Mother’s Day is here  and if you want to find the perfect gift for your Mom or wife this year, it’s time to start thinking (and be sure to avoid buying something useful for your home)! The list below outlines some traditional gifts, but if you are really adventurous, consider checking her Pinterest account for more personalized ideas of what appeals to the woman in your life.

Moms everywhere  in The Tri -Valley area are moved by personalized jewelry and lockets, memory keepers, and photos of their children. That’s not to say that a trip to the spa or a get-away wouldn’t be gratefully received, but when a mother has to coordinate the care of small children to use the gift, it can be difficult, so make sure you plan those details along with the gift.

If a trip away from your home isn’t possible, bring treatments direct to the Mom in your life with a collection of pampering lotions, skin care or makeup collections. Or, try a virtual vacation of sorts, and purchase an e-reader or tablet for the special Mother in your life. If your Mom already has one that she uses, then consider a gift card to Amazon or iTunes or a similar service where books are available for instant download, providing a chance for quick escape from life’s daily cares which staying physically inside your home.

Gifts to Bring a Smile To Your Mom (and Your Home):

• Thoughtful Note of Gratitude (include with a gift below for best results)
• Personalized Jewelry (lockets, engraved charms, birthstones, etc.)
• Personalized Gifts Featuring Her Children (large laughing photos, artsy representations, framed art created by the kids)
• Get-Aways (that she doesn’t have to coordinate) Wine tasting in Livermore wine country and a wonderful lunch at Wente Winery is a great como.
• Tickets to Experience (theatre, cooking class, yoga ) The Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek and The Bankhead Theater in Livermore- The.BEST.
• Gift Cards (to services or shops she likes to patronize)
• E-Reader or Tablet Device (working and loaded, ready to go)- or a beautiful book from Rakestraw Books in Danville.
• Spa Services to a Local Favorite ( Facial, massage, wraps, etc.) Can’t beat the Spa at the Claremont Hotel in Berekely.
• Beautiful Flowers (everyone can appreciate a little vibrancy)
• Chocolate (but be careful not to sabotage known fitness plans) Danville Chocolates is pretty special.
• An Evening of FREE babysitting by you with 2 movie tickets included for her. The Vine Theater is a one of a kind experience.
• A Mani/Pedi. Try Pinkies in Danville/San Ramon or Bollinger Canyon Nails in Pleasanton and San Ramon. Shellac anyone?
• A hike in the Preserves in Pleasanton with a picnic lunch.

Improving the landscape around your home is not just about good looks or the ever important “Curb Appeal”. Home value can also increase with fine-tuned and maintained landscaping. Before hiring a landscape designer to reconstruct your home, it’s helpful to compile a list of questions. You may share images of design styles ( Pinterest is a gold mine of unique ideas! ) and verify license and insurance, as well. The right landscaping combines local elements and weather conditions, as well as energy efficiency.

Your outdoor landscaping can also serve as a sound or visual barrier. Many options are available from furniture placement to the planting of tall shrubs along a home’s border.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, the Top Trends for Your Home in 2013 Include:

• Fragrance Producing Gardens
• Variation in Color of Flowers & Greenery
• Bulb Gardens
• Vegetable & Fruit Combination Gardens
• Grocery Gardens
• Old Fashioned Looks
• Paver Designs Incorporated in Gardens
• Garden Seating
• Herb Gardens
• Butterfly Gardens
• Hanging Plant Gardens | Wall Gardens
• Texture Gardens

Whether you are in a new home and just beginning your gardening plans or are in the home you’ve had for years, many of these gardening ideas may appeal to you.  As you consider your home and the landscape style that will surround it, consulting with a professional landscaper may give you additional perspective and save you from a expensive mistake and also to help with selecting plants that are drought tolerant. Less thirsty plants in the East Bay means smaller water billes and not nasty grams from East Bay Municipal Department for overages.   Please call me for recommendations, should you need a referral. It is more affordable than you may think.

Although the recently released NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) illustrated decreases from April’s 273 to 258, news throughout the United States continues to bode well. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) even feels confident about the future of the housing market and your home.  Do you?

In fact in a newly released, “Housing Now” video shown here Jeff Blankert explains a recent rise in single family home statistics stating that the current 1.2% rise in the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices is at an all time best since 2006.

“The fact that over 70 percent of all U.S. metros are holding onto their spots on the improving list is definitely good news, and representative of the generally brightening outlook for housing markets nationwide,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, who builds homes in Charlotte, N.C.

Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company, echoed that sentiment, saying, “Today’s report shows that the majority of U.S. metros are experiencing strengthening house prices, employment and permitting activity, which is a much more positive picture than the one we were seeing a year ago,” he said . “That’s the big picture on which consumers need to focus.”

The IMI tracks housing trends throughout the United States, analyzing signs of improving economic health. Studying employment growth, house price appreciation, and single-family home permits in various areas, the IMI requires gain in all three instances for at least six consecutive months in order for an area to be placed on the improving markets list.  Have you seen improvements in your home and neighborhood in the last few months?

You can view all 258 metropolitan areas listed on the IMI by visiting the NAHB website. For fun, you might enjoy RichBlocksPoorBlocks.com. It breaks out income and rents by neighborhoods. Very enlightening. 

Are you a “Do-It-Yourselfer” when it comes to making repairs and improvements to your home?

May is National Home Remodeling Month and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers are using increased seasonal awareness to outline risks that a DIY approach can bring in terms of safety, time and hidden costs.

Reports from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Census Bureau show that 37 % of home remodeling projects completed in 2010-2011 were done by homeowners themselves.

“Remodeling can be complex and often times full of surprises, even for experts like our members,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bill Shaw, GMR, GMB, CGP. “DIY projects should be rewarding and fun, but if your DIY can’t be completed in the planned price range or your safety is at risk, leave the work in the hands of professional remodelers.”

NAHB suggested a review of these tips before commencing a remodel project on your home.

Safety - If it requires licensing to complete or compromises the integrity of your structure, walk away and hire a professional. Wear proper protective gear and be especially careful when using new tools as unfamiliarity increases risk.
Cost - Review quality and warranty specifications of your purchases. Incorrect installation can result in a warranty being disputed.
Time - Contractors are required to provide timelines, progress updates, and projected finish dates. If time is important to you, a recommended contractor can get the job done according to your schedule. Would you be able to do the same?

Click here to access the Directory of Professional Remodelers. For a FEE list of the best return on your investment on remodling projects CLICK HERE.

Gold Medal School

Love’em or Hate’em – When it comes to school rankings- US News and World Reports matters when it comes to how schools are viewed. And yes- it makes a difference in the community and thus property values here in Alamo, Danville and San Ramon. The results are in and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s four high schools are among the best high schools in the country, according to rankings released Tuesday.

Dougherty Valley in San Ramon was ranked No. 59 in the state and No. 328 in the national rankings, making it one of 500 schools nationwide to qualify for a gold medal by U.S. News and World Report in its 2013 list of the nation’s best public high schools.

With a national ranking of 416 and a state ranking of 80, San Ramon Valley High in Danville also is a gold medal winner.

Monte Vista in Danville has a national ranking of 680 and a state ranking of 131, putting it in the silver medal category, along with San Ramon’s California High School, which earned a national ranking of 907 among the 1,750 silver medal schools. Its state ranking was 185.

The rankings were calculated by looking at student performance on standardized tests, evaluating how well schools educated black, Hispanic and poor students, and by how effectively they prepared graduates for college.

We know our schools are good, but it is nice to have US News and World reports report that they’re GREAT. Homeowners can take that to the bank.

The housing market in the San Francisco Bay Area and what it means for your home value is definitely a hot topic of late.  No matter where you turn, you can catch an “expert” discussing historical growth, the housing “bubble” or market scarcity and options for buying and selling your home.

Even Fannie’s Mae Economic & Strategic Research Group report released on April 17th, indicates a 3.2 percent surge in economic growth over the first quarter, and seems to be setting the stage for an even healthier housing market, as it predicts continued increases and potential economic growth of 2.3 percent throughout the rest of 2013.

Despite other significant issues that could impact consumer spending, Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Chief Economist, indicates that hope may remain in housing trends, stating, “…the housing recovery continues to broaden and may be more robust than we anticipate, helping to offset fiscal headwinds.”

Considering that potential home buyers may need some assurance and coaching as they enter this changing housing market, Fannie Mae has launched a new online CreditSmart® tutorial to guide individuals as they seek to make wise financial decisions, including many which could lead to the purchase of your home.

A multilingual curriculum, Christina Diaz Malone, Freddie Mac Vice President of Corporate Relations and Housing Outreach believes CreditSmart® will reassure home buyers explaining, “Our new online CreditSmart® tutorial is a stepping stone to homeownership, especially for working families who are unsure how to start household budgets or build the personal savings and strong credit for the future.”

With twelve modules on the importance of credit and money management, goal setting, banking, financial traps, and becoming a homeowner, CreditSmart® provides resources and practical help for those just entering the housing market as well as homeowners that may be struggling in their current situations.  You may find that some of the material worth taking a look at.

Of course all the National Statistics and Market Trends don’t really matter when it comes to YOUR house because real estate is local. This means you need to have information that is gathered on your neighborhood or town. You can subscribe to FREE weekly updates HERE. It’s about the quality of the information that is pertinent to you.

New listings are coming on the real estate market every day. Connecting with a  active professional Realtor is the first move an active homebuyer should do to get the inside information on new and upcoming homes in the area. Why? The information on other sites is 48 hours behind the active MLS which is checked by professional agents every few hours for updates.  This fresh feed is passed along to you.   Now is the time!  Connect with Tracy Parker at Http://www.ParkerRealEstateTeam.com

Call Tracy Direct at 925-389-0645

Click here to view the embedded video.

As you search for a home, your home, what matters most? Do you like a wide expanse or prefer less of an area to clean? Is your budget wide open or better suited to a condo or town home?  Is the ability to control your decor options paramount on your “Home Needs” list?

We at the Parker team, know that locataion is a prime factor when purchasing a home.  However, while location is generally a driving force in the purchase of your home purchase, other components come into play as you choose the perfect house. Some of those elements may even have you considering condo ownership over a traditional detached house when you buy your home.

Because of this, it’s helpful to recognize the challenges and rewards that owning a townhouse or condo can bring.

Townhouse/Condo owners are unique in that they pay Homeowner Association (HOA) fees to share in the maintenance of the property at large. Reviewing this cost and the Homeowners Association bylaws prior to your home purchase is essential as you may find restrictions that are not in keeping with your lifestyle. If after review you feel that the rules are too confining for the condo you are considering, try a different complex as each set of bylaws is unique.If after reviewing several and finding all lacking, however, you may decide that condo life is not the best fit for you.

Before buying a townhouse/condo as your home, it’s helpful to consider the following:

• Why are you buying a condo?
• Is it conveniently located?
• What extra amenities or savings might you receive due to your condo purchase?
• Are you a loud person? Neighbors may overhear as you will be in relatively close quarters.
• Are you someone who likes to act independently? If so, condo life and rules may be a bit stifling.
• Are you comfortable having someone other than you maintain your home’s exterior?
• When added into your home cost, are your HOA fees reasonable?

No matter whether your home purchase results in a detached home, townhouse or a condo, asking yourself these questions before making your purchase can results in happier home owning.  If you have questions about the type of home and location that is best for you, please give me a call so we can address your particular needs. Serving the San Francisco East Bay Area- Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore experts.

Warmer weather and cloud-free skies may have you dreaming of leaving your home for a vacation.

No matter where you choose to journey for your break away trip, take the time to make preparations to your home before leaving.

A few smart steps toward protecting your home while you are way, could mean the world to you when you return.

Tips For Securing Your Home

• Appoint a look-out.  Ask a good friend or “watch-worthy” neighbor to keep an eye on your place while you’re away.
• Wait until after you return from vacation to post your photos to Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.  Otherwise you are alerting “friends” and others that may be less than friendly of your absence.
• Think about ways to keep your home from looking empty while you are vacationing.  From house sitters and timers to placing holds on your mail and newspaper delivery, there is plenty you can do to make your home seem less vacant. 
• Secure your garage door and any pet entrances with locks before leaving town as it can provide easier access to your home.
• Timed lights, a well-kept home, and motion detectors can be a deterrent to thieves as well.
• And although pets can be a great deterrent to those who may harm your home, when you leave town, you must make arrangements for their boarding and care.

So where are you planning to go for your next vacation? let us know below in comments!

Home owners living in metro areas are beginning to notice a shift in home prices and sales, leading to more interest regarding the value of your home.  In fact, the housing marketing seems to be seeing a huge shift.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) released this week lists 274 metro areas with improved housing markets. Between February and March, 15 new markets were added to the list!

Improvement indicators include increased housing permits, employment and house prices over a six consecutive month period. It’s interesting to note that Birmingham, Alaska, Bloomington, Indiana, Santa Barbara, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado all were added this month

NAHB Chairman Rick Judson explained the good news, stating,“This is the second consecutive month in which every state is represented by at least one metro on the improving list.”

NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe explained that the improving markets (over 75%) indicated a very “solid” market in many communities, though individual markets may have issues with recovery. To see details and the full report, please click here.

While these national statistics are important – what counts the most to you is your local area trends and your neighborhood statistics. The San Francisco Bay Area is a micro market that has been on fire for the last 4-6 months. If you want to keep tabs whats going on in your community sign up for our weekly reports with specific data in the communities you are interested in. Click Here

See the complete list of the 274 metropolitan areas currently on the IMI by viewing NAHB Improved Metros Near Your Home or click here to see a collection of recent NAHB reports, lists and charts.