I recently listened to Joanne Garrison the author of Burlingame Centennial. She was a guest at the Burlingame Hillsborough Newcomers Club and told us why “living in Burlingame is a special privilege”.  If you are interested in knowing how the town of Burlingame was started and what changes the city of the trees has seen over the decades, this book is for you. A great coffee table book with a beautifully designed cover by Jean L. Silveira and an interesting historic read. The book can be purchased through the Burlingame Historical Society for $ 70. www.burlingamehistorical.org

The Belmont Real Estate market has definetly moved from a balanced market to a buyers’ market. Currently there are 58 single family homes for sale in Belmont. As per the graph, on April 30th, 2008 we saw 56 active listings with an average DOM of 44 (days on market). This compared to April of 2007 when 32 houses were listed and stayed on the market only for 15 days. The condo market trend looks grim in comparison. 8 condos are for sale right now but their DOM is 102! What sells right now are price, up-grades and fantastic views. The eight condos which have sold since January 1, 2008 must have had the right formula. 

The Peninsula Regent www.peninsularegent.com at 1 Baldwin Avenue in San Mateo is a beautiful retirement community. Currently there is a 2 bedroom/ 2 bath condominium offered for $ 499,000. This home is listed by Ann Kraemer/Coldwell Banker Tel: 650.558.6843. The Regent offers the elegance and service of a first class hotel with on site health care. Residents do own their own home and live independently. While enjoying the fine dining and luxury services, residents have the peace of mind that if needed there is a temporary assisted living wing. Downtown San Mateo which is just a few blocks away, offers movie theatres, shopping, restaurants and beautiful Central Park. If you don’t feel like walking just call for the Rengent’s Limousine. The monthly fee for one person is approximately $ 3,400. For health and financial requirements please contact Ann Kraemer or the Peninsula Regent directly.

Threshold 2008 is a nonprofit community effort committed to increasing the understanding of housing issues in San Mateo County and to making the process of developing housing policies and solutions more inclusive. For residents who do not have time to attend planning commission and city council meetings this web-based forum provides an opportunity to voice your opinion and to ask questions. Experts on housing and related issues are available on line from May 5-16, 2008. For more information and registration visit: www.threshold2008.org