July 30, 2005

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
By Larry Underhill
Owner/Broker

WHEELER LAKE is on the other side of Wheeler Ridge, just east of Lake Alpine. Wheeler Ridge is just shy of 9,000 feet above sea level. I hiked the seven-mile round trip to Wheeler Lake last week with daughter Heather and son-in-law Joel Swenddal.
WHEW! The kids are both slim 29-year-olds. I’m none of that. The back side of Wheeler Ridge consists of close-to-vertical switchback trails suitable for goats and deer, but not for slightly lardy 56-year-old men. I love to hike the back country, but I’ll enjoy it more when I’m skinnier again! On the upward pull out of the valley, Heather and Joel put the Old Guy in front to set the pace. There’s an old Howlin’ Wolf blues tune called, "I’m Built For Comfort, I’m Not Built For Speed". The song comes to mind when I recall that hike. The view from the top of the ridge made it all worthwhile, however.
ANOTHER HAPPY BEGINNING: Congratulations to respected local builder Greg Jackson on his recently-completed property purchase. Congratulations also to my Mystery Sellers on this successful all-cash quick-escrow transaction. Since I represented both Buyers and Sellers, I guess I could call myself the Mystery Broker…but there’s no mystery about me. I’m not smart enough to be mysterious.
MY LISTING AT 2809 White Oak Way is on the Best Value list! At the new price of $539,950, this 2108-square-foot Entzei-built home is a great opportunity! Motivated Seller desires quick sale. Call me for a private showing!
THE VIEW, CONT’D…The top of Wheeler Ridge was a welcome relief after a long sweaty uphill trudge. Cool wind whipped across the rocky saddle separating the ridge from the famous natural formation known as Sleeping Indian (so named long ago, before the days of political correctness). From our vantage point, we looked down on Alpine Lake in the foreground. Utica and Union Reservoirs glinted deep blue in the distance. The massive Dardanelle Range filled the skyline to the east. If you can drink in a view like this and still say "There’s no God", you’ve been smokin’ your lunch.
HOME OF THE WEEK: Don’t miss the Open House today from 12 to 2 at 5201 East Woodbridge Road! This gorgeous one-acre ranchette is front-page news (Just fold your tabloid closed and look!). Statesman’s own Sherry Dickhoff will host this fine home today. Just reduced to $699,950!
PRE-APPROVED BUYERS! I’m working with a nice couple who are very specific in their search. Kristmont. Willow Glen. Lakewood. One story. Two or more bedrooms. Price to $650,000. Know anybody with a home like this? If you’re considering selling, this may be the time.
AT THE TOP of the ridge, we had to slip and slide our way across a wide snowbank to get to the other side. I watched with amusement as Heather slid down the snowy slope into Joel’s waiting arms. Those two are fun to watch!
SLEEPER: That’s the word for this 3000-square-foot FIVE bedroom THREE full bath THREE car garage home. $579,950 for all this? Only at 2177 Eaton Drive in Lodi. Another home blocks away with the identical floor plan just closed escrow at $605,000! Don’t snooze…..
AT NINE THOUSAND FEET, the temperature was easily 20 degrees cooler than Lodi. I recommend it! Have a great week. Stay cool!

Statesman Realty

(209) 333 2380
1-800-407-SOLD (7653)

Website: www.larrysellslodi.com
Website: www.larryunderhill.com

Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com

July 23, 2005

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
By Larry Underhill
Owner/Broker

"THE WORST THING we can do for those we love is the things they could do for themselves." These wise words came from Abraham Lincoln.
On a happier note, let’s CONGRATULATE another Mystery Seller on the successful SALE of her Lodi-area ranchette! All cash, 17-day escrow, clean deal. What’s not to like? There were multiple offers on this fine property, but this offer was the big winner.
THANK YOU to Realtor Shannon Gilliam for bringing the Buyers to this transaction. Good job, Shannon! A Thank You also to another Mystery Friend for sending this Seller my way. Pretty mysterious, huh? Over 90% of my business comes from repeat or referral clients, but not all of them want to see their name in print!
PRICE REDUCED! 5201 East Woodbridge Road was a good deal before. Now, at $699,950, it’s a "Better hurry!" situation. This lushly-landscaped acre is only five minutes from Lodi. The grounds remind me of Micke Grove (or Jessie’s Grove). Relax in the cool shade beneath the towering trees. Enjoy the spacious deck! This place also features a family orchard with a variety of fruit trees. The home is a single-story three-bedroom with two baths and an extra half-bath off of the oversized two-car garage. The garage also features a small shop room and another adjoining side room for projects, storage, or whatever. OPEN TODAY from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.! Come and see.
ANOTHER THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUOTE: "There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." Martin Luther said that.
BETTER THAN EVER! 2809 White Oak Way is new on the market, but my Seller decided to make it even MORE appealing at the new price of $539,950! Located in Lodi’s desirable Park West. Built by respected local contractor Richard Entzei. This 2108-square-foot home features dramatic open-beam vaulted ceilings in the Great Room, gas-log fireplace, three bedrooms and two baths, spacious Laundry Room with loads of extra storage, and a gorgeous back yard with a large wooden deck for easy entertaining! Fruit trees: peach, cherry, nectarine, more. Great floor plan with LOADS of storage! Call us for a private showing.
FACTOID: Did you know that if you rearrange the letters in "Episcopal" you get "Pepsi Cola"? You never know when you might need to know something like that.
EVER HEARD OF "Porcelosa"? It’s some of the prettiest Italian floor tile I’ve ever seen. You can see it for yourself, but only in one place that I know of: 18563 Ironstone in Woodbridge’s Wine Country. This lovingly-maintained home has more features than I have room to name here. Wine Country’s popular Bordeau plan is a winner, but when it’s upgraded like this fine home, it’s a real treat. Wet Bar! Formal Dining Room! Family Room! Living Room with soaring ceilings! Covered back yard patio! Indoor Laundry Room with cabinets! The upstairs Master Suite is special, too. Come and take a peek! $545,000.
ONE LAST QUOTE FOR THE DAY: "Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." Thank you, George Patton.
STAY COOL! See you next Sat.

Statesman Realty
(209) 333 2380

1-800-407-SOLD (7653)
Website: www.larrysellslodi.com

Website: www.larryunderhill.com
Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com

July 16, 2005

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
By Larry Underhill
Owner/Broker

ONCE MORE FROM THE TOP…We congratulated John and Fabiana Simmons on their recent home purchase a few weeks back. Now their previous home has closed, so it’s congratulations all over again! Happy day. A Thank You to veteran Lodi Realtor Denise Arbios for her role as Buyer’s agent in this deal. Always a pleasure, Denise!
THERE ARE A HANDFUL of top-producing Realtors with whom I always enjoy working, many of whom I’ve worked with for years (in some cases over TWENTY years). They always tell the truth, they hold up their end of the transaction, and they truly care about their clients. Denise is on this short list!
NEW LISTING! 18563 Ironstone in Woodbridge’s desirable Wine Country community is a value at $545,000! Back in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, I helped Allen Valla market Wine Country. The Bordeau floorplan (this plan) was the most popular plan. That’s still the case today. 2281 square feet of charming two-story home with imported "Porcelosa" porcelain Italian floor tile! Three bedrooms, two and a half baths, wet bar, indoor Laundry Room, separate Living and Family Rooms, Formal Dining Room, covered patio, and much more! Call for a private showing.
CONGRATULATIONS also to Jake and Misty Arbuckle on their purchase of a nice Westside Lodi home! They’re excited. I’d congratulate the Seller and the other agent too, but since it was meself I think I’ll refrain! I don’t do this often, but I worked out a lease with option to buy with Jake and Misty last year. This year, they exercised their option and turned from renters into owners! Happy beginnings for them, and happy 1031 exchange for Julie and me as we roll the money into another rental or two. (I believe in real estate! They ain’t makin’ any more of it!)
ANOTHER PEEK at 2177 Eaton Drive: FIVE bedrooms! THREE full baths! THREE-car garage! Nicely landscaped back yard with upscale above-ground filtered POOL! Price? $579,950.
MY FRIEND and trusty right-hand Assistant Greg Adams does an excellent job of keeping me on track, all the while managing my listings and escrows. The guy’s GOOD! He does have a weakness for dumb jokes, however. Sample:
Q: Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A: Samson. He brought the house down.
OFFICES OR RESIDENCE? This grand old 1429-square-foot home is currently in use as an office building, but it would make a fine home. Tastefully remodeled to retain the Old Lodi charm while providing modern convenience (like central heat and air). Half a block from Hutchins Street Square! Three offices plus kitchen, bonus area and small basement. 228 South Hutchins, Lodi. $489,950.
ON THE WINE TRAIL…5201 East Woodbridge Road is a showplace! Rambling colorful landscaped grounds surround a charming home. Call for details! $724,950.
MY NEW LISTING at 2809 White Oak Way is already getting a lot of interest! 2108 square feet of custom Entzei-built home on an oversized lot with a beautiful back yard! This is one Park West home you won’t want to miss seeing. $569,950.
DEADLINE! Gotta go. Have a great week! See you next Sat.

Statesman Realty

(209) 333 2380
1-800-407-SOLD (7653)

Website: www.larrysellslodi.com
Website: www.larryunderhill.com

Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com

July 9, 2005

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY

Larry Underhill

Broker-Owner

CONGRATULATIONS to Cheryl Bonner on the purchase of her Lodi home! This is an interesting story (To me, anyway!).
REFERRAL STORY: Back in late 2004, a former client called to ask me to be on the lookout for a nice home in a certain area of Lodi for Cheryl, who was thinking of moving back to her home town after a long absence. Over the next few months, I called with one or two possibilities as they hit the MLS, but nothing really fit the requirements Cheryl was seeking.
THEN ONE DAY, I got a call from one of the fine attorneys (No, that’s not an oxymoron) who occasionally call me for real estate help. "Larry, I’m helping a client liquidate an estate and I have a home that needs to be sold." Wonder of wonders, the home he described sounded like precisely the place Cheryl had been hoping for! I called her immediately. The rest is history.
I love it when a plan comes together! Happy endings/beginnings all around. BOTH ends (The home and the Buyer) of this adventure came to me as a result of referrals. There’s no greater compliment. Thank you. And thank you, Mystery Attorney (aka Elvis).
OPEN TODAY from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: 5201 East Woodbridge Road! This one-acre parcel feels like your very own Micke Grove. If you love to entertain, picture an intimate gathering of a hundred or so of your closest friends on the lawn and wooden deck under the lazy shade trees. The home has a professionally-decorated Country charm that fits the mood of the grounds. Statesman’s own John Manguso will host this Open House today. At $724,950, this is a great ranchette for the money!
JUST LISTED! 2809 White Oak Way in Lodi’s desirable Park West is one of a kind. Built by respected local contractor Richard Entzei, this 2108-square-foot home features dramatic open-beam vaulted ceilings in the Great Room, gas-log fireplace, three bedrooms and two baths, spacious Laundry Room with loads of extra storage, and a back yard that’s a landscaped haven of peace. Large wooden deck! Many fruit trees including Peach, Cherry, Nectarine and more! Rich Entzei is known for his excellent finish work and his love of natural wood. Tile counters! Great floorplan! At $569,950 this home is a value. Don’t wait too long…
SUNWEST! 2209 Saint Anton has received a LOT of interest AND one full-price offer to date. Why is it still for sale? My Sellers weren’t interested in a contingency offer, so they opted to wait until the Buyers’ home sold before entering into an agreement. Meanwhile, Saint Anton’s very much for sale! Over 2500 square feet of single-story comfort with granite kitchen counters, beautifully remodeled bathrooms with LOTS of custom tile, three bedrooms, two baths, and all on a huge (9583-square-foot) lot! $674,000 to a qualified (non-contingent) Buyer. Three-car garage too, by the way.
MORE GREAT LISTINGS COMING SOON! Watch this space for details.
A WORD OF THANKS to all those folks who have made the first half of 2005 such a GREAT year! Over 90% of my business comes from repeat clients and their referrals…and that means many of YOU! I appreciate your trust. I’m never too busy to take excellent care of your friends and loved ones. Have a great week! See you next Sat.

Statesman Realty
(209) 333 2380

1-800-407-SOLD (7653)
Website: www.larrysellslodi.com

Website: www.larryunderhill.com
Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com

June 25, 2005

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
by Larry Underhill
Broker-Owner

CONGRATULATIONS TO John and Fablana Simmons (and their two cute little daughters), on the successful purchase of their new Lodi home! John dropped into my office a few months back, saying, I read your column and I think you're the guy I'd like to work with." Thanks for your trust, John!
Now the Simmons Family is in the process of moving into their new (to them) residence. I want to thank Lodi Realtor Vicki Jenkins for another stellar job as representative of the Sellers in this transaction. Thanx, Vicki! CLASSIC SCENARIO: In this white-hot real estate market, John and Fabiana recognized the need to be as prepared as possible. BEFORE they found their replacement home. They laid the groundwork for a bridge loan that would enable them to nail down their new place without having to write an offer contingent on the sale of their present home. Then, when we found the home they wanted, we wrote an offer without the fear of being "bumped" by someone with no home to sell.
A CONTINGENCY OFFER is "an offer with a big hole in it" as I often warn my clients. Sometimes you luck out and make it all the way to closing, and other times another buyer with no contingency comes along, forcing you to pull out of the deal. I try to arm my clients with all of the protection possible! Finding a way to qualify for the new loan without having to sell your existing home is a great way to protect your position.
BY MID-JULY, we should be congratulating the Simmons clan on the successful SALE of existing home! It's in escrow and perking along nicely. Because of their financing preparation, they didn't worry about scrambling to get their present home sold. They'll be safely tucked away in their new place long before their present home closes escrow. Minimizing stress is what my job's all about!
I PROMISED one more Arnold story last week. Here we go: In the Guv's speech to the California Association of Realtors two weeks back, he told us that real estate (and Realtors, if you can believe it) is close to his heart, He explained that he had begun investing as a young man fresh from Austria. When other young bucks were buying fancy cars and homes, he bought his first investment property. A six-plex. Sometime later, he exchanged into a twelve-unit complex, and then into 18 units. Today, Arnold owns hundreds of apartment units AND office buildings all over Southern California.
He told us, "I made my fortune in real estate BEFORE I began my career in the movie business. He said that his financial stability set him apart from the average Hollywood actor and enabled him to turn down roles he did not like. "They wold have made me a villian or a Nazi officer," he observed. "But I wanted to be a leading man!'' He said he turned down $100,000 for one role which was unheard of in tinseltown! "I could do it because I didn't need the money. That's the reason I could hold out for great roles like Conan the Barbarian (loud laughter from the crowd) and The Terminator ..." Arnold went on to recite a chunk of his filmography. Any way you skin it, the guy knows how to make a buck. "I know how to turn one dollah into two dollahs!"
SPEAKING OF Schwarzenegger films. ..Lodi's Vine and Branches bookstore had a great poster a few years back. Famous author and pastor Chuck Swindoll stood next to a podium, decked out in shades and a black leather motorcycle jacket. The caption read, "The Sermonator."
Have a great week! See you next Sat.

Statesman Realty
(209) 333-2380

1-800-407-SOLD (7653)

Website: www.larrysellslodi.com

Website: www.larryunderhill.com

Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com

June 4, 2005

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
by Larry Underhill
Broker-Owner

DOUBLE BUBBLE TROUBLE? Have you heard the mounting buzz about a "real estate bubble?" Fear is one of the most marketable commodities for newsmeisters of' all stripes. The fact that the real estate market is cyclical is NOT new information. The way I’ve heard some of the talking heads speak, you'd think Chicken Little was right! I'm here to tell you that the sky is not going to fall when the market softens and prices stop rising by double digits year after year.
A RECENT news article mentioned the early 1990's, when "home prices dropped 22%. What the article failed to mention is that those same homes
have appreciated more than a HUNDRED percent since then! The only folks who lost money on the market downturn were those who "sold short" for one reason or another. Those who stayed the course are doing just fine, thank you!
As Lodi Association of Realtors President Randy Snider was quoted last week, we live in the second- most-affordable area in the entire state! I recently heard Michael Zagaris, Broker Owner of PMZ Real Estate, talk about the future of our Valley. His take: Over the long term, the Central Valley is one of the best places to invest in real estate. The restrictions
on new-home building compounded by the influx of newcomers means a continued shortage of housing, which will keep real estate values strong in the decades to come. China's emergence as a world economic power is causing industries that deal with Pacific Rim countries to migrate to the west coast (nearer to their Asian clients). Our area is the logical (affordable) destination of choice.
BOTTOM LINE: If you own Central Valley real estate, you're In the right place at the right time! Don’t let the naysayers get you down. Ask 'em, "If
so smart, why ain't you rich?"
WORD PICTURE: If you were to graph Valley real estate values over many decades, it would look like a wazy staircase: An upswing followed by a flattening out or even a decline in values, followed by another strong upswing, and so on. The important thing to note is that the trend is ever upward! When the soft market comes, stay the course! Good times will return.
MY LISTING at 33 Goshawk Court in lovely Wallace Lake Estates is still very much on the market! Priced right at $519,950, this 2215-square-foothome is only one year old! Upscale features throughout: Central vac system! Beautiful travertine flooring! Plantation shutters! Classy kitchen! Three-car garage! All of this and more in a gated community with top-of-the-hill views! Call me for a private showing.
NIBBLES already on 653 Sandpiper Circle! I'm Not surprised. At $399,950 for 1715 square feet of two-story three-bedroom two and a half bath home, this one will go quickly!
Another great value: 2177 Eaton Drivel 3000Square feet! FIVE bedrooms! THREE baths! THREE car garage! Upscale filtered above-groundPOOL! $579,950 if you hurry!
THANK YOU to all who have helped make the first five months of 2005 so GREAT! Many of YOU are the reason for my success! You are appreciated. Have a happy week! See you next Sat.

STATESMAN REALTY

(209) 333-2380

Website: www.LarrySellsLodi.com

Website: www.larryunderhill.com

Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com