“Nancy is hands-down the best agent I’ve ever worked with —and I’ve worked with over a dozen!”
- Bonnie Gemmell, Woodside, CA.
What I Love This Week - Visiting St. Helena, CA           I spent some lovely time over the holidays in Napa and St. Helena. What beautiful places to explore - even on a rainy day! I just love the many unique boutiques and opportunities to window shop. And, of course, there are so many terrific places to eat from roadside diner to fine dining. Gotta Have Gott’s! In fact, one of the tastiest meals I had was at Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet in St. Helena. Come with your appetite, because they take comfort food to a new level with BLTs, seared Ahi burgers, and sweet potato fries.  I ordered the seared Ahi burger, but I must admit the bite of double cheese burger I had was just awesome. And I can’t imagine anyone would regret splurging on a shake! Catch Gott’s on re-runs of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (they were known as Taylor’s Refresher at the time), and you’ll understand why there is always a line at the order window. If you can’t make it to St. Helena or Napa, try out the SF location at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Worth a stop! Image: piyato / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What I Love This Week - Visiting St. Helena, CA          

I spent some lovely time over the holidays in Napa and St. Helena. What beautiful places to explore - even on a rainy day! I just love the many unique boutiques and opportunities to window shop. And, of course, there are so many terrific places to eat from roadside diner to fine dining.

Gotta Have Gott’s!

In fact, one of the tastiest meals I had was at Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet in St. Helena. Come with your appetite, because they take comfort food to a new level with BLTs, seared Ahi burgers, and sweet potato fries. 

I ordered the seared Ahi burger, but I must admit the bite of double cheese burger I had was just awesome. And I can’t imagine anyone would regret splurging on a shake! Catch Gott’s on re-runs of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (they were known as Taylor’s Refresher at the time), and you’ll understand why there is always a line at the order window.

If you can’t make it to St. Helena or Napa, try out the SF location at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Worth a stop!

Image: piyato / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Designing a Kid’s Room I know what you are thinking - that “kid’s rooms” and “design” don’t often go together. But they can! I came across some wonderful design ideas on www.houzz.com in their recently published Top 20 Kids Rooms of 2011 ideabook. Here are a few of their fun ideas for designing a great room. * Built-in Bunks - Sometimes kids sharing a room can be a real mess! But built-in bunks give each child their own space to occupy while creating a feeling of organization in the room. * Integrated Murals - A mural is a fun way to decorate a wall, and a mural that blends with shelving and mirror adds functionality. I love the tree whose branches turn into shelves. * Storage! Some of the best kid’s rooms I’ve seen in my experience selling homes included lots of built-in or built-up storage. I love deep built-in shelving with baskets to organize toys, and window benches with cubbies hidden below. Most importantly, have fun decorating a kid’s room. And Grandparents, pay attention: many of the built-in bunks are fun ways to accommodate visiting grandchildren! Happy New Year! Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Designing a Kid’s Room

I know what you are thinking - that “kid’s rooms” and “design” don’t often go together. But they can!

I came across some wonderful design ideas on www.houzz.com in their recently published Top 20 Kids Rooms of 2011 ideabook. Here are a few of their fun ideas for designing a great room.

* Built-in Bunks - Sometimes kids sharing a room can be a real mess! But built-in bunks give each child their own space to occupy while creating a feeling of organization in the room.

* Integrated Murals - A mural is a fun way to decorate a wall, and a mural that blends with shelving and mirror adds functionality. I love the tree whose branches turn into shelves.

* Storage! Some of the best kid’s rooms I’ve seen in my experience selling homes included lots of built-in or built-up storage. I love deep built-in shelving with baskets to organize toys, and window benches with cubbies hidden below.

Most importantly, have fun decorating a kid’s room. And Grandparents, pay attention: many of the built-in bunks are fun ways to accommodate visiting grandchildren!

Happy New Year!

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Spotlight on… Belmont Nestled between San Carlos and San Mateo is the city of Belmont. I have sold many homes in Belmont, but of course the most lavish residence is not for sale: the historic Ralston Hall Mansion. Located on the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University, Ralston Hall Mansion was built by San Francisco financier William Chapman Ralston after he acquired the property in 1865. The country estate was well known and hosted visits by many prominent politicians, business leaders, and artists. Today, the grand mansion provides a beautiful setting for weddings and other special events, or just a stroll around the gardens. November Stats Some of the cities where I specialize: *  Atherton - 8 sales, 102% to list price, 38 average DOM *  Belmont - 23 sales, 98% to list price, 41 average DOM *  Palo Alto - 40 sales, 105% to list price, 29 average DOM *  Redwood City - 51 sales, 99% to list price, 69 average DOM *  San Mateo - 51 sales, 100% to list price, 61 average DOM *  San Carlos - 17 sales, 100% to list price, 41 average DOM *  Woodside - 8 sales, 93% to list price, 133 average DOM If you want to discuss real estate on the market in Belmont, or more specifics on sales in your town, please give me a call. I would be happy to show you what the SF Peninsula has to offer and view some of the terrific homes that are currently on the market. Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Spotlight on… Belmont

Nestled between San Carlos and San Mateo is the city of Belmont. I have sold many homes in Belmont, but of course the most lavish residence is not for sale: the historic Ralston Hall Mansion.

Located on the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University, Ralston Hall Mansion was built by San Francisco financier William Chapman Ralston after he acquired the property in 1865. The country estate was well known and hosted visits by many prominent politicians, business leaders, and artists.

Today, the grand mansion provides a beautiful setting for weddings and other special events, or just a stroll around the gardens.

November Stats

Some of the cities where I specialize:

*  Atherton - 8 sales, 102% to list price, 38 average DOM

*  Belmont - 23 sales, 98% to list price, 41 average DOM

*  Palo Alto - 40 sales, 105% to list price, 29 average DOM

*  Redwood City - 51 sales, 99% to list price, 69 average DOM

*  San Mateo - 51 sales, 100% to list price, 61 average DOM

*  San Carlos - 17 sales, 100% to list price, 41 average DOM

*  Woodside - 8 sales, 93% to list price, 133 average DOM

If you want to discuss real estate on the market in Belmont, or more specifics on sales in your town, please give me a call. I would be happy to show you what the SF Peninsula has to offer and view some of the terrific homes that are currently on the market.

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happy New Year! Is it really time to ring in a new year? Well, once again I find myself wondering where the past year went while looking forward to what 2012 will bring.  I have had the great fortune to work with some really wonderful clients during my 25 plus years as a real estate agent. From them I have learned a lot, including the many ways that people honor New Year’s Eve Traditions. This is about the most superstitious of holidays that I know, and I gathered up a few of those superstitions to share. *  Spanish revelers ring in the New Year by eating 12 grapes as the clock chimes. Watch out for a sour grape though - if, say, the 7th grape you eat is sour, you might expect issues in July. *  Many cultures prepare traditional dishes with some kind of bean. In the Southern US, black-eyed peas are considered a lucky food to consume on the 1st of the New Year. *  The stroke of midnight has been marked by “Auld Lang Syne” (and our attempts to mumble the lyrics) ever since it was popularized by swanky New York City Hotels during the first half of the 20th century. *  Money factors into many traditions, with some cultures throwing coins and others passing out money, all in hopes of inviting good fortune to the coming year. *  And, of course, there are parades, most notably the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA. There is nothing like a sunny morning and millions of flowers to make the new year sparkle. Whatever your plans, I wish you good fortune and happiness in 2012! I look forward to working with you on new projects, or just catching up over a cup of tea. Image: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happy New Year!

Is it really time to ring in a new year? Well, once again I find myself wondering where the past year went while looking forward to what 2012 will bring. 

I have had the great fortune to work with some really wonderful clients during my 25 plus years as a real estate agent. From them I have learned a lot, including the many ways that people honor New Year’s Eve Traditions. This is about the most superstitious of holidays that I know, and I gathered up a few of those superstitions to share.

*  Spanish revelers ring in the New Year by eating 12 grapes as the clock chimes. Watch out for a sour grape though - if, say, the 7th grape you eat is sour, you might expect issues in July.

*  Many cultures prepare traditional dishes with some kind of bean. In the Southern US, black-eyed peas are considered a lucky food to consume on the 1st of the New Year.

*  The stroke of midnight has been marked by “Auld Lang Syne” (and our attempts to mumble the lyrics) ever since it was popularized by swanky New York City Hotels during the first half of the 20th century.

*  Money factors into many traditions, with some cultures throwing coins and others passing out money, all in hopes of inviting good fortune to the coming year.

*  And, of course, there are parades, most notably the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA. There is nothing like a sunny morning and millions of flowers to make the new year sparkle.

Whatever your plans, I wish you good fortune and happiness in 2012! I look forward to working with you on new projects, or just catching up over a cup of tea.

Image: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do Yourself A Favor If you are like me, you probably have a list of tasks that you know you should take care of but just haven’t gotten around to doing yet. Here are some tips that were recently shared with me that I want to pass along. Do yourself a favor this month and knock out these three security tasks that can provide protection and peace of mind. Create A Better Password Just about every website we use requires a password, but many of us don’t put much thought into creating a secure password that can protect our personal information. Experts recommend changing passwords frequently, creating different passwords for different accounts, and avoiding simple words/phrases or personal information. Try this trick: create a personal phrase and use the first letters of each word in your password. For example, the phrase “I love to cook and sell houses!” converts to “IL2C&SH!”. Take a Picture If you wallet was lost or stollen, how quickly could you contact your financial institutions with details and account numbers? Experts recommend making a photocopy of the contents of your wallet and storing it in a secure location. You could also take a picture with your cell phone camera (just be sure to keep the info safe by printing and then deleting the picture from your phone).  Credit vs. Debit It is such a convenience to have a debit card that can be used as a credit card. However, if you are doing a lot of online shopping this holiday season, consider using an actual credit card. Credit cards have certain protections that may not apply to your debit card if your information is hacked. Further, a stollen debit card could temporarily drain your bank account at a time when you were counting on that money being there. Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do Yourself A Favor

If you are like me, you probably have a list of tasks that you know you should take care of but just haven’t gotten around to doing yet. Here are some tips that were recently shared with me that I want to pass along. Do yourself a favor this month and knock out these three security tasks that can provide protection and peace of mind.

Create A Better Password

Just about every website we use requires a password, but many of us don’t put much thought into creating a secure password that can protect our personal information. Experts recommend changing passwords frequently, creating different passwords for different accounts, and avoiding simple words/phrases or personal information. Try this trick: create a personal phrase and use the first letters of each word in your password. For example, the phrase “I love to cook and sell houses!” converts to “IL2C&SH!”.

Take a Picture

If you wallet was lost or stollen, how quickly could you contact your financial institutions with details and account numbers? Experts recommend making a photocopy of the contents of your wallet and storing it in a secure location. You could also take a picture with your cell phone camera (just be sure to keep the info safe by printing and then deleting the picture from your phone). 

Credit vs. Debit

It is such a convenience to have a debit card that can be used as a credit card. However, if you are doing a lot of online shopping this holiday season, consider using an actual credit card. Credit cards have certain protections that may not apply to your debit card if your information is hacked. Further, a stollen debit card could temporarily drain your bank account at a time when you were counting on that money being there.

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What I Love This Week - Indoor Gardening With cooler weather and rainy days in the forecast, you might find yourself looking for an indoor activity for yourself or for little hands on vacation from school. Indoor gardening can be a fun and creative way to brighten a window sill. Here are two ideas I love. Indoor Herb Garden An indoor herb garden requires very little gardening experience to create. You can start with some seedlings from a nursery or a packet of seeds. Choose a few herbs that you like to cook with - perhaps sage, basil and oregano - and plant them in a small container of well-drained soil. Find a sunny spot, provide adequate water, and watch your little garden grow. Terrarium A terrarium is a small garden inside a glass container, such as a goldfish bowl or vase. Build your terrarium in layers, like a parfait. From the bottom up, layer small rocks as drainage, activated charcoal as a filter for odors, moss as a bed for the soil, potting soil, and finally small houseplants. Water sparingly with a spray bottle, enough to keep your terrarium moist. Add a few small decorative elements, like a figurine, and you are done! I found a great Terrarium How-To with pictures on About.com. I hope you enjoy these ideas for creating some small “real estate” in your home this winter. Looking for some big real estate to care for? Please give me a call and we can discuss your needs. Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What I Love This Week - Indoor Gardening

With cooler weather and rainy days in the forecast, you might find yourself looking for an indoor activity for yourself or for little hands on vacation from school. Indoor gardening can be a fun and creative way to brighten a window sill. Here are two ideas I love.

Indoor Herb Garden

An indoor herb garden requires very little gardening experience to create. You can start with some seedlings from a nursery or a packet of seeds. Choose a few herbs that you like to cook with - perhaps sage, basil and oregano - and plant them in a small container of well-drained soil. Find a sunny spot, provide adequate water, and watch your little garden grow.

Terrarium

A terrarium is a small garden inside a glass container, such as a goldfish bowl or vase. Build your terrarium in layers, like a parfait. From the bottom up, layer small rocks as drainage, activated charcoal as a filter for odors, moss as a bed for the soil, potting soil, and finally small houseplants. Water sparingly with a spray bottle, enough to keep your terrarium moist. Add a few small decorative elements, like a figurine, and you are done! I found a great Terrarium How-To with pictures on About.com.

I hope you enjoy these ideas for creating some small “real estate” in your home this winter. Looking for some big real estate to care for? Please give me a call and we can discuss your needs.

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Peninsula Real Estate Trends Love numbers? Well, then, I’ve got a little present for you. The links below access the extensive Peninsula Market Reports prepared exclusively for Alain Pinel clients. These reports provide current and in-depth market statistics to inform your understanding of the Peninsula real estate market. Use these reports to learn what is going on in your city, or to research a possible new home search. And I’m always available to discuss your real estate needs - over a cup of joe or perhaps while touring some of the great houses currently on the market. Downloadable Market Reports Atherton: 94027 Belmont: 94002 Foster City: 94404Menlo Park: 94025Palo Alto: City |  94301 |  94303 |  94306Portola Valley: 94028Redwood City / Redwood Shores: City |  94061 |  94062 |  94063 |  94065San Carlos: 94070Woodside: 94062 Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Peninsula Real Estate Trends

Love numbers? Well, then, I’ve got a little present for you. The links below access the extensive Peninsula Market Reports prepared exclusively for Alain Pinel clients. These reports provide current and in-depth market statistics to inform your understanding of the Peninsula real estate market.

Use these reports to learn what is going on in your city, or to research a possible new home search. And I’m always available to discuss your real estate needs - over a cup of joe or perhaps while touring some of the great houses currently on the market.

Downloadable Market Reports

Atherton: 94027

Belmont: 94002

Foster City: 94404

Menlo Park: 94025

Palo Alto: City |  94301 |  94303 |  94306

Portola Valley: 94028

Redwood City / Redwood Shores: City |  94061 |  94062 |  94063 |  94065

San Carlos: 94070

Woodside: 94062

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Congress Helps CA Buyers I don’t have to tell you that the SF Peninsula has remained a pricey housing market even through the past few years of economic uncertainty. So as a real estate agent, I breathed a sigh of relief last month when Congress reinstated higher limits for FHA-backed mortgages in high-cost areas. In expensive housing areas such as San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, the limit for FHA-backed loans had dropped to $625,500 from $729,750 on October 1 of this year, creating an obstacle to home ownership. However, effective November 18, 2011 the former limits were reinstated. The provision passed by Congress and signed by the President reinstates the FHA loan limits through 2013 at 125% of local area median home prices, up to a maximum of $729,750 in the highest cost markets. (Please note that Congress chose not to apply the loan limits restoration to mortgages by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which will remain at 115% of local area median home prices up to $625,500.) IMHO*:  This is very good news for our own local housing market, where prices trend higher than national averages. I am concerned about any obstacles my clients encounter when trying to purchase a home. If this news just opened a door for you, please give me a call and I’d be happy to strategize a plan to meet your real estate goals. (*In My Humble Opinion, which I am always happy to share.) Image: vitasamb2001 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Congress Helps CA Buyers

I don’t have to tell you that the SF Peninsula has remained a pricey housing market even through the past few years of economic uncertainty. So as a real estate agent, I breathed a sigh of relief last month when Congress reinstated higher limits for FHA-backed mortgages in high-cost areas.

In expensive housing areas such as San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, the limit for FHA-backed loans had dropped to $625,500 from $729,750 on October 1 of this year, creating an obstacle to home ownership. However, effective November 18, 2011 the former limits were reinstated.

The provision passed by Congress and signed by the President reinstates the FHA loan limits through 2013 at 125% of local area median home prices, up to a maximum of $729,750 in the highest cost markets. (Please note that Congress chose not to apply the loan limits restoration to mortgages by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which will remain at 115% of local area median home prices up to $625,500.)

IMHO*:  This is very good news for our own local housing market, where prices trend higher than national averages. I am concerned about any obstacles my clients encounter when trying to purchase a home. If this news just opened a door for you, please give me a call and I’d be happy to strategize a plan to meet your real estate goals. (*In My Humble Opinion, which I am always happy to share.)

Image: vitasamb2001 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Palmer’s Pick - Tile Resurfacing

I have a great source for freshening up a kitchen or bathroom surface without the expense of new tile or granite counters. Nice Tub & Tile Refinishing offers a terrific coating service that I have personally used to give stained grout and dated linoleum a new life and updated look.  In fact, the counters in these pictures are from a client’s house where I am doing some work right now.

With a new surface applied to your old tiles, grout lines are covered and cleaning has never been easier. There are times, such as during a remodel, when you want to explore high-end options like granite and Corian. But if you are doing some quick updates to put your home on the market, or want a fresh look to bridge the gap to a remodel, then a surface coating is an effective and inexpensive option.

I have lots of ideas on great-looking quick fixes that might work for you. I have certainly seen my fair share of kitchen counter tops!

Mike Gundran

Nice Tub & Tile Refinishing

217 26th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

650.350.1325 office

650.245.7059

Email: info@nicetub.com

Website: www.nicetub.com

Peaceful Cul-De-Sac Living

I am thrilled to share with you my newest listing. This lovely Los Altos home combines peaceful cul-de-sac living with a spacious 3000 sq ft (approx.) floor plan. The quiet street of lovingly-maintained homes is walking distance to outstanding schools and close to downtown shopping. 

Four Bedrooms, Three Bathrooms, and So Much More

•  Open entry leads to dining room & living room with custom fireplace.

•  Sunny kitchen with large eat-in area and attached laundry/pantry.

•  Large master suite and additional bedroom & bathroom on first floor.

•  Second story retreat with two bedrooms and third bathroom.

•  Newly painted inside and out with new floor coverings throughout.

•  Large 10,000 sq ft (approx.) property with well-groomed landscaping.

•  Large driveway provides off-street parking and leads to 2-car garage.

Last but not Least

I saved one of my favorite parts of this house for last - the fruit trees! Imagine feasting on your own harvest of Gravenstein apples, pears, peaches, apricots, figs, avocados, persimmons, Meyer lemons, Rangpur limes, and Washington navel oranges (best oranges ever!). It is a wonderful gift from a very lovely garden.

45 Maynard Way, Los Altos

Offered at $1,695,000