PleasantonHomes.com

We are thrilled to announce our affiliation with the newest real estate company in the Tri- Valley, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BROKERS.  Watch for announcements on our new location - coming soon!  Call us at 925.487.8734 for more details, or visit our websites - www.pleasantonhomes.com or www.eastbaycrossroads.com.  Even in this ‘non-traditional’ real estate market, we remain enthusiastic about our chosen profession, and look forward to serving our clients for many, many years to come….kicking off in 2009.

Our best to you,

Bob & Deb

The old adage ‘Buy Low - Sell High’ is a popular cue to wise investment practices.  Invest when prices are down….and invest for the long term.  This is not the market to ‘flip’ properties, needless to say.  If you’re looking for values though, for the long run, it is time to seriously consider jumping back into real estate.  Don’t wait, however.  As history has proven, everything goes in cycles, and real estate is no exception. 

Today’s inventory in the East Bay is flush with bargains - short sales, foreclosures and more affordable prices.  Activity has increased in the lower price ranges as the investors are out there scooping up ‘bargain’ properties, and first time buyers once again have the luxury of more inventory to choose from.  Competition is heating up for the ‘hot properties’, however.  We are seeing more ‘multiple offers’ again these days.  The banks are wanting to unload the properties and have seriously reduced the prices as a result.  The investors are making offers, and sales prices (for a percentage of the properties) are even topping the asking price.  Investors understand that homeowners who have lost their homes in short sales and foreclosures still need a place to live.  Many of these newly displaced families were hurt by the drastic increase of their monthly payment on the adjustable loans.  While their loan payment when up so drastically, their income did not.  Most times these individuals are still great prospects as tenants, etc.  As such, the rental market is thriving right now as well.  Inventory is low, and prices are higher as a result.

It is interesting to note that most of the foreclosures, REO (real estate owned) and short sale properties on the market today in Pleasanton, Livermore and the Tri-Valley were originally purchased between 2006 and 2008.  Many of these homes are newer.  A good number of those owners pulled out equity from the property and put it right back into the home - banking on the rapid appreciation we enjoyed a few years back.  As a result, some of the inventory is ‘turn key’ or close to it with new kitchens, pools, etc….Of course there are a good number of ‘contractor specials’ out there that have been left in total disrepair, but those are only a small percentage. 

For even more drastic reductions in pricing and larger inventory, the Central Valley, Tracy, Modesto and  and Mountain House have an unbelievable amount of

If you’ve been ‘on the fence’ about making a move, make the time to do a little homework.  Check out our website, or www.realtor.com, for example, to see how far your money can go these days.  Interest rates for 30-year mortgages are again at record lows.  Keep in mind that the limit for conventional loans will be decreasing on January 1st, 2009, however, the change in pricing will only be affecting inventory in the higher price ranges.

For information on available inventory, foreclosure, short sales, REOs or possible avenues for you to pursue to avoid short sales or foreclosures, contact Bob & Deb Cilk at 925.487.8734.

Happy Holidays!

Downtown Pleasanton will close off the streets for this month’s 1st Wednesday Street Party celebration -HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME!

Stroll Pleasanton’s historic downtown as you peruse the specialty boutique shops and savor the aromas of the many delectable, first rate restaurants.  Stop by one of the many booths set up on Main Street and sample wares and services from this month’s featured community and non-profit groups.

Pleasanton’s perfect weather (forecast to be in the mid-70’s) will allow you to sit for a spell and enjoy the talents of local duo, Patty & Abigail.  They’ll be performing at on Main Street by Pleasanton Liquors and Oasis Grille.

For high energy excitement, stop by the beer and wine garden where the memorable band, Night Fever, will perform everything from R&B to disco and 80’s dance songs to today’s top 40.  This high energy, multi-talented band features outstanding vocals, great crowd participation and technical instrumentals. Main Street Brewery will be featuring some micro-brews and selections of Anheuser Busch beer for sale.  Of course, featured wines from our world famous Livermore Valley vineyards will also be on sale.

1st Wednesday goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Park on one of the side streets, or bring your bike and save energy.  Hope to see you there!

Looking for something to do this Sunday? Take a break from it all and stroll downtown Pleasanton with that hot latte or cool bellaccino from  Tully’s or grab a soft serve ice cream cone from Pleasanton’s favorite drive-through,  the old-fashioned Meadowlark Dairy, and enjoy one of the largest Annual Antique Fairs in Northern California. You’ll see booths with furniture, artwork, heirlooms and more.  Over 300 dealers come from near and far to show their wares.  Pick up the latest antique wall hanging, or simply peruse all the items ranging from traditional and historical to curious and bizarre!  There is no charge to attend.  Fair hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information visit Pleasanton Antiques Fair.

Pleasanton - It’s a great place to call home!

Boy, did the heat of summer ever arrive with a bang this year! Many of Pleasanton’s cabana clubs are gearing up for a busy summer, and some are already open for business. Growing up in the Midwest, the cabana club experience was foreign to me. I quickly learned, however, that not only does the club offer children a place to while away their summer; learn to swim and compete on swim teams; it also is a venue for adults to unwind after a long day at the office to hang out with their kids, share a cold beverage or dive in for some invigorating exercise.

For example, business has been booming at the Pleasanton Valley Club (PVC), which opened in mid-April. The hot nights last week had the parking lot full and the pool brimming with swimmers, young and old alike. The barbecues were in full gear, tetherball matches were underway, and the little ones were kicking their feet in the baby pool.

You can’t put a price on the peace of mind knowing that your children can swim. Swim lessons are offered by certified instructors, with sessions offered all summer long. There are a number of cabana clubs all around town - and offerings include social events for young and old alike; movie nights (just like the drive in!); concerts; talent shows and more. One club even offers courses in lifeguard certification and CPR for its members and the general public, too.

The swim teams are a social experience in themselves, offering conditioning, exercise and social activities for kids from 4 to 18. There are usually 5-8 swim meets per season against other local cabana clubs, culminating with a championship meet in late July or early August. Many of our league swimmers have progressed to become star athletes in high school and beyond because of their early years at the local cabana club.

Membership fees generally include a one-time application fee and annual dues. Some clubs offer convenient payment plans. Drop us an e-mail or give us a call if you’d like more information about a Pleasanton cabana club near you. We’ll have you in the water in no time!

We’ve lived in the same home in Pleasanton for over a decade. Seeing as the average homeowner moves every 7 years, and statistics say Californians move more frequently than that, this is indeed an anomoly. There’s something about our neighborhood that we couldn’t take with us if we ever thought to move… and that’s our neighbors.

You see, Pleasanton is not your ‘average, run of the mill’ city. It is a real community, where people take time to get to know their neighbors. This city is unique because of the active local community involvement - from working in the schools; coaching any one of the different sports activities, or volunteering anywhere from Special Olympics to the Senior Center. It is a common occurrence to see many familiar faces at the Hometown Parades, First Wednesdays, Concerts in the Park, Farmers Market or when strolling our beloved Main Street….and to even recognize many faces in each week’s issue of the Pleasanton Weekly.

As is natural in the circle of life, people do move on to another town, another state. One such family has lived in our neighborhood for 8 years and is moving to the East Coast. Our children have been on the same swim team together and the dads coached the same baseball teams together. There were frequent BBQs, picnics at the pool, or ‘flamingo night’ celebrations. Together we celebrated birthdays, graduations and life celebrations. Now, they are relocating to the East Coast, closer to family….closer to their roots. Yet, every day, as I drive by the token reminder that was left by their son in a carefree moment of his youth, I smile. As he left swim team practice one hot sunny day, years ago, he tossed a Ken doll that was broken in two (but connected by an internal string) up into the air…when the doll sailed up into the power lines overhead, and rested intact. Now this happened at least five or six years ago…yet the Ken doll remains… through sun and wind and heaviest of rains…blowing in the wind and resting comfortably.

It’s true that they won’t be here for this summer’s Flamingo Nights and parties, etc., but the internet and cell phones will keep us close between visits. And should we chance to forget…we’ll be reminded every time we pass by the Ken doll in the sky.

We wish them well in their new life….and look forward to their visits back to this great hometown of ours….our Pleasanton.

Nestled adjacent to the stables at the Alameda County Fairgrounds is one of the most funky diners this side of Texas. Most Pleasantonians have never heard of it. But those of us ‘in the know’ treasure it.

Esther Hall is the owner, chief cook and bottle washer - and all things in between. She opens her place long before the sun rises, and greets the jockeys, trainers, owners and locals who stop by with some of the best coffee in town.

The Stable Cafe is not fancy, by any stretch of the imagination. It is a place reminiscent of a bygone era, where you almost wish that the walls could tell the stories of those days gone by.

The restaurant is adorned by the silks of local jockeys - some of who’ve ‘made it big’ in the world of horse racing. The regulars plop quarters into the real old-time jukebox to hear country tunes played on the vinyl records, as they take in a good game of pool after a hard day of riding their trusted steed. Naturally, there are photos of horse races from all over the country….alongside the notices of local horses for sale or rent.

The Stable Cafe is open through the lunch hour Monday through Saturday, and longer during the Alameda County Fair in the summer. Esther has been there for 18 years - keeping an eye on the jockeys who are far from home, and sharing a joke with the local pranksters. The menu is perfect for fans of hearty omelets, bacon and eggs or spicy linguisa. The ambiance draws a unique and loyal crowd who all know the code - treasure Esther and her Stable Cafe for the treasures they are.

Contrary to the bleak real estate reports found in the media, homes in the Tri-Valley are on the move this year.  While we aren’t seeing the numbers consistent with previous years, things are not as bleak as the press would have us believe.  Here’s the scoop:

Tri-Valley Properties

‘Sold/Closed Escrow’ or ‘Pending Sales’ since 01/01/2008

Pleasanton       Total #:      Single Family          Condo/Townhome

January                       28                        22                                  6

February                     46                        37                                  9

March                          47                        37                                 10

April (thru 4/9)          15                        13                                   2                                 ———-              —–                              —-

                                  146                      109                                27

Livermore        Total #:      Single Family          Condo/Townhome

January                       47                        44                                    3

February                     58                        50                                   8

March                          77                         65                                  12

April (thru 4/9)         25                         21                                    4

                                ———                 —-                                —-

                                   207                       180                                27

Dublin              Total #:      Single Family          Condo/Townhome

January                       26                        15                                11

February                     33                        15                                18

March                          41                        21                                 20

April (thru 4/9)          14                         9                                    5

                                  ——                    —–                            —–

                                   114                       60                                 54

San Ramon      Total #       Single Family          Condo/Townhome

January                       48                            32                             16

February                     68                            54                             14

March                          80                            58                             22

April (thru 4/9)          18                            15                                3

                                    —–                         —–                         —–

                                   214                           159                           55

Danville           Total #       Single Family         Condo/Townhome

January                       28                            20                           8

February                     42                            34                           8

March                          45                            36                           9

April (thru 4/9)            9                              7                           2

                                      —–                      —–                     —–

                                   124                           97                         27

Remember the mantra - Buy low and sell high.   Investors and first-time buyers are taking advantage of the ample inventory and favorable interest rates.  Whether you are looking for a single family home, condo or investment here in the Tri-Valley, the timing could be ideal to get the wheels turning. 

It’s a great day to be in real estate!

The City of Pleasanton is sponsoring an E-Waste Collection Event April 18th through 20th, 2008 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  Donations can be dropped off between noon and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.  (Please use the Gate 12 Entrance on Valley Avenue.)  Here is your chance to properly recycle or dispose of those broken or unwanted electronic equipment (working or non-working condition) FREE OF CHARGE! 

Acceptable e-waste:  computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, PDAs, stereos, radios, game equipment, camcorders, batteries, car betteries, microwaves, fluorescent bulbs, fax machines, cell phones, printers, telephones and copiers.  (Sorry, large appliances and packing material are not accepted.)

Just one more opportunity to make a difference for the planet….beginning right here in Pleasanton.

It’s a great day to be in real estate!

Giving back to our community is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts.   And this week, it can’t get any easier than looking through your closet.  The members of Pleasanton’s Junior Girl Scout Troop #32072 are collecting USED tennis shoes (that’s right - your old worn out favorites….and what about all of those pairs that your kids grew out of so fast?) to be donated to NIKE’s Reuse-A-Shoe program.  Donated shoes will be recycled into basketball courts, synthetic soccer fields and playground surfaces.  Wow….a great way to save the planet and make room in your closet at the same time!

Any brand of shoe will do, in clean condition.  (No metal, cleats or dress shoes, please.)  Donations can be dropped off through April 14th at either Kathy’s Health Club (3170 Santa Rita Road) or Fleet Feet (310 Main Street, Suite C) in Pleasanton.  Or….bag ‘em up and drop them off this Saturday (or next Saturday, April 12th) at Pleasanton’s own Farmer’s Market where the Girl Scouts will have a booth for your convenience from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Help make a difference in Pleasanton….for the planet…one step at a time.

Make it a great day!