The first few sales of the year are always good indicators of the pulse of the market, as a new year ushers in new inventory, re-listed and often reduced properties from last Fall, and most importantly, the overall mood and confidence level begins to emerge. Already this year we have some nice signals pointing towards better conditions for our prime neighborhoods of Burlingame, San Mateo, and Hillsborough.

In Burlingame's Easton Addition, 2118 Roosevelt was just listed at $995,000 as a fixer upper opportunity (Trustee Sale). It quickly snapped up a reported 5 offers. In the Burlingame Park neighborhood, the impressively proportioned 310 Pepper (3,960 sq. ft. on a 13,500 sq. ft. lot) has just gone into escrow a little under its $2,275,000 list price (originally $2,600,000 in Fall of last year)

In San Mateo's Baywood Knolls, we saw the first new listing of the year, 707 Oregon, priced at $1,499,000 get quickly snapped up in one week.

In Hillsborough, 15 Jewell ($4,295,000), a dazzling new cul-de-sac construction off of San Raymundo, just went into escrow. This listing had a difficult marketing run last year at much higher list prices, but is now sold for 2010.

I have just re-launched 3635 Ralston Avenue in Hillsborough at the reduced price of $2,799,000 (previously $2,895,000) This home will be particularly attractive for those seeking ultimate privacy in a woodsy park-like setting. The home also has a unique contemporary layout with open indoor/outdoor dynamics. This listing had been off the market for the holidays since early December. Check out www.HillsboroughPrivateEstate.com

I have also just re-launched 1224 Rhus Street in San Mateo (staircase pictured above). This total renovation boasts many "conversation piece" assets, including a stunning two-story grand spiral staircase (shown in photo). This location enjoys the Baywood/Borel/Aragon schools assignments.

Coming soon this Friday, I will list 739 Nevada in San Mateo's Baywood Knolls. $1,280,000 list price. Talk about meticulous! This home is mint condition, turn-key gorgeous...the remodeled chef's kitchen is purely top-of-the-line and currently re-decorated with a wonderful Italian country feel....imagine a rustic meal at the central farm table...or sophisticated entertaining helped along by the cocktail/barbecue/cigar deck, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range, double Wolf ovens, and Miele dishwasher.