Walnut Creek City Council Race

By now, just about everyone is tired of the political rhetoric that floods the media and the online community. Win, lose or draw - the election is just about here so hang in there!

I'd like to post some thoughts on the Walnut Creek City Council race. As you know, there are 4 candidates running for 3 open positions. One of the candidates is incumbent Gary Skrel. Gary has been a positive force on the council and is certainly deserving of re-election.

Bob Simmons is a former WC Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Commissioner and most recently has served 2 years as a Planning Commissioner.

When the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood chimed in on the General Plan 2025 process, Bob was a thoughtful contributor who asked the right questions and offered his support in favor of our cause to protect the Almond-Shuey neighborhood. Bob offers experience and balanced leadership that will serve our city well. You can visit Bob's campaign website for more information.

Kish Rajan is another up-and-comer who shows great promise for Walnut Creek's future. Kish's professional background is in Mobile Technology Services. Having grown up and attending school in Walnut Creek, he is the only candidate and would be the only council member with school-aged children - three of them, in fact.

Kish also has experience serving our city on the Parking & Transportation Commission. I have had the pleasure of watching Kish speak at a few community forums. He is extremely well-versed on the issues that affect our city. Kish represents the next generation of leadership that our city will be well-served in electing. Please visit Kish's campaign website which includes his interview on Comcast newsmakers.

Remember to Vote on November 4 - SKREL - SIMMONS - RAJAN.

You can also read the Contra Costa Times endorsement of all three of these candidates by clicking here.

Rental and Sales Activity in The Almond Shuey (May, 2008)

FOR RENT:

1559 Almond Ct is a 2 Bd, 1 Ba with a fireplace, no dishwasher, patio, 1-car garage, shared W/D, new paint/carpet $1,750/mo.

'Rustic Cottage on Shuey': 1 BD, 1 BA. The bedroom has a skylight and a mirrored closet across one wall. Efficiency kitchen w/microwave and an under counter refrigerator. Bath has a slate floor, a claw foot tub, and a door opening onto the garden. $735/mo

1907B Shuey Ave. 2 Bd, 1.5 Ba Duplex (1,023 sq ft) $1,700/mo


FOR SALE:

1518 Brooks St is a 3 BD, 1.5 BA 1,349 sq ft. Started at 749 on April 8. Reduced to 718 on May 6. Reduced again to 698 on May 25. (Total Days on Mkt: 49)

SOLD!

1987 Shuey Ave started at 699 last November. Reduced to 659. Sold for 625,000. (Total Days on MKT: 141)

Free Money? Lower Your Property Tax Payments Now!

Who said that there is no such thing as free money? OK, well maybe it's 'hidden' money. One of the few silver linings (dare I say benefits) of this 'transitioning market' is the ability to reduce your property tax liability. As your property tax payment comes due and payable this Thursday, I have a some potentially good news that the county is not exactly promoting.

As a result of the recent decline in the housing market, the California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 51(a)(2), under Proposition 8, allows for homeowners to request a reduction in property tax if the fair market value of their home is lower than the assessed value as of lien date January 1, 2008.

Properties that will have a drop in value are those that were most likely bought in the last few years. Those homes bought more than four years ago are unlikely to have dropped in value.

There are several opportunistic companies that have popped up to help facilitate the process; some for a hefty fee. As your neighbor and REALTOR-advocate, I have a tip.... it's actually quite easy to do it yourself - and I can help.

The process is fairly simple. First, you must download and complete this form. It is recommended that you submit the form along with supporting documentation. This may include sales comparables, appraisals, listings, written value estimates or information about the condition of the property.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss the current state of the market or to provide you with the supporting documentation you need to submit your property tax reduction request.

I am here to help.

Happy Spring...

It's been awhile since I posted to the Almond-Shuey Blog, but there is plenty going on in the neighborhood and around Walnut Creek.

Regardless of real estate market conditions, spring is always the time when a 'seasonal bounce' of buyer activity is evident. There is no doubt that we will be seeing 2-3 For Sales signs in the Almond-Shuey over the next couple of months. There is a 'Coming Soon' sign on Brooks and some intense renovations on Shuey that may indicate a forthcoming sale. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have an interest in selling your home or would simply like to discuss current market conditions.

Spring is also the time to clean out the old garage. This past weekend, my family held a garage sale on Shuey that had an incredible turnout. A few signs and a free Craigslist ad combined with beautiful weather resulted in lots of traffic and lot of 'treasurers' (junk) being hauled away. If anyone in the neighborhood is interested in holding another sale - perhaps several of us could hold one in the same day - let me know. I would be happy to contribute signs. I have a few 'Garage Sale' A-frame (stand up) signs that you are welcome to use. Just let me know.

Enjoy the weather!