The votes are in and the winner is…John Harper of The Harper Mees Team.  The RMA, which meets in San Ramon every Thursday, recognized John Harper as the top realtor of the quarter.  John was genuinely surprised at the meeting today where he was presented with a plaque by Will Doerlich, president of the RMA.

According to Kris Viers, RMA Advisory Council member, each quarter the RMA Board of Directors chooses a Realtor and an affiliate to honor for their contributions to the organization, the real estate community and the community at large.  John was nominated because of his work with the RMA in getting the new website up and running (www.rmatoday.com) and for his interest and involvement with other organizations within the industry.  We know he's worked with the Women’s Council of Realtors / WCR (www.wcrccc.org) for example, in trying to get their website going as well.  John attends the RMA meetings on a pretty regular basis, is always upbeat and positive, and is the ultimate "networker" which is what RMA is all about.  He has done a lot to promote the Realtors' Marketing Association since he started attending - even before the website - and that has not gone unnoticed.  After he was nominated, the Board quickly finalized their decision to make John their choice as Realtor of the Quarter.

Having known John for all my life, this comes as no surprise to me.  John has been a true innovator in the use of technology over the years and his understanding of the Internet and marketing over the Internet is truly unique. Congratulations John!  Well Deserved!!!

-Craig Harper, your inspired brother, business partner and biggest fan.

IndyMac Bancorp Inc, one of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders, said on Monday it will eliminate 3,800 jobs and stop making most home loans after regulators concluded it was no longer "well-capitalized.

The jobs lost reflect almost half of IndyMac’s workforce. The ripple effects of the subprime meltdown continue.

This latest development will have an impact on home loans in the Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek areas. IndyMac has had a very active group of mortgage professionals in the TriValley Area. The Realtors Marketing Association which meets every Thursday morning in San Ramon was always well-attended by IndyMac.

Additionally, IndyMac Bank and it’s staff were always very supportive of the RMA and the various charities and events associated with real estate activities in Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon.

We wish our friends and colleagues strength, perseverance and all the best. We will be watching these development closely.

Thursday’s weekly meeting of the RMA – Realtors Marketing Association – at the San Ramon Community Center included the acknowledgment of the Realtor of the Year and the Affiliate of the Year awards.

Jim Walberg of Keller Williams Realty in Danville received recognition for his service to the community and the association. He was awarded Realtor of the Year. Jim has been selling real estate in the East Bay for over 20 years. He is a past president of the RMA, amember of Rotary and is actively involved in the Winter Special Olympics and the One Warm Coat program.

Affiliate of the Year went to Cathy Lee of CLDesign Services. Cathy Lee is one of the foremost stagers in the I-680 Corridor. She attends all three marketing association weekly meetings regularly and is always lending a hand in the numerous yearly activities. She is actively involved with the Women’s Council of Realtors.

These awards went to well-deserving people. They are exemplars of what professionals in the real estate community should be and I consider myself fortunate to be their friend and professional associate.

A lot is going on today. First to the Realtos Marketing Association meeting in San Ramon and then to Berkeley for two meetings, back to Danville to enjoy Capital Market Funding's hospitality barbeque, and now finally to the office to write a couple of quick posts.

Then, I have to find a new laptop. A month ago, my desktop died and now this laptop is acting up - you can only pound the keys so many times before they start pounding back.

Todays listings included:

• 201 Sydney Drive, Alamo
• 1129 Leisure Lane #3, Rossmoor
• 115 Leafield Road, Danville
• 9085 Alcosta Boulevard #413, San Ramon
• 7292 Bedford Way, Dublin
• 311 Live Oak Drive, Blackhawk
• 394 Lio Lane #703, Danville
• 2629 Fountainhead Drive, Danville
• 3161 Wrangler Raod, San Ramon
• 7116 Cross Creek Circle #D, Dublin
• 2689 Marsh Drive, San Ramon
• 3065-5 Lakemont Drive, San Ramon
• 3090 Lakemont Drive #1, San Ramon
• 143 Cameo Drive, Danville
• 67 Deer Meadow Lane, Blackhawk

The Harper Team can assist you with the purchase of these or any other properties in the East Bay area. We offer a Buyer's Guarantee and a Client Satisfaction Guarantee. We keep our clients informed as we work to move transactions forward while reducing the hassle-factor and stress for our clients.

Realtors Marketing Association - April 5

I managed to skate through the weekly RMA meeting today without having to stand up and have everyone sing happy birthday to me. A big sigh of relief in the room when it was reported that local sex offender Daniel Duran is behind bars.

Easter baskets were everywhere. The question arose about whether or not we have to now call them Spring Baskets. Personally, all of this politcal correctness chaps my cheeks at times. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a military family where we got to move frequently. This resulted in, I believe, less racial, ethnic, religious and local prejudice on my part and that of my siblings. I am not a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, or a Muslim. Yet, I can support each of them in their traditions and holidays. Enough on this point.

Todays listing presentations included:

• 605 Cobblestone Drive, San Ramon
• 15 Pecan Court, San Ramon
• 304 Pheasant Run Drive, Blackhawk
• 67 Deer Meadow Lane, Blackhawk
• 3240-112 Maguire Way, Dublin
• 102 Cameo Drive, Danville
• 467 Love lane, Danville
• 130 El Nido Court, Diablo
• 527 Zenith Ridge Drive, Danville
• 742 Pelican Court, Danville
• 3079 Sorrelwood Drive, San Ramon
• 7292 Bedford Way, Dublin
• 144 Canyon Lakes Way, San Ramon
• 318 Montoya Way, Danville
• 204 Viewpoint Drive, Danville

 Our thanks to this month's sponsors: Land America Commonwealth, and Wells Fargo.