The votes are in. The decision is final. The National Civic League has narrowed down the candidates, and the All-American City for the year 2007 is . . . well . . . it is not Calabasas, California. But it was close!

It is worth mentioning, however, because the fact that the city was in the running says something very important about the community ? especially for prospective home buyers and sellers. The All-American City awards are given to ten American cities each year and this year the city of Calabasas made the short list of 20, but went no further. Some say that the awards tend to go to those cities that have made major turnarounds in recent years or perhaps have more dramatic stories. Maybe Calabasas was just out of luck this year. But the important thing for those in the real estate market is that they tried. The city put up a significant amount of time and money to send a delegation to make a pitch for their city, and that shows a community with a lot of pride.

Regardless of whether they won or lost, for people looking to buy in the San Fernando Valley the message is clear: Calabasas is a good place to live. For people looking to sell, the fact that the city is so concerned to promote itself is a good sign as well. Location has always been a major factor in the success of real estate, and if the community is attractive it can only help the resale value of local homes. So buyers can consider this a heads-up, and home-owners can take it as an encouraging sign. Calabasas CA is carving its own niche in the Greater Los Angeles real estate market.

The delegation that was sent to brag up the city had plenty to talk about. Calabasas has a great track record lately in environmental responsibility and health concern. Its second-hand smoke by-laws have made headlines across the country and its family playground has been a world leader in the inclusion of special needs children. Added to this, Calabasas has its own library, TV station, and transport system - demonstrating its independence from the city of LA. This is a place where residents can experience their own community, but are an easy drive away from all the attractions of Los Angeles. It is also clearly the home of a significant group of people who love their city and want the world to know it.

This is only good news for buyers and sellers in the area. But it is not the only good real estate news coming out of Calabasas in recent weeks, as its Countrywide Financial Corporation revealed that Bank of America has invested $2 billion in the struggling mortgage lender to put the company back on a strong footing to move forward. This was comforting news for a slightly anxious national real estate market, especially since this Calabasas-based lender is one of the most important in the country.

Maybe they should have given them that award after all.

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