Monthly archive - April 2010

San Francisco Peninsula: In Search of the Perfect Cupcake

San Francisco Peninsula: In Search of the Perfect Cupcake

The next few posts are simply for fun. We are going to be in search of the perfect cupcake.. . Several peninsula  bakeries now feature gourmet   cupcakes in addition to their other treats.  Several have made cupcakes one of their signature items.

Last Saturday, we took a walk in downtown San Carlos on Laurel Street and stopped by Vanilla Moon.  The cupcakes were delicious!  Later this week,  we will visit Palo Alto. I will leave it to my readers to decide which bakery has their favorite cupcake!


San Francisco Peninsula Real Estate Gems: Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

San Francisco Peninsula Real Estate Gems: Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

The Wall Street Journal ‘s April 22, 2010 article entitled “Tax Deal Lifts Home Sales But Price Pressures Loom” noted the following:

“Tax credits sparked a big jump in home sales last month, as first-time buyers took advantage of low prices and interest rates.

But the longer-term housing outlook remains clouded, with a large inventory of foreclosed homes expected to hit the market later this year.”

The jury is still out regarding the overall outlook for the San Francisco metro area ;however, the article  went on to note the following:

“Among metro areas with relatively low rates of delinquent borrowers and for-sale inventories: Boston, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.”

The market may  be in a transitional period with Federal Tax credits for qualifying homebuyers set to expire on April 30 (property must be in contract by April 30 to qualify). 

  At the end of the day,  job growth and economic factors will determine which metro areas continue to rebound while other areas continue to struggle with high rates of foreclosures.  The San Francisco Peninsula real estate market is marked by limited land for development, proximity to San Francisco  and of course, Silicon Valley.  As we reflect on the first quarter of this year, the question remains :  Is the glass half-empty or half-full?


San Francisco Peninsula Market Update: Palo Alto Ca

San Francisco Peninsula Market Update: Palo Alto Ca

Today’s post takes a look at active and pending sales data as reported by our Multiple Listing Service. Currently the MLS reports 81 active class one (single family homes) listings in  Palo Alto.  The MLS also reports 55  pending sales as of todays date.  Pending sales ranged in list price from $729,000 to $4,200,000.   Based upon MLS  pending data this represented an average 2081   sq foot house on an average  7366   sq foot lot. (Data deemed accurate but not guaranteed).

The San Francisco Peninsula real estate market continues to experience a strong spring market .


San Francisco Peninsula Real Estate Update: Redwood City Ca

San Francisco Peninsula Real Estate Update: Redwood City Ca

Today’s post takes a look at active and pending sales data as reported by our Multiple Listing Service. Currently the MLS reports 145 active class one (single family homes) listings in  Redwood City.  The MLS also reports 124  pending sales as of todays date.  Pending sales ranged in list price from $185,00 to $2,500,000.   Based upon MLS  pending data this represented an average 1487  sq foot house on an average  6814   sq foot lot. (Data deemed accurate but not guaranteed).


San Francisco Peninsula Market Update: Menlo Park Ca

San Francisco Peninsula Market Update: Menlo Park Ca

Today’s post takes a look at active and pending sales data as reported by our Multiple Listing Service. Currently the MLS reports 92 active class one (single family homes) listings in  Menlo Park.  The MLS also reports 59 pending sales as of todays date.  The average list price for the pending sales was reported to be $1,092,327.  Based upon MLS  pending data this represented an average 1619 sq foot house on a 7796  sq foot lot. (Data deemed accurate but not guaranteed).

This past week was a busy one for Menlo Park:  25 pending sales were reported by the MLS in this period.


San Francisco Peninsula Market Update: San Carlos

San Francisco Peninsula Market Update: San Carlos

Today’s post takes a look at active and pending sales data as reported by our Multiple Listing Service. Currently the MLS reports 54 active class one (single family homes) listings in  San Carlos.  The MLS also reports 29 pending sales as of todays date.  The average list price for the pending sales was reported to be $926,815.  Based upon MLS  pending data this represented an average 1953 sq foot house on a 7503 sq foot lot. (Data deemed accurate but not guaranteed).

Our San Francisco Peninsula real estate market continues to be very active with price and condition being strong factors.


Spring Fever(7): A visit to Woodside Glens,Woodside CA

Spring Fever(7): A visit to Woodside Glens,Woodside CA

Today  markes my final post for my “Spring Fever” series of posts.  There is a great portion  of the Peninsula Real Estate scene that we have not covered–the goal here is  to give a sample of some of the many “micro markets” that make up the San Francisco  Peninsula.

Today we visit Woodside Glens. Tucked away just minutes from downtown Woodside is Woodside Glens. Centered around Glenwood Ave (off Canada Road) this area offers close proximity to shopping and major commute corridors in a rural environment   Lots here tend to be smaller than one acre.

Our Multiple Listing Service indicates one active listing in this area as of today’s date listed at $925,000.  Currently there are four pending sales with an average list price of $1,164,750.  (Information from MLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed).


Spring Fever(6): A Visit to North Los Altos

Spring Fever(6): A Visit to North Los Altos

  San Francisco Peninsula real estate is characterized by numerous “micro-markets” and today we visit North Los Altos.  This area is anchored by shopping, schools and restaurants located  within close proximity  to San Antonio Road.  Main Street is a local hub for shopping and restaurants. Lots tend to be larger than average (see below)  and homes range from ranch style homes to newer construction.

The SF Peninsula real estate market is characterized by limited space for new development and growth; therefore, older homes are  often purchased and then replaced with  new construction.  Larger lots can  command a premium for new development.

Currently our Multiple Listing Service indicates 19 active class one (single family homes) listings with an average list price of $2,439,158 on an (average) 11,089 sq foot lot.  The MLS indicates 16 pending sales as of todays date with an average list price of $1,544,938 on a 12,446(average)  sq foot lot. (Information provided by MLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed)

   Tomorrow we visit Woodside Glens located close to 280 and downtown Woodside.


Spring Fever(4): A visit to White Oaks San Carlos Ca

Spring Fever(4): A visit to White Oaks San Carlos Ca

Today’s blog takes a look at  White Oaks in San Carlos Ca.  Our Multiple Listing Service indicates a very active market. As of todays date  there is one active listing in this area listed at $1,199,950. There are five pendings per the MLS with an average list price of $981,283.(Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed)

The City of San Carlos is currently  facing a budget deficit estimated to be close to 3.5 million dollars.  Closing this gap is proving painful and  proposed remedies range from turning off lights to outsourcing police and fire department services. 

Often compared to the fictional small town known  as “Mayberry”, San Carlos enjoys a small town feel with all the conveniences associated with its  location on the San Francisco Peninsula. .  The area known as White Oaks is popular among  buyers  attracted  to its tree lined streets and White Oak Elementary School.


Spring Fever(3): A visit to the Mt. Carmel area, Redwood City Ca

Spring Fever(3): A visit to the Mt. Carmel area, Redwood City Ca

If you are looking for distinctive architecture and tree lined streets the Mt. Carmel area of Redwood City may be the place for you.  Homes in this area can range from Spanish style  bungalows  to larger ranch style homes. Located north of Jefferson and west of El Camino, this area offers an attractive alternative to Allied Arts or the Willows in Menlo Park.  Stafford Park located at Lowell and Hopkins is a popular park with the locals.  Currently our Multiple Listing Service indicates 5 active (class one single family home) listings in this area with an average list price of $969,800.  There are 5 pending sales reported with an average list price of $972,000.  (Info deemed reliable but may not reflect sales not reported to MLS)

The Mt. Carmel area is within walking or biking distance to downtown Redwood City which is currently being revitalized by downtown redevelopment and the numerous restaurants, art galleries and movie theatre which draw a crowd. 

Next week, my blog will continue north to San Carlos.  I will then take a look at North Los Altos, Downtown Palo Alto and Woodside Glens in Woodside.  Have a wonderful weekend.  See you next week.