Danville California Homes for Sale – Bettencourt Ranch

In the month of September there were nine homes for sale in the popular gated community of Bettencourt Ranch in Danville; three of the homes went ‘Sale Pending’, two homes closed escrow; 23 Bolton Court sold in a little over two weeks for $910,000 slightly under the asking price; it is a 3464 square feet home with 4 bedrooms,  2 baths and a 3 car garage; the other home is 208 Bristol Court, 2935 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage sold for $850,000, the original list price was $899,000.

Of the four homes that are currently for sale in Bettencourt Ranch three of them are ‘short sales’ with attractive prices, but a long escrow process. The four homes are:

• The only home that is a regular sale is 4348 Mansfield Drive, 3488 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage, listed at $1,150,000. A beautifully updated home with Brazilian teak floors, remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and lots more. An almost 13,000 square feet lot. Over $300,000 in recent upgrades!
• 4209 Nottingham Drive, 3488 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage. Asking price $850,000. Beautiful backyard! Pool, cabana and built in BBQ. Spacious layout inside home. Master room has retreat and fireplace. Across the street from open field. FULL bedroom downstairs with nearby bathroom. Great for in-laws.
• 135 Tenby Terrace, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage. Asking price is $799,000
• 823 Bettencourt Place, 3464 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage. Asking price is $899,900. Huge price reduction with fabulous views of the hills. Large private lot with pool and spa. Backs to open space. Hardwood floors and plantation shutters. Bed and full bath downstairs. Great value !

The neighborhood has its own Home Owners Association; the fees are only $140 a month. The HOA amenities are a pool, clubhouse, greenbelt, tennis courts and a playground.

Bettencourt Ranch was built by Castle and Dame Construction in the years 1991 – 1996 and is located off Camino Tassajara Road close to restaurants, shopping and the movie theatre at  the elegant Blackhawk Shopping Center. The homes range in size from 2300 sq ft – 3700 sq ft. The local schools are all part of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Tassajara Hills Elementary, Diablo Vista Middle School and Monte Vista High School.

Search the MLS for Homes for Sale in Bettencourt Ranch

Our FREE In-Depth Real Estate Market Reports updated weekly, break Danville California real estate data down by zip code and price point. These are the best "real time" sources of data you can get for your local market.

Email Craig if you would like to know more about buying or selling a home or condo in Danville, CA (925) 984-4910.

Two "F" words in Real Estate: Foreclosure / Forensic

Rhetoric will evolve and dissipate over time, every generation and each of its eras quips terms and phrases for fun and for attention; others surface just because of the market conditions – foreclosure, for example.

Foreclosures are in the news nearly every day and every newscast for that matter. Practically every person in America can name someone three-degrees-of-separation away in which Foreclosure is a real experience. Another “word” rising in popularity is REO (Real Estate Owned); a situation where the bank now owns the property and must sell on the market to recoup or minimize their losses — usually due to a Foreclosure.

Have you ever wonder how you might stop or slow down a Foreclosure on your property? Watch this video: How to Stop Foreclosures (or at least slow them down).

Forensic Loan Audits is another term gaining popularity, many companies claim that it helps speed up the Loan Modification process; it may help some but is it worth the added fee (i.e. $495). It's the author's view that this is more of an "attention grabber" in order to earn business. When I hear an attorney say the word “Forensic” it makes the hair on the back of my neck tingle (not in a good way). There is very little published on percentages of loans that are adjusted or relieved based on a Forensic Analysis. In the end, in almost all cases, the Bank has the last word as to a Modification, Adjustment or Forbearance Agreement.

Modifications require documentation submitted to the bank for their analysis and approval. The questions is, do you give the numbers to the bank for a decision on your own, without knowing what they are looking for; or, do you have someone help you draw documents and submit a stronger case for your hardship?

You are then left with a rather long question to answer:

Realizing that I can no longer make my payments to my mortgagor; do I sit still and let the bank Foreclose on me (with very steep penalties later), or do I seek a way to Modify my loan by approaching the bank by myself, with guidance from someone who knows what the banks look for or someone who will look at my papers and try to figure out if someone made a mistake on the initial documents (Forensic Audit)?

Good Luck on your journey! Just remember, in all the struggles and heartache of homes lost and lives changed . . . it's still just STUFF. Go hug your family and hang out with your friends. Life is good!

Rodney Kennedy
REALTOR/Auctioneer
Harper Mees & Associates

Email Rodney or call him at (925) 918-1147 for assistance with Livermore & Pleasanton real estate and any questions you may have in regards to loan modifications and real estate auctioning.

Harper Mees & Associates Welcomes Rodney Kennedy

Rodney brings a sincere passion and creativity to Harper Mees & Associates.  His proficiency in this current real estate market encompasses several channels within the industry including auctions, loan modifications, and traditional real estate. His background in Real Estate Auctions provides an innovative edge in consistently developing winning marketing strategies.

As a business owner of a Real Estate Auction company, Rodney and his team leveraged their strengths and were awarded the Rising Star Award in a family of nearly 50 franchises.  They received the franchise-of-the-year award for surpassing previously held company records and closing ten real estate auction transactions in their first twelve months. The corporate office began recommending other franchisees call Rodney at his office in Pleasanton for guidance and training.

He is a member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and holds the following accreditations; AARE (Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate), ATS (Auction Technology Specialist), CES (Certified Estate Specialist), and Profession Ringman’s Institute (PRI) – he has performed the function of Professional Ringman at numerous auction events.A large component of Rodney’s success is contributed to his well-rounded talents and background.  He is dedicated to continual improvement and lifelong learning, well beyond his B.A. and A.S. degrees.  He is currently advancing his real estate studies through the Keller Williams University.  As one of the three largest real estate companies in America, Keller Williams is known for their education, mentorship, and ingenuity through technology.

Rodney lives in Livermore, California and will be focusing a lot of his marketing efforts in Livermore and Pleasanton, CA.

Email Rodney or call him at (925) 918-1147 for assistance with Livermore & Pleasanton real estate and any questions you may have in regards to loan modifications and real estate auctioning.

Homes for Sale in California Chateau & Danville Ranch

Homes in California Chateau and Danville Ranch on the west side of Danville are in demand; in September 6 homes went ‘Sale Pending’ or closed escrow; there are currently no Active listings.

1849 Ridgeland Circle got a ‘sold’ sign in the front yard. This home sold in 5 days over asking price and closed at $555,000; it is a 1916 square feet home with 3 bedrooms and 2,5 baths.

We’ll keep you posted on any new listings since Real Estate in this neighborhood is doing so well.

Both neighborhoods are very popular because of its price point, amenities, location and the fact that it is part of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. The Home Owners Association fees are about $125 a month; there is a pool, clubhouse, greenbelt, play ground and tennis courts

Danville Ranch was built by Braddock and Logan in the years 1983 – 1986 and is located off San Ramon Valley Blvd near Fountain Springs Circle. The homes range in size from 1200 sq ft – 2100 sq ft.

California Chateau in the same neighborhood was built by K and B Homes in the years 1988 – 1989.  The homes range in size from 1400 sq ft – 2300 sq ft. The local schools for Danville Ranch and California Chateau are Greenbrook Elementary, Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School.

Search the MLS for Homes for Sale in California Chateau & Danville Ranch

Our FREE In-Depth Real Estate Market Reports updated weekly, break Danville California real estate data down by zip code and price point. These are the best "real time" sources of data you can get for your local market.

Email Craig if you would like to know more about buying or selling a home or condo in Danville, CA (925) 984-4910.

International Buyer & Investor Specialist

We have seen an increasing number of foreigners buying Real Estate in the US over the last couple of years. There are several reasons why it is so attractive to invest in homes in America:

• low value of the dollar-low interest rates
• ample inventory of homes for sale
• home values have decreased substantially due to the increased number of foreclosures
• there is still a big demand for rental properties

Our team member Paul Mees is a native of The Netherlands and has a background of working in many foreign countries. With his international experience and understanding of the different cultures he has worked with a great number of foreigners who have bought homes in America. If you are thinking of investing in Real Estate in the U.S. please email  Paul.