The Emerald Hills

5 Signs That It’s A Good Time To Sell

jsieling — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:36:59 +0000

From Inman News (Diana Hymer):

Traditionally, most homes have sold during the spring months. In the current volatile housing market, the time of year is not the most reliable predictor of the best time to sell.

Homes certainly show better in spring than they do on a dark and dreary winter day. Lately, however, weather patterns are hard to predict.

The weather has some effect on home sales. It can slow things down if incessant rain keeps sellers from being able to prepare their homes for sale. However, a bigger influence on the housing market is the overall economic situation and its impact on buyers’ psyche.

Normally, the home-sale market ramps up in March or April and stays busy until the beginning of July when the market tends to slow down for the summer. The 2011 home sales went counter to this. The market was active at the beginning of the year, but stalled in April. If you waited until spring to sell last year, you would have missed the best selling opportunity of the first half of 2011.

Read the whole article here.

Mortgage Rates Lowest Since February To Begin Potentially Volatile Week

jsieling — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:24:06 +0000

Mortgage rates are back to their lowest levels since February. For an increasing number of lenders, current rates begin to shift the balance towards 3.875% as being the only Best-Execution Rate for Conventional 30yr Fixed Loans. Best-Ex is currently shared by 3.875% and 4.0%. Read more here.

576 California Way

jsieling — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:16:46 +0000

Awesome Emerald Hills home on extra large, beautifully landscaped, parcel. Well designed floor plan. Many quality touches. Attached, legal studio with kitchen, laundry, view & separate entrance. Large rooms, master suite with fireplace and lavish bath. Cherry hardwood floors in dining & living rooms, marble floors in entry & kitchen. Two family rooms, one on each level. Separate office with fireplace. To arrange a private viewing, call John at 650-465-6355.

Building Your Green Home

jsieling — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:07:24 +0000

From HomeBuildingSmart: In order to truly understand green home building ideas, you should first understand the ideals of the people who pioneered the technology. The affordable green building ideology began in the 1960′s. The field very quietly continued to grow despite the absence of mainstream interest, throughout the last fifty years. Read more here.

Comfort & Quality in the Emerald Hills – 7 Bennett Road

jsieling — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:31:53 +0000

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Exquisite floor plan featuring 5 large bedrooms, granite kitchen & breakfast nook, formal dining room & comfortable family room. All bedrooms which include the sumptuous master suite ensemble, are on the upper level.

A 600sf prvt office & rec room is just off the kitchen & plumbed for in-law unit. Private back yard w/waterfall, spa, lawn, & open space w/jogging path

List Price $1,598,000

From CNBC: Rising Mortgate Rates May Not Hurt Housing

jsieling — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:47:05 +0000

It was barely a few weeks ago that mortgage rates were sitting at record lows. The idea of rates over 4 percent
on the 30-year fixed seemed a distant memory. And here they are now at 4.05 percent on the Bankrate.com overnight, thanks to the recent rise in Treasury yields.

The housing market, it seems, just can’t catch a break. Or can it? Read more about this story on MSNBC.

Community Colleges Compete for Federal Funds

jsieling — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:01:37 +0000

Bay Area community colleges are expected to compete for their share of Obama’s $8 billion plan to pair local business and schools. This program aims to teach students the skills they need to fill job opportunities in their regions.

Read the entire article on SF Gate at:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/09/MNU61NFE8C.DTL&type=education

Students in the Dental Hygiene program at Diablo Valley College walk past dummy patient heads that are used in class. Photo by Brant Ward/Chronicle

Benefits of Cork Flooring

jsieling — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:26:01 +0000

Here is a great article from Mother Earth News that thoughtfully details the pros and cons of using sustainable cork flooring throughout your home. This great looking, soft, warm, waterproof alternative to carpet, tile or other manmade flooring might be just the eco-friendly option you’re looking for.
Read the article at:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Homes/Benefits-Cork-Flooring.aspx

Affordable Atherton

jsieling — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:21:35 +0000

Must see this beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. In move-in condition with granite counters, gleaming hardwood floors, custom built-in cabinets in dining room and living room, exceptionally remodeled kitchen with custom tile work, bar, built-in refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Lovely slate patio in custom yard with mature, fruit-bearing orange and lemon trees. Do take the time to see this gem before it is gone. See more information and pictures at www.298alameda.com.

Are You Prepared For the Rising Cost of College?

jsieling — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:53:04 +0000

The College Savings Plans Network is a national non-profit association dedicated to making college more accessible and affordable for families. Their web site provides detailed information about 529 college savings plans and allows you to compare plans from around the country.

Read more about college savings plans here.