Here’s what’s new in the world of real estate: The real estate market activity during this month seems to be about the same. We were at a meeting with the economic advisor with the California Association of Realtors last week. According to her the market will be the same next year. Still lower interest rates and the prices are leveling off. The prices will not come down as everyone thinks. It will be business as usual. The market in Santa Clara County is off by 19% not bad compared with the Sacramento being off a whopping 48%. Potential buyers shouldn’t wait. With a strong buyers market, combined with nearly all-time low mortgage rates, now’s the time to get a great deal on your dream home. And there’s never been a better time to “cash-out” on your home if you’re thinking of moving. The market is not hot or cold its just taking a little longer to sell! If your or anyone your know has plans to sell give us a call and we can tell you the best way to get the most money for your home.
How To Make Yourself And
Your Family “Lightning Safe”

It can happen in any season. And its effects are potentially deadly. In 1998 alone, 44 reported lightning fatalities and more than 6,000 lightning injuries occurred in the United States.

Most people only associate lightning with summer thunderstorms, but lightning can occur any time of the year, including winter. More than 40 percent of deaths caused by lightning are in open areas; 18 percent occur under trees and 14 percent on boats.

The Insurance Information Institute says more than 21 percent of all homeowners’ insurance losses result from lightning and resulting fire. Here are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your property from the devastating effects of lightning.

If you are outside:

1. Seek cover in a car, protected building, or find the lowest elevation spot in your surrounding area. Lightning usually strikes the highest point of the local area. If there is no shelter, stay away from tall objects. You’re safer crouching down in an open field than you are under a tree.

2. If you are in the water, get out immediately! If you are boating, get to shore. If that’s impossible, go inside the cabin or lie on the bottom of the boat, and don’t touch metal objects.

3. If you’re golfing or fishing, drop any metal clubs and rods. Do not stand in a small, isolated shed or other structure in an open area. Move away from a motorcycle, scooter, golf cart, or bicycle. Stay clear of wire fences, clotheslines, metal rails, or pipes.

4. If you feel your hair standing on end or your skin tingling, lightning may be about to hit you. Drop to your knees and make yourself into the smallest target possible.

5. Don’t assume you are safe if a thunderstorm appears to be far away. Lightning can bolt out of the edge of a storm and strike victims even if it isn’t raining yet. In fact, lightning has been known to strike from as far as 20 miles away!

If you are inside:

1. Do not use the telephone during a storm. Also, shut off electrical appliances such as TVs and stereos. Electric current cannot only surge through electrical outlets, but through cable TV and stereo wires.

2. Shut down your computer, but don’t stop there. Most lightning strike damage to computers doesn’t come through the electrical wires, but through the phone lines. And most surge equipment is helpless against it. If your computer has a modem, unplug the phone connection from your computer.

3. Stay away from open doors and windows. Also, stay away from stoves, metal pipes, and sinks. And since water conducts electricity, never take a bath or shower during a storm.


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HOME SELLER TIP #26 : Sellers often resist spending money on a property they're selling. This is particularly so in the current market, where they may have less chance of receiving multiple offers and a generous price. However, properly preparing your home for sale can give you an advantage in today's challenging market.

Buyers are pickier than they were a year ago when home prices were rising quickly. Currently, appreciation is flat, at best. Many buyers are concerned that prices are falling. So, their enthusiasm for paying huge prices regardless of the condition of the property has waned. Buyers are looking for value.

Getting a house fixed up for sale takes time and money. A good real estate agent can be an invaluable ally in this endeavor. In fact, you should consult with your agent before embarking on any projects to ensure that you make value-enhancing improvements.

THE CLOSING: Resist the temptation to show your home before it's ready. You could lose a prospective buyer who can't visualize how your house will look after the improvements are done.
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contact Paul and Ginger and get your home staging FREE. This will help the seller with spending anyhttp://www.free-homestaging.com money to make their home look great.

Many times San Jose Real Estate buyers avoid using the services of a REALTOR under the mistaken belief that it costs them money - or that they will be able to negotiate a better deal directly with the seller or seller's real estate Broker. This can be an expensive mistake when buying a home. If you are negotiating directly with the seller or seller's real estate Broker, you may not be taking advantage of the best value available in the residential housing market today! You can have your own REALTOR, a Buyer Broker or Buyers Agent, who is committed to using the experience gained through hundreds of successful San Jose real estate negotiations for your benefit at no charge to you!

The realty business is unique, where an agent with one day's experience and no home sales gets paid the same as real estate agents with several years experience and hundreds of successful sales. An experienced Realtor can help you avoid costly mistakes, find the best home value, and make your home buying or relocation experience an enjoyable, stress-free one!

When viewing homes for sale, it is important for homebuyers to know and understand for whom the agent helping with the house hunting is actually working. The agent may be working as a sub agent - representing the seller's best interests during negotiations - or as your agent representing your best interests during negotiations. If you are not sure who your agent is working for - ask for clarification. Realtors must fully explain agency. When negotiations commence, wouldn't you want to know whether information you divulge will be used for the seller's benefit - or your's?

The contract you sign to buy or sell a property is a complex and legally binding document. An improperly written contract can allow the purchaser or seller to void the sale, or cost you thousands of unnecessary dollars. Have an experienced Realtor who knows the "ins and outs" fully explain the contract you are about to sign to you, or have your lawyer review it before acceptance. We have over 29 years experience.
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Real Estate Alert…
The most asked question....

Q. We are thinking of selling our home, and heard there are four critical phases of the selling process we must examine with our agent. What are those phases?
If you’re selling your home, you need to be aware that there are four critical phases of the selling process. A mistake in any of the phases can jeopardize a fast, top-dollar sale. Here areVisit The Conti Team the phases: 1) Pricing the property to ensure the likelihood of stimulating offers. Many people try to set a high price thinking they can come down later. That’s a big mistake because above-market pricing stifles showings and discourages offers of any kind, usually netting the homeowner a lower price than they planned on getting. 2) Marketing the property to attain the highest number of showings from qualified buyers. Check your agent’s marketing plan carefully to Visit the Conti Teamensure they have the ability to do more than just place it in MLS and hold a few open houses. 3) Creation and Negotiation of the purchase contract. A good agent’s negotiating skills can make or break a purchase contract. Check their experience in these matters. Ask questions about past transactions they handled. 4) Managing the escrow process. During this phase, your agent must be on top of all the escrow functions: inspections, appraisals, financing, contingencies, and more. When interviewing real estate agents, make sure you address each of the four phases of the selling process. Your dialog will be pivotal in establishing trust and a personal chemistry that is crucial between you and your agent. If you have a question about selling your home, please call us at 408-691-7700.