The Personal Side of Real Estate

The State of East Bay Real Estate in 3 Pictures

2008-09-25T19:46:53Z

California East Bay Real Estate

For those tired of the endless stream of words about the state of real estate in California's East Bay, I offer this for the vidually oriented.

Danville California Homes for Sale

2008-09-13T09:49:55Z

Homes for Sale in Danville California

We have another home for sale in Danville, CA. This is another listing in Greenbrook, a highly desirable neighborhood with community pool, tennis courts and clubhouse. Greenbrook Elementary School is highly rated and only a few blocks away from this Danville home for sale.

266 Barrett Circle, Danville, CA 94526

Offered at $779,000

3 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - Tastefully updated on a wide lot with a great backyard for kids.

266 Barrett Circle was on broker's tour on Thursday in Danville. The response from local Realtors and real estate agents was very favorable. To a person, the local Realtors felt that this home is priced right and won't last long.

San Ramon CA Condo - Siena Hills

2008-09-13T09:46:54Z

Studio Condo in Siena Hills San Ramon California

We have a short sale studio condo in Siena Hills priced at $159,000. Siena Hills is a wonderful condo complex at the top of Bollinger Canyon Road convenient to Bishop Ranch. Siena Hills has community pools and exercise rooms. This unit (183) is in the section of Siena Hills located behind Club Sport.

At $159,000 this unit will not last long.

Active Rain Real Estate Agents UNITE!

2008-09-08T10:07:10Z

Take a Stand Against Poor Performance

Bill Kennedy is fed up with Top Producer 8i - as are a lot of other Top Producer users. I am encouraging all of you to weigh in on Top Producer 8i over on Bill's post.

Active Rain is one of the most powerful voices for the real estate industry. Help us harness this awesome power to send a LOUD & CLEAR message to Top Producer - LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS or ELSE!

U.S. Real Estate Investment Blog

2008-08-16T10:40:05Z

We have started a multi-author blog focusing on foreign nationals interested in purchasing U.S. real estate.

We afre looking for authors:

Southern California
Hawaii
South Carolina
North Carolina
Texas
New York City
Washington State
Colorado
Georgia

contact me for more information

Thank You Starbucks

2008-08-11T10:16:17Z

Did Starbucks force Peet's Coffee to install free WiFi?

I don't know, but when I wrote this post about Peet's back in January of 2007 I was getting pretty frustrated with the lack of free WiFi in Danville and San Ramon, CA. Eventually, I got a Sprint air card.Having Internet access wherever I go is becoming more and more of a necessity.

Starbucks announced free WiFi several months ago which is a savvy business decision as more and more business meetings ar taking place at coffee shops - The Third Place.

Walking into Peet's Coffee today at Crow Canyon Commons in Danville, California - the first thing that caught my eye was this little sign on the front glass. I think Peet's is responding to Starbucks move - no matter, it will be good for business and good for the community.

Unemployment Creates Architect Need

2008-08-03T10:27:36Z

Thousands of Workers are Suffering Change

The US unemployment rate climbed to 5.7 percent in July
During the past 12 months, construction and manufacturing have shed nearly 9000 jobs
Car sales in June plunged by about 20% for Ford, Toyota, & GM - more layoffs coming
American Airlines is reducing 7000 positions
Thousands of Realtors and Mortage Brokers are looking for other work

With tens of thousands of people looking for jobs and changing careers - what is a person top do? Become an architect says Susan Hanshaw of Marin County, California.

Hanshaw is the author of "Inner Architect" a book for those who want to change their lives to fit their needs and dreams.

Hanshaw is telling professionals, "You can take control and build the life you want. This includes your dream career. We can not only enjoy our work, we san actually create the environment that will help us thrive and reach our optimal potential.

In my opinon, Susan Hanshaw has made a marketing blunder in authoring this book. She could have made a lot more money by selling subscriptions to the two dozen steps she outlines for "Building the Life You Were Desinged to Live." Her blunder is your good fortune.

Whether you are going through a career change in the real estate industry or just want to take your busienss to the next level - this book is a valuable, practical resource. You can apply it's principles to developing niche markets, lead generation, public speaking or anything else to build your career and business. Or, as Susan intends - take your life through an extreme makeover.

You can find out more about Inner Architect here

How to Lose $$$$$$$$$$ Thousands of Dollars in Commissions

2008-08-02T10:42:26Z

Just today I have identified a half a dozen agents on Active Rain that are probably losing thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars of business a year.

Active Rain is one of the first places I look to find a Realtor to refer business to.

Today, I'm looking for about a dozen profesionals to network with in a very specific niche market. I'm looking at the top AR bloggers in certain states and what I am finding is mind-boggling!!!

What I want is to communicate directly with you - not through a form and not by phone, at first. Just like a lot of potential buyers and sellers. But what I am running into is website after website with no email address.

I guess the fear of spam is greater than the thought of losing business.

I don't get it. Basic Marketing 101 says - publish as many ways as possible to contact you AND put them on every page of everything you publish - like a website.

Afraid of spam but still want business?

Publish your email address like this - john (at) HarperMees.com

I've had my email address all over the Internet for over 15 years. Spam has produced many challenges, but there are ways to address the issue without using Spam Arrest, an inconvenient form, or some other device that will send potential business looking elsewhere.

One of the Top 3 Reasons People Use the Internet is Anonymity.

If we want their business, we need to figure out how to honor that and allow an easy path for them to follow to contact us.

What do you think?

Are you a - use my form or forget it - type of person?

Danville California - Shadow Hills / Greenbrook Price Reduction

2008-07-30T19:35:57Z

Shadow Hills Home Owner Says - Reduce Price - Not Once, but Twice in a Week

The owners of 213 Aptos Place in Danville, CA told us late last week to reduce the price to $979,000. Today, they said - let's get this home sold and reduced the price to $959,000!

This is not a short sell.

This is a gorgeous ranch style home in Shadow Hills close to Greenbrook Elementary School. This Danville home for sale won't last long at this price!

See more on 213 Aptos Place, Danville, California here

If you are looking for a home for sale in Danville, CA - you have to check out this beauty in the Greenbrook / Shadow Hills area!

Napa California Home Price Reduction

2008-07-22T16:19:06Z

We have reduced the price on 22 Glory Court in Napa, CA over $100K.

This is a semi-custom home that has lots of space and many upgrades.

Napa California is seeing some very competitive pricing for real estate.

You can find more info on 22 Glory Court in Napa here

7727 Fairoaks Drive Pleasanton California

2008-07-17T11:40:50Z

Request a FREE Pleasanton Real Estate Market Details Report The best up-to-date (this week, not last month) information on your local market for home buyers.

Get the Pleasanton Homes Best Buy HOT List Be the first to know when new properties that match your criteria come on the market.

Gorgeous Remodel on Pleasanton Westside

7727 Fairoaks Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94568 View Map

This beautifully remodeled rancher has an open, light bright floor plan.

The Kitchen/Family/Dining Great Room is the heart of the home: with a gourmet kitchen including “Cashew” maple cabinets, bullnosed granite slab counters,

Frigidaire Gallery stainless steel appliances including the refrigerator. The home has recessed lighting, new doors, baseboards & trims, AC, dual pane windows, re-textured & bull-nosed ceilings & walls, custom light fixtures, newer carpet, and updated baths including travertine floors & surround, cherry cabinets & granite vanity in the master bath.

The private backyard offers a peaceful sanctuary for the end of a busy day: new French drains, professional landscaping, including an automatic sprinkler/drip system, and side yard access with RV/Boat storage on the side. The home has a new Trane furnace, and finished garage with window.

Conveniently located on the Westside: close to I680/I580 interchange, BART, Stoneridge Mall & Award-winning Pleasanton schools.

24-hour recorded Info: 800-816-4974 x 9007

Details

Asking Price:

769,000

MLS:

40356137

Sq. Feet:

1560

Lot Size:

7122

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Tracey Harper

Dir (925) 984-1890
Email | Website

Hear What the Home Owner Says

Click for Street View Map

Request information on Costly Home Seller Mistakes

Visit: The Harper-Mees Team

800-816-4974 x9009

1041 Arkell Road Walnut Creek California

2008-07-16T09:08:08Z

Walnut Creek California Rancher with Pool

1041 Arkell Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 View Map

This beautifully updated home offers both a serene get-away and an entertainer's paradise. From the stylish Gourmet Kitchen with stainless professional series appliances, granite slab & backsplash, breakfast bar with overhead pendant lights, and custom cabinets, to the step down Family Room with tile floors & fireplace with custom wood mantle and tile surround.

This home has an inviting warmth.

The elegant but comfortable Dining Room has hardwood floors and a custom light fixture. The hall bathroom has been nicely updated with dual vanity featuring custom mirrors & light fixtures, granite slab, Grohe fixtures, recessed lighting and tile floors.

The cozy Master Bedroom with hardwood floors, custom ceiling fan and double closets offers serene backyard views from your sliding doors.

Entertain in style on your covered deck overlooking a large pool with solar heating, second deck with mature trees, professionally landscaped yard including small lawn.

Conveniently located close to I-680, BART,shops & schools.

24-hour recorded Info: 800-816-4974 x 9009

Details

Asking Price:

779,999

MLS:

40355777

Sq. Feet:

1959

Lot Size:

9900

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Carriage Square

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Tracey Harper

Dir (925) 984-1890
Email | Website

Write a Post - Get $25

2008-07-01T09:00:05Z

Every once in a while just for grins, I like to challenge my writing creativity. One of the ways I do this is to grab a random image and use it to spark the imagination.

Today, I posted this.

Let's see what you can do with the image on my post for a post of your own.

I'll send a $25 Starbucks Card to the post I like the best and a $10 card to the runner up.

Simply write a post with that house image as the inspiration and include the trackback to my post in yours. I'll come to your site and if you're one of my top two favorites- I'll contact you for a mailing address.

I'll announce the winners here on Active Rain this Friday - July 4th.

TeleMarketers Don't Like Me

2008-06-14T18:02:35Z

Yesterday a telemarketer called Tracey to tell her how rude I was to him.

The past two weeks, I have been ignoring calls from 3 outfits that want to sell me top-ranking placement on Google and Yahoo. I finally decided to take one of the calls because the messages all said - we are calling on behalf of Yahoo and Google - and I wanted to know - are they really or is just a ploy to get some legitimacy.

So I took a call from Jason at Ideal something-or-other. I immediately asked him if they represent Google. He told me they are a reseller for Google, so I'm not sure if Google would aggree with their representation that they represent Google.

Anyway Jason wanted to sell me #1 position for the search term - east bay real estate. I asked him how much - only $900 a month. I told hinm not ineterested, thanks for calling.

According to Tracey, he thought it was unprofessional that I - the guy he is bothering, was not interested in listening to his sales pitch.

I tell you, I couldn't sleep last night because of the anguish I caused someone who has no hesitation in dialing my cell phone number which is on the do not call list.

San Ramon California REal Estate Market Continues to See Improvement

2008-06-07T09:02:26Z

Looking at the weekly chart for San Ramon CA's MLS trends, we see continuing improvement in real estate market activity. Active Listings (blue line) continue to inch down while Pending Sales (green line) continue to climb.

Don't get your hopes up for a seller's market. We still have 12 to 18 months of contimued foreclosure activity ahead of us and that is going to continue the downward pressure on price point.

Click here for an in-depth San Ramon, CA Real Estate Market Details Report. These reports are updated weekly and break data down by price point and zip code.

Danville California June 6 MLS Update

2008-06-07T08:52:55Z

This week, I have seen several new "Sale Pending" sign riders in Danville, California. Especially in the neighborhoods of Greenbrook, Shadow Hills and others around the Crow Canyon Country Club.

BTW, for those of you in the Greenbrook area, there is a neighborhood site that may be of interest.

We update Danville CA real estate MLS trends weekly and you can also request a FREE In-Depth Danville Real Estate Market Details Report.

The blue line shows Active Listings still trying to inch up. The green line shows Pending Sales still trailing 2007 transactions by a significant margin.

Here is an absolutely wonderful home in Danville CA for a family with young children looking for excellent schools.

Alamo California Real Estate Market Update

2008-05-28T16:45:35Z

The median single family home price in ALAMO, CA this week is $1,722,481.

With inventory trending up but days-on-market trending down and the Market Action Index essentially flat recently, conditions don't seem to have strong up or down pull. Despite this week’s down tic, the market seems to have paused around this plateau. The Market Action Index is a good leading indicator for the durability of this shift.

Click here for your Free Alamo CA Real Estate Market Update - Data is broken down by zip code and price point. These reports are updated weekly and reflect the best snapshot view of the Alamo real estate market, housing prices, and other trends.

These local real estate market updates offer buyers and sellers in-depth information on Alamo, California real estate activity and home prices.

Walnut Creek California Real Estate Market Update

2008-05-28T16:40:52Z

The weekly real estate market report for Walnut Creek, CA reflects the continued struggle with the impact of foreclosures and a reduction in the numbers of enthusiastic buyers.

The median single family home price in WALNUT CREEK this week is $899,250. Demand measured by the Market Action Index is increasing and days on market is trending downward. Even as more properties come available, these are positive trends for the market. Price trends continued their recent uptrend this week. While still below the market’s price high-point, we’ve seen a nice run recently.

Click here for your Free Walnut Creek CA Real Estate Market Update - Data is broken down by zip code and price point. These reports are updated weekly and reflect the best snapshot view of the Walnut Creek real estate market, housing prices, and other trends.

These local real estate market updates offer buyers and sellers in-depth information on Walnut Creek, California real estate activity and home prices.

Dublin California Real Estate Market Update

2008-05-27T12:11:08Z

The Dublin California real estate market continues to see activity improvement.

The median single family home price in DUBLIN this week is $749,000. Demand measured by the Market Action Index is increasing and days on market is trending downward. Even as more properties come available, these are positive trends for the market. Prices continue their climb again this week. We’re a long way from the market’s price high-point so watch the Market Action Index as an indicator of how long this trend will last.

Click here for your Free Dublin CA Real Estate Market Update - Data is broken down by zip code and price point. These reports are updated weekly and reflect the best snapshot view of the Dublin real estate market, housing prices, and other trends.

These local real estate market updates offer buyers and sellers in-depth information on Dublin, California real estate activity and home prices.

Pleasnton California Real Estate Market Update

2008-05-27T12:05:47Z

Pleasanton California Real Estate Data for the week of May 25, 2008

The median single family home price in PLEASANTON this week is $859,000. With inventory trending up but days-on-market trending down and the Market Action Index essentially flat recently, conditions don't seem to have strong up or down pull. Again this week we see a downward notch for prices. Pricing has been weak in recent weeks and versus their absolute-high levels. The Market Action Index is a good leading indicator for the durability of this trend.

Click here for your Free Pleasanton CA Real Estate Market Update - Data is broken down by zip code and price point. These reports are updated weekly and reflect the best snapshot view of the Pleasanton real estate market, housing prices, and other trends.

These local real estate market updates offer buyers and sellers in-depth information on Pleasanton, California real estate activity and home prices.

San Ramon California Real Estate Update

2008-05-26T11:45:50Z

The median single family home price in SAN RAMON CALIFORNIA this week is $879,000.

Demand measured by the Market Action Index is increasing and days on market is trending downward. Even as more properties come available, these are positive trends for the market.

The market has been on a downward trend recently and this week, while essentially flat, doesn’t break us out of that cycle.

Click here for your Free Danville CA Real Estate Market Update - Data is broken down by zip code and price point. These reports are updated weekly and reflect the best snapshot view of the Danville real estate market, housing prices, and other trends.

These local real estate market updates offer buyers and sellers in-depth information on Danville, California real estate activity and home prices.

Danville California Market Update

2008-05-26T11:36:04Z

The median single family home price in DANVILLE California 94526 this week is $1,059,000.

With inventory trending up but days-on-market trending down and the Market Action Index essentially flat recently, conditions don't seem to have strong up or down pull.

Prices in this zip code have been on a downward trend recently and this week, while essentially flat, doesn’t break us out of that cycle.

Click here for your Free Danville CA Real Estate Market Update - Data is broken down by zip code and price point. These reports are updated weekly and reflect the best snapshot view of the Danville real estate market, housing prices, and other trends.

They offer buyers and sellers in-depth information on Danville, California real estate activity and home prices.

A Tale of Two Markets - Dublin - Pleasanton - California

2008-05-25T16:25:06Z

Looking at Yahoo Real Estate today, we see Dublin, CA logging in with 216 propeties in the foreclosure process. The foreclosure process includes real estate where the owner has just received a notice - pre-foreclosure process.

Across interstate 580, in Pleasanton, CA, we find 132 propeties showing in the foreclosure process. Not quite half of Dublin, but enough to illustrate the differences in these tow communities separated by eight lanes of interstate.

Pleasanton is mostly built-out while Dublin is flooded with new home builders and a glut of California condos.

Tracey Harper, our new home specialist, grew up in Pleasanton. She worked for Standard Pacific Homes helping them to sell hundreds of new homes in the area before she decided to go into residential resale.

There are great deals to be had in Dublin. Builders are discounting their inventory to keep the cash flowing while they try to weather the stormy market. The inventory of bank owned properties is rising and represents an exceptional window of opportunity for buyers and investors.

Contact Tracey if you have an interest in Dublin or Pleasanton, CA. (925) 984-1890

San Ramon - Danville California - $Million Foreclosures

2008-05-25T15:52:35Z

Today, Yahoo Real Estate is showing 269 properties in the foreclosue process in San Ramon, CA.

In zip code 94583 (older San Ramon), it shows 119 homes in the foreclosure process. In zip code 94582, 150 houses are showing.

In Danville, CA, we see 116 properties having receive notice of default, in auction, or bank owned (REO). Zip code 94526 is registering 64 of these foreclosure properties. Zip Code 94506 shows 52 properties.

Alamo California is registering 27 properties in the foreclosure process.

I mention all of this because many people still think only first-time buyers in 2003-2005 are in trouble and the houses in question are at the low end of the market.

94506 is the zip code for Blackhawk, CA, one of the most pretigious zip codes in the Bay Area. And Alamo, has some of the highest home values in the I-680 corridor - not to mention one of the lowest turnover rates in the East Bay.

All of this points to a market that has great real estate deals to offer at every price point.

If you're interested in REOs, bank owned properties or foreclosures, contact Craig, our foreclosure expert at 925-984-4910.

Dublin - Pleasanton California Real Estate Trends

2008-05-24T10:14:05Z

Here are the updated graphs with the weekly MLS data for Dubin and Pleasanton, CA.

Look at the difference in these two markets! Dublin, CA continues to be one of the most improving markets in the area in so far as Days on Market and market action go. I believe the biggest factor is the huge inventory of new homes on the market in Dublin and the downward pressure on prices being exerted by new home builders.

Pleasanton, California is mostly built out. So, the market activity in Pleasanton reflects a more seasonal pattern.

Blue = Active Listings
Green = Pending Sales
Purple = Closed Transactions

These graphs help to give you an idea of real estate market trends in the local communities. We pull the data from the MLS every Friday.

The blue line represents Active Listings and the green line Pending Sales. The wider the gap, the more the average Days on Market (DOM) increases indicating more of a buyer's market. When the green line moves on top of the blue we have a very hot seller's market.

These graphs reflect the trends for all price points. Sellers should request a breakdown for different price points so they can see where the action is in their community. This helps to price the house right to sell quickly.

We also offer a very detailed market report for most East Bay communities. The data in this report is gathered from sources other than the MLS to give you a more accurate sense of what is happening right now. Most reports you read in the newspapers or hear on TV use data that is at least a month old. The Market Details report shows you the trend as it's happening.

Get a FREE Real Estate Market Report for YOUR Community - These reports are very detailed. Click on the preceding link for a more in-depth explanation of what is in the report and to view a sample.

We are more than happy to discuss the details and significance of this data for those wanting a better understanding of how it can affect the sales process. Understanding the local real estate market trends is a must if you want to get the best fair deal whether buying or selling.

The Harper-Mees Team monitors over 50 Real Estate and News Feeds daily to bring you information pertinent to the San Ramon Valley & TriValley real estate market including the communities of Dublin and Pleasanton. We welcome suggestions.

Visit Our Real Estate Blogs:

Harper-Mees Team Blog

San Ramon / Danville Blog