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Archive for December, 2009

Year End 2009 Festivities

December 30th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

HNYWhat better way to finish off 2009 than to watch #19 Stanford (8-4) play Oklahoma (7-5) in this year’s Sun Bowl, which airs the last day of the year on CBS at 11:00 AM (PST). 

Led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart, Standford boasts an explosive offense, 10th in the nation, pitted against an impressive Oklahoma defense, 7th in the nation. Oklahoma’s quaterback, Sam Bradford, also won the Heisman Trophy in 2008.

This should prove to be an excellent match-up, but we do have our favorites.

GO STANFORD!

If you still don’t have plans to usher in the New Year, the good people at Palo Alto Online have compiled an excellent list of local New Year celebration venues. The article, New Year’s Eve options: from reverence to revelry, has something for everyone!

Altaire wishes you and your family a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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Buyer Tax Credit To End

December 28th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

If you have considered purchasing a home, but are waiting for that “perfect time to buy” take note… The Buyer incentive tax credit may not be renewed for a third time.  According to industry leaders and lawmakers, the provision that puts up to $8,000 in buyers’ pockets will soon come to an end.

In a recent Los Angeles Times article, the end of the program was explained. Home buyers hoping to take advantage of a new or extended tax credit should not procrastinate: This third bite at the apple will be the last.

Legislative advocates of the $8,000 credit for first-time buyers and the $6,500 credit for move-up buyers made it clear during the debate on Capitol Hill that the benefits would not be renewed when they expire. This fact was confirmed by a lobbyist for the National Association of Realtors at the organization’s annual convention last month.

So what does that mean for potential buyers?  If buyers meet the income eligibility requirements, they have until midnight April 30, 2010 to be in contract and must close escrow by midnight June 30th to qualify.

A Brief History of the Buyer Credit Programs -

The original buyer credit, part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, was not as effective as anticipated by legislators. There were relatively few takers, due to the fact that the credit took the form of a no-interest loan rather than a true credit, requiring the purchaser to “pay back” the credit.

In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, lawmakers made the incentive to purchase more appealing by increasing the credit to a maximum of $8,000 for new buyers who closed before December 1st. The only requirement imposed for the program to be a true credit for the buyer – the taxpayer must not move out of the property for a three-year period following the purchase.

This second attempt at stimulating sales and removing standing inventory was extremely successful, so much so that that the housing lobby implored Congress to help keep the momentum going. Lawmakers extended the deadline for first-timers and even added a “long-term resident” tax credit for repeat buyers who owned their current home for at least five consecutive years out of the last eight.

An excellent summary of the current program can be found here.

Alas, all good things must eventually come to an end, and so it seems that the significant tax credit for purchasing a home in today’s market will soon run its course.

So if you have been considering making a purchase at Altaire, now is the perfect time to buy in order to take advantage of this great opportunity!

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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Handy Home Insurance Diet Tips

December 26th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

As the new year approaches, many of us start thinking – “diet”.  It is far too early for us to give up the holiday treats and hit the gym yet…we haven’t even had our champagne, so let’s focus on trimming up financially first.  By adjusting your insurance policies, you may be able to save hundreds annually on your premiums!

We recently stumbled upon this clever guide via insuranceagents.com, outlining 4 simple steps homeowners can take to cut out the extra calories and fat in their budgets spent on home insurance.

The article’s four recommended ways to trim up include boosting the policy deductible, living in low-risk areas, and demonstrating selectivity when insuring content in the home.
<Read Article Here> Or See the 4 steps summarized below:

1. Before purchasing home insurance policies, homeowners should take an inventory of personal belongings and home content. Being selective when insuring contents in the home may help you save.

2. Raise your deductible and put the extra cash in an interest bearing account. If you need to file a claim, the amount in the account may be much more than your deductible.

3. Shop Around. Shopping online for insurance quotes is fast, free and easy for homeowners looking to save a little money. Check with a local agent who may be able to provide a better policy and match the best rate you find online.

4. Check to see if you live in low risk areas. If you live on a river and are more likely to flood (flood zone) insurance rates may increase significantly.

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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TheatreWorks West Coast Premiere: A Civil War Christmas

December 22nd, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

TheatreWorks is Silicon Valley’s leading professional nonprofit theatre company. TheatreWorks presents a year-round season of musicals, comedies, and dramas at the Lucie Stern Theatre right here  in Palo Alto!

This season TheatreWorks presents a festive holiday performance sure to delight, the West Coast premiere of A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION, by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel.

This fascinating and engaging story of the American experience combines fact and fiction, old-time carols, and traditional tunes into a whimsical saga of a divided nation longing for hope; a heartwarming holiday performance sure to be enjoyed by the entire family.

A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION runs through Dec. 27.

More information can be found here.

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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Happy Holidays from the Altaire Sales Team

December 17th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

Altaire-Eblast_blog

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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Dedicated To Green Living – Resources

December 14th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

altaire_blog_greenWith all eyes on the world’s leaders at the Copenhagen conference, the concept of our impact on the environment and how we utilize our natural resources is once again a hot topic of discussion and conversation.

Altaire believes we all should contribute and do our part to be environmentally responsible.  That is one of the reasons that our community was built to the Build It Green standards of green construction.  Build It Green has a number of qualifying criteria that a home must match or exceed in order to become Green-Point Rated.

At Altaire, we address natural resources and environmental impact in a variety of ways, some of which are listed below:

• Puron© chlorine free non HCFC refrigerants in air conditioning condensers
• Recycling infrastructure in home and community
• Engineered floor joists
• 30-year shingle roofing reduces replacement and waste
• Diverted and reused 65% of construction debris

Altaire offers a life well balanced.  Come check out the homes at Altaire – it is what living green in Palo Alto is all about!

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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Holiday Carriage Rides in Downtown Los Altos

December 10th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

Carriage_ride

It’s nice to live in an area that offers year-round events and entertainment  that the whole family can enjoy.  There is always something offered for every age nearby.

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than an evening carriage ride in Downtown Los Altos?  Make sure you bring a blanket to bundle up as your horse-drawn carriage takes you through the Downtown area on a magical trip during this special time of year.

Holiday Carriage Rides are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., starting December 11 and running through December 27 (excluding Christmas Day) .  Each carriage ride lasts 25 minutes and can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children….perfect for a family ride!

Enjoy the lights and decorations of Downtown Los Altos this holiday season.

More information can be found here.

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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Record-low Mortage Rates, Great Prices + Tax Credits, Now Is The Time To Buy a New Home at Altaire

December 8th, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

20091203_063935_ssjm1204mortgage90If you are in the market to purchase a new home, you couldn’t pick a better time to buy.  With 30-year interest rates at a 38-year low and tax incentives (for qualified 1st time buyers and current homeowners) available, now is an excellent time to buy a residence at Altaire in Palo Alto.

Don’t just take our word for it.  The Mercury News just ran a compelling article regarding this unique buying opportunity.  You can read the entire article here.

Some reasons to buy at Alatire:

  • Location – In the heart of Silicon Valley – Palo Alto!
  • Schools - Ranked among the top 4 school districts in the State of California!
  • Quality and Finishes – Quality finishes and thoughtful details throughout the interiors of our homes.  From High-speed data and fiber optic wiring to Stainless steel Bosch appliances and open kitchens made for entertaining guests, Regis Homes of Northern California paid attention to current homebuyer demands.
  • Eco-friendly – Award Winning – Green Point Rated, by Build It Green.
  • Community Amenities – Altaire offers a shared campus location, neighboring the new JCC.  An incredible list from Yoga and Pilates Studios to Cafes, 9,000 SF Theatre, Preschool classrooms, not to mention a sports and fitness center with 2 pools!
  • Area Amenities – Outdoor recreation beckons…
    • 700-acre Shoreline Park with its saltwater lake, golf course and trails
    • 15 miles of trails just minutes from your front door
    • 1,940-acre Baylands Preserve, the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in San Francisco Bay

Don’t delay! Stop by our sales center to see what living at Altaire is all about, open 10-6 daily.

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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‘Tis the Season

December 3rd, 2009 by Altaire Townhomes

stanford shopping CenterDid you know? Stanford Shopping Center is on Facebook!

We listed their Facebook page, along with many other local favorites on the Altaire fan page.

Shopping season has kicked off with Black Friday and Stanford Shopping center lists all of the best deals and give-aways on their page.

Here are a few examples of their Facebook Fan Page posts to entice you:

  • LaBelle Day Spas and Salons is offering a FREE $25 gift card as a gift with purchase. This is a perfect stocking stuffer.
  • Just strolled past J.Jill and noticed their offer of 25% off all full-priced sweaters. That’s perfect for these chilly mornings we’ve been having.
  • Did you know you can get a free $25 dining credit at Fleming’s Steakhouse just for making a reservation online? They’ll deduct it right from your bill if you reserve from their website. Click on the link below and check it out!
  • Check out simon.com or stanfordshop.com for Shop Smarter Savings!

Be sure to check out their special holiday shopping hours!  Happy Shopping!

Related Articles:

Altaire is an Upscale Community located in beautiful Palo Alto. Now Selling New Contemporary-Style 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes.
Altaire Homes 3901 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | 650.966.8881 Exclusively represented by: Pacific Marketing Assoc. #01220373

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