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Monterey, CA

Interesting Facts About California - Come to California!

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate : Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

Capital: Sacramento
Entered Union: Sept. 9, 1850 (31st state)
Motto: Eureka (I have found it)
State Colors: Blue and gold
State Song: I Love You, California
Nickname: Golden State

Governor: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Senators: Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein

State Symbols

Flower: Golden poppy
Tree: California redwood
Bird: California valley quail
Animal: California grizzly bear (1953)
Fish: California golden trout (1947)

California Facts, State Geography

Land area: 155,973 sq mi. (403,970 sq km)
Water area: 7,734 sq mi
Coastline: 840 mi
Highest point: Mt. Whitney - 14,494 ft
Lowest point: Death Valley - 282 ft below sea level
Geographic center of state: In Madera Co., 35 mi. NE of Madera
Number of counties: 58
Largest county by population: Los Angeles
Largest county by area San Bernardino, 20,062 sq mi.

Some Interesting California Facts

  • California is the most populous state in the U. S. One out of every eight people live here.
  • Only Alaska and Texas have a larger land area than the state of California.
  • Three out of ten of the largest U. S. cities are in the state of California: Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose.
  • California is the country's top agricultural state, growing half of the food for the country. Almost all almonds, artichokes, dates, figs, kiwifruit, olives, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, raisins, clovers, and walnuts are grown in California.
  • California contains the lowest and the highest points in the continental U. S. You can travel from 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley to 14,494-foot Mount Whitney in less than a day.
  • California is home to the oldest, largest and tallest living things. The bristlecone pines of the eastern Sierras are 4,600 years old, General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is the largest and California coastal redwoods are the tallest.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CALIFORNIA?

Check the D.R.E. website

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate : Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

The State of California's website provides the consumer with invaluable information. In my practice, I have noticed that many consumers are unaware of this and therefore don't utilize it.

One of the first orders of business for me when I enter into a contract is to check on the real estate license of the agent on the other side. I want to make sure that they have a license and that it is active. I can also see if they have any violations, how long they have been in business and if it is hung with the broker that they are currently advertising that they work with. This gives me a general idea of what I can expect from that agent. Not to say that a new agent won't do a great job but, mostly for the benefit of my client in that transaction.

The consumer can do the same when choosing an agent. Many are not aware of this! Often they choose by who has the best looking website or just because they are contacted and receive listings via-email and feel they have some rapport with that agent. And, never think to check.

I think that should be the first order of business when you are choosing a professional that will provide any service to you and your family.

Monterey Peninsula Farmer's Market

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate : Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

The Monterey Peninsula College farmer's market is held every Thursday 2:30pm to 6pm on the school campus parking lot! It is the oldest market on the Monterey Bay founded in 1976!

You'll find a bountiful selection of produce, specialty items and beautiful plantsMPC orchid stand and flowers at this bustling, fast-paced market. I especially attend for two reasons: the gorgeous orchids and to support the local area!

purple orchids

The prices are the best! Usually, I pay from $5 to $7 each! I don't have a green thumb..these orchids last anywhere from 6 weeks to 10 weeks in my home and look fabulous! You will find a variety of colors. I love the exotic ones!

The produce is picture perfect! If you are in Monterey, California on a Thursday afternoon, plan a stroll through the marketplace!

Onions

Monterey Peninsula December 2009 sales stats

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate : Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

Average DOM

Sum of the days on the market (DOM) for sold/listed properties divided by the count of sold/listed properties.

Average Price

Sum of all the sales/list prices divided by the number of properties sold/listed.

Median Price

Sales/list price that is midway between the least expensive and most expensive properties. Half the properties were sold/listed for more than the median price and half the properties were sold/listed for less than the median price.

Closed Sales

Count of properties sold. Status 5 (closed sale) only.

Sales Under Contract

Count of properties pending. Status 2-4 (pending sale) only.

Current Inventory

Current Inventory is the count of properties with status equal to 1, 2, and 3.

New Listings

Count of listings with a list date that falls within the timeframe reported.

% of Listing Price Received

Sum of the sold prices divided by the sum of the list prices, multiplied by 100.

Total Sales Volume

Sum of the prices paid for all sold properties.

Total $ Volume

Sum of the prices listed for all sales under contract.

Sales Price Withdrawn

If a sold listing does not disclose Sale Price, then Average Sales Price, Median Sales Price, Total Sales Volume and Percentage of List Price Received exclude the listing with Sales Price Withdrawn in calculation.

Above is a definition of terms as they apply to the stats below that I have posted which reflect the market for the month of December 2009 on the Monterey Peninsula!

***Why Use a Realtor?***

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate : Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

While reading some real estate articles today on Realtor.com I noticed this very important article and wanted to share it here. I think that the general public doesn't always understand why they do need a Realtor to assist with purchasing and selling real estate!

All real estate agents are not the same. Only real estate agents who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Here are some basic reason to use a Realtor:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

The above content was from www.Realtor.com