What Green Remodeling Is Smart For Home Sellers?
Image via Wikipedia Are you thinking about doing some remodeling? If so, for the best return on investment, go green. The new term is “eco-renovations†and some homebuyers are paying a premium for the added value of energy-efficient houses. Light Bulbs – Sounds too easy, but CFL florescent light bulbs…
Halloween Fun in Saratoga
Looking for something to do with young kids in Saratoga, CA? Take them to Witchy Walk About October 31 between 2-4 PM. For the sixth year in a row, Halloween in Saratoga features the Witchy Walk About for children. Witches, ghosts and goblins will haunt downtown Saratoga for the Saratoga…
Color Trends: Purple is The New “It” Color
Purple has long been associated with royalty, nobility and wisdom and was at one time only associated with the upper echelon. In today’s economic climate, this once exclusive color is not only attainable, but also marked as the hottest color for the months ahead according to Luxury Portfolio’s LuxeTrends. Alain…
Trend Moving Toward a Sellers Market in Saratoga Real Estate
 With a Market Action Index as of October 25 2009 at 18.22, Saratoga, CA 95070 is currently a “buyer’s market”, but the trend is moving in the direction towards a sellers market (note particularly the 90-day trend in orange from a low this past Spring and the gradual rise).  Residential house prices…
Mortgage Interest Rate Rising
Image via Wikipedia According to Private Mortage Advisors, an affiliate of Alain Pinel Realtors, mortgage rates are rising due to pressure on the 10 year US Treasury Bond which is the result of a huge debt auction by the federal government. This $123 billion offering is bigger than the demand…
Saratoga Community Gardens are Growing
Localism (growing and eating food locally) is a growing trend (bad pun, but true). Did you know that Saratoga, CA already has a community garden located in El Quito Park (on Presada, near Cox Ave. and Saratoga Ave.)? Westhope Presbyterian Church also has an adjacent community garden and Saratoga Presbyterian…
California Real Estate Forecast for 2010
Home sales in Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and surrounding Santa Clara County communities are not really indicative of trends in other parts of the State, but public impressions may be colored by what consumers read about the real estate market in the State as a whole. So just read…
U. S. Housing Market is Recovering
Good news. According to the National Association of Realtors chief economist, Lawrence Yun, the housing market has turned for the better: “The recovery is broad-based across many parts of the country. Housing affordability is at record highs.” The Pending Home Sales Index reports that contract activity for pending home sales…
Mortgage Rates Expected to Rise Slightly
Mortgage rates have climbed a bit this past week due to strong earnings in the stock market, which has pushed the dow over 10,000.  On the other hand we are now seeing higher fuel prices, which is generally a strong inflation indicator and this is not good for rates.  In addition, jobs…
Saratoga Closed Home Sales Average $1.47 million
Based on the past 54 closed escrows in Saratoga, CA here is a summary: Sale Prices              List Prices of Sold Homes Minimum:   $785,000     Minimum:   $799,000 Average:   $1,474,226       Average:    $1,571,714 Median:    $1,378,145    …
Multiple Offers on Silicon Valley Homes For Sale
As inventory is being rapidly absorbed at the lower end of the real estate market in Silicon Valley, it causes upward pressure in the middle market (under $1 million). Here are several examples of recent multiple offers in Cupertino, west San Jose, Sunnyvale and Campbell (compiled by Alain Pinel Realtors…
Median Price of Homes For Sale in Saratoga, CA on the Rise
Since the low point of March 2009, the inventory of detached homes for sale in Saratoga, CA has taken a major reversal. Inventory rose steadily to high levels through the summer and then started to take a pronounce drop after Labor Day. …
California Home Sales Up 38% from 2008
Yesterday was the last day of the California Association of Realtors (CAR) in San Jose. Thursday the talk was about the ‘new normal’. According to the California Association of Realtors, CAR, home sales are now 38 percent higher on a year-to-date basis compared to 2008 and it’s due in large…
Mortgage Interest Rates Favorable to Saratoga Home Buyers
There is currently a "rate rally" going on, which means that rates are very low and it is a great time to refinance and/or buy a home in Saratoga. Jumbo rates have come down as well and guidelines will be loosening especially with regard to down payment requirements. The…
Can Interest Rate Buydowns Help Saratoga Home Sellers and Buyers?
Mortgage interest rates are currently low, but home sellers can give extra motivation to potential buyers their Saratoga home by offering an interest rate buydown. Private Mortgage Advisors, an affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Alain Pinel Realtors has a temporary rate buydown option that can lower home buyer’s…
