Lamorinda Real Estate

Lamorinda Schools Shine Yet Again!!!

Orinda Real Estate, Moraga Real Estate, Lafayette Real Estate, collectively known as Lamorinda Real Estate continues to benefit from the hard work of all of the teachers, administrators, parent volunteers, and the students themselves.

The latest API scores are out and the Acalanes Union High School District ranks very high in the state again. Last year, the district was 1st in the state and this year they are second by 1 point behind the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint High School District. Take a look at the chart below for the individual school scores.

	2011API	2010API	Growth
Acalanes Union High SD	903	897	6
Acalanes High School	910	897	13
Campolindo High School	923	919	4
LasLomas High School	868	862	6
Miramonte High School	923	929	-6
Lafayette School District	922	922	0
Burton Valley Elementary	926	928	-2
Happy Valley Elementary	965	962	3
Lafayette Elementary	939	940	-1
Springhill Elementary	921	917	4
Stanley Middle School	907	909	-2
Moraga School District	955	945	10
Camino Pablo Elementary	966	961	5
Rheem Elementary	976	971	5
Los Perales Elementary	961	953	8
J.M. Intermediate	941	934	7
Orinda Union SD	957	954	3
Del Rey Elementary	968	969	-1
Glorietta Elementary	961	966	-5
Sleepy Hollow Elementary	977	975	2
Wagner Ranch Elementary	959	965	-6
Orinda Intermediate	946	938	8

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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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.

Posted via email from The Lamorinda Real Estate Posterous

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.

Posted via email from The Lamorinda Real Estate Posterous

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.

Posted via email from The Lamorinda Real Estate Posterous

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!!!

Posted via email from The Lamorinda Real Estate Posterous

Lamorinda Real Estate (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda) Sales - January

The Lamorinda real estate market was down in January, with 21 closed single family home sales for the month, 15 units less than in December.

The median sales price for Lamorinda was up, however, coming in at $960,000 in January as compared to $844,500 in December.

The median price per sq. ft. dropped to $421 for January, down slightly from $424 in December.

The average days on market for closed sales dropped to 65 in January, down from 88 in December.

On average, homes sold for 93% of asking price in January.

The higher price ranges remained steady in January, with 5 closed sales (approx 20%) over $1.25 million dollars, the same as December. The difference in volume was in the under $1 million range, with 25 homes selling December, and only 11 in January.

 Lafayette and Orinda saw the most activity in January.

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Snow In Lamorinda

Sorry, no Lamorinda real estate news this time. No Orinda properties or Moraga fixers in this post, just a photo taken early Monday morning from Grizzly Peak.The Lamorinda peaks took on the appearance of Tahoe on Monday morning, making for some great photo opportunities. I had fun running around Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Oakland, and Walnut Creek, looking for some unique views. You can see more of my pictures at this special photo page I created. Enjoy!

Lamorinda Schools Named "California Distinguished Schools"

Acalanes, Campolindo, and Miramonte high schools have been named a California Distinguished School.  With Las Lomas being named a Distinguished School in 2007 and a U.S. Blue Ribbon School in 2008, and Del Oro being named a Model Continuation High School in 2009, the five high schools that can receive state recognition have been honored.
 
The California Distinguished School recognition is based on an application process highlighting signature programs and a site visit to see those programs in action as well as interviewing students, staff, and parents. 
 
As Miramonte Principal Raul Zamora noted, "The Distinguished School award is a reflection of the staff's hard work and dedication on behalf of our students." 
 
Acalanes Principal John Nickerson added, "We are thrilled with the honor and recognition for our unique programs...It is a tribute to the quality work of our students and staff."
 
Campolindo Principal Carol Kitchens summed it up when she stated, "I would like to recognize the student body for their dedication toward academics, the fine staff who work tirelessly everyday, the wonderful involvement from the parent community, and support from the District Office staff and the Governing Board."
 
As Carol accurately notes, our schools are successful due to the outstanding teamwork and support from everyone connected with the schools.  Without the donations from the parent clubs and education foundations and the community's support for bonds and parcel tax, the Acalanes Union High School District could not maintain the level of excellence for which it is known.
 
Congratulations to the students, staffs, and parents at Acalanes, Campolindo, and Miramonte high schools.

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LAMORINDA AVERAGE SALES PRICE STATISTICS YEAR OVER YEAR

Orinda, Moraga, and Lafayette, collectively known as Lamorinda, is considered a top-notch area when it comes to real estate. So it is interesting to see how the community has faired this year to date, compared to 2007 for the same period. Here is a chart that shows the results through the first three quarters.

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