• Most real estate professionals agree that the first offer sellers receive on their home is usually the best offer. Of course, this isn’t true in every situation, but there are reasons why agents believe this, and why they often suggest that sellers either accept the first offer or at least give it serious consideration.

• Buyers in the real estate market usually start off slowly by going to a few open houses, checking out prices online, and doing their homework.  They may even make first contact with an agent to assess what the agent thinks about the state of the local market.

• From there, the buyers begin to get more serious.  They may start going on private, second or third showings with their agent and become a “real dealer” – a buyer who is completely in the game, approved for a mortgage, and actively engaged with their mortgage lender or broker.  Real dealers are often the ones who write the first offer a seller receives on a property, and that’s why their offers should be taken seriously.

• An offer from a real dealer may not come in within days of a property going on the market.  But it will come from an informed buyer who is knowledgeable of the market.  If a home is priced too high and a month or two goes by without an offer, it will be the real deal buyer who has been watching the listing and waiting to see how the market responds.  If the buyer notes that there aren’t any offers on it and there is no activity after some time, the real dealer will come in with a low offer, which actually may be a good offer, on the seller’s home.

• While sellers may see a low offer as “insulting” and coming out of left field, the seller should still look at this offer closely and investigate who the buyer is, how long they have been looking, ask whether they’ve written other offers nearby, determine if they are working with a good local agent, and ask if the offer comes with a pre-approval letter.

• As hard as it may be for a seller to contemplate an offer much lower than their asking price, serious sellers should look at all the signs leading up to it and consider if this is the offer to accept

  

  Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

  Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

  My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

  .

Upcoming Events in Yountville and Surrounding Napa Valley Areas

This is weekly feature post I will now do every Thursday to tell you about upcoming events in Yountville and around the Napa Valley. This way readers have a little more time to plan to attend one of these events. Please visit and enjoy one or more of these and tell them Curtis sent you. Thanks!!!!

• May 18 – Pride and Joy @ Uptown Theatre
  Live Music: During its 25 years of phenomenal success, Pride & Joy has remained the most popular band on the Bay Area music scene. This group is the Pride of the Bay Area and a Joy to anyone who loves to dance. 1350 Third St., Napa
  Fee: $20 Time: Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123
• May 18 – Live at Silo’s - Joshua Paige
  Celebration: CD Release Party! Country Music Artist Joshua Paige to tour Northern California hot spots including Silo’s in Napa. Big Saddle Records welcomes singer/songwriter to their artist roster. 530 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $15 Advance & $20 at the Door. Time: 8pm Phone Number: 707-251-5833
• May 18 – Spain vs California Tasting @ Back Room Wines
  Wine Education: Join us at Back Room Wines for this new tasting, “Spain vs the World,” and find out how California is doing with three Spanish varietals. We will pour you three pairs of wine. Each pair is the same grape, one of which is from Spain and the other from California. Compare, contrast and conclude who is doing it better! No reservations required. 1000 Main Street, Shop 120, Napa CA 94559
  Fee: $15 Time: 5pm-8pm Phone Number: 707-226-1378
• May 18 – Cooking Class and Farmers Market Tour
  Food Education: Cooking with Julie. We meet at St. Helena’s farmers market to purchase our provisions, visit a winery for a private tasting and then back to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class Asparagus Pesto with Rigatoni, Grilled Tuna with Tonnato, Warm Strawberry Souffle with Chunky Strawberry Sauce. 360 Crane Ave, St. Helena
  Fee: $215 Time: 8am-4pm Phone Number: 707.227.5036
• May 18 – Ashley Rhodes-Courte, author, book signing
  Reception: Free book signing and reception with author, Ashley Rhodes-Courter. She will discuss her book “Three Little Words” a memoir about succeeding after living for 9 years in Florida foster homes (Broman Cellars wine; food provided by CASA). 3900 Bel Aire Plaza (Copperfields Books), Napa
  Fee: Free Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm Phone Number: 707-299-3909
• May 18 – Spring into Summer with Karen Schuppert
  Food Education: Join farmer’s market addict and nutrition educator Karen Schuppert as we transition from spring to summer with salads of the season using farm fresh produce, sprouted seeds and gluten free grains. NapaStyle- Yountville at V Marketplace, 6525 Washington St, Yountville
  Fee: $25 Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Phone Number: 866-776-6272
• May 19 – Habitat Gardening
  Garden Education: The UC Master Gardeners of Napa County invite the community to join them for a public workshop. Learn to create a habitat garden. Learn what plants to include in your garden to attract lots of bees, butterflies and birds. 1710 Soscol Ave., Napa
  Fee: $5/person Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Phone Number: 253-4221
• May 19 – Annual May BBQ @ Pope Valley Winery
  

  Pope Valley Winery, Napa Valley

   
  Celebration: This year for our annual May BBQ, we will be providing wine tasting, tours, bocce ball, and live music. We will be pouring select Pope Valley Winery Wines with a complimentary glass. Our Tasting Room will be open for purchases of other varietals. Please RSVP by May 7th. 6613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley CA 94567
  Fee: $30/$25 Wine Club Members Time: 2pm-Sundown Phone Number: 707-965-1246

• May 19 – Alice in Wonderland @ Napa Valley Opera House
  Family Fun, Performing Arts: Napa Regional Dance Company presents Alice in Wonderland. 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $23 Time: 2 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372
• May 19 – Skipstone Ranch – The Artist’s Palette
  Wine, food, and art connect at Ma(i)sonry’s “The Artist’s Palette.” Enjoy a curated gallery reception, followed by a wine-paired dinner hosted by Ma(i)sonry’s vintner partner, Skipstone Ranch. Enjoy a tasting of fresh ingredients straight from the Skipstone Ranch, prepared in a three course menu, and paired with organic Skipstone Wines. 6711 Washington Street, Yountville
  Fee: $130pp/$115pp for Medallion members Time: 6:30-hors d’oeuvres/7:30-dinner Phone Number: 707-944-0889
• May 19 – Thriving Through Adversity
  Seminar: A workshop for youth, parents, and anyone interested in the foster care experience. Ashley Rhodes-Courter, author of Three Little Words will speak about growing up in foster care and facilitate a panel of former foster youth. RSVP to Lilliput at (707) 299-3909. 2277 Napa-Vallejo Hwy, Napa
  Fee: Free Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 299-3909
• May 19 – Black Stallion Winery Lobster Feed
  

  Black Stallion Winery, Napa Valley

  
  Celebration: Along with Black Stallion award winning wines, the menu includes a lobster, prawns, corn, artichoke, onion, potato and garlic. Weather permitting, the table will be set under our beautiful front arbor. Please make your reservations by May 9. 4089 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558
  Fee: $100/$80 Wine Club Members Time: 6pm Phone Number: 707-227-3254

• May 19 – Andretti Winery: Artist in Residence Opening
  Art Exhibit: In the heart of the Napa Valley, we proudly announce the grand opening of our new gallery space. Taste award winning wines and view the art of internationally acclaimed artist-in-residence, Edmund Ian Grant. Enjoy a glass of wine while you mingle & view the exhibit. Edmund will answer your questions & talk about his inspiration. 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa
  Fee: Free Time: 10am – 4:30pm Phone Number: 707-259-6777 ext. 229
• May 19 – Live at Silo’s - CR Vibes
  Live Music: Come Run with C.R.Vibes! Napa’s own Roots Reggae band creates conscious dance music for the people to let loose and vibe to. 530 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $20 Advance & $25 at the Door. Time: 8pm Phone Number: 707-251-5833
• May 19 – TREASURES @ Napa Valley Opera House
  Family Fun, Performing Arts: Napa Regional Dance Company presents Napa Regional Spring Show case: TREASURES. 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $18 Time: 7 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372
• May 19 – Annual Wine Celebration: Wine Renaissance 
  Wine Education: Partake in the revelry celebrating our latest wine masterpieces. Wine, food and frivolity! Enjoy live entertainment, activities and taste over 40 wines from our portfolio including Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards, Provenance Vineyards, Hewitt Vineyard and more!Beaulieu Vineyard, 1960 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford CA 94573
  Fee: $50 Time: 11am-3pm Phone Number: 800-919-3693
• May 19 – Curator’s Tour: Take a Chance on Miniatures 
  Exhibition: Come for a tour of the “Take a Chance on Miniatures” exhibition in the museum’s main gallery with Curator Jennifer Garden, who will talk about the work of the 80 participating artists in this year’s juried exhibition and fund raising raffle. Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville CA 94599
  Fee: $5/Members Free Time: 2pm-4pm Phone Number: 707-944-0500
• May 19 – Trinchero Napa Valley Latest Releases
  Release Party: The event includes a barrel tasting from the 2010 vintage of Trinchero Napa Valley, the introduction of five wines from the 2009 vintage, food prepared by the Trinchero culinary team, and live music presented by Grass Child. 3070 N. St Helena Hwy North, St. Helena, CA
  Fee: $25 Time: 1pm-4:30pm Phone Number: 800.967.4663
• May 19 – Hoe Down at the Hay Barn
  Benefit, Auction: Kick up your heels at a classy Country event and Fundraiser. Enjoy live music, fine food & drink with exciting auction lots up for bid. Benefits the Wolfe Center. Gordon Guether Gallery, 1821 Montecello Rd., Napa
  Fee: Call for information Time: 5 p.m. Phone Number: 707.255.1855
• May 20 – Tour & Tasting Tutorial at The Hess Collection Winery 
  Wine Education: This comprehensive two-hour wine analysis course begins with an orientation and tasting and proceeds with a visit to a historical vineyard and the fermentation cellar. Advance reservations required. 4411 Redwood Road, Napa
  Fee: $40 Time: 1pm Phone Number: 707-255-1144
• May 20 – Annual Meeting @ Goodman Library
  Historical: At the annual meeting each year we honor those who have made a significant contribution to the history of Napa County. This year, Landmarks and the Historical Society are honoring our authors, scholars, historians, volunteers, docents, and interns. We look forward to seeing you there! Goodman Library, 1219 First Street, Napa, CA
  Fee: Free Time: 2pm Phone Number: info@napacountylandmarks.org
• May 20 – Beaulieu Birthday Party 
  

  Beaulieu Vineyards, Rutherford, Napa Valley

  
  Celebration: You’re invited to celebrate 112 years of Beaulieu Vineyard with a grand Birthday Party hosted at our famous Rutherford House Estate. Enjoy live music, local food trucks, The BV Wine Lounge and a special Birthday cake! 1960 St. Helena Hwy South, Rutherford CA 94573
  Fee: $10 Time: 1pm-4pm Phone Number: 800-373-5896

• May 20 – Live at Silo’s - NVJS
  Live Music: “Let’s Get Lost” A Celebration of Jazz Icon Chet Baker The Erik Jekabson Quintet. 530 Main St., Napa
  Fee: NVJS Members $20 Non members $40 Time: 4pm Phone Number: (707) 224-JAZZ(5299)
• May 20 – Jeff Campitelli, Peppino D’Agostino, VOENA & Friends @ Uptown Theatre
  Benefit, Performing Arts: This is a fundraiser for VOENA to raise enough funds to allow all children to participate in this amazing Olympic Performance opportunity. Meet VOENA, children ages six to eighteen representing 35 cultures growing up in America as they come together in expression and exploration!
  Fee: $35/$45 Time: Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m. Phone Number: 707-259-0123
• May 20 – HCSF/SFCM Chamber Music Salon @ Beringer Winery 
  

  Beringer Winery, St Helena, Napa Valley

  
  Performing Arts: The program will feature graduating students from the SF Conservatory performing a collection of string trios. There will be an accompanying wine tasting and reception to follow. Join us for a beautiful Sunday afternoon of music, wine and friends. Register online. 2000 Main Street, St. Helena CA 94574
  Fee: $60/$45 Members Time: 2pm-4pm Phone Number: 415-621-3900

• May 21 – History in a Glass @ FreeMark Abbey
  Wine Tasting: Enjoy the gorgeous spring weather in Napa Valley as you taste a spectrum of wonderfully aged Freemark Abbey wines, expertly paired with hors d’oeuvres specially created by our estate culinary team. 3022 St. Helena Highway North, St. Helena, CA
  Fee: Fee varies, call for more information Time: 1 p.m.-4p.m. Phone Number: 800.963.9698
• May 21 – Decades Tasting @ FreeMark Abbey
  Wine Education: This fun, seated tasting experience was designed to help you fully appreciate the unique character and complexity of library wines, while learning to avoid common mistakes that can ruin your experience. 3022 St. Helena Highway North, St.Helena, CA 94574
  Fee: $50/$40 Club Members Time: 10:30am-12pm Phone Number: 800-963-9698 x3707
• May 21 – 25 – Wine Lovers Boot Camp - Basic Training
  Wine Education: Do you love wine and wish you knew more about it? Whether you are planning a dinner party and don’t know which wines to serve, long to be able to choose wine with confidence at a restaurant, or simply want to try something new but are not sure where to start, this Boot Camp is for you! Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena
  Fee: $2,195 Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: 888-206-8425
• May 22 – Cooking Class and Farmers Market Tour
  Food Education: Cooking with Julie. We meet at Napa’s farmers market to purchase our provisions, then a private tasting and then back to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Caldo Verde Soup, Grilled Steak with Nam Pla and Salad, and Cherry Galette with Cinnamon Ice Cream. 644 1st Street, Napa
  Fee: $215 Time: 8am-4pm Phone Number: 707.227.5036
• May 22 – Marc Yaffee @ Napa Valley Opera House
  Performing Arts: Adopted at birth and confused ever since, Marc takes his audiences on a comedy joyride as he explores his multi-ethnic roots and the culture clashes that fill his world. 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $15 Time: 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372
• May 23 – James Farm at Napa Valley Opera House
  Live Music: James Farm is an acoustic jazz quartet consisting of saxophonist Joshua Redman, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Matt Penman, and drummer Eric Harland. These four free-thinking musicians all individually hold a stake in the future of jazz, and together form a group with a new take on song-based improvisation. 1030 Main St., Napa
  Fee: $30 / $35 Time: 8 p.m. Phone Number: 707-226-7372
• May 24 – Chateauneuf du Pape Tasting @ Back Room Wines
  Wine Tasting: Back Room Wines pours a flight of four Chateauneuf du Pape red wines on this Thursday evening. Travel to this world-class wine region via wine glass, and see what all the fuss is about. Compare, contrast and enjoy four world-class “CdPs,” and take some home with you! No reservations required. 1000 Main Street, Shop 120, Napa CA 94559
  Fee: $25 Time: 5pm-8pm Phone Number: 707-226-1378
• May 24 – Celebrate Chardonnay Day at Cosentino
  Celebration: Join us as we celebrate Chardonnay day. Taste an assortment of our Chardonnays paired up with delightful accompaniments. 7415 Saint Helena Highway, Yountville, CA
  Fee: Complimentary for everyone Time: 5p.m.-7p.m. Phone Number: 707.291.2864
• May 24 – Chardonnay Day
  Celebration: Help us celebrate Chardonnay Day with a special Chardonnay flight and an additional 10% off all Chardonnay purchases. Girard Winery, 6795 Washington Street, Yountville
  Fee: Call for information Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Phone Number: 707-921-2864

  

  Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

  Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate from its heart, Yountville

  My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

   

Napa Valley and California Real Estate Fast Facts including short sales and bank owned (REO)

Napa County Residential Properties including condos/townhomes/manufactured homes (Source: BAREIS)

• Listed for sale (475): lowest $55,000, highest $29,500,000, average price $1,598,723, median price $779,000, DOM 157
• Contingent sale pending (347): lowest $62,500, highest $10,300,000, average price $453,955, median price $325,500, DOM 141
• Sale pending (103): lowest $49,900, highest $1,995,000, average price $424,481, median price $329,000, DOM 97
• Sold last 6 months (689):  lowest $38,500, highest $11,000,000, average price $498,387, median price $335,000 DOM 117
• Total of all categories above: 1,614; 459 are short sales 28.4%; 260 are REO 16.1%; total 719 distressed properties 44.5%

Calif. median home price: March 2012: $291,080 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county March 2012: San Mateo, $677,900 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county March 2012: Tehama, $108,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. Pending Home Sales Index: March 2012: 143.7, an increase from the revised 126.5 recorded in February.

Calif. Traditional Housing Affordability Index: Fourth quarter 2011: 55 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates: Week ending 5/3/2012 30-yr. fixed: 3.84% fees/points: 0.8% 15-yr. fixed: 3.07 fees/points: 0.7% 1-yr. adjustable: 2.70% Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)

Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

Short Sale Soundoff: BofA refines process for valuation disputes

Bank of America has refined the process for settling valuation disputes during a short sale.

The value of a property is established by independent third-party vendors shortly after a short sale is initiated. Occasionally, however, a listing agent may wish to contest that value. When that occurs, there is now a revised process for reconsidering the value.

Process Steps

1. Tell your short sale specialist that you would like a reconsideration of the value.
2. Receive an investor-specific, easy-to-complete form from your short sale specialist that specifies all requirements for a successful value dispute.
3. Fill out the form and attach specified evidence.
4. Stay in touch with your short sale specialist for results.
5. Expect a value dispute review within 10-12 business days once all required information has been received.

When contesting a home value, make sure you have compelling evidence to support your claim.

Do not reference property pricing amounts in the narrative on the form. This violates appraiser independence policy and is against industry standards. Any reference to pricing will disqualify the dispute.

Provide comparables that are recent, proximate (nearby) and similar to the property in question.

• “Recent” means sold within 90 days of the actual value document date.

•  “Proximate” varies by location. In a rural area, for example, a home five miles away could be considered proximate.

• You will be able to provide additional notes to highlight characteristics of the comps.

When the dispute centers on property condition or hazards:

• Provide an itemized estimate from a licensed contractor on the contractor’s letterhead.

Provide photos to illustrate the repair, condition issue, or hazard you want to highlight.

Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

When to refinance again

Those who refinanced their mortgages a year or so ago, when interest rates averaged just below 5 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan, may be wondering whether it’s time to refinance yet again now that rates are at least a full percentage point lower.

Making sense of the story

• As of Thursday, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey, the average rate on a 30-year loan was 3.83 percent, down from 4.63 percent a year ago, setting a record low.

• According to financial planners, homeowners considering refinancing first should delve into their financial goals, specifically the length of time they plan to live in the home.

• Some homeowners decide it makes more sense to stay with their current mortgage, especially if the savings are small or they plan to move within a year or two.  According to one financial planner, when homeowners refinance, they’re not building equity; they’re starting at the beginning of the amortization tables.

• Amortization schedules work like this: In the first few years, almost all of the payment goes toward interest, so the longer the homeowner has the loan, the more is put toward the principal.

• Those who refinanced in the last year or two don’t have to consider amortization tables, but they do need to know their equity position – and when refinancing would begin to pay off.

• To calculate that, start with a rundown of all the closing costs, then divide the closing costs by the amount expected to be saved on each monthly payment.

• Depending on the lender, most homeowners likely need to have at least 20 percent equity, and maybe a little more, if they want to wrap closing costs into the new mortgage.

  

  Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

  Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

  My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

  .

“Happy Mother’s Day” means more Than have a happy day.

Within those words lie lots of things We never get to say.

It means I love you first of all, Then thanks for all you do.

It means you mean a lot to me, And that I honor you.

But most of all, I guess it means That I am thinking of Your happiness on this,

your day, With pleasure and with love.

by Nicholas Gordon

St Helena, Napa Valley, Weekly Real Estate Update

Stats for last 7 days

new listing 6, price reduced 2, sale pending 3,  sold 2

Average prices, average days on market

current for sale           82 avg price $3,413,220; avg days on market 161

current sale pendings  12  avg price $1,052,742; avg days on market 208

sold in last 6 months   39 med price $1,608,933; avg days on market 170

New Listings

1648 Scott St, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21211386)

Completely remodeled 3bd/2bth home located on a quiet west side street near downtown St. Helena. Stainless Steel Wolf range, butcher block island, distressed hardwood floors and double shower head for two are just a few of the high end upgrades. French doors in the master bedroom and kitchen flow out to a large back yard and wood deck. Single level, thoughtful floor plan and privacy allow one to admire this spectacularly well build home.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/17/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	1964	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Napa
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	72

Location

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

Listing provided by Joel Toller, Heritage Sothebys International Realty

(view all details for MLS #21211386)

1520 Pine St, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21210959)

Totally rebuilt home located in a cul de sac in the West side of town. Home being sold country/modern furnished. Detached artist sludio and low maintenance landscaping make this the perfect weekend getaway.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/7/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	1945	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Napa
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	91

Location

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

Listing provided by Barry Berkowitz, St. Helena Real Estate

(view all details for MLS #21210959)

MLS # 21211516 in St. Helena, CA 94574

This is a fabulous property!! Deep soils that were brought in with an approved ECP. AW zoning, public water plus private well. The home is 2800 sq.ft., 6 bed,3 bath, beautifully constructed and newly remodeled. With 10.8 acres of land, you might have a vineyard, horses, or even a small winery with a cave! St. Helena schools. It's only three miles into St. Helena. This is one of the best properties in all of Napa Valley!

Property Type(s): Residential, Farms/Ranches

Last Updated	5/17/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	n/a	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Napa
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	9

Location

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

Listing provided by Steve Ericson, Heritage Sothebys International Realty

(view all details for MLS #21211516)

3454 Sage Canyon Rd, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21211481)

Old California has been redefined with this 65 acre estate property. Once part of the historic Priest Ranch, it melds seamlessly into the revitalized vineyards,pastures & open range brought back to life by its current owners & Somerston Vineyards. The knoll setting offers sweeping valley, vineyard & mountain views, a casual yet elegant 4bdrm/4ba upcountry ranch home, a 6 stall barn, pole barn, cross fenced pastures & approx. 12 acres of vineyard.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/10/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	n/a	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	3.0	County	Napa
Total Parking	3	Walk Score ®	0

Location

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

Listing provided by Lori Vernon-Gagetta, Coldwell Banker BofV ST Helena

(view all details for MLS #21211481)

St Helena home, $4,600,000, 2 br 3 ba, 4,306 sf, 3.6 acres

Price Reductions

2175 Palmer Dr, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21205039)

A quiet country feel surrounds this Provencal style one story home, only blocks from downtown St. Helena. Located on a private lane,the home offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms, four fireplaces, with an open floor plan and easy flow.The private back garden offers an expanse of lawn, putting green and pool,backing to a wooded hillside. The charming guest cottage offers privacy and comfort.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/15/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	n/a	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	Napa
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	23

Location

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

Listing provided by Cassandra Chastain, Pacific Union International

(view all details for MLS #21205039)

1299 Victoria Dr, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21110315)

Elegant remodeled 4Br 5Ba, one + acre county estate located in the heart of Napa Valley. This single story home features remodeled kitchen, formal dining room & family room w/ fireplaces, office, master suite w/ lovely remodeled bath & 3 walk-in closets, 2 additional bedrooms w/ full baths, an additional 1 Br 1Ba suite has separate entrance, bonus room & workout room, wine cellar, 18x41 ft pool, boutique cabernet vineyard, & beautiful garden.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/11/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	1988	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Napa
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	12

Location

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

Listing provided by Jim Perry, Pacific Union International

(view all details for MLS #21110315)

Sale Pendings

St Helena home, $639,000, 3 br 2 ba, 1,602 sf

1675 Sylvaner Ave, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21007305)

Best deal in St. Helena. Nearly .25 acre parcel, single story house in Sylvaner Estates close to western foothills. New roof, new granite kitchen counters, new stainless appliances, fully landscaped. Many recent improvements including freshly painted interior, new carpet and pad, power washed back deck. Rare W St.Helena location in quiet neighborhood close to schools, shopping, restuarants, wineries, parks, farmer's market, etc

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/8/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	1978	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	Napa
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	9

Location

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

Listing provided by Gail Lane, St. Helena Real Estate

(view all details for MLS #21007305)

1543 Kearney St, St. Helena, CA 94574 (MLS # 21204416)

Distinguished vintage home graced with charm, scale and character of a prominent residence built in 1901. Remodeled and expanded to include an inviting and spacious great room with chef's kitchen, work-in pantry, banquette, casual seating and dining. Master suite, library/formal dining, full attic and basement. Large parcel with lot split potential. Fabulous food garden, green house, chicken coop and bocce court. One-of-a-kind heirloom property.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/12/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	1901	Community	St. Helena
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Napa
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	83

Location

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

Listing provided by Cyd Greer, Coldwell Banker BofV ST Helena

(view all details for MLS #21204416)

Solds

1747 Park Ave, $620,000, 3 br 2 ba, 1,712 sf

1870 Spring Mtn Rd, $865,000, 3 br 2 ba, 2,133 sf

Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

Napa Valley Open Houses Sunday 

This is a new feature I will do every Saturday for those wanting info on open homes in the Napa Valley. For those wanting a map and more details, here is the link to the Napa Register’s open house page.

Napa Valley open houses Sunday May 13

Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

Yountville, Napa Valley, Weekly Real Estate Update

Stats for last 7 days

new listing 1, price reduced 0, sale pending 0,  sold 0

Average prices, average days on market

current for sale           13 avg price $694,338; avg days on market 154

current sale pendings  5  avg price $576,220; avg days on market 73

sold in last 6 months    9 avg price $558,333; avg days on market 149

New Listings

6667 Yount St, Yountville, CA 94599 (MLS # 21211374)

In a league of its own in world famous Yountville, this Stunning French country stone residence exudes European style & sophistication. Featuring an imported 200 year old French tiled roof with exposed beams, copper gutters and downspouts and hand scraped hardwood floors. Internal & exterior staircases to access upstairs living. The backyard features a flagstone patio with a water fountain next to a detached two car garage with carriage doors.

Property Type(s): Residential, Single Family

Last Updated	5/15/2012	Tract	n/a
Year Built	2005	Community	Yountville
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Napa
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	51

Location

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

Listing provided by Latife Hayson, Sotheby's International Realty

(view all details for MLS #21211374)

Price Reductions none

Sale Pendings none

Solds none

Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com

Avoiding mortgage relief scams

The offers seem like answers to the prayers of a struggling homeowner: A promise of legal tactics to forestall foreclosure, reduce mortgage balances and interest rates, or restore credit.  But these so-called mass joinder lawsuits being advertising in mailings are fraudulent – sent out by companies purporting to be law firms, according to a consumer alert by the Federal Trade Commission’s (F.T.C.) website.

• Consumers can lose valuable time to these dishonest players – not to mention money.  The nonprofit Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law estimates that homeowners nationwide who reported scams to its database have lost more than $60 million in the last two years alone.

• There are many credible law firms around to help homeowners.  But some businesses might be promoting themselves as providers of legal services, they might have only one lawyer on retainer, as a way around F.T.C. rules that allow only lawyers to collect upfront fees on mortgage aid.

• Such firms, and people posting as lawyers, are fueling a 60 percent jump in complaints about mortgage scams this year, according to a report by the homeownership Preservation Foundation, which helps distressed homeowners.

• When speaking with a lawyer, consumers might ask about the lawyer’s track record, including documentation of successes via media reports or signed court documents awarding borrowers money or relief.

• Consumers should beware of promises.  According to the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, “legitimate lawyers don’t make guarantees, just like doctors don’t.”

• There are plenty of free services available at nonprofit groups certified by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

• The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® also has information available about short-sale and foreclosure-prevention fraud.  Visit http://www.car.org/aboutus/forconsumers/loanfraud/for more information.

  

  Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com

  Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire, selling Real Estate here from its heart, Yountville

  My website & blog: www.NapaValleyAddress.com