The Wilkas Group » Burlingame CA

Sunday is the 8th Annual Burlingame Criterium

lenorewilkas — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:51:51 +0000

If you’ve never seen a serious bicycle race in person, this Sunday will be your chance to see one up close and personal when the annual Burlingame Criterium race takes place in downtown Burlingame. These racers are serious as they whiz by in high speed making fast turns around the track. Incorporated in the Criterium is the 8th Annual Ryan Phua Memorial Kids Ride for children 12 and under to race on the same course the adults will use. There is no charge for children to race but parents are being asked to make a donation to the Ryan Phua Memorial Fund which has been established through the Lance Armstrong Foundation, to fund cancer related programs in the Bay Area.

A Criterium is a closed bicycle race, generally less than 5K in length that leads to large groups of riders making tight turns and often seeing mishaps while doing so. These races are timed making them very interesting to watch. Downtown Burlingame offers just the right kind of site for this race and it’s really exciting to watch.

The races begin at 7 AM for the Elite 4 men, then on to the Elite 4 women at 7:50 AM. The last race concludes at 1:30 PM. The kids race is at 10:20 AM and lasts an hour. This is serious racing, folks. There are cash prizes for all except the children where they receive ribbons and there is no cost for their entry. It’s too late to enter in advance but you can register the morning of the race beginning at 6 AM, and up to 20 minutes prior to each race.

This race has been around for a long time and attracts a large number of people watching it. Parking is always difficult in downtown Burlingame, so you if plan on coming, check out the map below for ideas of where to park and be prepared to walk a few blocks. The race track will be closed to pedestrian crossing unless there is a race Marshall there to assist people when and where to cross. These cyclists are moving fast and we don’t want to see injuries take place because of careless people. Listen to the directions you are given by the Marshall working the track and follow them. You will have an exciting day of bicycle racing to see and it’s expected to be a picture perfect day for it, too.

Keep your parking south of Howard or north of Bellview and you should be fine. If you’re planning on coming down for breakfast and then watching, be sure to expect longer than usual lines at the many breakfast places downtown. The weather is anticipated to be warm so it should be perfect viewing weather for everyone.

How’s the Market in Burlingame CA 03.07.2011?

lenorewilkas — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:53:19 +0000

We’ve completed the second month of 2011 and the Peninsula real estate market is coming to life. Prices are beginning to rise and, believe it or not, loans are available out there for Burlingame buyers. One thing is for certain, the historic interest rates for mortgages will not last so if you are even thinking a tiny bit about moving up or down, or buying your first home, don’t wait. Interest will go up and your affordability index will go down accordingly.

Here’s what the market looks like with the number of homes listed in Burlingame this past month. I’ve included the data from January so you can compare. Keep watching and you’ll get the picture of the year as we progress along with these reports.

We didn’t see many closed escrows in February but I expect to see a lot of them in March. It is taking longer to close escrow today. We see most taking 45 days, even with stellar credit. Unless you’re paying all cash, expect it to take more time.

Here’s what’s currently for sale in Burlingame. If you want to see a property in person we’re here to take you and assist you with the purchase. If you’re a seller, we get amazing traction with these reports.

Showing properties 1 - 30 of 30. See more Burlingame Homes .
(all data current as of 2/11/2012)

$618,888 : 1493 Oak Grove Av, Burlingame

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,190 sq ft

Lot size: 4,280 sq ft
$699,000 : 1532 Barroilhet Av, Burlingame

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,000 sq ft

Lot size: 3,100 sq ft
$733,000 : 1491 Oak Grove Av, Burlingame

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,300 sq ft

Lot size: 4,360 sq ft
$799,000 : 418 Dwight Rd, Burlingame

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,140 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft
$840,000 : 260 Crescent Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,240 sq ft

Lot size: 2,862 sq ft
$999,950 : 1248 Capuchino Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,897 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$1,158,888 : 1500 Alturas Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,590 sq ft

Lot size: 9,000 sq ft
$1,295,000 : 1138 Douglas Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,500 sq ft

Lot size: 5,544 sq ft
$1,295,000 : 1512 Ralston Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,990 sq ft

Lot size: 7,896 sq ft
$1,298,000 : 2928 Hillside Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,825 sq ft

Lot size: 6,900 sq ft
$1,299,000 : 1530 La Mesa Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,640 sq ft

Lot size: 12,829 sq ft
$1,595,000 : 2673 Martinez Dr, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,100 sq ft

Lot size: 11,650 sq ft
$1,595,000 : 1361 Vancouver Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,830 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$1,675,000 : 1407 Montero Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,615 sq ft

Lot size: 6,100 sq ft
$1,699,000 : 3005 Canyon Rd, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,850 sq ft

Lot size: 8,450 sq ft
$1,699,000 : 141 Crescent Av, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,514 sq ft

Lot size: 7,535 sq ft
$1,749,500 : 2827 Hillside Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 2,990 sq ft

Lot size: 12,096 sq ft
$1,778,000 : 2417 Hale Dr, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,640 sq ft

Lot size: 4,950 sq ft
$1,875,000 : 94 Tiptoe Ln, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 5,810 sq ft

Lot size: 10,188 sq ft
$1,895,000 : 165 Tiptoe Ln, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,880 sq ft

Lot size: 14,747 sq ft
$1,899,000 : 1465 Drake Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 2,718 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$1,949,000 : 10 Tiptoe Ln, Burlingame

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,260 sq ft

Lot size: 25,375 sq ft
$1,995,000 : 1612 Ralston Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,803 sq ft

Lot size: 8,050 sq ft
$2,120,000 : 1506 Vancouver Av, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,000 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$2,195,000 : 23 Tiara Ct, Burlingame

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,940 sq ft

Lot size: 12,911 sq ft
$2,550,000 : 3066 Hillside Dr, Burlingame

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 4,200 sq ft

Lot size: 10,640 sq ft
$2,575,000 : 1116 Drake Av, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,065 sq ft

Lot size: 7,560 sq ft
$2,800,000 : 16 Davis Ct, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 5,000 sq ft

Lot size: 31,000 sq ft
$2,850,000 : 3004 Hillside Dr, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,500 sq ft

Lot size: 11,250 sq ft
$3,499,943 : 5 La Strada Ct, Burlingame

6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,325 sq ft

Lot size: 11,778 sq ft

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

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Will be Required in 2011: Burlingame CA

lenorewilkas — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:01:53 +0000

Earlier this year, the California legislature passed a law that will be taking effect on July 1, 2011 concerning Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Yes, I know that’s almost 8 months off, but the next time you’re at one of the big box hardware stores or Costco, pick up the Carbon Monoxide Detectors they sell and install them everywhere your current smoke detectors are in your home because on July 1st, all single family homes in California will be required to have them if, yes there is an if, you have a wood or gas burning fireplace, heat by gas, dry clothes by gas, or cook with gas. All of these things are considered fossil fuel burning appliances. If you have an all electric home, you won’t need these, since you have no fossil fuels in your home.

If you live in any other type of housing such as a condo, apartment, duplex, etc. this law goes into effect on January 1, 2013. You get an extra 18 months to buy and install these. Many condos are all electric – newer units have gas cooking, hot water heaters and gas furnaces. Landlords will be required to install them but tenants must maintain them.

Carbon Monoxide is the silent killer. One doesn’t smell it or see it. It’s a byproduct of the combustion from fossil fuels. If you use an old kerosene heater, heat by coal or oil, wood or gas, or any other petroleum product, you have fossil fuels burning inside your home. These batteries install just like the standard smoke detector. It can be hard wired or battery operated. They are more expensive than a smoke detector by looking at the prices at Costco so plan ahead and buy them over the next couple of months so your budget isn’t broken and your family is safe.

The State of California has set a fine for violation of this bill with at maximum of $200 for each offense. How will they find out? If you have a fire and don’t have one, or sell or rent your property, and don’t have them installed, the government will fine you. But seriously folks, for very little money you can protect yourself and your loved ones so don’t wait until the law takes place, start doing it now.

Better Homes and Gardens-JF Finnegan Realtors Enters Burlingame, CA

lenorewilkas — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:48:13 +0000

Everyone knows the Better Homes and Gardens name from reading the magazine and watching the cable TV channel. We are excited to announce that we, too, are now part of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate ® family as our broker, John Finnegan, joins their real estate family. We’ve made a dramatic change without moving, changing contact information or meeting new colleagues. The entire Prudential family we used to belong to is now Better Homes and Gardens-JF Finnegan Realtors and we’re still in downtown Burlingame.

What does this mean for you? For me? For us? Well, lots of new toys for us to play with and therefore to present to you our readers and clients. If you’re a client we will roll out some new things for you in the near future. I expect to have some great tips to share with you about home buying and selling, decorating and landscaping.

We are very excited about this new adventure for us, and therefore for you,too. Keep coming back to see what we have to offer you, dear reader.

Burlingame Market Report – 08.02.10 – Burlingame CA

lenorewilkas — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:24:06 +0000

Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in the Burlingame CA real estate market today. You can tell a lot by the number of houses on the market, or in real estate-speak, the Inventory, then the number of days a house sits on the market. Burlingame isn’t at a high for this year because it’s the middle of the summer but it’s really up there with 84 houses for sale.

Now let’s compare the Burlingame Inventory of houses for sale versus the Median Price. Remember, media price means the middle price, not the average price. It’s a great indicator of the real-time activity of a market. The Median Price is in orange the Inventory of houses is in black. We are definitely seeing prices receding from historic highs 3 years ago while inventory has climbed.

Now take a look at the Median Price for homes in Burlingame. Looking back one year we see the market bottomed in January 2010. This could have happened for any number of reasons, but probably because we see fewer homes on the market over the holidays and those that are for sale are there because they must be sold and prices reflect this. It’s also the best time to scoop up a bargain in real estate. This chart is showing both the 7 day Median Price, in black, and the 90 day Median Price in orange. First quarter 2010 was the time to find the great bargains out there. We’ve come up since then. One caution when looking at a chart like this is to be aware that a weekly statistic can be deceiving if there are only a few houses listed that week or sold that week. The 90 day picture is really a better snapshot of a market.

The Average Days on the market is another indicator of what’s going on. When we had a hot market in the mid- 2000′s, the average days on the market were short. Today it’s not, it’s around 75 days. Compared to the early part of 2010, it’s short, since we saw houses languish for several months before selling. We are really in a normal market for the number of days it’s taking to have a house sell. A normal market can take up to 90 days. This is the New Reality for Burlingame real estate.

The final chart for you is the Market Action Index, or MAI. This is data the Altos Research had developed to follow the quirks of the market between a Buyer’s Market and a Seller’s Market. They have set the divider of a Buyer’s Market and a Seller’s Market at 30. The closer the market gets to 30 the more balanced a market we have. Right now, Burlingame is at 17 and is still a strong Buyer’s Market. If you have the FICO score, money in the bank and have been pre-approved for a loan, you can find some great houses to choose from.

These charts are quick snapshots of the Burlingame market today. We have more in-depth information for our clients. If you want to see Burlingame homes, now’s a great time. Here are some of them below.

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Market Report for Burlingame, CA – 07.20.10

lenorewilkas — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:22:35 +0000

rliYes, it’s been a while since I’ve updated what’s going on with Burlingame real estate. If you’ve been driving around town, you are definitely seeing a lot of for sale signs so there’s no shortage of houses to pick from if you’re interested in buying here. There are 86 homes on the market today. Prices are trending downward, as the average number of days they sit before going into contract is now 82, and half of all listings have seen price reductions. Burlingame is still a strong Buyer’s Market and there are lots of houses to pick from.

Prices range from a low of $499,998 (believe me you don’t want this one) to a high of $6,500,000. According to Altos Research, the median list price of all homes on the market last week was $1,237,500. Burlingame has fantastic public schools, a quaint downtown and charm galore. It’s a desirable town to live in and with interest rates at historic lows, a good time to consider if you can qualify for a loan. We would be happy to talk further with you about your real estate needs, just click to contact us button and we’ll respond.

Today I’m introducing Zillow’s take on Burlingame as additional data for you. I am always hearing clients talk about Zillow this and Zillow that. They are getting much better with their data but they are not 100% accurate and you should never use them as the gospel for home values. They are only as accurate as the last sale in the neighborhood you’re interested in, so if you’re looking for data, ask your Realtor. Alex and I are here for more in-depth information on the market and the house you’re considering. We know the markets, and the neighborhoods, and can provide the information you want and need to make an intelligent decision.

Here’s Zillow’s data.

Burlingame Zillow Home Value Index

Burlingame Home Values – Interactive chart

Showing properties 1 - 25 of 30. See more Burlingame Homes .
(all data current as of 2/11/2012)

$618,888 : 1493 Oak Grove Av, Burlingame

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,190 sq ft

Lot size: 4,280 sq ft

Year built: 1925
$699,000 : 1532 Barroilhet Av, Burlingame

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,000 sq ft

Lot size: 3,100 sq ft

Year built: 1925
$733,000 : 1491 Oak Grove Av, Burlingame

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,300 sq ft

Lot size: 4,360 sq ft

Year built: 1925
$799,000 : 418 Dwight Rd, Burlingame

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,140 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft

Year built: 1949
$840,000 : 260 Crescent Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,240 sq ft

Lot size: 2,862 sq ft

Year built: 1916
$999,950 : 1248 Capuchino Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,897 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1920
$1,158,888 : 1500 Alturas Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,590 sq ft

Lot size: 9,000 sq ft

Year built: 1955
$1,295,000 : 1138 Douglas Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,500 sq ft

Lot size: 5,544 sq ft

Year built: 1914
$1,295,000 : 1512 Ralston Av, Burlingame

3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,990 sq ft

Lot size: 7,896 sq ft

Year built: 1922
$1,298,000 : 2928 Hillside Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,825 sq ft

Lot size: 6,900 sq ft

Year built: 1940
$1,299,000 : 1530 La Mesa Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,640 sq ft

Lot size: 12,829 sq ft

Year built: 1955
$1,595,000 : 2673 Martinez Dr, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,100 sq ft

Lot size: 11,650 sq ft

Year built: 1958
$1,595,000 : 1361 Vancouver Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,830 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1922
$1,675,000 : 1407 Montero Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,615 sq ft

Lot size: 6,100 sq ft

Year built: 1926
$1,699,000 : 3005 Canyon Rd, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,850 sq ft

Lot size: 8,450 sq ft

Year built: 1988
$1,699,000 : 141 Crescent Av, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,514 sq ft

Lot size: 7,535 sq ft

Year built: 1925
$1,749,500 : 2827 Hillside Dr, Burlingame

3 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 2,990 sq ft

Lot size: 12,096 sq ft

Year built: 1936
$1,778,000 : 2417 Hale Dr, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,640 sq ft

Lot size: 4,950 sq ft

Year built: 1986
$1,875,000 : 94 Tiptoe Ln, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 5,810 sq ft

Lot size: 10,188 sq ft

Year built: 1980
$1,895,000 : 165 Tiptoe Ln, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,880 sq ft

Lot size: 14,747 sq ft

Year built: 1988
$1,899,000 : 1465 Drake Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 2,718 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1926
$1,949,000 : 10 Tiptoe Ln, Burlingame

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 3,260 sq ft

Lot size: 25,375 sq ft

Year built: 1976
$1,995,000 : 1612 Ralston Av, Burlingame

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,803 sq ft

Lot size: 8,050 sq ft

Year built: 1921
$2,120,000 : 1506 Vancouver Av, Burlingame

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,000 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1998
$2,195,000 : 23 Tiara Ct, Burlingame

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,940 sq ft

Lot size: 12,911 sq ft

Year built: 2005

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

Burlingame Schools Are Fab-u-louso! – Burlingame CA

lenorewilkas — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:20:26 +0000

The Burlingame Elementary School District has announced that they have 2 schools with over 900 API State Performance Index scores and 4 with over 800 API State Performance Index scores. That’s fantastic Burlingame!! Add to that the 2009-2010 California Business Roundtable Honor Awards that all 5 of the elementary schools received and Burlingame has something huge to be proud of.

Burlingame Intermediate School’s, otherwise known as BIS, Knowledge Masters Team ranks 3rd in the State of California and 47th out of 649 schools internationally. Is there any wonder why Burlingame is one of the most coveted communities in the Bay Area? Home values have held and are once again rising.

This is the time to consider making a move to Burlingame if you live some where else. Top schools. Beautiful weather. Central to San Francisco or Silicone Valley. Graceful homes. All of this makes a fabulouso community for raising a family or just as a special place to hang your hat.

The Wilkas Group is here to assist you in finding just the right house to make yours. Our knowledge and expertise of the area is available to assist you. Give us a call or drop an email.

Spring Forward Saturday Night: Burlingame, CA

lenorewilkas — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:51:28 +0000

It’s Daylight Saving Time!

Oh, yes. It’s that time of year again, although, much earlier in the year then it used to be or that we feel it quite belongs. But Congress changed things a few years back and now Daylight Savings Time begins the first weekend of March. That’s this Saturday night! Tomorrow night. So before you head off to bed, don’t forget to change all of your clocks. In our house that’s a lot of clocks since appliances have clocks today, and walls have clocks, and radios have clocks, you get the jest. Move the hands forward so you don’t have a surprise in the morning wondering what time it really is. Spring Forward, remember that rhyme?

And yes, don’t forget the one clock that is often forgotten and it’s your watch. Don’t forget to change your watch.

Where’s the Market Trending? Burlingame CA – 02.11.10

lenorewilkas — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:30:44 +0000

My friends at Altos Research have built a new toy for their subscribers to use to show how the market is now trending with the Median Price versus the inventory of unsold homes. For my first use of this I’m offering you the Burlingame market, and you can play with the chart to see how the data changes. You can click anything between 1 month and multiple years. It’s a fascinating way to look at this data.

To see it in action you must click on the numbers just above the chart. Have fun playing with this.

The Wilkas Group is here to help you with all of your real estate needs in Burlingame. We can provide more in-depth real estate data for you but you need to ask us. Click on the button above left to request it. The tab at the top of the page will give you updates as well. I’ll be showing the same thing for Hillsborough, San Mateo and Foster City soon.

Have you missed a house payment? Do you need help? – Burlingame CA

Alexander Wilkas — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:39:18 +0000