Writing is one of my passions as well as real estate. I am a computer technical writer by trade. But I absolutely love the creativity of writing blogs. I believe in making sure that consumers know the truth about what they are purchasing. Information is a good thing!
Before I present the local open houses and my personal opinions* of them I am compelled to take a stand on an issue that is related to keeping neighborhoods in order — no matter their location. Last week I had a couple of doves adopt my patio as their home base. At first I thought it was lovely and romantic. But then I began noticing just how messy birds can be. Our hot tub, patio furniture, and patio roof rafters were blanketed by bird droppings. And then to my horror the neighborhood cat gang got wind of the doves and started stalking them. Yesterday was absolutely horrible because they caught one and I had to listen to the pathetic whimpering bird chirps as the cats ran off with the dove.
Why do people feel the necessity to release these rather tame birds into the wilds of outdoors just because they think it makes a beautiful statement of love, death or some such thing. How can casting an innocent and ill-prepared creature into the outside world to be terrified and scared be a beautiful thing in any way? A lot of the doves are not homing pigeons so they don’t know where to go. A lot of places don’t allow the throwing of rice at the newly weds nowadays because uncooked rice is dangerous for birds to eat. But it’s okay throwing the birds at the couple? I don’t think so!
And keep in mind a lot of people want to let their cats outdoors. And cats, no matter how well they are fed by their humans, will hunt. But at least people should neuter their cats to keep the overall population down and this will reduce the number of stray and feral cats that will come into your backyard to hunt.
People should avoid the temptation to suddenly release captive birds and animals into the wild. They need time to acclimate to a life in the wild. Some never can. And messes made by various animals in your yard and not knowing how to avoid predators is an example of how this makes our neighborhoods less attractive. Disoriented birds flying into windows and various cats attacking them is not a good selling point.
There is a related issue. We all know that throwing trash from our cars is ugly. But some people will throw out things like apple cores, thinking that they will simply compost into the earth. Well, they attract critters to the road. Trust me, deer love apples. Animals roaming around on the roads at night are dangerous, both to them and to us.
These are really very simple things to do. They don’t affect our enjoyment of the moment, and their overall effect is to improve the quality of our neighborhoods.
FREMONT 4572 De Silva St – 3/2 – 1148 sf ($374) $429,000Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
Just an average tract house in an average neighborhood. 481 D St – 4/3 -2304 sf ($377) $868,000Sat/Sun 1:00-5:00
This house is in Niles – ‘nuff said! 2851 Sanderling Dr – 5/3 – 2900 sf ($317) $920,000Sat 1:30-4:00
A bit pricey but close to Alameda Creek for fun walks. 45241 Elk Ct – 6+/3 – 3150 sf ($486) $1,529,980Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
A big house, big lot and close to Mission Peak – a great area.
HAYWARD 23387 Hopper Rd – 3/1.5 – 1025 sf ($259) $265,000Sun 1:00-4:00
Too close to the shopping mall and too close to the airport.
MILPITAS 22 Images Cir – 3/2.5 – 1683 sf ($386) $649,000Sun 1:00-4:00
Nice roomy and airy house but not in my favorite neighborhood. 1283 Fontainbleu Ave – 3/2 – 1644 sf ($406) $668,000Sat/Sun 1:00-5:00
Too close to the dump for my nose. Awwww! 803 Kevenaire Dr – /2.5 – 2412 sf ($301) $725,000Sun 2:00-4:00
Well away from the dump in a nice area, with a pool. 648 Costigan Cir – 3/2.5 – 1715 sf ($431) $740,000Sat/Sun 1:30-4:30
Nice size house in a good area. 2266 W Seacliff Dr – 4/3 – 2074 sf ($362) $749,900Sun 1:00-4:00
Ah – it’s the bright blue house again. And I still like it.
NEWARK 36535 Mulberry St – 3/1 – 984 sf ($308) $303,500Sun 1:00-4:00
Not so good area but still might be a good rental investment?
UNION CITY 4548 Alvarado Blvd – 3/3 – 1889 sf ($328) $619,000Sun 1:00-4:00
A nice place but all the houses are very close together. Maybe? 32733 Belami Loop – /3 – 2283 sf ($346) $789,000Sat 1:00-4:00
A very spacious house but I would like to see a lower price, myself.
*The open house ratings are strictly my own opinions and should by no means be used to determing the true value of any property.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Frost Line – The depth of frost penetration in the soil.
I sometimes wonder what to believe when it comes to speaking about Global Warming. I just finished reading a very disturbing but not unbelievable story about polar bears becoming cannibalistic because of the ice melting and contributing to their losing their natural habitat, which in turn messes up the ecologically available food supply.But then I read the Farmer’s Almanac which paints an entirely different picture for the United States. It says we had one of the coldest winters in a long time last winter and that we can expect another cold winter this year.It’s not ‘global’ warming then is it, if we are going to be colder? It sounds more like the continents are switching roles. Are we not going to be considered ‘sunny California’ in the future? Will it become ‘sunny Antarctica’?
Also another ecological dilemma I do find curious (although it has nothing to do with global warming) is a shortage of salt. Because I live in the East Bay, not far from the local salt ponds, it has become a ritual to remember to turn on the inside air circulation of my car as soon as I approach the Dumbarton Bridge and not turn off the inside circulation until I am well past Sun Microsystems and on Marsh Rd., ready to merge onto 101 because of the smell of the salt ponds (especially in summer) which is where you find brine shrimp (aka: Sea Monkeys, remember them?).
It is mind-boggling to see all the salt there now, especially in the bay right next to Sun Microsystems. When I worked there it was beautiful blue sea water and now it is blinding white and yucky muddy brown salt. I preferred the water, but what the hey!
On my trip to Bonaire last summer there was a nice big salt mine operation going on there. Where does that salt go? They have apparatus for loading up ships to haul it out. Although I do admit it is a very small island and probably expensive to ship the salt out of there, Bonaire looks like it could use the money because I would guess that the island’s income depends mostly on tourism. Do they use the salt in Venezuela which is just 50 miles off the coast of Bonaire? I think I will investigate where that salt goes, just out of curiousity.
I have been to the salt factory in Newark and it is fascinating. Plus there are some geocaches (one of my favorite fun outdoor activities) there that I have found. There are a lot of houses for sale in the Fremont, Newark, and Union City areas of the East Bay right now and because they are close to the Bay these cities have a pretty temperate climate all year round. Not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter. Plus the prices do tend to be cheaper than on the Peninsula. You just have a bit of a commute if you work on the Peninsula and live in the Tri-Cities. But with the temperate climate (whether it is helped/hurt by global warming or not) we certainly do not need the salt for our roads right now.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Frontage – A term used to describe or identify that part of a parcel of land or an improvement on the land that faces the street or a body of water. The term is also used to refer to the lineal extent of the land or the improvement that is parallel to and facing the street.
Usually whenever I blog about Milpitas it centers around how horrible the dump there smells. If housing is within about 5 miles of the dumps I feel it is my obligation to let buyers know what they can expect on warm summer days. But on the other hand, when you get further than 5 miles away you can find some excellent places for sale at more reasonable prices than the rest of the Tri-City areas.
I picked up the latest Tri-City Voice newspaper and found some activities showing that it can be a really family friendly city. For instance, the Autumn Festival this weekend is going on from today through Sunday from 5 – 10 p.m. at 279 S. Main St. There will be lots of fun activities with everything from island dancers to rides and face-painting. And of course lots of food.If you are a senior (not talking highschool here) check out the Senior Fishing Day at Ed Levin Park run by the Milpitas Rotarians. Also, the Milpitas Community Concert Band is looking for aspiring musicians. And the City Council has just approved funding for email subscription service as a way to reach out to the community. Or, if poetry moves you go to the Peaceful Poets meetings held at the Milpitas Library Community Room at 40 N Milpitas Blvd. See — it is a downright friendly place.
Oh yeah – one more item of interest that I can’t resist mentioning just because of my ‘Milpitas dumps’ obsession is the new Composting Classes being held at 201 S. Rengstorff Ave. This is your big chance to learn how to start a compost bin, turn the compost, and start a worm bin. And get this – the city will give you one pound of FREE redworms just for attending the workshop. Only one bucket of worms per household though. You don’t want too many of those little critters hanging out in your yard. That is unless you are a senior planning to partake in Senior Fishing Day, mentioned previously.
Here are a few of my personal choices for open houses to look at while you are attending some of the festivities this weekend:
1157 Park Heights Dr – 3/2 – 1146 sf ($470) $539,000Sat/Sun 2:00-4:00
I do like tree-lined streets. 1175 Park Willow Ct – 3/2 – 1146 sf ($471) $540,000Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
Close to the foothills; on a cul-de-sac. 183 Bixby Dr – 3/2 – 1399 sf ($418) $585,000Sat 1:00-4:00
A big front yard in a so-so neighborhood. 1237 Moulton Dr – 3/3 – 2048 sf ($378) $775,000Sat/Sun 1:30-4:30
Very nice looking place. 2266 W Seacliff Dr – 4/3 – 2074 sf ($376) $779,900Sun 1:00-4:00
Very blue house; lovely yard. 803 Kevenaire Dr – 4/2.5 – 2412 sf ($331) $799,500Sat 1:00-4:00
I like the pool; very nice house.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Front Footage – A property measurement for sale or valuation purposes. The property measurement is along the street line, and each front foot extends to the depth of the lot. It is usually used in connection with commercial property.
As I drive down Washington Blvd. in Fremont I am awestruck at the huge bridge and landscaping that is going on at Osgood. The idea is to have traffic drive over the railroad tracks via a bridge. But that means restructuring the whole landscape by demolishing houses and building big hills of dirt, etc. Is it just me that finds the attitude of: ‘let’s build pretty conveniences instead of helping out the lagging housing market and do it all on an outrageous budget as the economy is falling apart’ a very sarcastic slap in the face? Did someone just decide heck, I don’t like the looks of the old railroad tracks on Washington Blvd. and I don’t like driving over those horrible bumps (railroad tracks) because I spill my coffee?
So, let’s borrow, borrow, borrow like there’s no tomorrow and keep up the façade that everything is okay. Our kids don’t need homes to go to home to or after school sports and music programs when they will have a beautiful new bridge and railroad tracks to admire. I’m sure the bridge will hold up better than the economy right now anyways.And check out the 92/880 interchange construction going on for several years now. Do we really need to rework and rebuild the whole dang thing rather than help all the people who drive on the highways keep their houses? I think not! What has happened to our priorities? It’s almost as if city planners are staging the cities themselves much like one would stage a house that is up for sale, except — the city isn’t for sale (at least not yet). And to liven up the insanity of this project, one day as I was trying to make my way through the narrow passage of the temporary white barricades (I swear they move them in a little each night) I saw one of the orange hat workers carrying two handfuls of dirt from one side of the road to the other. OMG! That’s one way to maintain job security, by lengthening the time it takes to rebuild. Bulldozers move the dirt too fast for him I guess. I know the contractors are suffering a lot in this economy because of the drop in real estate but c’mon – I was laughing so hard when I saw that I almost plowed into one of the temporary barricades (which, by the way, have a disturbing amount of what appears to be tire tracks on them).
And the 880/Mission Blvd. interchange construction going on now is slowly forming into a useless mess. It looks as if they are just using a ‘winging-it’ type of design. Let’s try this – no, let’s try this – no let’s try this. Why can’t we just leave the roads where they are, fill the holes as they happen and put all those millions, no billions into rescuing the economy. I know it may be just a drop in the bucket, but it is still better than a bucket with no bottom at all. I guess I am just very ‘old school’ when it comes to budgeting. I always went on the assumption that if money gets tight you tighten your belt (so to speak) and forfeit even the little luxuries till things get back on track.
I’m just talking about a few cities here in the Bay Area that have lost their ability to prioritize. It’s really scary to think about how many cities in the United States are doing the same thing. In fact, I have yet to find an airport in the USA that doesn’t have some kind of construction going on. Stop buying the filet mignon and get creative with hamburger for a while to get this budget crises taken care of. Focus on the really important things like being able to afford and keep a place to live. I’m concerned, worried, stressed and strangely amused by the insanity — all at the same time.
And one last thought to add to the mania of the falling housing market, what about my bank account? If all these bank accounts are insured by AIG, and we, the taxpayers, just bought AIG, are we now insuring our own bank accounts?
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Functional Utility – The combination of the usefulness and attractiveness of a property.
It’s hard to believe summer is coming to an end already. I keep trying to blame it on just getting older but I’m not really convinced about that anymore. I think we all live life much faster nowadays. I think the computer generation and instant information access makes it all move faster.
Even though the end of summer is here mosquitoes still abound. I have a small pond in my backyard that I ALWAYS keep mosquito fish in. And the fact that Alameda County (most counties probably do this) mosquito abatement will deliver them and place them in your pond or fountain for free makes it mandatory in my book. I don’t want mosquitoes biting me and maybe transmitting West Nile Virus to me or my family. I also want to be a responsible neighbor and make sure my neighbors are all safe as well.
So if you have ANY type of water feature on your property please, please take advantage of this service. And spread the word (better than spreading West Nile Virus) throughout your neighborhood about this service. Also, if there are any vacant houses that you know about report them to the county mosquito control staff. The staff that delivers the fish is very cordial and more than willing to answer any and all of your questions.
You do have to treat your pond or fountain water with something that will remove chlorine. But this can be found at any pet shop, hardware store or plant nursery. The chlorine will definitely kill the mosquito fish. I found this out the hard way by not treating my pond water and the day after I had a few mosquito fish placed in my pond they were all dead. This does make me wonder why it is considered okay for us to drink the water but it kills other living things. A definite pet peeve of mine! “Sure it’s safe – drink up – but don’t look at the dead fish floating in the same kind of water out in your pond. C’mon, they’re just fish.” Doesn’t make sense, but that is a whole other topic that I won’t go into here. Let’s just suffice it to say that I have a theory that humans are actually the aliens on this planet. We’re the inhabitants that are continuously producing products and chemicals that do not naturally exist — like plastic, etc. No need to worry about aliens landing here – we’re here!
And I must say that even though I felt very guilty about having more mosquito fish placed in my pond, because I feared being scolded for killing the last ones, the guy just smiled and asked if he had just delivered some previously. When I sheepishly smiled and said “yes” he just said okay, here’s some more fish for you. Whew!!
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Freehold Estate – An estate of indeterminable duration; for example, fee simple or life estate.
I was just reading an article on Yahoo about a famous sports figure having to sell his mansion. Check this place out. Wow! I was just thinking about how much prices have been reduced on the EB Tri-Cities mansions. We know the houses under $1 million are being drastically reduced as we speak, but so are the million plus houses.
Even though the luxurious homes are dropping in price, the property taxes still take a big chunk out of the pocket book. If the price is low enough then that does make the property tax a bit of a moot point? I suppose. Although now I hear that it isn’t just the mortgage payment that is taking its toll but people are not able to pay their property taxes as well. I have heard stories of people living in a big mansion but not having hardly any furniture, a run down old car, and all the relatives sharing the place. While I certainly can’t knock that way of living I don’t think I could do it. Although I must admit when I look at some of the palatial places listed below it is tempting. I think I could just enjoy driving up ‘my’ driveway if it looked like one of these properties.
Here are some examples of beautiful homes in the East Bay if you are still looking for the dream home you have always wanted and price isn’t a big issue. Granted, these aren’t quite to the level of the house in PA mentioned above, but we do have close to ideal weather here so it is a trade-off.
Well, here we are approaching the house buying/selling slow time. As if things are not already slow enough, eh? Let’s keep our fingers crossed that by Spring of 2009 the housing market will regain some of its lost momentum. Or at least go up instead of further down. Here are my personal opinions* on this weekend’s open houses:
FREMONT 4534 Bianca Dr – 3/2 – 1148 sf ($335) $385,000Sun 1:30-4:30
An older tract of 1950 style houses. Plus the garage was remodeled without permits. 38366 Nebo Dr – 3/2 – 1120 sf ($463) $519,000Sun 1:00-5:00
This house is nestled right at the bottom of the foothills but the neighborhood is in a league of its own, so to speak. Lordy look at the place across the street from it in Google Street View – yikes! 4994 Everglades Park Dr – 4/2 – 1576 sf ($359) $565,000Sat 1:00-4:00
Nice looking house but right near lots of power lines. Those things make me nervous with their crackling sound 24/7. 39004 Applegate Ter – 3/2.5 – 1475 sf ($406) $599,000Sat 1:00-4:00
I like this house, the neighborhood and it is close to BART. 34876 Winchester Pl – 3/2 – 1390 sf ($457) $634,950Sat/Sun 1:30-5:00
I like the location of this house because it is near the Quarry Lakes recreation area. Lots of outdoorsy stuff to do there. 34213 Gannon Ter – 3/2.5 – 1481 sf ($452) $669,999Sat 1:00-4:00
This house is located close to Coyote Hills recreational area, another fun place. I like it! 35711 Ballantine Pl – 4/2 – 1714 sf ($394) $675,000Sat 1:00-4:00
Very nice house in a great area. 33235 Sunriver Cmn – 3/2.5 – 1826 sf ($383) $699,000Sat 1:00-4:00
Nice open floor plan but lost in a maze of streets. Although that can be a good thing if you don’t like being near main (noisy) streets. 35100 Ramblewood Ct – 4/2.5 – 1638 sf ($432) $708,000Sun 1:00-4:00
A lot of house for the price in a nice neighborhood. 650 Aztec Ct – 3/2 – 1441 sf ($505) $728,000Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
Although I’m not real familiar with this area I do know that there are a lot of shopping centers nearby. It is on a big lot so I am kinda torn about whether the price is suitable or not. 34437 Calgary Ter – 3/2.5 – 1769 sf ($413) $729,950Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
An ‘attached single family’ house in a townhouse complex looking neighborhood. Hmmmm….. 34226 Kenwood Dr – 4/2.5 – 1950 sf ($405) $788,888Sat 1:00-4:00
A very lush looking house near Ardenwood (I like this area) but in a cramped neighborhood again. 5085 Xavier Cmn – 4/2.5 – 1932 sf ($414) $798,888Sun 1:00-4:00
Another big roomy house in a cramped neighborhood near Ardenwood. What the? 440 Tonopah Dr – 4/2 – 1866 sf ($438) $818,000Sat/Sun 1:30-4:30
A large house/lot in a nice neighborhood but it can be tricky getting in and out of the neighborhood during commute time due to the close proximity of major streets. 5536 Tan Oak Dr – 4/3 – 1929 sf ($435) $838,888Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
Nice big house in the typical cramped together hood in Ardenwood. 481 D St – 4/3 – 2304 sf ($377) $868,000Sat 1:00-5:00
A very family friendly house in one of my favorite areas – Niles. 49087 Tomahawk Pl – 6+/4 – 3024 sf ($314) $949,000Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
A huge house on a huge lot. I like this place. 45130 Pawnee Dr – 4/3 – 1866 sf ($531) $990,000Sat 1:00-4:00/Sun 2:00-5:00
I really like this area of Fremont because it is close to the foothills for hiking around, etc. 1719 Riverwalk Dr – 4/3 – 2591 sf ($426) $1,105,000Sun 1:30-5:00
What a shame, a gorgeous home but right next to railroad tracks.HAYWARD 24833 Santa Clara St – 4/2 – 1350 sf ($340) $459,000Sun 1:00-4:00
Hah – the description is priceless but even though this looks to be an okay house it is on a big busy street in a so-so neighborhood.MILPITAS 500 Alexander Way – 3/2 – 1268 sf ($335) $425,000Sat 10:00-12:00
A bright sunny house in a good area with the added bonus of a pool and spa. 747 Erie Cir – 2/2.5 – 1350 sf ($381) $515,000Sun 1:00-4:00
An attached single family house so it is very similar to a townhouse.
UNION CITY 351 Riviera Dr – 4/2 – 2088 sf ($228) $475,900Sun 1:00-4:00
A very big house and lot and the Google Street View makes it hard to tell where the lot ends and begins. It is in a nice area. 32733 Belami Loop – 4/3 – 2283 sf ($346) $789,000Sun 1:00-4:00
A big beautiful sunny and open type place. 2512 Heritage Way – 5/2.5 – 3020 sf ($281) $849,950Sun 1:30-4:30
A large dynamically pleasing house that is next to Alameda Creek, which is great for evening strolls.
* The opinions on the above properties are strictly my own biased thoughts and no one else’s.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Foundation – That part of a structure or wall wholly or partly below the surface of the ground that is the base or support, including the footings.
The city of Hayward is cutting jobs to balance its budget and one of the reasons is because not enough city employees are willing to take early retirement. Plus they are freezing over 30 open positions for the time being. This won’t affect city safety jobs but things like building permits will take longer to okay. So you might just want to rethink remodeling your house or buying that fixer-upper for the time being or at least realize it will take more patience it usually does.
I truly feel that it is highly important to make sure all property improvements are up to the legal codes for your area no matter how long it takes. Remodeling and upgrading a property is expensive and nerve-wracking. I have yet to hear a good/happy story about a remodeling adventure. If you have any I would like to hear them so I don’t have such a negative view of the process. Although, having made that statement, I must admit some of my friends and family members who have gone through the trials and tribulations of remodeling now have super nice places that they live in.
Meanwhile, here are some fixer uppers in Hayward if you are that patient person interested in a good deal.
31167 Faircliff St – 3/2 – 1406 sf ($267) $374,900
This looks to be quite a diamond in the rough because of the location and the size of the lot. I would say that painting the kitchen something other than pink would be a good start.
22423 Ralston Ln – 3/2 – 1260 sf ($226) $285,000
This one is bank owned, in a great neighborhood, has lots of potential. And look at that price!
2004 Nina Ct – 4/3 – 2298 sf ($185) $424,950
Okay, I admit when I don’t see more than a picture of the front of the house and the description says “for the person that likes challenges!” I do get nervous. But then look at that price — $185 a sq. foot? In a decent neighborhood to boot. I think it is worth checking out.
27370 Grandview Ave – 3/3 – 3928 sf ($186) $730,000
I am, and was, fascinated by this place. It’s on a huge lot with nothing across the street but a fantastic view. It isn’t in move in condition and a crack in the balcony will mean you will be waiting on building inspection most likely, but what the heck – $186 a square foot for a spectacular home might just be your ticket to a future mega home.
26628 Colette St – 4/1 – 1200 sf ($262) $314,900
Decent enough area but 4 bedrooms and only 1 bath is a concern let alone all that in only 1200 square feet of living space. But the place does look like it has potential. I think the description has a typo though because it says the lot size is only 555 square feet. Now THAT would be tricky!
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Footing – The base or bottom of a foundation wall, pier, or column.
I noticed that the open houses this weekend are not listing Monday as a day to hold open house. If my house was up for sale in this lagging market I would definitely take advantage of the holiday and have an open house on Monday, as well as Saturday and Sunday. Plus, being the rebel that I am, I would also make sure the hours for MY open house are at least a couple of hours before and after everyone else’s.
My listing and flyer information would contain a picture of every room in the house including the front and back yards. Another thing that I like (I believe I have mentioned this in a previous blog) is displaying a full disclosure binder in the house that lists everything that has been done to the property. I don’t know about you, but I find total and honest disclosure of information, regarding perhaps the biggest investment of my life, to be a remarkable incentive. Sort of like picking friends – I try to steer clear of dishonest, secretive people. Of course it is much easier to dump a disastrous friend than a disastrous house these days. Okay, I can see I am digressing here, but I think you get my point, right?
Here are a few of my personal opinions* on some of the local open houses. I will try not to swing towards the houses with pools even though another sweltering hot day is predicted for today. I am not lucky enough to have a swimming pool at my house so yesterday I filled up the children’s 3’ X 6’ inflatable wading pool, put my lawn chair smack dab in the middle of it, turned on the mist machine and sat there drinking an umbrella drink. How’s THAT for decadence in an average joe’s (or jane’s) house? It was bliss as I sat there with a big smile on my face thinking about how clever I am and that no one else will ever know about this, especially the children.
FREMONT 4929 Omar St – 3/2 – 1434 sf ($370) $530,000Sat 1:00-4:00/Sun 2:00-5:00
This one offers a sauna in the master bath, but that doesn’t sound appealing on a hot summer day like today. 41262 Ellen St – 3/2 – 1318 sf ($432) $569,000Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
Nice family style house really close to a highschool and middle school. 4304 Jessica Cir – 4/2 – 1380 sf ($434) $598,888Sun 1:00-4:00
I really like the looks of this house plus it is close to a couple of recreational parks: Coyote Hills and Quarry Lakes. 4992 Valpey Park Ave – 4/2 – 1616 sf ($402) $649,999Sat/Sun 1:00-5:00
I like the contemporary style of this place even if it is in a mediocre neighborhood. 4239 Ogden Dr – 5/3 – 2164 sf ($300) $650,000Sat 1:00-4:00
A lot of house for the price but not one of my favorite neighborhoods. Hey, that lady in the Google street view picture looks like my Grandma offering up a plate of cookies…! Nice touch Grammie! 34213 Gannon Ter – 3/2.5 – 1481 sf ($452) $669,999Sat 1:00-4:00
A very nice house but a little too close to the neighbor’s house for my comfort zone. 34226 Kenwood Dr – 4/2.5 – 1950 sf ($405) $788,888Sat 1:00-4:00
For this price I would rather have this nice house up in the foothills. Again, a house too close to the neighbors for my taste. What’s with the bigger houses built way too close to each other? Do I smell a bit of greed? 47066 Yucatan Dr – 4/3 – 1784 sf ($475) $848,000Sun 1:00-4:00
One word: overpriced! 43050 Scofield Ct – 3/2.5 – 1944 sf ($488) $948,888Sun 1:00-4:00
A bit pricey but I like the neighborhood (my favorite ‘secret trail’ is nearby). But can I sit in my lawn chair in the pool without drowning? Probably not. 45130 Pawnee Dr – 4/3 – 1866 sf ($531) $990,000Sat 1:00-4:00
A whole lotta house for a whole lotta money. 1719 Riverwalk Dr – 4/3 – 2591 sf ($426) $1,105,000Sun 1:30-5:00
Gorgeous home across the street from noisy trains = asking for too much money. 38736 Almaden Pl – 3/3 – 3243 sf ($407) $1,320,000Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
Again with the nearby noisy trains. Darn, because it is a beautiful house. 4239 Santa Monica Ter – 5/4 – 4473 sf ($512) $2,288,000Sat 1:00-4:00
Okay, so here’s the deal: no nearby train, located in foothills, neighbors are not too close, spectacular house and property = a whole lotta $$. And yes, I am strange enough to want to put my lawn chair in that pool at least once to remind me of where I came from.
* the opinions in this blog are strictly my own personal (however twisted) point of view.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Floor Finish – The final covering on the floor, such as wood, linoleum, cork, or carpet.
As seen on Yahoo the housing prices just keep on dropping. So why aren’t groceries and gas along with other commodities dropping? If the economy is bad, it’s bad all around isn’t it? So you can buy a house almost dirt cheap now but you can’t furnish it because the furniture is too expensive? What the? I know I’m missing something here because I am not a financial expert (not even close) but I am just an average person with simple thinking.
I recently returned from a trip to Canada to visit some friends. They said nothing about their housing market but I found this article today in the Vancouver Sun. It looks like they aren’t as hard hit as us but they are taking a hit. I did notice that the price of a house in my friend’s community of Lions Bay are doing just fine. I only wish I had bought a house there about 4 years ago. Prices have doubled there since then.Lions Bay is about ½ way between Vancouver and Whistler and is a spectacular little community. My friends own and run the Community News on the web and everyone in the quaint community is involved in the local happenings. They are not feeling a pinch at all. In fact, with the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in Whistler the communities between Whistler and Vancouver are experiencing a bit of a boom. I love the area up there but really dislike the cold, wet winters. I lived in Eureka for several years and that was more gloom than I could take, especially after growing up in Southern California. So going even further north means more gloom. It takes a whole lot of rain to keep those giant forests green. Oh well — at least I get to go visit there whenever I want to. An example of a house for sale in Lions Bay, BC Canada.
Now, back to the local EB Tri-Cities area. Here are some new listings that make this area a good area to call home:
FREMONT Low: 38692 Country Ter 2/2 928 sf ($311) $288,888
Smack dab in the middle of Fremont means access to everything. Mid: 5565 Andromeda Cir 4/2.5 1422 sf ($447) $634,950
A very comfy looking home in a nice enough neighborhood. High: 40 Montclaire Dr 4/3.5 4030 sf ($496) $1,998,888
A grandiose place in the Fremont foothills. Just what you would expect for this area.
HAYWARD Low: 658 River Oak Way #77 1/1 531 sf ($181) $96,000
A condo in an okay area with HOA fees of $241 per month. Mid: 21601 Knoll Way 2/2 1530 sf ($363) $555,000
Nice area with no neighbors off the backyard. High: 28828 Bay Heights Rd 6/3 3441 sf ($356) $1,225,000
A big house on a big lot in a great area.
MILPITAS Low: 1787 Starlite Dr 3/2 1010 sf ($397) $401,000
Not one of my favorite areas but close to the Great Mall if you love to shop. Mid: 1566 Jupiter Dr 3/2 1240 sf $499,000
Easy access to the freeway but it looks like needs some TLC in a mediocre neighborhood. High: 1744 E Arana Ct 4/2 1466 sf ($443) $649,000
I like this area of Milpitas. Away from the dump and close to the foothills..
NEWARK Low: 36556 Olive St 3/1 984 sf ($356) $349,900
Not a great area but this could be a good investment home. Be prepared to do a lot of yard work because it needs help. Mid: 37672 Fuschia Ct 4/2 1522 sf ($345) $524,950
This is located in a mediocre neighborhood but the house and yard(s) look like they have received TLC. High: 6086 Bennington Dr6/3 2580 sf ($290) $749,000
A lot of house for the price. Not a short sale but it sure does have a short counter island in the kitchen. Bizarro looking to me.
UNION CITY Low: 34805 Starling Dr #2 2/1 903 sf ($177) $159,900
Close to BART and the Quarry Lakes Recreational Area. Mid: 220 Dutra Vernaci Dr 3/2.5 2000 sf ($325) $650,000
I like the looks and location of this house. High: 34967 Eastin Dr 5/4 3198 sf ($327) $1,045,000
Beautiful home close to the bay and the Dumbarton bridge.
REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY: Floor Area Ratio Method – A Flexible method of limiting the size of a building in relation to the size of a lot; used in some zoning ordinances as an alternative to strict size and coverage limits.
4572 De Silva St – 3/2 – 1148 sf ($374) $429,000 Sat/Sun 1:00-4:00
481 D St – 4/3 -2304 sf ($377) $868,000 Sat/Sun 1:00-5:00
23387 Hopper Rd – 3/1.5 – 1025 sf ($259) $265,000 Sun 1:00-4:00
