The Power of Permits

March 2, 2010 · Terry Birt · 4 Comments

An acquaintance of mine came home from work to see a “stop work notice” posted on her front door. Two years ago, she submitted plans to build a second story addition and remodel her existing kitchen and bathrooms. She went thru the planning commission process and the application was approved. Due to the economy situation, it was decided not to go ahead with the addition.

Recently, they decided to go ahead with just the kitchen and bathroom remodel. Apparently, a neighbor called the city which resulted with a stop work notice even though the previous plans were approved, the application expires a year from the approval date.

I attended the meeting with the code enforcement officer, who met the homeowner, and I was pleased on how he interacted with them. It is a very intimating to have a stop notice on your door, and a city official in your home scrutinizing all the work that is in process. Even though they were in violation, the officer went thru the house, and told them what they needed to do to get back on track. Read more

Missed Opportunity ?

May 22, 2009 · Terry Birt · 6 Comments

buyers-choice Recently, it seems that all the buyers have come out of the wood work….
We have been inundated with large groups at our open houses and receiving large amount of “sign calls” and inquires on our websites…
But the one thing that has not changed is fear…Depending on where the property is and the price range that it is in, there is a different strategy on how to make an offer. I think the public understands that the interest rates are great, and inventory has lessened, and buyers are hearing about multiple offers; but there is something that is preventing them to make a move. My advise: Work with your agent…let them help you understand… ask a lot of questions.

Just this week, I have encountered buyers who I met a few weeks ago, they saw this home in their price range, and have their financing in order, but they needed time to “think about it”. When they came back to reconsider the home, it was gone (in escrow with multiple offers). Had they written a couple of weeks ago it could have been theirs.

Don’t lose your opportunity. There are several ways to protect yourself from competition and allow you to participate in obtaining home with your price and terms.

Say Goodbye to an Old Friend

January 13, 2009 · Terry Birt · 9 Comments

Since I have lived in Millbrae, my Saturday ritual consisted of a walk downtown to the farmers market, a trip to Starbucks and end up at Mervyn’s. When it was announced that Mervyn’s was closing, my initial response was “how sad” then my second thought was how long the building was going to remain empty. Read more

Don’t Get Caught with a Bad Agent

October 26, 2008 · Terry Birt · 1 Comment

If you are in the process of selecting a real estate agent to represent you in the sale of your home, or in the purchase of your home, you owe it to yourself to be very selective on who you choose to represent you.