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It’s hard to keep up with all the action. 14 new members in first masters swim program at Hillside Pool burning tons of calories. Fuel up at Farmers with organic veggies, fruits, flowers, chickens, spicey tamales and more. Burn more calories at Cha Cha and Bolero lessons with the Ballroom Dancing classes. Munch some popcorn watching these now showing  Movies:  RED a 2010 action comedy, National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor back in 1944, Jean de Florette to be followed by Manon of the Spring.

more ACTION? Call me anytime.

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The Creekside Grill is open and getting rave reviews for great food.  The Bar portion however, still doesn’t have a liquor license.  So patrons can bring their own bottles of wine or beer and not pay a corkage charge.  Plus now they are taking reservations.

The Farmer’s Market will be opened for the season on May 20th, but because the Gateway parking lot is being repaved, they were in the back of Gateway.  From May 27th on they will be back in their usual spot at Gateway selling lots of fruits, veggies, flowers, fish, chicken, bread, cake and pierogis too.

Last week  a movie ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ was last Saturday’s feature film.  It was based on a true story of a dog’s loyalty to his master.  The original story was in Japan and the master had died, but the dog did not know this and went every day to the train station expecting him to come home.  One of my clients had been living in Japan and knew the story.  She watched the movie and cried and cried.  This is a story about true love and commitment

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Fawns are leaping on the lawns, goslings are waddling down to the water, and the flowers are in bloom.

It is Spring in Rossmoor, the retirement commuity in Walnut Creek.  The Creekside Grill has opened to rave reviews and the only complaints are that it is too small — not enough tables and chairs to accomodate all the people who want to eat there.  There were major additions to the free  bus service  that now encompasses BART, Broadway Plaza, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.  It seems one of my clients who moved into her home last summer has the entire bus schedule memorized.  She goes to Kohls and Sun Valley Mall twice a week, and goes to Ross in Walnut Creek every day!  She’s become a favorite of the bus drivers! You go girl!

Cinco de Mayo in Rossmore Walnut Creek from 12:30 to 2:30 in the Peacock Plaza.  Enjoy live music by the Mariachi mi Tierra Linda band,margaritas, chips and salsa.    Tacos will be for sale.  This is a Free Event.  If you are interested in Rossmoor, check out my site at www.Rossmoorfact.com

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BestBuy Rossmoor

I cater to Rossmoor clients who fall totally in the Rossmoor BestBuy category: if it is a best buy, bingo, they want in – the won’y even look at a home that’s not 100% a Rossmoor BestBuy. Yes, I do get up early every morning, yes, my life is interesting.  I just found a Top Deal retirement home for a sprightly couple from South Africa.  It was a San Franciscan model for $129,000!  They are thrilled and looking forward to enjoying many active  retirement years in Walnut Creek.

The new Gala for Creekside social building will be April 8^th.  The restaurant and bar should start business in March.  Yes, there will be a shuttle service: ahem, let’s just say that after I have a good time at a bar I’m smart enough to rely on a designated driver to get me right to my front door..   Also, some great meeting rooms.  Talk about jazzing up the Rossmoor Retirement Community!

BUSES,  FREE BUSES to BART, Broadway Plaza, Whole Foods, TJ and much more!

What a top  deal if you don’t want to drive or can’t!  There are a number of trips daily.  This is great because there are still a lot of people who work in San Francisco, Oakland etc. and take BART to work.  Now they don’t have to drive there, but take the bus!!!  There is Para-transit Bus service for people who are in wheelchairs.  All of this is FREE for Rossmoor  Walnut Creekresidents.

Rossmoor Top Deal Movies. $1 for some, others zero dollar.

The Social Network a 2010 drama

Erin Brockovich, a 2000 drama

Sweet Home Alabama  a 2002  romantic comedy

Unmistaken Child a 2008 documentary

You Don’t Know Jack, a 2009 drama

The Girl from Paris  a popular French Film

The Jewish Film Festival will be showing films from all over the world in Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, Orinda and Livermore from March 5^th to March 13^th

The 11^th Annual Jazz Festival will be March 7, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th.  Featuring the Big Band of Rossmoor and the Connor Anderson Sextet.

In the Sporting Department there is a lot happening

Retirement Walnut Creek means Tennis, lawn bowling, Trail Hiking, Bocce,  Golf and there is even a Ski-Conditioning workshop for the Skiers!  The table tennis players will be getting a new facility.  Discussions about how many tables (3 – 5) and a raised area for spectators  are being considered.

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See you at the Bar & Grill, or, Yoga, or, ping pong, or, ALL

Well it looks like the restaurant in Rossmoor will be opening middle of March.   This past Saturday there was a hiring fair for Creekside Grill.  Stan Gedeon, owner of Corporate Cuisine, Inc. was interviewing for wait staff, bus staff, bartenders, and more.  The former Chef of Bing Crosby’s, an upscale restaurant in Walnut Creek that went belly up, will be the executive chef.  Jose Suis Campos who was born in Walnut Creek and formerly worked at Auberge du Soleil in Napa, Scott’s Seafood and Vic Stewart’s in Walnut Creek will bring his version of the New American cuisine to Rossmoor.  The Grill will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and at the Bar there will be smaller fare and snacks.  What an improvement this should be!  Trust me, I will be at the opening and take videos for the world to see.

Thank you. Mechanics Bank who has come forward to sponsor the 2011 Recreation movie series.

This will allow the Recreation Department to provide better quality entertainment at no additional cost.

If residents have an income below $31,800 a year they are eligible for energy upgrades from PG&E.  Some of the free services are:  refrigerator replacement, door weather stripping, caulking on windows and doors, installation of energy saving lights, massage showerheads, water heater blankets, attic insulation, and test and seal ducts.  Not bad.

There are quite a few residents who would qualify for these services.

The Peace Corps are 50 years old and in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek there are many former Peace Corp volunteers.  There will be a big celebration at Janet and Stanley’s home for all residents who were involved on March 6^th.

On March 3^rd the Lions Club will hosting a Crab Feed fundraiser at Hillside starting at 11 AM with a no host bar and lunch provided by Sunrise Bistro starting at 11:30.  The cost is $35. and no tickets will be available at the door.

Rick Perona the Landscape Manager of Rossmoor will be presenting a program to the Nature Association with a slide show on March 9th.  He oversees the planting of the “color spots” and is in his 10^th year as the Manager.  He is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in ornamental horticulture plus an Army veteran.

The Table Tennis Club will be involved in tournaments that are schedules over the next few months.  March 12 will be at the Hillside,  April 2^nd at the Villagers and on May 28 and 29^th the Golden State tournament will be at the Walnut Creek Gym next to the JCC right outside of Rossmoor.

Ann Hirsch competed at the University of San Francisco Koret Center and broke four records in the 80 to 84 age group. She set the new National records for the 50 yard and 200 yard breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley.   She trains at the Aquatics Center pool and Heather Farm Park. Great job Ann!

So you are interested in Yoga.  There is a lot of Yoga at the Fitness Center.  Monday through Friday there are classes in Gentle Yoga, Hatha, Stretch, Hanna Somatic Movement, Breathing and Yoga.  Instructors are Sumi Kaur, Barbara Bureker, Sarah Harvey and Yahdi Beckwitt

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The new Pro Shop for the Golfers has opened in the new Creekside Club house.  The temporary trailer is being removed and a putting green is going to be installed.

AARP volunteers are going to aid residents with free help in filing Income Taxes.  They will be at the Hillside Club House on Feb. 8^th from 9 – 1, Feb. 10,15,17, 22 & 24, March 1,3,10,15, and 17th from 9 to 3, and March 8,22, and 24th from 9 – 1.  For appointments call 405-6278.

There are 15 spaces for RV’s that are available.  The cost is $287 for a year.  This is only for Rossmoor residents.  Call Marie 98-7600

The Bus Transportation Service of Rossmoor is now offering 69 trips to BART and Walnut Creek a week on the Green line.  This is a great deal.

It’s the Year of the Rabbit and the Chinese-American Association will be celebrating on Feb 6^th in the Sierra Room with a social and dinner, but it is only open to the members.

If you like the music from Spain and Flamenco for $10 on Feb. 10^th the Diablo Symphony will be performing along with Carolina Lugo’s Ballet Flamenco at Del Valle a 8 PM.  There will be a repeat at the Lesher Center on Feb. 13^th but the tickets there are $18.

There is a Free event.  Saturday Dance with the Bob Falstein  Delish Band at 7 PM in the Sierra Room.  Sodas, mixers, snacks will be available.

Wesla Whitfield will present a Valentine Show in the Shasta Room. She is a very popular caberet singer and the show is on Feb. 13^th at 7 PM for $15 ahead of time.  $20 at the door.

The Wine and Food Society will be holding a culinary pilgrimage of American’s Melting Pot dinner on Feb. 18^th at 6 PM.  This will fill up early so make reservations now  949-8127

The Trails Club will be offering lots of options and car pooling for numerous hikes throughout the month.  Anyone interested should contact Harriet Schwartz.  They hike out of Rossmoor on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting  at 8:45.  If you want to see Briones, Kings Canyon in Moraga, Alhambra Valley, Shell Ridge then this is the best way.

The International Club will be featuring Tahiti with food and dance on Feb. 26^th at 5 PM.  The Te Mana o te Ra dance group will entertain.  For reservations send a $26 check to Aster Yamagata.

At the Movies

Secretariat, starring Diane Lane will be shown for FREE on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 1, 4, 7 and 9 PM.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring Audrey Hepburn will be shown on Saturday, Feb 5^th at 1, 4 and 7 PM

Mrs. Henderson Presents starring Judi Dench will be shown on Feb. 6^th at 4 and 7 PM

Howard Zinn – You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train will be shown on Feb. 16^th at 4 PM with a $1 donation

Afgan Star will be presented by the Three Cups of Tea Society on Feb 14^th at 1 PM for a $1 donation

God on Trial will be shown on Feb 8^th at 7 PM by the Flick Fans Group

Return to the Water, one part of a ten part series by the BBC “The Life of Mammals” will be shown on Feb 9^th at 3 PM by the Nature Association

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Well the market in Rossmoor Realty is heating up.  More properties are coming on and some are in exceptionally nice condition and others are at great bargain prices!  It’s a bonanza for buyers who want to retire or are thinking about retiring in the premier retirements community in Walnut Creek, CA.  It’s sunny and up in the 50’s or 60’s during the day.  Not bad!

We saw 10 homes this past Tuesday that were new to the market.

There were two Piedmont models with great views, one for $383,000 and one that was more updated for $420,000.

One expanded Kentfield with a second bathroom and a patio opening onto a large lawn and a den too for $294,000

A pretty San Franciscan with a tiled patio and fenced front patio for $178,900.

A level in Sierra with a garage and a carport and no one above either for $425,00

Next was a BARGAIN!!!!! A Golden Gate in original condition but close to the clubhouse for $119,000

By the way, I just sold a bargain San Franciscan for $129,950.  My clients are exstatic.

Next came a Sequoia for only $125,000 and  a beautiful San Franciscan with the atrium enclosed and an extra half bath for $315,000.

A Santa Clara with the carport right by the front door  for $359,000

A beautiful Villa Neuvo for $569,000 and a  level in condo on Cactus that had a remodeled kitchen and dual pane windows for $530,000.

If you want to see some of the homes and the community of Rossmoor, call me.  925-876-1669 for a complete tour

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It’s 2011 and optimism is overflowing!

Our Tuesday tour was small because lots of homes will be coming on in a couple of weeks.  There were six new listings:

Two Sonomas, one for $89,000 with new carpet, paint, and kitchen counters plus a great view and the other for $89,500 with an OK view.

A Monterey model for $189,000 with 3 skylights, two bedrooms & two bathrooms, washer & dryer and delightful wooded view

A Sequoia model for $245,000 that was very nicely remodeled with a great view

A Sierra model condo for $320,000 that was an end unit with expansive views, plantation shutters, two updated bathrooms, fireplace and a garage!

Last a Villa Robles which was very nicely remodeled w/granite, carpet, etc. and a garage plus level in w/some views for $425,000.

Another Villa Robles will be coming on for $415,000 with great views and a Pinnacle Ridge condo with views for $425,000.

In the Rossmoor News this week:

Patricia Weaver, one of my water aerobic partners  is collecting stories from residents who remember living through World War II as children .  She is working with a videographer and has taped about 24 so far with another 30 or so to go.  Some of the people lived in England and other countries, but the common thread is patriotism  and pulling together as a nation.  They supported the military, the president and were willing to sacrifice.  She intends to make a documentary and a book with the material.

Meredith Van Schoick is taking over as President of the Sewing Arts Club.  She is an accomplished Quilter and has been a pattern maker for Motherhood Maternity, McCalls, and Vogue Butterick and has worked on the translation of Issey Miyake designs (one of my favorites).  The Needleworkers meet on Monday, Knitters & Crocheters on Wednesday, Stitchers on Thursday, and quilters on Friday.

A class in figure drawing will be offered by Norman Weiner for six weeks on Friday afternoons with live models.

Movies, Movies, Movies

This week there will be the following:

Flipped 2010 comedy by Rob Reiner

The Kite Runner   with a discussion afterward

Gainsbourg, Je t’Aime….Moi Non Plus

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story

Ballroom dancing is resuming at the Hillside Clubhouse on Tuesday afternoons

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We’ve all been bent out of shape with the housing bubble of the past three years.  First there are the people who bought homes at the top of the market and/or refinanced and are now either losing a lot of money, house, etc., declaring bankruptcy, or hit with short sales.  You know what I’m talking about.  It has made me very angry and yet I don’t see anyone really being punished or going to jail for fraud, etc.

Well, in December 5th’s San Francisco’s Chronicle was an article by Andrew S. Ross titled “She saw disaster but was silenced”.  He goes on to describe a brief scene in a locally produced documentary “Inside Job”  where Brooksley Born who was with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in 1997 tried to push for regulation of the increasingly wild trading in derivatives.  She was vilified by Larry Summers and Robert Rubin.  Even though she published a 33 page policy paper, rumors were spread about her that she was impossible to work with.

Perhaps she was the Black Swan in a sea of me-too hacks that were getting payoff’s from bankers?

Check out the book “All the Devils are Here” by Bethany McLean for the roots of our current problems.

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Seller financing can get a seller the best price, open up the home to more qualified buyers and get a great rate of return on your investment.  Several years ago I had a client who bought a beautiful home out in Windemere from the bank.  This was just as the market in our area started to dip down.  This home had originally been sold by the builder for a bit over $1,000,000.  My clients paid all cash and put the home for sale for $924,000 against m recommendation of  $899,000.

Lots of people really liked the home, but no one made an offer.  I suggested that my clients offer seller financing.  They could have gotten 20% down and a good interest rate of 6-8% interest at that time.  They were against that idea and decided to rent the home.  They have had two tenants in there, but in the past two years the value of the home has declined to $795,000.  They still want to sell it and think they will wait until prices go back up.  But that might be more than 3 – 4 years and it will probably be even longer until the prices reach the $900,000.

In yesterday’s newspaper what was the headline in the Real Estate section?
“SELLER WILL CARRY”   The subheadline was “Such a strategy could allow more eligible buyers and reduce closing costs.  That is what I had explained to my clients in September 2008.  There are safeguards that can be written into the seller financing paperwork to protect the seller.  It is important to remember in these times that lots of self-employed people cannot get regular mortgages and seller financing opens up that door.  Another example would be another client of mine who is a fireman (great steady job), but he has a short sale in his history.  His credit is not great currently, but he really wants to buy and would be a great homeowner.
I am currently looking for a seller will carry owner in the Pleasanton area for this family.

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As of November 9, 2010 MLS reports 30 sales Rossmoor since September 1st. Currently there are 167 active listings: 50 homes are pending.

The Tour on Tuesday:

Mariposa 2bed/2ba 1,280 sq. ft. with carport. Good value at $279,000

Castlewood 2 bed/2ba + den 1,554 sq. ft. and direct assess to garage for $420,000

Villa Franciscan 3 bed/2 ba 1,791 sq. ft. on one level with carport for $399,000

Carmel, 2 bed/2 ba with nice view for $185,000

Sequoia 2 bed/1 ba open veranda for $105,000

Golden Gate 2 bed/1 ba with an open atrium for $149,000

Sequoia Wrap 2 bed/1 ba with dual pane windows for $160,000

San Franciscan 2 bed/1 ba with open atrium very original for $170,000

Monterey 2 bed/2 ba 1,301 sq. ft. updated for $178,000

Last of the day was a Sequoia Wrap that had been totally remodeled by Toupin
2 bed/ 1 ba 1,056 sq. ft. w/washer/dryer and limestone floors for $259,000

Chilly nights, but the days are spectacular! Sunshine and the trees are turning brilliant reds! Not quite like New England, but then, I don’t miss the snow!

Lots of happenings getting ready for Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. And numerous organizations selling items, collecting food, helping the needy. Today is Veterans Day. American Flags lined the median strip on Rossmoor Parkway.

On November 17th John Lukacs will speak on his book “Escape from Davao”, the only successful escape by 10 Americans and 2 Filipino from the Japanese prisoner of war camp. A 1944 Life magazine article revealed the escapees heroic achievements. The book was recently published by Simon and Shuster.

Did you know that the Computer Club has a house-call team that will come to club members’ homes to fix their computers when those personal computers start to act up. That’s worth a $15 annual membership fee!

There will be a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Fireside Room catered by Café Mocha for $28 for adults and $10 for children. It is open to residents and their guests.

At The Movies
Iron Man 2 2010 drama will be shown Thursday and Friday

The Fabulous Baker Boys 1989 drama starring Jeff Bridges and Michelle Pfeiffer is the Satuarday feature

Junior a 2009 documentary will be Sundays feature

And don’t forget that the Ice Rink at Civic Park in Walnut Creek is open. How neat is that! Sunny and 70 degrees and ice skating.

CIAO Enjoy the beautiful days!