The Dominguez Team's Tri-Valley Real Estate Blog

Our Blog has Moved!

2009-10-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

In order to serve our clients, prospective clients, and readers in a more effective way, we are moving our blog source back to the Keller Williams source as linked from our Website. Future posts will be accessible through the link on our website at www.DominguezTeam.com.

Gary and Suzanne Dominguez

Back on Track

2009-10-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

It's been a whirlwind of family visiting, thinking, appreciating, and loving. Ways to improve this blog along with more social networking links will be the direction. Stayed tuned!
Gary

Some Time Off

2009-09-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

To spend some quality time with family, I'm suspending blog entries until Oct.1st. See you then.

Dual Agency

2009-09-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

"Dual Agency" is when an agent represents both buyer and seller in a real estate transaction. It is risky for both people, but particularly for the buyer, if the agent is the listing agent for the property in the transaction. his situation, the primary obligation of the agent is to the seller. Financial negotiations between buyer and seller can be compromised because, in this situation, the seller must win out. Dual Agency is still legal in California and not in some other states.

Labor Day

2009-09-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's catch-up and relaxation day - ENJOY!

Under the Pleasanton Arch

2009-09-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just took in the preview of the Scottish games on Main St. Outstanding Scottish bagpipe band and the perfection of the U.S. Marine Band from San Diego.

Pleasanton Community Get-Togethers

2009-09-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about 1st Wed. tonight and all First Wednesdays in the Summer as well as Concerts in the Park every Friday evening in the Sumner.

Home Warranty

2009-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

A home Warranty is a great thing for everyone who owns a home, but be sure you use one that provides good service and who uses quality service people to carry our repairs. Use a home warranty to get repairs done for most occurrences such as water heater repairs, garage door openers, pool equipment, etc. for a low price out-of pocket per repair and a yearly price according to how you choose to be insured. Please call us for further information.
Gary and Suzanne
925-596-0169, 925-596-1918

Computer Issues

2009-08-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let readers know - I will resume this blog on Friday, 8/28. I have a computer in repair (I'm using another machine at the moment).

Gary Dominguez

To Think About...............

2009-08-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Today we met upon an agent colleague to view her brokers' open house. She greeted us warmly with a special well-wish. I was thinking of how nice it would be if people did that more often. The other day, I met a past prospect who had the same kind of wish for me and it made the day. We all can make others' days of we just go that extra inch and sincerely wish them well with a compliment or a special greeting.

The Right Way to Find a Home

2009-08-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

Establish a Relationship with a Professional Real Estate Agent.

Local Buyer's Agent

2009-08-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Regarding No. 1: "A LOCAL agent should know the areas and the neighborhoods, be familiar with the local school system, the city and it's resources. Most of all that agent should be familiar with the local markets and the general city real estate market."

Areas and neighborhoods - If an agent is not very familiar with a city, he or she cannot know favorable areas and neighborhoods that will be what you need, want, and are best for you.

Local school system - Knowledge of the school system can help the buyer in choosing a school for their children and help the transistion by providing places to get information for the parents, as well as the relationship of the schools with the prospective neighborhood(s).

The city and it's resources - Information about the city is invaluable in understanding the availability of resources and entertainment as well as city government and shopping possibilities. Also information about the availability of home repair and improvement resources in the particular city should be available from a local agent.
_________
A good local agent can provide this information before and during escrow, and certainly at close of escrow. More importantly, this resource should be available to the client after escrow closing on a continuous basis.

Get the Best Out of Your Search

2009-08-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Two main points about shopping for homes in any particular area -
1. Use a LOCAL agent when looking for and purchasing your home.
2. Use an agent who is functioning as a BUYER'S AGENT for YOU when making an offer to
purchase a home.

Regarding No. 1: A LOCAL agent should know the areas and the neighborhoods, be familiar with the local school system, the city and it's resources. Most of all that agent should be familiar with the local markets and the general city real estate market.

Regarding No. 2: It is not advantageous and is risky to make an offer for and enter into a purchase contract to buy a home from the Listing Agent for the home you are purchasing. By virtue of being the Listing Agent, that agent is primarily responsible for his Listing client and the legal and financial relationship it entails. That Listing client's satisfaction is legally held above your satisfaction as the buyer.

In the next posting, I'll talk about why these reasons are important when home searching.

What's a Brokers Open?

2009-08-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

In our real estate industry a Brokers' Open is held for the purpose of exposing a brand new listing to area agents for preview purposes. The viewing agents look at these properties for the purpose of seeing if they might be something that clients they have may desire. The public can also visit homes during Brokers' Opens and it is advisable that they view these properties with their agents.

Thank You

2009-08-06T08:43:00.001-07:00

With our most recent closing of a sale of a Pleasanton property, it was encouraging, warm, and humbling to be including in the client's' ceremony of blessing of their new home. We enjoyed ethnic ceremonial food and shared in the presence of the family at the time of them taking possession of their first home. We look forward to closing another sale with same good and successful situation.

Gary and Suzanne

Don't Get In Your Own Way

2009-08-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

One of the things we see quite often in Real Estate Sales are people who are in their own way. These are people who are frozen in hesitation about buying the new home that they want and need. They have every excuse imaginable for getting pre-qualified for a home loan and engaging with a good agent to represent and help them in finding a good home. I once had a person come into an open house saying that he was exhausted because he has viewed 100 homes - largely a waste of time and a way not to proceed. We have spoken with people who have postponed pre-qualification so that they have been priced out of homes they would have preferred. The recommendation is to have an open mind to find out what you are able to realistically afford and engage the services of a good agent to help you find what you really want and need.

The Quality of .............

2009-08-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

We just finished a walk-through meeting with our current property sale in which the clients did the final inspection of their purchased home. All was well with the property and compliments were exchanged between the buyers, seller, and corresponding agents for the ease by which this sale has been completed. Everyone has been cooperative and most importantly, throughout the transaction, the agents involved acted in accordance with their experience and professionalism. If all transactions and escrows were as easily managed as this one, life would be a dream for all agents, sellers, and buyers.

"The New Selling"

2009-07-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

I just saw a good video about the effort to realize the opportunity to establish a more professional selling background by making it the emphasis (rather than a side note) in a business program at the college level. In this video it was stated that the country depends on this to survive. I tend to agree with this because we need to sell our methodologies, products, and knowledge to the world now, in a more professional and ultimately successful way. I'll keep an eye on this idea, which will be realized initially through public television, and let you know what I hear.

Gary Dominguez

Open Houses

2009-07-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

It's nice to know hear (in a way) that people are looking on-line at homes. The reason I include "in a way" is that generally this is the wrong way to shop for a home. What is needed is to have a working relationship with an excellent Real Estate agent, preferably a Realtor® with experience in the areas you are interested in. Information on-line is only a small part of the picture of a home, even if the information is accurate and current, which, in a great many cases, it is not.

I'll write more about this in coming posts.

Open Houses for You to See This Weekend - Sunday, 1-4.

2009-07-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

7455 Stonedale Drive, Pleasanton -

Thoroughly remodeled 2 Bedroom + Loft Office, 2 1/2 Bath, 1502 Sq. Ft., 2-Car Garage.
It's a beaut!

583 St. John Street, Pleasanton -

A beautiful 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Town Home a short walk from Downtown Pleasanton, 1745 Sq. Ft. Finished garage, nice quiet complex.

See you at these!

Gary and Sue

Pleasanton City Council

2009-07-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure this week of attending and briefly presenting to the City Council at the regular meeting held last Tuesday. This is not the type of thing I do regularly and only had minimal time to prepare. Needless to say I was a bit nervous but I was treated with graciousness and courtesy during and after my short presentation regarding the results of our Leadership Pleasanton Social Committee event held last February. I highly recommend attending a meeting just to get the feel of how our city is run and to substantiate that if you ever need to make a presentation about an issue that affects you, you should not hesitate to do so. It certainly is democracy in action at the town level.

Gary Dominguez

Be Willing To Learn Something

2009-07-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

When you visit an Open House, no matter what your pre-conceptions of agents, properties, or property prices, be willing to listen to some reliable information. It may turn out to be a very profitable experience. Yesterday, we were able to accurately educate someone as to know how they can get their child into Pleasanton schools as soon as possible.

Open House - Sunday

2009-07-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

We'll be hosting an Open House at 583 Saint John Street this Sunday, July 19th, from 1 - 4. Please come see this beautiful town home near downtown Pleasanton.
Gary and Suzanne

Real Estate Data

2009-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of implementing data reports for the local real estate market that easily show the local real estate market's health and status. These reports will inevitably make it easier for you, our clients and prospective clients, to make decisions regarding the sale of your present home or the purchase of a new home in the Tri-Valley area. I'll keep you informed through this blog on the availability of this information.

Accomplishment

2009-07-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasureable day because we began an escrow for some good people that will inevitably love their new home and love living in a wonderful community.

Please!

2009-07-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

PLEASE don't forget what INDEPENDENCE DAY is about. We continue to be an independent nation because of the people who fought for us to be that way, and fought for others to regain and keep that way of life.

The Difficult with the Good

2009-07-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things to cope with in the Real Estate business is taking difficult situations and, even though there is loss, making them into advantages that are in the future.

Local Real Estate Agents for Buyers

2009-06-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's very important that buyers interested in a particular area or city, and coming from another area, engage with a good agent that knows neighborhoods, is experienced in selling and buying homes, and is acquainted with the cities in and around the area of interest. Many people come to open houses in our local area that say they are home shopping on their own and will use an agent that they know back in their present living area to write an offer once they find something they want. This is wrong, unfortunate, and risky on many levels. Unless you happen to be intimately familiar with an area from previously living there, there is no way to know the intricacies of neighborhoods, schools, and the workings of cities. Having an agent who will guide you through the home-buying process (not just write an offer) AND be able to advise you on neighborhood and city information is of extreme convenience and money-saving value to you when searching for and living in a home after purchase.

Investmentors, First Time Buyers

2009-06-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Now is the time. For First Timers, interest rates have no where to go but up. For Investors, especially if you have cash, this is the best time to buy rental property. Call me for opportunities.
Gary Dominguez
925-596-0169

Interest Rates vs. Home Prices

2009-06-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind, when people say thet are waiting for prices to come down more in the purchase of a property that, as a rule of thumb, a 1% change (one point) in interest rate = 10% in home price. So waiting for prices to come down may mean that you are not gaining anything in a lower price if you pay more for your loan due to rising rates. Something to be thought about and considered when making the decision to purchase a home in today's real estate market.

Mondays

2009-06-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Mondays are hard, but one thing I try to do is arise immediately upon waking. Otherwise, I tend to think of all the reasons I shouldn't get up and all the negative aspects of the coming day. Somehow this puts a better spin on the whole day.

One thing I realize is what a pleasure it is to help people. I ran into 2 people I can help in Real Estate last weekend by addressing what they need now and in the future. It's nice to know that happened.

First Time Buyer Tax Credit - Reminder

2009-06-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about the currently available $8000 tax credit to purchase a home using FHA resources. It has been changed to allow use of the credit toward your closing costs, down payment, or interest rate buy-down. This is a very useful and temporary opportunity. Don't let it pass without taking advantage of it. If you have any questions, please call me at 925-596-0169.

Gary Dominguez, Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty

Measure G - Pleasanton, RESULTS

2009-06-03T17:31:00.001-07:00

Those of you who voted against Measure G will no doubt be complaining when your home value remains lower and your children tell you about the problems in their schools due to severe educational budget cuts, not to mention the lack of teaching and counseling capacity because of personnel layoffs. When you come to the point of selling your home and cannot command the price you need and want, think about how it would have been if Measure G had passed.

The most unique and most often mentioned factor by people looking for homes in Pleasanton, as well as the actual number of people interested in living in Pleasanton, is the quality of it's schools, as defined by the API Scores of all the Pleasanton schools. Measure G was an attempt to bolster and maintain the quality level of our schools, despite the federal and state fund depletions. We are surrounded by cities that already have a parcel tax. Think about that the next time you hear about severe financial issues faced by the Pleasanton Unified School District.

Gary Dominguez

Fall Back and Re-Group

2009-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

An old military saying, but sometimes necessary. Every so often, and especially when one runs his, her, or their own small business, those in management must take the time to re-evaluate where the business is and where it should go. This should intentionally happen on a high level and be scheduled, or with any perplexing situation that may come up. It happened in our business today and the result feels terrific and productive.

Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Raty

2009-05-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

I heard Scott say today that, among others, there are three types of people who help the local econonmy and maintain property values - Teachers, Police Officers, and Fire Fighters. The latter two were new to me in this context. It's nice to know, and interestingly enough, it points out that the least paid people in our City contribute a great deal to our future, our environment, and our property values.

Real Estate Data

2009-05-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Local real estate agents, if they so choose, now can have the capability to provide their clients and other interested parties, with very detailed and clear numerical information concerning the real estate market in both graphical and tabular form. If the real estate agent you are familiar with and/or working with does not offer to provide you with this data, then you should treat yourself to one who does, because it's important for you to know the market trends and what's really happening in the area you're interested in, not what the media says is happening.

Memorial Day

2009-05-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

As we recover from the weekend barbeques, trips, recreation, etc., let's not really forget what the holiday was for: remembering those who gave their lives for freedom. Remember always that freedom is not free. The freedom to live our lives the way we do in America costs a great deal.

Networking - Social and Otherwise

2009-05-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's a must for people in our profession - to meet many people and many people often, as the key to having resources from the people you meet and getting referrals from them. Keeping each other in mind when the subject of someone you know's business specialty comes up is a good way to promote each others' business.

Social Networking

2009-05-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

This morning I attended a Go-To-Meeting by Chad Johnson, of Draven Creation and MyTechOpinion.com, about social networking. This was an excellent primer for understanding the subjects of Facebook, Linked-In, and Twitter. I know Chad and have attended his trainings before and he's an outstanding source of practical information.
http://www.mytechopinion.com/
http://www.dravencreation.com/

Quality

2009-05-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

What does quality mean? I had the priviledge of riding Amtrak for what is a 3-hr. journey by car. It took 8 hours by train because of delays and technical issues, with questionable service and limited information throughout the trip. Is quality measured by conformance to procedures and training. What if there's no procedures or no training? That's the feeling I got. I took the train because it was less expensive than the car in this particular application, but it wasn't worth the savings in time or aggravation.

It only renews my dedication to provide the best service possible in our Real Estate practice, both to my clients as well as other agents.

A Testimonial

2009-05-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Leadership Pleasanton is truly amazing. It provides a comprehensive background for understanding all aspects of the infrastructure of Pleasanton, information that is valuable for enhanced business success in this city, because of the resources to which one is exposed, as well as the help you can provide people that are in your business and, not in the least, your business clients. Leadership Pleasanton also carries with it the benefit of meeting people - the hard-working, very high quality business people that still want to make time to learn about Pleasanton and the area - people willing to participate in committees to accomplish goals, and who are on-going business and life contacts.

Gary Dominguez, Class of 2009

Real Estate Training and Attitudes

2009-05-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had the priviledge of attending one of Keller Willliams' outstanding trainings presented by a top agent from the northwest part of the country. A lot of times these kinds of presentations in large, local hotel meeting rooms are dull and ineffective. Nothing I've ever attended like this from Keller Williams has ever been that way, but this particular training was outstanding with regard to content and enthusiasm. Meeting with agents from Fresno to the Sacto area and west to the East Bay and S.F. was great networking, and the energy in the room was terrific. Everyone in Real Estate should be so lucky to have this kind of training resources at their disposal. That's one of the most important reasons we're with Keller Williams.

Gary and Suzanne Dominguez
925-596-0169, 925-596-1918

What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent from the Consumer's Point of View

2009-05-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

1. Honesty
2. Interest in you (not himself or herself) and your goals
3. Competence (with technical data, as well as with negotiations)
4. Proven communication skills (with you)
5. Dedication (to you)
5. Knowledge of the market locally and in general
6. Honesty (repeated for emphasis)

Comments on each of these items follow in various future blog posts.
______________

Previous postings on our former blog space can be seen at: http://garyld.featuredblog.com

(copy and paste)

2009-05-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Rain in May - Seems out of place at best.

Today's Pleasanton Real Estate Tour - Friday is the day real estate agents tour the homes newly on the market in Pleasanton and Dublin. Today we viewed a partuclarly interesting home not far from downtown Pleasanton. It's a 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1467 Sq. Ft. home with a quartz countertop and cherrywood kitchen, and Trex decking in a wonderful yard with views priced at $699,950. This is a distressed sale home. We think this home is perfect for someone who wants to live near downtown Pleasanton in a great setting.

You can view this home or make arrangements to view homes on future Friday tours by contacting our team at 925-596-0169.

Our New Blog

2009-04-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

This is the beginning of our new blog addressing concerns, providing education and information about the residential Real Estate market here in the Tri-Valley area of the San Francisco, CA East Bay including Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Livermore, and Sunol. It is our intention that this blog provide the public, our prospects, and clients with accurate information as well as interesting thoughts and observations about the workings of the local Real Estate business. This blog will be of a professional nature, but will deviate occasionally into other local matters, concerns, and circumstances.