Friday, May 22, 2009

Lynbrook High Homes Update 05.23.09 - Short Sale Class, Equilibrium reached in Single Family

Lynbrook High Homes Update 05.23.09 - Short Sale Class, Equilibrium reached in Single Family Homes
Lynbrook High Homes Update - Edited 05.23.09

Honor Those Who Served Our Country this Memorial Day Weekend!

Hello, this is Michelle C. Carr-Crowe with this week's Lynbrook High Homes Update for 05/23/09. First, a big THANK YOU to all of the veterans and military personnel serving the U.S. here and abroad! Second, did you know that three-day holiday weekends offer some unique benefits to buyers? To find out more, click the link below to read my blog on the subject.
Three Reasons a Holiday Weekend Helps Silicon Valley Buyers Negotiate (and GET!) a Great Home Buy

Most of our homes are now sold! Castle Knoll, Oak Knoll, Chaparral & Stevens Creek are all available to be seen by appointment this weekend. Oak Knoll will be open and taking applications for rentals on Sat. from 1:30 to 4:30.

Short Sale Class & Tour: Our next short sale, bank-owned & foreclosure seminar AND TOUR is this coming Thursday, June 4th at 6pm. Class size is limited, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to get your questions asked! RSVP to 408.252.8900.

Lynbrook Market Remains at Equilibrium: This is the second week of equilibrium in the single-family home sector in Lynbrook High area! For most of this year homes for sale were outnumbering pending sales by 25 to 45 percent. This is important news; you can see today's San Jose Mercury News front page article spotlighted the same trend in many areas of the Valley - increased number of sales, and although prices remain low (generally 10-15 percent less than last year), in many "sweet spot" markets (such as under $600K in lots of good neighborhoods), above price offers are increasingly common.

36 properties Currently for Sale in San Jose Lynbrook: 23 single-family & 13 condos & townhomes
28 Pending Sales - 26 single-family & 2 condos & townhomes
4 New Closed Sale: 3 single-family & 1 condo

Currently in single family homes we have 23 for sale, 26 pending and 3 recent closes. Another trend is several of the larger homes entered escrow in the past several weeks. Bollinger is old with a solid back-up offer and closes next week. Kimberly is closed. We'll have 1264 Oak Knoll open this weekend on Sat. from 1:30-4:30. Don't wait!

Even in other areas, multiple offers are becoming common in the entry-level home categories. I presented an offer this week for a 4 br home in Cambrian. We were one of *8* offers - and it went for over asking price. Wasn't a short sale, wasn't terribly fabulous, just right size, right place, right time.

*NEW PRICE* 6111 Castle Knoll is now only $828K! This is 1532 sf of UPDATED Space Featuring a Granite Slab Kitchen, All 3 Tile Baths and Recessed Lighting, Dual Pane Windows and Gleaming Hardwood Floors Thruout. This is desirable Regency Park - 3 Br / 2.5 Ba with Inside Laundry Room and Beautiful! Available this weekend by appointment.

COMING NEXT WEEKEND! "Lord of the Manor" Home in Lovely Los Gatos! 4 Br & 3 Ba, HUGE Walk-In Closet &Sep. Office!

BY APPT.! Enchanting Saratoga Villa, nearly 2000 sf - 3 Br + office & 3 Full Baths on ~9600 sf lot for a NEW LOW $!

Rentals: 3 rental opportunities
12779 Chaparral - 3 Br / 3 Full Bath + Office for $3600 / month, 1 year lease, available now - shown by appt.
1264 Oak Knoll - 6 Br Dilworth/Miller/Lynbrook for $3500 / month, 1 year lease, available now - Open Sat., 5/23, 1:30-4:30
3 Br Condo with DeVargas/Hyde/Cupertino for $2550 / month, available now - shown by appt.
RENTED - Sorry, 5 Br Dilworth/Miller/Lynbrook for $3300 / month, 1 year lease - RENTED

All Get RE$ult$ Team Homes Available this weekend By Appointment Only...
Just Call ... (408) 252-8900 !!

Sign up NOW for June 4th Short Sale/Bank-Owned Class & Tour: As I've recently completed my training and testing to become a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE®), this week we begin offering regular classes and tours of these types of Luxury Homes that are either bank-owned, in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure or short-sales. Next class & tour will be Thursday, June 4th at 6 pm. Class & tour space is limited. RSVP to 408.252.8900 or send an email to FSSBO@michellejudycarr.com.

Did you know the First Time Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit only lasts til the government money runs out? Why wait? Grab YOUR $8,000 NOW! Call for Details - 408.252.8900!*

To receive a FREE subscription to the Lynbrook High Homes Update, send an email with "subscribe" in the subject line to LBU@michellejudycarr.com

Thanks for reading & God bless you today!

How a Holiday Weekend Can Help Silicon Valley Buyers Negotiate (and GET!) a Great Home Buy

How a Holiday Weekend Can Help Silicon Valley Buyers Negotiate (and GET!) a Great Home Buy

By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe, ABR, ALHS, ASP, CDPE, PME, RECS, SRES

Did you know it’s estimated about 30 percent of the population in Santa Clara County leaves the immediate Valley during most holiday (three-day) weekends? Even in the current fiscally conservative time, people still plan to get away to visit friends or relatives, as well as campgrounds, beaches, theme parks and pre-paid timeshares.

What does this mean for the Buyers who stay in town? First and foremost is OPPORTUNITY due to temporarily reduced competition! Especially in the more competitive market segments, such as under $900,000 for single-family in Lynbrook High, under $600,000 for Cambrian with Branham or Leigh High Schools or almost any single-family home under $400,000.

The three-day holiday weekend effectively removes about one-third of your potential competition. Those on holiday are likely “taking a full mental break” and also unplugging from the phone and Internet.

The flip side of course is those who remain in town during a holiday weekend are the most committed and/or motivated to buy in the near future.

Secondly, a three-day weekend gives you as a buyer that third “weekend” day to re-visit the home(s), go over the pros and cons and just think things over without immediately rushing back into your usual work and school routine.

Thirdly, for Buyers who are truly prepared (pre-approval letter already on file, clear goals and a defined plan), it’s a chance to leap ahead by making an offer while others are relaxing. As in Aesop’s Fable, this is that window of time when the hare, who had run so far ahead of the turtle he is now off napping—which means this is the time when the turtle can take advantage and beat the hare to the winner’s circle!

If you’re pre-approved, prepared and know precisely what you want to buy—and see it available this weekend, this may be your big chance to hop ahead of the competition and secure a great home buy.

Michelle C. Carr-Crowe leads the Get RE$ult$ Team, and is the Experienced Lynbrook and Cupertino Schools Expert, assisted by her excellent team. A licensee for over 20 years, she is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer. In addition to marketing and business development, she's an internationally-published freelance writer with over 1,000 articles published in publications such as the San Jose Mercury News, the San Jose Business Journal, San Jose Magazine, Cupertino Courier, the San Mateo Weekly Times and Inman Real Estate News Service. Her designations include: Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS), Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Property Marketing Expert (PME), Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and one of less than 150 agents worldwide to achieve the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) designation. She has just completed specific coursework and testing as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)*, to help clients dealing with foreclosures and pre-foreclosures, short sales, bank-owned homes and loan modifications. Visit her online at http://www.michellejudycarr.com/ or http://www.lynbrookhighhomes.com/. For RE$ult$ … Just Call … (408) 252-8900 !!

© All Universal Rights Reserved. No portion may be copied, truncated or distributed in any form without the express written permission of Michelle C. Carr-Crowe. All violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Monday, May 11, 2009

What To Say When Asked “How Much Did You Pay?” or “How Much Did You Get?”

What To Say When Asked “How Much Did You Pay?” or “How Much Did You Get?”

By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe, ABR, ALHS, ASP, CDE, PME, RECS, SRES

In the May 10th Dear Abby column, a reader asked how she could avoid answering nosy friends questions about how much she paid for her lovely new home without appearing rude.

As an experienced real estate consultant, I have some helpful advice for that young woman who didn’t want to answer questions about the price of her home or personal finances.

I prepare my clients for this situation by telling them people are naturally curious and they should expect such questions; however the questions they may ask aren’t always what they truly want to know. Rather than answer with specifics, I instruct my clients to tell them, “I am so happy-this is just perfect for me and my priorities at this time in my life,” and give a big smile.

What the person asking often wants to know is one or all of the following three questions
1) How did you achieve this success? (especially in today’s market)

2) How can I (or someone I care about) do the same thing?

3) How happy are you in working with the real estate professional you chose?

If the questioner persists, the client takes out their cell phone, calls me immediately and either connects us together on the spot, leaves a message with their contact info and specific questions, or gives the person my card and offers to introduce us.

If the questioner truly has an interest in real estate, my client knows I will consult with that person to find out what’s truly important to them and give them good advice specific to their situation (without revealing the client's confidential info). If the questioner is just a nosy body, they’ll run away at the first mention of talking to a professional real estate agent.

I’ve invested the time into learning how to handle these situations and make life easier for my clients. I consider these instructions in how to prevent awkward (but expected) situations to be part of the professional service they’re paying me for.

My clients are relieved to be prepared with the right response ready should the questions come up, to know it’s okay for them not to answer, and to know a skilled professional is still at work helping them deal with real estate situations.

Michelle C. Carr-Crowe leads the Get RE$ult$ Team, and is the Experienced Lynbrook and Cupertino Schools Expert, assisted by her excellent team. A licensee for over 20 years, she is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer. In addition to marketing and business development, she's an internationally-published freelance writer with over 1,000 articles published in publications such as the San Jose Mercury News, the San Jose Business Journal, San Jose Magazine, Cupertino Courier, the San Mateo Weekly Times and Inman Real Estate News Service. Her designations include: Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS), Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Property Marketing Expert (PME), Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and one of less than 150 agents worldwide to achieve the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) designation. She has just completed specific coursework and testing as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)*, to help clients dealing with foreclosures and pre-foreclosures, short sales, bank-owned homes and loan modifications. Visit her online at www.michellejudycarr.com or www.lynbrookhighhomes.com. For RE$ult$ … Just Call … (408) 252-8900 !!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Here’s How To Get A Free Guide To Lynbrook High Homes Real Estate Prices FREE By Mail …

Here’s How To Get A Free Guide To
Lynbrook High Homes Real
Estate Prices FREE By Mail …

If you’re just starting to look for a home in the desirable Cupertino School Districts, particularly with Lynbrook High, this useful, comprehensive guide could be very helpful. It features:

· Pictures and profiles of 18 house styles in the Lynbrook High area by price range.
· Maps of the Lynbrook High area and the most popular neighborhoods and communities.
· Community information and contact numbers including schools and city offices.

To get a free copy of Your Guide To Lynbrook High Homes Real Estate Prices just call 1.800.825.8210, ext. 4112 for a free recorded message, and your guide will be mailed, e-mailed or personally delivered today!

Michelle C. Carr-Crowe and the Get RE$ult$ Team/Altas Realty
Just Call … 408.252.8900 www.lynbrookhighhomes.com
findingbuyers.byreferralonly.com/lynbrookhighhomes

If you are in written contract with a broker, this is for informational purposes only and not a solicitation

Sunday, May 3, 2009

FREE Foreclosure, Short Sale & Bank-Owned Class & Tour on Thurs., May 7th at 6 pm in San Jose

FREE Foreclosure, Short Sale & Bank-Owned Class & Tour on Thurs., May 7th at 6 pm in San Jose
By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe, ABR, ALHS, ASP, CDPE, PME, RECS, SRES

Are you curious about foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, short sales and bank-owned home buying opportunities?

Every day Buyers and Sellers ask me what’s happening in the market. Of course, the real question is what’s happening in YOUR part of the market – the area you’re considering selling in or buying in.

Right now, lots of people are curious about opportunities with foreclosures, short sales, and bank-owned properties. Although rare in the higher-end markets such as those in the Cupertino, Saratoga & Palo Alto school districts, there are some foreclosures, short sales, and bank-owned properties.

As most of you know, I’ve represented the sellers in short sales on Kimberly and White Road, along helping buyers purchase distressed and bank-owned homes.
New Short Sale/Bank-Owned Class & Tour: As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE®), I bring unique skills, knowledge, experience and a network of specialists to help clients interested in exploring distressed home opportunities.

This coming week we begin offering the first of our soon-to-be regular classes and tours of these types of Luxury Homes located in high-end school districts that are either in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, short-sales or bank-owned.

You’ll gain knowledge about the pros and cons of each of these types of opportunities, as well as personally tour several homes that night!

The first class and tour will be this Thursday, May 7th at 6 pm at our Altas Realty Office located in the Bascom Commerce Center at 1190 S. Bascom Ave., Suite #118, in San Jose, 95128. Class size & tour space is limited. RSVP to 408.252.8900 or send an email to FSSBO@michellejudycarr.com.

When you call, we may be on another line, in a consultation, or preparing for an appointment. If you get the voicemail, please speak clearly and leave the following info:

Name
Day & Evening phone numbers
Email address
Name & date of class you wish to attend.

If the upcoming week’s class is full, we will automatically place you first on the list for the next soonest class opening, usually for the following week’s class and tour.

Remember … For RE$ult$ … Just Call … (408) 252-8900!

Michelle C. Carr-Crowe leads the Get RE$ult$ Team, and is the Experienced Lynbrook and Cupertino Schools Expert, assisted by her excellent team. A licensee for over 20 years, she is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer. In addition to marketing and business development, she's an internationally-published freelance writer with over 1,000 articles published in publications such as the San Jose Mercury News, the San Jose Business Journal, San Jose Magazine, Cupertino Courier, the San Mateo Weekly Times and Inman Real Estate News Service. Her designations include: Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS), Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Property Marketing Expert (PME), Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and one of less than 150 agents worldwide to achieve the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) designation. She has just completed specific coursework and testing as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)*, to help clients dealing with foreclosures and pre-foreclosures, short sales, bank-owned homes and loan modifications. Visit her online at www.michellejudycarr.com or www.lynbrookhighhomes.com. For RE$ult$ … Just Call … (408) 252-8900 !!

Is This YOUR YEAR to Buy a Home? Free FaceBook Quiz to Find Out Now

Is This YOUR YEAR to Buy a Home ?? ... Try our Free FaceBook Quiz and find out now!
Michelle Carr-Crowe

Michelle created a new quiz on Is This YOUR Year to Buy a Home?
A series of Fun, Yet Thought-Provoking Questions to help you discover whether this is a good year for YOU to buy a home $40K Down + $729K FHA Loan!* Stunning Beauty - $769K or ?? By Appt.13% Down Possible! + $729K FHA Loan!* Beau. Remodeled 3 Br TH! Clean & Spacious! By Appt.16% Down Possible! +$729K FHA Loan!* Low $! - $868K or ?? Live in the Magazine! By Appt.

*Rates, programs & terms subject to change without notice