Aside from Fairfield/Green Valley, this was the first time in four weeks that the other cities in our Solano County market area saw a net increase in their housing inventory.
The change from a week ago:
Despite the increases throughout most of the county, the inventory is still down substantially everywhere except Benicia, where it has stayed fairly constant since the beginning of the year.
To see the full report, which includes week-by-week totals since the beginning of the year, CLICK HERE.
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A Great Way To Sample Benicia’s Many FlavorsWho says you never get a second chance?
If you missed A Taste Of First last fall, you’re in luck, because the popular culinary event is back for a third time later this month — Feb. 26th to be exact.
For $35, you get a plate, a glass of wine and the opportunity to stroll up and down First Street, where the various participating restaurants will each fill your plate with an assortment of culinary delights.
Participating restaurants in February’s Taste of First will include:
Additionally, 18 other non-restaurant First Street merchants will also be participating this time. The flyer bills it as An Evening of Food, Wine, Live Music & Fabulous Prizes.
Venticellos & Sahara are two of the participants in the popular 'A Taste Of First' Feb. 26
The first Taste of First, last February, sold out. I missed that one, but made sure I bought my tickets early for the encore last September. I’m planning to be there for #3 as well.
Along with the chance to sample some of Benicia’s finest treats, the event also offers a great opportunity to casually meander down First Street, visit with friends and other Taste of First diners, and enjoy some live outdoor music along the way.
The event is put on by Benicia’s always-energetic Main Street Program. For more information, Click Here for the Taste Of First flyer or call the Main Street office at 707-745-9791 for ticket information. The Main Street office is located at 90 First St. — inside the old train depot.
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January Home Sales Much Stronger Than A Year Ago Throughout Solano County
January got off to a much better start this year than in 2008, at least if you judge it by comparing the number of homes sales. Whereas 2008 got off to a rather tame start amid softening prices and looming economic worries, 2009 took off right where 2008 ended, with much more robust sales activity, particularly in the county’s most affordable cities.
Last January, for example, there were 164 home sales countywide. This January, there were 153 closed sales in Vallejo alone — further evidence that enough home buyers sense that we’re nearing if not at the bottom of the market.
Such wasn’t the case a year ago, as most buyers sat on the sidelines wondering where the economy was heading. Well, now those same buyers are eagerly snatching up homes priced hundreds of thousands less than they were just a few short years ago.
I downloaded the raw data and have created several different reports which illustrate how strong January really was. Fairfield/Green Valley and Suisun City, where the median price home is now $187,450 and $ 188,100 respectively both saw January sales more than THREE TIMES what they were last January. And Vallejo, with a median price of $140,500, had a similar story, with January sales up 294% over a year ago.
Vacaville, with the second highest median price in the county at $262,900, still had almost twice as many sales than a year earlier. Benicia also had more sales than in 2008, but only by a slight margin.
But then, Benicia’s January median price of $450,000 is almost twice that of Vacaville’s and more than three times the median of neighboring Vallejo — proof once more that today’s opportunistic buyers sense that today’s low prices definitely won’t last forever.
I’ve created several different reports:
As you’ll see, the lowest sales price in the county was a $23,750 home in Vallejo, while the highest price honors went to a $1.352 million home in Fairfield-Green Valley, with distress sale (bank-owned and short sales) properties contributing to the majority of the sales.
Each month, I’ll create a new report showing the sales statistics for homes in our Solano County market area, so be sure to check back for February’s numbers, which will be published in early March.
Remember, too, that I’m always happy to provide more custom and/or more detailed analyses of our market for clients and prospective clients. Just send me an email or give me a call and I’ll get to work!
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I just completed January's Vallejo home sales report and its available for download by clicking on the graphic. It lists every Vallejo home that closed escrow last month and includes bedrooms, baths, square footage, original list price, final list price, closing price and even a comparison showing the net difference between the seller’s starting price and the ultimate selling price.
The least expensive home in Vallejo last month sold for $23,750 on N. Camino Alto. The most expensive was $495,000 on Landmark Dr. in Hiddenbrooke (one of only two Vallejo homes to sell above $400,000).
Next month’s report will be posted in early March. To see Benicia’s January home sales report, click here.
Remember, too, that I’m always happy to provide more custom and/or more detailed analyses of our market for clients and prospective clients. Just send me an email or give me a call and I’ll get to work!
Related Articles:
Want To Receive This Type Of News Automatically By E-Mail. Subscribe Here.
Search The MLS — Click Here to search the MLS for either Solano or Contra Costa Counties.
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I Just finished a report that shows every Benicia home that closed escrow in January. Click on the graphic to download the report, which includes address, bedrooms, baths, square footage, sales price, and even the net change from the original list price to the eventual selling price.
There were 13 home sales in Benicia last month — the lowest $114,900 and the highest $675,000.
Next month’s report will be posted in early March. To see Vallejo’s January home sales report, click here.
Remember, too, that I’m always happy to provide more custom and/or more detailed analyses of our market for clients and prospective clients. Just send me an email or give me a call and I’ll get to work!
Related Articles:
Want To Receive This Type Of News Automatically By E-Mail. Subscribe Here.
Search The MLS — Click Here to search the MLS for either Solano or Contra Costa Counties.
Want to have new MLS activity arrive by E-Mail Automatically? Click Here to set up a customized search.
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Integrity, honesty & professionalism are my hallmarks. I live by the Golden Rule -- treat each client as you'd want to be treated...a concept that unfortunately is far too rare in our profession.
Real estate is full of people who'll promise you the moon and then forget where they left their spaceship. 
With Rod & Jamie Herman, it's just the opposite. No empty promises. No mindless rhetoric. Just two honest hard-working real estate professionals who care about their clients and treat them like family.
If that sounds different than what you may be accustomed to, you're not alone. Our credo is simple: do business according to the Golden Rule and treat people the way we'd like to be treated with honesty, reliability, integrity, and professionalism.
From our Benicia office, we're strategically located to assist clients throughout Solano and Central Contra Costa Counties. That means we can help you from Vacaville to San Ramon and all points in-between. It also means we won't send you to somebody else to see homes ty five miles away just because it's across the bridge. We're members of two different MLS systems, so, unlike many local agents, we're here to assist you no matter what side of the Benicia Bridge you'd like to make your home.
As you browse our web site, you'll notice that we call ourselves The Hidden Advantage. Once you get to know us, you'll see that it's more than just a catchy slogan. It goes a long way towards describing who we are and why our clients receive a level of service, knowledge, and experience far greater than most Realtors are able to provide.
Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or just keeping tabs on what homes in your neighborhood are worth, we're ready to help. We can be reached by Phone, Email or through the contact form on our web site.
If You Like What You Read, Subscribe To Rod's Blog Via Email
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I've been part of the local housing industry since 1982, with experience as a marketing, advertising and public relations director for a major Bay Area homebuilder, branch manager for a local title and escrow company, and of course, as a successful real estate agent.
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Rod & Jamie did such an outstanding job selling my home that I just had to let you know. They handled every detail with such efficiency that it made the whole process stress-free. I've sold several properties and have always had difficulty with communications. Not so with Rod & Jamie. They always call back in a timely manner. I will recommend them to all my friends.
- Dona Rose (Seller)
Rod & Jamie were extremely helpful in helping us sell our home at a fair price in a difficult environment. Rod was totally on top of all the events that occurred as part of the process. This started with recommendations for improvements to increase market value and continuity through the funding at close of escrow. Jamie was very organized in making sure all the paperwork was properly filled out and was very helpful in suggestions for the home improvements. We look forward to using their services in the future.
- Rick and Sue Gordon (Sellers)
When we made the decision to put our home on the market, we knew we would come back to Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific. The hard part was choosing from our friends there that Roger had worked with. He knew that it takes focused attention and a strong sales organization that makes for a successful listing, sale and escrow. Rod and Jamie exceeded our expectations for professionalism. We were in frequent communication about the progress on the listing, sale and escrow of our home. After more than 30 years in Benicia, it was hard to leave, but we knew we would be well taken care of by Rod and Jamie when we chose to move out before the house had sold. Real estate is a difficult business to be successful in because of uncontrollable factors that can affect the market. Rod and Jamie were able to see when these might be happening and because of their counsel and advice, we were able to make sound decisions. We highly recommend Rod and Jamie Herman to anyone looking for a real estate team that always has a positive attitude, are true real estate professionals and who have excellent knowledge of how real estate transactions can and should take place. Coldwell Banker is lucky they haven't opened their own office.
- Roger and Rosanne Heym (Sellers) -- Roger is a former Coldwell Banker agent
We were both quite impressed with the tenacity and stick-to-it-iv-ness you both displayed during the rather long and arduous process. May other Realtors would have lost interest in our project and put us on their back burners. It is not often that we have to deal with real estate matters, but it is really reassuring to know that when we do, you two are there to look out for our interests, explain all the details, and ensure we understand everything that is transpiring. Your personal service and attention to detail is very much appreciated. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
- Charlie & Gail Bouffard (Repeat Clients)
In a very stressful time for my husband and I (we got engaged, married, quit jobs, started new jobs, sold a home in Nevada, bought a home in California and moved...all in less than 2 months!), we counted on Rod and Jamie to not only handle the transaction, but also be efficient and look out for our best interests. They exceeded our expectations in every way. They are professional, courteous, detail-oriented, experienced and knowledgeable. We respect them greatly not only professionally, but personally, too! We hope to continue our friendship with Rod & Jamie and will recommend them every chance we get!
- Chris and Sharon Black (Buyers)
The Hermans are the most trusted, hard-working, thorough agents we have EVER dealt with. Attitude: Positive, Supportive, Superb. Professionalism: Of the highest standard. Knowledge of Real Estate: Superb.
- Ron and Sheri Russo (Sellers)
Rod & Jamie are the only two people we would do real estate business with!
- Don & Karen Richey, Sellers & Buyers (Repeat Clients)
Excellent, very nice, friendly and helpful. Remarkable knowledge of real estate. Rod had major information whenever I needed an answer. They also created an excellent web site for my home.
- Joan Beguelin (Seller)
Rod and Jamie were always upbeat and encouraging, yet realistic in regards to what Michael & I could afford and work with. Rod and Jamie were consummate professionals. They were always responsive...never failed to return phone calls, updated us on changes immediately. They were always "cool, calm, and collected" even with the extremely short timeline we had to find and offer on a home, since we were traveling from Massachusetts. Even with the wedding for their eldest daughter imminent, we never felt like we were "put on hold." We always felt that our needs were important to both Rod and Jamie.
- Michael & Monyee Kazek, Buyers & Sellers (Repeat Clients)
This is the third time we've asked Rod & Jamie to represent us in a real estate transaction. In our view they are the best at what they do.
- Tim & Vickie Ward (Buyers & Sellers (5-Time Repeat Clients)
We could not have been happier with our experience. As first time homebuyers, we were not fully aware of the details involved when buying our first home and nervous about making this purchase. Rod and Jamie addressed all of our concerns and questions with professionalism and courtesy. We felt comfortable with them and their knowledge of the market and confident that they had our best interest in mind when negotiating.
- Brian and Amy Pereira (Buyers)
We were so very pleased with the Hermans. We described what we could afford and what we hoped to find in our first home and they found it with extras! With real estate professionals like Rod & Jamie Herman, I can understand why Coldwell Banker is such a successful real estate company.
- Doc & Cathy Soto (Buyers)
We had the privilege to work with Rod & Jamie Herman before out latest purchase of our new home. They helped us purchase our very first home some 6 years ago. They took two very nervous first-time home buyers and made us feel like our interests truly came first and prepared us for all of the unforeseen things that go into such a thing. We of course, called them again to help us "move up in the world." Some things never change! Their professionalism has gotten even better if that is possible! Their knowledge of all of the pitfalls made us very comfortable and we put our full trust in them, which is rare these days! They did more than they needed to every step of the way. We will of course, if ever needed, use them again and continue to refer any and all who need "real" real estate professionals.
- Mark & Melinda Bilow (Buyers, Sellers, Repeat Clients)
I think the best tribute we can give to them is to share with you how they truly "work up" to the claim they make on their website: "Our credo is simple: do business according to the Golden Rule, treat people the way we'd like to be treated with honesty, integrity and professionalism." And how! With Rod & Jamie nothing was too much. They bent over backwards to accommodate us. Rod & Jamie were as honest as it gets - they candidly (but delicately!) helped us out when we were prepping the condo for the market by making suggestions that would approve its appeal when being shown. The most unbelievable thing is that they represented both the buyer and seller in both of our transactions and we felt that Rod and Jamie were on our side the whole time in both situations.
- Greg & Bridgette Kennedy (Buyers, Sellers)
For More Testimonials, visit HomeSection.com.
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