Let me blog here a bit about panic selling and trying to save money.

My husband, bless his heart, is a very good reasearcher and lets-fix-it planner. When gas was about $3 something per gallon he researched selling his truck (16 MPG) and downsizing to something more economic. After picking out three or four vehicle options that met his needs, we talked about how and when.

Something didn't set right with the concept in my mind. So I put a spreasheet together calculating the purchase price (of various new and used models he selected), cash down, loan amount, monthly payment, average MPG and compared it to his current vehicle.

Part 1: We owe $2400 on the truck at $310/month, and it's close to being paid off. We can't sell it for bluebook value due to the market being flooded with gas-guzzler trucks and SUVs. So we'd be lucky to walk way with $6K cash after it's paid off. Buying a new vehicle is nice, but it would increase our debt, monthly payment and length of payments another 4 years. The only cost-saving solution over time would be to buy a more economical vehicle with cash. Period. And what can you buy that will be under warranty or reasonably reliable for $6K? So we exchange a $310/month payment (that ends in about six months) for unknown vehicle with unknown problems. Not smart.

Part 2: When you calculate out the difference at $4 per gallon for a 16 MPG vehicle being driven 36 miles a day vs. a 24 MPG vehicle ….. you know what the difference is in commuting gas cost over a month? About $60.

Conclusion: To save $60/month we can become indebted for another 4 years of car payments? How does that save money?! Guess what? Three months later problem solved: gas prices drop 20% and my husband is carpooling to work. The carpooling alone is saving us over $90/month even if gas goes back to $4/gallon.

Moral of the story: Take time to compare your options carefully and run the numbers. Following the market trends may not be the best solution for your pocketbook.

Just wanted to let you know that if you need a referral to contractors or repair personnel in the Bay Area, we're happy to help you out. With the management company we have a gambit of people we work with regularly and can recommend……cleaners, retrofit windows, bath/kitchen contractors, tile/floor installers, electricians, etc. Feel free to email us and ask if you are planning to do some home remodeling. No strings attached!

Wow! It's hard to believe it's been two weeks since we had a chance to post. In our small corner of real estate, things are still moving! And moving rather quickly. The end of August seems to be a busy time for those who have their homes on the market…..listings tend to expire on 8/31, the "end of the summer."

Just a quick note to remind you that if you have a vacant home that 's not sold, now would be a good time to feel out the viability of renting your home. We have a number of people who are planning to do this and considering property management services. Usually homes fresh off the market can be rented within the first month of vacancy since they're clean, tidy, and show well. If you would like a management quote let us know…if you're thinking of renting it yourself…you can get a number of free lease forms from California Apartment Association's website, www.caanet.org.

In today's age I am rarely impressed by mass marketing customer service. People don't often stand behind their product any more. I've used HP printers for years…who hasn't….but we bought a Xerox Phaser to upgrade our laser printing game a few years ago. The machine's way out of warranty. But, they warranty their toner and other products (Xerox branded) against defect. If something stops working before it should, call Xerox customer service. When the third imaging unit started doing the same odd thing (printing colors funny), they said they'd replace it. They have sent out three replacement imaging units at no cost to us–for the same problem–under this product guarantee. Now that's service!