TRU Realty, Inc.

Christmas Tree Disposal

30 Dec

A quick reminder for residents who purchased a Christmas tree this holiday season to haul the tree onto the curbside during the allotted time for free pickup. Most cities will usually collect trees during normal collection days the first two weeks of January. For more information, please contact your local waste management. Typically, after the initial two weeks, trees can be cut and placed inside the organic bin for regular day pickup. Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, nails, and stands.

Tidbit: what happens to unsold Christmas trees? Some gets donated to charity, some to special projects, and some gets recycled to tree heaven.

Filed Under: Alameda County, Bay Area, Christmas Tree, Free, Holidays, TRU Realty

A Moratorium. A Cold Freeze on Foreclosures During Holiday Season

29 Dec

Several buyers have noticed the low inventory of foreclosures on the market this holiday season and had asked for an explanation.

Traditionally, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other mortgage lenders do not foreclose on homeowners during the holidays, also known as a moratorium. A moratorium is a legally authorized delay or suspension of an activity, in this case, a delay in the evictions of foreclosed properties. Between December 19th and January 2nd, families living in foreclosed properties are permitted to stay in their homes during this period, even though legal and administrative proceedings for evictions may continue. Here is a statement made from the Executive Vice President of Credit Portfolio Management, Terry Edwards of Fannie Mae:

“The holidays are meant for families to spend time together, especially if they’ve gone through the stress of financial challenges and foreclosure. No family should have to give up their home during this holiday season. Fannie Mae is committed to helping borrowers avoid foreclosure whenever possible and we encourage any homeowner who is having difficulty making their payment to reach out for help.”

Unfortunately, the holiday gift giving spirit will only last so long and the moratorium will end on January 2, 2012. Foreclosures are anticipated to rise in 2012 and the short period of giving may be overshadowed by a flood of evictions in the first quarter of 2012.

Filed Under: Alameda County, Bay Area, city news, East Bay Real Estate, Holidays, Money, Lending, Mortgage, real estate, TRU Realty

DIY: Paint Swatches

21 Dec

As a real estate broker, I wear many different hats. One of them being a designer. On occasions, clients ask for advice on home decor and paint colors for a new home they had recently purchased. Inevitably, I end up with a collection of beautiful paint swatches in an assortment of colors and they are just too lovely to throw away. So, I’ve been saving them for a special project.

Just the other day, a tenant wanted to paint her rental unit, however, our client, the property owner, did not give her permission to do so. Which got me thinking, how can one add a touch of color to a wall without painting?

Simple… paint swatch art! And, perfect for those who like to recycle, reuse, and reduce. ‘Tis the season to be giving and the best gift for Mother Earth this season is less waste. This project took me about six hours to complete (word of advice, don’t attempt to do this on the floor, because when I was done, I was barely able to stand straight).

Supplies needed: a large old frame with backing, double-sided tape, scissors, and of course, pretty paint swatches in various colors.

First, I started from the bottom left corner and gradually built up, while playing with different color arrangements.

Once I was happy with the color order, I trimmed the swatches so they were all the same size. I then used double-sided tape and ran the tape from left to right, row by row, and adhering the swatches to the backing as I went along.

You know the saying, “giving is better than receiving”. Well, it’s true. And, since it’s Christmas, I decided to gift this to someone. I wanted to personalize the gift, so I went ahead to cut card stock letters, which I also used double-sided tape to attach.

Originally, the frame was old and black and had a good amount of paint chips. So, I decided to spray several quick coats of white spray paint, which we had left over from a previous project.

Here’s the finished product.

I hope this DIY was helpful. This is a great option for renters who wants to coverup some plain walls (and it’ll surely make landlords happy too).

Don’t stop there with recycling.

Too many paper bags from the grocery stores?

Problem solved. I cut the bottoms off the bags and used the reverse side of the leftovers for wrapping paper.

To attach all the bags together, I used my sewing machine. Just align the sides, corners, and sew with your favorite Christmas color threads.

Now, you can either decorate the wrapping paper with your own touch of creativity by adding ribbons, stickers, letterings or just stop there.

(Costs: Old frame=free (gifted from a client who was moving). The frame did not come with a backing, so I used cardboard from an old packaging box, which I measured and cut accordingly. Various paint swatches=free)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! MAY YOUR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR BE FILLED WITH KINDNESS, LOVE, JOY, AND HAPPINESS.

Filed Under: DIY, Free, Holidays, Inspiration, TRU Realty

Winterizing Your Home

21 Dec

Tick tock, tick tock, that’s the sound of the clock counting down to winter. Officially, this year, winter arrives tomorrow, December 22. Burr, I have definitely been feeling the drop in temperature lately and I can’t say I like it all day, everyday, but there are enjoyable moments. The cold crisp air, the smell of firewood burning from afar, and of course, nothing beats a cold peppermint mocha frappuccino from Starbucks, which is sold only during this time of year.

The cold can take a toll on our bodies; therefore, we have to prepare our bodies for the cold by dressing warmly, moisturizing our lips, applying lotion to our hands and feet, and exfoliating and moisturizing our faces more frequently. Likewise, we need to prepare our homes for the winter. Here’s a quick and easy checklist on how to winterize your home (in no particular order):

1) inspect and prepare the fireplace;
2) check exterior doors and windows;
3) check foundation;
4) check roof, gutters, and downspouts;
5) check/install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors;
6) take action to prevent plumbing freeze;
7) prepare, cut, trim, and mow; lawn, plants, bushes, and trees; and,
8) prepare emergency kit for each adult, child, and pet.

Stay warm everyone. Don’t let Jack Frost nip you nose.

Filed Under: Bay Area, East Bay Real Estate, Eastbay, Homes, real estate, TRU Realty

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

16 Dec

What’s jollier than enjoying a free performance of “The Nutcracker” in Oakland. We know it’s a bit last minute, but we did not want you to miss out. On Friday, December 16, 2011 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, December 17, 2011, 5:00 pm, there will be full-length performances of the “The Nutcracker” featuring Rachel’s Ballet and the The Temple Hill Orchestra. Performances will be held at the Interstake Center Auditorium, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4780 Lincoln Ave, CA., 94602. For more ticketing information, please contact here. Enjoy!

Filed Under: city news, Eastbay, Events, Free, Oakland, Things to Do

Energy Upgrade California

12 Dec

Before you know it, March 2012 will be around the corner and the rebates on home energy efficiency upgrade will expire.

About the Program

Energy Upgrade California™ is an unprecedented alliance among California counties, cities, non-profit organizations, the state’s investor-owned utilities (Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and San Diego Gas & Electric Company), and publicly owned utilities. Funding for this effort comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, also known as federal stimulus funds), California utility ratepayers, and private contributions. Energy upgrade rebates are administered by participating utilities.

The goals of this statewide effort are four-fold:

Help residential and commercial consumers and the building industry become knowledgeable about the many energy and water efficiency programs and financing options that will be available during the next several years including the State Energy Programs, utility company home upgrade programs, local rebates, appliance and renewable energy rebates, and energy financing programs.
Provide a consistent and clear message regarding how consumers can choose the best energy-efficient measures and the right contractors to provide those services.

Drive consumers and contractors to a central resource that provides educational information that links all the state energy efficiency upgrade, rebates, and incentive programs.
Educate the building trades and home improvement industry on jobs, training, and required certifications.

This program may be modified or terminated without prior notice and rebates are provided to qualified customers on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are no longer available. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and San Diego Gas & Electric Company are not responsible for any goods or services selected by the customer. The trademarks and logos used on the website are the property of their respective owners.

For more information please click here

Filed Under: Alameda County, Bay Area, city news, East Bay Real Estate, Homes, local news, news articles

Proposition 13

3 Nov

What is Proposition 13? I get asked this question quite often. Whether you are for or against, Proposition 13 is here to stay, at least for a little while.

In June of 1978, voters passed Proposition 13, which substantially changed the taxation of real property in California. As a result of this Constitutional amendment:

The maximum amount of property tax cannot exceed 1% of the property’s assessed value, plus any bonds or fees approved by the voters.
Real property can only be reappraised upon a change of ownership or new construction. Business personal property, including boats and airplanes, and certain restricted properties are subject to annual appraisal.
Except for these two instances, no increase in the assessed value of any real property can exceed 2% annually, regardless of the rate of inflation unless the Assessor has previously granted a temporary reduction due to market value decline.
For more information on the history of Proposition 13 and an overview of property tax assessment, see this brochure that is published by the State Board of Equalization:

The content provided above should be used for informational purposes only and shall not be deemed as tax or legal advice. Should you have questions regarding the information provided, please contact your CPA or tax attorney

Filed Under: Alameda County, Bay Area, Eastbay, Real Estate Transaction

November 2011- A Message From Our Preferred Lender

3 Nov

Filed Under: Alameda County, East Bay Real Estate, Market Analysis, Money, Lending, Mortgage

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, and Restore

31 Oct

Today we live in a society where most goods are readily available at our fingertips. Therefore, it is important for us to make a conscious decision and effort to reuse, reduce, recycle and restore (R4) whenever possible. The great thing about living in the Bay Area is that not only are there large numbers of local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores in our neighborhoods, but also many other privately owned thrift stores, as well as organizations leading the way, to an age, to end garbage.

Ten great reasons to R4:

1. Reduce garbage in our landfills
2. Save OUR Earth for future generations to enjoy
3. Allow your creative juices to flow
4. Many older items are better made
5. The nostalgic feel
6. Bring relationships closer when engaging in projects
7. Reduce energy
8. Purchase items for a fraction of the cost compared to new items
9. Fun to hunt for hidden treasures
10. Find original and unique pieces

Top 5 favorite R4 stores in the East Bay:

Urban Ore
Habitat of Humanity- Restore
Eco Thrift
Thrift Town
The Depot Store

((4 cinder blocks $1.00/ea) $4.00 + (1 piece of salvage wood sawed in half) $3.00 + (6 old screws)) = 1 semi-new multi-purpose bench

Filed Under: Bay Area, city news, Design, DIY, Hayward, Inspiration, San Leandro, Shop, Stores

Happy Halloween

31 Oct

Happy Halloween, Everyone! Wishing you all a fun & safe Halloween.

A few safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can protect children who plan to go trick-or-treating this Halloween.

Treats: Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering.

Flame Resistant Costumes: When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won’t catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.

For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes . Mother’ s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes.
Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.
Pedestrian Safety: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.

Choosing Safe Houses: Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.
People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited.
For further information on product safety, consumers may call the U.S . Consumer Product Safety Commission’s toll-free hotline on (800) 638-2772. Hearing impaired consumers may use TTY (301) 595-7054.

Also, here are some photos from this weekend’s Sulphur Creek Unhaunted House.

Filed Under: Alameda County, Events, festival, Holidays