Curtis Van Carter your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire in Yountville

Consumers’ attitudes stabilize in February, real estate sales hot here in the Napa Valley

Americans' concerns about key economic and housing issues are beginning to subside, according to results from Fannie Mae's February 2012 National Housing Survey. Consumers' attitudes have stabilized across most indicators – including personal finances, housing, and employment – demonstrating their sense that downside risks have abated somewhat compared with late summer and fall of 2011.

Highlights of the survey include:

• The rise in confidence in the economy’s direction continued in February, with 35 percent responding that they think the economy is on the right track, a 5 percentage point increase from January. The percentage of respondents who say the economy is on the wrong track dropped to 57 percent, a decline of 6 percentage points.

• On average, Americans expect home prices to increase by 0.8 percent over the next 12 months (down slightly since last month).

• Twenty-eight percent of respondents expect home prices to increase over the next 12 months (consistent with last month), while 15 percent say they expect home prices to decline (down 1 percentage point since last month). Fifty-three percent say prices will stay the same.

• The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell rose by 3 percentage points to 13 percent, the highest level in more than a year, while the percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to buy dropped 1 percentage point to 70 percent this month.

Sixty-five percent of respondents say they would buy their next home if they were going to move, up 1 percentage point since last month, while 29 percent say they would rent, down 1 percentage point versus last month.

Here in the Napa Valley, real estate sales remain hot and activity is being to warm up in upper end properties. The Rutherford $2.300,000 home below sold in 6 days and the $12,000,000 sold in 17 Days. Currently there is only a 3.9 months of supply of all residential property here in the Napa Valley. If I look at the hottest market, up to $400,000, there is only a 2.3 months supply. That's about as low as I can ever remember here.

1125 Rutherford Rd, $2,300,000, 4 br 5 ba, 2,500sf, .4 acres

7820 Silverado Trl, $12,000,000, 6 br 8 ba, 9,021 sf, 40.8 acres

New Listings none

Price Reductions

1870 Spring Mtn Rd, $869,000, 3 br 2 ba, 2,133 sf

Sale Pendings

St Helena home, $1,399,000, 3 br 3 ba, 2,381 sf 1 acre

1925 Sulpher Springs Rd, $1,830,000, 3 br 2 ba, 2,530 sf

Solds

1250 Bello Ave, $320,000, 2 br 1 ba, 744 sf

1621 Stockton St, $549,000, 2 br 1 ba, 745 sf

605 Pope, $1,425,000, 4 br 3 ba, 4,000 sf

512 Meadowood Ln, $5,200,000, 5 br 7 ba, 8,000 sf 4 acre

Yountville, Napa Valley, Weekly Real Estate Update

Stats for last 7 days

new listing 2, price reduced 1, sale pending 0, sold 2

Median prices, average days on market

current for sale 21 med price $645,000; avg days on market 119

current sale pendings 3 med price $499,900; avg days on market 215

sold in last 6 months 7 med price $550,000; avg days on market 104

New Listings

Yountville home, $635,000, 2 br 2 ba, 1,069 sf

Yountville home, $1,795,000, 4 br 4 ba, 2,799 sf

Price Reductions

[idx-listing mlsnumber="21203593" showlocation="true"]

Sale Pendings none

Solds

1892 Larkspur St, $550,000, 3 br 2 ba, 1,325 sf

1953 Yountville Cross Rd, $767,500, 3 br 3 ba, 2,167 sf

I just recovered a fun Yountville business called Yount Street Glass from reading "out & about" by Lois Riker in the Yountville Sun. You can read some of the front pages from the Yountville Sun from the link below or the link on my Home Page. If you want to read Lois' column every week, and get the latest "out & about" the Town, you will need to get a subscription and can do so from this link, Yountville Sun Front Pages.

Here are a few examples of the artwork created by Kay Lafranconi & Cynthia Kapjian, see their bios below.

Silver bracelet Yount Street Glass

Julie Yount Street Glass

Rectangle earrings Yount Street Glass

Kay Lafranconi

Kay is a Napa Valley native and graduate of UC Davis. After a successful career in finance, she came back to the valley and began to pursue life long interests. She worked for a number of non-profits before going back to school and starting Belly-Rub Small Animal Massage. Joining with her partner Cindy, they began making fused glass art together. After an unsuccessful attempt at purchasing a recycled glass necklace for their niece, they decided to put their kiln to work on their recycling bin. They approached their neighbors to donate their empty wine bottles and Yount Street Glass was born.

Cynthia Kapjian

Cindy enjoys living and working in Yountville. A native of San Francisco, Cindy graduated from UC Irvine and then returned to San Francisco for Medical School at UC San Francisco. A Family Medicine Physician, she currently works at the California Veterans Home in Yountville. "After living in Napa Valley over twenty years it dawned on me that not only is there great wine here, but there are a lot of beautiful empty bottles! Breaking a lot of glass in the garage on Yount Street is an adventure, and when I cut myself, I can take care of myself...so it's a good fit."

Upcoming Events in Yountville and Surrounding Napa Valley Areas

This is weekly feature post I will now do every Thursday to tell you about upcoming events in Yountville and around the Napa Valley. This way readers have a little more time to plan to attend one of these events. Please visit and enjoy one or more of these and tell them Curtis sent you. Thanks!!!!

• March 9 -- Rhone Valley Reds at Back Room Wines
  Wine Education: Please join us and enjoy six wines from our favorite region of France. See how far your dollar can go with these incredibly well-priced reds! After California wines, Back Room Wines' greatest selection is of Rhone Valley wines. Too many for our own good, to be honest. But we love them so... No reservations required. 1000 Main Street, Napa CA
  Fee: $15 Time: 5pm-8pm Phone Number: 707-226-1378
• March 9 -- Oxbow Market Tour and Cooking Class
  

  Oxbow Public Market, Napa, Napa Valley

  Food Education: Cooking with Julie. We meet at Oxbow Public Market to purchase our provisions; visit a winery and then back to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class + lunch. Goat cheese tart + endive salad; sautéed striped bass, cauliflower, white beans and shiitake mushrooms; + apple tatin.
  Fee: $215 Time: 8:45am-4:30pm Phone Number: 707-227-5036

• March 9 - 10 -- A Staged Reading of Two New Plays
  Performing Arts: Lucky Penny Productions presents A Staged Reading of Two New Plays by Barry Martin. "Father of the Man" and "Puccini Under," two one-act plays, will be read by Taylor Bartolucci, Adam Burkholder and Andy Demsky. 1637 Imola Avenue, Napa
  Fee: $5 general admission at the door Time: 8:00 p.m. Phone Number: 707-738-2920
• March 9 - 10 -- Lucky Penny's "A Glass of Cabaret!" at Silo's
  Performing Arts: Two shows only! The ultimate wine country cabaret show, presented by Lucky Penny Productions. The evening of musical entertainment will celebrate love and the magical beverage that nourishes the heart. Silo's, 530 Main Street, Napa CA
  Fee: $30 Advance/$35 At the Door Time: 8pm-10pm Phone Number: 707-738-2920
• March 9 -- Almost Spring – Eating Local @ V Marketplace
  

  V MarketPlace, Yountville, Napa Valley

  
  Food Education: Chef Demo & Book Signing with Janet Fletcher at NapaStyle — A tantalizing preview of spring in this class as Janet Fletcher demonstrates recipes from her book, Fresh from the Farmers’ Market. The spotlight is on fresh produce and creative ways to use the best of the season. 6525 Washington St., Yountville
  Fee: $50 Time: 4 – 6pm Phone Number: 707-944-2451

• March 9 -- Billy Gardell @ Uptown Theatre
  Performing Arts: Billy Gardell stars in the CBS Hit television series, Mike and Molly. Mike and Molly garners approximately 13 million viewers every week and is the number one new series of the year. His stand-up show is a powerhouse. His grounded, down-to-earth point of view strikes a strong chord with American audiences. 1350 Third St., Napa
  Fee: $37 / $47 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123
• March 9 - 10 -- Wine Train hosts “Ghost Whisperer”
  Lecture: Famed Paranormal Investigator Speaks at Wine Train (NAPA, CA) Ever feel like someone is watching over you? If yes, perhaps Mary Ann Winkowski can help you get in touch with them. Winkowski is the well-known paranormal investigator who was the inspiration behind the TV series “Ghost Whisperer.” 1275 McKinstry St., Napa
  Fee: $150-$175 Time: 10:30 am And 4:30 pm Phone Number: 8004274124
• March 10 -- Lunatic Launch Bash
  Celebration: Lunatic Launch Bash Get Committed! Come see why we are crazy about our new Lunatic wines. Your choice of 4 wines/ per person *Luna Tastings are complimentary for all members* (and guests, up to a group of 4)Please RSVP with Karen Rivers(707-255-5862 x120), 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa
  Fee: $15 per person Time: 10am to 5pm Phone Number: 707-255-5862 ext 120
• March 10 -- Mozart's Muses in Arias and Duets
  Performing Arts: Join us for Mozart's Muses in Arias and Duets in the main gallery of Napa Valley Museum. An evening of Mozart's most heavenly arias and romantic duets performed by Carrie Hennessey and baritone Zachary Gordin Tickets may be purchased at the Museum or phone. Reservations required. 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville CA
  Fee: $20/$15 Members Time: 7:30pm-9pm Phone Number: 707-944-0500
• March 10 -- Playing for Change @ Napa Valley Opera House
  

  Napa Valley Opera House, Napa, Napa Valley

  
  Live Music: Musicians from different cultures who unite together for the common purpose of spreading peace through music. 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $30 / $35 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372

• March 10 -- A Dinner Feast
  Food Education: Cooking with Julie. A Dinner Feast- Learn to cook the perfect flan and French techniques to make delicious chicken with pan jus. Wild mushroom flan; chicken sautéed with butternut squash, chantrelle mushrooms and pan jus; + chocolate truffle tart. 1039 La Quinta Ct., Napa
  Fee: $145 Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm Phone Number: 707-227-5036
• March 10 -- Family Fun Day: Mask-Making
  Instruction: Indulge in an afternoon of creative artistry with our mask-making workshop. In conjunction with Mozart's Muse, the costume exhibition from San Francisco Opera, visitors will create their own masks using feathers, beads, ribbons, and rhinestones. Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Cir. Yountville
  Fee: $5 per person; includes admission Time: 2:00-4:00 Phone Number: 707.944.0500
• March 10 -- Napa Ballroom Dancer's "Glides of March"
  Dancing: Napa Ballroom Dancers invites you to our "The Glides of March". Bob Falstein and the Delish band will provide their great ballroom, Latin, swing,country, and nightclub music. Couples, singles, beginning, and experienced dancers of all ages are welcome. No host bar at 7:30PM. Doorprize to a lucky dancer. 1500 Jefferson St., Napa
  Fee: $15 pp Time: 7:30-10:30PM Phone Number: 707-255-5890
• March 10 -- Goodman Library and Archives Tour
  Historic: This tour gives you a behind-the-scenes tour of the longest continuously operating library in the State of California! Includes hands-on experience conducting your own historical research. You will see historical photos, ephemera, maps, books, and other materials. Call 224.1739 or email research@napahistory.org to RSVP. 1219 First St, Napa
  Fee: Free Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm Phone Number: 707.224.1739
• March 10 -- Red & White Affair
  Auction, Benefit: Yountville Elementary School (YES) Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is honored to present the 23rd Annual Red and White Affair where wine, dining, and exclusive Napa Valley Lifestyle Experiences are available for auction. Proceeds from the Red and White Affair benefit the students of YES. Silverado Vineyards, 6121 Silverado Trail, Napa CA
  Fee: $100-$150 Time: 6pm-10pm Phone Number: 707-253-9311
• March 10 -- Randolph Street Walking Tour
  Historic: Join us on this popular tour that will explore the exterior of both grand and modest Randolph Street homes in the Napa Abajo National Register Historic District. Reservations are necessary as we must be able to contact you in the case of cancellation due to inclement weather.
  Fee: $10/$5 NCL & NCHS Members Time: 10am-12pm Phone Number: 707-255-1836
• March 10 -- Stews & Brews @ TopFlight Wine & Beer Tasting
  Wine & Food Education: We are including a wee bit of Irish stew with your wine or beer tasting! We are featuring pints of our craft beers from array of local microbreweries and Napa Valley wines. 1285 Napa Town Center, Napa
  Fee: $15 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Phone Number: 707-253-9450
• March 10 - 11 -- Calistoga Spring Jazz Festival
  Festival, Live Music: Enjoy live jazz by cool cats and crazy combos in a variety of venues as you stroll through galleries and shops and dine at local pubs and restaurants. Take time to slip into a mud bath at one of Calistoga's world famous spas. Must be 21 years old to purchase.
  Fee: Call for information & tickets Time: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Phone Number: 707-942-6333
• March 11 -- Mimi Fox @ Silo's
  Live Music: Napa Valley Jazz Society event featuring Mimi Fox. For her Napa date, Fox pays tribute to the immortal recordings of Wes Montgomery. 530 Main Street, Napa
  Fee: $40 Time: 4pm Phone Number: 707-251-5833
• March 11 -- Napa Valley Symphony - Classics from a Master
  Live Music: The exceptional career of Philippe Entremont began at the age of eighteen when he came to international attention with his great success at New York's Carnegie Hall. Since then, he has pursued a top international career as a pianist, and for the last 30 years, on the podium as well. Held at Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: Call for information & tickets Time: 3 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-8742
• March 11 -- Ecstatic Dance Napa Valley
  Dancing: At Ecstatic Dance conscious dance meets DJ culture creating a musical journey filled with deep beats of club music with a musical arc. The arc begins with meditative music that builds to high-paced “trance dance” and then slows down again, creating a journey of rhythms and emotions. 1755 Industrial way #22, Napa
  Fee: donation $10 Time: 10 am - noon Phone Number: 707 294 9495
• March 13 -- Oxbow Market Tour and Cooking Class
  Food Education: Cooking with Julie. We meet at Oxbow Public Market to purchase our provisions; visit a winery and then back to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class + lunch. Risotto with porcini mushrooms and salami; grilled steak with nam pla and salad, braised fingerlings; + chocolate pudding cake.
  Fee: $215 Time: 8:45am-4:30pm Phone Number: 707-227-5036
• March 14 - 15 -- Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr. @ Napa Valley Opera House
  Performing Arts, Family Fun: This is a fast-paced, updated version of the original Disney cartoon film sure to delight the whole family. Mayhem and madness prevail in the enchanting world of Wonderland! 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $10 Time: 7 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372
• March 14 -- The Giants of Jazz @ Silo's
  Live Music: The Giants of Jazz Part Two: Miles Davis & Wayne Shorter. This evening will focus on the music of Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. 530 Main Street, Napa
  Fee: $15 Advance/$20 At the Door/$10 Club Time: 7pm Phone Number: 707-251-5833
• March 15 -- Full View @ Silo's Live Music: From the heart of the Napa Valley comes “Full View”. Accomplished performers Chris and Sue Chesbrough bring their acoustic duet to the stage. VIP seating option available. 530 Main Street, Napa Fee: $10 Advance/$15 At the Door/$7 Club Time: 7pm Phone Number: 707-251-5833