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February 2005

CALIFORNIA 'S HOUSING MARKET SURPASSED RECORDS IN 2004

LOS ANGELES – January 24, 2005.   The record-breaking performances of the California housing market that began in the late 1990s continued in 2004, according to the C.A.R. "2004 -- 2005 State of the Housing Market" report, released earlier this week. Home sales and the median home price reached record high levels in 2004, while the share of first-time buyers dropped below 30 percent for only the second time in the 24-year history of the C.A.R. survey, reaching a record low of 26 percent in 2004.

While the state's housing market has made significant advances every year since 1995, with the exception of a slight pause in 2001, housing affordability is a growing concern that could negatively impact the long-term health of the housing market and the California economy. At 20 percent in 2004, affordability in California was less than half that of the nation. With prices and mortgage rates on the rise, affordability will likely plunge to record low levels in 2005, with several coastal regions in the state dipping into single-digit territory for the first time.

"The fate of the housing market will be tied mainly to the direction of the economy," said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. "The greatest concern surrounds the current increase in the use of low downpayment and interest-only ARMs. If the economy should weaken and trigger job losses, there is potential for today's marginally qualified homebuyers to be tomorrow's foreclosure." [ Source - California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) ”2004 – 2005 State of the Housing Market” report ]


 

A FITNESS PLAN FOR YOUR MIND

 

Clearly there is a payoff for both employees and employers who encourage and support fitness and health. There’s plenty of evidence to prove healthy people are more productive. But amid all the body building, it’s just as important to exercise your mind.

To keep your brain, as well as your body, in shape you should:

§         Read constantly, especially about how you can improve your skills, and then follow them through.

§         Spend some time each day on the treadmill of routine activities. Getting them off your mind is like shedding unwanted pounds. You’ll feel better and the tougher, more complex tasks won’t seem so daunting.

§         Meet or talk regularly with others to discuss new ideas and career plans. You may need a few mentors and coaches to help you reach your goals.

§         Treat decision-making as you’re an athlete trying to see how many sit-ups you can do. Start with a few that are easy, then work your way up to the more difficult ones. In time, you’ll have the stamina to handle many decisions with little effort.

§         View problem solving as an exercise bike that lets you gradually increase pedal pressure. Gets the kinks out with some straightaway easy problems, so you’ll be able to deal with the more uphill ones.

§         Think yourself as a swimmer, but don’t specialise in just one stroke. In today’s workplace, you must prepare for the possibility that you’ll change careers several times - a freestyle relay event.

§         Move around within your organisation whenever you can to gain more skills that could lead to promotion.

§         Give your mind the same break you would your body when exhausted. Set aside a little time each day to let your brain bask in a mental sauna. This will prepare you for future hard exercise.


 

Homes Currently Offered For Sale on the Contra Costa
Multiple Listing Service:

(As of February 1 st , 2005)

City

# of Homes

Price From

Price To

Alamo

14

$1,100,000

$3,390,000

Blackhawk

19

$1,399,000

$10,999,000

Danville

34

$309,950

$5,490,000

Diablo

5

$1,999,900

$6,950,000

San Ramon

22

$689,000

$1,750,000

Walnut Creek

37

$299,950

$2,895,000


LISTING ALERTS: Click here to get details of all new listings that could interest you sent from the Contra Costa / Alameda Multiple Listing Service direct to your email in-box


San Ramon Valley Market Update

“Information To Help You Understand The Value Of Your Biggest Investment”

Most Recently Closed Sales In Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville ,
San Ramon and Walnut Creek

(Sorted By City and Sale Price)

Address

City

Cross Street

BR

Bth
Full

Bth
Part

S.F.

Lot
SF

LP

Sold Price

DOM

1285   Danville Blvd

Alamo

La Serena

4

3

 

2700

20328

$1,375,000

$1,250,000

7

30   Manti Terrace

Alamo

Marks

5

5

1

6200

47480

$3,390,000

$3,390,000

6

1243   Whispering Oaks Dr

Blackhawk

Blackhawk Meadow

4

2

1

3244

8100

$1,079,000

$1,029,000

14

428   Sycamore Circle

Danville

Camino Ramon

2

2

0

1148

1008

$465,000

$465,000

6

628   Hartley Dr

Danville

Boone

2

1

1

1207

0

$450,000

$475,000

5

411   Sutton Circle

Danville

Liverpool

2

2

1

1461

0

$574,950

$580,000

7

36   Rainbow Cir

Danville

Lilac

2

2

0

1332

5150

$569,000

$602,000

7

9000   Falcon St

Danville

Center

3

2

1

1599

0

$614,500

$632,000

12

226   Abigail Cir

Danville

Maison

4

2

1

2396

4000

$799,950

$799,950

5

1157   Greenbrook Dr

Danville

Sycamore Valley

4

2

1

2436

9775

$819,000

$827,000

14

192   Belgian Drive

Danville