It has been a good Christmas Season. I just got back from two days away visiting family in the Sierra foothills. Cold, but no snow. Warm inside with great-grandparents, grandparents (me included), parents and children all gathered for the holiday fun and joy. Lots of good food and love in several helpings. I got my share of both.

Back to work now. I am looking forward to a busy week before the New Year rolls in. This used to be considered a dead time in real estate. Not anymore. With the local market being dominated by lender controlled short sales and REOs and buyers hungering for good properties or, at least, well-priced properties the market in Fremont, Newark, Livermore, Pleasanton, Union City, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and all of Alameda County is fast moving, vibrant, and challenging for buyers. Buyers who are properly approved for necessary financing, well coached by their Realtor and perseverant will get the home that meets their needs.