pay month on your federal income tax.
People interested in getting home prices reduced would have their time better spent, working with your city councils, planning department, and others that CAN reduce the cost of housing.
John Case is a Broker Associate with Corcoran Icon Properties (CA) & Stanberry Realtors (TX) He has dealt with all aspects of Real Estate during his career and can answer any question that you may have regarding your home.
CalDRE Lic:00622378
He is also the editor of the East Contra County Real Estate Economic Report. He works with his wife Diana in Brentwood. They can be reached at 925-382-9771 or by email at johnacase@stanberry.com
CCRIM Invites You to visit our website: www.CCRIMToday.com
SELLERS:
List your home with a CCRIM agent who will have your home on our Caravan Tour & Tuesday Broker Open.
BUYERS: Ask your agent to attend the CCRIM meeting to learn about "Coming Soons"
AGENTS & AFFILIATES : Attend CCRIM every Tuesday Doors open at 8:00 am St. Stephen Catholic Church 1101 Keaveny Court Walnut Creek, CA One of the LARGEST networking groups in Contra Costa
Shaping the Future of Real Estate in Contra Costa
At Contra Costa Real Estate In Motion, we network with leading professional of real estate to ensure consistent knowledge of current market listings and market conditions. We also spread awareness about the impact that the real estate and its affiliated industries have on the development of the local communities.
Last but not least our members consistently strive to give back to the community by hosting several charitable events. "hands-on" projects and other activities.
By Patrick McCarran ~ Real Estate Broker
There is a major change coming in the real estate world that will completely reshape how buyers purchase their home. What will the settlement mean for homebuyers and homesellers?
Traditionally Owners have hired an agent to sell their property and negotiated a commission. By making it a percentage it gives the agent incentive to maximize the sales price, this is a very common practice with money management, talent agents, etc. The listing agent would then offer an offer of compensation from their commission to act as a finder’s fee and to broaden the scope and market of the property, this was the function of the MLS.
Starting in July 2024 this will no longer be allowed, due to a class action settlement with a private party and supported by the DOJ the selling agent will no longer be able to offer a finder’s fee on the MLS. The new system will shift agent compensation and place the Buyers on their own. This will give the Buyer the options of hiring a real estate agent, or a lawyer, or representing themselves. A written agreement will be required
for Realtor representation for both in-person and live virtual home tours. This currently only applies to Realtors but there is a state law in the legislature to apply to ALL real estate licensees. The Buyer will now be responsible for paying for their representation. There is as always no set price for representation and this will be up to the individual to negotiate.
Sellers will be allowed to pay for the Buyer’s agent if they choose by offering concessions on the MLS. The buyer can then choose to distribute the money according to their needs towards closing costs or Realtor fees. While listing commission fees have always been negotiable with the changing dynamic the fee structure will most likely change. As a Seller it will be up to you to negotiate what you wish to pay to sell your home and what will be the most advantageous. The Seller will decide if they wish to pay and how much to the Buyer’s agent. The Seller and their agent will need to work out if they are comfortable with their agent representing an unrepresented buyer and what the additional fee for the listing agent to represent the Buyer in that scenario.
While doing it yourself may sound like a great idea and instant savings, bypassing an
agent’s services may not lead to direct savings, especially for first time buyers, the home buying process can get very complicated and having a great local agent to negotiate and guide you can give you a competitive advantage.
Consumers will still be able to view Open Houses without a written agreement and may tour with the listing agent if the listing agent business practices allow. Buyer will have option to sign exclusive agreements or open agreement which will be up to the consumer and their Realtor. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) will continue to be supported through Realtor dues and thereby imparting vital information to the consumer.
As we move forward into this brave new world of real estate, it will be different but ultimately I am confident that Consumers and Realtors will work together so that all parties may benefit.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Hablo Español
Single family home on a quarter of an acre with room to build an ADU. Newer flooring with central heat & air. Oversized eat-in kitchen with newer appliances. This home is a must see. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths.
• $685,000 Single story Somerset home. Updated kitchen. A must see! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.
