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Lafayette, CA Real Estate News

By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
History of Lafayette California Lafayette is one of my favorite towns in the whole world.  I really enjoy how the town rallies around local events.  Some of Lafayette's annual events are: A Taste of Lafayette (May 20th 2008) Lafayette Criterium Bike Race (held July 13th in 2008) Lafayette Art and Wine (The 3rd Weekend in September).  This event draws over 100,000 people. Lafayette Reservoir Run (The Last Sunday in October) Lafayette is located in Contra Costa County which is a little northwest of San Francisco.  Lafayette is a still a quaint community with that small town feel.  Even so, Lafayette has grown into one of the top income per capita towns in the US as reported by CNN (#21).  But, here is a little history about how this community came into existance. How Lafayette was Named....
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
History of Lafayette California Lafayette is one of my favorite towns in the whole world.  Maybe that is because I lived in Lafayette half my life.   Lafayette is located in Contra Costa County which is a little northwest of San Francisco.  Lafayette is a still a quaint community with that small town feel.  Even so, Lafayette has grown into one of the top income per capita towns in the US as reported by CNN (#21). Lafayette's Beginning Lafayette was originally settled by the Saclan Indians, a part of the Bay Miwok Indian tribe, roughly 10,000 years ago.  The Saclans settled throughout what is now known as the Diablo Valley including Lafayette.  The Saclans were a peaceful group who lived off the land.  Life changed with the arrival of the Spanish settlers.  The Saclans died from diseas...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
The 2008  ROCK THE PLAZA  Concert Serries, Lafayette, California. Lafayette has is very own 'Rock the Plaza' series.  The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (of which I am a Board Member) presents a local Rock Band every Friday night during the month of August between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.  This event happens in Lafayette's(Elam & Margaret Brown) Plaza Park, located at the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road.  All shows are Freeeeeeeeeeeee.! The Red House All-Stars on August 1 The first concert on August 1st was a great success.  The group "The Red House All-Stars" played for an audience of at lease 300 people.  Many of the audience brought there own food and drink.  But for those in the "KNOW", knew that the Lafayette Rotary (hey that was me at the barbeque) was selling Hamburger...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
  Chevalier Restaurant Lafayette Bienvenue Upon hearing that there was a new French restaurant in Lafayette, Chevalier Restaurant, my wife and I knew we had to try it.  Lafayette has become known for a Mecca of fine restaurants.  A few years ago, the Lafayette California Chamber of Commerce started their "Restaurant Row" campaign to bring High quality restaurants into town.  This campaign was highly success. Our reservation at Chevalier was a Saturday evening, 7:00 pm.  Saturday day was hot but Saturday evening was just perfect: no wind, quite, short sleeve weather.  We chose to sit outside on their patio with many other guests.  As we sat down, I notice the table was set on top of a white table cloth with soft French music floating in the wind.  Of course, we started the evening with ...
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By Vickie Nagy, Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen
(Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate)
Buying one of the homes for sale in Lafayette or selling Walnut Creek CA real estate? Contact me to find your home in the right school district! I offer extensive knowledge and strong negotiation skills and will be truly focused on "Getting You Where You Need to Be!" Vickie Nagy (925) 407-7987 or Vickie@BestTriValleyHomes.com    The 2007 Overall API for Acalanes Union High School District is 882.   The state goal for all schools is an 800 API. Only 31% of all schools in California meet that goal. Less than 15% of all high schools state-wide meet the goal. *The API is the cornerstone of the state's academic accountability requirements. The API is a numerical index (or scale) ranging from a low score of 200 to a high score of 1000. It reflects a school's or district's academic performance...
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By Bob Wegener, Lamorinda Specialist 925-212-2431
(Hacienda Real Estate ("Lamorinda" Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda))
Lamorinda real estate sales numbers for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the numbers for 2007 show the differences in the market very clearly. In summary, average sales price is down about 5%, there is about a 40% increase in marketing time, and sales volume is down about 31%. Given these numbers, I'm still seeing the good properties that are priced correctly receiving multiple offers and closing over asking, usually pending within about 10 - 14 days or sooner. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Lamorinda, preparation is key!   Image clarity may be better at http://www.lamorindarealestateblog.com 
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By Mike Mueller
(Tech and Social Media Consultant)
This is the 16th of 17 entries I've written for the "Mortgage Creative Writing Challenge".  The traditional Japanese Haiku format follows the syllable pattern of 5 - 7 - 5.  The writer might bring in a word or concept (kiga) that evokes memories of a particular season.  The last line is usually in sharp contrast (caesura) to the body of the poem. I chose to backdrop each poem with a traditional Japanese watercolor or photograph.  Some in contrast, others not. To the Haiku purist the following might not be proper in the strict sense.  Your latitude is appreciated. Mortgage Haiku # 16   Why 17?  It is the total number of syllables in a Haiku, no other reason.Why separate them?  Each one should be read and engaged individually.  You can find my whole series here:  Mortgage Haiku  
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By Mike Mueller
(Tech and Social Media Consultant)
This is the 10th of 17 entries I've written for the "Mortgage Creative Writing Challenge".  The traditional Japanese Haiku format follows the syllable pattern of 5 - 7 - 5.  The writer might bring in a word or concept (kiga) that evokes memories of a particular season.  The last line is usually in sharp contrast (caesura) to the body of the poem. I chose to backdrop each poem with a traditional Japanese watercolor or photograph.  Some in contrast, others not. To the Haiku purist the following might not be proper in the strict sense.  Your latitude is appreciated. Mortgage Haiku # 10   Why 17?  It is the total number of syllables in a Haiku, no other reason.Why separate them?  Each one should be read and engaged individually.  You can find my whole series here:  Mortgage Haiku  
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
Do you want to put your post 2003 gently used computers, fax machines and printers to good use in a third world country? Lafayette Pediatrician Dr. Dan Robbins is the Chairman of The J.F. Kapnek Trust Pediatric Aids Fund . Founded in 1981, the Trust has played an innovative and leading role in promoting excellence in health, education and research in Zimbabwe. Check it out at www.jfkapnektrust.org.      Each year, Dr. Robbins collects clothing, books and computers for those in need in Zimbabwe- a country whose inflation rate is currently hovering at 8000%. On March 16,2008, from 9:00 am to 1:00 PM, a large shipping container will be loaded with donated goods at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette .  You may bring donated gifts directly to the Church, or they can be ...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
TOWN HALL FUNDRAISING GALA TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! 5 days only - buy your Gala tickets for $75 ($10 off!). Ticket prices up up to $85 on March 1st.   Also, purchase 5 raffle tickets for $40, for your chance to win a night's stay and spa package at the Lafayette Park Hotel! You need not be present to win.  Click here to purchase tickets online or call the Town Hall box office at (925) 283-1557.             You can find AJ Nisen on Active Rain at Contra Costa California Mortgages. Alan 'AJ' NisenMortgage Loan OfficerLafayette Chamber of Commerce Board MemberOrinda Chamber of Commerce Board MemberAlamo Chamber of Commerce VPAJ's Email  AJ's ActiveRain Blog AJ on Twitter
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
It may or maybe not be obvious, but the city of Lafayette California was named after General Marquis-de Lafayette.  Last year when the City of Lafayette celebrated the Marquis-de Lafayette's 250 Birthday, a french camera crew came to the city of Lafayette and did a Video Profile.  It is kind of cool, especially if you speak French. To find more history about Lafayette California, You might like to read: A Little History of Lafayette California Chapter 1. How Lafayette California Was Named: Chapter 2. The Pony Express Rides Throught Lafayette California: Chapter 3. A Little History of Lafayette California: The Way Side Inn Chapter 4 You can find AJ Nisen on Active Rain at Contra Costa California Mortgages. Call AJ to talk about your Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Free Credit Report or visit A...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
Lafayette California: How Lafayette Spends its Tax Dallor Taxes Taxes Taxes. No more Stinking Taxes. Or maybe we do need more taxes. Lafayette residents demand more services from their city but where will the money come from? The City of Lafayette's newsletter, Vista, published the article "Where Do Your Taxes Go? Municipal Finance 101". The reading may not be scintillating but if you are Lafayettian and will have to vote on upcoming tax issues, you should be familiar how tax and grant monies are spent. Several of the demands made by Lafayette Residents for more services include: Lafayette residents want more police. Lafayette has the lowest number of police per capita Lafayette residents want thier roads fixed. Currently the City of Lafayette has $24M in current road repairs that that ...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
Lafayette is considered the top destination west of the Mississippi to learn Jazz, an original American art form.  Why? Because of the Jenerations in Jazz Foundation, their workshops and volunteers like Bob Athayde, Music Director at Stanley Middle School, Tom Carter and countless others. Generations in Jazz Foundation History The Generations in Jazz Foundation formed the Lafayette Summer Music Workshop-a summer jazz camp for middle-school- through high-school-aged children in 1999. Student musicians traveled to Lafayette from as far as Japan and France to learn from some of the finest musicians who are dedicated to preserving the traditions of jazz as an American art form. From that point, Generations in Jazz 2000, a recording arts project, was launched. Professional musicians led and ...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
Yesterday was Valentine's Day.  Sorry to say, I did not get my sweetie RED ROSES (she doesn't like roses anyway) but I did take her out to one of our favorite Italian restaurants, La Finestra Ristorante in Lafayette.  La Finestra serves Sicilian or Sicilian influence dishes.  Boy did we have a great dinner.  But what's different?  Every meal we eat at La Finestra is great. I really enjoy the culinary experience at La Finestra; from the time I am seated till I finish the complementary after dinner drink.  I enjoy seeing the finely set tables with fine white linens, the careful attention from the waiters and the aroma of garlic being sautéed in butter. I have two favorite Secondi Piatti; the Vitellina con Porcini (Sautéed Veal with imported Porcini Mushrooms) and the Gamberoni all Diavol...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
The demographics overall but especially in our high cost areas are showing the average residence is getting older every year.  Yes, Us baby boomers and our parents are aging.  This statistic is very dramatic in our high housing cost communities because our young cannot afford to move into towns like Lafayette, Orinda, Alamo, etc.  Seniors are the fastest grown segment of communities.  Now is the time we need to focus on our seniors; their needs, their services and programs, their care while we still have time to prepare. The "Focus on Seniors" Symposium will be presented by the Lafayette Senior Liaison Committee (a subcommittee of the Lafayette Community Foundation and the Lafayette Senior Services Commission).   Seniors, their families, and representatives from local organizations whic...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
Gigi's Chow's former executive chef, Jeffery Amberhas opened his own restaurant in Lafayette, Gigi.  Jeff bought Kaffee Barbara, an Icon in Lafayette, who finally closed its doors.  Gigi, located on Brown Ave. in a small house in the Forge and where Jeff has turned it into his own: a place where you can comfortably dine with friends. Every time I have eaten at Gigis, I have found the food from the salad thru the dessert to be delicious.  Jeff puts together seasonal dishes with exceptional flavors.  And the menu seems to be constantly changing.   Several weeks after our dinner, my wife and I tried Gigi for a summer lunch.  The day was perfect to eat out in their garden. My lunch was a an heirloom tomato soup followed by a delicious (one of the best I have ever eaten) Bo-Lettuce-Tomato-A...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
"Moonlight & Magnolias"February 7-March 15, 2008By Ron HutchinsonDirected by Kevin T. Morales Town Hall Theatre is another one of those Lafayette treasures.  The Town Hall Theatre Company of Lafayette is the oldest, continuously active theater in Contra Costa County. They are a small community theater located in Lafayette.  The acting is traditional great, there is not a bad seat in the house and there is great bar that also serves Chow's Ginger Cake at intermission.  "Moonlight & Magnolias"This delightful play takes audiences into the inner sanctum of 1939 Hollywood in a fun, fast-paced Bay Area premiere comedy. Movie mogul David O. Selznick has just shut down production on his epic movie, Gone With The Wind, and locked himself in his office with screenwriter Ben Hecht and director Vic...
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By Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer
(A Large Bank in America)
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce earlier this month name Larry Blodgett the Lafayette Marquis Business Person of the Year.  This award is given to the individual that supports the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's mission to someone who: Promotes and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in LafayetteHas given of their time, money or energy to help make Lafayette a healthy community, where people will want to live, work and shopModels excellence in everything they do. Brings us together and makes us proud to be a member of the community.  Larry was a unanimous pick.Larry, a lifetime resident of Lafayette, is a business in Lafayette, Larry served for many years on the Lafayette Design & Review Commission, is a past-President of the Lafayette Ch...
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By Matt Irvin, Experience & Dedication
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
If your interested in free Contra Costa County MLS information please visit my website at http://www.mattirvin.com/ Lafayette is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city's population was 23,908. It is named (in 1857) after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military hero of the American Revolutionary War. Today Lafayette is known for its bucolic rolling hills and upscale lifestyle. Average home prices start at $1 million.Neighborhoods:Version 1.2, November 2002 Copyright (C) 2000,2001,2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.  Copyright (c) Matt Irvin. Permission is granted...
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By Nate Ellis, "Mr Danke Schoen"
(HomeWay.tv - Keller Williams Realty East Bay 925-337-8489)
So you are looking to buy a new home in Lafayette and are wondering what Down Payment Assistance is available.  The City of Lafayette does not offer any assistance directly.  But there may be assistance available from the County and State of California.Contra Costa County offers the American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) to assist eligible buyers with up to 6% in down payment assistance.The State of California offers up to an additional 6% in assistance through several programs designed to help First Time Home Buyers, plus a bonus of $7,500 because Lafayette is a high cost area.Special financing may also be available, including additional Down Payment Assistance and Below Market Interest Rates.  Restrictions Apply.To see if you are eligible for assistance contact Nate Ellis.Or Ca...
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