Here’s a True Story: Seller # 1 listed her home at the list price I suggested.  I explained to her that we’d list it under market value to get it sold quickly and hopefully for a price higher than the listing price, if possible.  I ran no newspaper ads.  I conducted no open houses.  She had tons of showings, several offers and in 34 days had sold her home for $15,000 more than her listed price. Seller # 2 listed their home at the suggested list price and received an offer that was a bit low.  Against my strong objections, they refused the offer and then soon after that, the market began changing.  When activity slowed, they refused to lower the price after several discussions.  They finally canceled their listing and now, 8 months later, they are on their second agent since being liste... 10/24/2007

I may sound like a broken record but much is the same in the Riverside Real Estate Market.  Housing sales fell at a record setting rate and home prices declined by double digits for Riverside county last month.  In September, Riverside County saw a 53.3% drop in housing sales compared to the same time last year, and prices are 11 % lower.  This according to DataQuick Information Systems figures released last week. Leslie Appleton-Young, the chief economist for the California Association of Realtors, said, "I don't think this is just a one-month phenomenon.  I think in the next several months there will be more of the same." One reason for the sharp decline is a shortage of financing for potential buyers brought on by the recent sub-prime real estate loan market meltdown. Many sectors a... 10/22/2007

Ghostwalk in downtown Riverside presented by the California Riverside Ballet is now on it's 16th Year.  In 2005 the Ghostwalk event received the recognition as "Best Event in Riverside" and continues to be a tradition gaining additional popularity every year.  The weekend before Halloween, the California Riverside Ballet brings the downtown area alive and into it's supernatural theme with stories of horror, mystery & intrigue along with the ever anticipated performances of the CRB Dancers adding to the theme of phantasm and illusion. Watch the Ghostwalk InfomercialBeginning as the moon rises on both Friday and Saturday night, Guests are toured throughout the historic district where they will hear spine tingling to comic renditions of tales told by California Riverside Ballet Volunteers ... 10/17/2007

Brent Lee | Tower Realty | 951.505.9362 4195 Paden Street, Riverside, CA HOT BUY! HOT BUY! HOT BUY! Single story with new paint, texture, and carpet. Original Hardwood floors, large fireplace! 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $365,000 Year Built 1955 Sq Footage 1,937 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 7,841 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Home needs some costmetic repairs and updating but at just $188/square foot this is a great opportunity for a family or an investor. Owner wants the home SOLD fast so make an offer today! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Hardwood floor Family room Living room Dining room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Stove/Oven Laundry area - garage Balcony, D... 10/16/2007

The recent U.S. subprime mortgage problems are affecting everyone including sellers, buyers, lenders, banks, developers, remodeling and pool contractors and now even credit card holders. Citigroup, the largest U.S. bank estimated it's 3rd quarter profits will decline 60% and consumer credit costs rose $2.6 billion all due to the housing market woes. Home sales fell in August to a record low as would-be homebuyers had difficulty getting mortgages. Economists said the housing market's woes show no sign of improving soon. The NAR said Tuesday that pending sales for existing homes fell 21.5% from a year ago. Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist with forecasting and consulting firm MFR, Inc. in New York has been watching the Real Estate markets closely. Shapiro and other analysts expect pric... 10/15/2007

   It's a great way to spend a morning. Every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm Riverside hosts a farmers market. It's located at the Main Street Pedestrian Mall. Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and original artisan specialties. Watch live chef demonstrations. Be sure to bring the kids as there is even a special area for them. 08/22/2007

What is Riverside's Wireless Internet Service? Riverside and AT&T are partnering to provide wireless access to the Internet using standard wireless hardware and technology that is commonly deployed in laptops and some desktop computers. The initiative is rolling out in phases as the necessary network equipment gets installed around Riverside.  There are several service plans available- a FREE service, called MetroFi-Free, with advertising intended for general usage, a PAID service targeted at business and other users who want higher performance (faster data speed) and less advertising, called AT&T Metro WiFi, and public safety services not available to the general public.  We call this initiative the SmartRiverside Wireless Network Service. Is this available at my home or office? You m... 08/18/2007

June 2007 Comparison to June 2006       June Comps             Sales Trend2007                  2006189                    373               -49.3%June Average Price            Average Price Trend2007                   2006$442,553           $456,035          -3.0%Closed Residential Resale Transactions As Reported By Dataquick Information Services.Information from the County of Riverside Monthly Resale Report provided bt Fidelity National Title CompanyCounty of Riverside Monthly Totals:June Comps                    Sales Trend2007                  2006                                            1583                  2662           -40.5%                   June             Avg. Price       Avg. Price Trend2007                  2006$411,858           $437,534       -5.9%By: Doug Beaver Co... 08/07/2007

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park is the largest reserve of open space in the City of Riverside.  There are many trails throughout the park and it is a great place to go walking, running or mountain biking--and you can bring your dog too!  This is a great day-hike destination for the whole family.We have explored some of the trails off of the main trailhead and it's a lot of fun and also a great workout.  The trails are dirt and rock and some of the hills are steep.  Approximately 3.5 miles of the main trail has been cut and filled with sand.  It is approximately 13.5 miles around the perimeter of the park and most of the park is undeveloped.  Within the boundaries of the park you will find an abundance of desert plant and animal life. The park is a fun place with many trails to explore, ... 07/25/2007

This is a common scenario with many homeowners today.  When you first purchased your home, it usually is so much larger than your previous home or apartment.  You wonder how you will ever fill the empty spaces. But within a matter of time, the home gets filled up with to much furniture, collectibles, kids' toys, clothing, holiday decorations, unused and unwanted household items, old paint, appliances, computers, ect...  You get the picture. This would be a great time before the holidays to consider getting rid of some of the extra clutter or items you've tucked away in closets & the garage long to be forgotten.  Also, if you are planning a move in the near future, decluttering your home will make it show more spacious and will ultimately get you more money for your home.  If you current... 07/23/2007

Home For Sale in Riverside (Jurupa Hills) • 1,566 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 1 story - MLS® $389,900 Jurupa Hills, Riverside  -  New Exterior Paint!!! Fresh Interior Paint, Central Air Approximately 5 Years Old, Spa On Back Patio, Carpet Less Than 3 Years Old, Rest Of Home Is Ceramic Tile, Large Corner Lot Completely Surrounded By Block Retaining Wall & Electric Gate For Access To Park Your RV Or Rig!!! Enclosed Patio Not Included In Square Footage!!! 07/19/2007

Riverside Housing Development Corporation, a not-for-profit affordable housing corporation,will be hosting its 2ndAnnual Benefit Golf Tournament on August 20th, 2007.It will be held at the beautifully private Canyon Crest Country Club Address: 975 Country Club Dr. Riverside, CA 92506 (951) 274-7906.Time: 9:00a.m. Shotgun start. Your kind support of our event will benefit low to very-low income households through affordable, workforce housing.About RHDC:The Riverside Housing Development Corporation, a community based not-for-profit  corporation, works with many public, private, and non-profit agencies to improve neighborhoods throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Through partnerships, the maximum leverage of capital, Energy and ideas can be attained.Come out and enjoy a day o... 07/18/2007

Welcome back the Independent Players this summer to present two of Shakespeare's Classics."Romeo & Juliet" and "Juliet Caesar" Each show will be presented in Elizabethan period and will be held at Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd. on July 28th & 29th from 7:00-9:00pm.  So be sure to mark your calendar for these two nights of FREE performances under the Moon at Fairmount Park. 07/18/2007

Tonight we ate at a new Mexican restaurant near our home in Canyon Crest.  The Tortilla Grille is inexpensive and provides fast and friendly service and quality food.  Larry had the combo number 4, two enchiladas and a steak taco.  I had the Chile Relleno and a cheese enchilada.  The food had a nice flavor and texture and felt like a good value overall.  I would recommend asking for extra ice for the iced tea since it is brewed fresh and gets a little warm.  The restaurant has been open just a couple months and is extremely clean and well appointed.  The staff are friendly and the service is speedy.  Larry felt inclined to leave a generous tip because of our overall satisfaction of this new restaurant.  We wish it success. 07/16/2007

The City of Riverside Parks & Recreation and Community Services Department is proud to present a series of FREE G-rated family movies this summer. All movies will begin at dusk so be sure to come out early.  You may like to bring a picnic dinner or some of your favorite movie snack foods to enjoy with your family and friends. Seating is on the grass, so be sure to bring comfortable seating. All movies will be announced at park on date of showing.             Date              Place         July 13th      at Bryant Park -7950 Philbin St. Riverside         July 14th     at Taft Park -6826 New Ridge Dr. Riverside         July 20th     at La Sierra Park -5215 La Sierra Ave. Riverside         July 21st     at Nichols Park -5505 Dewey Ave. Riverside         July 27th     at Reid Park -701 N. ... 07/14/2007

July 9, 2007There are currently 204 homes for sale in OrangeCrest and 26 homes pending sale.  Based on current inventory and projected sales for 2007 (194 homes), there is a 12.62 month supply of homes on the market.For the current year to date, 109 homes have sold in OrangeCrest and 126 homes sold in the same period last year.  That's a 15% decrease in sales.Average sales price for 1/1/07 through 6/30/07:  $503,571Average sales price for 1/1/06 through 6/30/06:  $565,560That's an 11% decrease in the sales price for this area.For more information about OrangeCrest, please contact: Larry and Michelle Ewing, www.ewingforhomes.com*information obtained from Inland Regional Multiple Listing Service  07/09/2007

 The Good, the Bad and the UglyWell . . . . . . . o.k. - so,  it's mostly the bad and the ugly.  Last year from January through June there were 1,992 closed sales (this figure only accounts for re-sales, not new homes).  This year for the same period there are 1,138 closed sales.  Folks, that's a 43% decrease.     In May, 2006 there were 354 sales - this year, 187.  That's a 47% decrease.     In June, 2006 there were 365 sales - this year, 189.  That's a 48% decrease.Currently there are 2,763 homes for sale in Riverside and 343 pending sale.Based on current inventory, we have a 15 month supply of homes on the market.In summary, it appears that the remainder of 2007 will continue to be difficult for home sellers. Sellers: If you need to sell your home you're going to need to be patient. ... 07/09/2007

Come out and enjoy this Series of FREE Concerts in the park this Summer!  This series of concerts are family oriented Band Concerts and will be held at Fairmount & New La Sierra Park in Riverside.  Concerts will include: Rock, Country, Oldies, Blues, Disco & Jazz. Come early and bring a picnic blanket or beach chair to enjoy the cool summer evenings in the park!  If you'd like you can bring a snack or  enjoy the foods that some local vendors will be selling.  Youth can also enjoy a fun zone that includes a rock wall, giant obstacle course and other activities for $3 per youth for unlimited play *Fairmount Park only*Concerts at Fairmount Park: will be on Wednesday evenings 6:00-9:00pm Dates: June 27th, July 11th,18th,25th, August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, September 5thConcerts at La Si... 07/09/2007

May 2007 Comparison to May 2006       May Comps             Sales Trend2007                  2006199                    382               -47.9%May Average Price            Average Price Trend2007                   2006$418,912           $445,371         -5.9%Closed Residential Resale Transactions As Reported By Dataquick Information Services.Information from the County of Riverside Monthly Resale Report provided bt Fidelity National Title CompanyCounty of Riverside Monthly Totals:May Comps                    Sales Trend2007                  2006                                            1571                  2653           -40.8%                   May             Avg. Price       Avg. Price Trend2007                  2006$441,486           $462,885       -4.6%By: Doug Beaver Corona, N... 07/06/2007

I went on a walk today that I actually started yesterday...  I walked with neighbors and friends at Jurupa Valley High School.  We walked for friends and relatives, for hope and a cure.  We talked about courage and honor and memories.   If you have never experienced a Relay for Life, that is what you need... to experience it.  I consider how it impacted my view of the world at large.  So, when I have a rough night... I will remember all those who would wish for my "rough night" instead of their own.  When I look at the courage exhibited by survivors and caregivers, I think it could stamp out global whining completely.  Relay for Life is a spectacular event that honors the lives that have been touched by cancer and raises funds for the cure.  The American Cancer Society  is the nationwid... 06/24/2007