3 Ways to Back out of a Home Purchase Without Being a Jerk

Is it ever okay to back out of a deal? Yes. Today, I’ll highlight three examples. 

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Backing out of a home purchase can make you seem like a big jerk, but it doesn’t have to. There are three ways you can get out of a deal without coming off as rude:

1. If you’re unhappy with the physical inspection. No matter how excited you were to purchase a home in the beginning, an unsavory inspection report can be a sure way to burst that bubble. If a home just isn’t right for you, or has problems you just can’t look past, it’s often best to walk away.

2. If your purchase is contingent upon the sale of your current home. If your current home doesn’t go under contract within the designated time frame, you have no obligation to go through with the purchase. This contingency can act as your “Get Out of Jail Free” card, and save you from juggling two mortgages at once. 

If a home just isn’t right for you, or has problems you just can’t look past, it’s often best to walk away.

3. If the homeowners association documents raise a red flag. When you purchase a home in a homeowners association (or HOA), you’ll receive a huge stack of documents outlining the rules, regulations, and fees that will apply to you if you choose to go through with the purchase. We want to see what kind of finances the HOA has, how the board is, what the facility is like and if it will need any maintenance down the road, and also if you as a homeowner will have to put up a large chunk of money to add to reserves if there is a special assessment that is called. I highly recommend that you review these documents carefully before committing yourself to living in an HOA.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Do You Love Most About the Bay?

Today I’d like to start an interactive dialogue about something near and dear to my heart: our Bay area. I want to know what you love most about living in the Bay.  

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Today, we’re doing something completely different from what we’ve done in the past. I’m excited to announce this new series on why we all love to live in the Bay area.

Of course, everyone has different reasons for why they love to live here so much, but today I’d like to mention just a few of these points.

The aim of this series is to create an interactive dialogue between myself and all of you about the Bay area. I want to know what locations, restaurants, and features in our area you love the most and why. Whether your favorite thing about living here is a particular beach, a certain hiking trail, or even just a special view, I want to hear about it.

For now, I want to let you in on a few of my own favorite things about the Bay. First, I love how centrally located we are. In just a few hours or less, I can go almost anywhere and do nearly anything I want.

What do you love most about living in the Bay?

As an example, I live just about 45 minutes to an hour away from Napa. I’m also just three hours from Lake Tahoe and 45 minutes to San Francisco. The list goes on and on.

With all of the opportunities the Bay has to offer, how could anyone not love living here? The diversity of the Bay area is one feature that absolutely captured my heart from the moment I first moved here in the second grade.

Some of our nation’s most iconic landmarks are right in our backyard. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge and beyond, there is no shortage of things to see.

And let’s not forget about the active sports world here in our area. We’ve got the Giants, the Raiders, the 49ers, the Sharks, and so much more.

I could go on and on, but I want to hear from you. What do you love most about living in the Bay? If you send me a video or some audio, I’ll put it right here on the air. You can also simply write down your response for me to read aloud.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Join Us for an Evening of Networking Fun

The biggest networking group in Danville has an upcoming event.
Here’s what you need to know about it.

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I’m excited to announce our next Danville Elite networking event. It will be on August 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sweetwater Tavern, right in the heart of downtown Danville (340 Hartz Ave).

This is a free event. We’ll have free appetizers as well. Our last event had over 70 people and we’re anticipating even more from here on out. This is the biggest networking group in Danville so it’s the place to be if you’re looking to grow.

This is the biggest networking group in Danville.

Come ready with your business card, let’s do some business, and all grow together.

I look forward to seeing you on August 22nd at 6 p.m. at the Sweetwater Tavern. If you have any other questions in the meantime, you can always reach me via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Who’s Working Hard to Keep Danville Safe?

The Danville Police Department is small but mighty. 
Here are just a few of the ways they keep us safe.

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I’m delighted to be joined today by a very special guest. Lt. Alan Shields of the Danville Police Department is here to talk a little bit about the DPD and how they are continuing to improve the ways in which they keep all of us safe.

The #1 goal of the DPD is always to stop and prevent crime. Stopping crime requires good training and execution, but preventing crime is something that we all take a part in. The DPD’s outreach program has really done a great job meeting with citizens through different events like “Coffee With a Cop” or “Recess With the Cops” at local schools.

Ultimately, the DPD isn’t made up of just 30 officers roaming the streets. It’s made up of each and every responsible citizen in the town, and they are just the tip of the spear. When the authorities and the community work together to keep Danville safe, great things happen.

One way the DPD is keeping us safer is through their increased use of HD cameras at stop lights and on the tops of their cars. Contrary to popular belief, these aren’t speed or red light cameras. They’re not designed to get anyone in trouble. They’re actually designed to keep everyone safe. These cameras can alert officers of stolen cars and criminals in an instant. They recently used them to capture a bank robber in less than a day.

Property crimes are at the lowest level ever.

The DPD utilizes social media to have a clearer line of communication, but they aren’t immune to trolls. Although a lot of people on social media have told him that crime in Danville is getting worse, the numbers don’t support that at all. In fact, crime levels have remained relatively stable for the last 20 years and property crimes are at the lowest level ever.

The DPD is such an amazing group of guys and gals. I’m grateful that they are here in our community keeping watch. To further improve the security of your home. Lt. Shields recommends getting a security camera installed. Also, feel free to give them a call if you’re going out of town and they will provide a complimentary vacation check of your house.

If you have any questions for me or you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

4 Options for Homeowners With Fire or Smoke Damage

It’s not fun to deal with a fire or smoke damaged home. However, here’s what you should know about the situation.

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What to do if your home is damaged by fire and/or smoke? The good news is you have options. Here are four of the most common:

1. Check your insurance policy. You have to understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. It will likely cover the structure as it was, not how it is currently. It may even cover the items you lost in the fire, as well as demolition expenses. If you can’t find your insurance policy, contact your mortgage lender and start there.

2. Keep the lot to sell later on. If you choose this option, you will also need to have liability insurance in place.

3. You can just sell the home or property. I don’t think this would be the best idea, but it is an option.

A lot is desirable in many markets.

4. Talk to a trusted agent or broker for professional advice. You need to figure out what the lot is worth and what kind of market you're in. A lot is a desirable asset in many markets, but not all of them.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email at any time. I would love to hear from you.

Guess Where I Am First, and You’ll Win a $50 Gift Card

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The Iron Horse Trail was established in 1891 and abandoned in 1977, but it still plays a large purpose in the community today. The trail, which runs through two different counties, is a human freeway.

The trail runs right where the old Southern Pacific Railway ran for quite awhile until Contra Costa and Alameda Counties purchased the rights. It runs through nine different cities, and is a host to anyone and everyone for walking, running, or biking.

Underneath the trail, there are a lot of gas and power lines, so it’s a lot safer for everyone in the area. This is just one of many fun things to do outdoors in the Danville area.

If you know where exactly I’m at in the video above, contact me right away. The first 20 people to give me the specific location of where I’m at on the trail will get a $50 gift card from the McDaniel Callahan team. Don’t miss out on this!

If you have any other questions for me, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you. 

How We Helped Stan with Our Great Communication

"They exceeded my expectations! They really alleviated my stress by always being available, always listening, and giving me advise. I never felt like I was backed into a corner, and always got a great deal of respect from them!"

-Stan Urkanske

More Awesome Places to See in the Bay Area

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Today, we're coming to you with the second video in our series Summer Fun in the Bay.

Here are a few ideas that the whole family can enjoy: 

1. Go to the Mission District and check out La Cumbre Taqueria. It is the home of the infamous Mexican wrap. If you're looking for something fun and adventurous, this is the place to go.
2. Ride a vintage streetcar. This great activity is not as expensive as you may think; it only costs about two dollars a person! For seniors and children, it only costs 75 cents to ride the streetcar.
3. Finally, expand your mind at the Exploratorium. This is an amazing opportunity for the young and old to play with all kinds of fun and different things!

Now, here are some ideas for adults: 

1. If you like jazz, you have got to go to the SF Jazz Center. This is a unique, stand-alone structure built specifically for jazz. The top jazz musicians clamor to play there because the acoustics were designed specifically for their music.
2. Check out the Buena Vista Irish coffee house. This is the original bar that brought Irish coffees to America!
3. If you want to dance, head over to Public Works. This great place opened its doors in 2010, and it's the epicenter of the club scene.

Finally, here are some ideas for date night: 

1. Head over to Giant's Stadium for a game. It's a great place right on the water that offers every kind of food you can imagine, so go on and cheer for our guys!
2. If you like ice cream, go to Bi-RiteCreamery. People come from all over to eat this ice cream, and the line usually goes around the corner!
3. If you want some great bread, go to TartineBakery on 18th street. This fantastic bakery is only a block away from Bi-Rite Creamery, so make a night of it!

If you have any questions about today's video, or on other activities here in the Bay Area, please give me a call or send me an email. I'd be happy to help you!

How Will Your HOA Impact You as an Investment Buyer?

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Homeowner Associations are fairly common, but what a lot of people don't consider is the dramatic impact that their yearly fees can have on your buying power.

Whether we like them or hate them, HOAs aren't going to disappear anytime soon. Whether you're an investment buyer or buying a home as a primary residence, you'll have to pay these fees. 

As an investment buyer, these HOA fees are undoubtedly cutting into your bottom line. What if you could go out and purchase a bigger, nicer home when you don't have to pay for these HOA fees? The fees can add up to a significant amount over the years.

I used to own a home and had to pay HOA fees. I didn't mind it so much at first. It was a $249 fee, but by the time I moved, the fee had increased to $450 because the Association kept running into problems. When you buy into a HOA, review the HOA Document to ensure you're putting your money into a worthwhile organization. Examine the budget and speak to leaders of the HOA.

HOAs work for some people, but I recommend everyone to look at their budget and ensure that it's a worthwhile investment for yourself and your family. If you knock off the money you pay in those fees, it will allow you a larger total purchase price for a home. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always here to help you!

Looking for a Place in the Bay Area to Kick Back?

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When I'm looking to relax after work, I always head to McGah's Pub & Pianos. They have great food, great drinks, and they always provide a great time. 

I'm here with the general manager, Ashlee Fox, and she's excited to announce some special things happening at McGah's.

On Monday's the bar will be hosting 'Office Space Mondays' from 11am to 4pm where you can get a meal and unlimited beverages for $9.99. 

On Tuesdays they have trivia from 8pm to 10pm.

Wednesday's are dedicated to Gold Fish Races (7pm to 10pm) and a monthly open mic. 

Thursday features a Country & Cocktails series from 8pm to 11pm, where different live bands come in and play.

If you happen to stop in on a Friday or a Saturday, you can see the Dueling Pianos from 8:30pm to 12:30pm. This has been happening for nearly four years, and everyone raves about the music.

I would recommend this spot to anybody, and I just wanted to let you know that this place will change your life!

Check out their review on Yelp here.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about real estate in the Bay area. Perhaps I could meet you at McGah's for a drink!

How Can You Help Conserve Water in the Bay Area?

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Today, I want to touch on something that is affecting, or will affect, all of us if we don't do something about it soon. Of course, I'm talking about the drought! 

For us here in California, we all need to take responsibility for what's happening and actively try to reduce our water usage. If you want to reuse some water, a good idea is to take a few buckets into the shower with you. The water you collect can then be used to water plants around the house and in the landscaping. Also, if you do a lot of cooking, you can take the water you use for boiling outside and water your plants.

There is no better time to upgrade your appliances. Go down to the store and take a look at low-flow appliances, which include shower heads, toilets, and dishwashers that use significantly less water than traditional appliances. These will only cost you a few extra bucks and you'll be helping out our community!  

If your landscaping is dying, you have to let it go. It's unfortunate, but the amount of water it takes to keep elaborate landscapes healthy is just too much in our current climate. Remember, brown is the new green! However, if you really need green in your yard, you can always install fake sod. It's a bit expensive, but it will work out financially in the long run! There are other environmentally friendly ways to make your yard look great, like planting cacti, succulents, and other plants that don't need much water to survive. 

These are just a few ideas that will help you save water and help the communities. If you would like more tips, or if you have some tips you would like to share with us, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help our community save water! In order to get through this epic drought, it's going to take all of us!

Why Should You Speak to an Agent Today?

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Today I want to talk about something really important. A lot of people are under the belief that you should only contact a real estate agent when you are immediately planning to buy or sell. That's really not the case. If you want to be the best you can be as a buyer or a seller, you need to get a hold of an agent immediately. 

Here's why: A good real estate agent is going to have their fingers on the pulse of the market, and understand what current conditions are like. So, will you be able to afford it if you wait? Getting in touch with a good agent and talking to them about your motivation for buying will give them a good idea of when it makes sense for you. 

The way other people view your property is not the way you are thinking about it. You may need to do some upgrades and home staging in order to capture the buyer's attention and their imagination. If you are in the Bay Area and would like some help in preparing for the market, give me a call today. If you're not in our area, we can still help you find a trustworthy agent. I network with top Realtors from across the country. 

If you have any other questions, we are always here to answer them. Just give us a quick call or email. Talk to you soon!

What Do You Need to Know as a Buyer?

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Hey everyone, today I want to talk to you about some things that you should know as a buyer and some things you should pay attention to when it comes to working with a real estate agent. I've got 4 simple tips for you to follow to make sure your transaction goes as smoothly as possible. Here they are:

1. Get pre-approved
The worst thing you can do is go out and look at homes that you may or may not be able to afford. If this happens, everybody is going to get upset, especially if you fall in love with a home you don't even qualify for. Get pre-qualified before you start looking, so you know exactly what you can afford.

2. You can't see every home in person
Although it is tempting to do your due diligence and see every home available on the market, what you really need to hone in on are the ones you actually want to see in person. Narrow down your options by looking online. 

3. Don't visit a home multiple times
Your buyer's agent needs to keep things moving forward and start the negotiating process for you on the home you are going to buy. Their job is to get you the lowest price, and they can't do that if they don't know which property you are going to make an offer on. 

4. Odd showing hours
Sellers have a life too. Let's try to keep showings on a business schedule, at least on the weekends. Unless the house is unoccupied, of course.

Those are just a few of the things you can do to help your buyer agent assist you better in your home search. If you have any questions for us, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to speaking with you!