Free Bus Rides to Tri-Valley Middle and High School Students - 08/31/11 07:00 PM
 
The first week of school is usually chaotic, with everyone getting used to the routine and all the hub-bub of traffic jams with drop-offs and pick-ups. But Wheels, the local transportation system is offering a respite for parents and kids alike during that second and third week of school for Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin schools.
This is the 11th year that this popular program has been in existence. The program often introduces some parents and students to the idea of bus transportation, who might otherwise have used private transportation, resulting in fewer cars on the road and reduced pollution. … (2 comments)

Robert Livermore Park, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/30/11 11:20 PM
Robert Livermore Park 491 Loyola Way Livermore, CA 94550
This traditional park area has the usually neighborhood park features - a large expanse of green grass, walking path and picnic tables.  But there are also tennis courts and baseball areas with restrooms. Named after the city’s namesake, there is another distinctive feature to this park. It is adjacent to the Robert Livermore Community Center with a host of activities to delight residents of all ages.
The park and rec center are within walking distance of two subdivisions – Windmill Springs and the Jensen Tract.
… (3 comments)

William Payne Sports Park, Livermore, CA 94551 - 08/30/11 11:05 PM
William Payne Sports Park 5800 Patterson Pass Rd. Livermore, CA 94551
You might miss this park traveling down Patterson Pass Road, since it’s rather unexpected coming off Vasco Road and an industrial area.  It also sits back from the road a bit. But what a great resource for soccer and baseball players.  Opened in 2002, the park was named after long-time LARPD general manager William Payne.
Satisfy the athletes in your family all at once, where the 14 acre special use park features two full-sized baseball fields as well as one full-sized soccer field, suitable for two smaller youth soccer fields.  … (1 comments)

Memories Recalled From Hurricane Katrina - 08/28/11 10:39 AM

This scene left me speechless when I first encountered it, but I can't just post it without context. This was taken in Bay St. Louis, Mississippe after Hurricane Katrina. After hearing about all of the devastation caused by Hurrican Irene, it's hard not to remember what I witnessed while there. I was part of a church mission trip, and we got there 6 weeks after the hurricane had struck. The enormity of this disaster struck in a way the newscasts just can't prepare you for.
Every direction you looked, there was utter disaster.  This photo was taken in the midst … (14 comments)

List It Once - Sell It Twice - 08/28/11 10:06 AM
List it once, sell it twice.  Once upon a time a statement like that would have no context whatsoever. But unfortunately it probably rings true for most of us. Listing a property is just the first step in a process. And completed transactions these days often see buyers come and go for any number of reasons, including:
Inability to qualify. Things may look good on the surface, but with tightening guidelines underwriters may find reasons to deny the loan. Income changes. If a buyer’s hours get reduced or they’re laid off altogether, of course they’re going to pull out of the … (43 comments)

Holdener Regional Park, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/27/11 05:08 PM
Holdener Regional Park 2995 Hansen Rd. Livermore, CA 94550 Not typical of Livermore parks, this area doesn’t have an entrance to really let you know that you have arrived.  A brown wooden sign at the very east end of Hansen road let’s you know you’ve arrived. A fairly square 55 acres of open space exists for the pleasure of local hikers and bikers, where the terrain is hilly.
Whispy and brown in the summer, but lush and green through the winter and spring, this wide expanse of was acquired by LARPD in 2003, and dedicated in 2008. Named after a long-time … (1 comments)

Ravenswood Neighborhood Park, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/27/11 04:51 PM
Ravenswood Neighborhood Park 2632 Tahoe Dr. Livermore, CA 94550 Always a nice respite, this is another wonderful neighborhood park in the heart of the Shadowbrook subdivision, opened in 1972.  3.5 acres with mature trees offer wide open space to run and play, as well as other amenities: picnic tables, barbeque pits and a tot lot.
This park sits behind but adjacent to Ravenswood Historic site.
… (1 comments)

Forest Glades Estates, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/25/11 06:47 PM
Mendenhall Dr. Livermore, CA 94550
A lovely group of custom homes sit right behind College Avenue, and just in front of the Arroyo Mocho. Architectural styles vary greatly as do home sizes. You’ll find 3 bed, 2.5 bath homes all the way up to 6 beds and 4 baths. Lot sizes are run the spectrum from 6600-19,000. One of the most distinctive characteristics is the streetscape. The various streets aren’t straight, but a little curvy, with landscape insets graced with tall, mature trees and flowering shrubs. Offering an esthetic touch, they also keep traffic moving slowly through this serene neighborhood. Unique … (2 comments)

Dublin, CA Market Report - July 2011 - 08/24/11 07:31 PM

No one likes to see the median price go down, but unfortunatley the drop for July is considerably lower compared to July of last year, and also June of this year. Fewer buyers in the market have definitely put downward pressure on pricing.  However, unit sales for single family homes for July of '11 are almost even with July '10.

Two more areas of decline.  Available inventory is less, and there hasn't been an abundance to begin with. Some of that is due to home not yet on the market, in some state of default. It also is the … (0 comments)

Good News - It’s a great rental market here in Livermore, CA - 08/22/11 10:21 PM
You can choose to read all the bad news out there, or look for those silver linings in the clouds. One such silver lining is the potential for investment properties as rentals. Just watch what investors are doing.  They’re buying distressed properties and flipping them.  If there wasn’t a profit to be made there, that wouldn’t be happening.  But not everyone can buy with cash at the courthouse steps and flip properties.  Real estate is always about supply and demand, and right now, there is demand for rental housing in the Tri-Valley. 
However, some of the housing inventory isn’t currently … (5 comments)

Good News in Livermore, CA - fewer distressed sales. - 08/22/11 04:54 PM
Distressed sales have been part of the landscape here since they made their appearance in the latter part of 2007. They really took over as the predominant part of the market in 2009. But as you can see from this chart, the percentage of distressed properties to regular sales has been dropping. In this case, a decline is a good thing.
For consistency sake, these numbers are from January 1st through July 31st for each year.
 I'll be checking these same statistics at year's end, to see what the bigger picture paints. That's the funny thing about statistics, you … (3 comments)

Good News – New Shop Openings Livermore - 08/22/11 12:15 AM

Take a stroll downtown Livermore almost any night, and you’ll find the streets lined with people dining al fresco, walking their dogs, playing with their kids at one of the two downtown fountains.  You’d be hard-pressed to see anything resembling a down economy in terms of vitality. It fact, new businesses are opening all of the time.
 
In July, Nested Treasures (rarities, curiosities, possibilities is their tagline), is a unique home décor store offering scheduled shop dates and appointments. Their niche items are designed by local artisans and rent space in the store. Soon to come are weekly workshops … (1 comments)

Flippers and Dishwashers – Say What? - 08/19/11 11:56 PM
This is an odd little trend, but in six month’s time, three of my buyers have purchased flipped homes where the brand new dishwashers weren’t hooked up at all.  Here are the comments from the actual home inspection reports.
House #1 – “The dishwasher is uninstalled – there is no water supply valve; there is no electrical cord; it is not secured to the cabinet. And the waste piping is not installed.” Incompetent crew, or ignorant seller?
 House #2 – “The kitchen dishwasher did not respond to the normal user controls (didn't turn on). The door to the dishwasher … (47 comments)

Good News – In Livermore, CA You Can Find It If You Look For It - 08/19/11 08:47 PM
Good News – In Livermore, CA You Can Find It If You Look For It
The more things change, the more they remain the same.  If I was to ask local real estate agents whether the market was better last year, or this year, I wonder what their answers would be.  Some would say no, and some would say yes. It depends where you’re looking and when you’re looking.
Just for grins, I compared some numbers to see how things looks in Livermore, CA.  What was our inventory like last year, compared to this year? Notice how similar these figures are:  … (3 comments)

Pleasanton, CA 94566, 94588 Market Reports, July 2011 - 08/19/11 12:48 PM

Any time we see an area of the market show improvement, that’s cause to celebrate. It may just be 1%, but the median home price in Pleasanton, CA is up.  What’s more important, is that it has been trending up as you’ll notice in the graph above.

The number of days on market has increased quite a bit. However, it’s a big improvement over the last quarter of ’10 and January of this year.  Last years numbers were somewhat skewed by the rush of first time homebuyers taking advantage of tax incentives in the first half of the year.
… (2 comments)

Yee Gads, Where the Heck Am I? - 08/17/11 11:20 PM

While I was hosting an open house for a client who lived across the street, his Bengal cat (McManus) explored my home while Mr. Client and my husband watched "Inside Job" - the implosion of the real estate market.  Apparently the movie and its message scared the heck out of the cat too.
… (13 comments)

I DON’T WANT TO BUY A SHORT SALE! - 08/17/11 11:02 PM
But do you want to buy a house? Some geographic markets are more affected by short sales than others.  I haven’t met a buyer yet who didn’t want to get ‘a good deal’, and the fact of the matter is that short sales do tend to fall in the category of a ‘good deal’ in many instances.
Too many buyers hear horror stories about friends or family who having been trying unsuccessfully to buy a short sale property.  And there are plenty of those stories to go around. But the majority of short sales come to a successful close. Here are … (9 comments)

The Barn, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/17/11 05:47 PM
The Barn 3131 Pacific Ave. Livermore, CA 94551 Once part of the rodeo ground, this rustic building is home for many local events. In use for private parties, art shows and seminars, the building is available for rent through LARPD.
Built in 1922, the building has concrete floors and a kitchen facility. In years past it was used for the ‘barn dance’ that preceded the annual rodeo.  A grassy area and gazebo extend the capacity for events.
For rental information, call LARPD at 925-373-5700.
… (0 comments)

Good News - Livermore Market Activity is Better Than 2010 - 08/16/11 07:41 PM
There's good news in the local Livermore real estate market, but it's local. So you're not apt to hear about it TV. We've all learned by now that the news media tends to focus more on bad news than good. Just to illustrate that there is a good message to be delivered in our market, here are some comparisons of last year's hot market (remember the tax incentives and multiple offers?) with this year's. 
Single Family Homes Active Listing Comparison








 
You can see that July is the only month where last … (1 comments)

Livermore Market Reports, July 2011 - 08/16/11 08:18 AM

The median home price in Livermore fell slightly over last year.  In part this is due to an overall drop in prices across price ranges, but which seems to have affected the mid-priced homes the most. That segment of the market seems to be the most sluggish. Lower price points continue to see good activity, especially those under $350,000.

Average days on market has increased by 59% which is significant. The change over last year is two-fold. Tax credits for first time buyers and new home buyers ended in June. And as many hurried to make the deadlines, volume … (0 comments)

If You Cannot Afford a Home Inspection Don't Buy The House - 08/16/11 12:42 AM
This is important for all buyers, whether new or re-sale homes. Spending money on a home you decide NOT to buy, may be money well spent. What if you learn the foundation isn't sound, or that the roof needs replacing and the seller or the bank won't replace it?  Perhaps you'll still want the house, but the information discovered during inspections may prompt you to continue negotiations or cancel the contract. Wouldn't this be better to know before the ink is dry and you've moved in?
Thanks to Doug Rogers in Louisiana for this important perspective. No matter where you're buying … (8 comments)

Portofino Neighborhood, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/16/11 12:34 AM
Portofino NeighborhoodCall of the Wild Way Livermore, CA 94550
The late 90s and 2000s saw a number of stately new home developments as part of the South Livermore Plan. One such subdivision was Portofino by Beck Homes.  Built in 1998, these one and two story homes range in size from 2745 square feet to the largest models with 3824 sq. ft. Models have 3 or 4 car detached garages. Amenities vary and include front porches, pantries, master suites and in-law unit. Lot sizes range from 12,000 to 19,000 sq. ft.  Three base floor plan options to choose from.
This neighborhood does … (0 comments)

Good News Finally, After The Two That Got Away - 08/16/11 12:01 AM

 
After a great broker’s tour, a couple of busy open houses, my clients were optimistic about the arrival of an offer. As they should have been – we’d been having consistent showings and multiple visits by the same parties.
Low and behold an offer did come in; and an acceptable price was agreed upon. Post inspections, the buyer found some things that made them jumpy.  Not big things from the seller’s point of view; they were prepared to make any request repairs.  But still, the cancelled contract from Buyer Number One was a bitter pill.
So the sellers, determined … (6 comments)

Trevarno Estates, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/15/11 03:47 PM
Trevarno Estates Trevarno Road Livermore, CA 94550
Harkening back to Livermore’s earlier routes, this charming little neighborhood was built for the officers of the Coast Manufacturing and Supply Company in 1913. Save for a large Mission Revival home for the company’s president, the other 12 homes are modest Craftsman bungalows.  Lot sizes are generous, with the smallest starting at 16,000 sq. ft.
The road bordered by a grassy median and old-fashioned street lamps is reminiscent of an earlier era.  In 1976 the houses were sold to a local developer, for re-sale to individual homeowners. Named Trevarno Estates, the neighborhood is … (2 comments)

Old Glory Stands Tall - 08/14/11 10:28 PM

It was a bright and sunny day in Livermore, California this morning when my husband and I went downtown for a great breakfast buffet at the First Street Alehouse. The clouds looked different than I’d ever seen them before, and as we walked to follow them, we were graced with this site.
Our landmark Flagpole Plaza in the center of town, was ablaze with the sun just so prominent in the foreground, you could hardly see the flag. When the furls of the flag rippled, and I stood in just the right place, I could see it in all … (8 comments)

Downsizing: It’s Become a Lot More Common - 08/12/11 09:46 PM
The most common group of people who give up the large home for a smaller one have traditionally been retirees, and empty nesters.  But the market shift has made a lot of folks reconsider how much house they really need.
No matter what your reasons for doing so, there are a number of things to consider.
STRATEGY: 
Sell and purchase contingent. If a loan will be required, you should explore your credit and purchasing power first.
Sell and find temporary housing. Do you have options with family or friends, or perhaps short term hotel options such as Extended Stay?
Sell … (14 comments)

Grand Opening Las Positas Vineyard, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/12/11 06:20 PM
Wow, Livermore is on a roll with yet one more winery to add to the list of fun places to go for fabulous wine tasting. According to the Livermore Winegrowers Association, there are 40 members, with an additional 6 wineries in the area.
Las Positas Vineyards celebrates the Grand Opening of their new tasting room this Sunday, August 14th from noon to 5:00 p.m.
You’ll find wines from several vineyards:
Casa de Viñas Covarrubias Vineyard, Maier Family Vineyard and Livermore Valley. 
Come join the fun and be entertained by the Jesse Hendricks Trio while you sip and enjoy … (1 comments)

What Not to Say on a Sales Call - 08/11/11 11:34 PM

I received a sales call today from someone pitching ad word placement on search engines.  I’m sure we all get these on a regular basis.  He missed his mark on a number of points – here are just a few.
Too Fast: Rushed through his introduction so much so that I wasn’t sure who I was talking to.
Asked No Questions: He made a statement about ‘knowing my key geographical market’, and his information was wrong.
On the Defense: When I corrected him, he held his position, due to ‘where he found the info’. Doesn’t matter it was still wrong.
… (21 comments)

Christensen Park, Livermore, CA 94551 - 08/10/11 04:34 PM
Christensen Park, 5611 Bridgeport Livermore, CA 94551 This neighborhood park derives its name from an early Livermore family and is adjacent to an elementary school by the same name.  This park serves North Livermore between to the left of Vasco road, including the Saddleback neighborhood.
8.24 acres of wide open grass areas for any number of activities. There are the standard park amenities – barbecue pits, picnic tables and a tot lot. In addition you’ll find soccer and softball fields as well as a pre-school.
… (0 comments)

Leland Heights Neighborhood, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/10/11 09:20 AM
Leland Heights Kelly St. Livermore, CA 94550
Subdivisions as we now know them became popular post World War II.  One such neighborhood is Leland Heights, constructed from 1956-1958 by Stanley Davis Homes.  These single family, one-story ranch-style homes are modest in size compared to homes being built today.  Lot sizes range from 5000 to 7000 sq. ft. and all homes have two car garages. Many of these homes have been modified over the years, but there are 4 basic floor plans available.
Floor Plan Options Note: home sizes are approximate.
1107-1125 sq. ft. Three Bedrooms, Two Baths 1171-1209 sq. ft. Three … (3 comments)

Ivanhoe Villa Duets, Livermore, CA 94550 - 08/09/11 07:58 PM
Ivanhoe Villa Duets Cartier Dr. Livermore, CA 94550
98 one and two-story duets built by Sunset Homes from 1969-1971 are still popular due to their South Livermore location.   Available in both one and two story models, with 2 car garages. Lots are modest, varying in size from 3100-4500, with a couple of larger lots due to their location within the development.
Floor Plan Options Note: home sizes are approximate.
One Story – 858 sq. ft. Two Bedrooms, One Baths Doncaster - Two Story, 1008 sq. ft. Two Bedrooms, One and a Half Baths Wentworth - Two Story, 1192 sq. ft. Three … (0 comments)

Appraisers Need Realtor's Help to Comply with New Guideline Changes - 08/07/11 11:12 PM
Changes are a frequent occurance in real estate, and have occurred in every field.  Here's another to hit the appraisal arena, and this one is really important. If you're a homeowner looking to sell your home at some point in the future, it would be wise as you encounter receipts from past home improvements, to keep a running list in preparation.
If you are a homebuyer, consider make it a point to keep good records right from the start. You'll help insure that your property appraisal goes more smoothly.  Thanks to Mary Thompson, for the very detailed information in her recent … (5 comments)

Flippers - Do It Right the First Time - 08/06/11 10:34 AM
Those who buy houses at auction or through other below market prices have every right to re-sell them for profit. Many of these properties were eyesores in neighborhoods and have been restored and brought stability (not to mention) a pleasant appearance back to many subdivisions. In their haste to turn a property (and a profit), I’ve seen too many that have taken short-cuts that either bite them (or an unknowing future homeowner) in the butt.
Two recent examples come to mind.
Representing buyers, my clients bought a flipped property and inspections showed a good deal of wood rot (Section One repairs … (9 comments)

Ridgecrest Subdivision, Livermore, CA 94551 - 08/06/11 12:35 AM
Ridgecrest Development Ridgecrest Circle Livermore, CA 94551
Just 39 homes in the Ridgecrest Development built by Richmond American homes in 1999-2000. Commuter friendly, they are located  on the south side of highway 580, with easy access at First St.  Contemporary styling, homes have stucco or wood siding on exteriors with stone or brick accents. Available with 2 or 3 car garages, all have family rooms and fireplace, and tile roofs.
Lot sizes vary from 7000-14000.
Floor Plan Options Note: home sizes are approximate.
Residence One – One Story, 1720 sq. ft. Three Bedrooms, Two Baths Residence Two - Two Story, … (3 comments)

Livermore - Taste of Downtown – Aug. 6 & 7 - 08/05/11 08:00 PM
Taste of Downtown - Livermore!
And what a taste it is. Award winning wines, fabulous restaurants and perfect California weather.  Enjoy the expected mid-80 temps as you stroll through downtown enjoying savory food and wine from local restaurants. Festivities begin and noon and run until 5:00.
Live music for your listening pleasure and even horse-drawn carriage rides for that extra special touch while you shop and dine.
$35 in advance, $40 day of the event. For ticket sales, visit Livermore Downtown Inc. and click the Get Tickets button.
 
… (2 comments)

Active Rain Masterminds - Tenant Occupied Short Sales - 08/05/11 03:15 PM
Selling a short sale property with tenants in place poses a number of challenges. Our contributing authors were united in this – there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and each situation must be considered on a case- by-case basis.
In Utopia, tenants are understanding and responsible, while paying their rent on time, keeping the property in tip-top condition and cooperating with showings for potential buyers.  Sellers would turn those rent payments over to the bank, even if short of the entire mortgage payment to show a good faith effort on their part, encouraging the bank to approve a short sale.
Here in … (13 comments)

Al Caffodio Neighborhood Park, Livermore, CA 94551 - 08/04/11 09:07 AM
Al Caffodio Neighborhood Park 1361 Shawnee Rd. Livermore, CA 94551
Built in 1971 and named for a long time Livermore resident, who was a great supporter of local children and their sports activities. 2 acres of lawn area, with a tot lot, barbeque pits and picnic tables. The park is southeast of Murrieta Blvd. and serves the neighborhood labeled the ‘old north side’ as it’s located North of 1st St. It's also close to parts of the Summerset neighborhoods, Tanager Square and relatively accessible to Monticello.
… (1 comments)

Market Report for June 2011 – Detached Homes, Dublin, CA - 08/03/11 12:13 AM
Market Report for June 2011 – Detached Homes, Dublin, CA The median home price in Dublin is fairly close to what it was last year at this time (-3%) down slightly from May, but overall much better than what is reflected here for April. Supply is down over last year at this time, and that's not necessarily welcome news. Dublin had a scarcity of inventory last year, and for the buyers who are hearing it's their market, the choices might not be what they've expected.  Demand is down slightly from June '10. Let's hope that translates in some price stability for … (0 comments)

White Space in My In-Box Makes Me Happy :) - 08/02/11 10:57 PM
You could sing this to the tune of John Denver’s “Sunshine On My Shoulders Makes Me Happy”…..well, that is if you’re old enough to know the song and corny enough to want to.
But sometimes it’s the little stuff that can make a day, isn’t it?  Everyone is deluged by too much email, whether it’s work or personal. But managing it can really be a chore. I try, really try, to keep it under control. But I must confess that it gets away from me sometimes. 
Which is why that a personal goal each week, is to see that lovely … (9 comments)

 
Karen Crowson, ABR, SRES, Livermore, CA (Alain Pinel Realtors, Pleasanton, CA) Ambassador_large

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.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog