Attendance at the weekly Realtors Marketing Association meeting in San Ramon was light today. There were only a handful of new listings presented including:

• 498 Montcrest Place, Danville
• 3098 Deer Meadow Drive, Blackhawk
• 1941 Hollyview Drive, San Ramon

Representatives from Toll Brothers' Sorrento development at Dublin Ranch advised that their houses are ready for buyers. We, The Harper Team, can help you negotiate favorable terms on all of the properties presented today. See our buyer's guarantee.

Stacy Kennedy from Pacific Auction Exchange has an auction coming up on Feb 23. 

A highlight of the meeting was Kurt Beale's presentation on emergency gas shut off valves. Contra Costa County now requires that any home being sold has automatic gas shut off valves installed at the meter and at each gas appliance in the residence. 

Kurt's company Gas Lock, Inc. is at the forefront of this business. He has established close relationships with Contra Costa County to help expedite the permits required and assure that all of the documentation is quickly processed. Gas Lock, Inc. has close relationships with all of the predominate valve manufacturers in the industry. The automatic shut-off valves (excess flow valves and seismic valves) are installed to protect families in the event of accidental rupture of gas lines or breakage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes and earth slides.

It looks like the valves Kurt recommends are by BrassCraft - Safety+Plus Meter Excess Flow Valve.

Linda Kralik, President of the Realtors Marketing Association, voiced her opinion that the County seems to be making the local Realtors the gas valve policemen as it is your Realtor that must ensure that the valves are installed prior to the close of escrow.

Many home sellers will not be looking forward to the added expense for selling their homes. Check with your real estate professional for more details on the requirements.