Karen Crowson

Built by Signature Properties beginning in 1992, this neighborhood is situated to the South of Hwy 580, at the west end of the City. Most notable is the Arroyo Mocho which runs east to west throughout the development, bordered by a pleasant walking trail. Stately eucalyptus trees provide welcome shade in the warm summer weather. Hagemann Park, is adjacent to the subdivision providing playground equipment, large grassy areas and picnic tables. Weekends bring families and soccer teams out for fun.

Commuter friendly, access to Hwy 580 is less than 4 miles and Hwy 84, just about 2 miles.

5 different models exist:

The Azalea: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. One story, with two car garage. 1761 sq. ft.

1761 sq. ft. The Camellia: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. One story, with two car garage. 1828 sq. ft.

The Marigold: 4 beds, 3 baths. Two story, with two car garage. 2239 sq. ft.

The Primrose: 4 beds, 3 baths. Two story, with two car garage. 2496 sq. ft.

The Wisteria: 4 beds, 3 baths. Two story, with two car garage. 2539 sq. ft.

Labor Day Weekend

Livermore Valley is located 45 miles east of San Francisco, and approximately 32 miles northeast of San Jose.

If you've never been to the Harvest Wine Celebration, now might be the time to come and enjoy a fantastic day in Livermore's wine country. A new twist on the event rolls out this year, increasing your chances to taste from many more of the wineries. With over 40 wineries in the region, it's a bit of a challenge to make your way to so many

Now, with the addition of the Harvest Village in Robertson Park, 20 wineries will be on hand to pour while you enjoy live music and arts and crafts vendors. Bring your blankets or beach chairs to sit back and enjoy the fun. Get hungry? Don't worry - plenty of food vendors will be there as well.

And for those who liked the original event experience, you'll still have the chance to visit more than 20 wineries who will pour at their location, offering additional food, music and art for your enjoyment. You'll have free shuttle buses available on Sunday only, so if Monday is your day of choice for the event, you'll need to arrange your own transportation between wineries. Note: for the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend, only ticket holders will gain admittance to the wineries.

A couple of rules though: no outside food or beverages, and no pets.

Tickets on sale NOW

Wineries pouring wine at the Harvest Village (located at Robertson Park):

Bodegas Aguirre Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery, Concannon Vineyard, Cuda Ridge Wines. Deer Ridge Vineyards, Eagle Ridge Winery, Eckert Estate Winery, El Sol Winery, Elliston Vineyards, Fenestra Winery, Les Chênes Estate Vineyards, Little Valley Winery, Longevity Wines, Occasio Winery, Page Mill Winery, Ruby Hill Winery, Ryhan Estate, Vineyards, Tenuta Vineyards, Thomas Coyne Winery, Wente Family Estates, Westover/Palomares Wineries

Wineries Pouring at their winery location on Sunday & Monday
Chouinard Vineyards, LVC , Bent Creek Winery, Big White House, Charles R Vineyards, Crooked Vine/Stony Ridge, Garré Vineyard & Winery, La Rochelle Winery, McGrail Vineyards & Winery, Mitchell Katz Winery, Murrieta's Well, Retzlaff Estate Winery, Rodrigue Monyneaux Winery, The Singing Winemaker, The Steven Kent Winery, Tamás Estates. Wente Vineyards TR, White Crane, Wood Family

California Market Update

Here are a few interesting marketing statistics for the State of California. Data collected statewide is provided by the California Association of Realtors® and typically runs a month behind that of our local association reporting.

Statewide Median Home Price, June 09 $274,740

Unsold Inventory 4 months

Tri Valley Home Sale Facts*

Think like a potential buyer. To really get a sense of what a buyer might be thinking, tour other homes similar to yours in size, age and price range. Consider how yours compares in terms of location, curb appeal, updates, price per square foot and amenities.

•·If you were buying now, would your house stand out as the best value? Evaluate the price range of your home and see what other choices a buyer would have in spending that same amount of money. Remember, a buyer will be looking to get the best house and the best price. Just like you'll be doing when you're choosing your next place!

•·Are you prepared to fix for someone else, what you didn't fix for you?

Maybe there was a pesky leak in the bathroom that you took care of, but left the bathroom vinyl flooring a bit stained. It's still functional for you, but, very probably the buyer will insist that it's repaired as a condition of buying the property.

Yes, homes are sold as-is and most people understand that everything isn't perfect. That is until they are in negotiation to buy one!

•·Can you be objective about how your house and yard look to a potential buyer?

Part 2 gave tips for preparing the yard and home for sale, but this aspect can't be stressed enough. Most buyers begin their search on the Internet. Walk across the street and really look at your house. Frame it in a camera lens. What will the viewer see? Put time and attention into making that great first impression. If you don't have the time or resources to do so, be sure your asking price reflects that fact.

•·How easy is it to get in to view your house?

Having your home picture perfect and ready for visitors at all hours of the day isn't easy. (I remember - my home was on the market while I had three young sons at home.) The easier you make it for people to see, the quicker your apt to get the job done. Remember, buyers typically get a search alert from their agent when a property matching their needs comes on the market, or they find it with an online search. They may want to see it right away, and have constraints with their job or kids schedule that need to be accommodated.

•·How much ‘work' will someone have to do to move into your house ?

Designer colors and themes may have been just perfect for your family, but could mean a complete overhaul for someone getting ready to move in to your place. If you have touch up work to do in any particular room, consider getting it back to neutral. Move-in ready as a marketing remark carries a lot of clout.

•·What about this house made you buy it in the first place?

It's very likely that the same things that inspired you once-upon-a-time will be appealing to the new homeowners too. Try to think back about what they were and share them with your Realtor. And if the only thing that attracted you was the price, (maybe a less-than-desirable location?) be realistic from the start. Knowing what's ahead of you and a realistic approach will keep your emotions in check and serve you will when the negotiations begin.

Keep your eye on the end-game. Soon it will be your turn to be the buyer and do the negotiating!

If you missed the first to installments of this series, you can read them here.

Part 1

Part 2

If you missed Part 1, go to this link first: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1202858/advice-for-home-sellers-in-the-tri-valley-part-1

Now, let's get ready. And the biggest reasons? You want to outshine the competition, so get ready to repair, de-clutter and stage.

Buyers have been out in force for awhile now and are probably seeing their fair share of distressed homes, many in short sale status, or already bank owned. Some of these are tenant occupied, others are vacant. And as such, don't always give the best impression when a visitor walks through the front door. Here's your chance to get your house in tip-top shape before it hits the market. So, spend a few hours at open homes in your area, and check out the competition. Seeing the condition of other homes in your neighborhood may give you the inspiration, ideas and motivation you need to get going.

EXTERIOR:

House

• Power-wash siding and roof - but not so hard that paint peels off
• Wash windows, inside and out. Consider window boxes with flowers.
• Clean deck or patio. Refurbish if necessary, and accessorize
• Replaced tired looking exterior lighting
• Keep your garage door closed.

Yard and Gardens

• Remove any vehicles not in use, such as cars, boats, RV's and store them off site
• Cracked or damaged walkways. If they're on your property, make any reasonable repairs. If they are on city property, call and ask if they can be repaired.
• Weed, and mulch garden beds
• Mow lawn, trim edges, rake
• Prune shrubs and trees
• Sweep sidewalks, clear weeds from cracks
• Once yards have been manicured, keep them fresh with regular watering and fertilizing.
• Add some seasonal annuals for a nice burst of color.
• Keep newspapers and pet litter picked up

Front Entry

• Clean porch. Repaint if needed. Accessorize with a new mailbox, potted flowers, stylish outdoor furniture, wall plaque or sculpture.
• Clean the surface of the front door, including glass, and door hardware.
• If scratched or scuffed, repaint or refinish
• Make sure knob, lock and doorbell work, and door does not stick
• If screen door is not steel or tempered glass, remove it
• Put out the welcome mat! Make sure it isn't worn or damaged, and is kept clean.
• If your mailbox has seen better day, consider giving it a makeover. It is one of the first things potential buyers will see as they approach your home.

INTERIOR:

Organize!

• Pare back on personal effects. Box up and store excess books, photographs and knick knacks. Potential buyers need to be able to visualize their belongings in your home. This is more easily accomplished when they are not surrounded by family photos and memorabilia.
• Clean out the closets - you'll need to do this anyway as you prepare to move. Neatly organized cupboards and closets will appear larger.
• Invest in a large toy box with a lid, this will make for a great place to hide toys and make a kids room (or family room) look much more appealing!
• Simplify - remove excess pieces of furniture. Remember you're selling the space, not your things. Make sure buyers can see the potential in each room.
• Consider staging for the ‘wow factor'.

Clean

• Clean woodwork, hardwood floors, with special attention to bathrooms. They should sparkle!
• Make sure beds are always made and dishes are not in the sink.
• Professionally steam clean carpets, or replace if badly worn.
• Make sure fireplaces, microwave ovens, stovetops and ranges are clean.
• If you will be living in the home while it's on the market, consider a regular housekeeping service to insure it's picture perfect for viewing.
• Look up! Don't forget light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Repair

• Replace damaged blinds or window screens. Clean window and door tracks.
• Repair any dripping faucets or noisy toilets. Many buyers will check these out!
• Re-caulk showers, tub and sink areas, and tile counters if needed.
• Little things matter - check for loose cabinetry knobs, doors and drawers that stick.
• Inspect every door in your home and make sure they open and close smoothly. Replace any door hardware that does not work properly. Apply machine oil to any squeaky hinges. A stuck door can stick in the in of a potential buyer.

Refresh

• Brighten up rooms by letting the sunshine in. Avoid heavy or dark window coverings.
• Freshen paint. Choose neutral, and lighter colors if repainting. Replace worn or cheap curtains with treatments that look stylish from both sides of the window.
• Replace all burned out light bulbs.

Prepare for visitors

• If you have smokers or pets in the household, invest in professional services to deodorize carpets and furnishings.
• Consider professional staging if you really want your home to impress.
• It's preferable to keep pets out of the house, or at least out of the way during showings.
• Keep valuables out of site, and locked up.
• Keep counter tops cleared
• No dirty dishes in the sink
• No laundry in the washer/dryer

Show Time!

• Turn on lights and open blinds and draperies in all rooms.
• Climate control - have the heat or AC on for your guest's comfort
• Do your best to be away when a prospective buyer comes to your home, or at least take a short walk or wait in the yard while they tour your home.
• A mildly scented candle burning, or light potpourri can lend a homey touch.
• Turn off the television, and have soft background music playing.
• Bake some fresh cookies for your guests.