Belmont Neighborhood Associations

We’ve updated the list of various Belmont neighborhood associations Download belmont_neighborhood_associations.pdf with an interactive map. Open the PDF file and click on the neighborhood association name in your neighborhood to jump to their web page. The Neighborhood associations below are non-profit organizations which to not mandate membership, but rather request a donation to continue their mission. If you aren’t familiar with your neighborhood association in Belmont, open the attached map and see if they have information on their meetings. We belong to the Belmont Heights Civic Improvement Association and it’s a cause well worth supporting. It’s nice to have a group watching out for your neighborhood.

Real Estate Fees REVEALED!

Be sure and get our Podcast where we discuss how to negotiate the best listing fee with your agent and how our variable rate fee structure works. Download Fees.mp3


This chart illustrates the correlation between the price a seller receives of their asking price and the days their home is on the market. Note that the optimum time to sell a home is in the first 14 days. Listen to our complete Podcast for a detailed explanation on how pricing your home right can net you more for your home and reduce the fees we charge!



Belmont Real Estate–Values are holding steady.

Anyone trying to understand the wild fluctuations in Belmont’s median home price need look no further than this chart.

We’ve tracked the median home price in Belmont over the last year—ever since the mortgage crises. What we were looking for was the impact it would have on home values. We sure were stunned to see a $200,000 median price increase last December, which lead us to go back and track the median size home selling too; this way, we could adjust for larger or smaller homes selling in a particular month.

Now that we’ve plotted the data, it’s easy to see that the dramatic swings in median value correspond directly to the large fluctuations in the size of the homes sold during a particular month.

Belmont only has 20 or so sales a month—sometimes far less—so just a few larger than average homes selling can really skew the true median price.

(click on the graph for a larger view)

Data retreived from the Multiple Listing Service–ProListing of San Mateo County

Belmont’s Month’s Supply of Homes

The month’s supply of homes is a great indicator of whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, and how bullish the market is in general. This barometer is calculated by dividing the number of homes available for sale by the number of sales per month.

We’ve tried to smooth out monthly anomalies by taking a three month moving average. Still, it’s clear that the beginning of the year was eventful. What made it so was not an unusual number of new listings but an abnormally low number of sales. So long as sales keep pace with the inventory of homes this line should be straight.

Anytime the month’s supply of homes is greater than two (months), it tends to indicate a buyer’s market. Note that for Belmont it’s currently at 3.25—clearly into Buyers market territory. To help put this number into perspective, for San Mateo County as a whole this number stands at 5.3 months and the national rate is over 10 months of inventory.

Belmont’s Weekly Housing Update-8.01.2008

Altura 

The Belmont Housing inventory is down to only 40 active single family residences for sale. That’s low for this time of year.

There are currently 24 homes pending sale which has helped drive the number of available homes down—last week added another seven to the list.

These are the six new listings that hit the market last week.

â–º2105 CIPRIANI BL
Detached Single Family (Class

4 bed(s) /3 1/2 bath(s)

5,580 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$1,199,000

MLS: 80824979

Nice home. Busy street.

â–º2602 CARLMONT DR
Attached Single Family

Carlmont

These are nice (technically attached) homes in one of Belmont’s premiere canyons. Large lots but sometimes small usable yards.

4 bed(s) /2 1/2 bath(s)

17,380 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$1,049,000

MLS: 80824689

â–º905 AVON ST
Detached Single Family

Sorry, there appears to be no uploaded pictures for this home. Hmm.

4 bed(s) /2 1/2 bath(s)

8,580 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$999,000

MLS: 80825395

â–º80 EDGEWOOD PL
Attached Single Family

This townhome appears fairly priced for the complex.

3 bed(s) /2 1/2 bath(s)

1,932 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$998,000

MLS: 80825408

â–º1907 OAK KNOLL DR
Detached Single Family

Oak_knoll

This was our “Best Deal for Belmont” this week. It’s got a nice feel, nice backyard, and it’s located atop one of Belmont’s best locations with a micro-climate protected southern exposure.

3 bed(s) /2 bath(s)

8,250 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$988,000

MLS: 80824402

â–º101 FARALLON DR
Townhouse (Class 2)

3 bed(s) /2 1/2 bath(s)

2,389 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$839,000

MLS: 80825321

Last week only five homes closed escrow. That’s very strange in that typically buyers try and close escrow at the end of the month to save on pre-paid mortgage interest. These are the five homes which closed escrow this week:

 

â–º140 VIRGINIA AV
Detached Single Family (Class

3 bed(s) /3 bath(s)

5,850 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$1,089,000

MLS: 80810712

It’s nice to have this home off of the books. It was listed for $1,089,000 and finally sold 105 days later for $1,025,000–$64K less.

â–º1505 ALTURA WY
Detached Single Family

Someone got a good deal on this home we believe—even though they had to pay $53,000 OVER asking to do so. It sold for $849,000 in 9 days.

3 bed(s) /2 bath(s)

7,800 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$799,000

MLS: 80810640

â–º2424 CORONET BL
Detached Single Family

This home had nice southern peninsula views but was TINY. Still, a good buy for the nice neighborhood. This home closed $30K under the seller’s asking price at $769,000.

2 bed(s) /2 bath(s)

5,700 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$769,000

MLS: 80817167

â–º1121 GRANADA ST
Detached Single Family

This starter home on the east side sold for $715,000–$10K under the seller’s asking price and in only 14 days.

3 bed(s) /1 bath(s)

4,968 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$725,000

MLS: 80812144

â–º817 COVINGTON RD
Detached Single Family

Talk about good value. To be in the Belmont Hills for under $600,000! That’s a nice price point.

2 bed(s) /2 bath(s)

5,150 sq ft 

Belmont (Belmont) 

$589,900

MLS: 80816502

Best Belmont Home Deals- July 29th 2008

This home, located atop one of Belmont’s mountains, is the best deal of the week for several reasons. Price is obvisoulsy a major factor and this home could easily have been priced at $1,050,000 in our estimation.

It has a great location, a warm micro-climate in the Belmont hills, and a fun floorplan that exudes charm and personality. The rear yard looks great for entertaining and it’s on a huge lot too.

BTW–last week’s best deal already sold in multiple offers.

View All Photos   
OAK KNOLL DR, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$988,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)
DOM: 2  CDOM: 2   MLS: 80824402 
Property Overview
Detached Single Family (Class 1)
Bed/Bath: 3 / 2 SqFt: 1,965
Yr Built / Age: 1956 / 52 years Assoc Fee:
Lot: 8,250 sq ft
Pricing/Dates
List Price: $988,000
Sale Price:
Sale Date:
COE Date:
OffMktDate:
WOW!Beautiful Belmont Home w/Mountain Views. 3 Lovely Bdrms,2 Remodeled Bthrms,Master w/Lots of Closet Space,LivRm w/FP & Access to Expansive Deck w/Views,Spacious DinRm,FamilyRm w/Built-In Desk,Updated Kitchen w/Lots of Cabinet Space,Hardwood Floors Thru-Out,Sunroom,Terraced Back Yard w/Mature Landscaping, 2 Car Carport w/ Garage Door and Extra Storage. Property Sold "As-Is". Pls Come See!!!
Listed By Leila Sisneros, RE/MAX Today

Peninsula Home Values in the Bay Area

We’re testing out some fun fusion style charts for our blog page so we thought we’d throw this chart out to show the median price trends in various Peninsula cities as compared to San Mateo county as a whole. When a housing market adjustment happens, the old saying location, location, location (being the three most important things in real estate), takes on a whole new meaning. It’s not just about living in a nice place, it becomes also about living in an area where the prices are more stable.

Podcast–Our Services

MorganHomes.com-Our Services

We’ve launched our first Podcast describing our services and how to learn more about buying and selling real estate on the Peninsula. Our goal is to update this Podcast weekly (time permitting) and bring you fresh content about the Bay Area real estate market, and perhaps more intriguingly, the inside scoop on how to go about buying and selling real estate–the stuff most agents are afraid you might find out.

Be sure and select the "subscribe to this Podcast" link in the lower right hand side bar to automatically receive Podcast feeds. Each Podcast should be under five minutes in length but we’ll try and make them well worth your time.

We hope you enjoy the show! Play it right here or download.

Download Podcast7.28.mp3

Belmont Housing Activity-Week ending July 17, 2008

Belmont–New Listings & Sales

With 47 Active listings Belmont’s inventory is holding steady. Last week saw five new listings—five more than last week. Another seven homes went pending and 11 closed escrow. Here’s a quick summary:

Pine Knoll is a secluded street atop a knoll in one of Belmont older neighborhoods. This is a cute home which was originally a small summer cabin. In fact, it still is a small cabin and needs to be totally redone in order to make a real house out of it. One gets a sense of the fun summer vacations which were no doubt had at this location.

1504 PINE KNOLL DR, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$899,000 Beds: 2 bed(s) Baths: 1 bath(s)

DOM: 5  CDOM: 5   MLS: 80821315 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

2 / 1

SqFt:

1,330

Yr Built / Age:

1932 / 76 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

11,076 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$899,000

Sale Price:

Sale Date:

COE Date:

OffMktDate:

Excellent Locationg on Culdesac street. Unbelievable views of the Bay. Large 11k lot with huge potential to expand or build. Current structure is over 1300 squ ft and has a full unfinished basement. Large family roome with Oak hardwood floors. Build your dream home with Panaramic Views of the entire bay area!!!!!

Listed By Brendan Royer, Cashin Company

This home on East Laurel Creek made our best deal of the week list for price and value. It’s nestled down in the canyon and feels more like a home in Tahoe than the suburbs.

3224 E LAUREL CREEK RD, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$768,500 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 5  CDOM: 5   MLS: 80821373 

East

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,700

Yr Built / Age:

1971 / 37 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

5,650 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$768,500

Sale Price:

Sale Date:

COE Date:

OffMktDate:

Open Sat 7/19 1-4pm & Sun 7/20 1-3pm ~ Tahoe Style Chalet. Creek across the street so views are beautiful!! Beamed ceilings! Roof replaced! Huge windows with gorgeous woodsy setting!! 3 car parking! Updated baths!! Open kitchen! Big rooms lots of sqft!!! Huge family room! Big decks to entertain!

Listed By Laura Bertolacci, RE/MAX Today

Ridgewood Court is a cul-de-sac off of Hastings and these homes are all attached. Seems a little overpriced to us.

5 RIDGEWOOD CT, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$1,028,000 Beds: 4 bed(s) Baths: 2 1/2 bath(s)

DOM: 2  CDOM: 2   MLS: 80822165 

Ridge_2 

Property Overview

Attached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

4 / 2 1/2

SqFt:

2,280

Yr Built / Age:

1977 / 31 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

3,675 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$1,028,000

Sale Price:

Sale Date:

COE Date:

OffMktDate:

This home has been completely remodeled with quality materials and fine finishes. Dual pane windows throughout, Granite kitchen counters, fine birch cabinets, Brazilian cherry wood floors, tiled bathrooms, recessed lighting, crown moldings, tall baseboards, new rear yard fence and recently painted exterior.

Listed By George Chopoff, RE/MAX Star Properties

This home is so new on the market even we aren’t going to see it until nest Tueday’s tour. It’s open Sunday, July 20th  1:30-4:30 if you want to go by.

1400 ARDEN LN, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$975,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 1  CDOM: 1   MLS: 80822410 

Arden 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,730

Yr Built / Age:

1959 / 49 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

10,660 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$975,000

Sale Price:

Sale Date:

COE Date:

OffMktDate:

New Listing! This irresistible sunfilled immaculately maintained private California ranch home offers 3BD/2BA/FM, Formal LR & DR, 2 fireplaces, beautiful random plank hardwood floors, laundry rm and 2 car garage with extra storage.Peaceful retreat with views of the courtyard, decking, and patios can be seen from almost every room. Close proximity to commute routes, CalTrain, & trendy cafes.

Listed By Joan Tosetti, Alain Pinel Realtors

Presented by Christine Morgan, Carlmont Associates, 650-508-1441, cmorgan@morganhomes.com

** Information contained on this report is designed for accuracy but is not guaranteed **

Waterloo is in the Belcrest Gardens—Hallmark Area—of Belmont. This one backs up to the open space watershed preserve. A little windy but nice views!

26 WATERLOO CT, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$1,550,000 Beds: 6+ bed(s) Baths: 2 1/2 bath(s)

DOM: 1  CDOM: 1   MLS: 80822427 

Waterloo_2

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

6+ / 2 1/2

SqFt:

2,750

Yr Built / Age:

1970 / 38 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

10,990 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$1,550,000

Sale Price:

Sale Date:

COE Date:

OffMktDate:

6 BEDROOM HOME IN HALLMARK AREA OF BELMONT. BACKYARD ADJACENT TO (SF WATERSHED) FABULOUS VIEWS OF WESTERN HILLS. DIRECT ACCESS TO TRAILS AND PARKS. PARTIAL VIEWS OF BAY. UPGRADED KITCHEN AND BATHS, THIS HOME HAS IT ALL. LOCATION, VIEWS, SPACE & CUL-DE-SAC!

Listed By Nathalie D.S.A, Coldwell Banker-Menlo Park-El Camino

The list below is for homes that closed escrow last week.

2761 YOSEMITE DR, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$955,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 8  CDOM: 28   MLS: 80813267 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,410

Yr Built / Age:

1957 / 51 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

6,000 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$974,500

Sale Price:

$955,000

Sale Date:

06/12/2008

COE Date:

07/11/2008

OffMktDate:

Dramatic Rancher in Immaculate Condition! Move-in Condition w/Open Great Room and Sheltered Backyard. Convenient location w/Fox Elementary School! Surround Sound included! Oversized 2 Car Garage plus Closets Galore!Beautiful Hardwood Floors, Soaring Ceilings, Recessed Lights, Double pane Windows & New Roof! Easy Living Here!

 

3406 LODGE DR, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$915,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 16  CDOM: 16   MLS: 80809314 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,790

Yr Built / Age:

1960 / 48 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

4,500 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$898,888

Sale Price:

$915,000

Sale Date:

06/01/2008

COE Date:

07/11/2008

OffMktDate:

07/12/2008

Back on the market! You get a second chance! This wonderful home boast newly refinished hardwood floors, an eat in kitchen with granite counters, vaulted ceilings, family room, interior just painted. Family room on the lower level leads to the patio. Some bay views from the master bedroom. At this price, this won’t last long! Hurry!

 

1923 BAYVIEW AV, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$940,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 19  CDOM: 19   MLS: 80810297 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,810

Yr Built / Age:

1956 / 52 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

4,000 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$949,000

Sale Price:

$940,000

Sale Date:

06/09/2008

COE Date:

07/11/2008

OffMktDate:

New Cherry hardwood floors in the main floor level, kitchen, bedrooms ect Great view off the deck looking out toward Stanford. lower level can be used as bedrooms, familyroom and bedroom, many choices. New driveway and fences. Full grown Redwwod tree at the front of house.

 

802 HILLER ST, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$660,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 32  CDOM: 32   MLS: 80810405 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,150

Yr Built / Age:

1952 / 56 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

7,300 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$699,999

Sale Price:

$660,000

Sale Date:

06/23/2008

COE Date:

07/10/2008

OffMktDate:

3BR/2BA, 1150+/-SF, LR/DR COMBO, GARAGE CONVERTED TO FAMILY ROOM, LARGE STORAGE SHED ON SIDE OF HOUSE THAT CAN ACCOMODATE A CAR, HEATED POOL, FENCED YARD, CONVENIENT LOCATION CLOSE TO SCHOOL, SHOPPING, TRANSPORTAION AND HWY 101.

 

Presented by Christine Morgan, Carlmont Associates, 650-508-1441, cmorgan@morganhomes.com

** Information contained on this report is designed for accuracy but is not guaranteed **

2323 CORONET BL, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$1,025,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 1/2 bath(s)

DOM: 21  CDOM: 21   MLS: 80812139 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2 1/2

SqFt:

1,820

Yr Built / Age:

1977 / 31 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

6,200 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$1,077,000

Sale Price:

$1,025,000

Sale Date:

06/20/2008

COE Date:

07/11/2008

OffMktDate:

This sunny, bright and airy contemporary home has been carefully updated with an attention to European design and modern architecture. Providing peaceful privacy galore, the house is nestled away from the street, surrounded by mature oak, pine and redwood trees. Two-story gallery windows bring the outside in and offer breathtaking unobstructed views of the bay and peninsula hills.

 

412 HILLER ST, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$660,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 1 bath(s)

DOM: 28  CDOM: 28   MLS: 80809737 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 1

SqFt:

1,010

Yr Built / Age:

1953 / 55 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

5,000 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$718,000

Sale Price:

$660,000

Sale Date:

06/16/2008

COE Date:

07/16/2008

OffMktDate:

Home sweet home – This is a sweet one! 3/1 in Sterling Downs. Great value in Belmont, in great location close to freeways 101 & 92. Great schools. Kitchen with skylights, new interior paint and carpet, double pane windows, surround sound in each bedroom.

 

508 ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$890,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 46  CDOM: 46   MLS: 80808120 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,570

Yr Built / Age:

1947 / 61 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

8,200 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$969,000

Sale Price:

$890,000

Sale Date:

06/27/2008

COE Date:

07/18/2008

OffMktDate:

Remodeled Home featuring Old World Charm on an 8,200sf lush landscaped level lot in the lower Belmont Hills! Three bedrooms and two baths, Gourmet kitchen has granite counters and designer cabinetry, plus modern gas range and appliances. Romantic Master Bedroom features cozy fireplace and vaulted beamed ceilings. Fireplace in LR and Separate Dining Room feature craftsman style beamed ceilings.

 

68 EDGEWOOD PL, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$910,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 1/2 bath(s)

DOM: 14  CDOM: 14   MLS: 80811434 

Property Overview

Attached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2 1/2

SqFt:

2,090

Yr Built / Age:

2003 / 5 years

Assoc Fee:

$173

Lot:

2,030 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$949,000

Sale Price:

$910,000

Sale Date:

06/11/2008

COE Date:

07/03/2008

OffMktDate:

Exclusive Ross Woods home with spectacular bay views. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal living room, formal dining room, family kitchen, soaring ceilings, and walls of glass doors and windows let in tons of natural light. A beautiful home for the discriminating buyer who does not want a yard to maintain.

 

Presented by Christine Morgan, Carlmont Associates, 650-508-1441, cmorgan@morganhomes.com

** Information contained on this report is designed for accuracy but is not guaranteed **

3425 LODGE DR, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$945,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 3 bath(s)

DOM: 11  CDOM: 11   MLS: 80812113 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 3

SqFt:

1,800

Yr Built / Age:

1974 / 34 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

3,900 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$949,000

Sale Price:

$945,000

Sale Date:

06/10/2008

COE Date:

07/15/2008

OffMktDate:

Ablsolutely gorgeous! Come by & see for yourself. This home had been updated w/loving care. 3BR/3 full BA’s. Remodeled eat-in kit w/granite countertops, maple cabs & stainless steel appl opens to fam rm w/sliding doors & access to rear level yd. LR/DR with lge bay window & gas fireplace. Bonus room off 3rd BR great for office or playroom. Double pane wndws thruout. Central heat & air w/2 zones.

 

1502 WINDING WY, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$769,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 bath(s)

DOM: 2  CDOM: 2   MLS: 80816411 

Property Overview

Detached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2

SqFt:

1,290

Yr Built / Age:

1958 / 50 years

Assoc Fee:

Lot:

6,000 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$769,000

Sale Price:

$769,000

Sale Date:

06/21/2008

COE Date:

07/23/2008

OffMktDate:

Beautiful bay views, family room off kitchen, fireplace in living room and family room, large deck off family room, attached two-car garage with workshop area and plenty of storage.

 

52 HERITAGE CT, Belmont 94002 (Belmont)
$900,000 Beds: 3 bed(s) Baths: 2 1/2 bath(s)

DOM: 15  CDOM: 61   MLS: 80817085 

Property Overview

Attached Single Family (Class 1)

Bed/Bath:

3 / 2 1/2

SqFt:

1,910

Yr Built / Age:

1972 / 36 years

Assoc Fee:

$375

Lot:

1,656 sq ft

Pricing/Dates

List Price:

$949,950

Sale Price:

$900,000

Sale Date:

07/08/2008

COE Date:

07/17/2008

OffMktDate:

LOCATED ON TREE FILLED CULDESAC.UNOBSTRUCTED,PANO VIEWS! WALL/WALL WINDOWS! FORML ENTRY, SPACIOUS FAM RM, OFFIC,DEN,. LR W/MANTLED GRANITE FRPLC,MEDIA ALCOVE & 54WINE BOTTLE STORAGE. UPDT KIT W/COFERRED CEILING.MSTR BA W/OVERSIZD GRANITE TILE SHOWER. 3 DECKS, PATIO HDWD FLRS,CUSTM WALL COL0RS,CRWN MOLDING,MANY AMENITIES! THE TOPPER IS HEATED FLOORS IN THE MASTERBATH.

 

Presented by Christine Morgan, Carlmont Associates, 650-508-1441, cmorgan@morganhomes.com

** Information contained on this report is designed for accuracy but is not guaranteed **

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Transparent. Frankly, I’m sick of the word…

Catch phrases are being overused, don’t you think?Istock_000006321121xsmall

They’re like a good song that gets played so much you’re afraid to turn on the radio for fear of having to hear it played once more.

It’s Friday and call it "fried-day" if you’ve had as hectic of a week as I-and with only two more work days to go, this seems like the best day to get off a rant.

Allow me to digress…If the 90’s were defined by conspicuous consumption than the "Ought’s" so far have turned out to be years filled with anxiety, uncertainty and fear.

Before the new millennium ever even got started we had to worry about the Y2K. Even naysayers of that alert surreptitiously logged into their bank accounts the next day just to be sure. Then the 21st century really hit and we ushered in new paradigms.

We voted for a new President that year but that too was after much anxiety in our nation. We never really knew without question if the President we voted for was supposed to be in office or not.

Things settled down and seemed to be humming along fine until September 11th 2001, when our country faced an unparalleled attack. More anxiety, uncertainty and fear.

That’s when our country’s paradigm shifted to a fear based society. Even our government leaders told us to go about living our lives, while looking over our shoulders; all while our mail delivery person was supposed to watch out for suspicious activity. We had to be alert, 24/7.

Then all of a sudden we needed to be green. Of course it would have been nice to think green all along; and in fact many people have. But suddenly everything had to be about "going green" and it starts to be disingenuous when corporations are going green as a marketing ploy.

Now with gas prices soaring, the housing market crashing and ruining everyone’s party, the only fun anyone we’re having is riding the stock market roller coaster-more uncertainty.

And now everything has to be transparent-transparent? Who coined that word to describe the new millennium business model?  In order to compete in real estate all of a sudden you have to be web 2.0 savvy and completely transparent. Not even the people using the phrase web 2.0 can agree on its meaning. And what about transparency? Don’t you think Coke owes it to us to make their recipe public? After all, we do drink their product…

Am I the only one who thinks the word transparent has a slightly negative connotation to it-as in there’s no substance, "it’s completely transparent"; or, "he’s so transparent", as in you can see right through his gimmicks?

I’ve never started a catch phrase before but could we try something with a little more integrity, such as "apparent", as in "His business style is completely apparent"-perhaps not.

It’s hard to be green and transparent at the same time. The only thing that seems transparent to me right now is that everyone is so busy trying to be transparent, in the meantime, they are.