Today’s half marathon, actually a little less than 13 miles, got off to a slow start as the approximately 200 runners crowded on the narrow uphill trail at the starting line. For the first 10 minutes, we had to walk. It would have been better had Mark and I started at the front of the group, but somehow we ended up in the back. The path would remain narrow for most of the run, making it hard to pass people. Additionally, the trail was very rocky, so I had to really focus on the ground. The sun never came out, which made for the perfect running temperature. This run was much harder than the Skyline Ridge run. I believe the elevation climb was 3000 feet. Our times can be seen at http://ourruntimes.googlepages.com.

2759 Hunter Street, East Palo Alto

Great light-filled 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home on a beautiful tree-lined street in East Palo Alto. Features include a wood burning fire place, double paned windows, spacious back yard and large two car garage with laundry hook-ups. Offered at $629,999. 

From Rick Turley, President, San Francisco/Peninsula Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Typically, the summer months see a slowing of the market as it competes with graduations and vacations. We have yet to see that typical slowdown in most areas. Though some areas are reporting lighter activity, others are seeing sale pick up. Once again, the standard patterns of real estate in the Bay Area continue to elude definition. Our reports reflect the week’s activity in each particular branch office, and it appears that “busy” sales weeks directly follow an influx of newer listing inventory in that office’s market. In the City and the Peninsula, we are not seeing increases of inventory followed by slower sales activity. In most offices, it’s quite the opposite.

A $2,795,000 listing in the Liberty Hill/Noe area of San Francisco received four offers. A San Francisco Parkside areas home received 21 offers significantly over the list price, however several other properties in the City were lucky to receive one offer. On the Peninsula, inventory is sporadically feast or famine depending on the location. Woodside/Portola Valley, Foster City, Redwood Shores and the most desirable San Mateo area neighborhoods all suffer from low inventory. Menlo Park is seeing a steady, healthy market; listings are picking up, and are selling just as quickly. The past two weeks have seen a few more $5 million+ sales on the Peninsula. Buyer confidence is strong; the Dow and the NASDAQ have made some local residents more flush which helps fuel the positive activity.

According to media reports, a man posing as a perspective homebuyer has been frequenting open houses and visiting real estate offices in Berkeley, San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, stealing purses, wallets and other valuables.

The man is usually accompanied by an older woman who claims to be his mother. They have been seen driving a late model, blue Jaguar. They show up at open houses and realty offices and claim they are interested in buying homes for cash. While the woman distracts the real estate agent, the man prowls around the home or office and steals wallets and purses, according to the report. The man is also impersonating a police officer.

The suspect is identified as Paul McClung, 30. Anyone with information on MrClung or his whereabouts is asked to call Berkeley police property crimes/fraud detail at 510-981-5737

My most scenic run yet, at Pacifica’s San Pedro Valley Park, is coming up is less than two weeks. The 13 mile run includes a 2930 foot elevation gain. The trail travels through Eucalyptus trees and past Brooks Falls, and on to North Peak overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park is located in the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found in over 100 miles of coastline.

I will be at 386 Everett Avenue this Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 (assuming I survive my 16 mile run Saturday morning). This contemporary condo, listed at $849,000, has been completely remodeled from floor to ceiling. The square footage, approximately 1098 sq. ft., does not include a huge deck that looks out to Johnson Park. Location, location, location! Live here and stumble out of bed to Lytton Coffee!

386 Everett

From Rick Turley, President, San Francisco/Peninsula Coldwell Banker…

“Throughout all of Santa Clara, there are 40% more properties currently available compared to the same week last year. But, looking more closely at our Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View and Los Altos markets, there are 18% fewer properties available this year over last, holding true to the fact that higher priced communities are selling much more rapidly than the vast suburbs.”