Alameda CA Market Report SOLD PROPERTIES Following are the reports for the most recent 12-month period for the total residential homes sold in the city of Alameda, CA. These sales are a combination of detached single family homes, condos, townhouses and duets. Monthly Supply of Inventory The inventory is very low at this time, and is 25% less than where we were this time a year ago. AS of end of August, we have just 3 months of inventory. The blue line represents average days on market (DOM). As we approach Fall, we expect the number of homes for sale to drop even more. So there will be fewer homes for buyers to choose from. Will this start a buying frenzy?       Sold properties As we approach the period where there are fewer homes for sale, the number of propertes sold has also taken a... 09/08/2011

  ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM LAGOON   ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM LAGOON  ALAMEDA WALKS - BAY FARM LAGOON  The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS a program started in 2003.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda. Alameda Walks - Bay Farm Lagoon walk group will meet at the Harbor Bay Community Center on September 10 at 9am.  Patrick Russi will be the leader. The "Harbor Bay Isle" development was completed in 1978.  Harbor Bay Isle was spreads over 917 acres of bay fill at the west end of Bay Farm Island.  According to Woodruff Minor in his book Alameda At Play, "Lush landscaping and winding l... 09/08/2011

Skippy Peanut Butter? THAT Skippy? Yep. Skippy was trademarked for peanut butter produced in 1933 by the Rosefield Packing Co. Ltd in Alameda, CA. And in its honor, West Alameda Business District holds its annual Peanut Butter and Jam Festival. WHAT: Peanut Butter and Jam Festival now renamed Webster Street Jam. But for many of us who have enjoyed going to the festival, it will be the Peanut Butter and Jam Festival for a long time. The festival is held on a closed, four-block strip of Wester Street. What to expect: wine and food from featured wineries and local restaurant favorites in addition to those from many other exhibitors. Expect to see antique dealers and local merchants offering a variety of goods and services. Live music gives the festival its jive. According to Alameda Patch,... 09/08/2011

  When my brother stayed with us in Alameda CA, one of the things he sought was a model aircraft flying club and where they fly. He is an avid flier of remote-controlled model airplanes and helicopters. Would you believe that in our small city of 73,000 people, we have a club,and  aplace?The goup is called the Alameda Aeronuts, and they fly out of Bill Osborne Model Flying Field. It was a dump? What's even more notable is that it's located on what we call as our local Mount Trashmore. Yes, it's a play on words because it used to be the city dump that has been turned into a park. What a fabulous use of trash this turned out to be! What a view! What makes this place special? Fabulous views of a waterway. Located aptly enough, near Oakland International Airport. Nearly year-round ideal fly... 09/07/2011

BUYING TODAY THE TIME IS RIGHT   BUYING TODAY THE TIME IS RIGHT  For buyers who have searched for properties and are clear as to what they want for themselves in the future and who have a desire to own a home or invest in rental property, buying now is a smart choice.        BUYERS SURFING THE NET FOR HOMES     IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING REAL ESTATE NOW YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:   When you buy a home most people are buying for the long term.  Over the long term (5 years and more) owners of properties in Alameda have done very well.  Be sure the home you are thinking of buying is the home you really want.  In the past, in Alameda, buyers had to settle for their second or third best choice because of price.  Well, the price for the best home in the area you really want is now... 09/06/2011

Rock Wall Wine Company Presents: Food Truck Frenzy: Part Deux! This is going to be such a fun, fun event. I am on the email list of Rock Wall Wine Company, and I was thrilled to get wind of this upcoming event. The proprietor, Shauna Rosenblum (daughter of Kent Rosenblum who founded and sold Rosenblum Cellars) emailed that "one of my growers is growing some Norton, which is indigenous to Virginia, and is the national grape of Missouri. It has big fruity berry qualities, so we’re going to get a ton of it and treat it like a Zinfandel. SPECIAL EVENT: Date/Time: Friday, September 16, 2011, 5:00 - 9:00 pm Place: Rock Wall Wine Company in 2301 Monarch, Alameda CA (at the Alameda Point) What: Spectacular views of San Francisco across the bay, awesome DJ spining rockin' music, award-winning wi... 09/05/2011

ALAMEDA PARKS - LEYDECKER PARK       ALAMEDA PARKS - LEYDECKER PARK  Leydecker Park is only the second park named for a woman.  Littlejohn Park, named for Electra Littlejohn, a leader in the African American community in Alameda was the first.  Leydecker Park was named for Geraldine Leydecker a long time employee of the Recreation and Parks Department.        It is the oldest of three parks in the Harbor Bay Isle section of Bay Farm Island.  The park is located next to a busy shopping center.  The Recreation Center is adjacent to the Bay Farm Island Library.  This is a popular park because of its proximity to the shopping center and library and Baywood Village development, on the first units developed in Harbor Bay Isle.       LEYDECKER PARK WITH A VIEW OF BAYWOOD VILLAGE HOMES IN THE ... 09/05/2011

From homelessness to self-sufficiency and urban gardening. Save a life. Go green! ALAMEDA CA. The Alameda Point Collaborative "provides 200 units of housing to families and individuals who have been homeless...and offer supportive services for children and youth as well as on-the-job training and employment opportunities." To encourage self-sufficiency, they created the Growing Youth Project to "provide teenage youth with meaningful part-time employment." The result was an urban farm on site where year-round, the youth, parents and volunteers work together to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, keep chickens and bees --- and soon, they hope, fish --- to serve the residents of the Collaborative. They also sell some of their produce to the local restaurants. One of their project... 09/04/2011

      ALAMEDA WALKS TOURS LEONARDVILLE HOMES IN ALAMEDA ALAMEDA WALKS TOURS LEONARDVILLES HOMES IN ALAMEDA  Alameda Walks a program sponsored by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department toured the area of Alameda known as Leonardville.  It was so named because the renowned Victorian architect Joseph A. Leonard built about 48 Victorian homes in this area of Alameda during the late 1800s.    JOSEPH A. LEONARD'S QUEEN ANNE VICTORIAN HOME ON UNION STREET   The Leonardville community was built up around the Chestnut Station train stop at Encinal Avenue. Leonard designed the peaked roof and shingled train shelter in 1890 as well as many of the homes near by.  In April 1890 the  Argos newspaper stated, " J. A. Leonard  is building so many houses that it is almost impossible to keep track of ... 09/04/2011

Alameda Point Antiques Faire is Nothern California's largest antique show. Billed as the "Place to shop for vintage, retro, and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books and collectibles." There are over 800 booths where all items are twenty years or older. The fair is held every first Sunday of the month and attracts approximately 10,000 visitors. Show hours being at 6 am and end 3 pm. It certainly helps that it's located at Alameda Point at the old naval base, with fantastic views of San Francisco across the Bay. Fair goers are treated to an array of collectibles while basking in Alameda CA's famed sunny and breezy weather. Mark your calendars for the next shows in 2011 September 4 October 2 November 6 December 4 For a fun-filled Sunday of treasure hu... 09/03/2011

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY A 3 BEDROOM HOME IN ALAMEDA   NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY A 3 BEDROOM HOME IN ALAMEDA  The supply and demand for 3 bedroom houses in Alameda is down in both categories for the two year period from August 2009 to August 2011.  In 2009 there were 42 three bedroom homes for sales.  In 2011 there were only 33 three bedroom homes for sale. That is a decrease in supply of 21%.   In August 2009 there were 8 three bedroom homes sold and in August 2011 there were only 5 three bedroom homes sold.  A decrease of 38%.  While the supply has diminished sales have diminished even more.  The supply can be attributed to the reluctance of sellers to sell in a down market.   This is a good time for buyer to purchase three bedroom homes because there are still many homes for sale and pri... 09/03/2011

  ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT FALL ACTIVITY GUIDE IS ON LINE       ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT FALL ACTIVITY GUIDE IS ON LINE  The Fall Alameda Rec and Park Department Activity Guide is on line now.     There is information in the Guide about the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department's many classes and events:   Tiny Tots/Small Frys Youth Classes Youth Sports Teen Programs Adult Classes Adult Sports and Aquatics Golf Tennis Active Seniors Special Events   Be sure to look at all the classes and events listed.  There is something for everyone so maybe you should sign up for a class.       ALAMEDA IS A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND CITY located on the Bay where the lifestyle is bucolic and laid back.  There are many things to do here beside admiring the lovely Victorian homes,... 09/02/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - LEONARDVILLE   ALAMEDA WALKS - LEONARDVILLE  The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS a program started in 2003.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.   Alameda Walks - Leonardville/Old South Shore/Meyer's House Walk will meet at the main entrance of the Alameda Hospital on Saturday, September 3 at 9 am.  In the 1890s Joseph Leonard an architect, builder and businessman put his stamp on Alameda.  He was Alameda's first residential developer.  "Leonardville" was a lovely neighborhood of nearly 70 two story residents near the old south shore area between Union and Chestnu... 09/01/2011

    GOOD NEWS ALAMEDA CONDOS FOR SALE UNDER $200,000   GOOD NEWS ALAMEDA CONDOS UNDER $200,000  As of today there are 15 condos under $200,000 for sale in Alameda.  Half (8) have been on the market for more than 45 days.  Rates are low, so it is still a good time for buyers to buy a condo in Alameda.     The Monthly Supply of Inventory of condo priced less than $200,000 had declined from the July, 2010 high of 6.5 months to the present Monthly Supply Inventory of a little over 3 months.    MSI figure represents the time in months it would take to sell the current inventory.  The graph shows that the inventory is experiencing a slight upward trend after a downward trend of 6 months.  This is still a buyers market.         Nine of the units in Alameda are in the Park Webster Complex at th... 08/21/2011

While walking my dogs in my neighborhood, I had noticed some work being done in the front yard of one of the stately homes. I thought that they were getting ready to re-landscape. Then the other night, I saw the fruits of their labor ---- an urban garden!   Urban garden is defined as " the practice of cultivating, processing and distributing food in, or around, a village, town or city. "   This isn't the first urban garden I've seen in my neighborhood, but it certainly is one of the biggest and one of the best planned -- in the FRONT YARD OF A BIG HOUSE!   On another street, there's a front yard with grapevines used for  fencing. Can't wait to see what that would look like during the Fall Harvest. I certainly hope that there are enough eco-friendly people in our local government who wil... 08/18/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - OLD ALAMEDA ORIGINAL SETTLEMENT The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS a program started in 2003.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.   DENNIS EVANOSKY AND ERIC KOS   Alameda Walks - Old Alameda Original Settlement will meet at the corner of Encinal Avenue and High Street on Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.  The walk will be lead by Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos and will last for an hour and a half. Dennis and Eric will lead this 3rd Alameda Architectural Series of the original Alameda Settlement in the East End.  Dennis and Eric are editor and creative director respecti... 08/18/2011

ALAMEDA PARKS - LITTLEJOHN PARK     ALAMEDA PARKS - LITTLEJOHN PARK   Littlejohn Park was the first park in Alameda developed entirely with federal funds.  It featured a new approach to park development, with contoured lawns, lush landscaping and modern facilities.  The Park opened in 1976 as Buena Vista Park and was rededicated in 1993 in memory of Elector Littlejohn, a prominent member of Alameda's African American Community.  It is one of only two parks named for women in Alameda.     THE PARK FEATURES CONTOURED LAWNS WITH MODERN FACILITIES   The northside area around the park was originally owned by the Page and the Fitche Families.  Each family owned mansions facing Railroad Avenue, now Lincoln Avenue, The development of the area began in 1870s when a train stop was established.  ... 08/17/2011

Not all REO agents are created equal. And not all REO properties merit special care for marketing. Yeah, we got that. Since the days when REO agents mocked as "busy, Busy, BUSY" I've noticed a remarkable difference and improvement at how REO agents market their listings. It truly depends on WHERE the property is located, WHAT it's like, and HOW MUCH it is estimated to sell for and WHO the REO agent is. If REO asset managers want to get top dollar for the properties, they should invest a little in generating the most interest in the property since some buyers are looking to buy a home to live in, and not as an investment. A property may be a terrific value at a certain price, but if it scares the buyers who are already afraid of many unknowns, then that property may be on the market long... 08/14/2011

Alameda Foreclosures are featured in ForeclosureRadar.com's Foreclosure Report for July 2011 . The report's headline story says "Foreclosure Filings Drop, as Activity on the Courthouse Steps Slows." ALAMEDA -- here's what is says about this island of 73,000 people, ideally located between San Francisco and Oakland CA. Foreclosure Filings                   Foreclosure Outcomes According to ForeclosureRadar.com, after Notices of Trustee are filed, there are three possible outcomes Cancellation -- possible reasons include successful loan modification or short sale, a filinr error, legal requirement to refile, postponement Go back to the Bank as an REO (real estate owned) to be part of the bank's REO inventory Sold to a 3rd party                   Foreclosure Inventories Preforeclosure - nu... 08/13/2011

  Here are Foreclosure Filings in certain cities in Alameda County, according to ForeclosureRadar.com Oakland San Leandro Pleasanton Fremont Livermore Castro Valley Hayward Alameda Newark Berkeley Union City Dublin Notice of Default is defined as "a notification given to a borrower stating that he or she has not made their payments by the predetermined deadline. It dictates that if the money owed (plus an additional legal fee) is not paid in a given time, the lender may choose to foreclose the borrower's property." Notice of Trustee Sale "provides specific information regarding a loan in default and what future procedures that are about to take place. A notice of sale is required to be recorded in the county where the property is located and advertised in the security document as the st... 08/12/2011