Brian Hill: 2017

Monday, May 1, 2017

Wouldn't it be amazing to wake up in this cozy room everyday? Especially with that view! https://t.co/f35lxQmdj7

Wouldn't it be amazing to wake up in this cozy room everyday? Especially with that view! https://t.co/f35lxQmdj7
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) May 1, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

May 01, 2017 at 03:30PM
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Saturday, April 29, 2017

Are you looking for your First Home in Alameda County? Then you need this list of homes that I have put together.... https://t.co/tDhh4Wy4bK

Are you looking for your First Home in Alameda County? Then you need this list of homes that I have put together.... https://t.co/tDhh4Wy4bK
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 29, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 29, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Wow, this large balcony looks like the perfect spot to rest & soak up some sunshine! https://t.co/eU4EiuurfV

Wow, this large balcony looks like the perfect spot to rest & soak up some sunshine! https://t.co/eU4EiuurfV
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 29, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 29, 2017 at 02:00PM
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Friday, April 28, 2017

Get inspired to create beautiful outdoor space! https://t.co/bTUhTkqjUy

Get inspired to create beautiful outdoor space! https://t.co/bTUhTkqjUy
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 28, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 28, 2017 at 04:30PM
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Thursday, April 27, 2017

In the market for a new home? These tips can help you save money and avoid a few major mortgage mistakes. https://t.co/VRQu7AtNBs

In the market for a new home? These tips can help you save money and avoid a few major mortgage mistakes. https://t.co/VRQu7AtNBs
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 27, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 27, 2017 at 04:30PM
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Here's a beautiful home that just came on the market in Tracy today! 3-4 Bedrooms 2.5 baths 2296 sq ft with a... https://t.co/OCZ4wKtQud

Here's a beautiful home that just came on the market in Tracy today! 3-4 Bedrooms 2.5 baths 2296 sq ft with a... https://t.co/OCZ4wKtQud
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 27, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 27, 2017 at 02:24PM
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Planning to update your home soon? Check out these tips. What updates have you already done lately? https://t.co/EDFCwSAFo6

Planning to update your home soon? Check out these tips. What updates have you already done lately? https://t.co/EDFCwSAFo6
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 27, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 27, 2017 at 01:45PM
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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Who wants to buy Steph and Ayesha Curry's Walnut Creek Home? I'm not sure that dropping a $3.7M home to $3.6M... https://t.co/kBoODcBkfu

Who wants to buy Steph and Ayesha Curry's Walnut Creek Home? I'm not sure that dropping a $3.7M home to $3.6M... https://t.co/kBoODcBkfu
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 27, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 26, 2017 at 11:37PM
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Wow, what an incredible reading nook! Would you love to have this in your new home?? https://t.co/KXaa1uyj6j

Wow, what an incredible reading nook! Would you love to have this in your new home?? https://t.co/KXaa1uyj6j
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 26, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 26, 2017 at 03:30PM
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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Existing-home sales took off in March to their highest pace in over 10 years, and severe supply shortages... https://t.co/wRQkYkhMHu

Existing-home sales took off in March to their highest pace in over 10 years, and severe supply shortages... https://t.co/wRQkYkhMHu
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 25, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 25, 2017 at 04:41PM
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Monday, April 24, 2017

Here's a beautiful home in Tracy that just came on the market. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2917 sq ft for $539,000. Did I... https://t.co/AINpjJt3pf

Here's a beautiful home in Tracy that just came on the market. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2917 sq ft for $539,000. Did I... https://t.co/AINpjJt3pf
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 25, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 24, 2017 at 11:50PM
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Are you a fan of this beautiful kitchen's pops of color? https://t.co/KTZFP7Q4Jx

Are you a fan of this beautiful kitchen's pops of color? https://t.co/KTZFP7Q4Jx
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 24, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 24, 2017 at 03:30PM
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Saturday, April 22, 2017

How much would it take for you to sell your home? If you could get....I would sell my home... https://t.co/5MC9ekEh83

How much would it take for you to sell your home?
If you could get....I would sell my home... https://t.co/5MC9ekEh83
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 22, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 22, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Check out this bright & modern living space! What catches your eye the most? https://t.co/hg0A6T64Ua

Check out this bright & modern living space! What catches your eye the most? https://t.co/hg0A6T64Ua
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 22, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 22, 2017 at 02:00PM
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Friday, April 21, 2017

Here is a great checklist if you are preparing to buy a home. The only change I would make is instead of simply... https://t.co/cU37HjP40M

Here is a great checklist if you are preparing to buy a home. The only change I would make is instead of simply... https://t.co/cU37HjP40M
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 21, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 21, 2017 at 04:30PM
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As spring weather ushers away the final storms of winter, now is the time to get busy with home repairs and... https://t.co/AHr3W1m7Pj

As spring weather ushers away the final storms of winter, now is the time to get busy with home repairs and... https://t.co/AHr3W1m7Pj
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 21, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 21, 2017 at 04:30PM
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Tracy Tax Refunds, a Fool, a Mogul, and a Samurai

This past Tuesday’s tax filing deadline didn’t pass without standing as the annual reminder to all of Tracy’s taxpayers that time seems to pass ever more quickly—as do the comings and goings of our earnings. The best estimate is that this year 70% of Americans will have overpaid by close to $3,000—making their tax refund checks the only smile-producing part of the annual ritual.

The Motley Fool financial site offered its insight into how most people plan to spend their refunds—but at least one real estate mogul counseled for a definite ultimate destination for those dollars. Tracy real estate could play an important role.

According to the Fool, 38% of respondents will use their refunds to pay off existing debts. Only 11% will direct the cash toward vacations; 5% will splurge on some kind of purchase; an equal number will put the cash toward a major purchase. The largest percentage— 41%— will sock their refund dollars into savings accounts. That’s where the real estate mogul agrees.

The gentleman in question is Sean Conlon, himself a multi-millionaire and host of his own TV show. This time of year, with income tax refund dollars rolling into more than 100 million households, he makes it a point to recall his own point of departure from day work as a janitor into being the owner of his own real estate mortgage company.

He saved. Stuffed every spare dollar into a shoebox until he’d scraped together enough to buy his first house. CNBC quoted Conlon’s dictum last week: “I’m a true believer that you should save every penny…until you buy your first house.” Tracy tax refund checks would more than qualify as major stepping stones toward what Conlon assesses as being “still the fastest path to wealth in this country.”

Another pointed tax refund observation came from a website called Financial Samurai. “Sam” points out that with tax refunds nearing the $3,000 mark, that amounts to nearly 6-7% of typical after-tax income: “a pretty meaningful number.” Since saving (that is, not spending!) $250 a month in that income bracket is difficult for most, the tax refund checks provide a one-shot opportunity to make saving a done deal. The same applies to those in higher brackets. In short, since out of sight is out of mind, Samurai recommends the best course of action for any tax refund check is “to make it disappear” into a savings account. Then there’s at least one other relevant tax consideration—one that fattens many a refund check: that whopping mortgage interest tax deduction!

The mogul and the Samurai both have valid points—and Tracy real estate opportunities (there are plenty on hand at the moment) certainly fit into that picture. Good reason to give me a call today!

Wouldn't it be amazing to come home to this beautiful property everyday?? https://t.co/7H6NQtBCUy

Wouldn't it be amazing to come home to this beautiful property everyday?? https://t.co/7H6NQtBCUy
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 21, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 21, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Thursday, April 20, 2017

Keywords Lead to Tracy Spring Cleaning Tips

Ah, springtime! As the daylight hours grow longer and buds and blossoms dot Tracy’s trees and gardens, even when a rainy day is in the forecast, the feeling of new life in the air can’t be denied!

Also undeniable is the all-too-apparent fact that Tracy’s bright April sunlight is now illuminating months’ worth of dirt on the windows. And now we can see more areas of the carpet that show the winter’s accumulation of … what is that?

For residents from one end of California to the other, the balmy weather definitely triggers a popular urge to put households in shape. But since there is a simultaneous contradictory urge to get outdoors to enjoy Tracy’s good weather, it seems like an apt moment to try to retrieve some of the many time-saving tips that are out there on the web.

In other words, it’s time for Google. To aid in in Tracy’s Googling efforts, here are some valuable spring cleaning search keywords. Enter any of these in combination with “spring cleaning” and Google will bombard you with scads of valuable insights and shortcuts:

• “White Vinegar.” It’s a universal disinfectant that’s carried in gallon jugs on Tracy grocery store shelves. Many of Tracy’s professional housekeepers know how effective and environmentally friendly diluted vinegar is—and how rapidly the residual odor disperses.
• “Sponges.” Cut down on paper towel consumption by collecting a variety of quality sponges and having them at the ready. If you wet and microwave them regularly, bacteria won’t accumulate (and they’ll smell fresh, too). Side benefit: when you nuke wet sponges, stuff on the inside of the microwave will come off easily!
• “Dusting mitt.” They’re useful for more than just Venetian blinds. You can also substitute with athletic socks (then just throw them in the washer).
• “Baseboards.” Vacuuming the floors doesn’t eliminate the edge problem—that’s where the most stubborn winter debris tends to shelter in place. If you use whatever attachment (soft brush or nozzle) that lets you vacuum the baseboard contour before starting on the floor, the problem disappears.
• “Baking soda.” The cure for smelly carpet areas: sprinkle, let stand overnight, vacuum.
• “Cola.” Clean toilets by pouring, waiting an hour, flushing. But when you google “cola” with “spring cleaning,” you’ll also find warnings about the deposits cola leaves behind. Solve that by following up with an undiluted cup of—you guessed it—vinegar.
• “Lemon.” Google this one along with “spring cleaning” and you’ll be able to choose which of the 2½ million hints to put into action!

For some Tracy homeowners, this spring will find them putting their homes up for sale. If that’s the case, give me a call for a professional Realtor’s^® take on which spring cleaning efforts are likely to reap the greatest rewards!

The trend comes as a relief to real estate agents desperate to sell homes and economists worried that the economy... https://t.co/KiTL0x4xeU

The trend comes as a relief to real estate agents desperate to sell homes and economists worried that the economy... https://t.co/KiTL0x4xeU
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 20, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 20, 2017 at 04:30PM
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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Look at this incredible backyard oasis! "Like" if you wouldn't mind living here! https://t.co/e0BbZFVajF

Look at this incredible backyard oasis! "Like" if you wouldn't mind living here! https://t.co/e0BbZFVajF
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 19, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 19, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Monday, April 17, 2017

Tracy Showings Benefit When the Illusion is Complete

Showings—whether here in Tracy or anywhere else—can succeed or fail as a result of quite minor details. Appreciating that fact isn’t hard to do when you relate showings to their theatrical first cousins: stage presentations. In important ways, they are quite similar.

Think of what happens when you attend a live play. The audience finds their seats, settle in, and wait for the action to begin. The house lights dim, the stage lights brighten, and the action begins. If all goes without a hitch, the play captures your attention—and it has every chance of successfully casting the spell the author and director intended.

But if one element is jarringly out of place, the whole effort will go kablooey! If a stagehand accidentally wanders onstage, the illusion is wrecked. Likewise, if a drama’s agonizing death scene is perfectly portrayed—up until the moment when the dying actor’s mustache begins to slip—the audience will be hard pressed to stifle giggles.

In a different way, the success of Tracy home showings is subject to similar kinds of missteps. The illusion we are after isn’t that of a home that has desirable features and is in great condition—that’s no illusion: it’s real! The illusion part comes when we create the impression that the current owners are not much in residence; that the home—although it may be furnished—presents itself in a neutral kind of way that seems to be awaiting the new owners’ belongings and personal touches.

Showings tend to be most successful if prospective buyers have no trouble envisioning themselves as the comfortable new owners. They may or may not find that the spaces and features will accommodate their family’s needs—that’s not subject to illusion. But showings have the best chance for success if the “stage” is clear of distracting elements. That’s why evidence of pets should be avoided. Strong odors of any kind, likewise (fresh popcorn or newly-baked chocolate chip cookies are prized because they supersede other aromas). Family photos should be removed if at all possible; personal mementos of all kinds stored out of sight, and so forth.

When you appreciate the reasoning behind a showing’s attempted illusion, you can see why most Realtors^® advise against decor schemes featuring strong colors. It is also why it’s a good idea for owners to safely vacate the premises with a few minutes to spare. It’s not because the owner is objectionable—it’s that the presence of the owner counteracts the illusion.

The funny thing is that the “illusion” is actually an authentic projection: it’s a mock-up of the reality that will come to pass if the prospect does decide to become the home’s owner.

Showings are key parts of a coordinated residential sales effort that begins with the first consultation and continues through closing day. I hope you will remember to call me when you decide it’s time to put your own Tracy property on the market!

What an elegant, unique bathroom! What is your favorite feature in it? https://t.co/xno9JPQN27

What an elegant, unique bathroom! What is your favorite feature in it? https://t.co/xno9JPQN27
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 17, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 17, 2017 at 03:30PM
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Saturday, April 15, 2017

ARE YOU LOOKING TO BUY A HOME IN THE ALAMEDA MARKET AREA? Your home should be a part of you. It's not an easy... https://t.co/3FnWMqboT5

ARE YOU LOOKING TO BUY A HOME IN THE ALAMEDA MARKET AREA?
Your home should be a part of you. It's not an easy... https://t.co/3FnWMqboT5
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 15, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 15, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Do you like the gray tone in this beautiful bedroom? What colors would you use?? https://t.co/TcgvHunRw5

Do you like the gray tone in this beautiful bedroom? What colors would you use?? https://t.co/TcgvHunRw5
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 15, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 15, 2017 at 02:00PM
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Friday, April 14, 2017

Best Time to Sell a House https://t.co/DYT2SUuXMN

Best Time to Sell a House https://t.co/DYT2SUuXMN
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 14, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 14, 2017 at 06:12PM
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Best Time to Sell a House

Best Time to Sell a House in Tracy: Coming Right Up!

Zeroing In on When to Sell a House in Tracy

Tracy Wonders: When’s the Best Month to Sell a House?

Tracy readers who frequently check in here may recall the inquiry into whether there really is a single best time to buy a house—and if so, when that might be.

The answer was October 8.

At least that was what the researchers at RealtyTrac deduced after reviewing millions of home and condo sales (from across the nation, not just Tracy). The definition of “best” they settled on was the date which recorded the greatest markdown between original listing and actual sale prices. On closer examination, though, 10/8 did seem to be an answer that was going to differ from year to year. But there was definitely evidence for fall being a good season for buyers.

Now there appears to be an answer to the equally beguiling question Tracy sellers may be curious about: What’s the best time to sell a house? Having an answer might be reassuring to Tracy homeowners in a quandary over whether to jump into the busy Tracy spring selling season—or to wait for a less crowded time of year.

This answer, which recently appeared on CNBC’s news feed, is less specific than RealtyTrac’s single date—and for my money, more convincing because of it. And the answer is (drumroll, please): May.

The first half of May, to narrow it down a bit. The reason is that a home listed between the start of May and mid-month sells nine days more quickly than does the average. To be absolutely accurate, though, the “average” is the average of home sales everywhere in the country—North, South, East, West, and everywhere in between. Warmer or colder climates can send the answer off kilter, as can market conditions present when the calculations were made.

The basis for CNBC’s finding was a Zillow study, but it was not clear exactly when the data was collected, so there is a possibility that in today’s seller-friendly climate, the best time to sell a house in Tracy might slip a week or two in either direction.

Further scrutiny yielded a two-track answer to the question of what is the best day of the week to list, with Saturdays vying with Thursdays for the honor. The reasoning was that Saturday is when most house hunters are apt to go online to check out the market; but Thursday is the likeliest day because people are gathering info for weekend open houses.

In my opinion, trying to zero in on the absolute best day to list is not nearly as useful as taking the time to identify who will be the best Tracy agent to help you sell your house. Along those lines: do give me a call!

If you're looking for a quick and affordable way to give your home Fixer Upper-worthy style — and who isn't? —... https://t.co/zN1uXJn8Co

If you're looking for a quick and affordable way to give your home Fixer Upper-worthy style — and who isn't? —... https://t.co/zN1uXJn8Co
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 14, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 14, 2017 at 04:30PM
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Wow, this pool home has such a spacious patio! How would you use this space? https://t.co/pC8SXsEORu

Wow, this pool home has such a spacious patio! How would you use this space? https://t.co/pC8SXsEORu
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 14, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 14, 2017 at 09:33AM
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Thursday, April 13, 2017

Homebuyers dominated the mortgage market last week, but refinancers sat on the sidelines despite the lowest... https://t.co/eqksxie4KW

Homebuyers dominated the mortgage market last week, but refinancers sat on the sidelines despite the lowest... https://t.co/eqksxie4KW
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 13, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 13, 2017 at 04:30PM
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Wow, this pool home has such a spacious patio! How would you use this space?? https://t.co/uhmYC8OdAT

Wow, this pool home has such a spacious patio! How would you use this space?? https://t.co/uhmYC8OdAT
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 13, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 13, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

I posted a new photo to Facebook https://t.co/TOPzVUDl9f

I posted a new photo to Facebook https://t.co/TOPzVUDl9f
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 11, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 11, 2017 at 11:52AM
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I posted a new photo to Facebook https://t.co/V4eeI8cbcC

I posted a new photo to Facebook https://t.co/V4eeI8cbcC
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 11, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 11, 2017 at 11:52AM
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Save money on your water bill with these helpful tips! https://t.co/XfiS3JsvqN

Save money on your water bill with these helpful tips! https://t.co/XfiS3JsvqN
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 11, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 11, 2017 at 11:51AM
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Monday, April 10, 2017

Thinking about downsizing? It may have some perks you never thought about. 😀 https://t.co/rMgO0x22iG

Thinking about downsizing? It may have some perks you never thought about. 😀 https://t.co/rMgO0x22iG
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 10, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 10, 2017 at 01:17PM
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Friday, April 7, 2017

ATTENTION: ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Home Owners HOME VALUES HAVE CHANGED! Find Out What Your Home is Worth... https://t.co/Zht4EhDlFW

ATTENTION: ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Home Owners
HOME VALUES HAVE CHANGED!

Find Out What Your Home is Worth... https://t.co/Zht4EhDlFW
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 7, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianHill_BHHS

April 07, 2017 at 03:00PM
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Planning, researching and knowing your options can help you secure the best mortgage option for you. https://t.co/D5W2Lae8R1

Planning, researching and knowing your options can help you secure the best mortgage option for you. https://t.co/D5W2Lae8R1
— Brian Hill: BHHS (@BrianHill_BHHS) April 7, 2017