Fremont Real Estate and Beyond

FEMA announced late Friday that it will once again renew flood insurance policies, which were halted during the partial federal government shutdown.  This has affected ~40,000 home sale transactions nationwide.  More info here-- https://rismedia.com/2018/12/31/nar-helps-secure-fema-reversal-shutdown/

The Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) has released preliminary information about its new Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) program. As of July 1, 2019 , the PSL requires a home owner to inspect, repair or replace their sewer laterals when selling their home. Information about the PSL requirements and process is available here-- http://www.cvsan.org/PSL

The Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) is holding a town hall on April 26 about their proposal to require property owners to inspect, repair or replace their sewer lateral when selling their home.  The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and CVSan is considering holding the town hall at the Castro Valley Library. CVSan has added information about the proposed program to their website.  You can leave comments and questions about the program, too.   If you are a Castro Valley resident, own or manage property in Castro Valley or represent clients either living in or wanting to purchase a home in Castro Valley, please visit the website by clicking here .  Question or comments about the proposal can be emailed to CVSan by clicking here .

Construction of 30-home Central Commons affordable housing project in Centerville has started.  This is a partnership between the City of Fremont and Habitat for Humanity giving lower income families the opportunity to own their own home in Fremont. Homeowners are selected on their ability to pay, need for housing, and willingness to partner and contribute numerous hours of “sweat equity” into the construction of their home. If you’re interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner, submit a Pre-Application or contact the Homeowner Relations Team at (510) 803‑3344 or homeownerinfo@habitatebsv.org for more information.

Starting today and for only 30 days the state Earthquake Brace + Bolt program (EBB) is giving up to $3,000 towards a seismic retrofit. To check if your zip code qualifies, go here-- https://www.earthquakebracebolt.com/HomeownerRegistration

From the SF Chronicle, Pacific Gas and Electric will now charge a one time interconnection fee of $145 and add a monthly charge to new homes that go solar.  The monthly charge will go towards subsidizing the utility bills of low-income families. More info here-- http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/PG-E-customers-who-go-solar-face-new-fees-10802090.php?t=b69d04e9af

Gov. Jerry Brown signed off on  Senate Bill 1069, which eases the restrictions on building in-law, or "Granny" units on properties zoned for single family homes.  This will hopefully ease the housing shortage in the Bay Area. More info here-- http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/27/california-eases-restrictions-on-granny-units/