East Bay Real Estate

Hunger never takes a Holiday!  The Food Bank Pantry is almost empty, and the need is GREAT!

Every month there are 70,000+ meals served in Contra Costa and Solano Counties!!!  And with because the financial stress of the last year and specifically the last few months the need for meals has skyrocketed, and the Food Bank  resources have shrunk.  Unemployment is rising, the economy is still being impacted each day by the credit meltdown, and people are acting from fear when it comes to meeting the needs of their specific family.   The East Bay real estate communities are banding together with a commitment to find people like you to help.

The Food Bank warehouse is located in Concord, California, and it is huge!  If you stop by there this week, the shelves are almost bare.  The demographics of the East Bay range from incredible wealth to incredible poverty - all within a 20 mile radius.  Those with a loaf of bread need to share a slice of it with someone.  Those with only a slice of bread need to share a bite with someone.  It is even more important for us, in these uncertain financial times, to live out the words, “Service Above Self”.

The Food Bank is the one at the front lines of providing meals to those in need in our community.  They desperately need our help - NOW.  In Contra Costa and Solana Counties 33% of the people receiving emergency food are children and 21.4% are over 50 years old. The Food Bank has created a method for you to “shop on line”  in order to fill their Pantry.  Also, any cash donation allows them to purchase $6 worth of food for every $1 donated!  With the need so great, please take action today.  It will only take a few moments of your time and the meals served because of your kind help will sustain thousands less fortunate than you.  And, if you are driving downtown Danville this next week, please drop off any non-perishable food or checks made out to the Food Bank to our office at 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200, Danville, in the Rose Garden Center.  Or, contact me  and I will come and pick up any donations from your home or place of business.  Until next time…your East Bay lifestyle detective remains on duty.  

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WCR is committed to serving the needs of woman in the East Bay real estate community - both Realtors and those women at risk!

For the 24^th year Women’s Council of Realtor’s  Bay Area chapter produced and hosted their annual “Enchanted Nights” Fashion Show.  This year’s elegant show was held at the Palm Event Center  in the heart of the Livermore Valley wine region.  The event is one of the many that WCR hosts during the year as they support the needs of women.  Karen Kohne,  the current president of the Southern Alameda chapter, shared their Mission Statement. “We are a network of successful Realtors empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.  Through our influence as successful business professionals, women will effect positive change in the real estate profession and within the broader community we serve.”

The Fashion Show models are all local Realtors and service providers.  WOW!  There were some beautiful people who volunteered to be the models!!!  They even invited me as the token “old guy”.  All of the women and men’s outfits were donated by Helen Lyall’s  elegant women’s boutique, and the Men’s Warehouse  in Pleasanton.  This event would not be possible without the direct support of these gracious and professional merchants.  Sue Evans Photography  also provided many of the photos for the models.  The Fashion Show was in at the same level of excellence that we have seen at the Luxury Real Estate conferences. In fact, it may be a GREAT idea for LRE to start an international Fashion Show supporting community needs.  I will report back on that idea.

WCR’s members live their Mission/Vision each day with this group of professionals - both women and men, serve their community in very significant ways.  For example, one of the organizations they support is Shepard’s Gate  in Livermore.  Shepherd’s Gate has earned the reputation for rebuilding shattered lives. Since 1984,  they have helped over 8,700 battered and homeless women and children. They provide a safe haven for women and their children who are homeless because of abusive relationships, addictions, loss of financial support and other factors.  Our real estate community has GIVING BACK as a key value statement.

In addition to their work in supporting community needs, they sponsor a monthly educational seminar for the real estate industry.  WCR is one of the key organizations that focus on life long learning for our industry.  Some of the presenters that have been a part of the 2008 education programs have been California Associate of Realtor’s leadership team, real estate attorneys sharing key legal issues regarding Realtors and consumers, and even a panel of Realtors sharing their best ideas for a market that is in midst of one of the most dramatic shifts in past 20 years.

Again, this is not a group just for women.  Even the leadership teams of many of the WCR chapters include men who recognize the benefits of being a part of this dedicated group of professionals.  I have been a member of WCR for years.  Contact me  if you want more information about this group, or if you just want to buyer or sell real estate.  Our team is standing ready to serve.  Until next time…your East Bay life style detective remains on duty.

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Next Tuesday will culminate the most historic event in U.S. politics with either an African American as president, or a woman as Vice President!

Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin - I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted with the 20 month marathon of this campaign.  I can only imagine that the CNN reporters are in the same condition - exhausted, given they work very hard each day to come up with the “newest best thing”  to report on daily.  What in the world is CNN going to do after Tuesday for their daily entertainment?   Here are some of my suggestions to consider for the next Presidential election;

Anyone running for President who currently holds an elected political office must resign that office so someone else can be appointed who will serve their constituents during their campaign.  A person running for President is out of the Congress, Senate, or as Governor for 20+ months campaigning and it is not fair to those who elected her/him to be without representation.

The Republicans and the Democrats need to be provided equal Federal campaign funds to spend on their race for the White House.  NO  other campaign funds are allowed to be spent by either candidate.  Then a level playing field will be created so the Presidency will not be able to be “bought” by whomever has the most money.

NO  negative advertising will be permited; print, mailers, newspaper, or television.  The candidates will only be able to address the topics of their Presidency if they are elected.  The question addressed by each of them during their campaign will only be, “Why should I be elected President?”  Not,  “Why you should NOT vote for my opponent?”

All campaign promises made by a Presidential candidate will be logged into a website that will be managed by the Federal Election Committee.  This website of promises will be updated for the entire four years of the winning candidate’s Presidency.  The results of how they delivered on their promises will be posted monthly for all to see.  Accountability  seems to be a deadly word in Washington today.

I am sure you will have many more ideas that need to be considered, too, so leave a comment about how our next presidential election will be more beneficial for our entire country.  My next political observations are the State and local races, and issues that can boggle the minds of any voter.  Here are some of my observations…

Local city council elections can be as negative and mudslinging as any of the National elections.  Once a person becomes an incumbent they usually want to stay in their elected office.  Some incumbents do amazing things to make sure they stay in office.  There must be a “nasty campaign school” that is hidden from the public where candidates can learn how to sabotage opponents.  You may want to vote for the new person on the ticket and see if they bring  new ideas to local issues.  And, anyone running for office needs to checkout the California Campaign Fair Practices site.

Carefully consider initiatives that impact your personal pocketbook and determine if you really want to spend the money that the initiative is promoting.  Next support issues of human and civil rights.  Vote No  on issues that take away any rights of privacy, or civil rights.

Support initiatives that assist with education and roads.  We need more financial support of our schools in order to regain a world class position of our schools in California.  And, our roads are falling apart Statewide with little end in sight.  They need our help, too.

OK, enough of my political ramblings.  The bottom line is I am mentally worn out with this election year.  So, let’s turn off the TV,  stop the newspaper deliveries, and work on the local needs of our communities instead of believing the sky is falling and running for cover.  It is not,  and we will continue to create a magnificent local, State, and National experience.  But, we will all need to work on it together.  Until next time, let me know your thoughts…  

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Last night Keller Williams Realty - Danville and The Bay Area Team celebrated the grand opening of their brand new office at the Rose Garden Center!

What a night!!!  The East Bay community was out in mass last night celebrating the grand opening of Keller Williams - Danville’s  new expanded location at The Rose Garden Center  The Bay Area Team,  owned by Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent,  has been a part of Keller Williams Realty for almost four years as they continue to expand their real estate resource center.  They have been serving the real estate needs of the East Bay community for over 30 years.  It felt like the Academy Awards last night because of the excitement of all those who attended.

Keller Williams Realty has only been in the local real estate scene in the East Bay for about seven years - a relative new kid on the block.  However, since they arrived, they have evolved into one the preeminent real estate brands in the Bay Area.  Keller Williams is the fastest growing real estate company in North America ranking fourth among the national brokerages.  They have over 76,000 Realtors at 665+ market centers.  The growth of Keller Williams in the East Bay has been nothing but extraordinary!  Since their Danville office came to town five years ago they out grew their location at the corner of El Cerro and freeway 680, with almost 200 Realtors as part of their Market Center!

The impact they have had in serving the real estate needs of the East Bay has been so dramatic that the East Bay Business Times last year awarded the company “East Bay’s Real Estate Company Of The Year!”  This honor is reserved for company who has demonstrated the significant market share in the region, an extraordinary customer service model, and a commitment to serving the greater needs of the local community.

Jim and Ann Marie have distinguished themselves within their industry and are leaders in their various business disciplines;  Fine Homes & Estates;  Relocation - local,  national and international;   “Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate”;   “Baby Boomer” - Second & Third Homes - locally and internationally;  Fractional Deeded Ownership real estate - United States, Caribbean, Southeast Asia;  Empty Nesters & Seniors;  International Investors;  First Time Home Buyers;  and, For Sale By Owners.   They have also received many industry awards acknowledging their commitment to their community, some of which are,  Realtor Of The Year  three times, Top Team - Keller Williams Realty- Danville  Rotarian Of The Year, and Northern California’s Community Service Award.

There is great excitement at Keller Williams Realty and The Bay Area Team as they have opened a new chapter of the expansion of their real estate services to the East Bay.  During these stormy economic times they are constantly focused on being the local “lighthouse” for their clients -  remembering that real estate markets are ALWAYS local no matter what the doom and gloom the National media may be printing.  In the midst of this moment of celebration, the mantra of the day is, “Do not be fearful!”   Jim and Ann Marie are so grateful for the support of the army of “raving fan” clients and friends who continue to seek out their real estate services.  Until next time…contact me today  with any of your real estate needs or questions.

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Marianne Bordogna has thrown her hat into the race for on of the Danville council seats to be decided on November 4th.

Who would have thought that a community activist who has never run for public office would throw her hat into the ring for the November election of the new Danville Town Council?  Well, it has just happened!!!  Marianne Bordogna, is the “new kid on the block” who has been nominated to have her name on the November ballot.  Until she showed up there were only three incumbents to vote for, and….there were only three spots to fill.  SO…what type of “choice” is that?  Marianne decided that she has sat on the sidelines long enough and is now ready to make a difference in the direction of how The Town Of Danville evolves.  There are many issues facing the Town Council today - Responsible growth in the Tassajara Valley;  Affordable housing; Infrastructure;  Senior Services;  Addressing specific projects, such as the Veteran’s Hall and the Danville Hotel complex; and, many more that need to be effectively addressed.  Marianne has the qualifications and the commitment to address them all!

I had a chance to speak with her today regarding why she believes she would be the best candidate for the Danville Town council.  Marianne told me,  “I am running for town council because I love where we live and want to maintain the uniqueness My experience of resolving issues within the context of the ‘bigger picture’ brings a new voice and a much different perspective in creating solutions that makes us all Danville.”  She laid out five specific items that make up her campaign’s platform;

• Proactively engage San Ramon and county officials on future Tassajara boundaries, which directly impact our town - the unincorporated parts Danville and Blackhawk;
• Seek solutions to traffic and downtown parking via stronger relationships among our school district, businesses, planners and council;
• Expand activities and meeting places for teens, singles and seniors
• Streamline our building permit and planning process for homeowners and builders, while ensuring that appropriate studies, architectural standards, community input and common sense have been applied in decision-making so that new projects (Danville Hotel, Veteran’s Hall) augment our town
• Grow Danville’s business community, while balancing downtown events that attract potential new residents - and revenue.

If elected, she wants to hear from you - often!  She is new to the political arena, but not to leadership roles. I have discovered over the past five years that she listens with an open mind and analyzes the facts, before reaching a decision.  She is a very quick study - and fully committed to win/win outcomes. When she is elected she will implement fiscal policies that continue to enhance all aspects of the quality of life that is so valued in the Danville community.

Obviously, she would appreciate your vote, and I know she would be a welcomed addition to the leadership, and stewardship of the Town of Danville.  Check out her website and learn more about her plans for addressing the important issues that are facing our community - www.DanvilleTownCouncil.com .   Your Bay Area lifestyle detective is always on duty.  Until next time…

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2008 “Stand Down” serves 600 homeless veterans at the Alameda County Fairgrounds August 7th - 10th!

Another example as to how your real estate community and its service-providers continue to give back to the needs of the Bay Area was demonstrated again last Friday morning at 5:30AM at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  Members of the Realtors Marketing Association served breakfast to a “village” of war veterans.  Every two years the Diablo Valley Vietnam Veterans Association arranges for an entire “tent city” to be set up in the East Bay so homeless veterans can be served.  “Stand Down” is a term used during war to describe the practice of removing combat troops from the field and take care of their basic needs in a safe place.  That is exactly what has been created for 600 homeless veterans this week.  The RMA contracts Ruggie’s Restaurant in San Ramon to supply ALL the food they serve.

Realtor Mike Weber - a member of the Diablo Valley Vietnam Veteran’s, is the person who continues to invite the real estate community to be a participate in supporting this important project.  They always say YES!  Some of the services available for these lost, but not forgotten veterans are;

• Medical facilities to serve their health needs - including dental, plus a follow-up care program;
• A “field court” with County judges to fast-track clearing up legal issues that may be preventing these veterans from securing employment;
• Job placement services that also assists them in having DMV re-issued drivers licenses;
• Assisting with identifying residential opportunities; 
• A complete barber shop, new clothing, shoes and other basic clothing needs.

The Diablo Valley Vietnam Veterans were inspired to create the first East Bay Stand Down in 1999 in order to provide a respite from the “streets”.  In the midst of all the services provided the commitment of is to treat each of these veterans with respect and dignity.  Most of us are unaware, and maybe don’t want to know, that there are over 250,000 homeless veterans on the streets of our cities on any given night.  Just in our Bay Area there are over 7,000 homeless veterans!  An even sadder statistic is that a BIG number of these veterans have little or no contact with Veteran Administration for either medial or financial aid.  Stand Down directly addresses the issue that cannot be ignored any longer - aiding and assisting veterans in need to improve their lives, no matter how difficult it may be to do so.

The first Stand Down was held in San Diego in 1988.  It has now been integrated into over 200 cities around the country with over 100,000 veterans and their families being served.  A key objective is to break the cycle of the homeless epidemic within the veteran community.  These are the men and women who have served our country, and we need to make sure they are not forgotten.  A quote that is appropriate for their mission is, “A community is often judged by how well it takes care of its own.”  Serving the needs of those who have served to protect and create Freedom in the world is a worth activity for all of us to consider.  Please contact Stand Down or Jim Walberg if you want to personally get involved, or to make financial contributions.  Also, contact me any time to find out about other service opportunities for Bay Area community projects.  Until next time…your East Bay real estate detective remains on duty.

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The East Bay rocked last night at Blackhawk Country Club’s Amphitheater with a Kenny Loggins Concert!

Who would have ever guessed that Blackhawk Country Club would be the location of an unforgettable world class concert with Kenny Loggins?  If you clear out tennis court #1, and set up tables on the court and all around the tennis court amphitheater you have the most wonderful and intimate setting for a concert.  Last night this location at the Blackhawk Country Club was another magical moment happening in the East Bay.  To a sellout crowd who paid some BIG dough for a ticket which included dinner, Kenny WOW’d them!  He and his band had the audience dancing in the isles singing along with 30 years of his many hit songs , and even a few new ones from his latest album - “How About Now?”.

Berkeley Honda and it’s owner, Steve Haworth, were one of the few corporate sponsors that allowed this evening to happen.  Steve and his company are key supporters of the Wheelchair Foundation.  Not only does Berkeley Honda sell one of the best cars on the road - Honda, they are committed to giving back to their community.  As you have read in my past articles, I want to hangout with people that have the values of “service above self”.  This company is one of them.  And, their leader, Steve Haworth, is leaving a legacy behind of being the auctioneer at many of the Bay Area’s key fundraising events…from the Lazerex Foundation annual dinner, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation auction held last year in Danville.  He is also the most sought after auctioneers at most of the school and sports fundraisers in the East Bay.  He personally has raised millions of dollars with his skills as an auctioneer in getting people to open up their check books and give BIG to causes that are critical to the service to our community, schools, and those less fortunate.  Within nine minutes last night Steve was able to have people contribute $40,000 to the Wheelchair Foundation as they purchased items such as a week’s trip for two to Paris, a two day Cal / Oregon football game event ending at the Claremont Hotel for four people, and even an two day wine country event for four people that went for almost $4,000!  He is a marvel to watch as he passionately involves the audience in contributing to this worthy cause.

In the audience was the president of the Wheelchair Foundation - David Behring.  David’s father, Ken Behring - who built Blackhawk Country Club, was so moved by those he has met over the years during his world travels that could not walk, that he decided to make a difference in their lives by providing them a wheelchair.  This simple idea has exploded into the world’s most effective organization that provides mobility to those less fortunate.  The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Blackhawk, leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to EVERY child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. This simple idea that Ken had five or six years ago has now delivered over 750,000 wheelchairs worldwide as it continues to keep its promise.  Several years ago they partnered with Rotary International - an international service organization that has created matching grants for the purchase and distribution of wheelchairs.  A person can now donate just $80 for a wheelchair, and these two foundations will pay the rest of the cost!  So, you can make a difference today by going to their website and contributing $80 knowing that the small amount of money you just gave provided mobility for someone who has never walked.  How cool is that?

So, what does Kenny Loggins, Berkeley Honda, and the Wheelchair Foundation have in common - hearts of service.  Don’t forget…to whom much is given, much is required.  There are opportunities around us everyday where we can make a difference.  It is just a matter of paying attention and then acting.  Last night was one of those unforgettable moments.  Until next time…

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It looks like September 1st will be the date that KW will be moving to The Rose Garden in Danville.

 I mentioned last month that the rumor was true…Keller Williams Realty - Danville was moving in the next few months in order to expand their office because of the growth of the Realtors choosing to be a part of the dynamic business model Keller Williams has created.  Well, I just saw a temporary sign at the Rose Garden to confirm that it is TRUE.  I walked up the stairs through the construction workers and had Ann Marie take a photo of me in front of the sign just to prove it.  I also spoke with Kristin White late today, the Team Leader of the Danville office and they are planning on moving into the Rose Garden Center in early September.

She let me know that they have close to 190 Realtors already in their Danville office on La Gonda Way,  and they expect to find a few more GREAT Realtors in the next five months that will bring their agent count to over 225!  This is the company that received the East Bay Business Times “Real Estate Company Of The Year” award last year because of their contribution to the real estate industry and to the East Bay community. With many real estate companies down-sizing and even exiting the local markets, Keller Williams is expanding.  Their business model is to “lead with revenue”.  They do not bet on the future, they only spend money that they have.  And, a part of their business model is the Agent Leadership Council, which is made up of 12 Realtors from each office that are in the top 20% of sales that are invited to be the Market Center’s “board of directors”.  They are the ones that represent the Realtors in the office with any policy or financial decisions, again, knowing that any business must lead with revenue.  Because of this financial model, the Danville Keller Williams office has been able to keep ALL of their costs down in a manner that is now allowing them to take advantage of the current real estate markets and fill the void that continues to be created by down-sizing, consolidations, and companies that are closing their doors.

The East Bay Business Times ranks the real estate companies each year for production and agent count.  Keller Williams Realty has moved from 14th spot three years ago to the 6th spot two years ago, and now to the #3 spot this past year among all East Bay real estate companies.  They have their eyes focused on being the #1 market share leader within the next few years in the East Bay.  Keep your eyes out for their RED signs.  They seem to be popping up all over!  When you stop in at the Rose Garden make sure you say hello to the gang at Keller Williams.  You may want to also check out the GREAT restaurants that have aready opened there.  And,  there are so many more fun businesses coming…from a day spa, to a skateboard company.  And, you can always stop by Navlet’s to pick up some plants for your home.  I guess the words that come to mind with this move for Keller Williams is… “Welcome Home!”  Your East Bay life style detective remains on duty!

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June 20, 2008 was the official date of the start of the California fire season, and Jim Walberg found himself right in the middle of the mess. 

“If I told you that 526,707 acres have burned in California since June 20th would you believe me?  Well, believe me.  Here are some further sobering stats regarding our fire season that is just three weeks old with over $350 million spent so far with a State budget for fighting fires this year at about $100 million!  Yikes!!!”

1. Number of California fires: 1,783 with 332 fires still burning.
2. Over 20,260 people have been assigned to fight the California fires.
3. There are 1,641 fire engines in service; 531 fire crews; 331 dozers; 429 water tenders; and, 118 helicopters on duty.

Last Wednesday my wife and I took our daughter down to Santa Barbara City College so she could register for the Fall semester - one of the most beautiful California college campuses we have ever seen.  It slopes right down to the Pacific Ocean.  While we were there we also assisted our middle son to move from one of his college housing to another one.  We anticipated a fun family weekend, with our oldest son driving up from Loyola-Marymount University to join us in the celebration of his 22^nd birthday since we were already in Santa Barbara.

Well, it didn’t work out the way we planned.  We left about 5:30AM on Wednesday morning in order to be at SBCC before noon so our daughter could participate with her counselor in organizing her class schedule.  As we came down Highway 101 entering Goleta, we noticed a few puffs of smoke trails coming from the coastal mountains with Goleta at their base.  In the car we noted that we were sad to see another small fire given there has been over 1,750 California fires since June 20, 2008!!!  What started out as a few puffs of smoke on just a few acres of land turned into a State disaster over the next three days!  Now, close to 9,000 acres have burned with Governor Schwaszenegger proclaiming a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of what they are now calling the Gap Fire.

Governor Schwarzenegger said. “California has the best firefighters in the world, and I also want to commend them for their dedication under such difficult circumstances. Thanks to their hard work, we are making progress in containing the more than 1,000 current fires, and through our local, state and federal coordination and resources, we will put these fires out and help our affected communities recover as quickly as possible.”  One of the keys to having only a few structured burned in the Gap Fire was the work of homeowners in these Santa Barbara foothills complying with the “100′ Defensible Space law”… keeping burnable debris at least a 100 feet from all sides of your home and property.

So, we were staying at a very nice hotel in Goleta with the sky turning dark during the day as if it was dusk.  Ash was raining down on everyone, and the fire burned through several power stations which had all of the electricity in Goleta do down.  There were over a 1,000 people evacuated to shelters such as the Goleta High School gym.  We were not prepared for being in a hotel with nothing but our cell phones working - not even a candle.  I remembered we had an earthquake survival kit in my car.  What I didn’t remember is that it was over 15 years old.  When I opened it up everything had spoiled or evaporated.  So, one of the benefits of our experience was to immediately create a shopping list at Home Depot the next day for five complete emergency kits that would sustain two people for three days in any emergency.  I went to Home Depot on Friday morning and put the kits together for each of our three kid’s cars and one each for my wife’s and my car.  If you don’t have an emergency kit in your car, put one together today.  Obviously, they call them “emergency kits” because you never know when you will need them.  We were unprepared.  Are you?  If not, take care of it this weekend.  Until next time…a bit singed and still coughing.  (The photos on this posting are from AP News, and SBCC website.)

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Jim Walberg had the Nissan GT-R show up at his house last week!

OK, so, you remember my article late last year about the San Francisco Auto Show at the Moscone Center when the Nissan GT-R road ready race car was unveiled by Wally Burchfield - the Western U.S. Vice President for Nissan.  Well, Wally showed up at my house last week and asked if I would like to go for a ride.  I let him know that I was about to sit down for dinner, and maybe we could go for a ride the next day.  He said, “No, I think you will want to go for a ride right now because I drove up to your house with the Nissan GT-R and I would like to have you enjoy a test drive.”  So, dinner was immediately postponed.  In spite of oil prices people are standing in BIG lines to buy this car!

I walked out to my driveway and I was blown away that this amazing race car that Nissan has now built for consumers was sitting right in front of my house.  You need to promise not to tell the police, but I suggested we drive out to Highland Road, off Camino Tassajara and see what it could do on this road of curves and bumps.  Oh, my gosh, what a ride we had.  The GT-R never had it’s rear end loosen up, it never left the road in spite of the bumps, and we never got out of 4^th gear with two more gears to go.  Wally let me know that the car actually tops out at 198 MPH, and goes from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds!  Holy Moly, what a car they have built for the road!!!

Wally had the car because of the annual Z Rally that was at Blackhawk Plaza.  He parked it at the Blackhawk Car Museum for the day and then brought it out for the Z Rally - sponsored by Z Owners Of Northern California.  So, I stopped by the Z Rally on Saturday, took some photos and spoke with several of the ZONC members - Stuart and Sandra Gates, and Lee Woolfolk, to see what their impressions were of the race car that is now available for street driving - at a minimum cost of $70,000 with only 2,000 being sold in the U.S this year.  Because of the small amount of cars being delivered to the U.S. the price is rising over the $100,000 mark.  Wally took some of them for test drives.  Here is one of the quotes of the passengers - Lee Woolfolk, “Hi Wally, I was very impressed by the way the GTR launched when the accelerator petal is floored.  The rear tires gave a little hint of wheel spin and we were off. The computer does a fantastic job of channeling the excess power to the front wheels. Stuart and I both drive Twin Turbo 300 ZX’s, mine is modified with slightly larger turbo’s and when they come on boost I get instant wheel spin in the lower gears making it harder to control. This car seems so much easier to drive at the limit and anywhere in between.  Handling and engine info is in a league all its own. Very impressive car and well worth the money. Nissan scored a home run! Now how can I put one in my garage!!!

Wally also gave me the marketing memo on the GT-R, “Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation - whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas - all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

“The Nissan GT-R’s unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle’s design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a “clean room” environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.”

You also may remember that Wally was the one that gave me the scoop on the Nissan Rogue that came out last year.  It is so fun to have clients who are involved in fun companies.  Nissan is on a roll with it’s amazing high performance, fuel efficient, and just plain fun cars.  Check out your local Nissan dealers for more information.

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