April Sales at a Glance
April was a busy month for real estate on the SF Peninsula! As is typical this time of year, sales are picking up pace and when homes are priced right buyers are starting to snatch them up quickly! This is encouraging as we all continue to look for signs of a healthy real estate market.
Some of the cities where I specialize:
* Atherton - 8 sales, 99% to list price, 45 average DOM
* Belmont - 25 sales, 101% to list price, 52 average DOM
* Burlingame - 27 sales, 102% to list price, 66 average DOM
* Menlo Park - 26 sales, 105% to list price, 29 average DOM
* Palo Alto - 38 sales, 109% to list price, 13 average DOM
* Redwood City - 70 sales, 100% to list price, 60 average DOM
* San Mateo - 73 sales, 102% to list price, 52 average DOM
* San Carlos - 40 sales, 100% to list price, 20 average DOM
* Woodside - 7 sales, 100% to list price, 91 average DOM
IMHO*: I’ve learned in the past 25 plus years of selling houses to take each bit of news as it comes. But if you are ready to buy or sell a home, April brought some signs of good news mixed in with the rest. Give me a call and let me help you with a strategy that is right for you. (*In My Humble Opinion – which I’m always happy to share.)
Got Sleep?
This could be a new trend in home building and renovation: the secondary sleep room. Home builder Del Webb calls it the “Owners Retreat” and it works like a second bedroom off the master suite. When snoring or late night TV habits become taxing on a marriage, the owners retreat off the master bathroom provides a much more comfortable alternative to the living room couch.
More Ideas?
Candy Spelling had her famous gift-wrapping room. Here are some other trends, and one I dreamed up (can you guess which one?):
* A doorway inside the master suite closet that leads to the laundry room.
* Planning Centers - small rooms off the kitchen that replace the home-office by providing a nook, desk, cubbies and a place for the kids to do their homework.
* Costco Pantries - storage off the garage for those bulk items we love to buy.
* Whole-House Conveyer - Similar to the whole-house vacuum, this system of hidden conveyors would route groceries, laundry, mail, etc. to the correct room (and perhaps organize them, too).
I’d be happy to share my two cents on dream rooms or practical home additions you might be considering. I’ve certainly seen a lot during my years as a real estate agent along the SF Peninsula. Give me a call and we can meet for coffee and some planning!
Truly Local News
Love your city? Ever wonder where I get some of the truly local info that I sometimes discuss on my blog or in a conversation? Well, truly local news is available through websites like www.Patch.com where you can subscribe to daily emails with local news, history, and opinion. Simply select your city (including Belmont, San Carlos, San Mateo, Redwood City, and the list goes on) and subscribe. And a few cities have specialized daily news sites, including Palo Alto, Menlo Park/Atherton/Portola Valley/Woodside, and Menlo Park.
These are great sources for what’s going on around town and full of ideas for weekend adventure planning.
February Stats
Some of the cities where I specialize:
* Atherton - 3 sales, 96% to list price, 67 average DOM
* Belmont - 22 sales, 100% to list price, 49 average DOM
* Burlingame - 8 sales, 101% to list price, 39 average DOM
* Menlo Park - 27 sales, 100% to list price, 26 average DOM
* Palo Alto - 24 sales, 105% to list price, 20 average DOM
* Redwood City - 44 sales, 100% to list price, 63 average DOM
* San Carlos - 22 sales, 100% to list price, 90 average DOM
* San Mateo - 42 sales, 100% to list price, 66 average DOM
* Woodside - 3 sales, 94% to list price, 126 average DOM
If you want to discuss real estate on the market in your neighborhood, 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.
Trend Alert: Bathrooms
Here is an interesting home trend that was discussed in the LA Times last week: Wealthy home buyers demand bathrooms; lots of bathrooms. How many? Well, as many as 16 to 41 in some cases! Home builders report greater demand for extra bathrooms, leaving me to wonder how many trips to Costco are needed to keep all those commodes stocked with TP?
Bathroom Math
If you start to add up the rooms in a large residence where one might put a bathroom, the math could quickly work out to 20 or more!
* All en-suite bedrooms (4-6 or more)
* Children’s playroom (1)
* Kitchen (1)
* Pool house/cabana (1-2)
* Gym (1)
* Home office (1)
* Media room (2)
* Staff rooms (2-3)
* A scattering of powder rooms (2-4)
IMHO*: I guess if I was designing a 20,000 sf home I could see the appeal of all those bathrooms. In my years as a real estate agent along the SF Peninsula, in fact, I have found that a well-placed extra bathroom is usually an attractive selling point to potential buyers. Looking for a professional “bathroom assessment” of your home? Give me a call and lets talk! (*In My Humble Opinion, which I am always happy to share.)
Sneak Peek at My Newist Listing: Lovely Neighborhood Awaits You
This beautiful diamond-in-the-rough is on the market for the first time since being built in 1965. The spacious ranch layout provides just over 1800 square feet of living space on an approx. 8,000 square foot lot. Lovingly maintained by original owners, it awaits a new owner to update and transform into their own dream home. Endless possibilities!
• Floor plan includes 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with hardwood floors throughout.
• Large living room; family/dining room off the kitchen with access to patio/yard.
• Attached 2-car garage with additional off-street parking.
• Separate utility room with laundry hook-ups.
• Private office space with entrance from garage and outside.
• Lovely curb appeal along a quiet street.
• Walking distance to desirable Las Lomitas schools.
I’d be more than happy to schedule a showing, so please give me a call.
2220 Camino A Los Cerros, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Offered at $1,195,000
Real Estate Trend: Multigenerational Living
Multigenerational living is one trend in real estate that I personally have seen grow over the past decade along the SF Peninsula. As a real estate agent, I have worked with families with young children as well as retired families moving closer to grown children. I’ve learned a few things along the way of what multi-generational families are looking for in a house.
Just what is is a multi-generational family? Typically three or more generations living together (the family with young children along with one set of in-laws). There are many reasons to chose this living arrangement ranging from family closeness to economizing expenses to freedom to pick up and travel.
What makes a home ideal for multi generations?
1. Two Master Suites, or multiple in-suite bedrooms without shared walls.
2. Separate locked entrances.
3. Above-garage apartments.
4. Accessibility, which could mean ground floor master suites, wide doors/halls, and attached garage.
5. Kitchenette easily accessible to one of the bedroom suites, or a morning bar located in a master suite (sink, coffee station, small refrigerator and microwave).
6. Private spaces for each generation to escape to, such as a sitting room or a private patio off the bedroom.
If you are looking for some space to share with the generations in your family, I would be happy to show you some properties. I can even give you a quick analysis of the features of your home that might appeal to a multi-generation buyer!
More Info:Multi-generational Housing is the Hot Niche in a Cool Market
Spotlight on… Woodside, CA
The Town of Woodside is a picturesque area bringing together horses, history, large-scale residences, and fantastic hiking trails. It offers easy access to freeways and all that the Bay Area has to offer, yet offers a secluded and peaceful lifestyle.
History lovers will enjoy two historic locations in Woodside: The Woodside Store and the Woodside History Museum. The Woodside Store was first built in 1854 and is maintained by the San Mateo County Museum as it was in the 1880s. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday - check www.historysmc.org for hours. The Woodside History Museum is open Saturdays and is currently featuring “Days Of Grandeur: The Jacklings and their Woodside Estate,” an exhibit exploring the former Woodside mansion which was built in the 1920’s.
Home sales in Woodside reflect the size of a typical property; January saw 5 homes sold at 103% to list price after an average of 101 days on the market (DOM).
January Stats
Some of the other cities where I specialize:
* Atherton - 3 sales, 98% to list price, 83 average DOM
* Belmont - 4 sales, 101% to list price, 85 average DOM
* Burlingame - 11 sales, 97% to list price, 42 average DOM
* Menlo Park - 18 sales, 100% to list price, 44 average DOM
* Palo Alto - 21 sales, 106% to list price, 38 average DOM
* Redwood City - 37 sales, 98% to list price, 69 average DOM
* San Mateo - 43 sales, 97% to list price, 83 average DOM
* San Carlos - 18 sales, 100% to list price, 56 average DOM
If you want to discuss real estate on the market in Woodside, 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.
Sneak Peek at My Newist Listing: A Perfectly Situated Duplex
A commuter’s dream! This delightful westside duplex on a corner lot is within short walking distance of the Belmont Caltrain station, shopping and dining.
• Two 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom units, each with approximately 700 sq. ft. of comfortable living.
• Amenities include fireplace and hardwood floors.
• Private yard provides a tranquil escape.
• Shared carport provides 1 off-street parking spot per unit.
• Separate washer and dryer area for each unit.
• Strolling distance to Peet’s Coffee, Safeway, Caprino’s Italian Restaurant, and Twin Pines Park.
I’d be more than happy to schedule a showing, so please give me a call.
820 Hill Street, Belmont,CA 94002
Offered at $631,516
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.
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
