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        <title>My Piedmont and Oakland Real Estate Adventures. History, Architecture and Homes</title>
        <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/</link>
        <description>My Oakland Real Estate Adventures with Piedmont Neighborhood Stories, History, Architecture and Homes.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/enter-your-houose-in-the-epic-homes-of-the-east-bay-contest-the-best-of-oakland-and-piedmont-real-es.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/enter-your-houose-in-the-epic-homes-of-the-east-bay-contest-the-best-of-oakland-and-piedmont-real-es.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Enter your house in the Epic Homes of the East Bay Contest - The Best of Oakland and Piedmont Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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The Epic Homes of the East Bay Contest- If you've been waiting for the chance to show off your home's artful design, and pick up a few more ideas along the way, this may be the event for you. The Epic Homes of the East Bay Contest is getting under way, with a chance to submit your home, and make the East Bay proud.  You don't have to own an estate to enter, humbler abodes are welcome, with any owner-occupied one to four unit residential property accepted. Those who enter may be lucky enough to receive a consultation with HGTV star Cora Sue Anthony, and be highlighted in her upcoming book, Cora Sue Anthony's Epic Homes of the East Bay, coming out sometime this winter. Submissions for the contest are accepted until July 15. Homes are judged on a wide variety of elements, (pretty much anything you can think of), such as: size, architecture, history, location, functionality, amenities, curb appeal, uniqueness etc... East Bay homeowners may submit to http://epichomecontest.com Good luck! Maybe you will be featured in Epic Homes of the East Bay!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:23:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oaklands-trestle-glen-neighborhood-in-the-heart-of-busy.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oaklands-trestle-glen-neighborhood-in-the-heart-of-busy.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Oakland's Trestle Glen Neighborhood--Wonderful homes and a Busy Hub for Families</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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Oakland's Trestle Glen area was built around transportation.  Before it was as you see it today, it was the heart of  railroad line which ran along Trestle Glen Creek (mostly underground, now), and was originally named Indian Gulch after the Huchiun Indians who lived in the area. That railroad ran through nearby Montclair, and back through the Oakland hills, carrying freight, passengers and tourists from 1893 to 1906 when it was rerouted and torn down. The next transportation influence to encourage growth and development was the expansion of streetcar lines which allowed homeowners in the neighborhood to travel the short distance from their newly built homes above Lakeshore Avenue to their jobs in downtown Oakland, or across the bay to San Francisco. 


Built during the 1920's and 1930's, many of the homes in the area were designed to attract prosperous business owners.  The streets were laid out by the Olmstead brothers (whose father, Frederic Law Olmstead, designed the nearby Mountain View Cemetery).  The streets are tree lined, wide, and often with graceful curves.  Classic designs are seen throughout with French and Italian influences, gracious yards and porches, and many with large front and back yards for entertaining.  Other famous architects whose work can be seen are homes built by Maybeck &amp; White, and Julia Morgan. 


Today, much of its growth and activity is centered around it's commercial hub-Lakeshore Avenue, which is a constantly active street with unique food, coffee, clothing stores and restaurants that attract Oaklanders from all over the area.  Immediately adjacent to famous Lake Merritt, it also is near three popular sites that attract families that visit them regularly.  The first is the historic Grand Lake Theater which is in the mold of the old grand theaters of the 1920's and 30's.  Built in 1926, it still shows a regular schedule of movies daily, an offers a special treat when it presents a live Wurlitzer mini-concert every Friday and Saturday night, featuring the amazing original theater organ. 


Another nearby draw Splash Pad Park.  Located among the busy streets that surround it, It  is a wonderful and pleasant gathering place to have a picnic, listen to it's pleasant fountain,  snack on goodies from the nearby restaurants, and sit among the native plants that were installed there by famous landscape designer Walter Hood. 


Last, but not least, is the popular Grand Lake Farmer's Market, which is held in the Splash Pad Park. Held every Sunday, it attracts crowds from the neighborhood and nearby neighborhoods to enjoy the ambiance of a huge variety of food, fresh produce, and pleasant surroundings.


It is difficult to be bored or indifferent about this vital Oakland neighborhood.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oaklands-piedmont-avenue-stroll-another-great-street-event-on-the-3rd-thursday-of-the-month.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oaklands-piedmont-avenue-stroll-another-great-street-event-on-the-3rd-thursday-of-the-month.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Oakland's Piedmont Avenue Stroll- Another great street event on the 3rd Thursday of the month</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ #socialcons#

With so many hip new cultural events taking place here in the East Bay, and now more than ever here specifically in Oakland, it can be tough to pick what event to check out. There really has been a renaissance in Oakland,





with a total revitalization culturally, as an explosion of food, art, music and all types of expression have arrived on the scene.  From Art Murmur to the new Gourmet Ghetto in Oakland's Temescal district, one is not for want when yearning for a bit of the good stuff.  As a native growing up in the late 70's and early 80's, I remember Oakland in general, including downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, and the Temescal, as very deserted, like a ghost town. To see my city thriving now, and to encounter yet another awesome business or happening taking place in Oakland, is a thrill. The latest discovery, is the Piedmont Ave Stroll. Taking place the third Thursday of every month, it was named the "Best Art Walk That's Not Art Murmur in 2012" by the East Bay Express. Meandering down the ave, one can enjoy art, entertainment, and refreshments, as well as check out businesses showcasing local artists and designers. Admission and parking are free after 6 pm. Event highlights are posted the week before in the windows of participating businesses.  The night of the stroll grab a map and collect a stamp toward the raffle, where you can win gift certificates and merchandise. All in all, it sounds like another successful venue for gathering, and enjoying the best of our cultural mix here in the Bay Area. We all knew it was possible, but it really is a dream come true to see it manifesting before our eyes. Come check it out with me!
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            <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 11:57:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/small-town-america-in-oaklandca-the-glenview-district.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/small-town-america-in-oaklandca-the-glenview-district.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Small Town America in Oakland,CA-The Glenview District</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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If there was ever a small town neighborhood within a larger town, it would be the Glenview District, in Oakland.  Located adjacent to the the Trestle Glen and Oakmore neighborhoods, it, like all small towns, has it's "main street" --in this case, Park Boulevard--which is filled with local shops and small merchants that serve the needs of its residents.  For most of these residents, these amenities are within walking or biking distance.  Many of the restaurant in the small complex are highly rated, the market is handy and well stocked, and an excellent coffee shop attracts Saturday and Sunday morning get togethers among friends.


Developed the 1920's and 1930's along the trolley lines running up and down Park Boulevard, it grew, as the areas around it grew, during the same time period between wars when affordable homes were attractive to newcomers to Oakland.  For a neighborhood of its size, it has numerous churches and a temple, plus Glenview Elementary School and Edna Brewer Middle School. 


To complete it's home town feel, it has cozy, tree lined streets that are filled with period classic bungalow, Spanish stucco, mission, and brown shingle style homes, many of which have appealing porches for viewing and entertaining.


For those considering Oakland, and still used to a small town atmosphere, Glenview should be a starting place for your search for your new home. 


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 10:57:35 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oaklands-montclair-district-village-living-in-style.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oaklands-montclair-district-village-living-in-style.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Oakland's Montclair District-Village Living In Style</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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In Oakland, California, there is a neighborhood tucked into the hills called Montclair.  It is one of the most heavily forested neighborhoods in the city.  It reminds a visitor of Tahoe with its winding tree lined streets.  Views of San Francisco are available peaking through the trees at many locations, especially  among those Montclair view homes that are perched high atop the many canyons that are found descending from the high hills above. 


Immediately adjacent to the city of Piedmont on one side, and Oakland's Woodminster and Oakmore neighborhoods, it is the location of Montclair Village-an  enclave of small shops, and excellent restaurants which are visited by Oakland residents from throughout the city.  To add to the food flavor, the Village hosts a Farmer's Market every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Many activities are scheduled each year by various organizations in the area.  They include an annual Easter egg hunt, and the Montclair Car Show which presents classic and restored cars and motorcycles built before 1985.


Located in the neighborhood is Montclair Elementary School, a highly rated elementary school.  It was given a Great Schools rating of 10 out of 10, and is able to keep its average class attendance at 22.  It hosts its own calendar of fun, highlighted each year by its fundraising Otter Ball. 


Also contributing to area activities is the super busy Montclair Recreation Center. Located in Montclair Park with its quiet pond and ducks, it serves area  residents from babies to seniors.  It has classes of all sorts from art and dance to team sports, gymnastics to karate. 


It's varied and busy activity schedule keeps residents involved and committed to their neighborhood. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2013 10:45:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oakland-california-redwood-heights-neighborhood.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/oakland-california-redwood-heights-neighborhood.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Oakland, California's Redwood Heights Neighborhood-Historic, Yet Full Of Today's Vitality</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



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The hills above Oakland, California were, at one time, full of huge forests of trees, some of which were over 30 feet in diameter.  With the demand for lumber by growing San Francisco and Oakland around the turn of 19th century, the lumber industry established itself in the area.  Redwood Road, one of the boundaries of the Redwood Heights neighborhood was a major logging road.  As the nearby Oakmore and Laurel districts began developing along the trolley lines transporting their new residents, Redwood Heights began to grow as well.  One of the first developments was Avenue Terrace, built in the early 1920's.  It's entrance can be seen on 35th Avenue and Victor, where a stone obelisk , believed to be the marker for the area homes defines the area as "Avenue Terrace".  The homes in this development show a wide variety of architectural design, from Spanish stucco, English Tudor, and Italian Mediterranean. 


While not a huge neighborhood by many standards, (with 24,500 residents), it is  community oriented, and centered around the very popular Redwood Heights Elementary School and the Redwood Heights Community Center (seen above). It's Redwood Heights Neighborhood Association is one of Oakland's oldest neighborhood associations, establishing itself in 1944.


The Community Center has a large daily variety of events, classes and planned activities for residents from the very youngest to the elderly.  There is a broad scope of things to.  Additionally, community meetings are often held here.  Redwood Heights School is characterized by a very active yearly calendar, and boasts a highly interactive parent involvement to keep family participation high in all of its events. 


For home buyers looking for a family oriented, tree lined neighborhood, Redwood Heights should be at the top of their list. 


 


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 10:43:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/finding-the-ideal-berkeley-home-and-neighborhood-part-2.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/finding-the-ideal-berkeley-home-and-neighborhood-part-2.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Finding The Ideal Berkeley Home And Neighborhood--Part 2</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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On the last blog, I offered some ideas about a few ways to evaluate the neighborhoods surrounding some Berkeley homes for sale that you might be considering.  While it is important to choose a home just for itself, there is no doubt that the choice of a neighborhood plays a crucial role in your family's happiness once the home is purchased.   Yesterday, I mentioned the importance of choosing the right school district, and the quality of the neighborhood location as to amenities and services. 


In this blog, the suggestion for a criteria has to do with a financial consideration of the home's appreciation possibilities.  No one wants to buy a home to find out that within a year or two, it will be worth less than its original purchase price.  This is always a concern for any home purchase, and one of my jobs as your real estate agent is to give you as much information as possible to help you make decisions. 


Through the Multiple Listing Services, and other sites, I have an amazing amount of statistical history for each area that you might want to consider.  Perhaps, after viewing information about the Berkeley area, you might want to have information about the nearby Oakland Rockridge district, because the results seem appealing, as well.  While it is impossible to predict future sales prices exactly, you will at least have a picture of what past trends have been. 


Other helpful things to consider would be:


a. What areas are just beginning to grow, and be in demand?


b. Where are most offers for new homes being made?


c. How many "Sale Pending" or "Sold" signs are in front of homes in the neighborhood?


d. What areas are being redeveloped, retrofitted or newly built?


All these issues have a strong bearing on your potential home selection now, and in the future, and thus worth your time to evaluate and review, when considering neighborhoods of interest for purchasing your home.


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 16:52:34 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/finding-the-ideal-berkeley-home-and-neighborhood.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/finding-the-ideal-berkeley-home-and-neighborhood.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Finding The Ideal Berkeley Home and Neighborhood--Part 1</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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As you begin to search for a Berkeley home for sale , it becomes obvious, when looking around, that in addition to considerations about the home itself, the neighborhood surrounding that home is certainly worthy of serious evaluation as well.  Whether you are looking around the University of California, or down by the Berkeley/Albany home border, there are some things that need review.


Each family, in  beginning the search, has different priorities as to what things comprise their most important needs.  For some, it will be the school district, for others closeness to family or friends or work.  However, when all is said and done, each family member wants to feel safe, comfortable and welcome in their new home.


Two important issues arise for most families:


1. Consideration of School Quality--For many families of young children, this is one of the highest issues to be addressed before purchasing a home.  A suitable school that meets the needs of all the children-whether elementary or high school, is a must.  Here are some suggestions about getting this information:


a. Consult your local school district and get a firm understanding of what school assignments are made for your potential neighborhood home address.


b.Talk with friends and neighbors and coworkers who live in your future neighborhood as to their opinion of the suitability of the schools there.  They are a valuable source of information, since they often have the day to day feedback from their own experience or contacts.   


c. Go to www.schoolratings.com.  This site allows you to check the rating of California schools by city.  It also gives you an Academic Performance Index Score.   It is an excellent means to compare and contrast various areas, and the schools that serve them. 


2. Consideration of Neighborhood Amenities--All families want to have their needs met with convenience.  Certain basic elements make homes practical and desirable:


a. Is the home close to pleasant and safe shopping areas, libraries, beaches, parks and recreational facilities?


b. Is it desirable in terms of transportation facilities, roads and access for the daily trips that must be made to school and work each day, or will it be a chore each day?


c. It is important to visit your potential neighborhood during different times of the day, once you are considering it seriously.  What seems like a quiet afternoon calm can be quite chaotic with an early morning commute as everyone there is trying to exit in the morning, or in the afternoon when the streets may be filled with children playing basketball or racing bicycles.


In Part 2-we will consider some economic considerations in evaluating your future home. 
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            <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 10:34:17 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/historic-alameda-bay-farm-island.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/historic-alameda-bay-farm-island.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Historic Alameda Bay Farm Island </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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Sitting immediately adjacent to Alameda, California in San Francisco Bay, is tiny Alameda Bay Farm Island.  It was originally farm land, and known for producing two unique products for the nearby city restaurants--asparagus and oysters.  Originally known as Asparagus Island, it also supported large oyster beds,( along with other portions of the Alameda island coast) which produced what was then considered a great delicacy to Edwardian San Francisco. 


Although separated by an estuary in the 19th century from mainland Alameda, it is now connected to both Alameda and Oakland.  By extension, it is connected to the Oakland International Airport, which was opened by Charles Lindbergh in 1927. What was once a quiet agricultural area, now houses offices, retail sites and residential developments.  In one of the office complexes can be found the headquarters of the Oakland Raiders.


An graceful lagoon runs through portion of the Alameda Bay Farm Island homes. Additionally,  while there are many small parks throughout the island, Shoreline Park, with its inviting trails for running, biking and walking, offers amazing views of the San Francisco skyline across the bay.  For those who enjoy golf, there is the Chuck Corica Golf Complex, a mainstay of the island for many years.


While there are many Alameda homes and apartments nearby, the major development on the island is, and has been, "Harbor Bay Isle".  It has twenty homeowner associations that work with the many residential subdivisions throughout the area.  An additional tie in to the nearby airport is the Amelia Earhart school honoring one of America's most notable female pilots who was lost over the Pacific in 1937 during her round the world flight quest. 


While ever changing, Bay Farm Island has an interesting and varied history to contribute to the Bay Area scene.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 12:02:28 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/home-inventory-shortage-means-higher-prices-for-oakland-and-piedmont-homes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.brucewagg.com/blog/home-inventory-shortage-means-higher-prices-for-oakland-and-piedmont-homes.html</link>
            <author>homes@brucewagg.com (Bruce Wagg)</author>
            <title>Home Inventory Shortage Means Higher Prices for Oakland and Piedmont Homes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



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The recent Bay Area Market Report for the first quarter of 2013 has just been released, and the results are very exciting for Oakland homeowners, and Piedmont home sellers who have been considering putting their home on the market.  Right now, there is a drastic shortage of homes for sale on the market.  As of March 31, 2013, there are only 4098 existing single-family detached homes were listed for sale in the entire nine-county Bay area.  While this is an improvement from the 3.370 homes available as of 12/2012, it is still down 55 % from the 10,282 homes available a year ago to date. 


While home sales have fallen to their lowest level in five years in the Bay Area, once homes are placed on the market, all nine Bay Area counties reported impressive double digit year-over-year increases in the median home sales price for the second consecutive quarter. Notable is that  Alameda County is reporting a 33% annualized increase in this median sales price, and Contra Costa County reporting a annujalized 31% increase. 


Further, once homes were listed, they sold at a brisk pace.  For the entire Bay Area, homes were on the market for an average of 54 days before receiving that desired final purchase offer, which is down from 55 days as of 12/2012, but most impressively down from being on the market 74 days a year ago to date-a notable change.


The most exciting news for Alameda County home sellers was that, because of the shortage of inventory, homes in Alameda County sold in an average of 29 days!  If you compare this to Napa county, which recorded the highest average in the Bay Area of 94 days, that is a pretty remarkable statistic for Alameda county homeowners who might want to consider selling. 


While these are a lot of numbers, they do point to the fact that home shortage means competition among buyers for those available homes.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:35:43 -0700</pubDate>
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