Springtown Neighborhood, Livermore, CA 94551 - 01/31/12 11:56 PM
Springtown Blvd.
Springtown was a planned community centering around a golf-course, consisting of affordable homes, targeted to the senior community. Doorways are wide, they are all single story and switches and outlets are positioned to be handicap accessible. Home were built in the 60s to early 70s. These single family homes have one or two car garages, lot sizes from 5000-7000 sq. ft. Below are some of the most common home sizes.
This community flows around the Springtown Golf Course, to the north side of the First St. exit off of Highway 580. As other developments were added on this side … (1 comments)

Parklane Estates, Livermore, CA 94551 - 01/30/12 05:56 PM
Central Ave.
Pulte built several contemporary housing developments in Livermore, Parklane Estates being one of them. Built in 2000, these one and two story homes are north of Highway 580 off of Vasco Rd. Homes have two car attached garages, family rooms, fireplaces and dual zone air.
Four Floor plans Available:
Parkcrest - One Story -1671 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths Parkglen - Two Story -1776 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Parkhaven - Two Story - 2022 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Parkridge - Two Story - 2186 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths There is no Home … (1 comments)

The Market Now – Reality Check - 01/27/12 01:33 AM
Minuses and Pluses of our Market Now
 
Part 1 of this post looked back at the peak of 2005, wistfully remembering the rush those double-digit days brought. But there was a price to pay, and pay we did.  Our expected ‘correction’ just kept on going, to a downturn that a few predicted, but most never expected. For the past several years, buyers and sellers alike have been faced with a whole new real estate world, and agents and industry folks have been in the thick of it. No denying we’ve all faced some tough stuff.  But it’s not all bleak.
… (6 comments)

The Market Then and Now - 01/25/12 08:39 PM
Glory Days – Pluses and Minuses of the 2005 Market.
It’s hard not to look back on our ‘good market’ several years back, and long for those days again. But everything wasn’t all rosy. Part 1 of this two part series will illustrate what was good and not so good about the market back then. Part 2 will highlight the ‘silver lining’ in the market we’re now in.
Sellers loved the market. Buy a house and six months later you had instant equity. Many used that equity for consumer goods, negating the core purpose of home ownership - shelter. The move-up … (36 comments)

Three Fountains, Livermore, CA 94550 - 01/22/12 06:59 PM
Neptune RdLivermore, CA 94550
This established neighborhood was built by Sunset Homes (Mehran) from 1971-72. These one and two story homes are in an attractive neighborhood that has remained in demand due to their appealing floorplans. Homes have two car attached garages and fireplaces.
Available Floor plans:
Escalonia - One Story -1330 sq. ft., 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 baths Gardenia - One Story -1466 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths Magnolia - One Story -1664 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2 baths Nandino - Two Story -1674 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2 baths Cypress - Two Story -1728 sq. ft., 3 … (0 comments)

Real Estate Then and Now - 01/19/12 09:44 PM

Once upon a time, real estate transactions occurred face-to-face. Time and technology have changed things greatly. Here’s a few of ways that’s happened.
THEN
Agents met with sellers and buyers in their homes or offices. Buyer’s agents presented offers to the seller’s agent in person. Agents were the sole keepers of active home listing information. You had to drive to the street address to see if the home appealed to you. You had to call and leave a message with a receptionist if your agent wasn’t at their desk. Most homes were sold by owner-occupants. You had to meet in … (11 comments)

Super Bowl Happenings in Livermore - 01/18/12 08:54 PM
February 5th, 2012
The buzz is out there about Super Bowl, and there’s still two weeks to go. If you’re looking to enjoy the big game, why not do it on a big screen or with a crowd?  Here are some local celebrations for the BIG DAY.

Wild Vine2187 First St., Livermore
Doors open 90 minutes before the game starts. Two Big Screen TV’s.  Lots of sports-watchin’ snacs. Happy Hour pricing for all wine, beer and spirits.
Vine Cinema 1722 First Street, Livermore Doors open 90 minutes before the game starts – first come, first served. Free admission.
Touted to … (3 comments)

Villa Chardonnay Duets, Livermore, CA 94551 - 01/18/12 08:21 PM
Villa Chardonnay DuetsWindflower WayLivermore, CA 94551
Hoffman built these duets from 1982-1985 in an area of Livermore called Springtown by locals. North of the First Street exit, these single family homes have attached two car garages, fireplaces and interior laundry rooms. Lot sizes from 4500-6000 sq. ft.
Available Floor plans:
972 sq. ft.  2 bedrooms, 1 bath 1161 sq. ft. 2 or 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths 1389 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths 1426 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths There is no Home Owners Association for this community.
Nearby Parks Bill Clark Park is right in the heart of this … (1 comments)

Livermore, CA Attached Home Sales By Quarter, 2011 - 01/16/12 09:59 PM

 
The chart for attached home sales does not at all follow those of detached. December showed the most activity.  When you see the composition of sales types (REOs, short sales and regular sales), it seems as if there was a push to get some of these non-performing assets off the books.  This has also been a popular property type for investors. Rents have increased, so some properties are cash-flowing right from the start.
The number of REO's sold (bank owned properties) was fairly consistent quarter to quarter. Short sales were more plentiful than bank owned properties for both the … (2 comments)

Livermore, CA Detached Home Sales By Quarter, 2011 - 01/16/12 01:36 PM

 
Last year, last quarter had the second highest sales activity, which was a little unusual. It was in part due to the 'regular' spring sellers moving their purchase time forward. Many of those were first time buyers, taking advantage of tax incentives and others in California were for new construction incentives.
The number of REO's sold (bank owned properties) was fairly consistent quarter to quarter. Short sales were more plentiful than bank owned properties each quarter except for the first one.
Looking at the numbers by quarter shows a typical sales curve. However, inspecting it month to month shows … (1 comments)

Dublin, CA Detached Homes Market Report - December 2011 - 01/15/12 11:48 PM

Unfortunately, the median price took a pretty big drop from the same time last year, and even from the first half of the year. December ticked up from the previous month, but overall the last quarter of 2011 is down from the first 3/4 of the year.
 
Supply is down 37%, but unlike neighboring Livermore and Pleasanton, demand has dipped too. Not by a huge amount, but usually it's the demand that will help stabilize prices, or in the cases of low inventory and higher demand, stimulate multiple offers. 

 This chart isn't unexpected, given the previous data. Lower … (2 comments)

Dublin, CA Attached Homes Market Report - December 2011 - 01/15/12 11:16 PM

 Whoo hoo for Dublin. With supply down 40% and demand up 100% in this category, it's full steam ahead for sellers. Let's hope that the buyers coming your way are fully qualified!!

So these stats don't look as promising as the ones above. Price is king in terms of what buyers want. In the attached home market, many of those buyers are all cash, and cash can be a very compelling force. With buyers falling out due to stringent fincancing regulations, cash provides sellers with confidence and a quick close. That can speak volumes versus lingering time on the … (2 comments)

Pleasanton Attached Home Market Reports, December 2011 - 01/14/12 04:00 PM

No one likes to see the median price drop, but it may have a lot more to do with the mix of homes sold that particular month, then the market in general. It always helpful to watch the months that proceed and follow a dip like this one.
 
This of course is more favorable picture. Supply was 40% higher last year, but the demand wasn't there. Now, inventories are reduced AND demand is up 100%. First timers and investors are seeing the value in these entry level properties where rents may exceed mortgage payments!
 
Up down, up down. … (1 comments)

Pleasanton Market Reports, Detached Homes, December 2011 - 01/14/12 03:28 PM

Fewer homes on the market and a little tick up in demand. Not enough to create significant apparent swings, but a rather  predicatable seasonal curve. 

Interesting how the median price is much higher in the middle months of the market. Traditionally of course, this is when more buyers are in the market. This would indicate more home in the higher price of the market are selling during this time.
 

 Pleasanton's graphical curve follows a faily seasonal pattern - less days on the market during peak selling times. However, February stands out as a bit odd. Further inspection … (0 comments)

Livermore Attached Homes Market Reports, December 2011 - 01/14/12 03:08 PM

Looking at December '10 to December '11, things look pretty stable with only a $2000 change in the median home price. But there sure have been some crazy swings in between. Further inspection of those individual records may provide more of the story - how many distressed sales, inventory supply, escrow time. The devil is in the details.

This graph certainly depicts what I'm seeing in the market. A lower supply and much more demand. I expect that that December spike would have been higher if inventory was there to support it. With rents rising, investors are seeing the … (0 comments)

Homebuying – Compromise; Don’t Settle - 01/13/12 11:16 PM
Now, please understand, I don’t mean this to be an unrealistic approach to buying a home.
You probably started out your home search with a very specific list of what you wanted, how much you were willing to pay, and where you wanted to live.  Your budget it the largest factor in determining if all of those factors line up.
So far I haven’t met anyone who didn’t want the perfect house, in the best location and please, pretty please can it be in our budget?  Those with endless financial power may win on all accounts. But for most people, … (38 comments)

Livermore Detached Home Market Reports, 2011 - 01/13/12 10:32 PM

The median home price is up 5% over December of last year, but that alone doesn't tell the story.  Other than January of 2011, the median price of homes was higher every month than it was December of last year. Ending on a better note than the previous two months is always good. Now, let's see if it holds.

Inventory is down 65% from the same time last year, making it more challenging for buyers in the market to find a property suited to their needs and budget. Demand feel more in December from last year to this. … (1 comments)

Tempo Neighborhood, Livermore, CA 94550 - 01/12/12 09:04 PM
Pearl St.Livermore, CA 94550
The 50s and 60s saw Livermore begin its time of suburban housing. From 1966-1973, Hoffman built Tempo, a fairly large subdivision of ranch-style homes with two car attached garages.  Located at the southwestern end of Livermore, this continues to be a popular housing tract due to the award-winning schools in the area. Lot sizes run from 6600-14,000 sq. ft.
Floor plans size ranges: 
1256-1350 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths 1376-1400 sq. ft. 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 baths 1438-1488 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths 1785 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths  There is no Home … (2 comments)

Whispering Pines Neighborhood, Livermore, CA 94550 - 01/11/12 04:35 PM
Lomitas Ave.Livermore, CA 94550
A busy builder during the late 60s, early 70s, Sunset Homes had several neighborhoods constructed in what is termed the ‘southside’ of the city. The Whispering Pines neighborhood is popular for the floor plans, as well as the ample lot sizes (7700-12,000). California Ranch in style, there are one and two story homes. Homes have attached 2 car garages, although there are a few with 3 car options. Some have fireplaces. Over the years, many homes have been remodeled or expanded, but these represent the basic models.
Four Basic floor plans are available:
Cypress, One Story … (3 comments)

Enjoy Souperbowl Before Superbowl! - 01/10/12 11:15 AM
Jan 28 & 29, 2012 noon-5pm
Fenestra Winery 83 Vallecitos Rd  Livermore, CA 925-447-5246
This is a favorite event in my household. Fenestra has a tasting room perfect for this event. Large enough to hold a crowd, but small enough to envelop you with the aromas of hot and tasty soups, and delectable wines.  Guest chefs and staffs, and have paired the soups and wines winningly.
You’ll get an event glass and plate, as many soup samples as you want, plus recipes for the wonderful soups you’ll taste. I’ve added some of their past recipes to my regular family fae.  All … (7 comments)

Peppertree Commons Townhomes, Livermore, CA 94551 - 01/08/12 11:14 PM
Peppertree Commons is a townhome community, offering a small community feel. Built by Morgan builders from 1985-1987, these 31 homes have a greenbelt and swimming pool to share. Located south of Portola, and east of Livermore Avenue, homes have patios and balconies, and are available with one and two car garages.
Available Floorplans: 
1241 sq. ft. – 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms 1321 sq. ft – 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms  HOA - This development does have an HOA, with dues of $300 month which includes common area maintenance and exterior maintenance, plus a pool and clubhouse. 
Nearby Parks Peppertree Commons sits between … (2 comments)

Building a Personal Trust Account - 01/07/12 12:10 PM
 
Trust is a word that is of tremendous importance to most people, but bandied about loosely, rendering it nearly meaningless.  Without context, trust does not exist – it is something to be experienced.
There are many sayings and platitudes about trust.
Trust your instincts. This is an easy one to check. What did your gut tell you?  Did you listen?  If you didn’t, will you next time?  Everyone has stories about ‘red flags’, ‘that little voice we heard inside’ and then those times where we just didn’t listen.
Trust must be earned. I do believe that, but … (4 comments)

6th Annual Orchid Show at Alden Lane, Livermore, CA 94550 - 01/07/12 11:12 AM
Today and tomorrow, January 7th and 8th from 10-4. Even though we haven’t had much of a winter this year, colorful flowers are in short supply outdoors.
 
So step into the “Temple of Bloom” indoors at Alden Lane to experience the fragrance and beauty of orchids from around the world. Specialists will be on hand to provide informational seminars, answer questions AND you can purchase orchids in the “Orchid Marketplace”. Admission and parking is FREE.
 
Alden Lane Nursery981 Alden LaneLivermore, CA 94550925-447-0280
 

… (0 comments)

Livermore CA Market Update - Single Family Homes - 2011 - 01/06/12 12:00 PM
Livermore CA Market Update |Single Family Homes - 2011
The Livermore residential real estate market for 2011 doesn’t show any drastic swings over the previous year, but there are some trends to note. Those in green are an improvement over 2010; those in red are not as positive.
The good news though is current active Livermore listings show 40% distressed properties (bank-owned and short sales) which is quite a bit lower than in Alameda county as a whole (53%).  Interesting to note though – 50% of all units sold in 2011 were distressed properties, illustrating that buyers are not shying away from … (0 comments)

Least and Most Expensive Homes Sold in Tri Valley for 2011 - 01/04/12 12:38 PM
This is always an interesting look at real estate in the three cities that make of up the Tri Valley. He’s how it shakes out for the past year: Dublin ·      Least expensive: $92,610 – This 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo was an REO, built in 1970. ·      Most expensive: $2,600,000 – 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 12 acres, currently used as a horse property. The real value for this property was it’s development potential Pleasanton ·      Lease expensive: $98,000 – This 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo was an REO, built in 1972. ·      Most expensive: $3,000,000 – 6 bedroom, … (0 comments)

California Promenade, Livermore, CA 94551 - 01/01/12 09:58 PM
Meadow DriveLivermore, CA 94551
On the northeast side of Vasco Rd. K & B Homes constructed these contemporary homes during 1995-1996. Both one and two story, with attached 2 car garages, you’ll find front porches, fireplaces and family rooms in many of the models. Lot sizes range from 6700-14,000 sq. ft.
Four Basic floor plans are available:
Rosemont, One Story - 1226 sq. ft 3 bedrooms, 2 baths Devonshire, One Story - 1415 sq. ft 3 bedrooms, 2 baths Roxbury, One Story – 1694 sq. ft 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 baths Manchester, Two Story - 1817 sq. ft 4 … (1 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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