Active Adult Seniors go high tech!

The Villages Golf & Country Club have installed a Community Computer. This is available for use by residents in the Villages library.

Now is the time to connect with your family and friends via email, Facebook, Ancestry.com, or simply play Solitaire!

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended! Signed Into Law November 6, 2009

President Obama has signed legislation to extend the Homebuyer Tax Credit. Passage of the bill was widely anticipated to further spur economic recovery in the housing sector, as more buyers are now eligible for tax breaks under the new law. The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit was originally set to expire on November 30.

In addition to offering the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, the new law also allows a $6,500 credit for repeat or move-up homebuyers who have lived in their primary residence for five years or more.

The tax credits are available to buyers who sign purchase agreements on a new or existing primary residence between December 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010. Buyers would have until June 30 to close on their new homes.

Best of the Bay - KRON 4 - 2009 Nominee.....

The Villages Golf & Country Club has been Nominated "Best Country Club Community in Santa Clara County".

Best of the Bay as Seen on KRON 4:

Monday, October 12 at 1:30 pm
Monday, October 19th at 1:30 pm
Thursday, October 29th at 1:30 pm

"The Bay Area's Hidden Gem - for the Best Year's of Your Life"

For a tour, call 408.274.8766 and arrange to see this beautiful community
to make an informed decision about living at the BEST Country Club Community in Santa Clara County.

JUST LISTED - 7708 Galloway Drive

Almost new and ready to move into!

This one story, Cape Cod style unit, is in the perfect location in The Villages Golf & Country Club, San Jose's active senior(55+) adult community. The home has 1490 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, Expanded 2nd guest bedroom suite with walk-in closet, Gourmet Kitchen w/upgraded appliances, and Custom designed enclosed patio deck with double pane windows and slate flooring. The furnace was replaced in December 2008 and the hot water heater on August 17, 2009!

The community includes 18 & 9 hole USGA rated golf courses, tennis and fitness centers, 4 swimming pools, 7 1/2 miles of hiking trails, riding stable, RV and boat storage, Clubhouse Restaurant and so much more.

Listed for $420,000.

Call to see today:
Carla Griffin
Broker/Owner
B & A Realtors
DRE #00710852
408.274.8766

Co-listed with:
Erin and Jeff Benford
Alain Pinel Realtors
DRE #01372912 & #01473451
408.644.5159/5175

Please check out the virtual tour:
www.tourfactory.com/538271

San Jose Giants Coummunity Fund Golf Tournament

The Inaugural San Jose Giants Community Fund Golf Tournament held at The Villages Golf & Country Club on July 14 was a HUGH SUCCESS!

The Village resident's not only volunteered to help make this a wonderful event, many played with the great Hall of Fame players like Rich Murray and Vida Blue, 1989 MVP Kevin Mitchell and current San Jose Giants team members with manager, Andy Skeets and CEO, Jim Weyerman. Wow, what a great day and $10,953 was added to the San Jose Giants Community Fund.

Watch for the 2010 tournament to be even bigger and better!

Notification of Assessed Value

The County Assessor recently sent you a postcard with the January l, 2009 assessed value of your home. This value will be used to calculate your property tax due in December, 2009 and April, 2010.

Please look carefully at this assessed value and ask yourself if you could have sold your home last January for this amount. Because of the provisions of Proposition 13, most people will think they could have sold their home for more than the current assessed value. If you are among this majority, you need to take no further action.

If you think you would have had to accept less than the assessed value to sell your home last January, you should request an Assessor’s valuation review by August 15. You may request a review online at www.sccassessor.org/prop8.

You must have support for your valuation adjustment request. The usual support is a list of the sales prices of comparable properties during the three months before and after January l. An appraisal by a realtor familiar with your area can also be helpful. Carla Griffin does these appraisals for residents in The Villages.

Please remember that fair market value is always a range and there is no single correct valuation. Also, remember that the tax rate is a little over one percent (1%) of the valuation. Consequently, a $10,000 change in assessment will only reduce your taxes by a little over $100 for the year.

Would you like a property valuation? If you live in The Villages and would like an appraisal, please call 408.274.8766 before August 1 for your FREE property valuation.

Buyer changed mind!

Didn't have a chance to see and purchase this beautiful Villages property located at 8799 Grape Wagon Circle?

Please call today to see the property - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, large patio, city views. Price has been reduced to $520,000.

Seller has begun packing and is looking for another offer.

PENDING SALE - 8799 Grape Wagon Circle

The beautiful property in Olivas Village is a Pending Sale.

MAJOR $40,000 Price Reduction

8799 Grape Wagon Circle, San Jose
Listed for $520,000. OWNER says Sell!

Are you ready to move into an active adult community?

If so, this place might be your new home. It is located in The Villages Golf & Country Club. 1415 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, ungraded within past 2 years with Brazilian cherrywood floors, tile in the baths, Plantation shutters and much more.

The community includes 18 & 9 hole USGA rated golf courses, tennis and fitness centers, 4 swimming pools, 7 1/2 miles of hiking trails, riding stable, RV and boat storage, Clubhouse Restaurant and so much more.

Association Fee is $657/mo.

Call to see today:
Carla Griffin
Broker/Owner
B & A Realtors
408.274.8766

Co-listed with:
Erin and Jeff Benford

June Community Events

Join in the fun this month with numerous events:

June 7 - Concert Band playing at 2:30

June 13 - Celebrate Father's Day with 'Battle of the Bay' -
SF Giants host the Oakland A's
Transportation and box seats are included in this $69/person outing!

June 20 - Classic Cars, Wine Tasting, and Art Show
Cribari Center from 1-4 pm

June 26 - Travel down the hill to catch the San Jose Giants vs. Stockton Ports
Tickets are only $23 each which includes BBQ dinner, drink and
enjoyment of sharing the section with friends.

1st Annual District 8 Senior Health Fair

Walk your Way to Wellness

Hosted by Councilmember Rose Herrera

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time: 8:00am - 11:00am
Location: Eastridge Mall
PARK IN PARKING LOT C by BARNES AND NOBLE and ENTER THROUGH ENTRANCE C ( BETWEEN BARNES AND NOBLE AND BED BATH AND BEYOND)

Street: 2200 Eastridge Loop
City/Town: San Jose, CA

Description:

FREE event and the participants will enjoy breakfast, receive health information and screenings, participate in a walk for fitness and much more. There are 40 organizations to connect seniors to the local health resources including B&A Realtors presenting information about The Villages Golf & Country Club.

Stop by our table for a free gift!

JUST LISTED - 8799 Grape Wagon Circle, San Jose

Are you ready to move into an active adult community?

If so, this place might be your new home. It is located in The Villages Golf & Country Club. 1415 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, ungraded within past 2 years with Brazilian cherrywood floors, tile in the baths, Plantation shutters and much more.

The community includes 18 & 9 hole USGA rated golf courses, tennis and fitness centers, 4 swimming pools, 7 1/2 miles of hiking trails, riding stable, RV and boat storage, Clubhouse Restaurant and so much more.

Listed for $559,000.

Call to see today:
Carla Griffin
Broker/Owner
B & A Realtors
408.274.8766

Co-listed with:
Erin and Jeff Benford
Alain Pinel Realtors
408.644.5159/5175

Please check out the virtual tour:
www.tourfactory.com/513748

The Villages FARMERS' MARKET

It is that time again!

Opening Day, Wednesday, May 20th, 9:30am - 11:30am.

The Villages Farmers' Market will be held in the Clubhouse Parking Lot and will run every Wednesday until Fall.

Come out and purchase the seasonal specialities directly from the farmers:

* Tree ripened cherries from Hollister
* First of the season's tender apricots from Modesto
* Vine-riped strawberries from Watsonville
* Organic produce
* Fresh cut flowers
* Crisp salad greens
* Specialty baked breads
* & more direct from Certified Growers and Producers!

GREEN TIP: Leaks Faucets

Leaky faucets that drip at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. Not sure if you have a leak? Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.

May Community Events

Join in the fun with an activity filled month:

May 10 - Special Mothers Day Brunch
May 16 & 17 - Villages Amateur Theater Show
May 22 - Dancing with the Social Dance Club
May 27 - Wine Tasting and Cooking Demo
May 29 - Opera San Jose Performing

San Jose Museum of Art - A3 Benefit (Art, Auction & Accessories)

Mother's Day is approaching! Purchase a fabulous gift...and help the San Jose Museum of Art

This weekend! April 25 & 26, 2009, 11am - 5pm, FREE entry to event.

The annual A³ Benefit of the San Jose Museum of Art is a highly anticipated event on the Bay Area arts calendar. The A³ Benefit is the Museum's major fundraising event of spring and raises significant funds for award-winning exhibitions and public programs.

Magnificent jewelry designs, original artwork, raffle and silent auction items such as gift baskets and certificates will be featured.

Baby Boomer Senior Expo 2009!

New Era Seniors Lifestyle Show
This is Information for Baby Boomers and beyond!

http://www.BoomerSeniorShow.com


Where: Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
When: Sunday April 26, 2009
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
FREE Admission and Parking

This is an opportunity for baby boomers, seniors, family of seniors and caregivers to meet experts. The full day Expo and Seminars include
topics such as:

*Affordable housing for independent living.
*Home care assistance
*Home improvements – room additions, painting, modifications, wheel chair access
*Long Term Care
*Real Estate - investments, mortgages, reverse mortgages, etc.
*Travel information
*Trust & Wills
*Wealth management and wealth creation
*And much more!

AS A NOTE, I will be exhibiting and talking about the real estate opportunities available in The Villages Golf & Country Club. Just look for B & A Realtors and ActiveOver50 publication.

Visit my exhibit booth and receive a FREE Thank You Gift!

Moving into Less Space? Take a hard line on purging belongings

To make for a smooth non-stressful move, avoid the five most deadly mistakes:

1. DON'T leave the purging process until you're ready to move.

2. DON'T be stubborn about doing it all on your own.

3. DON'T focus too much on giving items a good home instead of getting rid of them.

4. DON'T forget to label boxes on all four sides.

5. DON'T forget to pack everything up systematically.

Good purging requires effort and time. If you can't make these changes yourself, get help. A good professional organizer can guide you from the purging to settling in.

HELPFUL HINTS...Other uses for Alka Seltzer

Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.

Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water
and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the
jewelry for two minutes.

Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

Unclog a drain.
To clear the sink drain, drop three Alka Seltzer tablets down the
drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
and then run the hot water.

SCAM ARTISTS USING FORGED LETTERHEAD TO CON CALIFORNIANS

California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. is warning consumers that scam artists are using the forged letterhead of major lenders to "con" worried Californians into paying thousands of dollars for non-existent loan modification services.

"Californians should be deeply skeptical of anyone who demands money up front and makes extravagant promises that they can save their home," Brown said. Steps consumers can take to protect themselves from loan modification fraud are available at the local board of realtors.

Be very careful and it is always advisable to do some due diligence or ask your real estate professional for assistance.

NOTE: Complaints may be filed with the Attorney General's Office at: Office of the Attorney General - Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244