7 September Celebrations By Michelle Carr Crowe, Silicon Valley guide and Cupertino real estate agent   Did you know there are seven September celebrations (at least)? It’s true. For example September is not only Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it’s also Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. (That’s appropriate, isn’t it?) September is also Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and Infant Mortality Awareness Month. (Sadly, drugs and alcohol are contributing factors to low birth weight, birth defects and failure to thrive syndrome in babies.) The next three easily go together: Apple Month, Chicken Month and Cholesterol Education Month. So enjoy eating roasted chicken and fresh apples instead of fried chicken and apple pie to improve those cholesterol levels. Did you know September was ori... 09/22/2013

Campbell Homes for Sale | August 2013 Market Report  Campbell homes market snapshot for the month of August 2013  Active Listings: 24 = 25.0% decrease from July with 32 listings Active Foreclosures: zero = 100.0% decrease from July with 1 active bank-owned home Active Short Sales: 1 = 50.0% decrease from July which had 2 short sales Median Price: $810,000 = 1.8% decrease from July ($825,000) Average Price: $856,020 = 4.0% decrease from July ($891,450) No. of Campbell Home Sales: 25 = 16.7% decrease from July with 30 sales Pending Properties: 26 and 26 pending in July Bank-Owned Homes Sold:  Zero and Zero in July Short Sales Sold: 0 = 100% decrease from July with 1 short sale Sale vs. List Price: 103.0% = 2.4% decrease from July (105.6%) Days on Market:  20 = 37.4%% decrease from July wi... 09/13/2013

Jack Fischer Park, Campbell, CA Grassy Hill, Playgrounds, Water Play by Michelle Carr Crowe One of Campbell's newer parks, Jack Fischer Park is one of the most popular. (Click the link or the photo below to see the video.) Jack Fischer Park features a big grassy hill to run or roll down, expansive green grass to play frisbee or tag on, and modern playground equipment including softscape (instead of concrete) and water play elements. Even more important, there is a drinking fountain and on-site bathrooms. Located on Pollard Road between Peachtree and Abbott, Jack Fischer Park is a convenient place for friends and family to gather after school, in the morning or on weekends. It is conveniently close to Rolling Hills Middle School, Capri Elementary School, Village School, and El Camino Hos... 09/07/2013

     Working with first time buyer’s it is very common to have the question asked, “Do I really need to have all these inspections done, it just seems like a big waste of money?”    With a brief explanation of our health and the yearly physical examinations (we should be having) that we have with the same being true for a home. Now i'm not saying that we need yearly inspections on our home by any means. However,  just as a doctor could find an abnormality in our blood or X-rays like a vitamin deficiancy or a broken bone, a home inspector may find a leaky pipe or even a crack in the foundation.    Mystery's are solved, money well spent on both counts and this analogy has never failed me to get my point across to consumers in well over a decade of using it!   08/28/2013

The following graphs shows how the Campbell real estate market has been performing for the past 12 months.  Campbell is a highly desirable place to live with a good mix of Single Family Homes and Condos. It's proximity to the job centers of high tech that Silicon Valley has to offer, and easy freeway access to both Highway 880 and highway 280, it makes for an ideal place to live that seems close to everything Santa Clara County has to offer.  The following graphs and data were taken from the local Multiple Listing Service, MLSListings, Inc. and are deemed accurate but not guaranteed.   08/25/2013

CAMPBELL, CA HOMES FOR SALE Campbell, California is a suburb of San Jose.  Situated in the center of Santa Clara County, right in the heart of Silicon Valley, this city of 39,349 (2010) is a great place to live.  It consists of 5.9 square miles. The city boasts a walkable downtwon, many restaurants, and the Pruneridge Shopping Center.  Campbell was also the original home of eBay-- a survivor of the dot.com boom. Housing in Campbell consistes of a mix of Single Family Homes, condos, and many large and small apartment complexes.  It has close proximity to major emplyers in the tech industry. Median Income is $70,928 for household and $89,285 for familiy income.   The temperature averages at a high of 71.7 degrees and a low of 46.9 degrees.  It has mildly wet winters and warm dry summers d... 08/11/2013

Campbell Homes for Sale | July 2013 Market Report Campbell homes market snapshot for the month of July 2013  Active Listings: 32 = 3.2% increase from June with 31 listings Active Foreclosures: 1 compared to Zero in June Active Short Sales: 2 = 100.0% increase from June which had 1 short sale Median Price: $825,000 = 1.8% increase from June ($810,500) Average Price: $891,450 = 0.3% decrease from June ($894,483) No. of Campbell Home Sales: 30 = 25.0% increase from June with 24 sales Pending Properties: 26 = 10.3% decrease from June with 29 properties Bank-Owned Homes Sold:  Zero and Zero in June Short Sales Sold: 1 and 1 in June Sale vs. List Price: 105.6% = 1.5% increase from June (104.0%) Days on Market:  33 = 85.6% increase from June with 18 days on market   Campbell CA is a great plac... 08/08/2013

Campbell Homes for Sale | June 2013 Market Report Campbell homes market snapshot for the month of June 2013  Active Listings: 31 = 13.9% decrease from May with 36 listings Active Foreclosures: Zero and Zero in May Active Short Sales: 1 and 1 in May Median Price: $810,500 = 5.4% decrease from May ($857,000) Average Price: $894,483 = 1.8% decrease from May ($910,531) No. of Campbell Home Sales: 24 = 4.0% decrease from May with 25 sales Pending Properties: 29 = 1.5% increase from May with 26 properties Bank-Owned Homes Sold:  Zero and Zero in May Short Sales Sold: 1 compared to 1 in May Sale vs. List Price: 104.0% = 3.3% decrease from May (103.0%) Days on Market:  18 = 13.3% increase from May with 16 days on market     Campbell condos market snapshot for the month of June 2013  Active List... 08/01/2013

Free Fourth of July 2013 Family Festival in Campbell, CA July 4, 2013 by Michelle Carr Crowe, Cupertino real estate agent selling homes in Campell, CA Whether a person lives in Campbell, San Jose or Cupertino, there is free family fun available on Fourth of July 2013. While the city of Campbell is (as usual) not putting on a fireworks show, there's a free Celebrate America Festival featuring live musical entertainment, plus children's and adult's crafts and activities. The party starts at 5 pm and ends at 8pm, so there's plenty of time to drive to see fireworks shows nearby. Delicious barbeque plates, including chips and a drink, are just $5 per person. Celebrate America Festival is at 1799 S. Winchester Blvd., between Latimer and Hamilton in Campbell. Campbell No fireworks5:00 pm-8:00 ... 07/03/2013

Campbell Homes for Sale | May 2013 Market Report Campbell homes market snapshot for the month of May 2013  Median Price: $857,000 = 8.5% increase from April 2013 ($790,000) Average Price: $910,531 = 4.2% increase from April 2013 ($873,633) No. of Sales: 25 = 8.7% increase from April 2013 (23 sales) Pending Properties: 26 = 13.3% decrease from April 2013 (30 properties) Foreclosures Sold: 0 Short Sales Sold: 1 compared to 1 in April 2013 Active Listings: 36 = 50.0% increase from April 2013 (24 listings) Active Foreclosures: 0 Active Short Sales: 1 compared to 0 in April 2013 Sale vs. List Price: 107.6% = 4.4% increase from April 2013 (103.0%) Days on Market:  16 = 54.9% decrease from April 2013 (34 days)     Campbell condos market snapshot for the month of May 2013  Median Price: $532,15... 06/22/2013

Campbell Farmers Market - Summer Fun and Summer Yum!The Campbell Farmers Market is more than a Farmers' Market. Downtown Campbell is the place to be every Sunday from 9:00am - 1pm.  Not only can you experience a year-round Farmers' Market (one of the best in the South Bay) but you can also listen to live music as you shop for fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables for your summer fun BBQ's.  You may also shop for crafts, enjoy a cup of Sunday morning coffee, have breakfast or lunch at a downtown Campbell restaurant or do some shopping for your summer fun vacation. Of course, downtown Campbell has a Starbucks - a great place to stop for a cup of joe to enjoy while selecting some of the finest locally grown fruits and veggies around. If you want more than a cup of joe then I recommend ... 05/30/2013

First Friday Downtown Campbell | Beatnik Night Friday June 7, 2013Kick off some summer fun Downtown Campbell on Friday, June 7, 2013 First Fridays happen rain or shine in Downtown Campbell from 6:00pm - 9:00pm on the first Friday of every month. Downtown Campbell at E. Campbell Avenue and CentralThe theme on Friday, June 7, 2013 revolves around beatniks!The term "beatnik" is a term my dad used a lot. The younger generation may never have heard the term beatnik.  It certainly is not a term that is used much today. Beatnik preceded the "hippie" movement by about 10-15 years. Beatniks were considered the "cool 50's youth culture that hung out in coffee shops playing bongos and reciting poetry and experimenting with marijuana."According to Wiki: "Beatnik was a media stereotype of the 1950s ... 05/29/2013

Second Saturdays in Downtown Campbell - Summer Fun Are you looking for fun things to do this summer?  Consider 2nd Saturdays in downtown Campbell. The cost to attend these fun summer events is FREE.  From 2:00pm - 6:00pm on the second Saturday of every month Downtown Campbell has fun for the entire family. This event draws people from all over the bay area. There are many small business downtown Campbell as well as many restaurants.  My favorite restaurant for a hearty breakfast is Stacks.  This place is hopping on the weekends. There is often a wait to be seated but it is well worth it.  Stacks has outdoor dining as well. We often choose outdoor dining so that our dog, Molly, can be with us while we enjoy breakfast. My favorite place for lunch or dinner is the Sonoma Chicken Coop. Whil... 05/28/2013

Summer Fun – Summer Camps for Kids at The Art Beat in CampbellWhat’s better than a child’s creativity?  Summer Camps for Kids at The Art Beat where your child can explore and discover their inner artist!  Some of us have natural artistic talent and others simply have light-hearted fun with the creative process. I confess, as a child I loved to color. I was very careful not to go outside the lines in my coloring book.  As I grew older I discovered that drawing a stick figure was the extent of my artistic talent. That did not bother me because I knew I had other talents. One of the other talents I had was my love for cooking and baking. I discovered the art in cooking.  I loved to decorate cakes and cupcakes. Artistic talent in one form other another is within each of us. For some, like s... 05/28/2013

Campbell Homes Market ReportPeriod Ending May 4, 2013Single Family Homes: There were 47 Campbell homes, including short sales and bank owned homes for sale in the week ending May 4, 2013.Of the 47 Campbell homes there was 1 short sale, 0 bank owned homes, and 46 traditional Campbell homes for sale. The Campbell Single Family Homes market snapshot for the month of April 2013  Median Price: $790,000 = 2.4% decrease from March 2013 ($809,500) Average Price: $873,633 = 1.9% increase from March 2013 ($857,502) No. of Sales: 23 = 8.0% decrease from March 2013 (25 sales) Pending Properties: 30 = 11.1% increase from March 2013 (27 properties) Sale vs. List Price: 103.0% = 0.9% decrease from March 2013 (103.9%) Days on Market:  34 = 42.6% increase from March 2013 (24 days)  Campbell Condos: Ther... 05/27/2013

Use the 5 Languages of Love to Thank Moms in Your Life on Mother's Day Happy Mother's Day to You! Be Sure to Thank All the Moms in Your Life! by Michelle Carr Crowe, Silicon Valley guide, Cupertino real estate agent selling homes in San Jose and Mom Did you know there are 5 Languages of Love you can use to express your appreciation for all of the mothers in your life? Sisters to aunts, cousins to daughters, nieces and grandmother, step-mothers to granddaughters and of course, mothers, long to know the people they love appreciate them on Mother's Day.  Here are the 5 Languages of Love and ways to express your affection and love to the mothers in your life. Gifts of Verbal Words. Stop multitasking, be quiet for a second and tell your mother you have something important to tell her. Then l... 05/11/2013

Free Comic Book Day Today, Sat., May 4, 2013 By Michelle Carr Crowe, Silicon Valley real estate guide selling homes in San Jose Silicon Valley children of all ages rejoice! Today, Sat., May 4th is Free Comic Book Day. Visit your local participating comic book merchant, such as Heroes in Campell or Legends in Sunnyvale and simply ask for your free comic book. By the way, a friend reminded me that today, May 4th, is celebrated as the anniversary of Star Wars by its legions of fans. So when you visit the comic book store, check out what specials they have to celebrate May 4th. “May the 4th be with you.” 05/06/2013

18 Unique, Unusual, Universe-Changing Facts That Happened on April 8 By Michelle Carr Crowe, Silicon Valley real estate guide selling homes in San Jose What do the Venus de Milo, Hank Ruth and New York’s Times Square have in common? All three share an important anniversary today, April 8, 2013. If you are an inquisitive person who enjoys learning who’s read my blog, you know one of the pastimes I enjoy is discovering odd new facts and interesting pieces of history. I like to share intriguing stories from our local award-winning newspaper the San Jose Mercury News, as well as my favorite print and online magazinesMental Floss, the National Geographic Society or  Smithsonian Magazine. Other times I find articles or facts online at The History Place, Brainy History,orDates In History.These... 04/08/2013

Barbecue Fundraiser for Stefan Fowler Family Fri., April 5, 11am-9pm by Michelle Carr Crowe Family, friends and football teammates were saddened at the tragic death of 26-year-old Campbell resident Stefan Fowler. Today, Friday, April 7th, there is a barbecue fundraiser for the Fowler family from 11am-9pm at 2081 Bering Drive, Suite #G in San Jose, zip code 95131. Donation of $5 includes a barbecue meal. Any additional amount is welcome and appreciated.  His semi-pro football team, the South Bay Stallions will be dedicating the 2013 season to Stefan Fowler. They will have a ceremony at Saturday's game at 1:30 pm against Solano at Overfelt High in San Jose. The Stallions will also be retiring the #3 jersey in his honor.  Please support the Fowler family and friends during this difficult t... 04/05/2013

Happy Easter! You're Invited to Easter at The Home Church, Campbell Happy Easter! May you enjoy a blessed holiday with your loved ones.  If you are looking to visit an Easter service, I invite you to join us for Easter service at 8:30 and 11:00 at The Home Church in Campbell, located at 1799 Winchester Blvd., Campbell, between Latimer & Hamilton. The Home Church is a non-denominational Christian church where all people are welcome.   Hallelujah & Happy Easter! 03/30/2013