Press Release | 7-6-09 NEW PRESIDENT OF THE LAFAYETTE ROTARY CLUB, SANDI MITCHELL, EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES WALNUT CREEK - Sandi Mitchell, Realtor at Empire Realty Associates will become the first female president of the Lafayette Rotary Club on July 1st.  She went to Birmingham England on June 20th - 24th to attend the Rotary International Convention. This brings Rotarians together from the 32,000 clubs around the world. A Rotarian is one who looks beyond self-interests to serve the community, country, and the entire world as evidenced by Rotary International's global polio immunization program. A Rotarian seeks the truth; lets fairness govern all activities; strives to build goodwill and better friendships; and attempts to develop mutually beneficial relationships in all endeavors. Th... 07/06/2009

The June 2009 median home price in Lafayette CA was $1,100,000 for single family detached homes*. There were 17 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA during June 2009. The highest priced home sold for $1,650,000 the lowest price home sold for $608,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for June 2009 in Lafayette California was $1,112,058. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written July 7th, 2009. These homes were on the market an average of 44 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end. What did 1037 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lafayette CA sell for? 1037 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lafayette CA sold for $608,000 after 6 days on the market: What did 3966 Cowan Rd. in Lafayette CA sell for? 3966 Cowa... 07/03/2009

The May 2009 median home price in Lafayette CA was $745,000 for single family detached homes*. There were 18 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA during May 2009. The highest priced home sold for $1,377,400 the lowest price home sold for $460,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for May 2009 in Lafayette California was $911,161. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written June 7th, 2009. These homes were on the market an average of 61 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end. What did 923 Oak Street in Lafayette CA sell for? 923 Oak Street in Lafayette CA sold for $460,000 after 46 days on the market:    What did 3531 Old Mountain View Drive in Lafayette CA sell for? 3531 Old Mount... 06/07/2009

The April 2009 median home price in Lafayette CA was $745,000 for single family detached homes*. There were 11 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA during April 2009. The highest priced home sold for $2,000,000 the lowest price home sold for $425,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for April 2009 in Lafayette California was $986,090. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written May 7th, 2009. These homes were on the market an average of 82 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end. 1010 Hunsaker Canyon Road in Lafayette CA that sold for $425,000 after 28 days on the market: 1107 Rahara Drive in Lafayette CA that sold for $2,000,000 after 0 days on the market:   There are currently 3... 05/06/2009

The March 2009 median home price in Lafayette CA was $905,000 for single family detached homes*. There were 7 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA during March 2009. The highest priced home sold for $1,550,000 the lowest price home sold for $650,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for March 2009 in Lafayette California was $987,571. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written April 7th, 2008. These homes were on the market an average of 60 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end. Details on the home at 783 Moraga Road in Lafayette CA that sold for $650,000 after 49 days on the market:   Details on the home at 3417 Woodview Drive in Lafayette CA that sold for $1,550,000 after 72 d... 04/07/2009

The February 2009 median home price in Lafayette CA was $857,500 for single family detached homes*. There were 8 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA during February 2009. The highest priced home sold for $3,050,000 the lowest price home sold for $500,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for February 2009 in Lafayette California was $1,550,625. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written March 9th, 2008. These homes were on the market an average of 32 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end:     There are currently 14 single family detached homes pending sale in Lafayette CA (or under contingency contract). The list price of these homes ranges from $425,000  to $1,995,000 and the ... 03/10/2009

The January 2009 median home price in Lafayette CA was $775,000 for single family detached homes*. There were 4 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA during January 2009. One of the sellers requested confidentiality of the selling price, so the selling price was not made public. Therefore, of the three remaining homes, the highest priced home sold for $1,250,000 the lowest price home sold for $750,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for January 2009 in Lafayette California was $925,000. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written February 10th, 2008. These homes were on the market an average of 100 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end:     There are currently 18 single family d... 02/10/2009

(Cynthia Long, reporting from Lafayette, CA. January 12, 2009) It’s 2009, and the opportunity to buy homes in neighborhoods that were once out of your reach is upon us. I am working with a buyer who has always wanted to live in Lafayette, California, an East Bay suburb, and for him, THE TIME IS NOW. His full-time job is secure; he has a second job that has grown from hobby to serious income; and his current mortgage is almost completely paid off. And, importantly, there are single-family homes in Lafayette priced around $700,000, which he and his mortgage broker have identified as his sweet spot. Last week, he and I visited 9 properties – 4 were in Lafayette and 5 were in the Saranap area of Walnut Creek. He wanted to see value and pricing in neighborhoods that are geographically simila... 01/12/2009

The December 2008 median home price in Lafayette CA was $1,195,000 for single family detached homes*. There were 16 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA, the highest priced home sold for $2,150,000 the lowest price home sold for $550,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for December 2008 in Lafayette California was $1,180,250. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written January 5th, 2008. These homes were on the market an average of 63 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end:     There are currently 10 single family detached homes pending sale in Lafayette CA (or under contingency contract). The list price of these homes ranges from $849,000 to $2,295,000 and the median home price... 01/05/2009

The November 2008 median home price in Lafayette CA was $1,411,250 for single family detached homes*. There were 10 home sales of single family detached homes in Lafayette CA, the highest priced home sold for $4,000,000 the lowest price home sold for $700,000. The average selling price of detached single family homes for November 2008 in Lafayette California was $1,519,000. Your Lafayette California real estate market update written December 13, 2008. These homes were on the market an average of 49 days. See below for information on single family homes sold on the low and high end:     Home sales activity is UP in Lafayette CA. There are currently 12 single family detached homes pending sale in Lafayette CA (or under contingency contract). The list price of these homes ranges from $697,... 12/14/2008

In California, every home buyer receives a Natural Hazards Disclosure Statement and they carefully check if the home is in a Flood Hazard Area, a Dam Inundation Area, a Fire Hazard Area, an Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone or a Geological Hazard Area (landslides) because they could have a significant impact on the homeowner's insurance expense.  Less carefully reviewed are the Supplemental Disclosures. What if the home is located in a Habitat Sensitivity Area?  Does it really matter if the property has the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse or.........      the California Tiger Salamander or . . . . .         the Red-Legged Frog?      After all, you can be environmentally sensitive and keep an eye out for the little critters while moving your lawn.  Nope, not good enough!  If the property is in a Habita... 12/12/2008

Las Trampas is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. Las Trampas is a non-profit organization dedicated since 1958 to enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.  Mrs. Helen Lucas started Las Trampas as a residential school for 30 mentally retarded children in 1938.  Illness forced her to retire in 1958.  A group of parents and friends of the students bought the school and decided to incorporate as a non-profit.  They named their organization after the creek on the property, Las Trampas.  There was a need for the services the school offered.  In 1965 the Las Trampas organization received a Federal construction grant.  Perata & Sylvester A.I.A. Architects of Lafayette, California designed the new buildings.  ... 10/01/2008

Welcome to Lafayette, California!  Living in the prime communities of the East Bay NEVER lacks of outdoor activities and family fun!  This weekend was the Lafayette's 13th Annual Art and Wine Festival.  The weather was ideal and all members of the family enjoyed this spectacular event.    09/21/2008

On the third Saturday of each month, the Lafayette Pet Shoppe will host rabbit adoptions for the Contra Costa County Animal Services.  September's adoption day coincides with the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, which gives us all even more reason to head over and check it out! When:  September 20, 2008Where: Lafayette Pet Shoppe, 3517 Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette, CA. 925-284-5212Why:  Because rabbits make great pets!  Did you know: Rabbits can be house pets (without a pen/cage)?  Rabbits can be litterbox trained?  Rabbits have unique personalities just like your cat or dog?  Rabbits can have attitude that rivals any cat's?  (I have one of these bossy guys, he's hysterical). Often people who are allergic to cats are NOT allergic to rabbits? Come on down and learn more about why rabb... 09/16/2008

When the City of Lafayette California says Green, they are not talking about your lawn!  Nor are they talking about St. Patty's Day!  When the City of Lafayette Says Green, the City is talking about their efforts to become a more sustainable community... The City of Lafayetteefforts to become a more sustainable community has made an impact on many residents.  In turn, many residents now try to seek out the most green businesses and services.  This phenomenon has put more pressure on Lafayette businesses to become Green!  Why Become Green? Cost savings . Build customer loyalty.  Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and are impressed by businesses with a green conscience . Preserve the environment by reducing Lafayette businesses' environmental impact What The Cit... 09/03/2008

The state goal for all schools is an 800 API. Only 31% of all schools in California meet that goal. Less than 15% of all high schools state-wide meet the goal. *The API is the cornerstone of the state's academic accountability requirements. The API is a numerical index (or scale) ranging from a low score of 200 to a high score of 1000. It reflects a school's or district's academic performance based on annual results of statewide testing at grades two through eleven. Elementary Schools   Burton Valley Elementary                                          935   Happy Valley Elementary                                           946   Lafayette Elementary                                                  906   Springhill Elementary                                                  904    Middle ... 08/28/2008

Cheer on our very own, NATALIE COUGHTLIN (of Lafayette, CA) as she wins the Gold Metal in the 100 Backstroke and th Silver Metal in the 400 Freestyle Relay.  Read more about Natalie at www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES | Danville | 380 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526 EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES  | Walnut Creek | 1261 Lucust Street, Walnut Creek CA 94596 08/12/2008

Lafayette is a small upscale community.  Even today, starter homes go for $800,000 or more.  There are many executives who when relocated to the Bay Area were very surprised at what they could afford to purchase in Lafayette California when compared to where they came from. Why is Lafayette so desirable? Is it the Culture? The Perfect Climate all year around? The Highly Rated School Systems where over 95% of the Graduates go to college? The Uniqueness of Lafayette's urban setting? The ease of access to all of the San Francisco Bay Area's Activities? No matter why Lafayette is so desireable, you should check out all the neighborhoods before you purchase a home, your new home in Lafayette California. Lafayette California Neighborhoods. Burton Valley is one of Lafayette's sought after area... 08/09/2008

History of Lafayette California Lafayette is located in Contra Costa County which is a little northwest of San Francisco.  Lafayette is a still a quaint community with that small town feel.  Even so, Lafayette has grown into one of the top income per capita towns in the US as reported by CNN (#21).  Lafayette is one of my favorite towns in the whole world.  Lafayette seems to attract people who love to volunteer.  There are many volunteer organizations in town.  One of those volunteer organizations is the Assistance League of Diablo Valley who in 1978 purchased one of Lafayette's existing pieces of history, The Way Side Inn.  Here is a little history about this great community. Lafayette California's Way Side Inn. Lafayette California still has several historic buildings from it's begi... 08/06/2008

History of Lafayette California Lafayette is one of my favorite towns in the whole world.  One of the reasons I like Lafayette is that the community support for the businesses in town like Ed Stokes' Diablo Foods or Jesse Wellen's Lafayette Car Wash.  The slogan "Shop Lafayette" is a key part of what makes Lafayette the great community it is. Lafayette is located in Contra Costa County which is a little northwest of San Francisco.  Lafayette is a still a quaint community with that small town feel.  Even so, Lafayette has grown into one of the top income per capita towns in the US as reported by CNN (#21).  Here is a little history about this great community. How The Pony Express Came to Town. One of the most exciting bits of Western Laure was the Pony Express.  The Pony Express route s... 08/05/2008