The number of single family homes on the market dropped from 54 last week to 51 this week, while the number of homes under contract increased from 40% to 43% during the same time frame.

Traditional (i.e., non-distressed) properties experienced similar changes, with the number of homes on the market dropping from 45 last week to 44 this week, and the percentage under contract increased from 35% to 36%.
 
We are experiencing a unique market that favors buyers who are taking advantage of historically low mortgage rates, and sellers who are finding eager buyers and low numbers of homes on the market that compete for these buyers.

If you would like to take advantage of our unusual market situation, give me a call.

The Almaden Community Center Activity Guide includes all of the programs, classes, and activities planned for the Almaden Community Center in Spring 2012.

Almaden Valley residents have a variety of classes and activities from which to choose. There’s something for everyone – from toddlers to seniors.

Choose from arts and crafts, camps, dance, early childhood recreation, education and enrichment, health and fitness, music, sports leagues and drop-ins, cooking, specialty programs, senior programs and events, and family events.

Registration for Spring 2012 classes and activities begins on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10am. You can register online, in-person (at Almaden Community Center), or via mail-in or fax-in using the registration form.

Join us to explore a Santa Clara County Park’s wildlife, habitats, Ohlone cultural history, and resource protection. The program is for children ages 9-11.

Jr. Rangers will hike, play games, and do activities to nurture a budding relationship with nature. Learn to track a coyote or deer. Imagine yourself as a Native American. Explore the habitats of bobcats, raccoons, birds and fish.

On the first day each Jr. Ranger is given a free T-Shirt and logbook. Jr. Rangers explore park resources through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures with park staff. Jr. Ranger badges and certificates are awarded based on attendance and good behavior.

The Calero County Park program dates are April 9, 10, 12, and 13, 2012. The program meets for two hours daily. This program is limited to the first 20 applications for each participating park. Registration Form.

For more information or to get on the mailing list for upcoming program dates and locations, call (408) 846-5632 or email interp@prk.sccgov.org. Please include your name, phone number, and mailing address (or email address).

Spring Recreational 4v4 Microsoccer is a four against four game with no goalies. This format allows players to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and have fun.

Each game consists of two 25-minute halves and a 5-minute half time. Practices start the week of March 19, 2012. The first game of the season is March 22, 2012, and the last game is June 2, 2012.

Registration began on January 3, 2012 and ends on February 24, 2012. Visit the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League (AVYSL) website for more information about the Spring Recreational 4v4 Microsoccer Program. You can register online.

Tax Returns
Tax-aid volunteers are available to assist low income seniors and families free of charge. Only basic tax forms will be processed, including 1040-EZ, 1040 A, or 1040 with Schedules A and B and California State Income Tax Returns. One-hour tax appointments are now available at Almaden Community Center on Saturdays in the months of February, March, and April, 2012 between 9am-12pm. Almaden Senior Program Members should call 408-268-1133 to set up an appointment. This service is very popular and appointments get filled quickly; call right away to secure your spot.

Social Security & Health Insurance
Representatives from Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and the Social Security Office will be available to answer all of your medicare and supplemental insurance questions. Learn the pros and cons of early withdrawal of social security, the benefits of waiting, and much more. Please join us on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:45am.

Driving Smart
Age Well, Drive Smart – a California Highway Patrol Program – is for seniors ages 55 and older. Those who complete this course will receive a certificate that may entitle them to a premium discount on their automobile insurance. This program has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Highway Patrol, the Office of Transportation Safety, and the Santa Clara County Traffic Safety Community Network (TSCN). Advance registration is required. The program is at the Almaden Community Center on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 9am-12pm.

Notary Service
A notary is available on-site as a service to program members. Appointments are available every Monday between 1-2pm. Each Almaden Senior Program Member may get up to three signatures per year at no charge. Additional signatures are $5 each.

Get rid of your old computers, laptops, TVs, DVD/CD players, FAX machines, printers, telecom equipment, cell phones, copy machines, speakers, stereos, cables, microwave ovens, scrap metals, and appliances. There is a small disposal fee for fluorescent lights and alkaline batteries.

Easy curb side drop-off. They robotics team will unload for you. The event is in the student parking lot at Leland High School on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 9am to 3pm.

This event is made possible via a partnership with Green Mouse Recycling, an electronic waste recycling business committed to building communities by providing a friendly and convenient way to dispose of unwanted waste.

This event will also include time for informal business networking with other attendees, and the chance to speak with Mike Wasserman. Horderves and drinks will be served.

All local business owners and leaders are invited. The event is at the offices of Case Design & Remodeling in Almaden Valley (6155 Almaden Expressway, Suite 400) on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 5:30-7:30pm.

This is a free event for all ABA members and guests with businesses in the Almaden Valley. Please email ecorreia@sagacent.com to confirm your attendance. Those who register in advance will receive tickets for door prizes.

The event includes dinner, no host bar, desert, dancing, live auction, and premium raffle. Joe Sharino Band will be playing.

Denim 2 Diamonds will be at The Golf Club at Boulder Ridge in Almaden Valley on Friday April 27, 2012 from 6:30-11:30pm.

This special event will feature five live bands: Tennessee River Band, Old School Rock-N-Roll, Chrome Deluxe, California Blues Machine, and Cornerstone House Band. The event will also feature an auction of sports and music items!

Tickets are $20. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life of Almaden and American Cancer Society. The event is at The Saddle Rack in Fremont, California on February 19, 2012. The concert starts at 5:30pm. Doors open at 4pm. You can purchase tickets online.

Relay for Life brings together people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

Teams of people camp out at Leland High School and take turns walking or running around the track. Relays are 24 hours in length; representing the reality that cancer never sleeps.

By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we’ve lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight cancer in Almaden Valley.

Relay for Life is more than just a fundraiser. Every person who participates joins others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to end cancer.

Anyone can form their own team and participate in Relay for Life of Almaden. Friends, families, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, sports teams, etc. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life.

Relay for Life of Almaden is at Leland High School in Almaden Valley. The event begins Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 10am and ends Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 10am.

The first Team Captain Workshop is at Penny Fraley’s house located at 6672 Crystal Springs Drive in Almaden Valley on February 16, 2012 at 7:30pm. Get involved. Join an existing team or form a new team.

Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer or for community service hours,a please contact Jennifer Caselli, Event Chair, at 408-472-3420 or Paula Myers, Volunteer Coordinator, at 408-315-1907 for more information.

View Relay for Life of Almaden’s Photostream.

Fleetwood Almaden Estates - Fairwood

South San Jose’s beautiful Almaden Valley community will soon be home to Fleetwood Almaden Estates. These beautiful single family detached homes represent the newest and finest quality residential properties built in San Jose over the past 5 years.

The entire subdivision will consist of 16 homes with variations based on two floor plans, the Hazelwood and the Fairwood. Nine homes will be available in Phase I of the development, and seven more coming in Phase II.  

The homes will range in size from +/- 2,000 square feet (Hazelwood) to 2,220 square feet (Fairwood). All feature either 4 bedrooms, 3 or 3.5 bathrooms, two car garages, and private backyards. Also included are designer interiors with superior finishes, including high-end energy efficient appliances.

Fleetwood Almaden Estates are developed and built by Hudson Homes, a subsidiary of long-time San Jose real estate developer Hudson Industrial Equities, Inc. “The homes feature architecturally distinctive styling and environmentally conscientious construction,” said Michael Hudson, President of Hudson Homes. “Inside, the homes will have the finest, state-of-the-art features and amenities that are normally found in custom homes selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars more.”

Many families moving into Almaden do so for the top-rated schools. The schools currently identified with the subdivision are Simonds Elementary School, Castillero Middle School, and Leland High School. “Fleetwood Almaden Estates provides a great opportunity for a number of families to have not only a top-notch home, but one near some of the best schools in the Bay Area,” said Michael Hudson.

The construction team broke ground on November 1, 2011. Following demolition and removal of the existing structures, the team completed the rough grading of the site and the underground utility installations for water and sewer. Towards the later half of December 2011, the team began the layout and installation of the foundations.

Vertical framing is scheduled to begin in early February 2012. Barring any serious delays, the roofs and windows, referred to in the construction industry as the “dry-in,” will start around June 1, 2012. The initial Phase I homes will be available for purchase and move in mid October 2012.

Fleetwood is within walking distance of numerous outdoor recreational areas, including Lake Almaden Park and Los Alamitos Creek Trail. The neighbored is also near a number of public amenities, including Whole Foods Markets, Trader Joe’s, AMC Theaters, Oakridge Mall, and a San Jose Light Rail connection. These are only some of the recreational, retail, and transportation services and activities within close proximity.

The new Fleetwood neighborhood is located at the northeast quadrant of Almaden Expressway and Redmond Avenue. Access to the community is provided via Redmond Avenue to Fleetwood Drive. A private road off of Fleetwood Drive provides entrance to the subdivision.

“According to many real estate experts, now is a good time for qualified, interested buyers to enter the market,” said Michael Hudson. “Interest rates for qualified buyers are at historic lows, and home prices are well below their historic highs. The housing market certainly seems to have stabilized and even rebounded in some markets.”

For more information, visit Fleetwood Almaden Estates or contact Therese Swan, Alain Pinel Realtors Almaden, at 408-656-8240.

Traditional (i.e., non-distressed) single family homes experienced similar activity, dropping from 52 for sale last week to 45 this week, and the percentage under contract increased from 22% to 35% over the same timeframe.

With positive economic news this past week and historically low mortgage interest rates, it’s no wonder there is renewed interest in real estate!

We are in a unique time where both buyers and sellers can benefit. Buyer interest is high, likely due in large part to the attractive mortgage rates. Sellers who put their homes on the market are finding a healthy pool of willing buyers.

Give me a call so we can discuss how you can take advantage of our unique market!

Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Update

Traditional (ie non-distressed) sales were similar; the number of available single family homes increased from 48 to 50, while the number of listings under contract fell from 16 last week to 14 this week.

Last week appears to have been fairly slow, with few new listings coming on the market and few going under contract. Although buyers are in the market and taking advantage of historically low interest rates, it would seem that sellers haven’t decided yet to put their homes on the market. It is an incredible time to sell your home. Call me if you are interested.

This wonderful, fun-filled evening includes live music performances by Pioneer’s “S” Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Also enjoy dancing, ballroom dance lessons, appetizers and desserts, and silent auction and raffle prizes.

The event is sponsored by Pioneer High School Music & Drama Booster Club. This is the booster club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The Band & Orchestra Program rely on the funds raised to pay for instruments, music, consultants, festivals, and other necessities.

The event is at Pioneer High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 7:00-10:00 pm. The price is $20 per person.

Christopher McCoy, Director of Instrumental Music, at Pioneer High School has more information about the Big Band Dance on his blog, Mr. McCoy’s Music Notes. You can also read the promotional flier for more information about the event.

You are invited to attend this exciting live concert showcasing local talented bands and solo musicians from throughout San Jose.

Each of the five finalists will have up to 20 minutes to perform their set in front of an audience and judging panel of local music experts. The judging panel will determine the grand prize winner of the competition.

The Battle of the Bands concert is at Almaden Branch Library and Community Center on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 3-6pm.

Get the latest contest details for this year’s Battle of the Bands.

Teens ages 12-18 can join in on all the fun and participate in the competition for a chance to perform at the live concert in March and win awesome prizes! The last day to submit participation entries is Sunday, February 12, 2012.

You will be put through a challenging workout that delivers the ultimate in fat loss, muscle toning, strength building, and cardio training – promising incredible results.

Mission Fitness Boot Camp offers a fun, non-competitive, and supportive environment. A great way to get in shape! Sessions are run by Lindsay Barker, Exercise Physiologist.

Mission Fitness is holding ten boot camps in Almaden Valley throughout 2012:

• January 3, 2012
• February 6, 2012
• March 12, 2012
• April 16, 2012
• May 21, 2012
• June 25, 2012
• July 30, 2012
• September 4, 2012
• October 8, 2012
• November 26, 2012

Mission Fitness Boot Camp is held at Leland High School, Monday through Friday, 5:30am to 6:30am. You decide on the frequency and days you want to participate. Just show up and get a great workout.

The price is $200 for the 4-week camp. You can register online or call Lindsay at 408-309-1059.

The Summer Art Camp is a one-week, fun-filled learning experience that includes color theory, animation, and much more! Students will learn pencil drawing skills and how to use medias such as oil pastel, soft pastel, and watercolor. Your child will experience new freedom and a new love for art.

You have three Summer Art Camp sessions to choose from:

Session 1: Animal Drawing & Animation
Dates: June 18-22, 2012, 1:30-3:00pm

Session 2: Flower Drawing & Animation
Dates: July 16-20, 2012, 1:30-3:00pm

Session 3: Still Life Drawing & Animation
Dates: August 6-10, 2012, 1:30-3:00pm

The 2012 Summer Art Camp tuition is $135 per student, per session. Sessions fill-up on a first come first basis, so register now! See the flier for more information and Registration Form.

You can also register your child at the Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery located in the Old Almaden Plaza next to Sonoma Chicken Coop in Almaden Valley or call the studio at 408-997-3112.

Weekly Program

Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery also offers a Weekly Program that consists of a unique curriculum called Basic 1 through 14. The curriculum focuses on themes, media, color theory, and art history that helps students to visually understand and experience the techniques and basics of fine art.

This step-by-step curriculum is designed to improve the student’s artistic skills from 1st grade up through 12th grade, giving them the self confidence and the inspiration to further broaden their education in fine art.

Please call Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery to request a tour of its lovely studio and gallery and to learn more about its programs.

Black Oak Casino
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Pick-up is at Almaden Community Center at 8am.
Price: $25

You’ll receive $10 on a players card, $5 for table play, and $5 to be used for food.

Steinbeck Museum & Wild Things Park
March 14, 2012
Price: $42 per person
Pick-up is at Almaden Community Center at 8am
The group will return to the Almaden Community Center at 5:30pm.

Three Island Hawaiian Tour
April 19-28, 2012
Price: $3,999 per person, double occupancy

Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu. Fly to Kauai and explore Waimea Canyon, and take a tour of the Kauai Coffee Company. Finally, fly to Maui and adventure to Iao Needle and relax with a Polynesian Luau Dinner and Show.

Trains of the Colorado Rockies
September 21-29, 2012
Price: $2,419 per person, double occupancy

Visit three National Parks: Rocky Mountain national park, Colorado National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. Experience the historic Georgetown loop railroad, Grand Juncion, Durango & Silverton Railroad, Royal George Railroad, and Pikes Peak Cog Railroad. Learn the history behind these railroads while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Learn More About these Trips
Your tour representative is available to assist you with these upcoming trips. Go to the Almaden Community Center Travel Desk (located inside the Lobby) on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bring a friend and schedule your next vacation.

The show will be presented on three dates at the Almaden Community Center:

• January 22, 2012, 3pm. Dinner show, including wine and dessert. $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
• January 24, 2012, 2pm. Includes popcorn. First-come, first-served tickets for $5.
• January 27, 2012, 2pm. Includes ice cream. First-come, first-served tickets for $5.

Read more about the play and Mary Sheehan at Mercury News.