Help stamp out San Ramon foreclosures.

Foreclosures are starting to pop up in San Ramon, CA.

Two weeks ago, we were on our weekly tour of new property listings in San Ramon and I saw my first big black and yellow public auction sign for a San Ramon home in foreclosure. I didn’t think San Ramon was immune to foreclosures, but seeing the sign was a little disconcerting as it was on a house within ten blocks of ours.

Rick, his wife and two young children used to live in this San Ramon house.

I remember when this house sold. For a couple of months neighbors were wondering about the new neighbors.

New dual-pane windows were installed, the interior and exterior got new paint. New sod was laid in front and other interior improvements were made.

One day I was walking through this neighborhood passing out baseball game schedules for the Oakland A’s and the SF Giants, when I met Rick. Rick seemed to be in his late twenties and was putting the new fence up. I introduced myself, gave him a ball schedule and welcomed him to the neighborhood.

A few weeks ago, I was walking the neighborhood handing out some summer events flyers when I noticed a landscaping crew cleaning up the property. I had noticed for about two months that the place seem untended, but couldn’t find out any info.

The cleanup crew told me that the house would soon be auctioned. I have no idea what happened to Rick and the family. Did they fall on hard times? Are they a statistic in the adjusting housing market? Did the supprime loan meltdown claim them as victims?

I wonder if there was any way that things could have turned out different. It disturbs me when I think there might have been an opportunity to help if only we had known early enough. It seems that many people facing difficulties have trouble seeking help soon enough. I know that I suffer this malady at times. It’s unfortunate because most people respond in a positive fashion to those in such situations.

If you and your family are facing the possibility of difficult times due to the adjustment in the housing market or the subprime loan meltdown – reach out now to your lender, mortgage broker, or real estate agent. Every professional I have met in the local real estate industry would want to help you keep your home yours.