Elaine King's Real Estate Blog » 2010 » July

SUMMER @ SUMMERSET!

Elaine King — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:31:16 +0000

Our pools offer a place to gather for water aerobics, a nice lap swim or a place to float on your noodle. Residents gather at the pools and hot tubs to catch up on events, like people around the coffee pot or water-cooler at work. Water aerobics, BBQ’s, luaus, and family swim time are all part of the activities.

Last weekend, The Summerset Singers’ 10^th Anniversary Revue highlighted hit songs from their past stage presentations. It was a wonderful mix of old and new, fast and slow; and the talent of our Summerset Singers is incredible! If you get an opportunity to come to their next concert, do not miss it!

This Summer is destined to be a fun month on a gambling bus to Thunder Valley Casino, trips to Sausalito/Monterey/Capitola/Hearst Castle, and Earth, Wind & Fire/Harry Connick Jr. concerts. There is something for everyone at Summerset. The bocce, tennis, and golf playing are also favorite Summer activities at Summerset. Happy hour and a monthly karaoke night can also keep the fun going. FUN – yes we do fun, and do it well! Once you are a resident of Summerset, you will receive a monthly activity calendar, and can attend activities at any of the four Summerset locations

Summerset, an “over 55 age-restricted” community located in Brentwood and made up of 4 communities: Summerset 1, Summerset II (The Palms), Summerset III (Vista), and Summerset IV (The Orchards). Each community has its own HOA, recreation center, pool/hot tub, work out area, and activity director. might have what you are seeking. Now is a great time to take advantage of low prices (some at 2001 pricing) and interest rates in the 4% arena.

I love living in Summerset, please give me a call for a personal tour and discover Brentwood’s original active-adult community!

Deer Ridge & Shadow Lakes – Brentwood’s sister golf course communities

Elaine King — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:28:01 +0000

Brentwood has two “sister” golf course communities located just east of the Highway 4 Bypass on the north (Shadow Lakes) and south (Deer Ridge) side of Balfour Road. These homes can range in size from under 2,000 to over 4800 sq ft. Many of these homes had values over $1 million+ at the height of the market, and now can be purchased from the low $300K to just under $600K. Not every home is located on the golf course, but those homes that are located on the golf course are highly desirable.

Current homes range from $295K to $629K, with most priced below $425K. Here is a link to Deer Ridge & Shadow Lake homes currently available. (Link lasts only 30 days) The community is located near schools, shopping, sidewalks for walking, and health care facilities.

Recent Sales in Deer Ridge & Shadow Lakes had 46 homes SELL from $225K to $631K, with most homes selling under $410K. Buyers like this area for its amenities, the value for the money and the age of the home (built in 2001-2005). Here is a link to homes SOLD in Shadow Lakes/Deer Ridge since April 1st; link lasts only 30 days.

Rated BEST GOLF Value 2008 in Northern California, Deer Ridge & Shadow Lakes golf courses are a treat to practice your swing at the driving range, enjoy a quick meal or play 18 holes. The golf courses also have “e-specials”, so be sure to sign up! Here is the link to the Deer Ridge/Shadow Lakes Golf courses.

So, if you are looking for a golf course community set against the backdrop of Mount Diablo, think Brentwood’s Deer Ridge & Shadow Lake golf course communities!

Ethics and Paying your Mortgage

Elaine King — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:35:27 +0000

Are you having trouble making your mortgage? You are not alone! Eight percent of mortgages under $1 million are delinquent and almost 15% of mortgages in excess of a million dollars are seriously delinquent! The next wave of foreclosures could well be the over $1million homes! Not because they cannot pay, but because it is now a bad investment. It is called strategic default, and the numbers of participants is growing. . The delinquency rate on investment homes where the original mortgage was more than $1 million is now 23%, and 10% for less-expensive investment properties. Here is a link to the complete article by the New York Times. It may be smart to drop a bad investment, but is it ethical to trash a neighborhood?

FREE Golf and Corn Fest in Brentwood!

Elaine King — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:57:54 +0000

So you think green fees are expensive? Check out The Golf Club at Brentwood’s Grand Re-opening. 18 holes of golf for a $15 cart fee and 9 holes FREE if you walk! Great deal and good exercize! They are under new ownership, and plan to make the facility a PGA venue course. Here is a link to that article.

Want a FUN weekend event for your family? Then plan on coming to Brentwood’s Corn Fest! There will be lots of food, fun and activities for the whole family. For us active adults, it will bring you back to our youth. The event is a major fund raiser for Brentwood’s chamber of commerce. Tonight is firework’s night, too! Corn Fest takes place in downtown Brentwood. Plan on stopping in for some wine tasting at Co Co Wine Company; the atmosphere is fun and wine selection is great!

Wishing you a FUN Summer weekend!

Summer at Summerset – What’s for Sale & What SOLD!

Elaine King — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:36:10 +0000

Happy July 4^th Weekend from Summerset at Brentwood! Picnics, Bocce, BBQ’s, Tennis, & golf are all being experienced at Brentwood’s fun active-adult community. What fun to come to the pool for water aerobics, exercise, cooling off, or sharing talk with your neighbor.

New homes come on the market almost weekly and there is a strong demand for detached homes priced under $300K. Currently in Summerset, there are 27 homes for sale; sizes from 984-2857 square feet, with prices ranging from $179-$599K. The best value per square foot is a 1905 square foot home in Summerset 3 @ $173 sq foot. This is NOT a short sale, but a traditional sale, so the price is valid! As with this home, most homes in Summerset are gently used, but most buyers will want to update with granite countertops or stainless appliances that were not so important when these homes were built 7+ years ago. To view all current Summerset homes for sale click here! (Link good for 30 days)

Summerset is located in Brentwood and made up of 4 communities: Summerset 1, Summerset II (The Palms), Summerset III (Vista), and Summerset IV (The Orchards). Each community has its own home owner’s association (HOA), recreation center, pool/hot tub, work out area, and activity director. Once you are a resident of Summerset, you will receive a monthly activity calendar, and can attend activities at any of the four Summerset locations.

This past quarter, 22 homes SOLD in Summerset. Of those 22 homes that SOLD, 17 were priced under $335K. For a complete list, here is the link. (Link good for 30 days)

I LOVE this time of year and I love living in Summerset! For more information, give me a call.