While mold can be dangerous to your health, with symptoms ranging from breathing problems or congestion and watery, red eyes to aches and pains and even memory loss, it is also an issue easily solved.  Mold can grow in areas of constant moisture, as a result of flooding, a leaky roof or plumbing, or improper ventilation in rooms that are moist.

If you discover mold in your home before it’s for sale, a professional inspection and treatment should be done . You must first determine the source of moisture to begin your plan of attack.  If the area is large, you should consult with a professional for proper treatment methods.  If however the damage is slight or only affecting a small area, you may want to attempt the repair yourself, but only if you can make sure the type of mold isn’t dangerous.

After applying the appropriate protective gear (mask and gloves), you need to remove all porous materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall, carpeting and wood.  Non-porous surfaces such as cement, metal, tile or glass can remain.  Allow the area to completely dry over a 2-3 day period and use fans if necessary to help in this process. Then, with a non-ammonia detergent and a stiff brush, scrub the entire area, rinse and dry. Once dry, disinfect the cleaned surface with a solution of bleach and water (use one cup of bleach for every gallon of water). Allow the area to dry completely and then, retexture, paint, or decorate as needed.

If this is too big a project for you to undertake, we can refer you to professionals who mitigate mold regularly and can do the job for you.

San Mateo homes for sale for those of you considering a move.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 41. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $348,000 : 228 N Humboldt St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 970 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,000 sqft

   Year built: 1945
   
2. $725,000 : 1009 Sunnybrae Bl, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,640 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,050 sqft

   Year built: 1946
   
3. $749,000 : 409 E Bellevue Av, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 1,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1920
   
4. $822,800 : 1152 Wayne Wy, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,690 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,564 sqft

   Year built: 2000
   
5. $415,000 : 1056 Norton St, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,360 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1950
   
6. $475,000 : 132 Ottawa St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,140 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,750 sqft

   Year built: 1947
   
7. $699,000 : 952 E Grant Pl, San Mateo
   
   5 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,730 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,750 sqft

   Year built: 1939
   
8. $799,000 : 3528 Broadview Ct, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,780 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,958 sqft

   Year built: 1986
   
9. $749,000 : 67 San Miguel Wy, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,480 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,350 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
10. $818,888 : 1132 Wayne Wy, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,795 sq ft

    Lot size: 2,730 sqft

    Year built: 2000
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

90-day stats for Single Family properties in BURLINGAME, CA94010 as of May 11, 2012
Median List Price:	$1,325,283	Average List Price:	$1,485,235
Total Inventory:	49	Price per Square Foot:	$616
Average Home Size:	2,065	Median Lot Size:	6,539
Average # Beds:	3.56	Average # Baths:	2.81
Homes Absorbed:	5	Newly Listed:	7
Days on Market:	89	Average Age:	62

The Median price for Burlingame homes has risen over the past year.  This chart, below, shows you both the weekly changes (in black) and the quarterly changes (in orange).  Week by week changes can be affected by little or no sales or many sales.  The 90 day changes are more realistic to view trends.

Inventory, the number of homes for sale at any one time, was very low a few weeks ago and now we’re finally seeing homes to show buyers. The selection is good enough for someone to have some choices, but the ability to choose leisurely has gone.  Good homes are snapped up fast with multiple offers.  If you only want to consider a home totally renovated then be prepared for a bidding war.  If you’re the kind of person looking for sweat equity, where you do the work, you don’t have as much competition but there is some, and it’s usually a contractor or flipper, so again, you must be prepared to write that offer quickly.

Burlingame didn’t have the long days on the market that other areas were seeing during the last couple of years, so we rarely saw it taking many, many months to sell.  Today the average amount of time it takes to list and then sell the home is just under 90 days.  This is a fairly normal time frame.

The MAI stands for Market Action Index and it’s the way to answer the question of how the market is really doing.  It measures the current rate of sales versus the amount of inventory, or number of homes for sale.  An index above 30 says the Seller owns the market and under 30 the Buyer has the advantage.  Right now Burlingame is edging up to the 30 mark where neither the buyer or seller is at an advantage.  This means we have a balanced market.

Here are some homes currently for sale in Burlingame today.  We’d be happy to answer questions on buying or selling in Burlingame so give us a call or pop us an email.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 42. See more city of Burlingame real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $749,000 : 926 Laguna Av, Burlingame
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 950 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,750 sqft

   Year built: 1925
   
2. $1,150,000 : 717 Howard Av, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,250 sqft

   Year built: 1915
   
3. $899,000 : 1112 Palm Dr, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,360 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,928 sqft

   Year built: 1916
   
4. $1,380,000 : 2505 Valdivia Wy, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,070 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,125 sqft

   Year built: 1957
   
5. $1,280,000 : 2300 Ray Dr, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,310 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,665 sqft

   Year built: 1950
   
6. $1,428,000 : 23 Dwight Rd, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,200 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,960 sqft

   Year built: 1915
   
7. $1,199,999 : 376 Lexington Wy, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,950 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,600 sqft

   Year built: 1940
   
8. $1,825,000 : 1505 Bernal Av, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,490 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,000 sqft

   Year built: 1926
   
9. $1,299,000 : 1232 Balboa Av, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,740 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,000 sqft

   Year built: 1924
   
10. $1,150,000 : 2981 Arguello Dr, Burlingame
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 2,060 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,650 sqft

    Year built: 1963
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

The majority of those surveyed (at all education and demographic levels) still believe that owning a home is preferable to renting. The study, conducted from over 3,000 interviews, also showed that 64% of the renters surveyed planned on a future home purchase. Most of the survey participants listed high-ranking schools and safety as prime concerns when considering the location of that future home.

About 34% of those interviewed felt that “now” is a very good time to buy a home, but only 5% felt it was very likely that they would be purchasing a home in the next 12 months. The majority of survey participants (53%) felt that the housing market was likely to stay the same in the next year, but nearly all realized that the possibility of rental prices decreasing was unlikely. In fact many of those surveyed recognized the possibility of rental prices increasing, with 43% believing rents would increase and 47% believing they would stay the same. The majority of the respondents listed income, amount of down payment or job security as the largest obstacle to home ownership.
Click here to review the entire survey.

Here’s what’s for sale in San Mateo right now.

Sorry, but we couldn't find any results in the MLS that match the specified search criteria.

Try as they might to create a home that will meet every need and every taste, home builders are aware that it just can’t be done.  As with shoes, versatility lies the in key components; simple design, elegant paint tones, and a combination of shine, style and comfort.

As with your shoe purchase, buying a home requires you to consider what is most important to you and your future plans.

• Open design vs. cozy comfort?
• Modern storage options vs. vintage style?
• Planned, pre-designed landscaping vs. creative gardening?
• Modular vs. eclectic structure?

You should also consider how and who will be using the home.  Should it be tailored to you or is it an investment property?

• Primary residence or vacation home?
• Adults only?  Adults and pets?  Adults, children and pets?  Renters?  College students?
• Will it be used to entertain often and is parking sufficient?  Do you need a guest room?

There are many other questions to be considered before buying so take your time with your home purchase, if you can. Enjoy the journey as you find the home that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. And when you find the home that makes you want to click your heels, don’t wait.  Make an offer!  As to shoes?  If the shoe fits… buy it in every color!

Here’s what’s for sale in San Mateo today.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 39. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $725,000 : 1009 Sunnybrae Bl, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,640 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,050 sqft

   Year built: 1946
   
2. $749,000 : 409 E Bellevue Av, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 1,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1920
   
3. $822,800 : 1152 Wayne Wy, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,690 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,564 sqft

   Year built: 2000
   
4. $699,000 : 952 E Grant Pl, San Mateo
   
   5 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,730 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,750 sqft

   Year built: 1939
   
5. $799,000 : 3528 Broadview Ct, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,780 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,958 sqft

   Year built: 1986
   
6. $998,000 : 640 42nd Av, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 3,150 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,000 sqft

   Year built: 1962
   
7. $749,000 : 67 San Miguel Wy, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,480 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,350 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
8. $818,888 : 1132 Wayne Wy, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,795 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,730 sqft

   Year built: 2000
   
9. $549,000 : 2352 Elliott St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,470 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,800 sqft

   Year built: 1956
   
10. $539,000 : 1748 Hamlet St, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,030 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,150 sqft

    Year built: 1954
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Once you’ve gotten a bit acquainted with your new home, get to know the block better by taking a walk along your street.  Within a few minutes, you are sure to meet a few neighbors who are curious about you. Over a few days, your walks will encourage even more people to come out and meet you,  and soon you’ll be one of the “regulars.” Find out as much as can about your neighborhood’s “flavor” by asking open-ended questions and listening to the answers.

After you’ve established yourself, find a time to invite your new friends over.  Keep it simple with regard to decor and party preparations and host a get-to-know-you gathering or even a BBQ for your neighbors. Play group games such as 20 questions to discover hobbies and occupations or have a funny story contest. You may find out unique ways to get involved in your local community or that you have a lot in common with the man six doors down the street. Regardless of what is revealed through conversation and group interaction, you will feel more at home once you’ve shared a part of your life with your new neighbors and you’ll have contributed to creating a better community.  If you want to learn more about places and news, share an idea, or just “be a better neighbor” in your community, logon to EveryBlock.com.

If you believe that global warming is a real issue and you’re already trying to do your part, there are many ways to go Green in your daily living.  Whether you want to use solar energy so you can go off the grid or are interested in other options here are some things to consider.  The government even believes in this by offering tax credits.  What a great way to do your part!

Are you looking for an eco-friendly tax credit to use to upgrade your home this year?  You’re in luck!  While many of the programs available in past years have expired, the following are great options to consider now and all the way until 2016.

Geothermal Heat Pumps allow your home to be heated using the earth’s constant temperature instead of the outside air temperature and can reduce your energy costs. Most pay for themselves within 5-8 years and can last for more than twenty-five years. Learn all about the various options and models to consider here.

Solar Energy Systems for your household hot water needs are another eco-friendly option to consider! While the energy credit does not cover heating the water in your swimming pool or hot tub, considerable savings can still be seen with solar installation. Click here to read more about available water heaters.

There are several systems to consider when exploring ways to power your home while being energy efficient. The following systems all qualify for a 30% tax credit, some with no upper limit, so consider which alternative source may be the best for your home. All of these credits are available on your primary residence and some can even be used on a secondary residence as well.

Prior to embarking on finding a solution, however, you should do a survey to determine the total electricity consumption of your home.  Photovoltaic Systems, Small Wind Turbines, and Fuel Cell Systems are all great resources (though a bit more pricey) for creating and providing your own energy to get “off the grid.” There is plenty to consider when exploring these solutions, so make sure you do the research first to see what will work best for your home.

It’s that time of year again and if you have little ones and want to find a local Easter Egg Hunt there are many to choose from.  I think I’ve found almost everyone of them in San Mateo County and if you’re willing to head up to the City for one, or south into Santa Clara County, I have a few there, too.  It all starts this coming weekend and continues Easter weekend.  Have fun!!  These are held rain or shine so come prepared for all kinds of weather, since winter’s hanging around right now.

Saturday March 31 Begins the Hunts

In South San Francisco head over to Orange Memorial Park, on Orange Avenue by 10 AM where there will be two egg hunts taking place.  This hunt is the oldest on the Peninsula as this is the 81st year it’s taken place!  One just for Pre-Schoolers 3-5 years old and the second one for Elementary children  6-8 years old.  Bring your own basket.  This is FREE.  While you’re there tell the South San Francisco Women’s Club thank you for sponsoring the event.  Questions?  Call 650-829-3800.

San Bruno is hosting their 33rd Annual Easter Egg and Pancake Breakfast in San Bruno City Park presented by the San Bruno Lions and San Bruno Rotary Club.  It starts at 9 AM and runs until 11 AM.  The hunts begin at 10 AM.  Pancake Breakfast, all you can eat, from 9-11AM is $5 of Adults, Children Under 12 and Seniors are $3.  All children’s activities are FREE.

If you don’t mind driving down to Los Altos, there’s a hunt at 2nd and State Streets.  Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg hunts with a limit of 5 eggs per child.  Bring your own basket.  There will be crafts and face painting for children 10 or under.  This is from 10 to Noon

The Bunny Fun Hunt is held in Los Gatos on the front lawn of Los Gatos High School.  Carnival games, food, jumps, pony rides and a petty zoo make this a winner.  The easter egg hunt is FREE but you must bring your own baskets.  10 AM to 1 PM hunts begin at 10:15 and are by age.

Now Hop to April 7th

Burlingame‘s Annual Lion’s Club Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast starts early.  Breakfast is served between 8 AM to 11 AM and costs $6 for adults and $3 for children at the Burlingame Lions Hall 990 Burlingame Avenue.  The egg hunt begins at 9 AM for the toddlers, and again at 11 AM.  Be sure to have your baskets with you.

Awesome Egg Dive at the Burlingame Aquatic Center - If you’re looking for something different in the way of an egg hunt and have older children this might be fun.  Saturday afternoon between 2:30 and 3:30 PM will be a pool egg hunt where the kids jump into the water for eggs and and then exchange those eggs for prizes. This will take place at the Burlingame Aquatic Center. The competition is for children between 5 and 7 and 8 and 14 and they can splash and swim and have fun.  There is a cost of $6 whether you’re a resident of Burlingame or not.  Parents are encouraged to watch from the bleachers on the pool deck.  The Aquatic Center is at  1 Magnini Way, Burlingame.

Belmont is hosting their annual hunt at Twin Pines Meadow off of Ralston.  Be there at 9 AM SHARP.  It’s a free event for 3-10 year olds and all will get eggs, candy and other surprises.  Bring your own basket and thank the Belmont Park & Recreation Department to hosting this event.

Menlo Park has their Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Burgess Park, 701 Laurel Street, between 10 AM and Noon.  This is a joint venture with the Menlo Park Firefighters Association and the Easter Bunny arrives on an antique fire truck.  This is for children 8 and younger.  Bring a basket for the eggs.

Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos is bringing in the Bunny on a Helicopter and your children can greet the Bunny at 10:30 AM.  The Bunny will be giving out eggs to all children there and face painting will be offered by the Magic Princesses.  This event includes admission to the museum.

The 33rd Annual Eggstravaganza is going to take place in San Mateo. It’s a full day of fun for the family.  Pancake breakfast begins at 9 AM until 11.  $8 for adults and $4 for children sponsored by the San Mateo Sunrise Rotary.  Art and games run from 9 AM to 1 PM.  The hunts start at 9:30 and continue to 1 PM.  Along with all of this you’ll get entertainment by Andy Z, Happy Birds, and Magic Mike.  While you’re there why not participate in a Community Parade at 10:30?  It all takes place at Central Park, El Camino and 5th Avenue.

Easter Family Fun Day is being held in East Palo Alto.  This is a FREE event with a hunt, arts and crafts, rally races and entertainment by local youth groups.  Co-hosted by the East Palo Alto Police Activities League PAL, at Bell Street Park, 550 Bell St.  From Noon to 4 PM

San Francisco has Spring Eggstravaganza at Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park.  Egg hunts, carnival rides, giant inflatables, arts & crafts, entertainment, rib cook-off, food for sale. $8 per person.  Valet bike parking provided by the San Francisco Bike Coalition – located near the 2nd Avenue entrance.  This runs from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Redwood City’s hunt is at Malibu Grand Prix in Redwood City. Registration begins at 11:30 and ends at 12:45 PM.  The hunt begins at 1 PM.  Face painting, a petting zoo, and of course the Easter Bunny will be there. Raffle Prize Drawings with the grand prize a new iPad.  FREE!

Easter Sunday’s Hunts

Mountain View has a hunt at St. Timothy’s, 2094 Grant Road at 10 AM.  Egg hunts are by age groups.  Take your photos with the Easter Bunny. Bring your own basket and if it’s raining this one will be held indoors.  FREE.

If you know of an Easter Egg Hunt that I’ve missed in San Mateo County or for that matter, in Santa Clara County,  please let me know so I can add it here.

90-day stats for Single Family properties in BURLINGAME, CA94010 as of May 11, 2012
Median List Price:	$1,325,283	Average List Price:	$1,485,235
Total Inventory:	49	Price per Square Foot:	$616
Average Home Size:	2,065	Median Lot Size:	6,539
Average # Beds:	3.56	Average # Baths:	2.81
Homes Absorbed:	5	Newly Listed:	7
Days on Market:	89	Average Age:	62

If you want to live in Burlingame you pay the price to do so.  Prices have gone up this year and we’re seeing a split with smaller homes staying under a million and larger ones moving up and up.

The number of homes for sale has gone up this month but still doesn’t meet demand.  We just don’t have a lot of listings to show buyers right now.  This makes it hard for everyone and is now bringing the hated multiple offer situation we used to see.

Houses are selling in a little over 2 months, which is a healthy market.

Price per square foot is high.  The average lot size in Burlingame is 6000 square feet.  The average house is about 2400 square feet, and newer ones are bigger, older are smaller but if you had to replace the home it is expensive.

The median Market Action Index is now sitting at about 20, still making it a Buyer’s market. It has held as one for about a year.  Will this index move up this year?  I bet it does if we still see too few homes for the number of buyers who are out there.  We’re almost at a balanced market, meaning neither the buyer or seller has the advantage.  Offers are being negotiated even in multiple situations.

In this kind of real estate market it is critical that you have good representation as a buyer or seller. Negotiation is key and understanding of the market in Burlingame is very important.  Here are some of the homes for sale today.  Should you see one here that you’d like to see in person give us a call at six five zero, eight six seven, two nine zero nine.

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 54. See more city of Burlingame real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $749,000 : 926 Laguna Av, Burlingame
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 950 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,750 sqft

   Year built: 1925
   
2. $1,150,000 : 717 Howard Av, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,250 sqft

   Year built: 1915
   
3. $1,627,500 : 512 Primrose Rd #102, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,434 sq ft

   Year built: 2006
   
4. $899,000 : 1112 Palm Dr, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,360 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,928 sqft

   Year built: 1916
   
5. $1,380,000 : 2505 Valdivia Wy, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,070 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,125 sqft

   Year built: 1957
   
6. $1,280,000 : 2300 Ray Dr, Burlingame
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,310 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,665 sqft

   Year built: 1950
   
7. $1,428,000 : 23 Dwight Rd, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,200 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,960 sqft

   Year built: 1915
   
8. $1,199,999 : 376 Lexington Wy, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,950 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,600 sqft

   Year built: 1940
   
9. $1,825,000 : 1505 Bernal Av, Burlingame
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,490 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,000 sqft

   Year built: 1926
   
10. $1,299,000 : 1232 Balboa Av, Burlingame
    
    4 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,740 sq ft

    Lot size: 6,000 sqft

    Year built: 1924
    
11. $1,150,000 : 2981 Arguello Dr, Burlingame
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 2,060 sq ft

    Lot size: 7,650 sqft

    Year built: 1963
    
12. $2,699,000 : 1610 Chapin Av, Burlingame
    
    5 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 3,580 sq ft

    Lot size: 9,120 sqft

    Year built: 1907
    
13. $1,425,000 : 1533 La Mesa Dr, Burlingame
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,530 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,160 sqft

    Year built: 1955
    
14. $987,000 : 411 Bayswater Av, Burlingame
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,585 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,060 sqft

    Year built: 1917
    
15. $650,000 : 33 Park Rd #2, Burlingame
    
    2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,380 sq ft

    Lot size: 653 sqft

    Year built: 1978
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Everyone likes to save money.  Everyone, even billionaires do.  Part of owning a home, whether it’s a house, townhouse or condo, is home maintenance and if you’re disciplined about doing it, you can not only save money on your home, but help the environment with these tips.  Energy use is a huge portion of our budget.  Some homes are all electric, including heating, so saving a few dollars could be really helpful.  We hear about hidden electrical drains, meaning all of our appliances that run all of the time.  You know the ones with clocks that really don’t need clocks, or instant on?  That’s a huge money drain that PG&E just loves.  Good for their bottom line, but not ours.

When you purchase or consider purchasing a new home, there are lots of  things to consider.  One of these is the cost of utilities.  While they may not represent a large portion of your monthly expenses, their cost can really add up over time.  Once you have purchased your new home (and every few years thereafter), it’s a good idea to request an energy audit from PG&E to find ways that you can reduce your monthly expenditures.  Once you know what creates the bulk of your expense, you can use the following tips to reduce your utility bills in your new home.

• Update your appliances and fixtures to energy efficient models bearing the “Energy Star” label to save on water and energy bills.
• Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or if you can afford them, the new LED lights.  This can provide up to 75% savings on your lighting costs and keep your home cooler during the summer months.
• Be aware of your thermostat use. A programmable thermostat is a great idea during the winter, so you can allow cooler temperatures while you are away from your home.
• Lowering your hot water heater temperature ten degrees or shortening your shower times can results in savings.
• Turn off your appliances by unplugging them when you’re not using them.
• Adding insulation to your attic or attic door and replacing caulking over cracks around windows and in exterior walls can also reduce your energy costs.  You may even consider insulating your garage or garage door if possible.  Replacing or installing weather-stripping kits on drafty doors will also decrease your costs. So will adding an attic fan to remove heat during the summer.
• Planting deciduous shade trees and shrubs can provide more even temperatures in your home, as can appropriate window coverings.

Some of these things are really simple to do and should become part of your annual repairs to your home.  Others can become daily changes.  We all can do these things to help improve our bottom line, and our energy use for the greater good of our community.  This weekend is Earth Day and now is a great time to start your energy audit and savings.

90-day stats for Single Family properties in HILLSBOROUGH, CA as of May 11, 2012
Median List Price:	$3,956,500	Average List Price:	$6,181,090
Total Inventory:	56	Price per Square Foot:	$796
Average Home Size:	4,879	Median Lot Size:	32,900
Average # Beds:	5.27	Average # Baths:	5.27
Homes Absorbed:	4	Newly Listed:	5
Days on Market:	144	Average Age:	43

Just like the other communities around here there is a shortage of homes for sale.  Prices are up.  The median price for Hillsborough is almost $4 million.  Obviously you get a lot for those dollars as an entry level home in Hillsborough runs almost $2 million today.

Inventory, the number of homes for sale at any one time, is moderate.  The reason I say that is the town only has a population of 9200 people so there aren’t a lot of houses in the town as a whole, but there are about 55 for sale right now.

When you sell a home in the price range that Hillsborough runs it always takes a while in comparison to the local surrounding communities.  In comparison to past months, it’s taking much less time to sell a home in Hillsborough.

I really don’t like using the price per square foot chart much since these are generally the largest homes available in our area and always have the most square footage and largest lots so the price per square foot is always high.  Think in terms of replacement costs, and it’s not so bad.

Hillsborough is still a buyer’s market and will likely remain one for a long while.  Prices are very high and the pool of buyers is generally smaller than other surrounding communities.  Loans for these homes are still very favorable.

Here are some of the homes currently for sale in Hillsborough.  Should you see something here that you’d like to see in person please call us at six five zero, eight six seven, two nine zero nine and we’ll take you in to see them.

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 15. See more city of Hillsborough real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $2,625,000 : 540 Chelmsford Rd, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 15,210 sqft

   Year built: 1930
   
2. $1,800,000 : 2480 Summit Dr, Hillsborough
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,080 sq ft

   Lot size: 29,240 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
3. $1,800,000 : 1125 Bromfield Rd, Hillsborough
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,822 sq ft

   Lot size: 19,200 sqft

   Year built: 1949
   
4. $1,889,000 : 2440 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,480 sq ft

   Lot size: 33,750 sqft

   Year built: 1978
   
5. $2,895,000 : 1020 Crystal Springs Rd, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 5,880 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.80 ac

   Year built: 2006
   
6. $2,695,000 : 981 La Senda Rd, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,520 sq ft

   Lot size: 17,424 sqft

   Year built: 1987
   
7. $2,675,000 : 2225 Summit Dr, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,860 sq ft

   Lot size: 27,442 sqft

   Year built: 1978
   
8. $2,998,000 : 50 Sugar Hill Dr, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 3,200 sq ft

   Lot size: 23,850 sqft

   Year built: 1979
   
9. $2,680,000 : 347 Alberta Wy, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 5,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 21,754 sqft

   Year built: 1954
   
10. $2,128,000 : 1395 Avondale Rd, Hillsborough
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 3,099 sq ft

    Lot size: 1.29 ac

    Year built: 1977
    
11. $1,999,000 : 20 Persimmon Ct, Hillsborough
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 3,520 sq ft

    Lot size: 24,883 sqft

    Year built: 1979
    
12. $2,868,000 : 2550 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough
    
    6 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,520 sq ft

    Lot size: 37,500 sqft

    Year built: 1977
    
13. $2,650,000 : 1220 Black Mountain Rd, Hillsborough
    
    5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,700 sq ft

    Lot size: 31,903 sqft

    Year built: 2000
    
14. $1,799,000 : 25 Warmwood Wy, Hillsborough
    
    3 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,510 sq ft

    Lot size: 21,900 sqft

    Year built: 1958
    
15. $2,850,000 : 1508 Black Mountain Rd, Hillsborough
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 3,170 sq ft

    Lot size: 17,400 sqft

    Year built: 1955
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.