Dettmer Associates

Welcome to the Dettmer & Associates Website!

Dettmer & Associates offers a unique approach to your real estate needs by networking with business professionals who can assist you in your success as a homeowner. Even if you are selling your home to a family member and merely need someone to prepare, monitor and close the escrow, we are happy to assist you.

Historically speaking, Linda Dettmer the Broker of Dettmer & Associates has lived in Brisbane for 41 years and has sold real estate here for the past 33 of those years.

Our staging and pre-sale preparation service will make your home rise above the competition while our Loan Expert offers programs for refinance and first time buyers.

Our service not only helps the homeowner or home buyer, but "friend"s of Dettmer & Associates, include gardening experts, architects, legal advisors, home inspection agents, a photographer and multi-media and advertising specialist.

Technological advances allow people to access real estate websites and view properties that might interest them without leaving the comfort of their home. We are excited about our ability to disseminate information in this way and bring you not only our exclusive listings, but every listing in Brisbane for your easy perusal.  Take a look at REIL.com for a public view of the San Mateo County Board of Realtors public section.

Many thanks and always feel free to call me about any Real Estate Issue! See you at home. Linda

© 2006 Dettmer Associates

A focus on color in our lives doesn’t affect just home-decor decisions. In a season when so much of what we read and think about involves making more “green” in order to jump out of the red into the black, our thoughts about finances, investing, and

But when so much worry and fear pervades the financial pages these days, it’s hard to determine which way is up, especially when no two families share exactly the same situation.  “It seems many of the people we talk to are taking a different approach to life these days,” shares Peter Fisher, cofounder of Human Investing, an investment firm located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Fisher and his business partner, Dirk Anderson, have a unique approach to working with clients that forms the basis for their firm: Focusing on the things that matter in life, such as relationships, shared experiences, and serving the needs of the community, the team at Human Investing works with their clients to grow their resources in order to fund the things that really matter in their lives.  “Over the last ten years or so,” Fisher says, “it seems everyone had a little more margin to operate on; a decent job, a relatively stable economy, and enough to pay the bills. Today, the job stability is gone, and….with all that has gone on in the economy, the client goals have definitely changed, but our investment advice is still the same: manage risk, be wise about using debt, save, and invest.”  So as personal goals and aspirations change in families throughout North America, what does it take to make sure you are on the right path with your investments and financial goals? “Most people who are in a difficult spot financially know the pain and toll it can have on a family and relationships,” Fisher says. “Taking the time today to get it all onto a piece of paper is a first positive step to getting back on track….There is a great deal of peace that comes from taking the time to plan and  put together a game plan for financial success, whatever you deem that to be.” The following general principles will help you establish a firm footing and develop a sense of peace about your finances in an economy that is on its way to balancing out. 1. Live within your means. This first step includes building a budget that includes all expenses with line items for saving and debt reduction as well. Fisher also recommends a cash budget, which he and his wife employ in their own household. “My wife takes three withdrawals a month from the ATM and pays with cash for everything but fuel,” he says. “We found that even debit cards were too easy to spend, and we didn’t feel the pain in the same way as we did when we counted through a wad of twenties and paid for something we really didn’t need.” 2. Pay off debt. “There are a lot of persuasive sales people who would encourage you to take on debt, even if it’s not the best thing for you,” Fisher  says, “[but] it’s really hard to get into a financial pickle if you have little or no debt.” 3. Take advantage of retirement plans offered through your employer or IRAs. “Contributions are deductible,” Fisher advises, “and whether or not there is a match, if someone has a 25% tax bracket, every cent they put into that plan earns 25% the second they put it in, because the alternative is not contributing and paying the taxes. I’ve heard people are stopping contributions to the retirement accounts because they are too risky. That may be true relative to how their stockbroker has them invested, but there is most often a safe or risk-free option.” Fisher advises that if you are scared of the market, you should still contribute to a tax-deductible investment and place the funds into a safe or guaranteed account. 4. Beware of fees. “For every dollar you pay to invest,” Fisher says, “it’s a dollar less you have in your account.” 5. Be wise about what you are investing in. “Invest  in things that have the opportunity to grow over time, such as children, retirement accounts, homes,” Fisher says. “Don’t invest in things that go down most of the time, such as cars, boats, and jet skis.” 6. Make your bank pay you something for what you deposit with them. “They don’t loan you money for free,” Fisher says, “so you shouldn’t loan them money for free.” Written by Amber Lindros.

Welcome Bay Area Home Retention Advocates!

"We're very excited about the terms we received last week for one of our clients. The original loan was done t"hrough World Savings, who was subsequently purchased by Wachovia, who is now owned by Wells Fargo - but still functioning under the name Wachovia."

For many of us, home ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. If you are struggling to meet your monthly payment obligations it may seem as though that cornerstone is slipping from your hands. At Bay Area HRA, our main goal is to see that your dream stays intact.

Our comprehensive services include:
  ·  Free case analysis and client consultation
  ·  Fair and competitive fee structure
  ·  Will work on properties with NOD Filed
  ·  Processing, Underwriting and Negotiations all performed In-House
  ·  Underwriter/Negotiator with 14 years Mortgage Banking experience
  ·  Expertise in both Federal and Private Investor Mod. Programs
  ·  Investment Properties and 2nd Homes Eligible
  ·  Short Sale Negotiation Services

Meet Jessiah Tannlund and Sonia Padilla, "We are confident that we can find the right solution for you!"
Call today at 800.838.4267.

Visualize Home Ownership/The Laws of Attraction, Success and Motivation

Visualize success with passion and all of your senses you will be ready to claim your success as it comes to your door. And most certainly, it will. The laws of attraction are not choosy about who can attract what. What you think about, you become. If you think the competition is better than you are, guess what, it is! In his book, SEE YOU AT THE TOP, Zig Ziglar promotes a great self image and consciousness of attitude in order to be and remain successful. Originally published in 1975, this motivational great has taught us truths that still apply today! Mr. Ziglar’s stairway to success can be used in any form of business and equally to lead a well balanced life. The steps to success include a healthy self image, caring and important relationships with others, goals, attitude, work and desire. The personal characteristics of faith, integrity, loyalty, honesty and love are likewise important. Some thirty years ago Shakti Gawain produced her revolutionary book CREATIVE VISUALIZATION. In this book she teaches how to "manifest" the things we want most in life through a process called treasure mapping. Oprah Winfrey said about Gawain's book, "I do believe, and I have seen in my own life, that Creative Visualization works". The principals of successful attraction are for everyone who takes the time to apply them. The continued practice of these principles bring with them a promise of health, wealth, happiness, friendship, growth, peace, security, leisure, freedom and opportunity. Mr. Ziglar says, “Really, all you need to do is use what you have and give each characteristic a chance to grow, because the more you use of what you have, the more you will have to use”. Life is a combination of the mental and physical. With a positive attitude and a true belief in yourself as well as the willingness to work toward your goal, you can only feel better. When you feel good about you, the sky is the limit. Now go do it.

EVERYONE NEEDS A HOME ...Homelessness in the Bay Area

Tent City after 1906 Earthquake

– Abraham Maslow, noted psychologist, created a hierarchy of human needs based on a five stage model. The very first rung of his illustration calls for Biological and Physiological needs being met that are basic to life – air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sleep, etc. Worldwide there are over 100 million homeless people, reports the United Nations.

Housing Our People Effectively (HOPE): is the plan to prevent and end homelessness in San Mateo County. HOPE is a ten year action plan that brings together business, nonprofit groups and the public sector to address the challenging issues of homelessness. HOPE’s plan reflects the San Mateo County Board of Supervisor’s goal “that housing should exist in our community for people of all income levels and all generations of families – including those who are extremely low income or who are homeless”. HOPE is based on a belief that we can achieve this goal through pro-active, coordinated action and investments in initiatives that solve homelessness. For more information how you can help fight homelessness in San Mateo County, contact Wendy Goldberg by email at wgoldbert@smchsa.org.

In San Francisco, Habitat for the Homeless is a non-profit construction corporation dedicated to helping homeless people build decent housing for themselves and others. The housing units known as 'Shelter One': are complete homes in just 100 square feet. The homes are built to provide clean and sober homeless people with a home in exchange for volunteer services. For more information on the this program, go to http://www.habitatforthehomeless.org/ Quoting their web site,

“The Bay Area Homeless Alliance (BAHA) is a collaboration of greater San Francisco Bay Area service agencies. The primary goal is to prevent or reduce homelessness by providing a variety of social services to families and individuals within the Bay Area counties. This Web site provides links to information for individuals or agencies for services including shelter and food providers, mental and physical health assistance, employment counseling and access to voice mail. www.baha.org”. With the advent of Habitat for Humanity in Brisbane, An opportunity exists for just about anyone to own a home. If you happen to fall in the middle ranges of income and make too much money for a Habitat home, Bay Area Home Buyer Agency (BAHBA)founded by Walter Zhovreboff offers a very realistic presentation about how his company can help you own your own home with an annual income of as little as $36,000. For more information about BAHBA contact Fred Smith with the City of Brisbane. ©Dettmer& Associates 2006

Understanding Today's Market

Did you know, your agent has a fiduciary (legal) responsibility to guide you through the decision making process as you buy or sell your home. The bottom-line question for all parties is, is this a fair offer?

 

Given current marketplace standards sellers must ask themselves, is this buyer motivated, qualified and again, is this a fair offer.  How long your home has been on the market, how many offers you have received and what your competition has sold for are perfect indicators to answer that question.

 

Buyers must consider many of the same things as seller, along with how changing interest rates will affect their future house payment and whether they are buying to stay a long while or short term.  A short stay in what may continue to be a declining value market, has the potential to make re-selling at a profit nearly impossible.  A longer-term ownership may give our market the chance to do what it has done historically and repeatedly, appreciate.

Call me for all your real estate needs and I'll "See You At Home"!

Linda

Staging or Presale Home Preparation...It Pays!

Preparing your home for sale is one of the most important things you can do to insure that you will get top dollar. Here are some general ideas. Without giving away all my secrets to successful selling, I will give you the basics. Call me personally for more information.

Family Room Before and After Photos

You cannot sell what you cannot see.   Simply telling a prospective buyer what could be done with your home isn't enough. Put yourself in your buyer's shoes when preparing your home for sale and make the very best first impression you can.

TOUCH IT UP                                      

A paint brush can help you get top dollar when it's time to sell your home. Start with a close look at the walls and ceiling, the condition and the color of the paint.

Cracked plaster and peeling paint are not only unsightly, but can be misleading. If your ceiling needs a touch up for example, this may lead a prospective buyer to be wary about the roof or structural integrity of your home.

Your prospective buyer will try to imagine their furniture in your rooms. If you have strong decorating tastes, such as bold colors or lots of printed wallpaper, it is best to think about neutralizing them.

MAKE IT SPARKLE             

Cleanliness is very important, especially in the kitchen and baths.  Items displayed should be organized and sparse, especially when it comes to everyday small appliances and toiletries.

Make special spaces that exude the love and beauty your home has to offer!

Buyers react emotionally to houses, and it is just hard to fall in love with dirty dishes, dust balls and bathtub rings. Before you allow agents to show your home, go through each room and make it shine! Along with cleaning, de-cluttering, touching up paint, and neutralizing color, the hardest part of living on the market, so to speak, is living so lightly that your home can be shown at any time.  I may feel like you are living on a stage set and in essence you are.

It is a lot to ask, but the return on your home investment dollars can be substantially more if you make a commitment to your presentation and stick with it.

© Dettmer & Associates 2006

 

New Listing 343 Mariposa Street, Brisbane!

$479000 / 2br - Wow, Check this price! Call or Email to See Today!

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In beautiful, Brisbane...a quaint, quiet and safe small town next to San Francisco. Located on the sunny northeastern slope of San Bruno Mountain, surrounded by San Bruno Mountain State and Country Park.

Only 10 minutes to SSF Biotech companies/ Oyster Point. 10 minutes to UCSF Mission Bay campus. 5 minutes to 101 North/South. Easy access to San Francisco, South Bay and East Bay Caltrains & buses straight to downtown.

2 bedroom 1 bath plus bonus room
fenced backyard
1-car garage
all appliances (refrigerator, range, washer, dryer)
laundry area on main floor
master bedroom
walking distance to town center, dog park
parking

This one is a Gem!

SEE YOU AT HOME!


LINDA DETTMER, BROKER
415.533.1776

 

Now Only $591,000! 353 Alvarado St., Brisbane

ATTENTION FIRST TIME BUYERS BEST PRICE IN TOWN!

$591,000 / 2br - ENORMOUS PRICE REDUCTION... Open Sundays 1p-4p

Updated, beautiful, view home is in Brisbane...a quaint, quiet and safe small town next to San Francisco. Located on the sunny northeastern slope of San Bruno Mountain, surrounded by San Bruno Mountain State and Country Park.

Only 10 minutes to SSF Biotech companies/ Oyster Point. 10 minutes to UCSF Mission Bay campus. 5 minutes to 101 North/South. Easy access to San Francisco, South Bay and East Bay Caltrains & buses straight to downtown.

2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
landscaped, terraced and fenced backyard
1-car garage with storage room
garage door opener
new, 50 gallon water heater
all appliances (refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, washer, dryer)
laundry area on first floor
security system
master bedroom (suite?) with private deck area
renovated bathrooms and kitchen
freshly painted
new carpet
new hardwood and tile floors
new hardware, light fixtures throughout
city and mountain views
walking distance to town center, dog park
ample parking

Go to the MLS Listing for more info: MLS
Or, visit our website at www.dettmerassociates.com

SEE YOU AT HOME!