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Once upon a time, when a homeowner did a short sale, the IRS counted the difference between what the bank took and what the homeowner owed as income. Not much incentive there for sellers. In 2007, the federal government enacted the MDRA that allows qualified taxpayers to exclude that “income”. The law will end December 31st. You must close the short sale by then. Other qualifications include: · Good for up to $2,000,000 in forgiven debt · Only works for principal homes · The tax rule can be applied to debt used to ...

Sales Up, Prices Down in 2011 Single-family, re-sales home sales were up 7.3% last year in San Mateo County. Unfortunately, after a nice gain in 2010, prices were down. The median price for homes dropped 5.5% and the average price was off 2.7%.< > Condo sales in the county were up 12.2% over 2010. The median price for condos dropped 12%. The California Association of REALTORS® expects the median home price to increase 1.7% in 2012. They forecast sales to increase by 1%. “2012 will be another transition year for the ...

The market is starting off hot in 2012. Inventory is very low, interest rates are low and there are a lot of buyers looking for the right house. If you are thinking of selling your home this year, we believe the first quarter is going to be very strong.

Check out the Music in the Park in Burlingame on Sunday the 24th of July at the Washington Park - Recreation Center Patio at 850 Burlingame Avenue. This Sunday will feature an amazing country group, The California Cowboys. R. W. Smith and the California Cowboys deliver a powerful sound, with the clear punch of tight three-part harmonies. The Burlingame Art Society will also host an open house at the Recreation Center. Bring a picnic lunch and make it a fun-filled family affair! /kh

You all know the story…young chicken, fearful of the worst, runs around declaring that “the sky is falling, the sky is falling”. In today’s real estate market, there are many people (professionals and amateurs alike) with opinions that make buying real estate sound like throwing money away. One thing I have learned in life is that opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. I certainly have my opinions which are not always universally shared. But, I wanted to share mine today by asking those of you Chicken Littles some ...

Come join the South San Francisco Police K-9 Unit at the Pet Food Express at 1129 Old County Road in San Carlos on Saturday, July 16th & Sunday, July 17th and wash your dog for a good cause from 10AM to 5PM. Meet the officers and their K-9 partners! All proceeds from the dog wash sales go to the South San Francisco Police K-9 Unit to help offset the costs associated with South San Francisco Police Department's annual K-9 Trial/Competition scheduled for August. The proceeds from the event will allow the K-9 Unit to continue to host the ...

Closing day is when all the decisions are final when purchasing a new Hillsborough dream home. The purchase price is paid and the title is transferred from the seller to the buyer. In many states the mortgage lender’s attorney or a title agent will handle the closing details and protect the buyer and seller’s rights as a neutral 3rd part. You will receive a number of important documents at the closing meeting. Review this list of documents before you go, so that you'll know what to expect when you're there. Documents the Buyer ...

Calling all foodies, we have the perfect event for you this weekend! On Saturday, July 9th at 11:00 am there will be the Culinary Walking Tours of San Francisco. Our Culinary Walking Tours™ of San Francisco, designed by Chef and FOODIE ADVENTURES™ Founder, Chris Milano - are over three action-packed hours of local food, local culture - and serious local flavor! You've seen them on CBS-TV, The Huffington Post, Food Network, AAA's Travel Magazine, LA Times and many more! The Culinary Walking Tours™ of San Francisco, designed by Chef ...

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Although lenders want to make loans for those in the market for a new home, this difficult economy has made it where only the best credit scores will be approved. While many Americans are struggling to make their monthly payments and hang onto their high credit scores, mortgage companies and other lending institutions are being forced to tighten their belts and credit qualifications are more important than ever before. You’ve heard of the “rock bottom interest rates”? They are reserved for top tier credit risks – borrowers who have ...

If you’re looking for something free to do in San Francisco on Independence Day, here’s what you need to know about the biggest city celebration. Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to be if you love crowds, plenty of live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. WHAT: San Francisco 4th of July Waterfront Celebration & Fireworks – Free. WHEN: Monday, July 4, 2011, 12pm to 9:30pm. Concert featuring beach pop band Ruby Summer from noon – 1pm; rock out with Club 90 (90′s hits) 2pm-4:30pm. Dance to Tainted Love ...

So, here it goes….I think you should RAISE THE COMMISSION YOU WILL PAY AN AGENT WHO BRINGS YOU THE EVENTUAL BUYER OF YOUR HOME. Is it contrarian? Maybe. But, hear me out. Typically, home sellers agree to a total commission to be paid to sell their home. Many don’t realize that their listing agent then posts the percentage of that commission they are willing to share with the agent that brings a buyer that purchases the house. As an example, you agree to pay a listing agent $10 to sell your home (depending on your market, the $10 may ...

COMING SOON! WE HAVE JUST LISTED SEVERAL PROPERTIES IN THE LAST WEEK. EACH WITH MOTIVATED SELLERS, ALL IN GREAT CONDITION! GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! BE THE FIRST TO SEE, GIVE US A CALL! 650.348.2020 BURLINGAME - MILLS ESTATES 3 BEDROOM, 2 1/2/ BATH REMODELED HOME WITH A FAMILY ROOM, GOURMET KITCHEN WITH GRANITE, SPARKLING POOL, DECK AND LANDSCAPED YARDS ON ONE QUARTER ACRE WITH A FABULOUS 180 DEGREE VIEW. BACKS UP TO MILLS CANYON. $1,300,000 +/- MILLBRAE - JUST LISTED 4 BEDROOMS 2 BATH HOME ON A LEVEL LOT IN THE MILLS ESTATES ON ONE ...

Returning to Pacifica Performances for their annual Spring performance in Pacifica, Golden Bough once again brings their unique mix of traditional Celtic music of Ireland and Scotland (as well as Wales, Cornwall, The Isle of Man, French Brittany and Spanish Galicia) to create an exciting ethnic mix of music, on an array of acoustic instruments (Celtic harp, guitar, octave-mandolin, mandolin, accordion, violin, penny-whistle and bodhran.) They blend their voices in pristine three-part harmony and feature haunting solo vocals as they weave ...

Despite what appears to be a non-stop wave of tough news regarding real estate, four major media players have come out this month with the same advice: It Is Time to Buy a Home! Here are the four articles and a breakdown as to why the advice makes sense. The Wall Street Journal: Why It’s Time to Buy CBS Money Watch: Why the Time to Buy is Now Forbes Magazine: 9 Reasons to Buy a House Now National Public Radio: For Many, It’s Still a Good Time to Buy a Home With prices continuing to depreciate in most regions of the country, some ...

Calling all aspiring baseball stars! If your little one is looking for some summer fun and learning the in's and out's of America's favorite pastime then look no further. Preparing Legends hosts a Preparing Legends Baseball Camp in San Mateo that starts June 20th. It is located at the College of San Mateo at 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd in San Mateo. The event is $325 for first child, $275 for any sibling after full payment is made for first child. For more information go to www.preparinglegends.com, email info@preparinglegends.com or call ...

Here are ten reasons why it is a good idea to hire an experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent when you are looking to buy a home in the San Mateo County area. 1 -- Experience Purchasing a new home may well be the largest expenditure that you ever make. So it simply makes good business sense to enlist all the help you can get. A seasoned real estate agent has completed more real estate transactions already this year than you'll likely make in your lifetime. That adds up to a whole lot of knowledge and experience. Experience that ...

Are you looking to adopt a furry friend to love? Visit the San Mateo Petco at 3012 Bridgepoint Parkway this Saturday, April 16th beginning at 9:30 until 9:00 PM. If you are looking to adopt be sure to first send an an e-mail. They will have you fill out an application. Please send your request to: dogsneedhomes@aol.com You will find a mixture of dogs, such asPoodles, bichons, maltese, shih tzus,cockers and mixes are available every Saturday. The dogs are young, active, and submissive. Great pets for kids, and companions for other ...

In September of 2010, John Paulson, billionaire hedge fund manager was quoted saying: “If you don’t own a home buy one, If you own one home, buy another one, and if you own two homes buy a third and lend your relatives the money to buy a home.” So call me today and let's talk!! 650.348.2060