Last week we received a referral from an agent at Alain Pinel’s Palo Alto office. He had a listing in Santa Clara where a prospective buyer had visited the open house and was interested in the home, but wanted a credit back. He referred the buyer to Redfin and we wrote up the offer, with the promise to give 25% of our portion of the commission back to the agent.

There were a total of 8 offers. Although we didn’t get it, we came in 2nd to the winning offer, who according to the listing agent, was head and shoulders above ours.

So, if you’re a traditional agent, feel free to send us your referrals. We’ll take good care of ‘em!

Open House: March 18 at 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

When Offers are being taken: Wednesday, March 21 at 5:00 PM

City: San Carlos, CA

Neighborhood: Devonshire Canyon

Schools: Heather School (elementary), Terra Linda Middle School, Carlmont High School

Favorite Shops: Laurel street is filled with great local boutiques and restaurants. There are really no chain stores which gives this street its local charm.

Coffee Shop of Choice: Vic’s on San Carlos Avenue is a great breakfast place that has good food and good coffee. Its fun to head over there on a Sunday morning and see all the neighbors and their kids.

What Kids Love About This House: You can run in circles from the kitchen, family room and dining room.

Favorite Room: The Family room, b/c its bright all day long and you can just walk out on the balcony end enjoy the view on a nice day.

Favorite Feature of the House: The Balconies. Nothing is better than sitting on one of the balconies with a nice book and a glass of wine during the mild summer season.

Age of Furnace: 18 years. Regularly maintained and keeps us warm during the winter.

Age of Roof: 18 year Concrete Tile

Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Everything. Kitchen and all bathrooms remodeled. The house looks brand new.

What We’ll Miss the Most: Concerts in the Park every Friday night during the summer. This is such a wonderful place to meet up with friends, enjoy some music and let the kids run around. A wonderful family activity that’s FREE!

Favorite Local Parks: Highlands park because its huge and within walking distance to the park. The is a special entrance to the park right next to the house.

To see a different perspective on this home, check out the virtual tour. The pool table makes this home look fun versus the “family home” image you see out front. In the end, you can make it any way you wish.

Here’s the inside scoop.

Open House Date and Time: 1/21/07 1-4PM
When Offers are being taken: First come first served

City: Petaluma
Neighborhood: East Side near G and G Market
Schools: Kenilworth Junior High School
Favorite Shops: G and G Market, Trader Joe’s, Heebe-Jeebe
Coffee Shop of Choice: Peet’s
Favorite Room: Family room/kitchen area
Favorite Feature of the House: Open floorplan/high ceilings
Age of Furnace: 11 years
Age of Roof: 11 years
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Living/Dining area- bamboo floors and plantation shutters; Kitchen- stainless appliances, silestone countertops, Mexican tile, ceramic tile in all bathrooms, new light fixtures in all bathrooms and throughout house, Outside- trex deck, new electrical outlets, stained concrete, landscaping
Most Romantic Spot: Next to the fireplace in the family room
What We’ll Miss the Most: Outdoor living area and kitchen; floorplan, convenience to parks and open spaces
Favorite Local Parks: Prince Park, Leghorn’s Park, Turnbridge Park

This home just came on the market, so I’m sure there will be an open house this weekend. You can also see a tour and more info here. As an extra incentive, the sellers are offering 3.25% to the buyer’s agent. Happy hunting!

When I look at this house, I think of the best and worst of 2006. With today’s listing as a candidate for the worst (looking) Sweet Dig this year. It’s definitely not the winner, as this home is in a great neighborhood and is dirt cheap for SF real estate. Other interesting best and worst moments for 2006 include Danny DeVito on The View. .

Priced at $689,000, and located on a premium lot, this townhouse has superb views with monthly HOA dues of $315. It is the lowest priced 3 bedroom in the country club, as the rest are all over $700,000.

The property is nicely located near several workplaces such as Apple, HP, and Vallco Mall. It is however right by 280 which gives you easy highway access, but may be a bit of a concern on the noise end. If you’re interested in learning more about the neighborhood schools go here, here, and here.

To see a full tour, go here. The home has easy access to 680 and is in a nicely maintained, established neighborhood. My favorite part of the home is the master bath with its cathedral ceilings, mirrors, and open space. You can totally relax in there and have your own private spa time.

To find out more about the City of Pleasanton, go here. They have a quaint downtown area that not very many folks outside Pleasanton know about. Check it out here.

A house down the street on Waverley recently sold for $925,000 with similar stats. It had an asking price of $799,000 and I’m sure the sellers are expecting the same here.