So. Walnut Creek Home Preview from Terri Adams-Scott on Vimeo.

On our local Broker Tour this week (Contra Costa), I came across this So. Walnut Creek home on the market. It's located really close to downtown, freeways and BART. It falls within the Walnut Creek School District.

Attn Realtors:

If you would like information as to which properties are in this video, please feel free to contact me. I'll be glad to share the MLS# with you for your clients.

(The homes in this video are presently listed with other real estate Brokers in the Contra Costa MLS offering Broker compensation. This is not an intent to solicit their listings.)

Moving to Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Alamo or Central East Bay?

Contact Terri Adams-Scott, Realtor, Prudential California Realty (925) 765-4339

Feel free to search the MLS 'hassle free' and get community/school information at Terri's Website

5 BR/3 BA Walnut Creek Home from Terri Adams-Scott on Vimeo.

While out on Broker Tour this week, I came across a property that I thought was worth sharing with you. Great value for a Walnut Creek address!

Attn Realtors: If you would like information as to which properties are in this video, please feel free to contact me. I’ll be glad to share the MLS# with you for your clients.

The homes in this video are presently listed with other real estate brokers in the Contra Costa MLS offering Broker compensation. This is not an intent to solicit their listings.

Moving to Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Alamo or Central East Bay? Contact Terri Adams-Scott, Realtor, Prudential California Realty 925.765-4339

Feel free to search the MLS 'hassle-free' and get community/school information at Terri's Website.

Staging® has become the "in" thing to do in real estate sales. HGTV© spends endless episodes on the subject, and many staging® companies and designers cropping up, as well as many real estate agents marketing themselves as staging® experts. I'm in many houses with prospective buyers, and I can tell you first hand that what starts with good intentions of making a home more appealing, can easily backfire and become a distraction to potential buyers. Staging® is truly an art, one that when done well subconsciously pulls potential buyers in by creating a warmth and feeling of comfort to the space. The idea is not just to show a home "furnished", but to show buyer's its greatest potential.

Some things I've seen recently as an attempt to stage® include a home with lawn chairs brought in to the center of a vacant living room with a plant in between, a large master bedroom with a small, cheap wicker chair in the corner and a shawl thrown over it, a 1950's kitchen with place settings on the countertop in an otherwise empty space. All of these types of "staging" do nothing to enhance the buyer's feeling about the property.

It's important to get back to the main purposes of staging® a home -

1.) Define the space - If there is too much furniture in a room, it makes the room feel smaller and compact. Furniture should be minimized, and arranged in a way that creates flow throughout the house.

2.) Use rooms as they were intended. Maybe you have your office in the dining room, because that works for you, but with potential buyers, it will emphasize that there isn't enough room for them. I had a client last year that converted the large master bedroom into a family room. It worked for them, but buyers couldn't see past it to other possibilities. To this day, I'm confident that home would have sold quickly if the seller had allowed us to convert that room back to its intended use. Dining rooms should be set up as dining rooms, living rooms as living rooms and so on.

3.) Show off the best features of your home - If you have attractive hardwood floors, don't cover them with lots of rugs. If you have a great view from a particular room, highlight that and don't cover it up with large curtains. Remember, buyers are buying your house, not your things. As Barb Schwarz, founder of StagedHomes.com says, "If they can't see it, they won't buy it."

4.) Neutral Colors Rule! - Maybe you love your purple bedroom, but the majority of buyers won't. Painting and flooring are two of the most cost effective improvements you can make prior to putting your home on the market, but keep it simple! Paint colors should be neutral tones, with some contrast between your wall color and trim color a good thing. Also, accent walls with a shade darker tone than the other walls in your room can add depth and interest. Color can and should be added later through accessorizing the space.

5.) Light and Bright - If there's one thing most buyers I've worked with over the years are universally looking for, it is a home that has great natural light. Keep windows unobstructed and curtains and blinds open when you're showing your home. The difference between entering a dark house, and one that is light and bright is unmistakable in the minds of potential buyers

6.) Beware of odors - Staging® is more than just the arranging of the space. It encompasses everything potential buyers experience when viewing a home. If you're thinking of cooking Salmon one night, you may want to reconsider! Is there something causing a musty smell in the bathroom or basement? Buyers will notice, so getting that problem eradicated before going to market is crucial to getting top dollar. Have pets? Potential buyers may not. If it's possible to have them stay with friends or relatives during the sales process, that's ideal, but if not, make the litterbox is in an inconspicuous spot or the yard is picked up daily!

If you're considering staging® and selling your home, consider using an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP)©. Lists of ASP realtors® and stagers® are available at www.stagedhomes.com.

Over the years, this would have to be in the top 5 questions I've had from buyers and sellers alike. The common perception of most sellers I talk to is that Spring is the obvious time - nicer weather, flowers are blooming, etc., and certainly it is the most popular time of year to sell. Also, many families with children like the idea of getting the move done over the kid's summer vacation. With the uncertain market times these days, that can be a little hit or miss. But, is Spring really the best time to sell?

While there are typically more sales as Spring rolls around, there's also a lot more competition. The reality is that any time of year can be a good time to sell if your home shows well, and is priced competitively with the market, but I think there is something to be said for lisitng in January and February. Looking back at my own sales over the years, I've had great success in the first two months of the year. There is typically much less competition, and many potential home buyers are coming out of their holiday season hibernation with an excitement about getting back into the market. Maybe it's a little bit of holiday euphoria left over, and the fact that our Winters can be quite mild, but each year, regardless of an up or down market, I've found open houses to be busier and have had great success in getting listings sold. In the down market we've had the past few years, I've found that to be especially true. Any new listings I've taken after tax day seem to get caught up in a wave of other comparable homes for sale, and increased buyer apathy, leading to price reductions and longer market times. In a seller's market like we had a few years ago, any house would sell at any time of year, but in these slower times, sellers would be smart to consider the option of going to market earlier than the widely accpeted "Spring selling season".

For buyers on the other hand, my advice has always been the same. If there is a good time of year to buy to get the best deal, it would be between Halloween and Christmas. Sellers that are generally selling during this period are usually doing so out of necessity - job transfer or other family reasons are most likely - and are usually more motivated to finalize a sale. Each year, in our marketplace, the median home price dips slightly in the 4th quarter. Inventory is typically lower during this period, so the number of options may be more limited, but if you can find what you're looking for, you're likely to have less competition from other buyers and find yourself in a better negotiating position than in other times of the year.

Broker's Tour each week is an opportunity for Realtors to hold an Open House on their new MLS listings.  Since I preview an average of 10 homes on those Broker Tour Days, I thought I would key in on the new listings in Walnut Creek and share with you.  The video is about 1.5 Minutes in length.  (Information in the video is based on information from Contra Costa Realtor's MLS.  Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by MLS.  The homes previewed are listed with different Agencies and permission granted by Agent)

To search the MLS, pls visit http://www.prurealty.com/TerriAdams-Scott/mapsearch.aspx

Walnut Heights Market Snapshot June 15, 2008 - There are 12 detached single family homes for sale in Walnut Heights of Walnut Creek CA. This is a very diverse area that includes vintage cottages and new estate homes. There are three spacious new, never been occupied, single family homes with over 4,000 square feet of living space on large homesites (from nearly ½ acre to over ½ acre)ranging in asking price from $1,895,000 to $2,375,000. The least expensive home currently offered in Walnut Heights is a charming 1900's farmhouse. The MLS description reads "Incredible Opportunity. Spacious 1900's Farmhouse with large country living room & sunny kitchen with window seat overlooking the gardens. Secluded 1/2 acre + site on a private lane next to Shell Ridge Open Space. Needs work, bring your dreamers and contractors. Sq ft is an estimate only, Buyer must verify." The median listing price in Walnut Heights on June 15 2008 is $1,247,000.

Walnut Heights is an unincorporated community conveniently located in the hills near Walnut Creek. There is no homeowner's association in Walnut Heights. Some of the best homes for sale in Walnut Creek CA are located in Walnut Heights. Walnut Creek CA real estate sales are on the increase.

There are currently 4 single family detached homes in Walnut Heights under contract for sale (pending sale) with an average asking price of $1,059,725. The summary details follow:

Seven homes for sale in Walnut Heights Walnut Creek CA have sold and closed this year to date. The average sales price of these seven homes was $1,374,714. On the low end a 2,855 square foot home sold for $1,025,000 and on the higher end a 4,485 square foot home sold for $2,200,000. The average days on market was 107, but ranged from just 10 days on the market to a high of 206 days on the market.

The most recent sale was 160 Bales Dr that sold for $1,300,000 after 206 days on the market. This two-story home that was built in 2003 has a reported 3,709 square feet with four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms on a 10,800 square foot lot.

Click here to receive ongoing monthly market snapshots for Walnut Heights

Click here to request a list of homes for sale in Walnut Heights

Buying or selling a home in Walnut Heights or Walnut Creek CA real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive knowledge and strong negotiation skills who is truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Moving to Walnut Creek CA or the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy for all of your real estate needs in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.BestTriValleyHomes.com for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

925-407-7987 or click to e-mail Vickie Nagy

* Based on information from the Contra Costa Association of REALTOR'S® MLS (for the monthly period from the first through the last day of the month). Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.

The May 2008 median home price in Walnut Creek CA was $770,000 for single family detached homes. There were 31 home sales of single family detached homes, the highest priced home sold for $2,200,000, the lowest price home sold for $550,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for May 2008 in Walnut Creek California was $952,300. Your Walnut Creek California real estate market update written June 2, 2008.

Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Walnut Creek CA! There are currently 59 single family detached homes pending sale in Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $499,900 to $2,495,000, with an average asking price of $861,650.

The May 2008 median home price in Walnut Creek was $439,500 for attached homes including duets, patio homes, condos and townhomes. There were 20 attached units sold, the highest priced unit sold for $700,000, and the lowest price unit sold for $265,000. The average selling price of attached homes for May 2008 in Walnut Creek California was $445,482.

Click here to receive monthly Walnut Creek CA real estate market updates

Click here to request a current list of homes for sale in Walnut Creek CA

Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Walnut Creek CA! There are currently 40 attached homes pending sale in Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $219,900 to $749,900, with an average asking price of $398,000.

As of June 2, 2008 there are currently 350 properties on the market in Walnut Creek CA. 197 of these are single family homes with a median list price of $905,000 for single family homes for sale in Walnut Creek CA. 153 of these are attached homes with a median list price of $425,000.

Buying or selling in Walnut Creek CA real estate, contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive knowledge and strong negotiation skills who is truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Moving to Walnut Creek CA or the East Bay?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home? I specialize in "Getting You Where YOU Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.BestTriValleyHomes.com for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

925-407-7987 or click to e-mail Vickie Nagy

* Based on information from the Contra Costa Association of REALTOR'S® MLS (for the monthly period from the first through the last day of the month). Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.

The May 2008 the median home price in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek was $273,000 for attached homes including duets, condos and town houses. There were 36 attached units sold, the highest priced unit sold for $700,000, and the lowest price unit sold for $109,500. The average selling price of attached homes for May 2008 in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek California was $285,031. Your Rossmoor in Walnut Creek CA real estate market update written June 2, 2008.

Home Sales volume and home sales activity is UP in Rossmoor in Walnut Creek CA! There are currently 48 attached homes pending sale in Rossmoor Walnut Creek CA. The pending home prices range from $99,000 to $1,175,000, with an average asking price of $393,389.

Sales of detached single family homes in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek CA, an active adult community are quite rare as there are only 68 detached single family homes in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek. There were no reported sales of single family detached homes in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek for May of 2008.

Please send Rossmoor of Walnut Creek CA real estate market updates to me

Click to request a current list of homes for sale in Rossmoor

As of June, 2008 there are currently 144 properties on the market in Rossmoor Walnut Creek CA. 2 of these are single family homes with a median listing price of $1,445,000. 142 of these are attached homes with a median listing price of $295,000.

Buying or selling in Rossmoor or Walnut Creek CA real estate?

Please contact me as I am a skilled agent, offering extensive knowledge and strong negotiation skills who is truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!"

Contact Vickie Nagy REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI e-PRO, SRES

Search the MLS - Empire Realty Associates

Please contact Vickie Nagy for all of your real estate needs in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Concord.

Visit http://www.BestTriValleyHomes.com for median home prices, local information & featured listings.

925-407-7987 or click to e-mail Vickie Nagy

* Based on information from the Contra Costa Association of REALTOR'S® MLS (for the monthly period from the first through the last day of the month). Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.

Down Payment Dreams – Walnut Creek, CA 2008 May 30^th

The City of Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County , California is the economic center of the Diablo Valley. With premier shopping and first rate dinning Walnut Creek has something for everyone. Your home search stops here. Take a look at some of these deals you can take advantage of today.

View homes in other Contra Costa County Cities

or Call Nate 888-808-6283