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Email: Bernard@BernardGibbons.com

Direct Line: (925) 997-1585

Web Site: www.BernardGibbons.com

January 2005

Happy New Year 2005

Dear Reader:

Let me wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. I hope you achieve your goals for 2005 whatever they may be.

For the past two years I have been mailing a monthly News Letter. Now, due to popular demand and in response to requests for more sales information, I have pleasure in offering an email edition. If I have your email address, you will no longer automatically get a copy by mail but you will get a copy by email. If you prefer a mailed version, just let me know and I will make the change.

If, for whatever reason, you don't want to receive the newsletter any more, you can unsubscribe by clicking on a link at the end of the News Letter. I hope you like the new style.

As we enter 2005, the real estate market looks just as positive for the year as in previous months. Numbers of homes for sale are at an all time low in most price ranges and areas throughout the East Bay. This can only be seen as good news for sellers as the inevitable results will be multiple offers over asking price and quick sales for any desirable homes that are priced and marketed correctly. Not so good for buyers perhaps, although there are still good deals to be had, particularly for those who are prepared to consider homes in less than ideal condition, where some updating can reap worthwhile rewards.

As we all know though, the real estate market can turn on a dime. If interest rates move upwards too swiftly or if some unforeseen circumstance has an adverse effect on the economy, we can expect to change from a sellers' market to a buyers' market overnight. The reality is that for most of us, we buy and sell in the same market. This being the case, it is generally better to decide to move when homes are selling quickly. Otherwise, the frustration of waiting for weeks or even months to find a buyer can become too much to bear.

If you are planning a move this year or if you would just like to get an idea of what your home could be worth now, please feel free to give me a call.

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KEEP IT SIMPLE

Why does life have to be so complicated?

The answer may be too complicated to address in this short article, but here are some simple steps which may help make life a little easier for you - both at work and at home.

· Establish a set of guiding values and priorities. Relying on them for direction will make decision-making easier and cut down on unnecessary mental gymnastics.

· Use a personal planner, either computerized or manual. At first it may seem awkward and cumbersome, but ultimately will help rid your mind of those "things I have to remember". It's probably best to use one single planner to keep track of all areas of your life.

· Make honesty your policy. "Oh what a tangled web we weave.." Telling the truth is a basic but powerful way to keep your life more simple.

· Just do it. Not only when buying a certain type of sports equipment. The loose ends of unfinished business can often tie us up in knots. Acting immediately, when possible, clears these nagging issues from our consciousness.

· Just say no. On the other hand, not everything is worth doing. Just as pruning a tree releases energy for more dramatic growth, ridding yourself of extraneous activity can result in quantum leaps in you overall effectiveness. Consider letting go of the trivial and latching on to the more important opportunities.

· Delegate. Share responsibilities with your co-workers, family and friends. When you're especially bogged down, look at ways to "out source" - consider hiring someone to handle your taxes, clean the house etc . Don't be afraid to ask friends for help when you're feeling overwhelmed.

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

(As of January 3^rd , 2005)

City	# of Homes	Price From	Price To
Alamo	16	$1,025,000	$10,000,000
Blackhawk	17	$1,049,000	$7,999,000
Danville	38	$309,950	$10,999,000
Diablo	3	$1,999,900	$6,950,000
San Ramon	32	$219,000	$1,750,000
Walnut Creek	22	$360,000	$2,895,000

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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

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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	List Price	Sold Price	DOM
1499 Sunnybrook Road	Alamo	Danville Blvd	3	2	1	2089	10608	$999,000	$985,000	8
114 La Sonoma Way	Alamo	Hemme	3	2	0	1457	23100	$999,900	$1,075,000	7
1285 Danville Blvd	Alamo	La Serena	4	3	0	2700	20328	$1,375,000	$1,250,000	7
100 Bridges Ct	Alamo	Serafix	6	6	2	8632	24520	$2,795,000	$2,750,000	24
5139 Blackhawk Drive	Blackhawk	Sequoia	5	3	0	3587	10875	$1,398,000	$1,299,800	60
545 Mission Place	Danville	Camino Ramon	3	2	0	1221	3441	$499,000	$525,000	7
1978 S Forest Hill Pl	Danville	Ridgeland Circle	3	2	1	1484	3150	$559,000	$575,000	7
554 Cambrian Way	Danville	St George	2	2	0	1364	3750	$595,000	$593,000	3
551 Rolling Hills Ln	Danville	St George Rd	3	2	0	1553	3416	$669,950	$660,000	26
1615 Brush Creek Pl	Danville	Fountain Springs	3	2	1	1946	3200	$750,000	$750,000	0
226 Abigail Cir	Danville	Maison	4	2	1	2396	4000	$799,950	$799,950	5
1017 Dunhill Ct	Danville	Dunhill Dr	5	3	0	3016	7590	$959,500	$942,500	17
126 Entrada Mesa	Danville	Linda Mesa	4	2	0	1881	7350	$889,000	$950,000	6
213 Murcia Ct	Danville	Alta Vista	4	3	0	2473	12800	$1,169,000	$1,169,000	7
215 El Pinto	Danville	El Pintado	4	3	1	4500	64469	$1,799,000	$1,773,000	9
33 San Ysidro Ct	Danville	Matadera	4	4	0	4522	22500	$1,849,000	$1,810,000	8
102 Compton Circle	San Ramon	Twin Creeks	2	1	0	924	0	$364,000	$364,000	10
7097 Briza Loop