The Sale Process

While there’s no such thing as a typical home sale – each has a character and a flow of its own – there are certain aspects you can expect. While local real estate practices may vary, here are the basic activities that occur during the transaction, from receiving an offer to closing escrow.

Giants World Series Trophy Coming to San Carlos! - June 20th at 3 pm

The San Francisco Giants World Series Trophy is coming to San Carlos! It will be on display at Burton Park on June 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for viewing and pictures.


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What is Escrow?

Escrow is the process that buyers and sellers of homes use to complete the monetary and legal details of a sale. A neutral third party manages the escrow, called an “Escrow Officer,” who generally works for a title company. “Title” is the proof of ownership of a property. The title company ensures that all terms of the contract are adhered to before the sale is complete and money changes hands.

In order to successfully bring an escrow to close, the title company will:

• Obtain a title report to ensure that the seller has the right to transfer ownership (title) to the buyer
• Ensure that any previous loans on the property have been paid off
• Acquire necessary loan and insurance documents
• Confirm that necessary inspection reports are on file
• Arrange for the buyer to sign all necessary paperwork to complete the close of escrow

When these details are complete, the Escrow Officer requests the funds to be released and instructs the title department to record the transaction at the County Recorder's Office, thereby closing escrow.

31st Anniversary: San Carlos Hometown Days at Burton Park - May 20-22, 2011

Starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 20th, the San Carlos Hometown Days committee invites you to join in and celebrate 31 years of Hometown fun. Hometown Days is a uniquely San Carlos tradition that features a parade on Saturday, May 21st at 9:45 am, as well as 2 stages of live music, food, entertainment and fun for the entire family all weekend long.

• Hometown Days Web Site
• Kiwanis "Pasta In The Park" Steak Dinner - May 21st - 5:00 pm
• Rotary 10-K Fun Run - Sunday May 22nd - Online Sign Up Form

For more information call the Hometown Days hotline at (650) 594-2700 or click on the link to visit the Hometown Days web site.

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Evaluating An Offer

When you receive an offer for your property, there are many decisions to make and details to consider. We will help you evaluate the quality of the offer, negotiate the terms and ensure a smooth transaction. Here are just a few of the many ways we will assist you through this important process:

• Be at your side when the offer is presented.
• Request information about the buyer’s background, intentions and qualifications.
• Ensure that the buyer is knowledgeable about available financing alternatives.
• Thoroughly review the contract and ensure that you understand all the details.
• Guide you through key stages of the process - contingencies, inspections, disclosures, escrow, buyer financing, and any unusual terms and costs.
• Negotiate the sales price and terms that are most advantageous to you.
• Provide you with information about recent market activity.
• Provide you with specific information about local, state and federal requirements that affect the sale of property. These requirements may include state codes such as: Transfer Disclosure Statement, Smoke Detectors Compliance, Environmental Hazards Disclosure; and Federal requirements such as: The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) and Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Act.

You may also wish to consult your attorney or tax advisor during the sales process. We will always present you with all the facts at our disposal and offer our educated personal opinion, but the final decision to accept, reject or counter an offer is yours.

Questions? We are happy to help! For more information please contact The Clarke Team at 650-489-5399 or sold@clarketeam.com

San Carlos Mourns Loss of Mayor

www.ktvu.com/news/27841524/detail.html

San Carlos - City Council Meeting - Monday, May 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

The next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 600 Elm Street. The Agenda for the meeting is now available on the City's ePackets.net service. Key items to be covered include:

• Study Session: Littering in Downtown & Amending Current Ordinance (Item # 9a)
• Adopt Salary & Benefits Resolution - San Carlos Fire Department (Item # 11a)
• Adopt Job Specifications & Authorize Recruitment for Positions - San Carlos Fire Department (Item # 11ai)
• Authorize City Manager to Sign Agreement for Trails Project Plan (Item # 11b)
• Report on SCS - Bay Area Land Use, Transportation & Greenhouse Gas Emission Strategy (Item # 11c)

The agenda, staff reports and full agenda packet can be found on the City'shttp://www.epackets.net/ web site or directly at http://www.epackets.net/meeting.aspx?cabinet=PUBLISHED_MEETINGS&docid=10758987
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Understanding Offers

Q: What is an offer?

A: An offer is usually made in the form of a written contract prepared by a sales associate representing a buyer. All offers for your property will generally first be presented to me, and I will then present them to you.

Q: How quickly must I act?

A: Usually time is of the essence in negotiating an offer. There are often strict deadlines, which must be met. I will stay in constant communication with you during the entire transaction process.

Q: Who knows about the terms of an offer for my property?

A: No one, except you, and myself, will know about the terms of an offer prior to your acceptance. You will be kept informed of any other buyer’s interest in your property; and if more than one offer is submitted to me, all will be presented to you for your consideration.

Questions? For more information please contact The Clarke Team at 650-489-5399 or sold@clarketeam.com

2011 Hot Harvest Nights Farmer's Market - Returns Thursday Night !

When: Every Thursday night, May 5th through September 15th
From: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: 700 Block of Laurel Street. Downtown San Carlos

Sponsored by the City of San Carlos and the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce. Hot Harvest Nights features certified produce and specialty foods, musical entertainment and walk-away food. Stores throughout San Carlos' acclaimed downtown will be open for your exploration and enjoyment. Bring the entire family to enjoy this popular annual event.

On the first Thursday of each month, the City of San Carlos will host a booth. For May 5th, the City booth will feature Mayor Omar Ahmad and the Sheriff's Office, San Carlos Police Department.

The market features 50 to 60 booths set up in the middle of the street which will be closed to traffic.

Hot Harvest Nights features produce, flowers, music, food, artists - something for everyone.

This will be a chance to stroll, meet your friends and have a leisurely night enjoying the finest San Carlos has to offer. Shops and restaurants on Laurel Street will stay open late for this all-community activity. Don't miss out!

For more information on Hot Harvest Nights, visit the Chamber of Commerce web site.