Carnegie Park, Livermore, CA 94550 - 02/28/11 09:23 PM
Carnegie Park 2155 Third Street Livermore, CA 94550
Carnegie Park is in the heart of the downtown, and has been the center of activities since it’s opening in 1910.  Of historical significance is the Carnegie Building, once the town’s library, and now a museum and site where historians occasionally entertain residents and visitors with stories from the past.  The Livermore Heritage Guild has shared the space with  the Livermore Art Association since 1974.  Visitor hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30-4, with a docent onsite.
Just one acre in size, this location truly brings the community together on a regular basis. On … (2 comments)

Les Chenes Winery, Livermore, CA 94550 - 02/27/11 11:15 PM
Les Chenes Winery 5562 Victoria Lane, Livermore, CA 94550
While wine tasting this winter, we made a point to visit a few wineries we hadn’t been to before.  During the Christmas event, Holiday in the Vineyards, they not only poured wine, but had some savory appetizers as well, prepared by an on-site chef.  Yum!
We ran into friends at one winery, who introduced us to the proprietors, Richard and Candice Dixon.  What a gracious couple, and what a fabulous winery.  It was definitely a party, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. The winery is a bit off the beaten path, down … (3 comments)

Pulte Estates Collection, Livermore, CA 94551 - 02/27/11 09:57 PM
Pulte Estates CollectionMilton WayLivermore, CA 94551
 
Known as Pulte Estates, or just the Estates Collection, this handsome contemporary development is situated between the western end of Mines Rd. and First St., bordered on the south by Newbury St.  Built from 1992-1997, homes have vaulted ceilings, heaving molding, wainscoting and kitchen islands.  Also in this housing area and built by Pulte is another neighborhood, Amber Ridge. Homes are one or two story and have attached 2 or 3 car garages. 6 floor plans are available in this complex:
Floor Plan Options
·      Briarwood – One Story. 2176 sq. ft. Four Bedrooms, … (0 comments)

The Confusion of Dual Agency - 02/23/11 01:56 AM
Dual agency is allowed in California real estate transactions.  The term is used quite broadly, but can have varying definitions. It can be really confusing, so let me break it down a bit. 
Dual Agency- Company. One real estate company can represent a seller, and the buyer in a single transaction.  This is quite common with large national brokerages as well as multi-office regional brokerages.  Those individual offices could have different managing brokers. There would be two different real estate agents in this scenario.
Dual Agency-Broker.  The same broker can be the broker of record for a number of … (9 comments)

Moonlight or Lamplight? - 02/22/11 02:30 PM

This gorgeous image was taken by my friend, an artist who lives in White House, Ohio.  You can certainly tell that she has an artist's eye.  You'd have to, to go out in the cold late at night to capture this frame worthy scene.  Taken right from her front porch, looking over the expanse of a frosty front yard.  Former neighbors of ours in California, she has found a way to appreciate the seasonal changes which are much more frequent and extreme than those found in her native state.  To see more of Nancy's artistic talent, visit her website.
 
… (18 comments)

Vintage Livermore by Signature Homes - 02/21/11 02:05 PM
Vintage Livermore by Signature Homes Stockton Loop Livermore, CA 94550
Signature Homes is a respected name in Livermore, having built several popular developments such as Avondale, Coventry, Murrieta Meadows, Station Square Cooperage, Dunsmuir and Private Reserve.  Their latest project, started in 2011 is Vintage Livermore, located at the southeast area of Livermore, bordered by rolling hills and acres of productive Livermore vineyards.
Home are 4 or 5 bedrooms, with 3 car garages and lot sizes up to ¼ acre.
These luxurious homes have highly detailed interior features including raised interior panel doors, ceramic tile flooring, radius drywall corners and deep … (2 comments)

Skyline Explosion - 02/21/11 12:40 AM
Don't know what was up in the sky tonight, but this is a very unusual look to our typical horizon line.  We were heading west on our way out to dinner, and I made my husband pull over so I could get this shot. The skyline continued to morph while we drove, but I didn't want to push my luck by stopping repeatedly.  For any of you midwesterners out there, is this typical in your area?  My Dad who was traveling with us seems to think it is.

This next one isn't quite a clear or vibrant, but still shows … (19 comments)

View From the Treetops – I’m a Giraffe - 02/20/11 04:07 PM
Always at the ready with a new challenge or contest, AR’s latest is about a soon-to-be released book “Surviving Your Serengeti” by Peter Swanepoel.  After reading two chapters, we’re to take a short quiz, assigning us to a wild animal profile.  Next, we write about what we read, or our take on the quiz results.  
Here’s a brief of both.
First, the two downloadable chapters begin a story that really draws you in. A stressed out business owner accompanies his wife on a 3-day jaunt to Africa, a trip won as a result of a sales contest.  The husband is … (12 comments)

Danville, CA Market Report - January 2011 - 02/14/11 06:20 PM
 
This Supply and Demand for avaliable properties for sale in Danville, as compared to properties sold, is one of the most boring I've seen. That's not necessarily a bad thing.  It shows that January of last year to January of this year are just about even, so very stable when this comparison is made. Some areas show bar graphs with great swings, that don't match up to the 'normal' selling cycles, so this would appear to be encouraging.
 

This chart too looks fairly typical.  Longer time on market during the winter months, and lows in the springtime.  Again, … (2 comments)

Amber Ridge by Pulte Homes, Livermore, CA 94551 - 02/14/11 05:44 PM
Amber Ridge Hillside Ave.Livermore, CA 94551
Contemporarily styling abounds in several neighborhoods in the central portion of Livermore.  Amber Ridge, by Pulte is situation between Las Positas Rd and Portola Ave. on the North and South borders, with First St. to the East. Built from 1991-1994 the two-story homes have some popular features including vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinetry, kitchen island, wet bars….. Many have side yard access with lots sizes ranging from 7700 to 14000 sq. ft.  and attached 2, 3 or 4 car garages. 5 floor plans are available in this complex:

Floor Plan Options

Foxboro –2273 sq. … (0 comments)

Valentines Day in Downtown Livermore, CA 94550 - 02/13/11 10:25 AM
Casbah Restaurant 1770 First St. Livermore, CA 94550
Go exotic this Valentine’s Day as the new Casbah Restaurant in Downtown Livermore tantalizes your taste buds with middle eastern cuisine from Persia, Moraco, Greek, Armenian and Turkish. Opened just since January 1st, the restaurant is conveniently located adjacent to the Livermore Cinema.
And especially for you Valentine couples, a dinner for two for just $50 per couple. Choose from two appetizers, two main dishes and two desserts.  A little sensual entertainment while you dine?  Be sure to make reservations and catch the belly dancing show at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. 
… (5 comments)

January Market Report, Single Family Homes, Dublin, CA - 02/13/11 12:14 AM

Compared to January of last year, inventory is up considerable for Single Family Homes in Dublin, CA, while home sales are at the same rate.

Inventory levels have risen dramatically for Single Family Homes in Dublin, CA, jumping 169%.  This is great news for buyers who have more choices than they did the same time last year.

The month's supply of inventory, is running far below average. Average is 4-5 months, and as the chart shows, the level is one and a half months. That means that at current sales rates, it would take just one and a … (0 comments)

Portola Glen Townhomes, Livermore, CA 94551 - 02/12/11 11:36 PM

Portola Glen Townhomes Kensington CmnLivermore, CA 94551
Companion to Portola Glen single family homes, these Warmington townhomes are a hidden treasure, tucked within the development.  Located South of 580 and North of Portola Ave and to the East of Highland. Built in 1991, these lovely homes are spacious, with volume ceilings and contemporary styling.  This community does have a home owner’s association ($225 per month), which included a greenbelt, pool and spa.
Five floorplans to choose from: One Story: 1094 sq. ft. 3bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2 car garage One Story: 1120 sq. ft. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage … (0 comments)

Winter Sunset in Livermore, CA - 02/12/11 12:20 PM


Yesterday was a beautiful sunny winter day in Livermore, CA.  Until you get one of those, you almost forget to look at the sky at different times of day. I was walking back home from a listing appointment in my neighborhood and saw the amazing colors on the horizon as the dalight was slipping away.  I ran in the house and grabbed my camera, and got these shots just as the light slid down behind the houses.  These two shots could have been more than 30 seconds apart. I just love the silhouettes of the spindly winter trees.
… (1 comments)

Portola Glen by Warmington Homes, Livermore, CA 94551 - 02/12/11 09:50 AM
Portola Glen Loch Lomand Ave.Livermore, CA 94551
Portola Glen by Warmington Homes is a lovely development located South of 580 and North of Portola Ave. Built in 1991-1994, these lovely homes are spacious, with volume ceilings and contemporary styling.  Lot sizes are a little larger than average for the area – approx.. 8000-14000.   
Five floorplans to choose from:
Woodside  2014 sq. ft. 4/2 2 car garage Saratoga    2545 sq. ft. 4/3 3 car garage Hillsborough  2715 sq. ft. 4/3 2 or 3 car garage Los Altos 2760 sq. ft. 4/3 3 car garage Atherton  3412 sq. ft. 5/3 2 car … (3 comments)

Max Baer Special Use Park, Livermore, CA 94550 - 02/08/11 11:56 PM
Max Baer Park 1310 Murdell Ave. Livermore, CA 94550
Situated at the southwest end of Livermore, Max Baer Park is nearly 12 acres of open grass areas, and large sports fields.  Fenced off to curtail errant balls, it’s well suited for family picnics, large gatherings and parties as well as home to many a baseball and softball team. I remember many Saturdays there, watching my kid’s play their Little League Games.
You’ll find picnic tables, barbecue pits, a tot lot and a dog park.  This multiuse park serves the Prima and Sandhurst subdivisions.
Opened in 1967, Max Baer Park is named … (4 comments)

December Blue Skies, in mostly Sunny, California - 02/07/11 11:58 PM

Ok, I just can't post this without a bit of context.  This photo was taken just a few days after Christmas. That's right, December folks.  Look at thos blue skies.  Gotta love California.  We pay a premium for real estate, but compared to what it was, seems like a bargain.  This shot was taken in Sycamore Grove Regional Park.  742 acres of hiking and biking trails, with trails for horses too.  You'll see groves of olive trees, horses, wild turkeys, deer. Makes you forget you're in a thriving suburb.  Love this place!
 
(would have posted this yesterday, but couldn't … (20 comments)

We Really Love This House - Will the Short Sale Go Through? - 02/06/11 11:26 PM
Where short sales are concerned there are no guarantees.  But there are certainly some things that put you in better position to purchase.  There are important factors to be considered on both the seller and buyer side. Make sure your agent has a level of competency and patience to work through those things as they arise. Many short sales are lovely homes in desirable neighborhoods and are worth waiting for.  And, it’s not uncommon for those homes to receive multiple offers.  1.    First and foremost, are you a patient person?  Short sales usually take longer than a normal transaction.  A series … (5 comments)

January Market Report, Single Family Homes, Pleasanton, CA - 02/06/11 11:15 PM

A slight shift has occured for Supply and Demand for single family homes in Pleasanton homes when comparing January last year with this year. Inventory is up slightly 9% and demand is down 17% over January of last year.  Now, that’s not alarming. We had folks shopping for homes earlier last year, trying to take advantage of tax incentives that required a contract date no later than April 30th. 


Next is the Months Supply of Inventory for Single Family Homes in Pleasanton.  These levels dipped far below average as banks were slow to release foreclosures into the … (1 comments)

January Market Report, Single Family Homes, Livermore, CA - 02/04/11 09:04 PM

There has definitely been in the Supply and Demand for single family homes in Livermore homes when comparing January last year with this year. Inventory is up slightly 17% which is good for buyers – more choices. Demand is down 11% over January of last year.  Now, that’s not alarming. We had folks shopping for homes earlier last year, trying to take advantage of tax incentives that required a contract date no later than April 30th.  
Next, is Average Days on Market for Single Family Homes.  You can certainly see here how the above mentioned tax incentives pushed the selling … (0 comments)

Prima Neighborhood, Livermore, CA - 02/03/11 09:12 PM
Prima NeighborhoodPrima DriveLivermore, CA 94550
The ever popular Prima development sits at the southwestern end of Livermore, bordered by Concannon on the North, and the Isabel connector on the Wes. Popular with southbound commuters, Prima sits at the edge of Livermore Wine Country.
Built by Centex Homes from 2000-2002, homes have attached or detached 3 or 4 car garages. 6 floor plans are available in this complex:
Floor Plan Options
Res. 1 – One Story. 2424 sq. ft. Three or  Bedrooms, Three Baths,
Res. 2 – Two Story. 2834 sq. ft. Three or Four Bedrooms, Two and One-Half Baths, … (4 comments)

Lincoln Highway Memorial Park, Livermore, CA - 02/02/11 11:58 PM

Lincoln Highway Memorial Park Portola and North Livermore Ave Livermore, CA 94551
Heading downtown from the North Livermore exit, this eye-catching park serves as a visual reminder that you have entered Livermore Valley’s Wine Country. At the intersections of Portola Avenue, North Livermore Avenue and Junction Avenue, visitors will notice a small crest of vines, as well as a gigantic wine barrel, welcoming you to Livermore. Sporting some of the tallest pines in Livermore parks, this is great spot to relax in the shade on a hot summer’s day, where you’ll find picnic tables and park benches and plenty … (4 comments)

 
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Karen Crowson, ABR, SRES, Livermore, CA

Livermore, CA

More about me…

Alain Pinel Realtors, Pleasanton, CA

Address: 900 Main St., Pleasanton, CA, 94566

Office Phone: (925) 583-1138

Cell Phone: (925) 784-6208

Email Me

Real estate market and local information for the Tri Valley communities of Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin, CA. Search for homes for sale, things to see and do, what it's like to live here.


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