60 Minutes Hits A Little Too Close To Home

Friday Funnies - Reason Magazine

MN Gallery Opening - 2/12/08

Mark your calendars as Maison Nouveau's first gallery opening of 2008 is on the horizon. We will be featuring the work of two local photographers, Joan Lakin Mikkelsen and Margaretta K. Mitchell. Both are well-known East Bay photographers and we are expecting a fantastic turnout, so please don't forget to RSVP. The reception is from 6-8pm at Maison Nouveau in Rockridge, 5327 College Avenue. Pleas don't hesitate to call with any questions 510-594-7700 or RSVP Online

Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Inflated Appraisals

Nobody messes with Indy's real estate portfolio.

Yes, it's true even Harrison Ford can have a swindling real estate agent. Real estate agent to the stars Joseph Aram Babajian, has been indicted by the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles of fraud and conspiracy in an appraisal scam. With such clients as Ford, Ryan Seacrest and Warren Beatty; Babajian allegedly helped to steal tens of millions of dollars by inflating the values of homes. Click HERE for the story featured on Forbes.com.

UPDATE: Countrywide Officially Bailed Out

Countrywide has landed on softer ground for the month of January with the official buyout by Bank of America for the low, low price of $4 billion. However, they are by no means out of the woods yet. Click HERE for the full article.

Possible Help For Countrywide On The Way

Last August Bank of America purchased quite a large chunk of Countrywide stock, $2 billion to be exact, and are looking to possibly be making it more. There were mumblings on the trade floors today of a possible buy out, click HERE to read the latest.

Too Early To Go Bottom Fishing?

We came upon a recent story in Forbes regarding attempts to profit in a downed market by buying up foreclosures and short sales. Click HERE to read the full article.

Timing the Housing Market

I'm late! I'm late! But can you really be late or on time to buy a home anymore? If you can buy now, should you wait to see what happens in 6 months? A year? Click HERE to read the answer to this all important question we've been asking ourselves for the past year and a half.

Happy New Year!

Despite the housing market climate change in 2007, the Bay Area held strong. If you have any questions regarding current market trends or what lies ahead in 2008 for the Bay Area market don't hesitate to drop us a line.