SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA REAL ESTATE NEWS

Open House Sunday 1-4 pm

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:07:03 -0500

OPEN HOUSE ** Sunday ** Feburary 21st ** from 1:00pm – 4:00pm**
Welcome to 55 Poinsettia Ave in the beautiful San Mateo Village neighborhood, San Mateo, CA. This incredible SINGLE FAMILY HOME is situated with easy access to shopping and access to the freeways. Offering 3 bedrooms & 2 bathroom this adorable home is perfect outdoor and family activities. You’ll sure to be happy with this one! WOW! All the pieces are here for a wonderful home. Part of the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District and the San Mateo Union High District.

The home has be well maintained.
The windows in the back are large; opening the house up to the backyard
Stone floor entry way .
1420 sq. ft.
Built in 1953
Further Amenities Include:
Lot approximately 6000 sq sf.
separate family room
1 car attached garage
Fully landscaped , private backyards
separate office shop with roll up door in the backyard
and much more! You will love the house and will call it your home!

Priced to sell quickly at $759,000! For more information on this property or other properties please visit my website at :
650-931-8484
James Light
DRE License: 01859975
Intero Real Estate Services

A Loan To Complete Construction In California

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:39:28 -0500

Do you need a loan to complete construction in California? I may be able to help you. I have access to private money that will loan to complete construction on a wholesale basis, as well as working directly with borrowers.

There are several reasons why you may need a loan to complete construction. First, perhaps you were funding construction out of your own savings, and have run out of funds that you want to commit to the project.

Second, the project may have become more expensive due to upgrades or unforeseen circumstances.

Third, you may have a loan, but your construction lender may have gone out of business! Ouch!

No matter what the circumstances, if this happens, you need a loan to complete construction. Here are some of the parameters that my private money source in California requires:

First, the loan amount must be between $1 million and $5 million dollars. This source for a loan to complete construction likes the high-rent districts!

Second, the maximum loan-to-value percentage is 65% of the future completed value.

Third, the maximum term is three years. However, most of the time, a loan to complete construction will be one year.

Fourth, the minimum credit score must be at least 640. The credit score used is the middle score of three credit scores supplied by the three credit bureaus.

To apply for a loan to complete construction, there are three parts of the approval process.

The first part of the approval process is qualifying the borrower. This part of the qualification process is similar to applying for a loan to finance a completed home. A loan application, income documentation, and asset documentation must be provided.

The second part of the approval process is qualifying the contractor. The contractor must provide adequate insurance and a resume of completed projects to demonstrate his ability to complete the job in a workmanlike manner.

The third part of qualifying for a loan to complete construction is providing project documentation. This documentation consists of plans, permits, a construction contract, cancelled checks and receipts for work completed, and a list of building materials.

Trying to get a loan to complete construction can be stressful! My best advice is to be organized as best you can with your documentation, starting with the first receipt you have from the beginning of the project. Organization will help minimize your stress level.

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

Jumbo Loans

Open House Sunday 1-4 pm San Mateo, CA

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:26:12 -0500

OPEN HOUSE ** Sunday ** January 17th ** from 1:00pm – 4:00pm**
Welcome to 1412 Queens Ave in the beautiful Parkside Neighborhood in San Mateo, CA. This incredible SINGLE FAMILY HOME is situated with easy access to shopping and access to the freeways. Offering 3 bedrooms & 2 bathroom this adorable home is perfect outdoor and family activities. You’ll sure to be happy with this one! WOW!Corner lot All the pieces are here for a wonderful home. TLC will make this house a fabulous place. Part of the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District and the San Mateo Union High District.

The home is a BANK OWNED Home that has be well maintained.
The kitchen has been updated
Hardwood Floors.
Further Amenities Include:
Lot approximately 6000 sq sf.
separate family room
2 car attached garage
Fully landscaped , private backyards
newer roof
and much more! You will love the house and will call it your home!

Priced to sell quickly at $558,900! For more information on this property or other properties please visit my website at :
650-931-8484
James Light
DRE License: 01859975
Intero Real Estate Services

Gotcha!: Part 1 - Your Client's Money Is Not Their Money!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:33:57 -0500

Do you feel like lenders are doing everything they can to not make loans instead of make loans? I do. Many of them tease you with a loan approval, but then, GOTCHA! They have a condition attached that makes it impossible to get the loan done.

This series will examine some of the conditions we mortgage originators see that sabotage otherwise strong loan files. I will try to point out the steps to take so that these gotchas don't happen to your clients. I encourage other mortgage originators to contribute to this series. We can either re-blog each other's articles and/or add each other as contributors to our ActiveRain outside blogs so that we can educate our real estate agents and have content to provide to our readers.

The first gotcha I would like to prevent is when the lender tells my client that their money is not their money. This can happen to self-employed clients.

Many business owners have business bank accounts. When a client is a business owner, and wants to use funds from their business bank account, lenders usually have a condition that reads something like this:

"Applicant to provide letter from tax preparer stating that the applicant has 100% access to the funds from the business bank account, and that the withdrawal of these funds will not effect the functioning of the business"

Here's the problem: clients are having a very difficult time getting this letter from their tax preparer. Understandably so. Tax preparers do not want to be liable for making the statement required by the lender.

So, you ask, what is the solution? The solution is to prepare early. Lenders do not require this statement from a tax preparer if the funds are in a personal account of a self-employed applicant. If the applicant transfers the funds needed to a personal account, and keeps it in this account for two to three months (depending on the requirements of the lender) then these funds will be considered seasoned funds, and they can be used for the down payment, closing costs, and/or cash reserves.

It seems kind of silly, doesn't it, when a sole proprietor has to play this game. Suppose I had a bank account called "Phil's Mortgage Business". I am a sole proprietor, and the lender is telling me that this is not my money to use? Well, now that we know the rules of the game, let's play by the rules of the game.

My advice to real estate agents is to ask your self-employed clients at your first meeting if they are planning to use funds from their business account. If they say yes, e-mail them this blog post!

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

Jumbo Loans

Earthdance Performance at NDNU, Belmont CA

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:20:20 -0500

"Rarely have I been held in thrall for such a sustained period of dance." Keith Kreitman, San Mateo Journal

Please come join us for an Encore presentation of New Ground Dance Theatre's Premiere Production, "Earthdance."

Two performances only!

Ticketing Information: (650) 508-3456 or boxoffice@ndnu.edu

Performances are: Friday, January 8^th at 7:30pm and Saturday, January 9^th at 7:30 pm

This production of Earthdance is presented by Notre Dame de Namur University's Department of Theatre and Dance, and the NDNU Dorothy Stang Center for Social Justice and Community Engagement. All proceeds will benefit the NDNU Department of Theatre and Dance and the Dorothy Stang Center.

Please forward this invite liberally even if you won't be joining us - perhaps a friend would like to support the work of the Dorothy Stang Center or NDNU Theatre and Dance?

In order to do so simply, click the "Invite Guests" link, then add your facebook friends (or a list of email addresses), and a personal message (if you like), and choose the "Send Invitations" button...that's it! You have our Thanks!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237649580991

Childproofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:20:52 -0500

Via Brian Persons (Brian Persons Front Range Home Inspections):

Childproofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children

About 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child-safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It's important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them. You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through online and mail-order catalogues.

InterNACHI inspectors, too, should know what to tell clients who are concerned about the safety of their children. Here are some child-safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.

1. Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Typical cost of a safety latch or lock: less than $2.

2. Use safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw into the wall are more secure than "pressure gates."

New safety gates that meet safety standards display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, be sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are large enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.

Typical cost of a safety gate: $13 to $40.

3. Use door knob covers and door locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers, including swimming pools.

Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high, out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

Typical cost of a door knob cover: $1; door lock: $5 and up.

4. Use anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads, and set your water heater temperature to 120° F to help prevent burns from hot water. A plumber may need to install these.

Typical cost of an anti-scald device: $6 to $30.

5. Use smoke detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they're working. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year, or consider using 10-year batteries.

Typical cost of a smoke detector: less than $10.

6. Use window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls. Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than 4 inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.

Typical cost of a window guard or safety netting: $8 to $16.

7. Use corner and edge bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls, and to soften falls against sharp and rough edges.

Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture and hearth edges.

Typical cost of a corner and edge bumper: $1 and up.

8. Use outlet covers and outlet plates to help prevent children from electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

Typical cost of an outlet cover: less than $2.

9. Use a carbon monoxide (CO) detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

Typical cost of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: $30 to $70.

10. Cut window blind cords; use safety tassels and inner cord stops instead to help prevent children from strangling in blind-cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.

For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, vertical blinds and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.

Prices vary.

11. Use door stops and door Hholders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Door stops and door holders on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges.

Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

Typical cost of a door stop and door holder: less than $4.

12. Use a cell or cordless phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially when they're in bathtubs, swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous areas. Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.

Typical cost of a cordless phone: $30 and up.

In summary, there are a number of different safety devices that can be purchased to ensure the safety of children in the home. Homeowners can ask an InterNACHI inspector about these and other safety measures during their next inspection.

Open House: 851 Parrott Drive San Mateo CA

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:19:59 -0500

OPEN HOUSE ** Sunday ** January 10th ** from 1:00pm – 4:00pm**
Welcome to 851 Parrott Drive in the desireable Baywood Knolls Neighborhood in San Mateo, CA. This incredible SINGLE FAMILY HOME is situated with easy access to shopping and access to the freeways. Offering 3 bedrooms & 2 bathroom this adorable home is perfect for outdoor and family activities. You’ll sure to be happy with this one! WOW!Established trees around the perimeter of the yard. All the pieces are here for a wonderful home. Part of the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District and the San Mateo Union High District. Elementary School: Baywood, Middle School: Borel, High School: Aragon

The home is a RANCH STYLE HOUSE Home that has be well maintained.
The kitchen has been updated
Hardwood Floors. Master Bedroom Suite, Wood Burning Fireplace
Further Amenities Include:
Lot approximately 1/3 of an acre.
backyard Hot Tub
2 car attached garage
Fully landscaped , private backyards
level lot
and much more! You will love the house and will call it your home!

Priced right at $1,149,000! For more information on this property or other properties please visit my website at :
650-931-8484
James Light
DRE License: 01859975
Intero Real Estate Services

What's moving in San Mateo Westwood Knolls?

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:45:57 -0500

Here is a list of the active homes for sale in the San Mateo Westwood Knolls neighborhood.

Street Address City List Price Beds Baths (F|P) Bldg SqFt Lot Size Range Class GREENFIELD CT San Mateo $1,548,000 4 3|0 3000 .25+ to .5 Acre 1 EASTWOOD DR San Mateo $998,000 4 3|0 2680 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 HACIENDA ST San Mateo $799,900 3 2|1 2610 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 KING CT San Mateo $799,500 0 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 3 WILSHIRE AV San Mateo $799,000 4 3|0 1280 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1

Update on the active properties of the San Mateo Knolls neighborhood. Invertory continues to shrink and there are still many buyers looking on the market. With properties priced right, they don't last long. With very view properties on the nmarket, sellers are in control of accepting the offers. Many times it turns out to be multiple offers. If you or someone is looking in the San Mateo Westwood Knolls neighborhood please feel free to contact me.

Have a great day!

Jim Light

www.interorealestate.com/agents/jameslight

Before You Advise Your Clients Rent Their Current Home And Buy Another One, You Need To Know This!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:41:04 -0500

When someone buys a home before selling their current home, they may have a problem: if they have a mortgage on the old home, that debt is included in their debt-to-income ratio.

In the old days (pre-2008), home buyers who did not sell their home first had at least a couple of ways to offset their mortgage debt.

Some lenders would accept the income reported on a rent survey prepared by a licensed appraiser. Other lenders would accept a rental agreement.

The lender would subtract 25% of the income obtained by either of these methods off the top to account for expenses and vacancy. They would then subtract out the PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). If there was a positive balance left after this calculation, it was added to the homebuyer's income. If there was a negative balance, it was added to their debts.

Most lenders still use this method to calculate the positive income or negative debt. Now, however, there is a twist. You need to be concerned with the amount of equity in the old property. In addition, more documentation is required for rental income to be included.

Fannie Mae now requires the following documentation to use rental income from a primary residence converted into a rental property:

An executed lease agreement
receipt from the tenant of a security deposit
supporting documentation of deposit of the security deposit into the homebuyer's account

These documents seem to make sense. However, what happens if the sale falls apart? Hopefully the rental agreement has a contingency for this so the homebuyer doesn't have to move out if his purchase doesn't happen.

Here is the part that has changed that really can be the deal-killer, especially in this market: the homebuyer must have 30% equity in their current home in order to use the rental income. If they do not have 30% equity, even if they have satisfied the conditions above, they must include the PITI on the old home as a debt with no rental offset!

Why, you may ask, is 30% equity required to use the rental income? Fannie Mae is worried about buying and bailing. Buying and bailing means buying a new home while your credit is good, and then walking away from the loan on the old home.

My guess is that Fannie Mae has an interest in such a large percentage of homes, this is how they keep people in the homes with a low percentage of equity. If they can't qualify, they are less likely to bail!

Fannie Mae now requires an appraisal on the current home that is no more than 60 days old at closing to determine if the homebuyer has 30% equity in the current home.

It's critically important for both loan originators and real estate agents to stay on top of current guidelines. By the way, did you know that starting on December 12th (tomorrow) Fannie Mae is reducing their maximum debt ratio from 55% to 45%?

Contact Me

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

Jumbo Loans

Spread The Word - There Is A Reverse Mortgage Alternative For California Homeowners

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:26:39 -0500

Financial Advisors, CPAs, insurance agents, real estate agents, estate planning attorneys, and in-home care providers in California need to know that there is a reverse mortgage alternative available.

The reverse mortgage alternative is called Equity Access. Equity Access provides monthly income to homeowners above the age of 60 (the youngest homeowner must be at least 60) in return for a share of the future value of the home.

Here are some of the features:

There are no closing costs to enter into an Equity Access Agreement
No debt is incurred with an Equity Access Agreement
The homeowner does not have to pay off their mortgage(s)
The homeowner decides how long they want payments for (from 10 to 25 years)
The homeowner decides how much equity they want to share
An attorney is required to review the Equity Access offer to protect the homeowner
There are no income requirements

Here are the factors that determine how much monthly income the homeowner can receive:

The age of the youngest homeowner
The value of the home
The amount of mortgage balance(s)
The type of mortgage(s)
How long they want payments
How much equity they want to share

All of this information is placed into the Equity Access calculator. The calculator then determines the monthly payment.

If the payment is less than what the homeowner would like, there are ways to manipulate the calculation. For example, the homeowner could agree to share a larger percentage of the future equity. Or they could shorten the term of payments to be received.

There's more details about the program I can provide, but that will be the subject of another post. As I stated in the first paragraph, there are several types of business professionals that need to know about this program. I encourage homeowners to meet with their trusted advisors before entering into an Equity Access Agreement.

Financial advisors can use this as a tool in helping their senior clients implement a financial plan for their retirement.

CPAs can advise their clients that are asking them how to make ends meet.

Insurance agents may be able to advise their clients how this tool can be used to pay for long-term care or life insurance.

Real estate agents can add value to their clients by letting them know that this reverse mortgage alternative exists.

Estate planning attorneys can incorporate this tool in setting up trusts for their clients.

In-home care providers can provide a referral to a mortgage broker who offers this product if they are meeting with potential clients who are concerned with the ability to pay for in-home care.

There are probably other professionals that could benefit from this information. If you know of a certain type I missed, I would love to know.

Which is better, a reverse mortgage or Equity Access Agreement? Like any financial tool, one product may be more suitable than the other. But it's nice to know that senior homeowners in California now have an alternative.

Spread The Word!

Contact Me

Jumbo Loan Blog

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

Jumbo Loans

How To Get A 15 Year Fixed Rate in Atherton - And Keep The Payment Low!

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:01:32 -0500

Normally, homeowners in Atherton don't want a 15 year fixed rate because the payments are too high. Now there is a twist on a 15 year fixed rate that can keep your payment low!

This loan has a 40 year term. Initially it is a 15 year fixed rate. During the 15 year fixed rate term, the payments are interest-only. Because the payments are interest-only, the payment is a lot lower than an amortized 15 year fixed rate.

Here's the neat part - if you pay principal during the 15 year fixed rate term, the payment decreases because the payment is based on the reduced balance!

After the 15 year fixed rate term expires, the rate adjusts once. The rate is determined by adding .5% to the Fannie May 60 day rate.

The new payment is based on the new rate, amortized over 25 years. Hopefully you have paid off enough of the principal during the 15 year fixed rate period so that the payment doesn't increase! The new rate can't be more than 5% higher than the initial rate.

As you know, homes in Atherton are very expensive. This program works well here because the maximum loan amount is $5 million.

This loan program is available to purchase or refinance expensive homes, such as those located in Atherton. One of the nice features is that there is no limit on the dollar amount of cash-out. Many loan programs are limiting the amount of cash-out to refinancing homeowners.

Another nice feature is that this program can be used to finance second homes at a slightly lower loan-to-value percentage. It is one of the few competitive jumbo loan programs that I am aware of that allows cash-out on second homes.

If you own a home in Atherton or in other expensive areas of California, and like the idea of a 15 year fixed rate with interest-only payments to keep the payment low, contact me to see if this program is a good fit for you.

Contact Me

Jumbo Loan Blog

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

Jumbo Loans

Christmas Carol "THE GIFT" At NDNU Belmont, California

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:03:48 -0500

Last Weekend to see Christmas Carol "The Gift" Seats are very limited and some shows are sold out.

Don't forget to plan for the upcoming show: Christmas Carol "The Gift" . The Theatre department at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont California started this wonderful production 24 years ago and it continues to be a tradition within the Bay Area community. I have had the great pleasure of helping out with this show and seeing the cheer it brings to so many people. If you would like to see the show please visit the website: www.christmascarolthegift.org Ticket order forms are on the link. Don't wait too long as the tickets go fast.

Below is a little about the show.

The Story of the Gift

Originally written by Dave Gahagen

This is the story of a dream that came true. The idea of producing The Gift originated over twenty-three years ago when two Notre Dame De Namur University employees, Michael Elkins and Steve Furgas, began discussing establishing a Christmas tradition in the Bay Area. Their idea was a Christmas musical theatre production with a different approach: Admission would be free--a gift--so anyone who would like to could attend. Those who were able would be encouraged to bring food or new toys that would be distributed to people in need at Christmas. What better theme for such a project than the story of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption as told in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol?

They approached Notre Dame de Namur University and were granted the use of the theatre and one evening in Ralston Mansion. Having a theatre to house the production, they still needed sets, costumes, properties, music, royalties, and countless other resources for the production. They could not pay a staff or even assure actors that anyone would come to see the show. Nonetheless, the two men were able to gather a group of highly talented people willing to give freely of their time and talents in order to bring this gift to the community. They named this collection of performers and artists The Performance Group. Local businesses were contacted for supplies and services needed to make the show a reality. Their generous donations were (and continue to be) instrumental in producing The Gift.

The first year, veteran director Tony Orazem agreed to stage the show with Lita Liebech as Music Director and Tony Anderson providing choreography. There were only four performances to half-full houses. In total, a few hundred items of food and toys were collected. The second year, Tony Orazem returned as Director and was joined by his wife Julia Orazem as Music Director.

As word of The Gift has spread attendance has increased substantially every year. Additional performances have been scheduled to accommodate the ever-growing number of people wanting to see the production, and we are fortunate to fill almost every seat for each of the nine performances. Thanks to the generosity of audiences, over three tons of food and hundreds of toys are collected and distributed to those in need each year. The food is distributed to nearly a dozen Peninsula food banks and the toys go to Toys for Tots.

Over the years, the casts and crews of the Christmas production have included talented performers and technicians of all ages. Notre Dame de Namur University students, faculty and staff today fill many of the critical on-stage and backstage roles. Scores of community performers and technicians, many with professional resumes and credentials, continue to serve as the backbone for this highly regarded and beloved Christmas musical tradition. Many of the staff and cast members return year after year because of the special place the show has in their hearts. Instead of being the dream of just a few people, The Gift now belongs to everyone involved in making the production come to life as well as to the audiences, who return year after year to b soth give and receive the goodwill of the Season.

This year, as in years past, all performances are free to the public except for the opening night Gala. Although The Gift's production costs are primarily supported through donated services and materials, the Gala ticket sales and cash donations are needed to help offset production costs including royalties.

A new generation of community organizers and volunteers work throughout the year to devise new and challenging projects and activities to support and improve The Gift each year. In addition to the demanding performance schedule at the NDNU Theatre each December, performers from the production travel to the Tenderloin in San Francisco and to several events on the Peninsula to spread Christmas cheer. This serves to remind Bay Area residents of the wonderful, unique holiday magic that takes place every December in the Notre Dame Theatre in Belmont, California

The Musical

Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment in Alan Menken's-Lynn Ahrens'-Mike Okrent's adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This is the version that leaves New Yorkers and tourists alike gasping in wonder and merriment every year as the story unfolds on the stage at Madison Square Garden. In 2004, this version became the basis of a NBC television spectacular featuring Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge, surrounded by an array of stars including Jason Alexander, Jesse L. Martin, Jane Krakowski, Geraldine Chaplin, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ruthie Henshall. Alan Menken (Little Shop Of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime The Musical, Once On This Island) have collaborated on a score that is filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics. Their song "A Place Called Home" has become a holiday standard.

While the Madison Square Garden staging contains spectacular special effects and scenic elements, A Christmas Carol can be equally effective on a more intimate scale. The book by Mike Okrent and Lynn Ahrens is character-driven, and all of the featured roles are developed to give performers many chances to shine. Of course, at the center of the piece is Ebenezer Scrooge himself, taken from the pages of Dickens' immortal tale and delivered full-blown in a role suitable for your local star.

There are many adaptations of A Christmas Carol out there, but only one Broadway version! Now this holiday treat can delight your audiences as it has annually in New York City for so many years.

Thanks for coming to the show

Have a Great Day!

Jim Light

www.interorealestate.com/agents/jameslight

What's moving in san Mateo Westwood Knolls? San Mateo, CA

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:59:32 -0500

Here is a list of the active homes for sale in the San Mateo Westwood Knolls neighborhood.

Street Address City List Price Beds Baths (F|P) Bldg SqFt Lot Size Range Class 3 GREENFIELD CT San Mateo $1,548,000 4 3|0 3000 .25+ to .5 Acre 1 254 41ST AV San Mateo $1,099,000 5 3|0 3580 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 40 EASTWOOD DR San Mateo $998,000 4 3|0 2680 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 242 41ST AV San Mateo $848,888 3 1|1 1880 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 185 41ST AV San Mateo $825,000 3 1|1 1280 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 3607 HACIENDA ST San Mateo $799,900 3 2|1 2610 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 15 KING CT San Mateo $799,500 0 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 3 3931 WILSHIRE AV San Mateo $799,000 4 3|0 1280 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1 3908 DONNER ST San Mateo $679,000 2 1|0 1050 4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt 1

Update on the active properties of the San Mateo Knolls neighborhood. There has been some movement in the neighborhood. With properties priced right, they don't last long. If you or someone is looking in the San Mateo Westwood Knolls neighborhood please feel free to contact me.

Have a great day!

Jim Light

www.interorealestate.com/agents/jameslight

Open House Sunday Bank Owned

James Light San Mateo Real Estate Agent (Realtor) (Intero Real Estate Services) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:44:16 -0500

Are you looking for a banked owned house? OPEN HOUSE ** Sunday ** December 13 ** from 1:00pm – 4:00pm**
Welcome to 1412 Queens Ave in a beautiful Parkside Neighborhood in San Mateo, CA. This incredible SINGLE FAMILY HOME is situated with easy access to shopping and access to the freeways. Offering 3 bedrooms & 2 bathroom this adorable home is perfect outdoor and family activities. You’ll sure to be happy with this one! WOW!Corner lot All the pieces are here for a wonderful home. TLC will make this house a fabulous place. Part of the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District and the San Mateo Union High District.

The home is a BANK OWNED Home that has be well maintained.
The kitchen has been updated
Hardwood Floors.
Further Amenities Include:
Lot approximately 6000 sq sf.
separate family room
2 car attached garage
Fully landscaped , private backyards
newer roof
and much more! You will love the house and will call it your home!

Great Price at $586,900! For more information on this property or other properties please visit my website at :
650-931-8484
James Light
DRE License: 01859975
Intero Real Estate Services

Ten Reasons You May Need A Private Money Loan In San Mateo County

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:42:46 -0500

Here are ten reasons why you may need a private money loan in San Mateo County:

Speed - private money lenders can move fast because they can give more attention to the files submitted. They are not processing hundreds or thousands of files per day, like banks do.

stated income - private money lenders may not require income documentation as long as the file falls within regulation Z guidelines regarding stated income.
low credit score - private money lenders are more willing to work with clients who have credit scores that fall below what the banks require. Their primary concern is equity in the property. Secondarily, they are concerned with the client's exit strategy, meaning the plan to get the private money loan paid off when it becomes due.
High loan amount - many banks have reduced their maximum loan amount. Private money lenders can fill the void by funding large loan amounts.
Unlimited Cash-out - The restrictions on cash-out have been tightened by institutional lenders. Private money lenders have the ability to fund loans that do not have restrictions on the amount of cash-out.
Vesting - Many lenders do not allow title to be held by a corporation or LLC. Private money lenders are often able to fund loans with the property vested in a corporation or LLC.
Bridge Loan - If you want to buy a home before you sell your current home, you may need a bridge loan. Private money lenders are often the source for this type of loan.

Rental property cash-out - This type of transaction is another type that has had its guidelines tightened by most financial institutions. Although the rates are usually higher, private money lenders can fund this type of transaction.
Incomplete construction - Construction projects sometimes stall because the financing source runs out of money. To complete construction, a private money lender can be a source of funds to fill the gap to finish construction.

Pay off another private money loan - Private money loans are usually written for a short term (1 to 5 years). The private money borrower may not be able to qualify for an institutional loan when their current loan becomes due. Their only choice may be another private money loan.

If you are a borrower or a mortgage broker in San Mateo County, or anywhere in California, I can help you obtain private money financing.

Contact Me

What Is A Private Money Loan?

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

Jumbo Loans