The unsold inventory index for homes in California rose in June to 4.8 months from 4.2 months in June 2009, according to a report released Thursday from the California Association of Realtors. The index indicates the number of months needed to deplete the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate. Home sales decreased 4.2 percent in June in California compared with the same period a year ago. The median price of an existing home rose 13.6 percent according to the C.A.R. report. In our Santa Clara County market the median home price was $633,000 which is up 15 percent from June 2009. The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home was 43.3 days in June as compared to 44.3 days for the same period a year ago. It was also reported that Statewide the 10 cities with the highest median home prices in California during June 2010 were: Manhattan Beach, $1.74 million; Los Altos, $1.61 million; Saratoga, $1.42 million; Palo Alto, $1.30 million; Laguna Beach, $1.23 million; Newport Beach, $1.15 million; Los Gatos, $1.04 million; Rancho Palos Verdes, $1 million; Cupertino, $980,000; and Lafayette, $946,250.
Click on the stats to see more Willow Glen Market Stats.
Here are 10 ways to keep your lawn healthy and happy:
1. Remove leaves and sticks. A chipper/shredder can convert most small lawn debris to usable mulch or compost.
2. Prune dead or diseased limbs from trees and shrubs. Deadhead or remove spent annuals.
3. Clean up any edging that has started to look ragged from contact with mower blades or encroaching turfgrass. A power edger can quickly create clean lines.
4. Wash the driveway. Seal an asphalt drive if needed and if you have time. Concrete drives can be sealed, patched or cleaned also.
5. Clean the house itself, including brick or siding that are mildewed and areas of the foundation where rain may have splashed up mud. A pressure washer can make quick work of a cleaning job. Make sure you use the proper nozzle to avoid damaging siding.Clean gutters and downspouts, too (inside and out).
6. Add a new layer of mulch to the planting beds and paths. For an even quicker fix, stir up existing mulch to make it look fresh.
7. Add containers with in-season flowering or foliage plants. These will help to draw the eye away from the spots you’d rather not have people looking at.
8. Clean and seal your deck, especially if your gathering will take place outdoors.
9. Install low-voltage lighting for security and to highlight your home’s best features.
10. Build simple enclosures for the service areas such as trash cans and utilities. Lattice or fence panels can be installed relatively quickly. // <
