Silver Maple at Blackhawk Real Estate Update for March 30th 2011 - 03/30/11 09:33 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 … (2 comments)

Take Some Time This Spring To Organize Your Stuff - 03/30/11 07:40 PM
As a companion piece to Is a Closet Makeover on Your Spring To Do List? this video is a little more down to earth. This piece from Market Watch focuses on organizing. As the trend is for smaller homes and possible downsizing due to economic troubles the emphasis is “More Stuff Into Less Space”. Even if you are not moving down, or even contemplating the purchase a larger home, organizing gives you the opportunity to go through and discard or donate the things you are no longer using.
 In the end a better organized home..... is a more livable home.
Enjoy … (8 comments)

Danville's Oak Gate Real Estate Update for March 30th 2011 - 03/30/11 06:54 PM
Oak Gate was developed in the mid 1990's to the early 2000's. The neighborhood consists of approximately 70 homes built by Castle Homes, Braddock & Logan as well as various custom home builders. The homes throughout the subdivision range in size from 2700 to upwards of 5500 square feet and consist of both one and two story floorplans as well as generous lot sizes.Oak Gate is located adjacent to the Blackhawk County Club approximately 6 miles east of the Town of Danville. The community is within a short drive, ride or walk to numerous shopping, dining & entertainment venues including Blackhawk Plaza … (4 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 29th 2011 - 03/29/11 01:56 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 29th 2011
Economic News:  Personal Income & Outlays were reported yesterday and both were up. Income is higher by 5.1% from year ago levels and spending increased by 4.1% during the same time period. The Pending Home Sales Index increased to 90.8 reversing the downward trend of the last two months. The Case-Shiller Home Price Index indicates that metropolitan home prices are still under downward pressure. Please keep in mind that all real estate is local so your neighborhood performance can be substantially different from national reports. Consumers are not happy with rising food … (2 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 25th 2011 - 03/25/11 01:20 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 25th 2011

Economic News:  Wednesday brought us the New Home Sales figures which predicted an annual sales rate of 250,000 units versus the 290,000 units forecast. While disappointing to the market this is a volatile report which is often revised. For more information the report can be viewed at US Census Bureau News. Jobless Claims were better than expected and the decline in the four week moving average put it at levels not seen since the summer of 2008. Consumer Sentiment for March fell to 67.5 from 77.5 in February. Once again … (4 comments)

Walnut Creek, CA Foreclosures Report as of February 28th 2011 - 03/23/11 12:33 AM
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 February 2011.

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 for more detailed information about the current Foreclosure/REO market in Walnut Creek. 
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94596
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94597
Community information for Walnut Creek, California 94598
… (11 comments)

San Ramon, CA Foreclosures Report as of February 28th 2011 - 03/23/11 12:16 AM
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 February 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
… (0 comments)

Danville, CA Foreclosures Report as of February 28th 2011 - 03/22/11 11:47 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 February 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, CA Foreclosures Report as of February 28th 2011 - 03/22/11 11:24 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 February 2011. There was little activity in the bank owned segment for February. The numbers are not accurately represented as one of the sales was reported sold for $1 while listed for $1,703,400.

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, CA Foreclosures Report as of February 28th 2011 - 03/22/11 11:07 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 February 2011. The good news is that is was a very slow month for foreclosure sales in Alamo. In the Active/Pending segment of bank owned homes the high price is $1,411,680 and $619,900 is the low price.

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 … (4 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 22nd 2011 - 03/22/11 01:49 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 22nd 2011
Economic News:  Economic news to start the week is light but there will be quite a bit as the week rolls on. Yesterday's Existing Home Sales release was disappointing and below consensus. Nationwide the supply of homes is just under 3.5 million units which is about 8.5 months supply at the current rate of sales. One thing to keep in mind is that the longer term trend has been positive since July of 2010. Crude Oil is trading at $104.14.
Mortgage Markets:  The 10 Year Note closed trading at 3.346% which is just … (2 comments)

Danville's Shadow Creek Real Estate Update for 3.20.2011 - 03/20/11 09:38 PM
Shadow Creek was developed in the early 1990's by Dame Homes. The neighborhood consists of 486 residences. The community has 5 various models ranging in size from approximately 2400 to 3450 square feet featuring one & two story floorplans on generous lots. Amenities include two Club Houses, Tot Lot/Play Area, Pools & Greenbelt.Shadow Creek is approximately 6 miles east of the Town of Danville and is within a short drive, ride or walk to numerous shopping, dining & entertainment venues in Blackhawk Plaza as well as the Tassajara Crossings Shopping Center. Also nearby are two great local parks: Sycamore Valley & Diablo Vista … (6 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 18th 2011 - 03/18/11 11:10 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 18th 2011
Economic News:  A fairly big week for economic data was partially overshadowed by the events in the Middle East as well as the catastrophe in Japan. Wednesday's Housing Starts announcement was weaker than expected with the sporadic Multi Family sector leading the downside. Both the Producer Price Index & the Consumer Price Index were higher with food & energy costs leading the way. There was positive news to end the week with the Industrial Production stats as well as the Philadelphia Fed Survey  pointing to continued strength in the manufacturing sector. … (4 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 15th 2011 - 03/15/11 01:27 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 15th 2011

Economic News:  The release of the Empire State Manufacturing Survey this morning highlighted strength in the New York region manufacturing sector. The Housing Market Index (National Association of Home Builders) had its first increase in four months with a reading of 16. As a scale readings above 50 are considered "optimistic". The FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) will release their minutes  at 11:15 PST today with the consensus that monetary policy will remain unchanged. Lastly, Crude Oil has broken back under the $100 per barrel price and is trading at … (8 comments)

Walnut Creek CA Real Estate Market Review for February 1st - 28th 2011 - 03/15/11 01:10 AM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Walnut Creek, CA  94596, 94597 & 94598 for the month of February 2011.

Walnut Creek has 59 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $2,750,000 and a low price of $320,000.  There are  65 condo/townhomes "pending sale" with a high price of $779,500 and a low price of $80,000.
January 2011 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
… (8 comments)

San Ramon CA Real Estate Market Review for February 1st - 28th 2011 - 03/15/11 12:49 AM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for San Ramon, CA  94582 & 94583 for the month of February 2011.

San Ramon has 111 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $1,499,000 and a low price of $410,000.  There are 74 condo/townhomes "pending sale" with a high price of $609,000 and a low price of $125,000.
January 2011 market activity in San Ramon, California 94582 & 94583
Community information for San Ramon, California 94582
Community information for San Ramon, California 94583 
… (4 comments)

Danville CA Real Estate Market Review for February 1st - 28th 2011 - 03/14/11 10:23 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Danville, CA 94526 & 94506 for the month of February 2011.

Danville has 66 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $2,150,000 and a low price of $450,000.  There are 24 condo/townhomes "pending sale" with a high price of $548,000 and a low price of $256,300.
January 2011 market activity in Danville, California 94526 & 94506 
Community information for Danville, California 94526 
… (0 comments)

Blackhawk CA Real Estate Market Review for February 1st -28th 2011 - 03/14/11 09:46 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Blackhawk, CA 94506 for the month of February 2011. 

Blackhawk has 9 homes currently "pending sale" with a high price of $1,895,000 a low price of $699,900.  There are 2 condo/townhomes "pending sale"with a high price of $599,000 and a low price of $300,000.
January 2011 Real Estate Market Review for Blackhawk, California 94506
Community information for Blackhawk, California 94506
… (4 comments)

Alamo CA Real Estate Market Review for February 1st - 28th 2011 - 03/14/11 07:49 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review for Alamo, CA 94507 for the month of February 2011.

Alamo has 25 homes currently "pending sale"with a high price of $2,495,000 and a low price of $599,000.  There are no condos/townhome currently "pending sale".
January 2011 Real Estate Market Review for Alamo, California 94507
Community information for Alamo, California 94507
… (0 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 11th 2011 - 03/11/11 01:55 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 11th 2011
Economic News:  Thursday’s Jobless Claims came in higher than expected for the week at 397,000 reversing the recent trend. The four week moving average rose slightly but still remained under the 400,000 level. The Retail Sales numbers reported this morning were strong. While auto sales and higher fuel prices led the way most other components were positive as well. On the contrary, Consumer Sentiment had a sharp decline in March at 68.2 versus the 77.5 number for February. This drop is most likely attributed to the spike in gas prices. Lastly, … (4 comments)

Walnut Creek, CA Short Sales Snapshot as of March 9th 2011 - 03/09/11 04:06 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 March 9th 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
… (2 comments)

San Ramon, CA Short Sales Snapshot as of March 9th 2011 - 03/09/11 03:58 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 March 9th 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, CA Short Sales Snapshot as of March 9th 2011 - 03/09/11 02:54 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 & 94506 for the period ending March 9th 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
… (4 comments)

Blackhawk, CA Short Sales Snapshot as of March 9th 2011 - 03/09/11 02:44 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 March 9th 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

… (0 comments)

Alamo, CA Short Sales Snapshot as of March 9th 2011 - 03/09/11 02:36 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 March 9th 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
… (4 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 8th 2011 - 03/08/11 12:59 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 8th 2011
Economic News: This is a quiet week for data releases and what we will see will occur on Thursday & Friday. In the interim markets are gyrating back and forth in response to news out of the Middle East. Comments by Bank of America’s CEO, Brian Moynihan, have ignited hopes that there is a brighter future in the banking sector with larger dividends and stock repurchases. This sent all major financials higher and contributed to the strong stock rally. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude is trading at $105.44 while North Sea … (4 comments)

Managing Expectations in the Tri Valley Real Estate Market - 03/07/11 08:57 PM
As we move toward the end of the first quarter of 2011 the Tri-Valley real estate landscape is taking shape. Interest rates are low and affordability is at an excellent level. If you are considering starting the process of looking for a new home now is a great time to get prepared. During the initial buyer consultation it is my goal for us to become acquainted and to understand your specific goals and desires. We will review the basics: location, neighborhoods, schools, architectural styles, size, amenities, timeline and desired price point. These are classified as your “wants and needs”.In today’s environment … (8 comments)

Danville's Shadow Creek - 03/07/11 05:57 PM
Established in the early to mid 1990's by Dame Homes Shadow Creek is a community located adjacent to Blackhawk Country Club and approximately six miles east of the Town of Danville. The neighborhood is beautifully situated in the rolling foothills of Mt Diablo State Park. Bishop Ranch Business Park and the 680 Freeway are easily accessible.
 
 
Shadow Creek consists of 486 homes and within the community there are approximately 5 different floorplans. The homes are a mixture of one and two story residences featuring three/four bedrooms and two/three baths ranging in size from approximately 2400 square feet to 3400 … (8 comments)

Oak Gate in Danville - 03/06/11 03:03 PM
Oak Gate was developed in the mid 1990's to the early 2000's. The neighborhood consists of approximately 70 homes built by Castle Homes, Braddock & Logan as well as various custom home builders. The homes throughout the subdivision range in size from 2700 to upwards of 5500 square feet and consist of both one and two story floorplans as well as generous lot sizes.Oak Gate is located adjacent to Blackhawk County Club approximately 6 miles east of the Town of Danville. The community is within a short drive, ride or walk to numerous shopping, dining & entertainment venues in Blackhawk Plaza as … (2 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 4th 2011 - 03/04/11 01:46 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 4th 2011
Economic News:  This was a good week for economic reports. Yesterday’s Jobless Claims were reported at 368,000 and for the third time in the last four reports were under the 400,000 level. The four week moving average also came in under 400,000 for the first time since the summer of 2008. Today’s Employment Report showed a gain of 192,000 non-farm payrolls and a reduction in the unemployment rate to 8.9%. Lastly, Factory Orders handily beat the consensus estimates, and when taken with the robust ISM release on Tuesday, shows a strengthening … (4 comments)

Walnut Creek Real Estate Market Review 2011 Versus 2010 - 03/03/11 06:36 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review of homes sold for the first two months of 2011 versus the same period in 2010 for Walnut Creek, CA.

Keep in mind that real estate markets are local in nature and there will be micro markets in every town.  There is a nice increase in sales at the lower end of the market which accounts for the reduction in the median price. At this point in the year there is a small data set so there can be large fluctuations in the numbers. This should smooth out a bit as we finish the first quarter and move … (2 comments)

San Ramon Real Estate Market Review 2011 Versus 2010 - 03/03/11 06:10 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review of homes sold for the first two months of 2011 versus the same period of 2010 for San Ramon, CA.

Keep in mind that real estate markets are local in nature and there will be micro markets in every town.  San Ramon has started off the year a bit weaker than 2010. The data set is small at this point and is subject to wide fluctuation which should smooth out toward the middle of next quarter. Please call for additional details on your area.
Community information for San Ramon, California 94582
Community information for San Ramon, California … (4 comments)

Danville CA Real Estate Market Review 2011 Versus 2010 - 03/03/11 05:56 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review of homes sold for the first two months of 2011 versus the same period in 2010 for Danville, CA.

Keep in mind that real estate markets are local in nature and there will be micro markets in every town.  An increase in closed sales and a modest decrease in price for the single family market to start the year. Please keep in mind that the data set is small at this point in the year so wide variations may exist for the next few months. Please call for more detailed information.
Community information for Danville, California … (4 comments)

Blackhawk CA 94506 Real Estate Market Review 2011 Versus 2010 - 03/03/11 04:15 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review of homes sold for the first two months of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010 for Blackhawk, CA 94506.

Keep in mind that real estate markets are local in nature and there will be micro markets in every town. The data set at this point in the year is small and will lead to wider variations.  Blackhawk has experienced a nice bump in sold activity over 2010 as well as an uptick in the median price.  Two larger estates have sold as well and the sales price information has been withheld so the high price for … (2 comments)

Alamo CA 94507 Real Estate Market Review 2011 Versus 2010 - 03/03/11 02:23 PM
The following numbers represent the Real Estate Market Review of homes sold for the first two months of 2011 versus the same time period in 2010 for Alamo.

Keep in mind that real estate markets are local in nature and there will be micro markets in every town. Alamo experienced a slight increase in median value for the first two months of the year while having a fairly significant decline in total sales from 2010.
Community information for Alamo, California 94507
… (2 comments)

Is 2011 the end of the housing downturn? - 03/02/11 11:58 PM
Let’s all hope so. As an avid follower of the financial markets I provide mortgage and market updates twice a week. One trend that I am noticing is that there is an underlying strength in the economic recovery. It is said that employment is a lagging market indicator so it is logical that housing is as well. Consumers will become more confident in making the decision to purchase a new home as the unemployment rate declines and they feel more comfortable in their job stability.
As the video points out affordability is excellent right now and interest rates are still extremely … (15 comments)

East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 2nd 2011 - 03/02/11 03:11 PM
East Bay Mortgage & Market Update for March 2nd 2011
 
Economic News:  Personal Income & Outlay figures were released on Monday and income topped the consensus estimates while spending was down just a bit. Spending increases were mainly attributed to the rising cost of energy. The Pending Home Sales Index (for existing homes) was 88.9 as the housing market continues to struggle. The Southern Region was a bright spot showing a modest increase. The ISM Manufacturing Report results were very robust pointing to continued strength in employment within the manufacturing sector. As the unemployment figures are typically a lagging indicator hopefully … (4 comments)