• Buyers are increasingly finding that the inventory of affordable, move-in-ready homes for-sale is low, making competition to buy higher than in years past.

• While short sales, foreclosed properties, or rent-to-own dwellings may take more time and involve more financial hoops, buyers should not rule out these properties completely.

• Although competition is high, bidding wars of years past where would-be buyers didn’t stand a chance unless they came in above the asking price from the start aren’t the case in most markets. However, buyers considering buying a foreclosure, should keep in mind that all-cash offers from property developers and other buyers are edging out bank-financed offers.7

Los Angeles Times – The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index is at 62.  That’s down from the 64.4 reading in May.

Read the full story 

CNN Money – Average home prices increased 1.3 percent in April in 20 major markets, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index.

Read the full story

Orange County Register – Only 10 percent of consumers responding to a survey last summer said they would pay more money to make their homes green, according to a study by Lifestory Research.

Read the full story

San Francisco Chronicle – U.S. regulators released rules for mortgage servicers that are designed to help members of the military get information needed to sell their homes or modify loans when they are forced to relocate.

Read the full story

Los Angeles Times – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says it’s worried about the potential for abuse as some older Americans tap their home equity through reverse mortgages.

Read the full story

CNN Money – New home sales rose 7.6 percent in May to an annual rate of 369,000 units, according to the Census Bureau.

Read the full story 

San Francisco Chronicle – On Wednesday, a so-called “Homeowner Bill of Rights” moved a step closer to passing, with housing advocates claiming the bill would help people stave off foreclosures. The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) opposes provisions in this measure which will allow anyone to stop the foreclosure process by filing a lawsuit, merited or not.

Making sense of the story

• C.A.R. agrees that careful and balanced reforms to the foreclosure process are necessary. However, C.A.R. opposes AB 278 because it will further delay the housing recovery by inviting bad-faith lawsuits and defaults, making it difficult for even well-qualified borrowers to obtain financing.
• The legislation would ban the practice of dual-tracking, in which a bank continues foreclosure proceedings while a homeowner is seeking a loan modification; require banks to provide a single of point – either a person or a team – for struggling borrowers; and give borrowers the right to sue their lenders for “significant, material” violations of the new law.
• The bills also require lenders to give a clean explanation when they reject borrowers for a loan modification, to verify mortgage documents before a foreclosure, and to provide copies to borrowers upon request.  Lenders can be fined up to $7,500 per loan for filing and recording unverified documents.  The bills’ provisions apply to first-lien mortgages for owner-occupants.
• For more information about C.A.R.’s opposition to AB 278 and to learn how to take action, visit http://www.car.org/governmentaffairs/getinvolved/redalert4/.

Read the full story

San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country
Saturday, June 30 and Sunday July 1, 2012

Serenity in the Hills – NEW

Los Altos Hills, CA, United States

$4,125,000
Web #: 0085749
MLS ID: 81222460 Bedrooms: 4
Baths Full / Partial: 3 / 1
Interior: 3,819 sq. ft. (approx.)
Lot Size: 55,756 sq. ft. (approx.)
6/30 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 27340 Julietta Ln, Los Altos Hills, CA
________________________________________
Sleepy Hollow View Estate

San Anselmo, CA, United States

$2,450,000
Web #: 0085456
MLS ID: 21127681 Bedrooms: 6
Baths Full: 4
Interior: 4,657 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 3 acres (approx.)
6/30 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 52 Tappan Rd, San Anselmo, CA
________________________________________
Park Avenue Style Condominium – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

Annual: $7,900 Per Month
Web #: 0085763 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full: 2
Interior: 1,523 sq. ft. (approx.)
By appointment only
________________________________________
Top Floor Union Square Loft – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$849,000
Web #: 0085740
MLS ID: 398144 Bedrooms: 1
Baths Full: 1
Interior: 1,531 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. 181 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Sleepy Hollow View Estate

San Anselmo, CA, United States

$2,450,000
Web #: 0085456
MLS ID: 21127681 Bedrooms: 6
Baths Full: 4
Interior: 4,657 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 3 acres (approx.)
7/1 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 52 Tappan Rd, San Anselmo, CA
________________________________________
Exquisite Noe Valley View Home

San Francisco, CA, United States

$1,749,000
Web #: 0085656
MLS ID: 396534 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full: 3
Interior: 3,065 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 1133 Douglass St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Mid Century Shines On

Mill Valley, CA, United States

$1,495,000
Web #: 0085710
MLS ID: 21215019 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full: 2
7/1 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 606 Douglas Dr, Mill Valley, CA
________________________________________
Unique Units – SFR Potential – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$1,435,000
Web #: 0085744
MLS ID: 397955 Baths Full / Partial: 3 / 1
7/1 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 200-210 Romain Street, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Beacon of Light – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$650,000
Web #: 0085736
MLS ID: 397932 Bedrooms: 1
Baths Full: 1
Interior: 1,090 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. 250 King St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
The Greenwich – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$5,495,000
Web #: 0085761
MLS ID: 397915 Bedrooms: 4
Baths Full / Partial: 4 / 1
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 2829 Greenwich St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Serenity in the Hills – NEW

Los Altos Hills, CA, United States

$4,125,000
Web #: 0085749
MLS ID: 81222460 Bedrooms: 4
Baths Full / Partial: 3 / 1
Interior: 3,819 sq. ft. (approx.)
Lot Size: 55,756 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 27340 Julietta Ln, Los Altos Hills, CA
________________________________________
Modern Architectural Masterpiece

Los Altos Hills, CA, United States

$3,875,000
Web #: 0085353
MLS ID: 81140874 Bedrooms: 4
Baths Full / Partial: 3 / 1
Interior: 4,500 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 3 acres (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 27161 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA
________________________________________
Presidio Heights Jewel Box Residence

San Francisco, CA, United States

$3,595,000
Web #: 0085641
MLS ID: 397709 Bedrooms: 5
Baths Full / Partial: 4 / 1
Interior: 3,218 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 3561a Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Liberty Hill View Home

San Francisco, CA, United States

$3,150,000
Web #: 0085433
MLS ID: 395271 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full / Partial: 3 / 1
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 849 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Expansive Home in Sharon Heights – NEW

Menlo Park, CA, United States

$2,650,000
Web #: 0085750
MLS ID: 81221923 Bedrooms: 5
Baths Full: 4
Interior: 3,470 sq. ft. (approx.)
Lot Size: 11,300 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 1010 Deanna Dr, Menlo Park, CA
________________________________________
Russian Hill Home – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$2,650,000
Web #: 0085768
MLS ID: 398180
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 49-51 Florence Street, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Stylish Tiburon Home

Tiburon, CA, United States

$2,495,000
Web #: 0085649
MLS ID: 21208813 Bedrooms: 5
Baths Full / Partial: 3 / 1
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 43 Geldert Ct, Tiburon, CA
________________________________________
Golden Gateway Commons Condo – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$1,925,000
Web #: 0085759 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full: 3
Interior: 1,863 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 640 Davis St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Wonderful Victorian at Dolores Park

San Francisco, CA, United States

$1,639,000
Web #: 0085652
MLS ID: 398127 Bedrooms: 2
Baths Full: 2
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 3731 20th St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Dramatic Potrero Hill View Home

San Francisco, CA, United States

$1,625,000
Web #: 0085660
MLS ID: 398131 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full: 3
Interior: 2,600 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 509 Vermont St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Quintessential Telegraph Hill Home – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$1,500,000
Web #: 0085784 Bedrooms: 2
Baths Full: 2
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 337 Union St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Designer’s Own Home

Mill Valley, CA, United States

$899,000
Web #: 0085585
MLS ID: 21204658 Bedrooms: 2
Baths Full: 2
Interior: 1,100 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 0.27 acres (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 370 Summit Ave, Mill Valley, CA
________________________________________
New York Style Loft – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$865,000
Web #: 0085741
MLS ID: 397630 Bedrooms: 1
Baths Full: 2
Interior: 1,791 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 2080 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Contemporary 3-Bedroom Condo – NEW

San Francisco, CA, United States

$695,000
Web #: 0085782 Bedrooms: 3
Baths Full: 2
Interior: 1,260 sq. ft. (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 2662 Bush St, San Francisco, CA
________________________________________
Panoramic Views – NEW

Santa Rosa, CA, United States

$1,250,000
Web #: 0820178
MLS ID: 21214497 Bedrooms: 4
Baths Full: 3
Interior: 2,275 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 2.82 acres (approx.)
7/1 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 190 Ursuline Rd, Santa Rosa, CA
________________________________________
Glen Ellen Retreat – NEW

Glen Ellen, CA, United States

$859,000
Web #: 0243294
MLS ID: 21214206 Bedrooms: 2
Baths Full: 3
Interior: 2,316 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 1.26 acres (approx.)
7/1 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 175 West Trinity Road, Glen Ellen, CA
________________________________________
Kenwood View Compound

Kenwood, CA, United States

$1,299,000
Web #: 0243287 Bedrooms: 3
Interior: 2,084 sq. ft. (approx.)
Acreage: 2.06 acres (approx.)
7/1 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 139 Frey Rd, Kenwood, CA

Jeffrey Gibson | VP & Managing Broker
415.901.1700 | DRE# 1407690
Jeffrey.Gibson@sothebyshomes.com
www.sothebyshomes.com/SanFrancisco

SAN FRANCISCO BROKERAGE
117 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

OPEN: Sunday, 7/1, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Hosted by Sheila Deignan
335 Davila Ct, Sonoma | Map

3 bedroom, 2 bath | Single-Family Home
$990,000
Wonderful three bedroom, single level home on coveted Eastside cul-de-sac. Features include two fireplaces, spacious master suite, and beautiful in-ground pool for our warm summer weather.
Sheila Deignan

sheila.deignan@winecountrygroup.com

707-939-2079
DRE# 944527

OPEN: Sunday, 7/1, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Hosted by Linda Alioto
1100 Paulson Ct, St. Helena | Map

4 bedroom, 2 bath | Single-Family Home
$875,000
Newer, single story 4 bedroom home. Large corner lot. Great room with a terrific fireplace. Nice yard. En Suite Master Bedroom. High ceilings.
LINDA ALIOTO

aliotorealty@aol.com

707-694-3541
DRE# 1450100

OPEN: Sunday, 7/1, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Hosted by Gene Bonino
7802 Kennedy Rd, Sebastopol | Map

3 bedroom, 3 bath | Single-Family Home
$648,000
This wonderful 1.56 acre mini-ranch is only 15 minutes from Sebastopol. The 3Br/2.5Ba home is the classic ranch style home with over 2100 S/F, an attached 2 car garage, and plenty of room for additional parking – even an RV! The acreage is all usable. Property has five horse piped paddocks that are not in use. There are several working kennels in use. New furnace and ducts. Let your…
Gene Bonino

gene.bonino@winecountrygroup.com

707-824-4513
DRE# 1152994

OPEN: Sunday, 7/1, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Hosted by Gene Bonino
450 Eleanor Ave, Sebastopol | Map

2 bedroom, 1 bath | Single-Family Home
$485,000
Redone vintage home just blocks to downtown and the new, exciting Barlow project. Many updates making the home warm, inviting, and comfortable. Large deck with hot tub and private, usuable outdoor space. Detached studio/office space. Beautifully landscaped. Alley access. Walk to all Sebastopol has to offer. Welcome home!
Gene Bonino

gene.bonino@winecountrygroup.com

707-824-4513
DRE# 1152994

OPEN: Sunday, 7/1, 1:30 – 4:00pm
Hosted by Diane Litchfield
19323 Natalina Ct, Sonoma | Map

2 bedroom, 2 bath | Single-Family Home
$429,000
Here’s that sweet Sonoma getaway. No-muss, no-fuss home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, & a pool for those warm days coming up. Handy, roll-out drawers in the kitchen for easy access. Brazilian cherrywood floors in liv. rm, hall & 2 bdrms. Ample storage cabinets & sprinklers in garage. Located on a corner lot within blocks of the bike path and Sonoma’s historic Plaza. Lovingly-maintained. It’s…
Diane Litchfield

diane.litchfield@winecountrygroup.com

707-939-2090
DRE# 712156

OPEN: Sunday, 7/1, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Hosted by Jane Duggan
4995 Vine Hill Rd, Sebastopol | Map

3 bedroom, 2 bath | Single-Family Home
$399,000
2 homes on 1 acre ,New 3 car garage with shop,each home on approx. 1/2 acre Main triple wide mobile with 3BD/2BA with family room w new roof Aug.2011 on Vine Hill Road with new 3-car stucco garage/shop. 2nd double wide mobile with 2BD/2BA w/ familyroom, driveway on Sequoia Cr.
Jane Duggan

Jane.Duggan@winecountrygroup.com

707-569-1816
DRE# 424647

OPEN: Saturday, 6/30, 1:30 – 4:00pm
Hosted by Diane Litchfield
18250 Arnold Dr, Sonoma | Map

3 bedroom, 2 bath | Single-Family Home
$359,000
Tasteful remodel with two+ bedrooms(could be put back to three), two baths on a rare quarter-acre parcel with detached garage and a carport. Cathedral ceilings in living area with fireplace, stunning kitchen countertops with new appliances, door from living room to deck, doors off back bedrooms to deck to huge backyard (quarter acre). Great privacy and just minutes to downtown and Sonoma’s…
Diane Litchfield

diane.litchfield@winecountrygroup.com

707-939-2090
DRE# 712156