Winter Fun at Tahoe Donner - 02/27/11 04:22 PM
Sometimes it is fun to take a little break from the day-to-day activities that consume us. For those of us in Northern California Lake Tahoe always fits that bill. Whether it is summer or winter there is just about everything to do under the sun available. We have had a pretty lively winter here and at this point the snow pack is looking excellent.For the little tykes among us (myself included) snow play is something that will always be remembered. This trip is the best we have seen in quite a while. During our annual excursions over the past few years … (22 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 25th 2011 - 02/25/11 03:00 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 25th 2011
Economic News:  Wednesday's Existing Home Sales Report was better than anticipated when you look at the expected annual rate but the median & average prices took a dip. Thursday's Jobless Claims were better than forecast with a nice downward move in the four week moving average. The New Home Sales figures were disappointing with estimated annual production rate of 284,000 units. Durable Goods orders were positive. The Consumer Sentiment numbers were very nice and continued the upward trend. Lastly, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came in a touch weaker than forecast at 2.8% … (8 comments)

Silver Maple at Blackhawk Real Estate Update for 2.24.11 - 02/24/11 03:45 PM
Established in 1979 Blackhawk consists of six gated communities covering over 4800 acres five miles east of Interstate 680 in Danville. Silver Maple, Hidden Oaks, Saddleback, Silver Oak, Oakridge & Main Gates (Country Club Area) are diverse neighborhoods within the community. Two 18 Hole Golf Courses: Lakeside & Falls each have their own clubhouse as well as many other amenities. Blackhawk Plaza shopping center is adjacent to the community and has excellent dining, shopping and entertainment venues.Silver Maple consists of 136 homes as well as three still undeveloped parcels. They are a mix of tract, semi-custom & custom homes, dating back … (10 comments)

Is a Closet Makeover on Your Spring "To Do" List? - 02/24/11 01:47 PM
I was perusing the Wall Street Journal Real Estate section and a video caught my eye about walk-in closet upgrades. This certainly intrigued me as Cari and me are in a definite need of a master closet redo. While many of the items seem a bit overboard (the flat panel TV, coffee maker & room for 500+ shoes) the idea of a fresh closet is inspiring. Luckily, my father in law is an excellent woodworker so that will work to our advantage. New shelving, expanded lighting, brighter colors and a flooring upgrade are all within the reach of this DIY advocate. … (8 comments)

Walnut Creek Foreclosures Report as of January 31st 2011 - 02/23/11 04:09 PM
The following numbers represent the current Foreclosure Sales inventory data as well as the current "Active" and "Sale Pending" data for Bank Owned (REO) properties in Walnut Creek, CA 94596,94597,94598 for the month of January 2011.

There is a large variation in the list versus sale price of the single family home data. 798 Hutchinson Road was listed at $1,200,000 and the sales price was withheld and reported as zero.
Get MLS Data & Information for Current Active Bank Owned Properties in Walnut Creek
Keep in mind that the Sold Price Data versus the List Price Data does not reflect any price reductions which may have occurred. Please call … (2 comments)

San Ramon Foreclosures Report as of January 31st 2011 - 02/23/11 03:40 PM
The following numbers represent the current Foreclosure Sold Inventory data as well as the current "Active" and "Sale Pending" data for Bank Owned (REO) properties in San Ramon, CA 94582 & 94583 for the month of Jaunuary 2011.

Get MLS Data & Information for Current Active Bank Owned Properties in San Ramon
Keep in mind that the Sold Price Data versus the List Price Data does not reflect any price reductions which may have occurred. Please call for more detailed information regarding the current Foreclosure/REO market in San Ramon.  
Community information for San Ramon, California 94582
Community information for San Ramon, California 94583
… (4 comments)

Danville Foreclosures Report as of January 31st 2011 - 02/23/11 02:32 PM
The following numbers represent the current Foreclosure Sold Inventory data as well as the current "Active" and "Sale Pending" data for Bank Owned (REO) properties in Danville, CA 94526/94506 for the month of January 2011.

Get MLS Data & Information for Current Active Bank Owned Properties in Danville
Keep in mind that the Sold Price Data versus the List Price Data does not reflect any price reductions which may have occurred. Please call for more detailed information regarding the current Foreclosure/REO market in Danville.
Community information for Danville, California 94526/94506
… (0 comments)

Blackhawk Foreclosures Report as of January 31st 2011 - 02/23/11 01:51 PM
The following numbers represent the current Foreclosure Sold Inventory data as well as the current "Active" and "Sale Pending" data for Bank Owned (REO) properties in Blackhawk, CA 94506 for the month of January 2011.

Keep in mind that the Sold Price Data versus the List Price Data does not reflect any price reductions which may have occurred. Call me for more detailed information about the current Foreclosure/REO market in Blackhawk.
Community information for Blackhawk, California 94506 
… (0 comments)

Alamo Foreclosures Report as of January 31st 2011 - 02/23/11 01:15 PM
The following numbers represent the current Foreclosure Sold Inventory data as well as the current "Active" and "Sale Pending" data for Bank Owned (REO) properties in Alamo, CA 94507 for the month of January 2011.

Keep in mind that the Sold Price Data versus the List Price Data does not reflect any price reductions which may have occurred. For more detailed information of the current Foreclosure/REO market in Alamo please call.
Community information for Alamo, California 94507
… (2 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 22nd 2011 - 02/22/11 12:57 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 22nd 2011
Economic News:  There were two reports today that began a holiday shortened but busy week for data. The S&P Case-Shiller HPI (Home Price Index) was not overly positive but contained pockets of good news.  Consumer Confidence was reported well above the consensus figures and at 70.4 represents a three year high. The Wall Street Journal goes a little deeper into today's data with an article released this morning titled "Housing Needs a Good Spring in Its Step".
Mortgage Markets:  The 10 Year Note has moved back under the 3.50% level and is … (10 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 18th 2011 - 02/18/11 01:33 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 18th 2011
Economic News:  There was a lot of economic news to end the week but nothing that has dramatically moved mortgage rates. Housing Starts remain subdued but were estimated up on an annualized basis with the Multi Family sector leading the way. The Producer Price Index (PPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reveal that inflation is evident. Higher energy and food costs are leading the way. Inflation remains below the levels seen from the first part of January 2008 to mid 2009 though. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released their minutes … (8 comments)

Danville's Bettencourt Ranch Real Estate Update for February 17th, 2011 - 02/17/11 09:01 PM
Established in the early to mid 1990's by Castle Construction & Dame Homes Bettencourt Ranch is a gated community located adjacent to Blackhawk Country Club and a little over five miles east of the Town of Danville. The neighborhood is beautifully situated in the rolling hills offering privacy as well as views of the surrounding area.
Bettencourt Ranch consists of 421 homes and within the community there are 14 various floorplans. The homes are a mixture of one and two story residences featuring four/five bedrooms and two/three baths ranging in size from approximately 2400 square feet to 3500 square feet.
 

Adjacent to the community are … (8 comments)

Time To Start Thinking About Home Improvement Projects - 02/16/11 12:51 PM
As I was getting ready to start my workday this morning CNBC caught my ear as they were discussing the improving numbers in the home improvement sector. That got me thinking that it is time to start planning what to do around the house when spring arrives. Springtime is the opportunity to wash off winter and spruce up the appearance of our homes.
The Wall Street Journal recently released the following video regarding the benefits of new exterior doors. A new front door & garage door is a fairly cost effective way to increase your homes curb appeal by adding detail … (14 comments)

Spring Has Arrived....Well Not Just Yet - 02/16/11 12:59 AM
While spring does not officially arrive until March 20th 2011 Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring on February 2nd. What does all this mean? Now is the perfect time to begin your search for a new home. More listings are arriving on the market in advance of the upcoming buying season and if you are in the market the time to start shopping is fast approaching.
Outlined on page 4 below is a brief review of the escrow process. This is excellent information for first time home buyers but also useful for those who are looking to purchase a home for … (13 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 15th 2011 - 02/15/11 01:27 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 15th 2011
Economic News:  Today's Retail Sales report was a bit weaker than expected. It looks like the consumer pulled back a touch in January. Gains were mostly attributed to higher energy & and food prices. The Housing Market Index (a report from the National Association of Home Builders) was also released and for the fourth consecutive the index was at a tepid 16.
Mortgage Markets: The 10 Year Note is currently trading at 3.631% and Mortgage Backed Securities have made moderate gains from their overnight level. We have pulled back from the trend … (2 comments)

Walnut Creek Short Sales Snapshot as of February 14th 2011 - 02/14/11 05:44 PM
The following numbers represent the current concentration of Short Sales in Pending Sale Status versus Traditional Sales in Pending Sale Status for Walnut Creek, CA as of February 14th 2011.

Please keep in mind that this only reflects the market on the specific day quoted.  Walnut Creek Short Sales can take time and may be represented over several months in this data while traditional sales close escrow in the 30-60 day range. 
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94596
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94597
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94598
… (10 comments)

San Ramon Short Sales Snapshot as of February 14th 2011 - 02/14/11 05:31 PM
The following numbers represent the current concentration of Short Sales in Pending Sale Status versus Traditional Sales in Pending Sale Status for San Ramon, CA 94582 / 94583 as of February 14th 2011.

Please keep in mind that this only reflects the market on the specific day quoted.  San Ramon Short Sales can take time and may be represented over several months in this data while traditional sales close escrow in the 30-60 day range.
Community information for San Ramon, California 94582
Community information for San Ramon, California 94583
… (2 comments)

Danville Short Sales Snapshot as of February 14th 2011 - 02/14/11 05:16 PM
The following numbers represent the current concentration of Short Sales in Pending Sale Status versus Traditional Sales in Pending Sale Status for Danville, CA 94526 for the period ending February 14th 2011.

Please keep in mind that this only reflects the market on the specific day quoted.  Danville Short Sales can take time and may be represented over several months in this data while traditional sales close escrow in the 30-60 day range.
Community information for Danville, California 94526
… (2 comments)

Blackhawk Short Sales Snapshot as of February 14th 2011 - 02/14/11 04:56 PM
The following numbers represent the current concentration of Short Sales in Pending Sale Status versus Traditional Sales in Pending Sale Status for Blackhawk, CA 94506 for the period ending February 14th 2011.

Please keep in mind that this only reflects the market on the specific day quoted.  Blackhawk Short Sales can take time and may be represented over several months in this data while traditional sales close escrow in the 30-60 day range. 
Community information for Blackhawk, California 94506
… (2 comments)

Alamo Short Sales Snapshot as of February 14th 2011 - 02/14/11 04:42 PM
The following numbers represent the current concentration of Short Sales in Pending Sale Status versus Traditional Sales in Pending Sale Status for Alamo, CA 94507 as of February 14th 2011.

Please keep in mind that this only reflects the market on the specific day quoted.  Alamo Short Sales take time and may be represented over several months in this data while traditional sales close escrow in the 30-60 day range.
Community information for Alamo, California 94507
… (0 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 11th 2011 - 02/11/11 01:50 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 11th 2011
Economic News:  Yesterdays Jobless Claims Report was far better than the consensus estimate and the more important four week moving average, reported at 415,000, was again moving down. Today's Consumer Sentiment came in at 75.1 slightly better than expected as well as the highest level since May of last year. Next week holds a busy economic calendar so expect more bond market volatility.
Mortgage Markets: The 10 Year Note is currently trading at 3.664% and Mortgage Backed Securities are doing well. There was concern earlier in the week, as the 10 Year Note … (6 comments)

Distressed Sale Timeline for: Piedmont, Montclair & Berkeley - 02/10/11 02:40 PM
As a companion to the Four Year Real Estate Performance for: Piedmont, Montclair & Berkeley I researched the growth of distressed sales for these higher end market segments during the period of 2007-2010. As the housing market moves toward recovery there are still challenges left for home buyers and sellers with respect to the growth of both short sales and foreclosures in their neighborhoods. The following information only pertains to single family detached homes.


… (5 comments)

Four Year Real Estate Performance Data for: Piedmont, Montclair & Berkeley - 02/10/11 02:27 PM
I was recently contacted by a journalist desiring information on the state of the higher end segments of the East Bay Region. It was an informative and interesting exercise where I conducted research into the 2007-2010 performance of select areas. Piedmont, Montclair District (Oakland) & Select Berkeley Neighborhood details are analyzed below.



It is encouraging to see some trends in the market comparison. While we are certainly off of the high values after 2005/2006 Piedmont & Montclair Distriict (Oakland) have fared well with respect to median sales prices. Also noted is a rise in number of sales as well as a reduction in … (0 comments)

Distressed Sale Timeline for: Lafayette, Moraga & Orinda - 02/09/11 10:36 AM
As a companion to the Four Year Neighborhood Performance for: Lafayette, Moraga & Orinda I researched the growth of distressed sales for these higher end market segments during the period of 2007-2010. As the housing market moves toward recovery there are still challenges left for home buyers and sellers with respect to the growth of both short sales and foreclosures in their neighborhoods. The following information only pertains to single family detached homes.


… (2 comments)

Four Year Real Estate Performance Data for: Lafayette, Moraga & Orinda - 02/09/11 10:25 AM
I was recently contacted by a journalist desiring information on the state of the higher end segments of the East Bay Region. It was an informative and interesting exercise where I conducted research into the 2007-2010 performance of select areas. Lafayette, Moraga & Orinda details are analyzed below.



It is encouraging to see some trends in the market comparison. While we are certainly off of the high values after 2005/2006 Orinda & Lafayette showed a gain in median sales prices from 2009. Also noted is a rise in number of sales as well as a reduction in the days on market in 2010.
 
Four … (0 comments)

Distressed Sale Timeline for select neighborhoods in: Danville, Livermore & Walnut Creek - 02/08/11 04:15 PM
As a companion to the Four Year Neighborhood Performance for: Danville, Livermore & Walnut Creek I researched the growth of distressed sales for these higher end market segments during the period of 2007-2010. As the housing market moves toward recovery there are still challenges left for home buyers and sellers with respect to the growth of both short sales and foreclosures in their neighborhoods. The following information only pertains to single family detached homes.


… (2 comments)

Four Year Real Estate Performance Data for Select Neighborhoods in: Danville, Livermore & Walnut Creek - 02/08/11 02:39 PM
I was recently contacted by a journalist desiring information on the state of the higher end segments of the East Bay Region. It was an informative and interesting exercise where I conducted research into the 2007-2010 performance of select neighborhoods in: Danville, Livermore & Walnut Creek. Later posts will include several additional cities/neighborhoods utilizing the same data filter.



It is pleasant to see that the overall comparison of the markets noted some similarities. While we are certainly off of the high values after 2005/2006 it was encouraging to see a significant rise in unit sales as well as a reduction in the days … (2 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 8th 2011 - 02/08/11 01:03 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 8th 2011
Economic News: There is not a tremendous amount of economic news on the calendar this week. We do have government debt auctions today that, coupled with the continued strength of the DOW, S&P (at its highest level since summer 2008) and NASDAQ, will more than likely keep interest rates from falling over the next couple of days. The unrest in Egypt is the current wildcard for the markets.
Mortgage Markets: The 10 Year Note is currently trading at 3.654% and Mortgage Backed Securities are under some downward pressure.  
This Week's Reports: … (0 comments)

Distressed Sale Timeline for: Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo & Ruby Hill - 02/07/11 06:43 PM
As a companion to the Four Year Real Estate Performance for: Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo & Ruby Hill I researched the growth of distressed sales for these higher end market segments during the period of 2007-2010. As the housing market moves toward recovery there are still challenges left for home buyers and sellers with respect to the growth of both short sales and foreclosures in their neighborhoods. The following information only pertains to single family detached homes.


… (2 comments)

Four Year Real Estate Performance Data for: Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo & Ruby Hill - 02/07/11 06:07 PM
I was recently contacted by a journalist desiring information on the state of the higher end segments of the East Bay Region. It was an informative and interesting exercise where I conducted research into the 2007-2010 performance of: Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo & Ruby Hill. Later posts will include several additional cities/neighborhoods utilizing the same data filter.




While the data set for Diablo was not large enough to provide any definitive results it was nice to note that the overall comparison of the markets noted some similarities. While we are certainly off of the high values after 2005/2006 it was encouraging to see a significant rise … (0 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 4th 2011 - 02/04/11 02:55 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 4th 2011
Economic News: Most of the economic news for the week was positive and we saw the DOW close back over the 12,000 level for the first time since the financial crisis began. The Employment Situation reported today has had the most impact as the unemployment rate fell to 9.0%. The data was a bit of a mixed bag since there was only a 36,000 increase in the Nonfarm Payrolls which was well under the consensus 140,000. A big factor in the decline in the unemployment rate was that many folks were dropping … (4 comments)

Walnut Creek CA Real Estate Market Review for January 1st - 31st 2011 - 02/03/11 10:58 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Walnut Creek, CA  94596, 94597 & 94598 for the month of January 2011.

Walnut Creek has 73 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $2,750,000 and a low price of $320,000.  There are  81 condo/townhomes "pending sale" with a high price of $589,000 and a low price of $80,000.
December 2010 market activity in Walnut Creek, California 94596, 94597 & 94598
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94596
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94597
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94598
… (10 comments)

San Ramon CA Real Estate Market Review for January 1st - 31st 2011 - 02/03/11 10:35 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for San Ramon, CA  94582 & 94583 for the month of January 2011.

San Ramon has 99 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $1,599,995 and a low price of $410,000.  There are 84 condo/townhomes "pending sale" with a high price of $649,000 and a low price of $109,900.
December 2010 market activity in San Ramon, California 94582 & 94583
Community information for San Ramon, California 94582
Community information for San Ramon, California 94583 
… (0 comments)

Danville CA Real Estate Market Review for January 1st - 31st 2011 - 02/03/11 09:31 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Danville, CA 94526 & 94506 for the month of January 2011.

Danville has 77 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $2,150,000 and a low price of $403,900.  There are 30 condo/townhomes "pending sale" with a high price of $589,000 and a low price of $238,500.
December 2010 market activity in Danville, California 94526 & 94506 
Community information for Danville, California 94526 
… (0 comments)

Blackhawk CA Real Estate Market Review for January 1st - 31st 2011 - 02/03/11 07:29 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Blackhawk, CA 94506 for the month of January 2011. 

Blackhawk has 16 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $2,050,000 a low price of $645,000.  There are 2 condo/townhomes "pending sale"with a high price of $450,000 and a low price of $300,000. There was one home sold which was listed at $4,998,000 with the sales price withheld.
December 2010 Real Estate Market Review for Blackhawk, California 94506
Community information for Blackhawk, California 94506
… (2 comments)

Alamo CA Real Estate Market Review for January 1st - 31st 2011 - 02/03/11 07:02 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Alamo, CA 94507 for the month of January 2011.

Alamo has 20 homes currently "pending sale"with a high price of $1,795,000 and a low price of $599,000.  There are no condos/townhome currently "pending sale".
December 2010 Real Estate Market Review for Alamo, California 94507
Community information for Alamo, California 94507
… (0 comments)

East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 1st 2011 - 02/01/11 01:42 PM
East Bay Mortgage Market Update for February 1st 2011
Economic News: Monday's Personal Income & Outlays report was positive indicating that the consumer is active. Consumer Spending was up 4.1% year over year. Income boasted a 3.8% increase from year ago levels. Construction Spending was well under consensus with declines in almost all categories (office, multi family and public/private).  The ISM Manufacturing Index results indicated a healthy manufacturing sector with a reading of 60.8, a seven year high.
Mortgage Markets: The 10 Year Note is currently trading at 3.43% and Mortgage Backed Securities after falling earlier are finding their footing.  Current … (4 comments)