You and your family can visit downtown Pleasanton to see many scarecrows that are on display at local businesses and vote for your favorite.  You will receive a raffle ticket to bring back on Halloween to possibly win your favorite scarecrow! 

During the Farmer’s Market on Halloween, all scarecrows are on display at The Museum on Main from 10AM-2PM.  You can also purchase additional raffle tickets to win a scarecrow.  There’s more!  You can enter the Carved Pumpkin Contest from 9-10AM or just judge your favorite from 10-2PM.  Also, there’s a Fall Dessert Contest, for $5 per ballot you can taste and vote on your favorite dessert from downtown locations.  And at 12PM, there will be a scavenger hunt where kids (costumes encouraged) draw a starting point card to figure out clues through downtown locations. 

Check online at pleasantondowntown.net or call 925.484.2199 for all the event details.

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In a recent article by Strategic Equity, Dave Muti, author of “Mortgages:  What You Need to Know,” was asked how a credit score is calculated and tips for increasing it. The Fair Isaac Corporation created the most common credit score used today - the FICO score.  It ranges between 350 and 850.  The higher the score, the better the interest rate you can secure.  720 is the credit score threshold that you don’t want to drop below in order to secure the best rates.  If you drop below 500, you may not even be able to secure a mortgage.

The following are five critical credit criteria reported in the article:

1. Payment History - This pertains to your track record for paying your bills. It makes up 35% of your score. Essentially, this means paying your bills on time. A mortgage “late” is much more serious than a credit card “late”
2. Credit Ratio - How much you owe is 30% of your score. Just because you owe less does not translate to having a better score.  This score is determined between the various types of credit you have opened (see #3 below). There needs to be a balance between how much you owe and how much you have available to you.  Having too many credit cards can be a negative and having only one could be as well. The goal is to have a lot of credit available to you, and to then use that credit, while at the same time not maintaining a high balance.
3. Credit Type - The type of accounts you have makes up 10%. These are mortgage, car loans and credit cards.
4. Credit Maturity - The length of time you have maintained your individual credit accounts is 15% of your score.  This does not mean how long you have been involved with credit.  It is specific to each individual account and the length of time that you have maintained each particular account is the key.
5. New Credit - recent history makes up 10% of your score. 

The bottom line is to be proactive in maintaining your credit.  Plan ahead and check your scores at least two times a year.  Although the guy in the credit report commercial keeps winding up in seemingly outlandish circumstances due to his poor credit score, scenarios like those can happen in life (maybe not all to the same person consecutively, but they do happen).  It is important to think carefully about all of your financial moves in order to maintain and build your credit score.  That score can be a gateway to many things we all would like to obtain in life. 

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Mark your calendars!  There are two events associated with CityRead 2009:

Lincoln at 200 - In Fact Rather than Fiction

Thursday, September 24^th, 7PM

Valley Oak Room, Danville Community Center

Fact is separate from fiction in this presentation by Dr. Gerald S. Henig, author and Professor Emeritus at Cal State - East Bay.  Find out about the national Lincoln traveling exhibit coming to Danville in 2010 and events that occurred in the San Ramon Valley during this era to celebrate the Lincoln Bicentennial.  This presentation is co-sponsored by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.

CityRead 2009 concludes with a special presentation featuring Sara Vowell at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center on Saturday October 17^th, at 7PM.  Tickets are free, but must be reserved prior to the event.  You can call 973-ARTS or www.sanramonperformingarts.com to reserve your seats (two ticket max. per person).  You must arrive at least 10 minutes before to ensure seating.  I have heard that seats are going pretty fast for this presentation, so if you’d like to go, reserve quickly!

Just another reason why the Tri-Valley is such a nice community and place to call home, CityRead 2009 looks to be an educational and fun program. Sponsored by the Danville and San Ramon Library Foundations, CityRead 2009, “Two Cities, One Tale” will be the catalyst for many discussions amongst San Ramon and Danville residents this fall.

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With its ultra-cool, modern décor and the way they’ve decided to que up their line in the store, I felt like I just walked into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and am waiting for the Umpa Lumpas to start singing.  They’ve got a great concept that I guess is pretty popular (I’ll admit, I am not a frequent purchaser of frozen yogurt - although I may be now after my visit to Yogurtland!) - pay by the ounce.  You just get in line, grab your rather large container and yank down on the machine’s handles to create your own fro yo mix.  There are so many flavors to choose from. Most of them tended to be on the more exotic side - Green Apple Tart, Tiramisu, etc,  They also had some the classical favorites - Cookies ‘n Cream and Dutch Chocolate.  I was sold on the Tiramisu.  The topping bar is extravagant with everything from Cap ‘n Crunch to cheesecake bits and brownie bites to fresh fruit of all sorts plus various types of syrups.  The great thing is that you are in control of your yogurt’s destiny.  Then, when you’re all done whipping up your masterpiece, it gets weighed and paid.  I was surprised by the total - at .30 cents an ounce, we felt like we got a lot of yogurt and topping bang for our bucks.

We sat outside where there are plenty of tables and benches and enjoyed the lovely San Ramon evening.  Kids and parents abounded at Yogurtland in San Ramon that night - looks like a new hangout might be underway.   

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The current market conditions for the Tri-Valley appear to be leading us toward a classic case of supply and demand. Inventory numbers continue to drop across the board in the Tri-Valley area and buyers are actively pursuing homes through open houses and showings. Logic would lead us down a path that as more buyers purchase homes and the inventory numbers continue to wane, we should see a stabilization of home prices. I deeply believe that we are headed in the right direction, however I still want to see how the fall and winter months turn out before I become a true believer. There are a few factors that are impacting my decision. First, I am still interacting with a number of homeowners who are in financial trouble. Second, there is speculation that banks may end their moratorium on pursuing foreclosures. Third, we are currently in the traditionally busiest time of year for real estate activity in the Tri-Valley.

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When we reached the inside, we received a wine glass and a neat tasting plate that could curve snug to the glass.  There were many stations set up around the room where you would wait in line to sample a wine from the local winery and then try the food pairing presented by the teamed-up restaurant.  A taste adventure!  The cherry on top of our Top Chef-like night was that attendees were able to vote for a People’s Choice Award by ballot.  For my wife and most of our friends, we just couldn’t get enough of the duck sausage in a bun.  Credentialed judges decided on the winners for various categories including “Best Expression of Local Ingredients”, “Most Innovative Pairing”, and “Judges Best”.  Check out last year’s winners and the pairings that earned them the title.  

Taking a break from all that tasting, we made our way out onto the patio for… more tasting!  There were champagne tastes on the patio, for those that were interested (we were!).  If I remember correctly, there were desserts to be had, too.

It may not be too late to get in on the action for this year.  Taste of Terroir - Livermore Valley’s Food & Wine Experience is Thursday, July 23^rd from 6-9PM.  Check online if there are still tickets available. From there you can look into all the exciting details, including this year’s participating wineries and restaurants.

In case you’re wondering, “terroir” is French, meaning “soil” and is pronounced “ter-wah.”  Contrary to my original pronunciation, it in no way means terror, especially as this evening was quite the opposite of that word.  If you do decide to go this summer, let me know which pairing earned your People’s Choice Award vote.  

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In fact, if you wanted to, you could attend a free summer concert on almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening through the rest of July and into August in the Tri-Valley!  The towns of Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton and even the beautiful Blackhawk Plaza all have Summer Concert Series of their own just waiting for audiences to attend.  Here are a few schedules and the rest of the links for all the fun details.  Happy Groovin’!

Remaining Concerts in the San Ramon Summer Concert Series - Sundays at 5:30 PM at San Ramon Central Park:

Remaining Concerts in the Dublin Summer Concert Series - Fridays from 7-9 PM at the Fountain Courtyard on the east side of the Dublin Civic Center:

Danville Music in the Park Series - Saturdays from 6-8 PM at Oak Hill Park (3005 Stone Valley Road): http://www.ci.danville.ca.us/default.asp?serviceID1=978&Frame=L1

Pleasanton Concert in the Park Series - Fridays at 7 PM at the corner of Lions Wayside Park, corner of First and Neal Streets: http://www.pleasantondowntown.net/events.php

Blackhawk Plaza Summer Concert Series - Fridays from 7-8:30 PM at Blackhawk Plaza: http://www.shopblackhawkplaza.com/events.html

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For the most part, this trial period is specific only to the federal government’s Home Affordable Modification program.  However, expect modification programs that fall outside of the federal government’s program to implement the trial period as well.

In a recent article by Marcie Geffner of Bankrate.com, she describes 10 things that a borrower needs to know about the trial period. To read more about those ten items, please click on this link, Modifying Mortgage Trial Period

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The previous appraisal process has fallen under significant scrutiny and the result is a 180 degree switch.  Appraisals are causing havoc to the real estate community in a new way.  This new appraisal mess isn’t picking sides.  Both sellers and buyers are impacted negatively.  Here is what is different.

On May 1, the Home Valuation Code of Conduct or HVCC came into affect. This changed the appraisal rules for conventional loans, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The primary impact is that the loan officer no longer directly selects the appraiser and Realtors are not allowed to provide information to the appraiser that could influence the final appraised value.  For example, imagine a home pending at a contract price for $600,000 and in phenomenal condition.  It has upgrades and a great location.  Now, picture the identical floorplan that sold 30 days ago for $550,000.  This home was an REO, backed to a busy street, the appliances were stripped out of it and the condition was horrible. There is a high potential under the new rules that this home won’t appraise for what the willing buyer and seller have agreed the home is worth under an agreed upon contract.

Here may be one reason why - a problem we see resulting from the new rules is that appraisers are being selected from outside of the area where the property is located.  For example, a Manteca appraiser could be asked to appraise a property in Dublin. The result of this could be devastating.  An appraiser unfamiliar with local trends may not know enough about the comparable homes.  Couple this with the appraiser’s inability to ask the local Realtor area expert about comparables and any distinguishing factors about the home, and this could potentially stop a deal in its tracks.

In my next article, I will be describing steps to take to protect yourself, as both a buyer and a seller, in the appraisal process.

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• Snowberries
• Columbine
• Flowering Sage
• Monkeyflower
• Huckleberry
• Manzanita
• Blue Penstemon
• Redbud
• Red Larkspur
• Leopard Lily

Did you know that hummingbird’s don’t necessarily like red flowers better?  According to Las Pilitas Nursery, bees avoid red flowers, which usually means more and better nectar for hummingbirds. Happy planting!!!

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I have personally experienced this trend on a few of my listings in Dublin within the last month.  Also, many of my colleagues have reported similar circumstances.  For example, I recently received multiple offers on a listing that was very reflective of current market values.  These offers came in within 4 days of the home being on the market.  However, all of them were low balls. From a seller’s perspective, this is an insult and this aggressive strategy by buyers can backfire. Some sellers may not even want to deal with low-balling buyers in the future if they have to downwardly adjust their pricing in the future.  This is just plain and simply due to the “bad taste left in their mouths” from the initial experience.  Note to buyers:  Not all sellers have Bank Owned or Short Sale mentalities.  They are savvy people who understand the current market conditions, priced their homes to reflect these conditions and are looking for a fairly negotiated price on their home.

Some recent statements by the chief economist of NAR may steer buyers away from this low ball trend.  Despite a continuing decrease in housing prices, prospective home buyers may not want to wait much longer for the market to hit bottom, experts say.

There are a few reasons that point to why significant drops in housing prices are decreasing.  One central reason is that homeowners are becoming more realistic in listing their asking price. The latest Case-Shiller report shows that home prices in 20 cities dropped 18.6 percent in February from a year earlier. But, for the first time in 16 months, that rate of decline eased from the prior month.

In addition, it appears that the current price levels for homes for sale are drawing more buyers into the market. In fact, my open homes have been slammed the last few weeks. Three other potential contributing factors are the $8,000 tax break from the Obama Administration for qualifying buyers, historically lower interest rates, and the impact that loan modifications are having on stemming off more foreclosures and/or short sales from coming on the market.

Obviously, no one has a crystal ball to predict what holds for home prices and the real estate market. However, prospective buyers making low ball offers might find themselves in a bidding war, says NAR’s Yun. “I think some buyers are trying to steal property by offering low prices,” says Yun. “But even in those markets that plunge, buyers are coming back and making bids.”

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The first time I went to Amakara, I will admit that I was not overly impressed.  I think they were working out some kinks in their service and their food.  But, at the urging of some very good friends, I went back to give Amakara a second chance.  I am so grateful I did!

My second visit to Amakara imparted upon me an amazing sushi experience; however our waiter was a bit controlling as to how our tables were set up.  It was sort of weird and rubbed my party the wrong way.  But, no matter, the sushi made me a believer.  I officially became an Amakara devotee on that very night.

Every time since, I have had great service from the waitstaff and wonderful food.  Even when we arrive with all of our kids and friend’s kids in tow, the staff does an impeccable job of making everyone happy and routinely and pleasantly stuffed. 

The restaurant is pretty elegant inside and quite large.  The sushi bar is right in the middle of the dining room and is where all the action’s at.  The first several times I went, there wasn’t much of a crowd.  It was a cinch to get a table, even on weekends.  The last few times I’ve been, this hasn’t been the case - it’s plenty busy. 

On a recent Saturday night, we waited 15 minutes (not bad, but not nothing) for a table at about 7PM and the entire restaurant was full for most of the night. I am happy for Amakara; the word is out!  This devotee will call for reservations on future trips.

My Favorites:

Sushi Items You Cannot Go to Amakara Without Ordering: Hawaiian Delight, Spicy Sesame Seared Tuna or ask the chef to make you an original.

Non-sushi Craveables: Amakara’s gyoza is light, thin and crispy, standing out from most I’ve tasted.  I’ve heard of some who love their grilled edamame, but I would hands-down stick with the steamed.  My wife wants me to mention that Amakara offers the option of ordering white meat chicken teriyaki.  This deserves bonus points, as few folks enjoy the knobs that can make the dark stuff downright distasteful.

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I have noticed a definite increase in buyer interest, as well as seller activity, over the last few weeks in my own real estate practice. Buyers are starting to feel that this may be a great time to buy due to a combination of items: increased inventory, an increased number of value-priced homes, historically low interest rates and possible tax incentives.  I’ve also talked to sellers in the last few weeks that are looking to move up and hoping that a ready and willing buyer becomes interested quickly.  And, it seems, this is happening for some sellers.  Buyers are actively pursuing value-priced homes, including foreclosure and bank-owned properties, as well as homes that have realistic sellers willing to negotiate.  Transactions are happening!

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Bankrate.com 

• 30 Year Fixed Rate: 5.29 percent
• 30 Year Fixed Rate Jumbo: 6.88 percent
• 15 Year Fixed Rate: 4.86 percent
• 5/1 ARM (Adjustable): 5.24 percent
• 1 Year ARM (Adjustable): 5.48 percent 

Applications for mortgages increased sharply for the second straight week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Refinancing activity grew by 30 percent, while applications for new purchases were up 1.5 percent.

There was also an unexpected jump in the construction of new homes for the month of February, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Housing starts rose to a seasonally adjusted 583,000, up 22 percent from January.

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According to the Knudsen’s Ice Creamery website, Dave and Kathy Knudsen have been in the candy and ice cream business for a long while.  First in San Francisco, the Knudsen’s owned an ice cream store, and then in Hayward the couple bought and expanded The Candy Factory.  In 2004, the Knudsen’s opened Knudsen’s Ice Creamery in a Castro Valley location that was formerly a different ice cream store.  The Knudsen’s remodeled the store and also added a working candy factory. In 2005, the Knudsen’s also began to make their own ice cream (Fenton’s had served well as their ice cream supplier when they originally opened.

Located conveniently on Castro Valley Blvd. (take the Strobridge exit from the 580, head east on Castro Valley Blvd, creamery will be on the south side of the street), this family-owned and operated restaurant is a real eating experience.  When I was trying to think about why I liked my meal at Knudsen’s so much, I realized that a trip to Knudsen’s feels like you are transported to a small-town diner, where everyone knows each other and shouts a “Hi there!” when you enter the door.  It has a local vibe where everyone seems happy and content. 

Another reason to love Knudsen’s is that even though the creamery feels small-town, it has modern bonuses.  Knudsen’s take their ingredients seriously.  The Knudsen’s proudly serve Niman Ranch Black Angus All Natural Beef for their burgers and Miller’s All Beef Hot Dogs, produced in Oakland since 1910.  They also use Zero Trans Fat (ZTF) canola oil in their deep fryers, and their menu states that they are working to change over as many items as possible to ZTF.

Almost everyone in my party had burgers, and they were juicy and nicely-sized.  The kids’ meals are a good value with soda or apple juice and a side of fruit cocktail, applesauce, chips, or fries accompanying the main meal.  Next time, I would like to try their house specialty, a crab salad sandwich (made with real crab).

And then there came the ice cream!  The ice cream is homemade and so very creamy. Large mounds of ice cream arrive to a table full of smiles.  The menu states that their hot fudge is homemade, a real treat!  Don’t forget to stop by the candy counter on the way out.  You may be able to see candy in the process of being made and you can definitely purchase their unique and tasty treats.

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