Trilogy at Rio Vista is located about an hour by car from both San Francisco and Sacramento. It’s also a quick drive from the wineries of Napa and Sonoma, as well as all the outdoor adventure offered by the Sierra Nevadas and Lake Tahoe. As you can see on the map, it’s smack-dab in the middle of all that the Bay Area and Northern California have to offer:

Homes at Trilogy at Rio Vista range from the mid-$100,000′s up to the mid-$300,000′s, and range in size from 1160 sq ft to 2500 sq ft, so you’re likely to find one that suits your lifestyle perfectly. Environmentally-conscious buyers will appreciate the fact that Rio Vista’s homes are built to Shea Green Certification standards, which exceed the most rigorous industry standards for green construction. Thanks to Rio Vista’s green building practices, you’re not only getting a comfortable home, you’re also getting one that’s incredibly energy efficient, with a very low environmental footprint.

In addition to the scenic charms and recreational fun of the Delta, Trilogy at Rio Vista features a long list of on-site amenities, including a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, an events center, and an 18-hole championship golf course.

The view from the 18-hole golf course. Photo courtesy of Trilogy at Rio Vista.

The list of activities available to Rio Vista residents frankly boggles the mind…here’s a small sampling:

Ballroom Dance
Billiards
Bingo
Bocce Ball
Bridge Lessons
Country Line Dance
Delta Breeze Chorus
Drama Club
Fishing
Men and Women’s Golf Clubs
Good Samaritans
Gospel Singers
Hiking
Kayaking
Mah Jongg
Motorcycle Club
Pinochle
Scrapbooking
Stained Glass
Table Tennis
Trilogy Jazz Band

And the list goes on…tempting, isn’t it? So why not take a look in person? I’ll be happy take you out for a tour of Rio Vista homes fitting your budget and lifestyle. Or you can start your own Rio Vista house-hunt online. Simply click here to see the latest listings of Rio Vista homes for sale.

Significantly for Rossmoor’s financial bottom line, the manor sales earned the community $3,283,000 in transfer fees, which will go toward paying off community improvements such as the Del Valle pool enclosure and Creekside community center, as well as financing new projects currently on the drawing board, such as an Event Center and table tennis facility.

David Smith, Chairman of Rossmoor’s Finance Committee, attributes the strong interest in Rossmoor homes to the recent addition of the Creekside social center and restaurant and the construction of covered pools at the Del Valle athletic facility, both of which make a strong positive impression on prospective buyers.

Located by the first holes of Rossmoor's two golf courses, the Creekside Complex is one of the first things to catch the eye of many future residents. Photo courtesy of Rossmoor.

According to Smith, “Agents tell me that in touring Rossmoor, new buyers are always shown these facilities, and most seem to like what they see. Apparently, our new buildings and facilities are a major draw for new residents.” While home prices at Rossmoor are still below their all-time highs, the strong buyer demand seen in 2011′s sales numbers indicates that the community remains one of California’s most popular active adult communities.

Rossmoor's indoor Del Valle pool is a major attraction to new residents. Photo courtesy of Rossmoor.

Interested in settling down at Rossmoor? Simply click here to view the latest listings of Rossmoor homes currently on the market.

Factors contributing to the drop in foreclosures include new lender policies that have allowed greater flexibility in rescuing or liquidating distressed properties. These include short sales, refinancing, interest rate adjustments, reduction of the principal owed, or as simple a strategy as allowing homeowners more time to improve their financial situation.

In the Bay Area, homes in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties had the lowest likelihood of foreclosure, but Contra Costa County and the Greater Walnut Creek area also showed improvement in numbers of Notices of Default being filed. As you can see in the chart below, Walnut Creek Notices of Default dropped from 44 in November 2011 to 26 in December 2011, a decline of well over 50%.In plain English, this means that far fewer homes took the first step into foreclosure:

On the other hand, Notices of Sale, a later stage in the foreclosure process, climbed from 37 to 46. This most likely reflects the earlier peak in Notices of Default seen August 2011, as homeowners still behind on their payments moved closer to having their homes sold.

Similar trends can be seen across all of Contra Costa County, with Notices of Default dropping from 892 in November to 607 in December, while Notices of Sale climbed from 900 to 1168. But looking back further to December 2010, we can also see that the number of Notices of Sale being filed have dropped in both Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County as a whole compared with a year ago.

Looking ahead further into 2012, as fewer homes enter the foreclosure pipeline, the drop in Notices of Default will eventually be followed by a drop in Notices of Sale as well. Combined with more flexible policies on the part of lenders, this means more homeowners will get to stay in their homes, and could also lead to more stability in the local housing market with fewer distressed properties to drive down prices.

Of course, if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that predicting where the housing market is likely to go can be a very risky business – so it’s always wise to take even the best charts and data with a grain of salt. But I do think it’s safe to say that for homeowners facing financial challenges, the positive indicators are outweighing the negative ones, and that’s certainly reason for optimism heading into 2012.

Of course, inventory isn’t the only factor to consider in determining where home prices are likely to go – macroeconomic conditions, seasonality and demographic trends are also big ones, to name just a few – but in any market, supply is always going to be one of the key variables. And right now, the extremely low inventory of Walnut Creek homes combined with sustained buyer demand means that sellers are getting multiple offers and often seeing their homes sell for well above the original listing price. In fact, just last week I was amazed to get several offers for one home within just a few days…and when that scenario is occurring regularly throughout the local real estate market, it’s no wonder that prices keep going up.

Another part of the big picture is the fact that Walnut Creek is becoming such a popular place to settle down. This means that more and more buyers are coming into the market, providing even more upward pressure on home prices. These are the enthusiastic folks making those multiple offers on homes, and I don’t see their numbers decreasing any time soon.

As I mentioned, seasonality plays an important role as well, and looking ahead into spring and summer, the typical peak months for home sales, I expect home inventory to begin rising again as more owners hop off the fence and decide to put their homes on the market. But these are also the months when even more buyers will begin looking seriously as well, and the rise in the demand they represent means it’s likely home prices will continue to rise or at least remain stable.

OK, that’s enough data crunching and prognosticating for one day. So what’s the takeaway lesson in all this? It’s a seller’s market out there in Walnut Creek, and it’s likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.

Speaking of which…got a home to sell? You’ve come to the right place – feel free to call or email anytime for advice on getting it listed and getting it sold. In a market like this you might get more for it than you expected!

Rossmoor
1001 Golden Rain Rd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Rossmoor is one of California’s most recognized active adult communities, and it’s a privilege to have it in our backyard. Located on 1800 acres in the Tice Valley area of Walnut Creek, Rossmoor’s residents make their homes in duplexes, fourplexes, apartments and single-family homes. Offering plenty of recreational options and prices for almost any budget, Rossmoor is the first choice of many seniors looking for an exciting, active lifestyle in an ideal location.

Photo Gallery Courtesy of Rossmoor

Summerset Orchards by Del Webb
770 Centennial Place
Brentwood, CA 94513

Spread across 1000 acres in Brentwood, Summerset Orchards is a haven for golf lovers, boasting its own 18-hole golf course that winds through the community. Other recreational options include a fitness center, tennis courts, walking trails, and swimming pools.

Summerset’s Charming Homes & Landscaping.
Photo Courtesy of Summerset Orchards.

Anchor Bend at Summer Lake
1033 Clear Lake Drive
Oakley, CA 94561

If you love the peaceful waterside lifestyle of the California Delta, Anchor Bend may be for you. Located on Summer Lake, which opens into hundreds of miles of Delta waterways, Anchor Bay is the perfect spot for anglers, boaters, and anyone who enjoys the scenery and culture of this aquatic playground. And with a Farmers Market and Almond Festival right down the road, you’ll never go hungry!

The Lakes
Discovery Bay, CA 94505 ­

The Lakes offers yet another residential option for lovers of the relaxed Delta lifestyle. Built around three scenic lakes in Discovery Bay, The Lakes features walking trails, sports courts, picnic areas, and the security of a gated entrance staffed 24 hours a day. Discovery Bay Country Club and Yacht Harbor Marina are right down the road.

Trilogy at the Vineyards
1648 Gamay Lane
Brentwood, CA 94513

Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, Trilogy may be the ideal choice for seniors seeking the scenery and relaxed pace of the wine country lifestyle. And with the recent opening of Club Los Meganos, a 34,000 sq ft community center with gourmet dining, two pools, an athletic club and spa, Trilogy now boasts one of Northern California’s most extensive recreational facilities.

If you can’t resist the combination of country charm and stunning views offered by one of these stately homes, take some time to tour the Walnut Creek neighborhoods where they’re found. These tend to be clustered near the Lime Ridge, Shell Ridge, Diablo Foothills and Mt. Diablo parks and open spaces, and include Northgate, Rancho Paraiso, Pleasant Run, Rudgear Estates and Rudgear Meadows. Thanks to their proximity to so much parkland, their residents enjoy unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. For example, if you’re luck enough to call Northgate home you’ll be right down the street from TruNorth Stables, which offers full-service horse boarding and access to miles of riding trails in the Shell Ridge Recreation Area.

View courtesy of TruNorth Stables

One of the most impressive properties currently for sale in this area is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located on 1.49 acres at 777 Castle Rock Road. With a swimming pool and panoramic views of Mt. Diablo, it’s already zoned for horses and includes a 20′ x 40′ barn and workshop.

777 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek

Or if you don’t need quite so much land but wouldn’t mind a bit more house for your money, take a peek at 3709 Waterford Lane, which boasts the dramatic landscape of Lime Ridge right out the back door…just beyond the swimming pool.

The view from the pool of 3709 Waterford Lane

Yes, there’s a premium to pay for such superb locations, and these neighborhoods certainly wouldn’t be my first choice for bargain-hunters. But if you love all the natural beauty that surrounds Walnut Creek, and love the idea of having it in your backyard, give these properties a look. And if you happen to need a guide to these hidden hillside treasures, I’ll be happy to take you on a tour!

Featured Properties:
777 Castle Rock Road
3709 Waterford Lane
599 Timberleaf Court
2571 Chinook Court

Rescued Great Horned Owl Meeting Some Young Fans, Photo Courtesy of the Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Located at 1931 First Avenue in Larkey Park in north Walnut Creek, the museum was founded in 1955 by local businessman and animal lover Alexander Lindsay. It moved into its current 28,000 sq ft building in 1993, where its team of staff and volunteers works to rehabilitate injured local wildlife and educate visitors about the ecology, environment and natural history of Walnut Creek and its environs. Currently the museum receives over 100,000 visitors a year, including 40,000 school children.

So what kinds of wild friends can you and the kids expect to meet during a visit to the museum? Among its Animal Ambassadors (rescued animals who can’t be released back to the wild) are a gray fox, bobcat, desert cottontail rabbit, bald eagle, barn owl, desert tortoise, and even some of our less cuddly neighbors like a tarantula and black widow spider.

In addition to rescuing local wildlife, the museum offers an ongoing series of educational camps and classes for kids and adults. Upcoming topics include “Bones and Muscles”, “Weather Wizards”, “Animal Sounds”, “Furry Friends in Art” and “Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation”. You may also want to join the museum’s team of over 600 volunteers who help rehabilitate and care for its hundreds of animal rescues every year, or you can lend your financial support by adopting an injured animal.

It may have occurred to you that such a fantastic place must be in a pretty fantastic neighborhood…maybe even one you’d like to move to. And speaking as a realtor, I can vouch for Larkey Park and neighboring Palos Verdes being two of Walnut Creek’s most charming and family-friendly neighborhoods to settle down in. So if you’re considering joining the museum’s furry and feathered inhabitants in this area of north Walnut Creek, feel free to get in touch with me to see what homes are on the market there. You’ll be in good company!

Related link:
Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Even with San Francisco beckoning across the Bay, many seniors find all the entertainment and recreation they need right in the neighborhood. The Lesher Regional Center for the Arts offers an array of exciting performances throughout the year, the Century Walnut Creek theaters offer movies galore, and Broadway Plaza boasts some of the best shopping in the Bay Area. Why leave home when there’s so much to do right down the street?

Pictured Below: 1310 Creekside Condominiums, Walnut Creek

Thinking of joining the fun and investing in a downtown Walnut Creek condo? The good news is, prices are substantially below what you’d pay for a single family home in the area. Currently the median price for a downtown condo is just over $250,000. And as you can see from the latest condo listings, you’ll be getting some impressive amenities for your money.

But now for the bad news – or let’s call it the less-good news. As you can see from the chart below, the popularity of downtown condos is having a dramatic effect on prices and inventory. Condominiums are getting snapped up by eager buyers, and the laws of supply and demand are clearly kicking in.

So what’s the bottom line on the downtown Walnut Creek condo market? It’s not too late to lock in some great prices, but I wouldn’t wait too much longer, because all signs point to that steep upward price trend continuing through 2012. Got questions about how to find the best deal on a condo? Just ask!

Click here to view the latest Walnut Creek condo listings.

Designed by architect Ron Metzger for noted developer Mill Creek Residential Trust, this four-story apartment community will occupy 1.20 acres and offer 170 parking spaces for residents. As I see it, North Main Apartments promises to give a much-needed boost to commuter-friendly housing in the heart of Walnut Creek. It’ll be located just a few minute’s walk down Ygnacio Valley Rd from the BART station and an equally quick drive from highway 680. And its central location on North Main St. is conveniently located right down the street from Target and within easy reach of all the attractions of downtown Walnut Creek.

As you can see from the illustration below, the apartments will combine an understated, contemporary style with plenty of light from ample windows and the breezy charm of balconies on outward-facing units.

North Main Apartments, Courtesy of Walnut Creek City Planning Dept.

Curious what’s for sale in Walnut Creek right now? Click here to check out our latest home listings.

For the time being, home prices in Lafayette are still well below where they were a year ago. But with the economy showing signs of rebounding, upward price pressure is building, so there’s no guarantee that the great values we’re seeing in the market today will last much longer. Here’s a quick look at home price trends in Lafayette over the past year:

As you can see, median home prices (the black line on the graph) started 2011 around $1.18 million, and are currently hovering about 15% below that around $1 million. But while still significantly below prices in early 2011, current values have rebounded significantly from 1-2 months back. At the same time, the number of homes whose listing price has been reduced (the orange line) has been steadily dropping. So if you’ve been thinking about purchasing property in Lafayette, this might be the moment to start making offers before prices climb too much higher.

To view the latest home listings in Lafayette, simply click here. If you’d like to take a look at any of these properties, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email!