13 minute read
Homes
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS
Special to the Times GUEST COMMENTARY
2022 Could be Bleak for Potential Homebuyers
While children are busy playing with Christmas presents, homebuyer wannabes are out looking for something that apparently does not exist: homes to purchase. While normal to see a dip in available inventory this time of the year, December, 2021 marks a record low number of homes for sale since analysts began tracking numbers.
Bottom line, we are seeing the lowest number of available homes for sale … in history. The result is an overheated market when we would normally have slower sales as families
Mortgage Rates Drop at Yearend
The market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 Omicron variant is causing mortgage rates to decrease. As the year comes to a close, the housing market is proceeding steadily. However, rates are expected to increase in 2022 which will impact homebuyer demand as well as refinance activity. celebrate the holidays. Consequently, instead of the normal dip in December prices, we are facing record highs. November home prices were up 23.1% over the same month last year as the number of available homes for sale dropped 39.1% over the same period in 2020.*
Malcom Gladwell, in his book “Tipping Point,” explains the concept as that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. I believe we have hit a tipping point in real estate and, until a sufficiently strong negative factor enters the market (ie. higher interest rates), we will continue to see a shortage of inventory. Here are the overarching issues that when, added together, have caused a tipping point in the housing market. 1. Continued low interest rates. As long as financing is available at bargain basement rates, we will see a continued demand for home purchases. Not only is it easier to get a loan to purchase a home, it provides incentive for existing homeowners to refi at super low rates and sit tight. 2. Builders cannot keep up with demand. This is being exacerbated by dramatically higher permit fees from local building departments, state-led demands to produce low-cost housing and pandemic supply chain issues. 3. High prices have increased the amount of taxes due when homes are sold. As a result, many older homeowners are deciding to age in place. 4. Millennials are entering the housing market in droves. As millennials hit their 30s, record numbers are looking to get their own piece of the American dream. 5. The CARES Act foreclosure moratorium has kept many in their homes who would have otherwise faced foreclosure. 6. The lack of available homes has made it almost impossible for existing owners to sell and move up.
Bottom line, 2022’s outlook could be bleak for those hoping to purchase a home of their own. *Data from Trendgraphix.com
Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.
WEEKEND GARDENER
Roses
January is the month to prune your rose bushes as well as deciduous trees, shrubs, grape vines, kiwis and berries. Apply dormant oil spray after pruning, not before. Do not prune any spring-flowering trees or shrubs until they finish blooming.
Prune roses way back, using clean, sharp tools and protect your hands with heavy gloves. Make all cuts at 45-degree angles above an outside bud eye, about a quarter-inch above the eye. Take out twiggy and malformed growth.
For a moderate pruning, cut bushes 18 to 24 inches high with three to six canes left in place. Severe pruning produces larger, but fewer blooms. Floribundas and grandifloras often benefit from a light pruning.
On old garden roses, don’t do anything until after the spring bloom. Prune tree roses and hybrid teas to a vase shape. Climbing roses bloom on mature canes, so don’t be overzealous. Train their canes against a fence or trellis by attaching the canes to the structure in a horizontal position.
Slithery Pests
Snails and slugs love rainy weather and will be after young winter annuals. The quickest, safest way to get rid of them is to hand pick them at dusk using a flashlight. They can often be found clinging to the garden hose and along the side of sheltered bricks. Secure them in a plastic bag and put them in the garbage.
Now thru March is a Good Time to Transplant Mature Japanese Maples
BUZZ BERTOLERO
THE DIRT GARDENER
By Buzz Bertolero
The Dirt Gardener
QI have a tangerine tree with a lot of green fruit, but when the fruit turns orange, they split. I water the tangerine with a hose and let the water run for 20-25 minutes twice a week. How can I prevent this from happening?
It’s not unusual for tangerines to split and drop. A water problem may cause this or it could be the tree’s age. Some have found that young trees are more prone to have split fruit. Eventually, they “grow out of it.” Irregular watering is one of the primary causes of citrus fruit splitting, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. However, if you place the hose in the same spot, you could make a case for it. There isn’t anything I could recommend now. I would suggest you do the following next year. After the rainy season concludes, I’d construct a six-inchhigh watering basin around the tree. It should extend from the trunk to the drip line. I’d then fill this basin up a couple of times when you water. Citrus has a taproot, unlike other fruit trees, so there is minimal lateral branching. The majority of the roots are centered under the canopy. The basin ensures that the entire root ball receives moisture when you water.
A
QWe have two mature Japanese Maples that are over twenty-five years old. They have outgrown their location, and I want to transplant them. Is this possible, and should I trim them before or after the move? A Now through the end of March is an excellent time to transplant mature Japanese Maples and many other plants. But, it’s not as simple as it might seem because of the obstacles you will face. The first thing I would do is evaluate the new location. You will need a protected spot, especially from the summer winds. Japanese Maple leaves will burn from the salt contained in the moist marine influence. If this is not possible, I would not attempt to move them. Depending on the size of the trees, you’ll need a root ball that is twenty-four inches square or larger. A structure, concrete walkways, and other established plants often make this a challenge. I’d prune the plants reducing the height and width before moving them. But be careful not to damage the shape as it takes too many years to reestablish once damaged. The root ball will weigh several hundred pounds, so a lift or several individuals will need to move the root ball. Next, a truck will be necessary to transport the plants to their new location for transplanting. You could hire someone, but you may need several contractors to complete tack because of the distance. Finally, you complete the process by applying a Japanese Maple fertilizer to encourage new growth. I’m not sure it’s really practical when all is said and done, given the issues and the resources required. However, this may be a moot point because of the sentimental value associated with these plants.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com and questions can be sent by email
RECENT HOME SALES
Home sales information is compiled and provided by CalREsource and includes Bedrooms, Square Feet and Year Built when available
CASTRO VALLEY
Total: 12– Average Price: $1,266,666 High: $2,150,000– Low: $700,000
5376 Briar Ridge Drive 94552: $700,000 [2 BD - 1,397 SF - 1978 21336 Kahlert Street 94546: $830,000 [2 BD - 1,223 SF - 1959 18413 Terry Way 94546: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,528 SF - 1955 19070 Almond Road 94546: $905,000 [2 BD - 963 SF - 1951 4179 Beverly Place 94546: $1,000,000 [3 BD - 1,462 SF - 1985 5176 Cunningham Court 94546: $1,100,000 [3 BD - 1,593 SF - 1961 17551 Almond Road 94546: $1,175,000 [1,801 SF - 1938 3621 Swallow Court 94546: $1,400,000 [4 BD - 2,315 SF - 1955 5801 Dawn View Court 94552: $1,545,000 [4 BD - 1,891 SF - 1972 3814 Seven Hills Road 94546: $1,745,000 [4 BD - 1,977 SF - 1947 4205 Danielle Way 94546: $1,750,000 [3 BD - 3,726 SF - 1988 21555 Eden Canyon Road 94552: $2,150,000 [5 BD - 3,610 SF - 1981
1081 Armstrong Street 94541: $415,000 [1 BD - 616 SF - 1905 934 Cheryl Ann Circle #27 94544: $420,000 [2 BD - 977 SF - 1979 26088 Kay Avenue #204 94545: $460,000 [2 BD - 840 SF - 1985 25000 Copa Del Oro Drive #201 94545: $512,000 [2 BD - 855 SF - 1986 22820 Parkhill Court #4 94541: $515,000 [2 BD - 1,063 SF - 1987 21564 Meekland Avenue #2 94541: $520,000 [2 BD - 952 SF - 1989 22959 Sutro Street 94541: $548,000 [2 BD - 1,013 SF - 1986 26937 Hayward Boulevard #338 94542: $560,000 [2 BD - 1,240 SF - 1982 22670 Zaballos Court 94541: $575,000 [2 BD - 1,644 SF - 1955 819 Challenger Way 94544: $600,000 [2 BD - 1,110 SF - 1988 21174 Locust Street 94541: $630,000 [3 BD - 950 SF - 1949 22103 Vista Del Plaza Lane #21 94541: $635,000 [3 BD - 1,453 SF - 1982 21239 Gary Drive #205e 94546: $660,000 [3 BD - 1,354 SF 21 Crystal Gate Commons 94544: $715,000 [2 BD - 1,520 SF - 1992 3252 Guillermo Place #28 94542: $725,000 [2 BD - 1,655 SF - 1983 2314 Star Avenue 94546: $745,000 [2 BD - 1,308 SF - 1948 28526 Coleridge Avenue 94544: $745,000 [4 BD - 1,044 SF - 1959 327 Beale Drive 94544: $762,000 [4 BD - 1,101 SF - 1950 447 Bartlett Avenue 94541: $780,000 [3 BD - 1,556 SF - 1971 2566 Lancaster Road 94542: $850,000 [3 BD - 1,666 SF - 1958 32136 Trevor Avenue 94544: $860,000 [3 BD - 1,228 SF - 1955 26774 Clarkford Street 94544: $870,000 [4 BD - 1,714 SF - 1939 211 Fanuncio Lane 94544: $870,000 [3 BD - 1,921 SF - 2017 677 Elizabeth Way 94544: $880,000 [3 BD - 1,175 SF - 1955 562 B Street 94541: $885,000 [3 BD - 1,567 SF - 1996 26584 Chiplay Avenue 94545: $890,000 [3 BD - 1,128 SF - 1957 29104 Caravan Lane #24 94545: $910,000 [3 BD - 1,867 SF - 2009 29934 Larrabee Street 94544: $935,000 [3 BD - 1,770 SF - 1965 26975 Hayward Boulevard 94542: $945,000 [3 BD - 1,606 SF - 2007 497 Willow Avenue 94541: $980,000 [5 BD - 2,189 SF - 1959 28582 Etta Avenue 94544: $985,000 [3 BD - 1,527 SF - 1955 2108 Jubilee Drive 94541: $1,050,000 [4 BD - 1,995 SF - 2017 22739 1st Street 94541: $1,100,000 [4 BD - 1,976 SF - 1928 27108 Fielding Drive 94542: $1,113,000 [3 BD - 2,212 SF - 1980 232 Valle Vista Avenue 94544: $1,140,000 [6 BD - 2,994 SF - 1949 1975 Bamboo Court 94545: $1,215,000 [4 BD - 2,075 SF - 1996 27967 Edgecliff Way 94542: $1,275,500 [4 BD - 2,993 SF - 1970
116006 East 14th Street #116 94578: $306,000 [1 BD - 659 SF - 1987 14479 Kings Court 94578: $500,000 [2 BD - 1,035 SF - 1974 15956 East 14th Street #203 94578: $535,000 [2 BD - 918 SF - 2008 2268 Marina Boulevard 94577: $650,000 [2 BD - 794 SF - 1965 16004 Wellington Way 94578: $655,000 [2 BD - 1,315 SF - 1947 521 Sybil Avenue 94577: $750,000 [2 BD - 1,758 SF - 1981 2449 Blackpool Lane 94577: $750,000 [2 BD - 1,371 SF - 1979 455 Olive Street 94578: $753,000 [3 BD - 1,345 SF - 1947 1629 Lawndale Avenue 94579: $801,000 [3 BD - 1,107 SF - 1957 14527 Acacia Street 94579: $810,000 [3 BD - 1,456 SF - 1953 15362 Dewey Street 94579: $850,000 [3 BD - 1,092 SF - 1950 1644 Beechwood Avenue 94579: $852,000 [3 BD - 1,076 SF - 1953 2447 Bermuda Avenue 94577: $860,000 [4 BD - 1,565 SF - 1961 15488 Heron Drive 94579: $920,000 [4 BD - 1,651 SF - 1999 13875 Velarde Drive 94578: $940,000 [3 BD - 1,358 SF - 1956 778 Cary Drive 94577: $1,085,000 [2 BD - 1,400 SF - 1956 1395 Vistagrand Drive 94577: $1,500,000 [3 BD - 2,995 SF - 1958 16006 East 14th Street #116 94578: $306,000 [1 BD - 659 SF - 1987 14479 Kings Court 94578: $500,000 [2 BD - 1,035 SF - 1974 15956 East 14th Street #203 94578: $535,000 [2 BD - 918 SF - 2008 2268 Marina Boulevard 94577: $650,000 [2 BD - 794 SF - 1965 16004 Wellington Way 94578: $655,000 [2 BD - 1,315 SF - 1947 521 Sybil Avenue 94577: $750,000 [2 BD - 1,758 SF - 1981 2449 Blackpool Lane 94577: $750,000 [2 BD - 1,371 SF - 1979 455 Olive Street 94578: $753,000 [3 BD - 1,345 SF - 1947 1629 Lawndale Avenue 94579: $801,000 [3 BD - 1,107 SF - 1957
HAYWARD
Total: 37 – Average Price: $791,229 High: $1,275,500 – Low: $415,000 SAN LEANDRO
Total: 17 – Average Price: $795,117 High: $1,500,000 – Low: $306,000
14527 Acacia Street 94579: $810,000 [3 BD - 1,456 SF - 1953 15362 Dewey Street 94579: $850,000 [3 BD - 1,092 SF - 1950 1644 Beechwood Avenue 94579: $852,000 [3 BD - 1,076 SF - 1953 2447 Bermuda Avenue 94577: $860,000 [4 BD - 1,565 SF - 1961 15488 Heron Drive 94579: $920,000 [4 BD - 1,651 SF - 1999 13875 Velarde Drive 94578: $940,000 [3 BD - 1,358 SF - 1956 778 Cary Drive 94577: $1,085,000 [2 BD - 1,400 SF - 1956 1395 Vistagrand Drive 94577: $1,500,000 [3 BD - 2,995 SF - 1958
916014 Via Harriet 94580: $650,000 [3 BD - 1,488 SF - 1956 931 Heather Lane 94580: $782,000 [4 BD - 1,948 SF - 1995 16220 Bertero Avenue 94580: $785,000 [3 BD - 1,068 SF - 1947 1440 Via Manzanas 94580: $798,000 [3 BD - 1,050 SF - 1951 16061 Via Pinale 94580: $840,000 [3 BD - 986 SF - 1944 16137 Via Lupine 94580: $885,000 [3 BD - 1,475 SF - 1951 16141 Via Harriet 94580: $950,000 [3 BD - 1,812 SF - 1956
SAN LORENZO
Total: 7 – Average Price: $812,857 High: $950,000 – Low: $650,000
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