Welcome and thanks for visiting.  Please use this website as a tool to help you with answers to your real estate questions!  You will find it easy to use in searching for homes for sale or for rent, help with repairs, school scores, and much more!

NOTARY FEES WAIVED for police, firefighters, EMT's, paramedics, nurses, and the men and women in the military to show our appreciation for all they do to help and protect all of us in our community! Call 925-822-7677 for appointment at our Walnut Creek office or your local home or facility.

Seeking successful solutions for your real estate needs? Want satisfying career in real estate? Better customer and agent support? We believe in Teamwork and mentoring to achieve the smoothest, most productive real estate experience for our home buyers, sellers, property investors and tenants. We will introduce you to the community and ease your transition into your new home!

Importance of continuing education for agents and brokers:  The real estate market is constantly changing - that's a "constant" in my business.  I've attended an average of 2 seminars each month recently because of new challenges faced by home buyers and sellers.  BEWARE of those claiming to be an "expert" or "specialist" in short sales or foreclosure properties.  We can know a lot about them and have experience dealing with them, but the changing rules of banks, loan servicers, and government entities require us to KEEP LEARNING.  Call me if you know someone who may have a problem and needs guidance.  My first priority is to help homeowners KEEP their home! 

COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS

Sing along with the ABC "AnyBody Can" Singers at local assisted-living and convalescent residences in May-July 2010; call Maxine at 925-822-7677 or send e-mail for details! 

Fri May 14 at Muir Senior Care 1790 Muir Road, Martinez, we will practice & discuss protocol!
Fri May 21 at Willow Pass Health Care 3318 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
Wed May 26 Bayberry Care 1800 Adobe, Concord
Thu May 27 Heritage Plaza Towers 2020 Grant St., Concord
Wed June 2 Chateau III 175 Cleaveland, Pleasant Hill
Mon June 7 San Miguel Villa 1050 San Miguel Rd, Concord
Mon June 14 VETERANS HOSPITAL 150 Muir Road, Martinez

Tue June 22 Kensington Place 1580 Geary Blvd., WC

Wed June 23 Chateau Pleasant Hill
Wed June 30 Stonebrook 4367 Concord Blvd, Concord

Mon July 5 Chateau on Broadway, 1700 Broadway, Concord

Wed July 7 Aegis of Pleasant Hill, 1660 Oak Park Blvd., PH
Fri  July 9 Courtyard @ Pine Creek 1081 Mohr Lane, Concord  

BLUE STAR MOMS - All Donations are Tax Deductible

BLUE STAR MOMS collecting items to be sent to our Troops:  YoYo's, balls, Frisbees, puzzle books, mechanical pencils; baby wipes, 80%-cotton socks, foot powder, snack and beverage singles, gum, mints; cash or checks to help pay postage (postage costs:  $11.95 per box)!   Drop off at Supv. Susan Bonilla's office 2151 Salvio #R, Concord, A-1 Self Storage 5296 Concord Blvd, Concord, or Chateau III 175 Cleaveland Rd PH. 

EMERGENCY LEAVE CLOTHING - KUWAIT PROJECT

When military personnel go home on emergency leave, they must be in civilian clothes.

Clothing needed:  New Clothing Only - Plain with no Logos:

• Men's Jeans - waist sizes 32 - 38 long inseams (no shorts)
• Men's Shirts - M, L, and XL
• Sweatshirts or Sweaters - S, M, L. XL for cold weather
• Women's Jeans - size 8, 10, 12, 14 (regular cut)
• Women's Shirts and Tops - M, L (short/long sleeves, button down or polo shirts (no tank tops)

NEEDED ITEMS:

YoYo's, Tennis Balls, Hacky Sacks, Paddle Balls, Frisbees, Playing Card, Word-Game Books, Sudoku, Crosswords, Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, 80% Cotton (or more) Crew Socks, Cider Mix, Oatmeal Packets, Drink Singles (Crystal Light, etc.), Tuna/Chicken Salad Kits, Gum & Mints, Small Bee Jerky, Small Licorice, Individually Wrapped Hard Candy, Pop Tarts, Corn Nuts, Popcorn, Granola Bars, Trail Mix, Nuts, Small Packs Snack Crackers, Knitted Caps, Baby Wipes, and money donations are always welcome. 

Cost is $11.95 per box to ship.   Make donations to:   Contra Costa Blue Star Moms POB 6379 Concord 94524.  

K-9 CARE PACKAGES – Goodies for “MAN'S BEST FRIEND”! 

Our Service Dogs need toys and treats.  What's needed:  towels, Kong Balls, Sturdy Tug Toys, Rawhide, Collapsible Bowls, Tennis Balls, Stainless Steel Food and Water Pans, Dog Treats, Grooming Brushes and Chews.  All items should be small enough to fit into a Post Office Priority Mailing Box.

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BLOOD DRIVE

Our most recent BLOOD DRIVE was on October 6, 2009.  We served free refreshments, invited all to network and sing Karaoke.  Many brought a friend with healthy blood and donated together! 

ABOUT MAXINE CHAN

Just a short commute from the San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose areas, the homes in central Contra Costa County provide a quiet retreat. These communities at the foot of majestic Mt. Diablo are surrounded by colorful scenery and recreational facilities including regional and neighborhood parks, reservoirs, golf and tennis, horse and bike trails, and marinas.

A few hours' drive takes you to the roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean ... the historic wine country of Napa and Sonoma Valleys ... or Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where you may enjoy the exhilaration of snow or water skiing, snowboarding, fishing, bicycling, horseback riding, or try your luck at gambling and other forms of entertainment at nearby casinos.

"My life has been a series of marvelous opportunities and challenges that have provided me with the chance to grow."  The American Dream

MOVING ON AND STILL GROWING

Year-end 2009... No more administrative duties for Maxine!  Returning to another brokerage allows freedom to devote more time to clients and networking with other agents.  What it means to you is she can now spend more time in the field and not at the office - but feel free to send an email or call her cell #925.822.7677 for personal help in real estate or your community activity.  Office info:

Altera Signature Properties

6635 Alhambra Ave. #100

Martinez CA  94553

Born in San Francisco's Chinatown, Maxine grew up in a largely immigrant neighborhood. Most of the residents barely spoke English and in those days the children served as interpreters for parents and neighbors. For most of these families home consisted of a room or two in a multi-story building with shared kitchen and bathing facilities. Neighbors helped each other to find work and housing. From her childhood, Maxine learned the values that continue to shape her life. In time she discovered that many people that she met would touch her life with their individual knowledge and qualities, whatever their cultural or racial backgrounds.

"Getting to know others is an enriching benefit of our business. Can you think of a better industry where you can enjoy socializing while making a living helping others?"

After high school, Maxine found work in the San Francisco financial district and then moved to Santa Clara Valley, a booming high-technology area where employment opportunities were plentiful. She found that hard work and tenacity earned rewards in enhanced employment opportunities.

LIVING IN THE EAST BAY

The more relaxed lifestyle in the suburbs of San Francisco was very attractive to Maxine. Marriage and family planning eventually moved her to settle in central Contra Costa County where city workers can easily commute by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. Having been a home buyer and seller several times, entering the real estate field was the logical career move for Maxine in 1977, allowing her to combine her life experiences with her desire to help others, while providing the flexibility to spend more quality time with her family.

Being in real estate allowed Maxine to get involved in local community service. One of her greatest joys is giving a little of herself back to the community which has greatly enhanced her life. She actively promotes interracial and cross-cultural harmony and understanding in her network of contacts, helping to organize cultural festivals, health fairs, workshops and classes.

HAVING FUN!

Maxine created a sing-along program in 1984 with "Kropa's Christmas Carolers" which performed annually at various retirement homes and convalescent hospitals. She has also collected canned food for the needy and toys for the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots program. After 9-11, Maxine expanded the singing activity with a program of patriotic and military songs, and changed the group name to "ABC Singers" ... meaning Any Body Can! Anyone interested is welcome to participate.  "Everyone is encouraged to join us. We just try to stand next to someone with a good voice so we get drowned out when we sing off-key!"

Maxine feels strongly about giving back to the industry that has been so good to her. Her designations include Certified Residential Specialist, VIP Relocation Coordinator, Broker, and more recently e-PRO and Seniors Real Estate Specialist. She was a partner for many years in a large franchised office, which allowed her to share her experience and knowledge with others seriously interested in a successful career in real estate. In 2004, Maxine founded the American Brokerage Company, ABC Real Estate Team, selectively hiring only those who share her philosophy of mentoring with honesty, integrity, teamwork, and service to the community.  Mentoring others is her passion!

She found the world of real estate created a great network of associates whose support enables her to do much more than merely making a living. Maxine has been active in the Contra Costa Association of Realtors, Women's Council of Realtors, and the Contra Costa Realtors in Motion. Some of her favorite committees are with the CCAR Special Events and the WCR annual fashion show. Many events are open to the public, and those interested in attending the annual crab feed, golf tournament, or fashion show may call Maxine for details.

"It's very satisfying to me that I can make an impact while having so much fun!"  Maxine said.  In 1998, Maxine was recognized by the Contra Costa Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS as their REALTOR of the Year. In 2000, she received the REALTOR of the Year award from Contra Costa REALTORS in Motion. She was honored once again in 2002 when named REALTOR of the Year by her peers at CCRIM, and then once more in 2004.  In January of 2005, Maxine was appointed by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to be a member of the County Human Relations Commission.  She was elected by her peers to chair the Commission on November 1, 2006, a one-year position.  Maxine also served a Directorship of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce for 2006-2008, as well as the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS in 2006-2009. 

Maxine Chan is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams. Helping people buy, sell, and rent homes is something she's very good at. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has a unique understanding of the area and all of its selling points. But that's just part of the story. Maxine excels because she is committed to your goals and because she cares about your needs. Whether you want to buy or sell a home, Maxine uses her own natural resources--smarts, hard work, commitment, and creativity - to get results for you. Maxine's passion for her work translates into incredibly effective service when she goes to work to help you buy or sell your home.

Call Maxine today and let her put her resources to work for you. A native of San Francisco, active in the East Bay community, and a resident of Central Contra Costa since 1977, her local knowledge and real estate expertise will help make the perfect choices for you. Together with the Team's commitment to putting your best interests first, it's an unbeatable combination!

Maxine Chan  is "Making the American Dream A Reality!"

Cell #(925) 822-7677

Fax # (925) 691-1953

E-mail:  maxineABCTeam@aol.com