By Don Dunning | September 26, 2009
According to a recent article, “Feds Plan to Tinker with Mortgage Interest Reporting,” the IRS needs more information to determine who is and is not cheating on their mortgage interest deduction. Currently, the IRS is having difficulty determining, for example, if the interest being deducted on a home-equity loan is correct. Under the present system, […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 20, 2009
Not long ago, an acquaintance approached me about the possibility of listing his property that was many months behind in payments and was worth, in my opinion, about $125,000 less than he paid not that many years ago. Understanding he had numerous choices, each with potential positive and negative financial and legal consequences, I suggested […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 16, 2009
Twenty-five years ago, I sold a Montclair home to a couple. Almost a year ago, they called and said they wanted my help finding a home for their friend. After lots of looking, we finally found the right property about six weeks ago. We put in the offer and, lo and behold, it was accepted. […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 12, 2009
Many buyers prefer living near shops and restaurants. They like the idea of being able to fall out of bed and get their favorite specialty coffee or pick up some bananas and a rotisserie chicken on the way home from work. For my entire career, I have been telling buyers that I can help them […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 7, 2009
There are so many things to see and do in the East Bay. Years ago, my wife, Sonia, started a list of “must do’s.” Eventually, she expanded it into what is now the Neighborhood Connections page on my Web site, East Bay Realty Pro. The page not only contains lists (and links) to fun places […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 6, 2009
With the weather being so wonderful, it is a great time to take advantage of Oakland’s free walking tours before they end for the season. Running from May through October, there are eight itineraries. A few examples are “Old Oakland,” “City Center,” “Uptown to the Lake,” and “Waterfront.” Check the full schedule at the City […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 2, 2009
Understandably, most home buyers are happy to be surrounded by trees, one of nature’s greatest gifts. They are magnificent, awe-inspiring creations. Oak, madrone, sycamore and redwood are all incredible. Some, like cedar, can be clipped low to form a hedge as a lovely border. Fruit trees furnish us healthful treats. In our area these include plum, pear, apple, lemon, lime and fig, to name a few.
Read More