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Taste of Terroir in Livermore Valley!

July 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It helps to know a little French when you live in wine country! “Terroir” means soil, and the phrase “gout de terroir” translates to “taste of the soil.”  This phrase describes the earthy flavor of some wines.  It is used to describe the regional flavor of wines, as the grapes are affected by soil composition, moisture, elevation, wind and sunlight. Climate plays an important role in the quality of wine, and Livermore Valley has proven to be highly suitable in this regard.

Livermore Valley first won international acclaim for wine at the 1889  Paris Exposition. The gold medal won by a Livermore Valley wine was the first such award for any American vineyard.

Livermore Valley not only put California wine on the map – it charted the route for the successful vintages that would follow. Today, nearly 80% of California Chardonnay vines can be traced back to their Livermore Valley genetics.

Now that you know more about Livermore Valley wine, get ready to enjoy it at the Taste of Terroir! This event focuses on the best pairings of local wine and cuisine.  At last count, 23 wineries are participating along with 16 restaurants.  This is a competitive event with judging to take place for the Most Innovative Pairing, Best Classic Pairing and Judges’ Best. There is also a People’s Choice award, giving you the opportunity to vote for your personal favorite.

Just in case you need more incentive, there is also a room entirely dedicated to desserts!  Live music will be performed on the patio and additional wine samplings will be available outdoors.

The Taste of Terroir is on Thursday, July 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton.  Tickets are required for admission; ticket prices are $75.00 each.  Please note, no ticket sales to anyone under 21.

The beauty and heritage of our wine country is another great reason to call Livermore Valley home!  As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I enjoy sharing events featuring our local lifestyle.  I also enjoy real estate, and I’ll be there for you when you’re ready to buy or sell a home  in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin! Always feel welcome to contact me for your real estate needs.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Life is Sweet in Livermore Valley!

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The beautiful wine country we have in Livermore Valley is often mentioned in my blogs. And for good reason! Wine production is an important part of our regional heritage. Our local wineries proudly continue the tradition with award-winning vintages.  Livermore Valley’s wine reputation attracts tourism and helps draw new home buyers to our area.

Another selling point of Livermore Valley is our proximity to San Francisco. Livermore is about 45 miles away from San Francisco, giving us space from the hustle and bustle, yet allowing a reasonable drive to the big city. This is good to know when special events come around, like the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon!

Chocolate lovers will want to clear their calendars for this one.  The finest chocolatiers, confectioners, and gourmet sweet purveyors will be at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on April 17. Admission fees apply, but samples of chocolate paradise are included!

You’ll also enjoy chocolate-making demonstrations, celebrity chef presentations, and expert wine pairing advice. Over 50 exhibitors will be taking part of this popular event.

Chocolate was once viewed as a mere indulgence, but medical studies of recent years suggest that dark chocolate provides some health benefits. In fact, you may have already heard that dark chocolate can boost your mood, improve your circulation, and provide antioxidants. This echoes similar findings about the benefits of red wine when consumed in moderation.

Not only does dark chocolate pair well with red wines, the combination is potentially good for you!

That should cover your conscience as you nibble your way through the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon.

Our region is known for having a cultured palate. You can see this by looking at the quality of restaurants and wineries we have right here in Livermore Valley! When you add the array of culinary specialties to be found in an hour’s drive, the offerings are nearly overwhelming. Perhaps that’s why events such as the Taste of Tri-Valley and the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon are so popular. You can save time and sample from the best.

Livermore valley real estate works like this too. When you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you want to make the most of your time.  You need to get information as efficiently as possible. You want to see the best choices available and make informed decisions. That’s where I come in, as your professional Livermore Valley real estate agent. Contact me today, and I’ll put my experience to work for you!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Buying Local in Livermore Valley!

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here in Livermore Valley, we’re fortunate to have a mild year-around climate that enables us to enjoy outdoor activity no matter the season. And when you enjoy quality time with your family outdoors while supporting local commerce and agriculture, it benefits our community.

A great way to accomplish all the above is by visiting one of the many farmers’ markets in Alameda County.  Farmers’ markets today are doing much more than selling vegetables from the back of a pickup truck.  The diversity of our locally-produced food may surprise you!

Rather than give you a grocery list of everything you might find, I’m encouraging you and your family to explore them for yourselves.  Here’s two to start with right in Livermore Valley. These markets operate year around, rain or shine:

The Livermore Farmers’ Market operates on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., located on Second Street between J and K.

The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., located on Main and W. Angela Street.


While browsing the farmers’ market for the best in delicious, locally-produced food, you can also enjoy great local entertainment. Get an earful of live music while you sample mouthfuls of local eats!  The musical lineup is eclectic and family-friendly.

If you’d like more information, you can get all the details at the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association website.  With 12 farmers’ markets operating in Alameda County alone, you and your family won’t lack for food, fun, or fresh air!

Farmers’ markets contribute to our local economy, and are part of the fine quality of life in Livermore Valley.  Buying local pays itself forward.

Naturally, I believe in buying local – especially when it comes to real estate! Nothing says quality of life like a new home that fits the needs of your family.  When you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Livermore Valley, contact me for the best in local real estate service.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Helping Hand for Livermore Homeowners!

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

While the real estate market has brightened in Livermore Valley, there are some homeowners who could use a hand with their mortgage payments. Normally my blogs talk about buying or selling a home in Livermore Valley, but today I’ll share information that could help save a home from foreclosure.

Let me start by saying there is no free pass for anyone who is simply underwater in home value.  However, assistance may be available for Livermore Valley homeowners who have experienced one or more of the following hardships:

  • Unemployment                                                           
  • Reduced Income
  • Death of a mortgagor
  • Serious illness of a mortgagor
  • Disability of a mortgagor
  • Divorce between mortgagors

Depending on who holds your mortgage loan, the type of assistance available could include temporary suspension of your mortgage payment, temporary or permanent reduction of your payment amount and, more rarely, reduction of your principal balance.  In all cases, you must first qualify for assistance by supplying detailed financial information about your income and your expenses.

Your lender will then determine what remedies are allowed for your type of mortgage, and if your situation meets the conditions of those programs.

It’s about as much fun as a root canal, but the end result could be well worth the pain.

An encouraging development for Livermore Valley homeowners is a new program offered by the California Housing Finance Agency, which became effective 01/10/11.  The initial focus centers on unemployed California homeowners who need help with making their monthly mortgage payments.  Additional programs are coming as of 02/07/11.

The new plans are part of the “Keep Your Home California” program which has been fortified with two billion dollars in Federal funds.   To find out more about the programs tailored for California homeowners, visit KeepYourHomeCalifornia.com or call 888-954-5337.

Other options include the nationwide “Making Home Affordable” program which includes mortgage refinance, modification, and foreclosure alternatives.  Learn more by visiting MakingHomeAffordable.gov or by calling 888-995-4673.

Home ownership is an important part of our economy.  It also provides a greater quality of life in many instances, providing freedoms and amenities that are hard to find as a renter.  Any homeowner who is struggling with a mortgage should not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Having good information is the first step in any real estate decision.  If you have questions about buying or selling a home in Livermore Valley, or if you’d like a Comprehensive Market Analysis of your home, contact me today!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Days of Wine and Homes in Livermore Valley!

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Of all the topics in Livermore Valley, there are two specialties that come up in conversation wherever I go – wine and real estate.  The interesting similarity between them is the concern about aging.

When speaking of Livermore Valley wines, aging is generally regarded as a positive.  Many people assume, sometimes incorrectly, that older is always better with any bottle of wine.  Yet there are many elements that affect the peak of flavor, and each wine has a distinct timeline of maturity.  

For example, a good Chardonnay may peak within 2 to 6 years of bottling.  Varieties of Syrah enjoy longer maturity, stretching from 4 to 16 years.   Then you have White Zinfandel which does not benefit by aging and is best enjoyed fresh.

In regards to Livermore Valley real estate, the perception of aging is quite opposite. Namely, the less time a home spends for sale on the market, the better.   However, there are many aspects that affect the number of days on market. Each area and price range will have its own example of “normal.”  It’s important to understand these relationships and how they impact you as a buyer or seller in Livermore Valley.

Let’s look at some local activity.  Statistics shown in my prior blogs illustrate that Pleasanton and Livermore homes priced under $299,000 have brisk sales; the average days on market being 34 and 37, respectively.

The upper mid-range shows more variables.  Homes priced from $500,000 to $749,999 have an average of 56 days on market in Pleasanton.  The same price range in Livermore currently averages 125 days on market.

The pendulum swings back towards Livermore’s favor on the high end of the price range.  Homes priced at one million dollars or more averaged 88 days on market in Pleasanton, but in Livermore, this price range averaged only 39 days on the market.

Why are some price ranges moving faster than others? What should you expect as a buyer or seller in today’s Livermore Valley home market?  Contact me and I’ll share my expertise with you!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Filed Under: Livermore Valley Real Estate, Livermore Valley Wineries & Vineyards, Real Estate Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Real Estate Predictions for Livermore Valley!

December 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The New Year is upon us, bringing a flurry of financial predictions from experts around the country.  An optimistic view by Douglas Yearley, CEO of luxury home builder Toll Brothers, notes that he expects real estate market improvements in 2011.

Yet there are plenty of real estate “bears” who disagree with these assessments, and the contentions are numerous.  So who’s right?  More importantly, what can we expect in 2011 for Livermore Valley real estate?

In a prior blog I shared my own reasons for optimism about Livermore Valley real estate.   I’m sticking to my guns, and I’ll give you a few more reasons why I remain optimistic:

- The Case-Shiller housing index released this month, reports San Francisco, CA, as one of only four metropolitan areas that posted home price gains from 2009 to 2010.

- Livermore Valley is approximately 43 miles east of San Francisco, positioning us to benefit from regional improvements in real estate values.

- Livermore, CA, is a 2009 “Great American Main Street” award winner.  This award recognizes the achievements in the revitalization of Livermore’s downtown district.

- Livermore’s vibrant community is aptly expressed in the slogan “Live, Shop, Play, and Dine.”  Livermore has 119 shops, 51 restaurants, and 20 venues for entertainment and the arts.

- The wine country of Livermore Valley continues to grow with over 40 wineries in operation.

What can we expect in 2011 for Livermore Valley real estate?  More importantly, what can you expect when buying or selling a home in Livermore Valley?  As pointed out, we’re looking forward to a great year in Livermore Valley real estate!  There are many things that are pulling buyers to Livermore Valley and I’m expecting a busy year as I work with buyers and sellers in the Livermore Valley area.

If you’ve been considering a move to Livermore Valley, but have questions please contact me to discuss your real estate needs.   I’ll help you make the most of the New Year with a new home in Livermore Valley!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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New Year, New Real Estate Market in Livermore Valley!

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As we look forward to 2011, many prospective buyers and sellers have the same question on their mind.  Namely, will 2011 be a better year for Livermore Valley Real Estate?  Is now the time to think about buying or selling a home in Livermore Valley?

It’s interesting to note, that while many people accept that one cannot “time” the stock market, there is a great interest in trying to “time” the real estate market.  Simultaneously, the “how” and “why” of the real estate downturn is the stuff of Congressional debate.  Opinions are varied and theories abound.  So what’s the answer?

Certainly, if there is no single cause of the real estate slump, there will be no single sign of its recovery.   Each areas housing market is unique, and the improvement of the real estate market will be felt at the local level first.  Yet the media attention on the real estate market is broad-based and often focuses on the worst areas in the country.

If we examine the fundamentals that support a healthy real estate market, we can find several reasons to be optimistic about buying or selling a home in Livermore Valley.   It begins with the oldest rule of thumb in the real estate business: Location, location, location.  So, what about Livermore Valley will draw people in?  Here are just a few hightlights:

  • The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District has had several schools achieve recognition through the California Distinguished School Award. The award is given by the California State Board of Education to public schools within the state that best represent exemplary educational programs.
  • Livermore, CA has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters, with comfortable temperatures through much of the year.
  • Scenic Livermore Valley is one of California’s oldest wine regions, with over 40 wineries.
  • Livermore CA is home to two national laboratories and several major employers.
  • Livermore Valley’s quality of life attracts high-income demographics.  The 2005 census reported Livermore, CA as the third wealthiest midsize-city in the nation.
  • The arts of Livermore, CA enjoy strong support, including the Livermore-Amador Symphony, the Valley Concert Chorale, the Livermore Valley Opera and the Valley Dance Theatre.

With these strengths in mind, Livermore Valley is well positioned for continued growth as the broader economy revives and financing terms remain favorable.

Is now the time to think about selling your Livermore Valley home or to begin searching for a home in Livermore Valley?  Why not contact me and find out?  I would be happy to discuss your real estate needs and guide you through the opportunities that Livermore Valley can offer.

Wishing you all the best in 2011!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Home for the Holidays in Livermore Valley!

December 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The most celebrated time of the year for home, hearth and family is upon us!  At no other time of the year is such an emphasis put on “home.”  Everything from classic carols to greeting cards, “Home for the Holidays” is a heartfelt, reoccurring theme.  As a Livermore Valley Real Estate agent, it’s great to see that where people live plays such an important role in the holiday season.

Whether you are a new homeowner in the Livermore Valley, CA area, or you’re a long-time resident, displaying your holiday spirit through holiday decorating is a great way to show that your home is the place for family gathering and celebration.  Consequently, if you have a for sale sign in the front of your home this can attract additional attention from those searching for a Livermore Valley home!

As a Livermore Valley Real Estate agent, I can attest that potential buyers are paying attention this time of year.  How you take care of and present your home, even during the holidays, can speak volumes to interested Livermore buyers.  If you plan to sell your Livermore Valley home in the upcoming year, tasteful exterior decorating can make a lasting impression.  Now, while it may be tempting to try to compete with Livermore Valley’s seemingly world-famous Christmas decorators; there is no need to go overboard to keep up with the wattage next door.

Not only can excessive decorating look, well… excessive, but it can put a damper on money and energy saving goals.  If you are hoping to be a little more eco-friendly this holiday season, below are some great tips!

1. Use LED Christmas Lights - LED Christmas lights consume 90% less electricity compared to regular Christmas lights and regular incandescent bulbs. As an added bonus, they cost only about $10 for a strand of lights.

2. Fiber Optic Decorations - The best way to utilize energy efficient decorations is through fiber optic decorations and trees. These trees have a single light at the base to light up the entire tree along with the decorations.

3. Timing Christmas Lights - Do not turn on the Christmas lights during the daytime. It is a waste of energy and electricity and no one can really enjoy looking at the lights during the day. Use a timer to automatically switch on lights when it gets dark and switch them off when there is plenty of natural light.

4. Tree On, Lights Off - When the tree is lit, there’s no need to have other lights on. Not only will you save energy from turning off unnecessary lights, but you will also enhance the festive atmosphere.

5. Go Classic- Classic holiday looks begin with evergreen wreaths and pine boughs with accents of red velvet ribbon.  Highlight this vintage decor in the evening by having energy efficient, green-colored bulbs near your entryway and in the foyer.  The less-is-more approach will give your home a stately holiday image.

For those of you who prefer the grandeur of many strings of lights, but lack the time or patience to deal with them, hiring a professional decorating service to deck out your Livermore Valley home could be a great option.   No ladders or no tangled cords can help reduce stress this holiday season.  Just make sure all lights are LED!

Holiday decorating is a great part of the holiday experience and can become family traditions. Each year can bring another decoration and another memory to an ever-growing display!  However you choose to decorate and celebrate the holidays in Livermore Valley, allow your pride of ownership and your enjoyment of the holidays shine through!  As always, if you have any questions about homes in Livermore Valley or are hoping to sell your Livermore Valley home in 2011; feel free to contact me!  I look forward to helping you through the Livermore Valley Real Estate market!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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10 Moving Tips to Make Your Move Less Stressful

September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Experience has taught us organization is the key to making your moving day in Livermore, CA as smooth as possible.

Don’t forget to label your boxes, especially any box that contains items that are needed immediately such as sheets and towels. You’ll need those items first when you move in. Here are 9more great moving tips.

  • Create an “OPEN ME FIRST” box containing personal essentials like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, paper plates, paper cups, paper towels, snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, flashlight, tools (screwdriver, pliers), and any other items your family can’t do without. Have this box available so it can be removed first from the moving van.
  • Take your old phone book with you just in case you need to contact someone from your former home.
  • Exchange your contact information with the mover’s foreman in case you need to contact each other.
  • Read all moving documents before you sign anything. If you don’t understand something, ask for a clear explanation.
  • Note your shipment’s registration number, and keep your Bill of Loading handy during the move.
  • If you’re moving long distance, it’s possible your household goods and personal belongings could be on a truck with someone else’s goods too.
  • If this is the case, your mover may have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days.
  • Ask your mover if your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask if you may inspect the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.
  • Lastly – take all your personal documentation (medical records, school records, financial records) and medications with you for your security and for your convenience.

Taking Care of Those You Love!

There are other moving tips to remember when relocating with your kids and pets. Be sure to contact us to request these special tips to make your move with kids and pets safe and sound.

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437 Knottingham Circle

April 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

http://www.437Knottingham.com

Filed Under: $500k-$750k, 4 Bedrooms, Featured Properties, Livermore, Property Bedrooms, Property Location, Property Price, Property Type, Single Family Home Tagged With: , ,