Special offer

Riverside, CA Real Estate News

By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
Here is the latest look at Riverside real estate. These tables show real estate sales for single family homes in Riverside CA in June 2009. There are a lot of home buyers right now but the number of houses for sale continues to decrease each month.  Compare the large drop from the first quarter of 2009 to June.  Suprisingly, in spite of the demand, the prices of houses overall continues to decline compared to the first quarter of 2009.The number of active listings and pending listings is as July 4, 2009. The average list price of sold homes means the average price of the homes at the time they went into escrow (but not necessarily what they actually sold for). You can compare that to the the average price that homes actually sold for. 92501 June 2009 1st Qtr 2009Average Number of houses...
Comments 0
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
In my household, I am affectionately referred to as the "Bingo Whore".  Don't laugh, my mother is the "Slot Slut" (she is addicted to those little one-armed bandits).  I have always had fun playing Bingo thanks to the array of colorful characters that frequent these places.  The games may change from bingo hall to bingo hall, but the players remain colorful no matter where you live.  So, when I heard about this fabulous event going on at the University Village in Riverside, CA, I just had to go.  From 6-7:30pm, the public is welcome to come and play Bingo for FREE!  Prizes are donated by the local businesses, including Denny's, Game Stop, Fat Burger, the University Village Cinema and various restaurants located in the village.  There were also passes for the San Diego County Fair given ...
Comments 10
By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
Houses and Condos for Sale in Riverside CA Single family homesNumber of active listings                            1121Number of listings in escrow                      1206Number of listings that sold last week            39Condos/TownhomesNumber of active listings                                68Number of listings in escrow                           59Number of listings that sold last week            13The market is really hopping right now.  There are lots of buyers out there ready to take advantage of a terrific time to buy a home  - with very low home prices, low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time buyers.  If you've been thinking about buying a house and can afford one, don't let the opportunity pass by.                                           Written and pos...
Comments 0
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
Taken at the ice cream social held at the Heritage House in Riverside, CA today.  Bet you can't guess what this guy's cooking up?  What do you think? Heather Chavez - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around! ***This photo was taken by me.  You are welcome to use it if you like.  Just make sure to mention where you got it from and add a link back to the original.  Thanks.***
Comments 31
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
Last weekend, my son and I were able to go our very own historical landmark: the Heritage House in Riverside, CA. Even though I have lived in this area for over 20+ years, I have never actually set foot inside of it until last weekend. It's absolutely beautiful. Built in 1891 by Mrs. Catharine Bettner, the Heritage House was chosen to be an example of what was typical Victorian architecture in Riverside's burgeoning youth. Since there is no air conditioning to the upper floor of the home, it is closed in July and August (the hottest months of the year). In fact, this weekend is the last hurrah until September 2009. To hear a brief history and see some great photographs I took while visiting the Heritage House, please click here. To celebrate it's last open date before the doors close f...
Comments 3
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
Yesterday, I took my son out to eat lunch at a fabulous little place called Jason's Deli.  This great little find is located at 2555 Canyon Springs Parkway on the border of Riverside and Moreno Valley, near March Air Reserve Base.  When we went yesterday, many of the soldiers that work at March ARB happened to be eating there as well.  We managed to beat the lunch crowd by arriving a little earlier than noon.  But, right after we got there, the line wound around the back wall.  My parents always like to eat here when they come into town and, pull my arm, I take them there.  They have franchises all over the country.  They have also been named as one of the most healthy menus around by Parents magazine thanks to their use of organic food whenever possible.  I've had their Turkey Wrap, po...
Comments 8
By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
There are lots of short sale listings in Riverside, CA and some really are selling. Short sales are at best very frustrating for all parties involved.  For a while, only about one short sale in ten was actually closing. The numbers of successfully closed short sales has been increasing.  But still there are many short sales that end up being foreclosed on.  Here are some charts showing trends in short sales in Riverside for the past oe year.  These do not include all short sales in Riverside, CA - only those which were correctly labeled  as short sales.  As of today, June 17, 2009, there are 607 short sale listings currently for sale in Riverside. Again these are only the ones that are correctly labeled as short sales on the multiple listing service. If you are wondering if you should d...
Comments 0
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
Thanks to Michael Thornton's stained glass photo post, I not only found out about a great Active Rain group I was unaware of until now (Friday's Fotos).  But it reminded me of my trip to Riverside's Historic Mission Inn.  There was a chapel built on-site using original Tiffany stained glass windows that were from an old New York church that was being torn down.  The man who built the Mission Inn (Frank Miller) rescued them from being tossed into the trash by just promising to give them back to Tiffany's if he ever decided not to use them anymore.  Here are photos of those stained glass windows (couldn't take the photos from inside the chapel):   Heather Chavez - Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!
Comments 16
By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
Here is the latest look at Riverside California real estate housing market. These tables show real estate sales for single family homes in Riverside for May,2009. The number of active listings and pending listings is as June 8, 2009. The average list price of sold homes means the average price of the homes at the time they went into escrow. The average sold price is what the homes actually sold for.  92501 May 2009 Number of houses for sale 66 Number of houses in escrow 50 Number of sold houses 33 Average list price of sold houses $151,691 Average sold price of houses $148,387 92503 May 2009 Number of houses for sale 260 Number of houses in escrow 328 Number of sold houses 114 Average list price of sold houses $208,016 Average sold price of houses $211,988 92504 May 2009 Number of house...
Comments 1
HUD announced last Friday that first time buyers may now use their $8,000 tax credit instantly to pay closing costs or additional down payment on their home purchase!  This means you no longer have to wait until tax time to take advantage of this free money.  HUD is hopeful that this new program will allow many more families to qualify for a home purchase this year.  With signs of a housing recovery on the horizon act now to take advantage of this amazing opportunity before prices go up!
Comments 0
By Kat DeLong, REALTOR
(Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert)
Whenever David and I take a Sunday drive off the mountain, we try and find a local place to visit; Yesterday was no different. This time we discovered a hidden jewel at UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE ; Botanic Gardens! It actually took us a few wrong-turns to get to our destination, as they are nestled in the Box Spring Mountains on some 40 acres overlooking the campus. We bought our parking pass (self ticket machine) and started our adventure through these gardens. The first plantings took place way back in 1963. Today, a few of the plants and  trees you'll come across as you stroll through the grounds are an Alder Canyon, Herb Garden, Ponds, Rose Garden, Green House... But better than me telling you everything, GO VISIT this awesome spot yourself. It's a perfect family outing. Hou...
Comments 8
By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
If you are wondering how many foreclosures and/or short sales are on the market right now in Riverside, read on. Here is a breakdown of the current active listings in Riverside CA - or houses for sale. These are single family homes only (no condos) and they are "active" listings (not in escrow) as of May 24, 2009.   Total number of listings                          1162 Bank-owned (or foreclosure) listings 251 Short sale listings 558 Standard sale 253 Other type of sale (i.e. probate or auction or not specified) 100   As you can from the numbers above, there are more than twice as many short sales as foreclosures.If you are worried about losing your home to foreclosure, don't wait to act. Contact your lender regarding a loan modification. If you find out that isn't going to work, contac...
Comments 1
By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
Here is my latest list of some of the best buys in housing in Riverside CA. These homes are priced from $150,000 to $300,000.  I did not include short sales nor listings that do not have any photos.   All of these listings are bank-owned (foreclosure) homes but I was not specifically looking for bank-owned homes.  For a couple months there seemed to be a shortage of bank-owned homes but the number of foreclosures available seems to be up again -which is great for buyers.  You may wonder how I come up with this list..... I go through all the listings of single family houses - looking at the the price per square foot, the location and the photos.  I have not personally visited any of these listings and this list is in no way an all-inclusive list of the best buys  - just a cursory search ...
Comments 0
By Joan Bergstrom, Mobile Notary, Riverside CA
(Joan Bergstrom Mobile Notary)
We have a major holiday weekend coming up in a few days (Memorial Holiday Weekend) and this is a great time to touch bases with the Title, Escrow, Lender & Signing Companies and tell them you are available for notary/loan-signer assignments over the holiday weekend.Actually it's an excuse to"just say hello" and keep on their radar screen!http://www.joanbergstromnotarypublic.com
Comments 0
By Vicki Pedersen, Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service
(Pedersen Real Estate)
Here is the latest look at Riverside real estate. These tables show real estate sales for single family homes in Riverside for April of 2009. You might have heard that banks aren't loaning, but that isn't the case.  People who qualify can get loans.  The number of active listings and pending listings is as May 6, 2009. The average list price of sold homes means the average price of the homes at the time they went into escrow and the average price of what the homes actually sold for is also listed for comparison.  92501 April  2009 Number of houses for sale 80 Number of houses in escrow 57 Number of sold houses 20 Average list price of sold houses $127,995 Average sold price of houses $122,420 92503 April  2009 Number of houses for sale 347 Number of houses in escrow 293 Number of sold h...
Comments 2
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
When CC Miller first brought his family out to our fair city of Riverside, CA in 1876, there was nothing but orange fields as far as the eye could see. CC Miller built a small, two-story adobe boarding house that he named Glenwood Cottage on the one city block that CC had purchased.  He and his family ran the boarding house until 1902, when CC decided that he wanted a change of scenery and moved with his wife out of the area.  At that time, CC's son Frank decided to take over running the boarding house. But, Frank Miller had much grander plans than his father.  Frank's vision was to create a beautiful destination hotel, which would eventually become the Mission Inn.  At the turn of the century, California was known for its missions that were founded by the Franciscan monks.  Frank Mill...
Comments 17
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
Fans of international, short film, animated film and foreign language films have something to be excited about right now.  The 7th Annual Riverside International Film Festival has come to the Regal Cinemas 16 at the Riverside Plaza in Riverside, California.  Although the festival began on April 17th, it's not to late to enjoy some fine films through the weekend.  If you purchase and watch any of the films on closing day, April 26th, you can join the festival at Lounge 33 at 7pm that evening for hors d'ouevres and cocktails at their no-host bar.  Just bring your ticket stub for free entrance to the closing awards ceremony.  Seats are available on a first come, first served basis only.  Limited seating is available.  Lounge 33 is located between Killarney's and El Torito in the Riverside...
Comments 5
By Ann Urias, Your Real Estate Concierge
(Aston Group - Orange County Real Estate)
RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division 9241 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618 (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.ReMaxAnn.com   If you are in a situation where: •You lost your job •Your Medical Expenses are too high •Just went through/going through a divorce •You are behind on your payments •You have no equity •You can't afford the cost of selling your home •Your income has been reduced •You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!! WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale: •Avoid Foreclosure •Avoid Bankruptcy •Reduced damage to your credit •Postpone your foreclosure sale date •A short sale will stay on your credit approx 3 years •BE FREE of fina...
Comments 0
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
While Pinkberry is more of an LA deal, we in the Inland Empire have our Berry Sweet.  It is a family-owned business that offers tart and tangy frozen yogurt with tons of toppings to choose from.  You have your choice of a dozen different flavors on any given day and over 20 different toppings, which range from fresh fruit to mini peanut butter cups.  Located in the University Village, just up the street from the University of California at Riverside, Berry Sweet is a self-serve frozen yogurt paradise.  Since it just so happens to be conveniently located just up the street from my son's school, we decided early on in the school year that we would beat the Monday blues by stopping in at Berry Sweet on the way home as a nice pick-me-up.  It makes Mondays much more bearable in Riverside.  A...
Comments 12
By Heather Chavez, Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
The amazingly fantastic organization Habitat for Humanity will be hosting an Earth Day Festival at White Park (3901 Market Street) in Riverside CA on Saturday, April 25th from 11am-4pm.  The Earth Day Festival is open to the public, so bring your family down to join in the festivities.  Some of the sponsors of the event include the City of Riverside, Lowe's, CURE (Clean Up Riverside's Environment), the WMWD, Altura Credit Union and the Riverside Public Utilities.  The local Habitat for Humanity office is located at 2121 Atlanta Avenue, Suite B in Riverside, CA (951-787-6754 ext 115).  I hope to see you there.  Happy Earth Day everyone! Heather Chavez, Second Self Virtual Assistance: When There Isn't Enough of You to Go Around!
Comments 10