Almaden Lake Park is my favorite park in San Jose.Almaden Lake is the only City Park in South San Jose that has a sand beach and swim area. I recall earlier this year watching the City of San Jose workers spread mounds of fresh white sand over the beach area to prepare for the opening on the new season. I feel the same way about visiting Almaden Lake Park as I do going to the beach at Half Moon Bay. I prefer to be there with few people and be among the wildlife.  Earlier this year I experienced several families of geese and duck and other fowl with their babies. I visited two to three times a week with several loaves of bread. It got to the point where the geese would see me standing at the lakes edge - each time at the same location - and they would automatically begin to make their wa... 08/10/2008

Dolce Hayes Mansion is my favorite place to go in San Jose for Sunday Champagne Brunch as well as Mother's Day and even an occasional Thanksgiving dinner! The food and service is outstanding. As you can see from the photo - the mansion is beautiful.Dolce Hayes Mansion was once a private estate. In 1994 the Mansion opened to the public. It is now a well known Northern California conference center.It is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. Many local residents, including me, take mini-retreats to Dolce Hayes Mansion which is located in Blossom Valley in San Jose.  A dear friend of mine, also a real estate agent in Boston, spent an entire three-day weekend at Hayes Mansion. It was great fun spending time with my friend. There were surprisingly few people there that weekend ~ it felt like... 08/06/2008

Reporting Cambrian resale single family residences and condos as well as new Cambrian homes sold by zip code in June 2008.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Cambrian home sales include all attached and detached Cambrian homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow. Source: DataquickCambrianZip: 95124Sales: 55% Change: -19.1%Med. $: $700,000% Change: 0.2%High $: $1,115,000$/Sq. Ft. $442% Change: -14.5%CambrianZip: 95118Sales: 26% Change: -33.3%Med. $: $650,000% Change: -7.5%High $: $855,000$/Sq. Ft. $432% Change: -11.7%Real Estate Agent ~ Kathleen Daniels ~ Cambrian Real Estate 08/05/2008

Reporting Santa Teresa resale single family residences and condos as well as new Santa Teresa homes sold by zip code in June 2008.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Santa Teresa home sales include all attached and detached Santa Teresa homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow. Source: DataquickSanta TeresaZip: 95119Sales: 15% Change: 200.0%Med. $: $499,000% Change: -16.8%High $: $730,000$/Sq. Ft. $345% Change: -16.3%Santa TeresaZip: 95138Sales: 23% Change: -36.1%Med. $: $760,000% Change: -30.1%High $: $2,200,000$/Sq. Ft. $383% Change: -15.5%Real Estate Agents ~ Kathleen Daniels ~ Santa Teresa ... 08/05/2008

Reporting Blossom Valley resale single family residences and condos as well as new Blossom Valley homes sold by zip code in June 2008.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Blossom Valley home sales include all attached and detached Blossom Valley homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow. Source: DataquickBlossom ValleyZip: 95136Sales: 31% Change: -47.5%Med. $: $562,000% Change: -14.8%High $: $899,000$/Sq. Ft. $308% Change: -24.6%Blossom ValleyZip: 95123Sales: 78% Change: 9.9%Med. $: $432,500% Change: -31.9%High $: $1,395,000$/Sq. Ft. $364% Change: -13.3%Top Real Estate Agents ~ Kathleen Daniels ~... 08/04/2008

Reporting Willow Glen resale single family residences and condos as well as new Willow Glen homes sold by zip code in June 2008.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Willow Glen home sales include all attached and detached Willow Glen homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow. Source: DataquickWillow GlenZip: 95125Sales: 55% Change: -31.3%Med. $: $747,000% Change: -7.2%High $: $1,715,000$/Sq. Ft. $516% Change: 0.5% Real Estate Agent ~ Kathleen Daniels ~ Willow Glen Real Estate 08/04/2008

Reporting resale single family residences and condos as well as new Almaden Valley homes sold by zip code in June 2008.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Almaden Valley home sales include all attached and detached Almaden Valley homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow. Source: DataquickAlmaden ValleyZip: 95120Sales: 39% Change: -20.4%Med. $: $950,000% Change: -6.5%High $: $1,730,000$/Sq. Ft. $478% Change: -0.8%Top Real Estate Agent ~ Kathleen Daniels ~ Almaden Real Estate 08/04/2008

Reporting San Jose resale single family residences and condos as well as new San Jose homes.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. San Jose sales include all attached and detached San Jose homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow. Source: DataquickCity: San Jose#Sold: 726June 2008: $531,000June 2007: $680,000% Change Yr-to-Yr: -21.91%For more information on San Jose Market Trends contact Kathleen Daniels at 1-408-972-1822.  08/03/2008

Willow Glen, San Jose's desirable community was founded in 1927. Prior to that it had been an unincorporated community since the 1860's. Willow Glen is conveniently located about 3 miles south of downtown San Jose and boasts a stable, sought-after housing market historic homes, that include Spanish-style bungalows, tudors and Vicorians all located in tree-lined streets as well as award-winning schools. The town also features a unique business district that includes everything from Starbucks, to independent bakeries, restaruants, clothing wine and bookstores. Senior centers and senior housing as well as parks and libraries are also abundant. Residents share a strong sense of community and participate in events such as Dancingon the Boulevard and Founder's Day. My office is conviently lo... 07/28/2008

So not only do homeowners have to pay for damages done by trees the city planted in front of their properties, but now we will have to pay for all maintenance involved with these trees. Trees are great, don't get me wrong, we need them(!), but if we're expected to pay for all costs involved, shouldn't we have some say in the matter?   07/28/2008

The Animal Planet Expo is Saturday ~ July 26, 2008 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.Exotic species, Frisbee dog shows, pet adoptions, family activities, face painters, bug house, obstacle course, bounce house and much more! Great fun for the family.The event opens at 10:00am and ends at 4:00pmLocation: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds ~ 344 Tully Street, San Jose, CaliforniaAdmission: Free  07/25/2008

The San Jose Giants take on the Bakersfield Blaze on Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00pmWatch the San Jose Giants Minor League Team play against the Bakersfield Blaze. Five of the starters have been voted to the 2008 Minor League All-Star Team.Location: San Jose Municipal Stadium, 588 E. Alma Ave., San Jose, CA 95112Info Phone: 408.356.0789Find your San Jose Home today! 07/21/2008

The Cambrian Park Framer's Market is Wednesday, July 23 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.Enjoy a shopping experience where you can sample the goods; develop a relationship with the grower; learn about unique food varieties and cooking tips; and greet your Cambrian neighbor.Location: Cambrian Park Plaza, Between Camden and Union Aves, San Jose, CA 95124Info Phone: 510.745.7100A great place to live and shop.Search Cambrain Homes for Sale 07/21/2008

Reporting Willow Glen resale single family residences and condos as well as new homes in May 2008 by Zip Code.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Willow Glen sales include all attached and detached homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales. The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow.Source: DataquickCity: Willow GlenZip: 95125Sales: 40% Change: -56.5%Med.$: $699,000% Change: -11.1%High $: $9,094,300$/Sq.Ft. $512% Change: -8.3%Seearch Willow Glen Homes for Sale 07/21/2008

Reporting San Jose resale single family residences and condos as well as new homes in May 2008 by Zip Code.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. San Jose sales include all attached and detached homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales. The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow.Source: Dataquick City   Zip Sales % Chg Med. $ % Chg High $ $/Sqft % Chg San Jose 95110 9 -57.1% $360,000 -29.4% $630,000 $257 -57.2% San Jose 95111 36 -2.7% $425,000 -29.8% $611,000 $322 -28.1% San Jose 95112 19 -45.7% $439,000 -24.3% $1,500,000 $360 -30.0% San Jose 95116 15 -66.7% $415,000 -33.1% $699,000 $330 -28.8% San Jose 95117 10 -61.5% $550,000 -19.4% $770... 07/20/2008

Reporting San Jose resale single family residences and condos as well as new homes.% Change is from the same month last year at the Median Price. Sales include all attached and detached homes, both new and resale, including FSBO, family transfer and out of area sales.The information is gathered from public records at county recorders offices where documents are filed after the close of escrow.Source: DataquickCity: San Jose#Sold: 603May 2008: $565,000May 2007: $679,000% Change Yr-to-Yr: -16.79%San Jose Home Buyers - it's a great time to buy in San Jose!  07/20/2008

How do you handle the Request for HOA Documents? If a seller is seriously committed to selling a condo then it makes perfect sense to request HOA docs at the time the listing is taken - right? My goal in selling a home is to have everything a buyer needs to make an informed decision to buy a home. By having all the statutory disclosures and seller disclosures completed and available at the time the property is listed on the MLS (or shortly thereafter) it helps to expedite the process. One reason I was given for not ordering the HOA documents was that "they are expensive and we don't want to order them until we have to."  Another was "they won't stale date by ordering when we get into contract."  While those reasons may be true and valid - it will definitely slow down the process. I have... 07/19/2008

  Highlights of July 10, 2008 Willow Glen Realtor Tour Picks of the week 1460 Kiner (my listing!) and 656 Palm Haven Ave Here are July 10 Highlights: The theme this week seems to be YARDS!! There were some beautiful yards on tour this week! While it was hot and you did not really want to be outside at all, it does help to have something very pretty to look at (and a cool drink in your hand). Realtors on tour often offer cool drinks and food to help us stay longer at a house and to help us remember a house- nothing calls to memory like a yummy snack or a free lunch! First up was 1018 Carolyn Way for $1,129,000. Cute charming house with lots of fun details throughout. The yard was mostly behind the garage. Once you got to the yard, it was like an English garden. Many of us said how nice i... 07/11/2008

         3153 SIERRA RD San Jose(5) $999,950 6+ bed(s), 4+ bath(s) SF:3,156 Lot:4,500+ to 6,500 SqFt DOM:99 MLS:80788558 Age:48 GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY WITH GOOD RENT INCOME, $6,900/MO. 9-BEDROOMS,4-FULL BATHROOMS AND 4-OPTIONAL ROOMS.HUGE KITCHEN W/ CERAMIC TILE FLOOR, DOUBLE OVEN, TWO COOKTOP RANGE, REFRIGERATOR & PLENTY OF OAK CABINETRY. INSIDE LAUNDRY WITH 2-STACKABLE WASHER & DRYER. ALL BEDROOMS EQUIPPED WITH SMALL REFRIGERATOR, CABLE, PHONE & DSL CONNECTIONS.DBL PANE WINDOWS THROUGHOUT. BEAUTIFUL FRONT LANDSCAPE.       3923 SOPHIST DR San Jose(5) $995,000 4 bed(s), 2 1/2 bath(s) SF:3,200 Lot:.25+ to .5 Acre DOM:64 MLS:80807327 Age:43 Gorgeous hilltop home and absolute best value in NVY today. Large bonus rm.-could be media rm.,inlaw quarters or 5th bedroom. Huge master bedroom ... 07/09/2008

Many homeowners believe that to maximize their profit on a home sale they should sell it themselves. At first glance, they feel selling a home is simple and why should they pay a broker fees for something they could do themselves?Almost 90% of for sale by owners (FSBOs) will be sold by real estate agents. Fewer than 13% of FSBOs will sell by owner. Over 87% will end up selling through Realtors according to NAR's Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Report.Close to half of the FSBO's said that they would hire a professional next time they sold. Thirty percent said they were unhappy with the results they achieved by choosing FSBO. Why?Many FSBO's told us that the time, paperwork and everyday responsibilities involved were not worth the amount of money they saved in commissions. For others, ... 07/05/2008