Highlights: $500-$1,000 contribution to the Officer James Capoot Family Trust upon the completion of selling or buying a home with me, Richard Sarro. Search MLS and our exclusively listed properties to find the right home. Terms and Conditions: Offer expires May 31st, 2012, unless extended or modified by Richard Sarro. Offer applies to buyers or sellers only, who close escrow on a home sale or purchase by May 31st, 2012, and wish that a contribution be made by me and to the Officer James Capoot Family Trust. A $500 contribution to the Capoot Trust, paid by Richard Sarro, from a home sold or purchased from $150,000 to $299,999. A $1,000 contribution to the Capoot Trust, paid by Richard Sarro, from a home sold or purchased over $300,000. This contribution and/or rebate can only be utilized towards the Officer James Capoot Family Trust. Limit 1 contribution per closed transaction. This offer does not apply to past closed transactions. This offer is not … [Read more...]

It is with great sadness that I write my first blog entry due to the death of a fellow officer, brother, father and outstanding citizen. On 11/17/2011, at about 215 p.m., Vallejo Police Officer Jim Capoot attempted to stop a low life repeat offender, who had just robbed the Bank of America in Vallejo.  The suspect led Officer Capoot on a high speed pursuit, and into "The Crest," (an area known for its hostility towards officers) before Officer Capoot rammed the fleeing vehicle.    Upon crashing, the COWARDLY suspect fled on foot to the rear of a home, where he waited for Officer Capoot and shot him in the back, killing him. I went to the department that evening to extend my help and condolences.  It was very unfortunate that a bunch of great people, who have been fractured apart because of the financial mismanagement of the powers to be at the City of Vallejo (City Hall), had to come together under such a horrific set of circumstances. I worked with Officer Capoot before I … [Read more...]

According to the National Association of Realtors, 10% of Realtors® last year complained about receiving low-ball offers on listed homes- 25% or more of those offers were below the listing price.  In today’s market that number has dropped drastically. According to the Mercury News dated 4/19/12, San Francisco and Bay Area home sales had their strongest March in five years.   Sales of all types of homes in the Bay Area in March were up 35 percent, to 7,694 homes from February and up 9 percent since March 2011. More affordable condos were a hot item, with a 21 percent gain in sales in Contra Costa County and a 14.5 percent gain in the median sales price to $177,000 in March.  Alameda County saw condo sales boom by 19 percent, while prices rose 9 percent to $217,000. Single-family home sales were strongest at the top end of the market in Santa Clara County, where sales of homes priced over $800,000 were up nearly 8 percent in Santa Clara County, and accounted for 22 … [Read more...]

Daily Real Estate News | Friday, May 04, 2012 For home buyers or refinancers, borrowing costs for home ownership just got a little cheaper as mortgage rates took another dip to new all-time record lows this week, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey. "Signs of slowing economic growth and inflation remaining subdued allowed yields on Treasury bonds to ease somewhat and brought most mortgage rates to new all-time record lows this week,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. Here’s a closer look at average rates for the week ending May 3: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.84 percent, with an average 0.8 point, reaching a new historical low. The previous record for 30-year rates was 3.87 percent, which was set on Feb. 9 of this year. A year ago at this time, rates averaged 4.71 percent. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.07 percent, with an average 0.7 point, another historical low. The previous record for … [Read more...]

LAZAREX CANCER FOUNDATION GALA: AKA The Champions Party, was held at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, CA on April 10th, 2012.  I had the pleasure of again meeting 49er Football LEGEND Mr. Jerry Rice, who has given his time and support to the Lazerex Cancer Foundation.  I last met Mr. Rice in late 1980’s at a basketball charity at Foothill College.  Being an all-around athlete, Mr. Rice hasn’t aged a day!  It was a pleasure seeing him support such a great foundation. I also had the pleasure of meeting Poker Pro Phil Hellmuth.  True to form, Mr. Hellmuth added great commentary and entertainment to the charity event.  His skills in poker got him to a 3rd place finish!  No wonder he has won so many bracelets.  Well played Mr. Hellmuth! The Lazarex Cancer Foundation is a local organization based in Danville, CA with a mission to provide resources for cancer patients who’ve been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and … [Read more...]