The Valley Marketing Association for Pleasanton and Dublin, CA had their second meeting of the year at Tommy T’s – and what a meeting it was. Roy Dronkers (Pres.) and his Board of Directors are doing a fantastic job of evolving the VMA into a real asset for its members and the communities the VMA serves.

Let me begin with Tommy T, seen here with Karen T, V.P. of the Valley Marketing Asociation, (sharing the same last name, I assume these two are kissing cousins). We can’t thank Tommy enough for opening his establishment to the Valley Marketing Association.

The sound and projection system is being put to good use by Roy and his team. Roy and Stephen Bullock are seen here posing as technology experts.

Roy and Karen started the meeting by grooving to the beat. After some quick intros and the threat of heavy fines for misbehavin’ cell phones, Roy showed some video of his newly acquired gavel being chewed on by his (also newly acquired) Welsh Corgy.

Training videos were presented that helped attending real estate professionals to perfect the “no response” and build confidence when assisting clients during a break-up.

We also had a panel of local experts give us their take on the current market  -

• Stephen Bullock – Diablo Funding Blackhawk – Stable rates and continued disARMing. 5% to 7% depreciation in prices by the time things finally settle.
• Ernie Collins – Old Republic Title – 23% decline in 2006 titles overall in Alameda County – Expect a 20% increase in 2007.
• Sandra Eaton – reports that homebuilders see the wind beginning to shift. Inventory is stabilizing – 5% increase in price and incentives are beginning to be reduced.
• Cathy Z – In her informal poll – 9 of 10 Realtors® report activity picking up.
• Bob Shapiro – Keller Williams TriValley – sale price to list price ratio was at 100% for last 3 months. Escrow problems being reported are mostly due to financing issues – stay in communication with the lender.
• Joe Engel – Prudential – little bit of air still needs to come out of prices.
• Phil Vermont (attorney) – cautions on being overly aggressive when representing the sellers position and any statements need to be worded as opinions and not fact.

CAR’s California Housing Market Forecast for 2007

Cooling home sales, modest price increase. “The residential real estate market in 2006 was characterized by a gap between buyer and seller expectations.”

End of year figures show a drop of approximately 23% in units sold. My opinion – if you take out the flippers and the investors – you’re left with people who want to live in homes buying them. This accounts for a great deal of the drop and is good for the market.

Karen T with Kahai Tate (Aloha Staging) and Elizabeth Forth (Refined Interior Design)

Happy 80th Birthday to Don Larsen who keeps the Valley Marketing Association sharp by providing weekly brain teasers and puzzles.