Both nationally and regionally, builders are continuing to struggle with a buying public that seems uncertain about homeownership markets, both new and resale. Single family permits continue a 5-month decline and are running under the current volume of construction.  The Wells Fargo Weekly Economic and Financial Commentary suggests that the “starts” figure will linger at the current level for many months to come. Manteca continues to lead the new housing parade in San Joaquin County with 12 reporting projects and the week’s highest total sales results.  In project to sales production, Stockton continues to produce an average of .67 sales per project followed closely by Tracy/Mountainhouse with .60 sales per project. The following information has been extracted from New Homes Sales an... 10/30/2010

  Lodi Wine Weekend is set for November 13-14, 2010.    Using the theme “from grape to glass - an exclusive look into Lodi Wine County” the fourth annual celebration is just weeks away. With over 40 local wineries participating in this celebration of the 2010 vintage, resident and guest over 21 may leave the weekend with a greater appreciation of the “appellations.”  The participating wineries will be hosting a variety of events, from “The First Sip” barrel sampling, carriage rides through vineyards and live entertainment. Each winery will have its individual schedule of events during the weekend.  Those event range from education seminars to BBQ’s, chili contests, bakery treats, barrel tasting, antiques, rustic soups … limited only by the imagination of Lodi’s Wine Country vintners. D... 10/16/2010

The job market continues to feel downward pressure and according to the Wells Fargo Weekly Economic and Financial Commentary, much of that pressure is from municipalities alleviating strain by downsizing. While Manteca continues to top the list in number of project (12) and available inventory (98), Stockton pushed the bar with registered sales (6) this week.  Even with four of the projects not reporting traffic, counts increased over last week.  For 2010, traffic to contract ratios is 28:1 in San Joaquin County with average weekly visits to projects sitting at 18.7.  The unsettled foreclosure debacle and seller hesitation in short sales makes the new homes market a clearer opportunity.   The following information has been extracted from New Homes Sales and Marketing reporting companie... 10/16/2010

News briefs is prepared for seniors or those who have seniors as a continuing part of their lives in San Joaquin County.  Senior news stories and important information frequently are hard to find in the back pages of local publications.  Senior Sound Bites is intended to be a brief summary of stories for and about seniors.   Oct 5 – Lodi News-Sentinel – Staff – “Ericksons celebrated 70th anniversary last month” – Jane and Fred Erickson of Lodi celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on September 29.  Married in 1940 at Carson, Nevada – the Ericksons’ four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were part of the anniversary celebration. Oct 8 – Stockton Record – “Kaiser clarifies Senior Advantage options” – Over 7900 people in San Joaquin County received notices from Kaiser Per... 10/12/2010

With our weather doing strange things and the season absolutely confused about its identity, the cool and quiet seems to be something best found in the morning.  The search for a little tranquility before starting the week, leads to a local landmark … Lodi Lake. Part of the lake’s surrounding grounds incorporates a park-like environment featuring a children’s playground and a gift from the Kiwanis … the Kiwanis picnic area. Across the lake on the north shore is another recreation and day use-area.  The south shore has a “Discovery House” and a “Boat House” and a “Bath House” …. the latter being the entry area into the Lake swimming beach. The fishing pier attaches to the south shore and affords excellent views of both the north shore and the river rushes and wetlands to the northwest. A... 10/11/2010

  If you’re like me, when I’m driving around town I see dozens of signs that make me wonder … what’s that mean, or I need to check into that.  Since I’ve joined ActiveRain those signs are potential post material, especially for localism or just an excuse to follow up on the “wondering thoughts.”  So, I’m going to share two signs for this week:   In Readers’ Digest form, this is a road sign that shows that Lodi, California is involved with the Arbor Day Foundation.  The criteria for membership is four-fold:  (1) the community must have a tree board or department; (2) there must be a tree care ordinance; (3) there must be a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; and (4) there must be an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Among other programs, the A... 10/10/2010

  Recently a man was arrested in Lodi for scamming elderly women.  This wasn’t an investment, housing and lottery winning scam.  This was a simple … “there’s something wrong with your car” scam. The local police investigators say that the suspect allegedly approached several elderly women after following them home, telling them something was wrong with the cars.  He then offers to help, takes money for “parts” and returns later and pretends to repair the mechanical problem.  Police apprehended the suspect after he allegedly took a credit card, when he returned to “fix” the victim’s car. The police have no idea how many seniors may have been involved.  First, if the Samaritan was apparently completing his good deed, there would have been no reason to report anything to the police.  Secon... 10/10/2010

This week in Lodi – Real Estate related news summaries 10/2/10 – 10/9/10 The foreclosure crisis captured most of the headlines this week as the nation’s largest lenders and loan servicing companies took protective postures regarding poorly or incorrectly documented foreclosure processes.  Additional bad news confronted the economy as the impact of the secondary recession issues start to become more visible. Oct 4 – Lodi News-Sentinel – Staff – “Hale Street apartment destroyed by fire on Sunday morning” - The Lodi Fire Department reported that an apartment building in the 600 block of Hale Street was destroyed by fire.  There were no injuries and it took firefighters two and a half hours to extinguish the blaze. Oct 4 – Washington, AP  –  “Executive only checked date on foreclosure docu... 10/09/2010

Featuring a logo that looks reminiscent of a Monopoly character, the School Street Stroll on October 15 promises to be an event to remember. The Stroll runs from 6:00 – 10:00 in the evening and celebrates both the wineries of Lodi and 25 local boutique businesses. Merchants will be presenting hors d’oeuvres and special sales as the wineries bring out their best samplings.  Tickets are $30.00 advance purchase or $40.00 the day of the event. Special designated driver tickets are $20.00.   For those looking for an “overnight get-away” – local hospitality resources are offer special package arrangements.   More information may be found at: http://lodicacoc.weblinkconnect.com/CWT/External/WCPages/WCEvents/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=462 PS – Hmmm … There is no "School Street" on the Monopoly Bo... 10/09/2010

I took one of my favorite watches in for a new battery to a local jewelery store in downtown Lodi, CA on School St. To my surprise, the young man working there said that my watch took not only two, but THREE batteries!  I couldn't believe it!  I shouldn't be too surprised though.  It IS a pretty special watch...at least to ME anyways.    It's not that expensive of a watch, but I'm sure once you take a close look at it, you'll agree that it's pretty darn special.  No, it's not a kids' watch, but sometimes I feel like a kid when I'm wearing it, and sometimes I even feel heroic.  By the way, the Bat Symbol can be set to 'flash' on and off or just stay 'on' all the time.  THAT's actually why it takes three batteries instead of one.  Two of the batteries are just for the flashing Bat Symbol ... 10/08/2010

  Manteca continues to be the New Homes “hot spot” however no new releases were added to new homes inventory in San Joaquin County this week.    Consumers continue being concerned about employment and income prospects.   Projections for income and employment six months from now both weakened reflecting the slow economic growth expectation for the same time period. On the plus side of the indicators, both personal spending and personal income posted gains out performing expectations, according to the Wells Fargo Weekly Economic and Financial Commentary The following information has been extracted from New Homes Sales and Marketing reporting companies and on-site visits for the week ending 10/03/10: San Joaquin County:               Total Projects Reporting:  25; Traffic: 198; Sales: 12; ... 10/06/2010

  Twice a year the streets of Lodi play host to the Street Faire and Sunday, October 3 was the final faire for this year.  So what exactly is a Street Faire?  For some folks it’s a giant yard sale …. for others it all about the food …. for still others it’s about a place to be and a time to share.  For Lodi, it’s all of those things and more – it’s also a time when the city comes together and does amazing feats of coordination and cooperation.  I hope the following pictures will give you a sense …. Of being “unstuck in Lodi, again!”   Animal alley – it’s not a circus, but it is a rural community!   Rides for kids – I stood there for five minutes and I was dizzy.  I can only imagine how the attendants and horses felt after all day!   Service Animals - These folks train all kinds and bre... 10/04/2010

Unemployment woes and economic downturns caused six female teachers in Lodi to get an unwanted letter in the mail.  In the letter, the Lodi School District Board of Trustees requested the six women resign their teaching jobs because they were married.  The letter sent in May 1923 reflected a common practice throughout the nation.  In 1921 the board adopted a resolution stating, "No married teachers should be employed whose husbands were living and able to support them." The front-page story published on May 17, 1923 didn't end with the request for resignation.  The married teachers of Lodi were so aroused that they were determined to "wage a battle" for their jobs.  One of the women took the matter up with Will C Woods, the state superintendent of schools.  Two days later on May 19, the... 10/04/2010

Sometimes just looking for the bright spot, makes it easier to find good news!  Incorporated in the doom and gloom of real estate media output, are some uplifting and enlightened glimpses of real estate – maybe not so much market focused, but more user impacted! This week’s news also has its mixed review of indicators that don’t seem to create a great deal of “improvement” comfort for analysts.  Absent a strong motivating factor buyers will still sitting on the fence when it comes to making a home buying decision.  BUT … it’s not all sad faces …. Sept 27 – Lodi News-Sentinel – Jennifer Bonnett – “What are mosquito fish and how do they work?” – Residents and real estate agents may be happy to learn the mosquito fish, hardy “guppie” looking can survive in hot, high salt or low oxygen “po... 10/04/2010

Eight new releases were added to new homes inventory in San Joaquin County this week.  However, according to the Wells Fargo Weekly Economic and Financial Commentary, “despite cheery headlines that pointed to the magnitude of the percentage gains in this week’s housing data, the state of the residential real estate market remains abysmal.” The commentary continues with the observation that while there was an increase in housing starts, most of the impact was in multi-units.  Builders are currently breaking ground on an annualized number of 598,000 down from the 2 million unit pace of 2005.  Locally, Manteca is still the hot spot for New Home Sales in San Joaquin County. The following information has been extracted from New Homes Sales and Marketing reporting companies and on-site visit... 10/03/2010

LODI, California – HUD Home - 2 bed/ 1 bath- $140,000 – Open Bid Period – all Buyers No glamour shots, just fast-paced opportunity.  Homes that are being sold by the Department of Housing and Urban Development become available on a “Friday List” and bids close by 12:00 Midnight on Sunday.  The first 7 days are available only to owner-occupied buyers.  If no contracts are acceptable to HUD, the property will then become available to all bidders, including investors. Buyers do not have time to go searching for an agent who understands the area and the process.  Contact us today … we can help you get qualified and outline the process and procedure.  This may be the best buying opportunity of our current market.  Let us help you to take advantage of the next property that comes available in... 10/02/2010

  LODI, California – HUD Home - 3 bed/ 2 bath- $120,000 – Bids close on 10/03/10 – No glamour shots, just fast-paced opportunity.  Homes that are being sold by the Department of Housing and Urban Development become available on a “Friday List” and bids close by 12:00 Midnight on Sunday.  The first 7 days are available only to owner-occupied buyers.  If no contracts are acceptable to HUD, the property will then become available to all bidders, including investors. Buyers do not have time to go searching for an agent who understands the area and the process.  Contact us today … we can help you get qualified and outline the process and procedure.  This may be the best buying opportunity of our current market.  Let us help you to take advantage of the next property that comes available in y... 10/02/2010

  LODI, California – HUD Home - 3 bed/ 2 bath- $178,000 – Bids close on 10/03/10 – No glamour shots, just fast-paced opportunity.  Homes that are being sold by the Department of Housing and Urban Development become available on a “Friday List” and bids close by 12:00 Midnight on Sunday.  The first 7 days are available only to owner-occupied buyers.  If no contracts are acceptable to HUD, the property will then become available to all bidders, including investors. Buyers do not have time to go searching for an agent who understands the area and the process.  Contact us today … we can help you get qualified and outline the process and procedure.  This may be the best buying opportunity of our current market.  Let us help you to take advantage of the next property that comes available in y... 10/02/2010

The Lodi Street Faire is presented by the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce and held twice annually the first Sundays in May and October;  this weekend, October 3. Antiques, arts & crafts and commercial items are presented by about 700 vendors at each event. There are also 20 to 25 food vendors who sell everything from hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, pizza, ice cream, soft drinks and coffee.  Food choices also includes Mexican, Italian,  Philippine and Chinese food.  The Faire attracts vendors from the entire state of California. The Lodi Street Faire runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   The Street Faire takes up a 10-square block area, which can accommodate 25 to 30 thousand potential buyers at each event. 09/28/2010

It’s little wonder that home buyers are still sitting on the fence when it comes to making a home buying decision.  This week’s news recap seems to be inconsistent and contradictory.  Those looking for a strong positive trends will have to wait for a future review ….. Sept 21 – Washington, AP - “Home builders still gloomy” – National Association of Home Builders report home-builder confidence remains at multi-month lows. The report shows August ties the worst showing since March 2009. “Regionally, builders in the West are the gloomiest, with their subindex a miserly 8.”  Consumer confidence and glut of foreclosed homes are the market’s two leading recovery obstacles, according to NAHB chief economist, David Crowe. Sept 21- Lodi News-Sentinel- “A pipeline under Lodi” – In the wake of th... 09/26/2010