Lamorinda Real Estate

Saint Mary's Gardens Holiday Dress

On my way early this morning to a home inspection on a property I have under contract for a client in St. Mary's Gardens in Moraga.

 

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Follow Up To Lamorinda Real Estate Tour Day Photo Of The Week

What a difference a week makes!! Take a look at the picture from the previous post just 1 week ago.

If you are looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Orinda, or any of the surrounding communities, take a look at the MLS yourself by going to www.orindahomesearch.com

 

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Lamorinda Real Estate Tour Day Photo Of The Week

While touring Orinda Real Estate, this wall of color caught my eye. It's a beautiful time of year in Lamorinda. Taken 12/7/2010 just off of Moraga Way in Orinda.

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Pause to Celebrate - Acalanes Union High Schools

Let's celebrate our schools!

This message was sent this afternoon by the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Superintendent, John Stockton...

(AUHSD includes Acalanes, Campolindo, Del Oro, Las Lomas, and Miramonte)

Life seems all too often to move at a frantic pace.  Spring Break brings with it a chance to reflect upon the many positives in our schools.  While there are constant struggles taking place in education today, the students of the Acalanes Union High School District are focused on success and are a source of pride for our area.

Much of what is special about our students and community was on display last Sunday afternoon in downtown Lafayette.  Performing arts groups showed their skills, visual art was proudly displayed, public speaking students demonstrated the highest level of oratory, and student leaders exhibited their deep commitment to their schools and communities.  While many students spoke of the fear of massive cutbacks, they also expressed confidence in the collective wisdom of the community at large.

Many extraordinary accomplishments have occurred throughout the district recently. The County Academic Decathlon was dominated by AUHSD schools, with Acalanes High School winning the event. Miramonte High School soared to victory in the County Mock Trial competition, while most of the strong competitors were AUHSD schools. Seventeen Las Lomas High School students were selected to the Contra Costa Honor Band (20% of the total band). Thirteen Campolindo High School students were recently named National Merit Scholarship Finalists, while 41 students (school record) attained Commended Scholar status. Many, many seniors received acceptance notices from the colleges and universities of their choice.

AUHSD students reach such heights due to the educational climate provided through numerous sources. Strong parental support of students aligned with the extra volunteer efforts necessary to have great schools Civic organizations, community leaders, and business groups that understand the financial value strong school systems bring to a community Students and staff striving together for continuous academic progress Knowledgeable district fiscal leadership which recently led to high bond ratings by Moody's and Standard & Poor's, the amazing one hour sell-out of AUHSD construction bonds, and the resulting development of quality student facilities

Spring Break brings with it the opportunity for physical, mental, and spiritual refreshment.  Please take time next week to celebrate the youth and support structure of our educational community.  There really is something special about the students, staff, families, and supportive organizations of this district.  This combination helps make Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Walnut Creek destination communities.

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$18,000 IN COMBINED HOMEBUYER TAX CREDITS FOR A LIMITED TIME

*Originally posted by the California Association of REALTORS, Realegal

Californians have a brief window of opportunity to receive up to $18,000 in combined federal and state homebuyer tax credits.  To take advantage of both tax credits, a first-time homebuyer must enter into a purchase contract for a principal residence before May 1, 2010, and close escrow between May 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010, inclusive.  Buyers who are not first-time homebuyers may use the same timeframes to receive up to $16,500 in combined tax credits if they are long-time residents of their existing homes as permitted under federal law, and they purchase properties that have never been previously occupied as provided under California law.

Under the federal law slated to soon expire, a first-time homebuyer may receive up to $8,000 in tax credits, and a long-time resident may receive up to $6,500, for certain purchase contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 that close escrow by June 30, 2010.  Additionally, under a newly enacted California law, a homebuyer may receive up to $10,000 in tax credits as a first-time homebuyer or buyer of a property that has never been occupied.  The new California law applies to certain purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010 (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(a)(4)).  California law generally allows buyers of never-occupied properties to reserve their credits before closing escrow, but buyers seeking to combine the federal and state tax credits will not be able to satisfy the timing requirements for such reservations (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(c)(1)(A)).  Other terms and restrictions apply to both tax credits.

For more information, C.A.R. offers a Homebuyer Tax Credit Chart with a side-by-side summary of the federal and California laws.  C.A.R. also offers a legal article entitledHomebuyer Tax Credit Update.

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4 Bedroom Homes For Sale In Orinda

 

 4 bedroom homes for sale in Orinda are  typically a hot commodity. As in most  communities, the 4 bedroom home in  Orinda is the most sought after model.  Since January 1st, 2009, 87 4 bedroom  homes have sold in Orinda. The average  price for these sales is $1,175,000 and  the median is $1,085,000. The average  number of days on the market was 53. 15  of those sales have taken place this year.  For those 15, the average price is  $1,063,267 and the median is  $1,160,000, with the average days on the  market number at 76.

 As of this writing, 3/29/2010, there are  15 pending sales in the 4 bedroom homes  for sale in Orinda category. 3 of the  pending sales are pending subject to  lender approval. In other words, they are  short-sales, or selling for less than what the owner owes the bank.

Neighborhoods represented in the 4 bedroom homes for sale in Orinda include Castle Gate, Charles Hill, Country Club, Del Rey, El Toyonal, Glorietta, Ivy Drive, Lost Valley, Miner Road, Claremont, Orinda Oaks, Orinda Woods, and Sleepy Hollow.

The Glorietta neighborhood weighs in with the most activity for all actives, pendings, and solds since January 1 of 2009 with 16.

I’ve created the following searches for home-buyers who would like to search current 4 bedroom homes for sale in Orinda in specific price ranges;

4+ bedroom homes for sale in Orinda for under $1m

4+ bedroom homes for sale in Orinda  $1m - $1.5m

4+ bedroom homes for sale in Orinda  $1.5m - $2.5m

4+ bedroom homes for sale in Orinda  $2.5m and Up

Market Snapshot

It’s that time of year when inventory is growing each week. If you are serious about buying in Orinda and want the best deal possible, of course who doesn’t, contact me and find out what it takes to successfully invest in this competitive market. More 4 bedroom homes for sale in Orinda are coming on the market each week, and the good ones go fast!

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Moraga Townhouses and Condos - Miramonte Gardens

Moraga Townhouses and Condos are the most affordable choice for families who would like to benefit from the excellent local schools, and Miramonte Gardens is at the top of the list. Located directly across from Miramonte High School, last years top rated school in the top rated district in the state, the students can sleep in a little later, roll out of bed, and walk to class. The other borders of the complex are Moraga Country Club and Moraga Way. Bus lines are within walking distance and BART is about a 10 minute car-bus ride.

Miramonte Gardens is one of many choices for Moraga Townhouses and Condos. The complex has about 200 units, ranging from about 927 square feet up to 1,828 square feet. All are at least 2 bedrooms and go up to 4 bedrooms. There are some 1 bathroom units, up to 3 bathrooms.

Some of the 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom units can actually live like 4 bedrooms. In addition to the 2 bedrooms, there are a couple of spaces designed as “studies” or “sewing rooms” that have doors and closets. I’ve seen units listed as 2 bedroom actually house 4 St. Mary’s College students.

26 units have been sold from January 1st, 2007 to today, 3/27/2010. 7 were sold in 2007. 12 traded hands in 2008, and 6 changed ownership in 2009. So far this year, only 1 has sold. The average price of all of these sales is $482,076. The highest priced unit went for $605,000 in 2007, while the least expensive home went for $350,000 in November of last year.

Word has it the Miramonte Gardens Home Owners Association set regulations on the number of units allowed to be used as income properties, or rentals. Back in the beginning of Miramonte Gardens it was a retirement complex. I’ve heard that the age requirement back then was 55 and older in order to be an owner. Today there are young families, college students, professionals, and retired people.

Other Moraga Townhouse and Condo properties include the Ascot Court and Ascot Highlands, The Casitas, The Cedars, Lomas Moraga, Moraga Country Club, Moraga Manor, Moraga Ridge, Moraga Terrace, Paseo Moraga, Rancho Moraga, Rheem Gardens, Rheem Terrace, Woodminster, and more.

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Moraga - Gaels - Watch Party - Chasing The Dream: Saint Mary's Road to Houston

 

“Gael Mania” is in full swing in Moraga, as the St. Mary’s Men’s Basketball team opens their Sweet 16 experience this Friday evening in Houston. Signs are popping up all around town in support of our “Cinderella” team of the tournament. All of Moraga is talking hoops!

Comcast SportsNet California will show a half-hour documentary style program titled, "Chasing the Dream: Saint Mary's Road to Houston", featuring behind-the-scenes exclusive footage and commentary from the Gaels players themselves, as they make their magical run into the Sweet 16. Instead of following the team with a camera crew, the network provided the Gaels with a camera to use at the beginning of their journey in Moraga, to their two exciting wins in the first two rounds of the tournament. It includes footage of their bus and plane trip to Providence, RI, team practice as they prepared to take on Richmond and Villanova, time in the team hotel with all the players, and the postgame celebrations and their exciting return to the Bay Area.For showtimes, visit the TV listings page or the St. Mary’s  page on the Comcast Sports Bay Area website.

The official Watch Party for the game will be held at AT&T Park, home of the Giants. Alumni, students, family and friends are invited to this event sponsored by Able Services. The game will be shown on the HD Scoreboard in Centerfield and on the TV's throughout the Club Level. Admission is free. Doors open at 3:45 p.m.; game starts at 4:30 p.m. Parking is $5 in Lot A (main lot behind McCovey Cove).  Guests can enter the park through the Willie Mays Plaza. The event will take place indoors in the Club Level, which features bars, concessions, and flat screen TVs. The game will also be shown on 110'x31' HD scoreboard that guests can see from the inside the club level or outside in the club level seats. SMC merchandise will be available for purchase. The Athletic Department's official merchandiser, Gameday Souvenirs will be at the park selling SMC merchandise. Special thanks to Sterling Pacific Financial and Provident Credit Union for helping to sponsor this event.

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Moraga - St. Mary's - Go Gaels!! - SMC

Download now or watch on posterous

IMG_0263.MOV (1329 KB)

Moraga is all a buzz with Gael Fever. St. Mary's run into the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has sprouted signs around town. Go Gaels!!!

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Orinda - Lake Cascade

(Excerpt from Orinda Country Club Website)  

E.I. deLaveaga decided to develop a residential community where the mild climate and outdoor beauty would be an asset for sales. Sufficient water was a large concern, so the construction of Lake Cascade was the first accomplishment in 1921. A filter plant was built on the eastern side, and as each lot sold in the Haciendas del Orinda subdivision, the new owner received a share in the People’s Water Company.

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