Dorene Shirley's Blog

Bay area Housing Inventory Snapshot 5-30-2008

2008-06-02T14:14:39Z

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot		May 30, 08
	Average List Price	Median List Price	Average Days On Market
Santa Clara County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$595,307	$579,000	81
Single Family over $1M	$2,083,635	$1,558,000	68
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$377,112	$369,950	78
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$784,189	$710,000	61
San Mateo County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$651,546	$648,792	76
Single Family over $1M	$2,491,382	$1,549,000	61
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$434,283	$434,900	86
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$857,808	$729,000	69
Santa Cruz County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$604,565	$599,000	98
Single Family over $1M	$1,919,672	$1,495,000	93
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$385,978	$389,900	93
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$929,884	$824,500	123
Monterey County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$436,213	$375,000	104
Single Family over $1M	$2,570,319	$1,795,000	124
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$310,521	$289,900	106
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$1,023,047	$799,000	134
San Benito County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$471,233	$400,000	101
Single Family over $1M	$1,482,781	$1,300,000	138
Condo/Townhome under $300K	$193,999	$183,500	77
Condo/Townhome over $300K	N/A	N/A	N/A
Alameda County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$481,571	$449,999	77
Single Family over $1M	$1,681,350	$1,388,000	74
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$363,131	$359,000	77
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$731,178	$695,000	56
Contra Costa County, CA
Single Family under $1M	$396,399	$345,500	89
Single Family over $1M	$1,786,557	$1,489,000	81
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$290,288	$260,000	89
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$731,164	$699,000	69

Northern California in Top 10 of Green

2008-05-29T11:08:59Z

Well I was surprised to hear that San Jose/Sunnyvale and San Francisco area was in the top 10 for being green. This is according to researchers at the Brookings Institution who stated that emissions of carbon dioxide per capita are lower in our area! They say it's due to our use of mass transit.

Way to go Northern Cal...

Brokers Outpost – Blog for Mortgage Brokers

2008-05-29T09:38:39Z

The site is for the mortgage professional. I've used this site a few times when trying to place a loan that might be difficult. You must be a member for the site to have value. Of course being a premium member has its best advantage.

Has anyone out there tried this site? I'm looking for how this site has help you.

http://www.brokeroutpost.com/

2008 Watsonville CA Air Show

2008-05-29T09:21:12Z

Last weekend I attended the Watsonville air show with my family. What a great time we had. Watching the old planed give a demonstration was fun to watch. The crowd got a big kick out of the flying lawn mower. I tried to film it but it didn't come out as well as I would have liked. This was my first time at an air show!

2008 Campbell CA Boogie on the Bayou

2008-05-27T11:32:14Z

Last weekend we enjoyed another "Boogie on the Bayou event". The event is hosted by the Campbell Chamber of Commerce. 2008 was the 30^th anniversary for the Chamber's Spring Festivals.

The event was well attended by the community. The weather was perfect, not too hot and warm enough to feel like spring.

If you've never attended this event, don't miss it next year!

2008 Santa Cruz Mountain Wildfire

2008-05-27T11:16:44Z

Last weekend we attended the air show in Watsonville. We were concerned about attending the event due to the Wildfires in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Even with the fires looming above us the air quality was fine. I heard this morning the fire is now 85% contained. As you can see from the pictures the area is a very steep terrain.

We had firefighter from all over the state helping us with this devastation. Thanks to all that risked their lives!

Watch out for Credit Card Insurance Scams

2008-05-22T10:20:42Z

I just heard about a group of telemarketers calling to solicit consumers for credit card loss protect insurance. They ask the consumer for their credit card number and other personal information as part of the insurance process. The sad truth is this type of scam works. I guess with all the media reporting on numerous scams and how the consumer has been cheated out of money...it just goes to show people for some reason want to believe what they hear.

Yes Another Blonde Joke

2008-05-22T09:34:48Z

A blonde female gets pulled over by a female blonde cop. The blonde cop asked for the blonde's drivers. The blonde driver said, "What does the driver license look like?" the cop said, " its small and rectangular". The blonde driver pulled out a small rectangular mirror and handed it to the blonde cop. The blonde cop looked at it and said, "Oh my gosh, I didn't realize you were a cop and let her go...

Foreclosure Scams - Squatters

2008-05-22T09:18:46Z

I heard on the news this morning some additional foreclosure scams. Squatters seems to have become a big problem in our vacant home foreclosures. Once they find out the home is in foreclosure and is abandoned, the squatters move in.

A second issue is scammers. When these crooks find out the home in foreclosure and abandoned they rent the properties out to unsuspecting renters. The scammers pocket the money. The renters loose their deposits.

I'm sure it will get worse before it gets better....I know we aren't the only area with creative crooks!

What's going on in your area?

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

2008-05-05T07:48:27Z

A good message for cell phone users. Isn't that pretty much everyone?

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it.
FIRST Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors(or the trunk).

THIRD Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

FIFTH Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800)373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

An additional safegard is to add your emergency person as ICE (In case of an emergency). Police, firemen and such will look in your cell phone contacts for "ICE" if they find this, they will hit send and your emergency contact person can give information on your behalf if needed.

Loan Modifications...What a Mess!

2008-05-02T08:07:31Z

According to an update by C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors)...

"Will government and private initiatives aimed at saving troubled borrowers be enough? A State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group comprised of attorneys general from 11 states reports that 70 percent of homeowners at least two months behind on their mortgage payments are not receiving any help whatsoever.

According to the study, the number of loan modifications made by loan servicers increased by 50,000 between October 2007 and January 2008, but the number of loans that were 90 days of more delinquent grew by 90,000 over the same period - a gap of some 40,000."

This does not surprise me. I've received many calls from people regarding loan modifications (I write a column for a local paper). The callers complain that the banks are non-responsive. Some have quit making their payments. The collector calls and the clients have told them they are waiting for their paperwork to be approved by their loss mitigation department. Many have made the comments where the collectors say there's no "notes" in their system regarding any type of workout.

What a mess!

Home Depot Getting Hit Hard

2008-05-02T07:27:25Z

Just heard on the news Home Depot is closing 15 stores across the country and scratching the opening of 50 stores they had on their books. I'm sure the other home supply companies are feeling the heat as well. The blame of course is the declining real estate market.

Three years ago, I was enjoying a lunch at one of our Chamber events where I spoke on how the changes in the market was starting to have an impact my business and warned others that it will end up trickling down to theirs. At the time it was not a message anyone wanted to hear. Sadly, I've been get the "you were right" emails.

I can't wait to go back to the group with the message of, "hang in there, it's picking up and your businesses will do the same"...

Planet Beach Campbell CA

2008-04-30T07:33:21Z

Yesterday, Blythe Kern and I visited Planet Beach in El Paso De Saratoga shopping center. We had a few minutes to kill between appointments. Planet Beach (spa) is a member of our Campbell Chamber of Commerce. They have been very gracious to provide gift certificates and products as donations to our many fund-raisers. I felt it was time to stop by to not only thank them for all their support, but see the facility first hand.

Wow, what a great atmosphere. There were two items which intrigued both Blythe and I, The Aqua Massage and Hydro Massage beds. The beds utilize heat and water pressure to relieve stress, decrease muscle tension and increase flexibility.

While you're there....you can get a magic tan (I think they said it lasts about 7 days) and yhey have full menu of products including supplements to get you healthy and feeling good.

What an impressive place, but don't take our word for it...visit it yourself. You can go on their website and printout a guess pass. They have branches in many locations across the country.

Mission Valley Chorus is Calling All Divas

2008-04-30T06:53:48Z

According to the Campbell Times, the group rehearses twice a week for performances around the state. But now they have an even more important date they are practicing for: Carnegie Hall.

The group is a local chapter of Sweet Adelines, where women of all ages come together and add to their singing skills through education, training and performances.

If you have a desire to sing, please contact the group on the web http://www.misionvalley.org/ or call (510)OLD-SONG.

Local Talent in Santa Clara Ca

2008-04-23T12:10:57Z

Last week I attended a meeting consisting of a group of ladies. The group was called "Ladies who Launch" I wrote a post on it

Ladies who Launch

One of the incredible ladies I met that night was Shveta Shourie. She has designed her own perfume. I am VERY picky about fragrance. The group supplied the new comers with a packet of information and samples of current member's information and products. Shveta's perfume sample was included in the packet. I have to tell you this perfume if fantastic! I can't wait to get my hands on a bottle. If you would like a sample I'm sure Shveta would be happy to send you one. Call or email her directly 408-582-4867 email shveta@shvetashourie.com. Check out her website at http://www.shvetashourie.com/

It’s the Name Game Contest $1,000,000

2008-04-21T08:31:19Z

The best name used for the following girl's program will receive $1,000,000

Obviously I'm kidding about the money, but I sure could use your help!

I'm thinking of starting an education program for teen age girls. I'm tired of the influences of the "pop stars" such as Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Hanna Montana or whatever her real name is, etc. We need strong character females to show these girls what's not only real, but really important.

Here's what I think is important...Getting an education, learning about money, self esteem, respecting adults, creating your own dream, plus much, much more.

I'd love your thoughts on how to promote this concept. Schools, recreation centers, churches????

So I need a name and where to peddle the program. Program is free...

My first disillusionment with Active Rain...

2008-04-20T21:26:56Z

I've been pretty happy with my involvement with Active Rain so far. Now I realize with every relationship there comes a point where one may get upset at the other. I think this is natural.

Well I guess I made the "Rain Gods" mad. I posted something I received in an email. Not just once but twice (two different articles). I didn't receive a courtesy email saying, "Dorene, you can't post items you receive via emails" or anything like that. In fact I didn't know until I notices all points from the blogs was removed and a statement, "Points removed (View guidelines)". I usually add more than 10 posts a week and never received points from any of those in excess to make up for the lack of points on the offending posts. So I ended up not only losing the 400 points, but any points from the fairly good amount of comments I received on them.

O.K. I'm not going to be a poodle about it! Just want to make sure if you were unaware of the "rule" like I was, and yes, it's my fault for not reading...then take note. Don't be surprised like me.

Tinker, Tinker, Tinker

2008-04-20T21:08:08Z

I just love all the new stuff I learn on Active Rain. I could spend weeks on this site and still find new things to use. I was bouncing around the site and found a widget or whatever you’d call it on someone’s site. I lost whose site it was, sorry! So I went online, registered and started tinkering.

The site is PictureTrail.com ......I added pictures of my family. Anglica, Alex, JJ, Kyle and Brooklyn are my grandkids!

Do you remember Hymnals?

2008-04-20T10:34:49Z

I posted a blog on my dislike of music when clicking on one of the active rain blogs. I received a pretty good response in agreement. I thought of something that I would like to hear. Old hymnals...as a Christian I go to church every Sunday pretty much without fail.

The music they play now days I really don't care too much for. Whenever the mood hits the music director, they will play something fantastic from my childhood, like "The Old Rugged Cross", my first song I learned to play on the piano. Or my absolute favorite, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there's just something about that name" (not sure of the title here). I can't sing that song without crying...

What if we created a blog with Christian Selections? I don't know how to do this so instead, since its Sunday...why not share your favorite hymnal with me. If you're too young to remember hymnals, then a newer song will be fine!

Have a great Sunday!

This was added to the original post. Here are a few of my favorites. If you click on the link it will give you the lyrics and play the tune... I had way too much fun with this! What great memories.

Amazing Grace

O How I Love Jesus

I love to tell the story

I surrender all

Jesus loves me

Just as I am

Nothing but the blood

Onward Christian Soldiers

Rock of Ages, Cleft to me

Shall we gather at the river

Stand up, stand up for Jesus

The old Rugged Cross

When we all get to heaven

In the Garden

Terre Thomas: Candidates? It's nap time

2008-04-18T10:37:09Z

Not sure about the rest of you, but I'm getting pretty tired of all this political crap. Mainly from the democratic side of the campaign trail. I guess it's because Obama and Hilary are trying to jockey for position. This is going around on the email circuit and I thought I'd share. This may have been posted in the Star Tribune.

By TERRE THOMAS

April 17, 2008

Barack, Hillary, John, you need to go lie down and take a nap -- a week of naps really. And that goes for your staffs and for the political reporters out there with you on the campaign trail.

You are all exhausted, and it is not bringing out the best in any of you.

The sniping, the edginess is what happens to all of us when we've been going too long. Just below the surface of your inspirational, insightful, boisterous speeches, we can see the fatigue in your eyes and we can hear the physical weariness in your voices.

I wish I were your kindergarten teacher. I would make you and your people go get your nap pads and blankies. I'd dim the lights and have you all take a nice rest. In real life, I'd like to shut down the presidential campaign and schedule a mandatory one-week holiday, soon.

No travel, no fundraising (OK, I know the fundraisers will not stop, but they'll just have to do it without you). No speeches, no meetings. Your bodies, your minds and your spirits need a rest.

And I don't want to hear that this grueling pace is showing us your mettle. You are all talented and accomplished, and when you are president you can go back to playing a superhero. Responding to a disaster or negotiating a peace accord is frankly more important than yet another fundraiser or speech in Wilkes-Barre, Toledo or Atlanta.

Like overtired 5-year-olds, you are squabbling over nothing! Picking on each other for things that really aren't that awful, exploiting one another's missteps and misstatements. I know this is fueled by your intense desire to finish this race with the prize, but honestly, it's not winning any of you a lot of points.

And your staffs are worn out; they've got to be. You know it, too. They aren't operating at their best right now, and that's not serving you. You don't need fresh horses, you need to let your horses rest.

The political reporters are in equally bad shape. They are exhausted and pressured, and in their weariness it looks like they often choose to egg things on because it creates a splashy easy-drama story. A petty story about misspoken words practically writes itself.

I'd offer to come sit down with you to work out an agreement to declare a week's break, but you three can do it yourselves. Yes, it would be a startling departure from our competitive culture's relentless pace, and it would require trusting one another to really honor the agreement and not use the week to get ahead. But you can do that.

In fact, all three of you candidates declaring a week's break from presidential campaigning would be an impressive demonstration of good sense, compassion for yourself and others, leadership, and your ability to work with opponents to create a plan that's good for everyone. Even we voters are a bit tired of you guys right now.

So please, for the love of your country, your staffs and yourself, pick up the phone and make a three-way call. Get together next week, after the Pennsylvania primary, and choose a week to take off. Do it soon. You all really need a nap.

Terre Thomas, Minneapolis, is a small-business owner (Fairy Godmother, a gift shop and online store). She is also a freelance writer and a political-campaign veteran.

High-rises in Campbell!!!

2008-04-18T10:18:32Z

Ken Yeager, Santa Clara County Supervisor has written an article for the Campbell Times a local publication. The article address a project for building three 12 story high structures as well as four smaller buildings up to five stories high. We've been addressing a few of these proposed structures in our Campbell area as well. I felt it was such a good article I would scan it and post here for your reading. We really need to think of our neighborhood identities.

For a copy of the Campbell Times please contact them

1310 Tully Rd, ste 107

San Jose, Ca 95122

408-494-7000

http://www.timesmediainc.com/

Feathering your nest egg: Tips on saving money

2008-04-18T09:52:32Z

With consumer confidence dropping to a five year low, there are easy things that will save money. Bay Area Consumers' checkbook.org have assembled a list of 20 useful tips that can immediately add to your bottom line.

I will only list a few, but you can read more about the article at the Campbell Times April 2008 addition. You can also visit http://www.checkbook.org/.

Consider membership warehouse stores for things you can buy and store in quanity.
Substitute store brands for national brands
Use a shopping list to speed shopping and help avid buying items you won't need or use
If your doctor approves, buy in quantity and consider buying by mail order. (My husband does and saves a substantial amount each month)
Consider switching insurance companies
Try bundling your car, home with the same insurance company
Maintain a good credit rating.

Really making the attempt at saving money is much better than just complaining on the rising costs!

“Silicon Valley Fact and Fiction”

2008-04-18T09:30:36Z

Cousette Copeland has written a book which chronicles Silicon Valley. The book explores the Santa Clara Valley from 1961 to the present day area. Copeland is the daughter of Shuko Mine Copeland who opened the first sushi bar in the Silicon Valley in 1976. The family sold the restaurant, Komatsu in 2004. The restaurant is still a local favorite.

The book chronicles the area and the famous people who worked and lived here. I'm on my way to the book store to get my copy. I post a review as soon and I can complete the reading.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Gelato Classsico in Campbell, CA

2008-04-18T09:06:34Z

Our Campbell Chamber of Commerce members had a fantastic time last night welcoming our latest business into the downtown Campbell area. The owners are friendly and welcoming. We were able to taste all the different flavors. My favorite was the Crème Brulee and my husband's was the Bananas Foster. They also serve desserts as well. We've decided this will be a new addition to our Friday night excursions.

Menu -

Gelato Classics is located at:

191 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 370-9020

http://www.gelatodessertcafe.com

Campbell Chamber of Commerce

2008-04-17T09:41:30Z

Yesterday we held our monthly Chamber luncheon at Frankie Johnnie, and Luigi's Italian restaurant. The monthly luncheon is a great way to network and become more familiar with what's going on in the area. We all know that a referred customer is the best customer any business can hope to obtain. Being around a group of professional ready, willing and able to do this for you is priceless.

Picture of the event

Art Low, Chamber President and Betty Deal, Chamber Executive Director

If you'd like to attend or find out more about this monthly event, please contact the chamber website: http://www.campbellchamber.com/