Benicia Open Houses Sept 25th & 26th    Melanie Ross Coldwell Banker Benicia 147 Panorama Dr details Sun 2-4 pm Check out Melanie's new listing at Waters End in Benicia Stop by on Sunday to chat with Melanie for current Benicia Real Estate Trends + HOT NEW listings just on the market. Melanie might even share the secrets of buying Real Estate in Solano County and Contra Costa County .........the right way! Have a fabulous weekend! 09/24/2010

Benicia Resident Earl Miller was surprised to find that in the morning of September the 24th he woke up 54 years older in one day. Earl said he woke up and was going to get ready for school and realized he had aged and now was older than all his teachers, parents, and grandparents.  He said he didn't feel much different as all that changed was his physical appearance. He wasn't a day smarter and was still worried about what the girls would think. He still decided to go to school, and went to his father's closet and found some clothes to wear for the day. He was really confused about his desire to wear a Hawaiian shirt, but all that would fit was a black shirt. He headed off to school, but was escorted off campus, as no one believed it was really him. On his walk home he noticed many pe... 09/24/2010

 Benicia Real Estate by Earl Miller Benicia Real Estate - It's time to buy Benicia Real EstateBenicia Real Estate it's time to buy. Benicia Real Estate is very affordable right now and 73% of qualified buyers can afford it. With interest rates in the 4's right now, lowest in the last 50 years it is time to buy. Benicia has so much to offer with our schools, downtown, shops, marina, activities, boating, parks, shopping, restaruants, running trails, skatepark, dog park, walkover or bikeover bridge to C.C. County, etc:, etc:, etc:, I could go on forever. I love this place and I know you will to. Call me if you have any questions about our wonderful City. If you want to just come over and walk around I would be happy to walk and talk with you about the Benicia I love. Call me.......Earl Mil... 09/24/2010

This is some more Train Art that has gone by in Benicia in the last week. My camera is on the blink, as I had over 500 photos in the camera and decided to remove them and I erased the formatted disc....I have no idea how to get it back....More photos to come..... Earl Miller Benicia Real Estate  707-280-6366 Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific  www.earlsbeniciarealestate.com 09/23/2010

Thank you Leesa for commenting on my recent running commentary on my shopping finds from the Benicia Fine Arts and Craft Fair.  I am not DONE yet!!  I had so much fun shopping as this is one of my favorite fairs to attend.  I donot get to go every year.  So I made up for those years I did not make it!! This product will appeal to ladies of all ages, most likely not the the men.  I have over 6 of this Candace Christian purses.  Sometimes she will do "purse parties" where you can peruse her selection, enjoy some goodies with your friends and buy some fabulous purses.  I was excited to see her booth at the Benicia Fine Arts and Craft Fair on Sept 18th.  We chatted briefly as people were lined up to buy her purses. I love the color of orange, not the bright orange but the burnt orange of fa... 09/23/2010

A Terrific Thursday Morning to all, Economic News This Morning: Both existing and continuing jobless claims were up, existing homes sales were also up, leading indicators up slightly. W-St is jittery with jobs reports……….. Have a great morning! 09/23/2010

THE THREE BEARS and GOLDILOCKS……did they ever find PARADISE? The current economy and market presents vast challenges……………….look at what happened to the THREE BEARS. Did Moe, Joe or Larry find PARADISE? STAY TUNED as the THREE BEARS overcome CHALLENGES that the economy and markets place in-front of us. 09/22/2010

Benicia residents if you are in the market to move to Vacaville I can help. I have many friends and realtor's in Vacaville that would help us make the move an easy one. I have been spending alot of time over there lately and there are many great buys...... http://www.ci.vacaville.ca.us/ Ever thought of buying a home with 5 acres? There are some real beautiful homes on many acres with prices unheard of......It really is time to make a move if you are in the market for acres or just a beautiful home.....Prices are great and the homes are beautiful...Call Me! Earl Miller Benicia Real Estate 707-280-6366 Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific    www.earlsbeniciarealestate.com 09/22/2010

My shopping excursion to the Benicia Fine Arts and Craft Fair on Sept 18 provided fodder for the last 5 days of blogging. This past Saturday was gorgeous and the crowds were milling at the booths eyeing the products and making their best selection. You still have an opportunity to buy the same items I have.  The good news is you did not have to come to Benicia, CA to do it!  I bought soy candles from the Whitehall Candle Company located just miles from Benicia, CA in Contra Costa County.  Shawn Cox is the "Chandler" of these fine products.  I love scented candles and am always on the hunt for the best scent.  I know many people get all choked up with candles.  However my quest for the perfect candle is based on a clean, delicate scent that does not make you want to "tear" up or start co... 09/22/2010

Wonderful Weds Morning to all, Economic news this morning: Housing price index comes in down .5% for the month. California, Texas and Alaska show growth between 1-4% for the 2nd quarter. Short term lock in gains. Have a great morning! 09/22/2010

Benicia Weight Loss Challenge It's time to lose weight for the Holidays! Te  next Benicia Weight Loss Challenge will be October 6th at the Lighthouse Church on Church St. By the High School, (in the Parsonage Building).    If you are struggling with your weight loss and you need some help come and lose it with other Benician's. We could all use a partner or a team to make it easier.   The "sister" challenge on Tuesday nights in Benicia is no longer available so to accommodate all the challengers they will be offering 2 different challenge times, 5:15pm OR 6:15pm. This Should make for a big money pot! The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for the most percent of weight loss win lots of money. I have won 2nd place for hundreds of dollars and took 1st and also won hundreds. The last challen... 09/22/2010

Benicia Short Sales- Selling Your Water's End Home When You Owe More Than The House Is Worth What to do when you need to sell your Water's End home, but owe more on than the house will sell for in this market? It could be because you have outgrown it with an increasing family or you want to downsize because you find yourself an empty nester. You may have been transferred, promoted or found a better opportunity further away. In these tough economic times, you may find that for one reason or another; you can no longer maintain the payments and have to explore the option of a short sale. Whatever the reason, I'm sure your goal is to sell it in the shortest amount of time, at the best possible price and with the least amount of stress. This is where my expertise can help you sell your Wate... 09/21/2010

    Benicia, California Homes For Sale. Waters End Homes For Sale Week of Sept. 20, 2010 Homes for Sale in Waters End as of September 20,2010                                                   As of September 20, 2010, there are 6 Homes For Sale in the Water's End Subdivision of  Benicia, CA. Priced from $485,000 to $599,000, and range in square footage from 3980 to 4233. Click Here To View All Water's End homes for sale. In the last 90 days (June-August 2010), there have been 6 homes sold in Water's End. The average sold price was $575,658 and 63 days on the market. That is an increase since June-August 2009, when the average sold price was $553,000 and average time on the market was 41 days.   Water's End is a subdivision of newer homes in Benicia, California. The homes range in square... 09/21/2010

I am not done sharing my shopping finds from the Benicia Fine Arts and Craft Fair which was held this past Saturday Sept 18th. I want to share what I bought from Gourmet Temptations.  They are a local business in Benicia, CA.  They make the yummiest products.  I could have bought them all.  My mouth was watering anticipating some delicious spinach-red pepper chicken sausages (we get from our local Costco) accented with the fabulous mustards I bought.  I bought a Lemon Caper and Exotic Ginger Curry. Last night my husband grilled up the sausages and he also cooked some artichokes.  I pulled out my latest find and dipped and ate and dipped and ate.  Then I discovered why not add the mustard to the mayo for the artichokes.  OH MY Goodness!!  Food Heaven! For those of you looking for that un... 09/21/2010

Michael Grimm, the winner Michael Grimm is going to build his grandparents a home. How about building it in Benicia? It looks like he is going to also need a home. I would love to have one more Rock Star in Benicia. OK it's a done deal Michael and Lucy are moving to Benicia.    If you or anyone you know is thinking about building their Grandparent's a home or getting married and needing a home have them call me. Earl Miller Benicia Real Estate 707-280-6366 Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific  www.earlsbeniciarealestate.com 09/20/2010

Benicia's 37th Annual Fine Arts and Craft Fair was held this past Saturday Sept 18th.  Before you cry and pout for missing this spectacular event, know there is time to shop for some unique gifts for yourself or others.  Remember--the holidays are coming up!  Why not buy a reasonable priced gift that is special? I did not do this on purpose but I found the most unique products were ones that sold locally here in Benicia, CA.  These local entrepreneurs really know their business for one of kind items.  It is hard not to be selfish and keep everything to myself. One of my goals in shopping in Benicia was to find a wedding present for one of our clients who purchased their first home last year.  My business partner, Jenny Castaneda, and I have remained close with them.  They attended Jenny... 09/20/2010

Marvelous Monday Morning to all, Lean Economic News this morning NABH Housing Market Index stays at 13 same as last month (we are looking for a read of 50). All eyes will be on the Housing Market this week, and Fed interest rate decision tomorrow. W-St is up on crop earnings… Have a great day! 09/20/2010

Reach Out Benicia, By Earl Miller  Reach Out in Benicia Gives Back to Those in Need http://www.reachoutbenicia.com/  Reach Out Benicia is gearing up here in Benicia for the holidays coming up in Nov. and Dec. We will be heading to the City of S.F. to help the Rescue Mission in the Tenderloin district. Over the last 10 years we have taken anywhere from 10 to 40 youth teach holiday o the Tenderloin to help deliver hot meals to those not able to leave their rooms in the local apts. We will be delivering up to 3,500 hot Thanksgiving meals and serving up to 1,000 hot meals in a day. It is such a great way to give back and a great way for the youth to see the extent of how bad it could get when you make the wrong choices.  This year we will be heading over to the City on Saturday November the... 09/20/2010

 OK this is kind of a different story                       but I gotta tell it!!!! think about this before you read any further....I pay almost $4,500 for my health insurance for 3 months. I got a call from my insurance company and they wanted to give me some new insurance, so they called and sent a guy over to my home. Real nice guy, but what the heck is going on in the insurance world? here is a list of Benefits for accidental loss of:  Both hands, both feet, sight of both eyes, one foot and one eye, one hand and one eye, one foot and one eye. Besides the dying which $4,000 would go to Jane.....the rest of the loss of stuff....my limbs and eyes....I would get $4,000. Or if I only lost one hand, or one foot, or the loss of sight in one eye.....I would only get $2,000. Now there are so... 09/20/2010

Yesterday I was raring to go with anticipation to shop at the Benicia Fine Arts and Craft Fair in our beautiful city of Benicia, CA.  As I had written yesterday about "My Wallet is empty-My Hands are full"  today I am featuring a product I bought for my husband at Benicia's Peddlers Fair in August and the vendor also came back to town for the Benicia Fine Arts and Craft Fair held on Sept 18th.  Just because you could not make your way to Benicia, CA on the 18th, you can still buy these products from the vendors.  Kinda like the home shopping channel!! Randy Walker handcrafts these gorgeous one of a kind walking sticks.  He has them in all sizes to fit your height.  All types of wood to please your eyes.  Custom carvings to make each one unique and the cost is minimal.  When I visited wi... 09/19/2010