The Emerald Hills Blog

The “What Sold, and What’s New” Series, as the name implies, is a quick summary of what homes sold during the past week in Emerald Hills and Farm Hill Estates, as well as any new listings that hit the market.

I instituted a little format change this week to the “What Sold and What’s New” series.   The address links under the “New Listings” and “Back on the Market” sections will now take you to a live, real-time MLS search engine.   This means that the link will now reflect the most current pricing on the home.  Before, you would simply upload a static page that would only reflect the status when the home first listed.     The only downside to the new format is that when the listing goes pending, it disappears off the MLS search (MLS laws, not mine.)  If this happens, and you’re interested in the status of a particular listing, just drop me a quick email and I’ll chase it down.     The new format should give you more timely information on what’s on the market.

Note that the format of the “Homes Sold in Emerald Hills” doesn’t change.   I hope you like the new format — let me know what you think!

As always, for additional details and photos, click on the home addresses below.

————————————————————————-

Homes Sold in Emerald Hills

528 Lakemead Way

• Pictured Above.  Sale Price: $1,115,000. Original List Price: $1,425,000.   Difference: $310,000 (21.8%) below original list.   DOM: 112 Days under MLS# 80832544.   Listed by Kimberly Copher of Coldwell Banker.

————————————————————————-

New Listings in Emerald Hills

919 Wilmington Way

• Pictured above.  — $1,785,000 — 4BR/2.5BA, 2,970 sq ft on a 11,912 square foot lot.  This home is featured as the New Listing of the Week in Emerald Hills.   MLS# 80903759, listed by Shelly Roberson of Alain Pinel Realtors.

803 Seminole Way:

• $1,197,999 — 3BR/2BA, 1,640 sq ft on a 15,162 square foot lot.  MLS# 80905252, listed by Sharon Schmid of Intero Real Estate Services.

————————————————————————-

Back on the Market

496 Summit Dr

• Pictured Above –  $1,248,888 — 4BR/3.5BA, 3,000 sq ft on a 17,119 square foot lot. Originally hit the market in November ‘08 at the same price. MLS# 80904179, listed by Vicky Constantini of Alain Pinel Realtors.

25 Danford Ct:

• $2,495,000 — 4BR/3.5BA, 3,959 sq ft on a 17,032 square foot lot. Originally hit the market in October ‘08 at $2,695,000.  MLS# 80905146, listed by John Shroyer of RE/MAX Today.

827 Upland Rd:

• $1,248,888 — 4BR/3BA, 2,850 sq ft on a 11,475 square foot lot. Originally hit the market in October ‘08 at $1,498,000.  MLS# 80904148, listed by Debbie Wilhelm of Coldwell Banker.

3357 Oak Knoll Dr:

• $998,888 — 3BR/2BA, 1,770 sq ft on a 12,000 square foot lot. Originally hit the market in March ‘08 at $1,379,888 under a different brokerage.  MLS# 80904116, listed by Michelle Glaubert of Coldwell Banker.

—————————————————————-

It’s very common to assimilate Emerald Hills with narrow, twisty roads and homes perched on hillsides with incredible views.  This is completely understandable, hence the word “Hills” in Emerald Hills.  But there are areas in Emerald Hills, especially in the upper-lake area where the terrain levels off, and you can find some really nice level lots.  The loop that is Wilmington Way is just one of these areas, and is the location of this week’s “New Listing of the Week” in Emerald Hills.  919 Wilmington Way is a nicely done, 4-bedroom 2.5-bath, 2,970 square foot home that is being offered at $1,785,000 by Shelly Roberson of Alain Pinel Realtors.

There’s quite a bit to like about this house.   First and foremost, the home is situated on an almost entirely flat 11,912 square foot lot…not your common plot of land in Emerald Hills.   Does that give a builder a nice clean slate to work with?  You bet, and they did some great things with it.   The back-yard is simply one of the nicest I’ve seen in a while up here.    That much level space makes for a very “pool-friendly” back yard, and they really did this right.   The pool is a very generous size (not a narrow, dinky one)  and it’s surrounded by ample wood decking and a great lawn that wraps around the back yard.    One thing is for sure — this house will be the most popular house on the street when the weather gets hot.   This is a good picture, but you really need to see this back yard in person to appreciate it.

Inside, this home is a good example of how to design an open floorplan.  The ceilings are high, the rooms are spacious, and the floor-plan has a nice flow.   There are hardwood floors throughout the ground level, and you even have a 3-car garage to store the big toys.   Another example of smart planning?  The home is situated so that the living area is situated far back from the street, but not so far back that it takes away from the back yard.

Finally, the location is ideal.   Whether you’re dropping the kids off at Roy Cloud, or you need to hop onto 280 to get to work, both drives are literally a couple of minutes max.   If this is something in your price range, definitely take the time to come up and see it.   You’ll appreciate it even more in person.    Here’s the link again with all of the details:

919 Wilmington Way

—————————————————————-

In one of the recent polls I conducted on this site, I asked viewers what they like most about Emerald Hills.   Some of the most popular responses were the rural feel of Emerald Hills, the size of the lots, and the views.   One response that in hindsight I should have included on the poll was unique architecture.

Emerald Hills has its share of uniquely designed homes.  It’s yet another characteristic that attracts home buyers to this area — where else on the Peninsula can you go that will take you from a 1950’s rancher (complete with horse corrals,) to a modern-day Craftsman, to a 21st century Contemporary….all on the same street???  So when I look for homes to feature as the New Listing of the Week, I try to find the homes that tickle as many of these features as possible.   For this reason, this week’s pick was a no-brainer…

550 Live Oak Lane, Emerald Hills

First, the quick stats: 550 Live Oak Lane is a 4 bedroom, 4+ bath, 4440 square foot home that is situated on a large 15,650 square foot lot.   It is being offered at $2,150,000 by Doyle Rundell of Cashin Company.   How does it meet the criteria?

Unique

OK, this home has an indoor pool!  How cool is that?

So, if you want to take a quick dip right before breakfast, it’s only about 20 steps.   Really.  Now that’s unique.   But the rest of the architecture of the home is unique as well.  It’s an interesting blend of Contemporary, Plantation, and Traditional all wrapped up in the same home.   The kitchen sports high ceilings, gorgeous cabinets, and new granite counter-tops.  Much of the downstairs flooring is actually a sealed flagstone.   And the master bedroom suite on the second floor makes extensive use of plantation-style shutters.

Rural

Live Oak Lane is definitely off the “beaten path.”   For those of you who drive up Oak Knoll (the upper section, that is) know what I’m talking about.  If you’re seeking some privacy and a little seclusion but don’t want to be too far away from everything, this is a great location.

Views

The large lot is situated on enough of a hillside to afford some nice valley and bay views, but not so steep to require stairs to get everywhere.   Even though the home is large, there’s plenty of usable land as well.

Summary

So if you’re looking for something unique in Emerald Hills, put this on your list of homes to see.  And with the nice weather we’re having this week, you’ll need to resist the urge to take a little swim while you’re there.

The “What Sold, and What’s New” Series, as the name implies, is a quick summary of what homes sold during the past week in Emerald Hills and Farm Hill Estates, as well as any new listings that hit the market.

As you might expect, activity in the real estate market tends to slow down during the holiday season. This year is no different. In fact, there were no home sales nor new listings to report the week prior, and there are no new listings again this week!

For additional details and photos, click on the home addresses below.

Homes Sold

• 949 Stony Hill Rd: — – Pictured Above.  Sale Price: $1,198,000. Original List Price: $1,249,000.   Difference: $51,000 (4.1%) below original list.   I featured this home as the (click here) New Listing of the Week in Emerald Hills when it first hit the market.  I really liked this home, and I’m thrilled to see that it sold.  DOM: 35 Days. MLS# 80842134.   Listed by Pam Piers Hammer of Coldwell Banker.
• 16 Don Ct: — Sale Price: $1,075,000. Original List Price: $1,195,950.   Difference: $120,950 (10.1%) below original list.   DOM: 21 Days under the current MLS# 80832104.  It originally listed 148 days ago under a different MLS listing number at $1,295,950 so the total difference turned out to be $220,950 or 17%.   Listed by Maxine Dumas of Dumas & Associates.

New Listings

There were no new listings to report this week.

The “What Sold, and What’s New” Series, as the name implies, is a quick summary of what homes sold during the past week in Emerald Hills and Farm Hill Estates, as well as any new listings that hit the market.

This week, buyers definitely got some good deals.  Three of the four homes that closed escrow this week took significant discounts (>25%) to get them into contract.   But it’s a buyer’s market now, and it’s simply a phenomenal time to purchase real estate in Emerald Hills and Farm Hill Estates!

For additional details and photos, click on the home addresses below.

Homes Sold

• 3869 Bret Harte Dr: – Pictured Above.  Sale Price: $1,265,000. Original List Price: $1,269,000.   Difference: $4,000 (0.3%) below original list.   DOM: 68 Days. MLS# 80832104.   Listed by Alex Lehr of Lehr Real Estate.
• 6 Goodwin Ct: — Sale Price: $1,100,000. Original List Price: $1,199,000.   Difference: $99,000 (8.3%) below original list.   DOM: 21 Days under the current MLS# 80840902.   It originally listed 161 days ago under a different brokerage at $1,739,000 so the sales price represents a drop of $639,000 or 36.7%.  Listed by Royce Cablayan of Coldwell Banker.
• 1033 Wilmington Way:   –  Sale Price: $1,050,000. Original List Price: $1,395,111.   Difference: $345,111 (24.7%) below original list.   DOM: 67 Days under the current MLS# 80832259.   Total days on the market:  199 Days.  It originally listed then at $1,699,000 — so the sales price represents a total drop of $649,000 or 38.2%  Listed by James O’Connor of Peninsula Estates.
• 3647 Glenwood Ave: — Sale Price: $665,000. Original List Price: $849,000.   Difference: $184,000 (21.7%) below original list.   DOM: 50 Days. MLS# 80829885.   Listed by Judith Beisler of Coldwell Banker.

New Listings

• 611 Lombardy Way: — Pictured above.  $1,698,000 — 4BR/3BA, 3,410 sq ft on a 12,196 square foot lot.  MLS# 80848274, listed by John Shroyer of RE/MAX Today.
• 3859 Bret Harte Dr: — $1,135,000 — 3BR/3BA, 2,197 sq ft on a 9,240 square foot lot.  MLS# 80847413, listed by Gary Bulanti of Alain Pinel Realtors.

As you might expect with the short week and the beginning of the holiday season, the rate of closed home sales and new listings slowed down quite a bit this past week in Emerald Hills and Farm Hill Estates.    However, with rates have dropping in the past few weeks, and with the hope of the credit market loosening up, buyers should have a renewed mission in the next few months.

Here’s what happened this past week.  Be sure to click on the addresses for more photos and information.

Home Sales

• 850 California Way: — Pictured Above.  Sale Price: $2,200,000. Original List Price: $2,495,000.   Difference: $295,000 (11.8%) below original list.  You may recall that I featured this home as a New Listings of the Week due to its contemporary architecture and its extensive use of “green” technology.  I feel this home is a blueprint of where new construction will go in the next decade.   DOM: 113 Days. MLS# 80824403.   Listed by Steven Lessard of Coldwell Banker.

New Listings

• 16 Don Ct: — Pictured Above.  $1,195,950 — 3BR/2BA, 1,720 sq ft on a 14,405 square foot lot.  This one isn’t actually a “new” listing since it’s back on the market, but it’s worth mentioning because it is located on a HUGE lot with redwood trees, which opens some great expansion options.   MLS# 80846731, listed by Maxine Dumas of Dumas & Company.

A good sign?  Two of the homes that closed escrow this week sold over list price.   New listings have slowed to a crawl, but that’s not out of the ordinary for this time of the year, regardless of the economy.  Click on the address link for more information and photos on each property.

Home Sales

• 668 Vista Ct: — Pictured Above.  Sale Price: $1,300,000. Original List Price: $1,395,000.   Difference: $95,000 (6.8%) below original list.  DOM: 200 Days. MLS# 80782969.   Listed by Loren Dakin of Alain Pinel Realtors.
• 35 Woodhue Ct: –  Sale Price: $1,225,000. Original List Price: $1,199,000.   Difference: $26,000 (2.2%) above original list.  DOM: 3 Days – this one sold fast. MLS# 80838178.   Listed by Wendy Suter of Prudential California Realty.
• 3671 Highland Ave: –    Sale Price: $1,190,000. Original List Price: $1,149,000.   Difference: $41,000 (3.6%) above original list.  DOM: 38 Days. MLS# 80835901.   Listed by Monica Bellard of Coldwell Banker.
• 668 S Oak Park Way: — Sale Price: $1,100,000. Original List Price: $1,295,000.   Difference: $195,000 (15.1%) below original list.  DOM: 41 Days. MLS# 80836518.   Listed by Everett & Fisher of Alain Pinel Realtors.

New Listings

• 285 Sylvan Way: — $2,188,888 — 4BR/3.5BA, 3,450 sq ft on a 10,023 square foot lot.  MLS# 80845984, listed by Christina O’Brien of RE/MAX Star Properties.

Better late than never…here’s the list of what sold and what new listings hit the market in Emerald Hills for the week ending 11/15/08.  As always, click on the respective address for more details and additional photos

Home Sales

• 1757 Edgewood Rd: — Pictured Above — Sale Price: $1,100,000. Original List Price: $1,150,000.   Difference: $50,000 (4.3%) below original list.  DOM: 8 Days under the current MLS# 80814015. It originally listed 105 days ago at $1,449,900 so the final difference is actually  $349,900, or 24%.  Listed by Sheryl Fleming of Alain Pinel Realtors.
• 668 Vista Ct: — Sale Price: $1,300,000. Original List Price: $1,395,000.   Difference: $95,000 (6.8%) below original list.  DOM: 200 Days under the current MLS# 80782969.   Listed by Loren Dakin of Alain Pinel Realtors.
• 3507 Glenwood Ave: –   $875,000. Original List Price: $875,000.   Difference: $0 from original list.  DOM: 5 Days,  MLS# 80825832.   Listed by Diane Viviani of Prudential California Realty.
• 3136 Oak Knoll Dr: — Sale Price: $616,000. Original List Price: $749,000.   Difference: $133,000 (17.8%) below original list.  DOM: 59 Days.  MLS# 80825832, listed by Donna Black of Cashin Company.

New Listings

• 3762 Jefferson Ave: — Pictured Above.  $1,515,000 — 4BR/3.5BA, 3,110 sq ft on a 10,018 square foot lot.  MLS# 80844603, listed by Insook So of Prudential California Realty.
• 496 Summit Dr: — $2,200,000 — 4BR/3.5BA, 3,050 sq ft on a 17,119 square foot lot.  MLS# 80844504, listed by Vicky Constantini of Alain Pinel Realtors.

After a couple of  quiet weeks, some nice big homes came on the market this past week in Emerald Hills.   See below for details.   For those homes that closed escrow, prices  continued their downward drop as we feel for the bottom of the market.

Be sure to click on the addresses for more details and additional photos.

Home Sales

• 828 Canyon Rd: (Pictured Above)  Sale Price: $1,010,000. Original List Price: $1,150,000.   Difference: $140,000 (12.2%) below original list.  DOM: 96 Days,   MLS# 80814015, listed by Victoria Constantini of Alain Pinel Realtors.
• 165 Westgate St: Sale Price: $835,000. Original List Price: $899,000.   Difference: $64,000 (7.1%) below original list.  DOM: 16 Days,   MLS# 80833982, listed by Victoria Constantini of Alain Pinel Realtors.  Nice week, Vicky!

New Listings

• 629 Lombardy Way: (Pictured Above)  $2,550,000 — 5BR/4+BA, 3,650 sq ft on a 19,166 square foot lot.  MLS# 80844180, listed by Laura Bertolacci of RE/MAX Today.
• 25 Colton Ct: $3,395,000 — 5BR/4+BA, 6,660 sq ft on a 20,200 square foot lot.  MLS# 80844270, listed by Tom Tornquist of RE/MAX Pioneer.
• 238 Upland Rd: $1,199,900 — 3BR/2BA, 1,970 sq ft on a 14,660 square foot lot.  MLS# 80844304, listed by Brenda Oliveira of Coldwell Banker.

How slow has it been in Emerald Hills?   This post was missing last week not because I didn’t feel like writing it — there were no home sales or new listings to report for the week of 10/19.   But fear not, you can’t keep this great area down for too long.   There are some nice options to choose from this week.  As always, click on the home addresses for more details and additional photos.

Home Sales

• 1077 Chesterton Ave: (Pictured Above)  Sale Price: $1,000,000. Original List Price: $986,000.   Difference: $14,000 (1.42%) above original list.  DOM: 13 Days,   MLS# 80836240, listed by Doug Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker.
• 830 Shepard Way: Sale Price: $927,000. Original List Price: $975,000.   Difference: $48,000 (4.9%) below original list.  DOM: 12 Days,   MLS# 80837772, listed by Loren Dakin of Alain Pinel Realtors.
• 3079 Goodwin Ave: Sale Price: $850,000. Original List Price: $879,000.   Difference: $29,000 (3.3%) below original list.  DOM: 21 Days,   MLS# 80832533, listed by Gary Bulanti of Alain Pinel Realtors.

New Listings

• 70 Fox Hollow Ln: (Pictured Above)  $2,125,000 — 5BR/3.5BA, 3,800 sq ft on a 20,068 square foot lot.  MLS# 80842113, listed by Linda Ryan of Cashin Company.
• 949 Stony Hill Rd: $2,125,000 — 4BR/2.5BA, 1,990 sq ft on a 7,700 square foot lot.  I featured this one below as the “New Listing of the Week” in Emerald Hills this past week.  MLS# 80842134, listed by Pamela Hammer of Coldwell Banker.
• 407 Crest Dr: $1,215,000 — 3BR/2BA, 2,190 sq ft on a 8,250 square foot lot.   MLS# 80843259, listed by Michelle Glaubert of Coldwell Banker.