As I look at the nationwide market trends this month, the news looks good. Sales of existing homes rose 3%, which marks the highest rate of sales in seven months and the largest percentage gain in two years. Resales of single-family homes actually rose 3.5% while condo resales fell just a bit by 0.1%.

Spring-like weather and realistic sellers are possible reasons for the good news. In fact, as people discuss the reoccurring debate of stock investments vs. real estate investments this month, real estate may prove to be the more reliable investment.

There is a new trend towards second home purchases too. Having two homes that give you a balance of living environments is a hot trend. In fact, it seems like the perfect life – one home for work and/or children’s school and another for fun breaks.

JUST ASK

Q: So what is a GREEN Product/Building?

A: A “green product” is made from renewable raw materials, may contain recycled components, is toxin free and is a non-pollutant. And what is “green building”? It’s the construction practices that are based on environmental awareness, energy efficiency, and specify green materials.

U.S. home buyers are willing to pay a premium of 11–25% for more environmentally friendly, green-built homes. I found this new stat from a Green Builder Media survey of over 250 home builders nationwide. (Download the survey at http://www.imrecommunications.com/GreenBuilding.pdf).

Who buys these homes? It seems that the buyer is a college graduate between the ages of 35-50. Green products are pricier and not readily available at this time. But consumers interested in buying green are willing to pay the price. And new home builders are listening.

MY TOWN

As a homeowner, our local schools not only affect the education of our children, but also affect our home prices. One Internet site that provides great information is http://www.schoolmatters.com, hosted by Standard and Poor.

Here is their intro: “SchoolMatters gives policymakers, educators, and parents the tools they need to make better-informed decisions that improve student performance. Despite a 50 percent increase in per pupil spending over the past two decades, nearly one third of public high school students fail to graduate, and two thirds of all students leave high school unprepared for a four-year college, according to the Manhattan Institute.”

It is really easy to use this site; Just enter the name and zip code of a school to get an amazing selection of stats, charts, and graphs - a great online resource.

FYI

Second homes are on the rise.  They accounted for 40% of all sales in 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors.
As Baby Boomers continue to retire, many are using their savings to acquire a second home in resort and vacation areas. And that is not just mountain lakes resorts, beach resorts, and golf club meccas. Many turn to a pied a terre in the city where they can discover quaint restaurants and enjoy the opera within blocks of home.

The internet has a role in this trend. You can “Google” an area, click on videos, or take a virtual tour before you get in the car and drive to find a property. I can help here. I have a network of real estate contacts in other parts of the country and can point you to the right one. Please let me know if  I can be help .

PERSONAL UPDATE

Julia Mason is a Bay Area native who specializes in residential sales in San Francisco and the Peninsula. Relocating here in 1990, she has lived in several neighborhoods from St. Francis Woods to The Marina and Pacific Heights. Since joining Pacific Union in 1999 she has worked throughout the City, and finds that much of her business consists of home/pied-a-terre sales in the North end of town, to loft sales in SOMA. Whether it's a first time Buyer, a Seller with a need to move up, or an Investor seeking to sell/purchase an investment property, she's commited to providing her clients with excellent service. From Pacific Heights to Bernal Heights, and all neighborhoods in between, she works energetically to find you the perfect fit. Most of her clients are now referred by past Buyers and Sellers that were pleased with their experience.

"One good client well taken care of, is of more value to me than any amount of advertising"