You have finally decided to move ahead and buy your new home.  You know the type of home that you want, the neighborhood that you would like, and the price that you are willing to pay. To assure yourself that you have the your best chance to achieve these goals, you should plan to follow these three steps: 

1. Find An Experienced Real Estate Agent Who Knows The Marketplace:   Buying a home has become more complicated every year.  Whether you need information about loan qualifications, property disclosures, home inspections, offers and counteroffers, the experience of your chosen agent can make a dramatic difference in your end result.  My multi-year winning sales record in the Bay area will assure you that you are in good hands with me as your

As buyers begin to search for a new home, they often are amazed at how many distinct and unique neighborhoods there are in this truly diverse city.  Whether you want tree lined streets, ocean views, nearby Lake Merritt, or downtown bustle, there is a spot that should appeal to you. When all is said and done, the best part is that they are all just moments away from each other.

Below is a selection of neighborhoods to review.  There are so many more, but here is a start:

Oakland Neighborhoods 

This captivating living room above, with its dramatic open beamed peak ceiling and innovative fireplace, looks out onto a balcony and a sweeping Bay area view that is stunning, no matter what the time of day.  Located at 14075 Skyline Boulevard in Oakland, it offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in a spacious 3539 sf +/- sf of living space.  What adds even more value to the home is the surprising 1.61 acres +/- of land on which the the home sits.  

Skyline Boulevard weaves along the highest hills in Oakland, and as such provides impressive Bay area views, and makes homes here especially cherished.  In addition to the site, this residence is adjacent to the Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Reserve, and not far from many other parks and trails along

This glowing hillside house, located at 1825 Arrowhead Drive has been impressively upgraded throughout, and is a warm and welcoming home for both residents and guests.  Located in the Oakland hills above Montclair Village, it is just moments from Huckleberry Regional Preserve, and other popular parks and trails nearby.  It offers 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms, in approximately 2000 sf of living space. 

As can be seen by three select views of the living room, dining room and kitchen, this home is ideal for entertaining. This spacious living room is perfect for guests.  The desirable central fireplace is a pleasant spot around which to gather on chilly evenings, and the stellar adjacent kitchen can provide a special selection of tasty

  As soon as you decide that you would like to begin to look for your new Piedmont or Oakland home, you should take steps to get your loan financing in place.  In many areas of the East Bay, the competition for homes and condominiums is very high. As a result, you need to be ready to make a offer immediately upon finding your ideal home to avoid losing out to other bidders.  What do you need to know about your financing options?

1. Being Pre-Qualified By A Lender-This is a first step in the mortgage process, but an important one.  You will be asked to provide your lender with your basic financial status.  You would inform them about your debt, your income, and your assets.  It allows the lender to review your situation, and give you a general

This view of this Oakland Montclair neighborhood home at 6007 Valley View Road reflects just a portion of the dramatic upgrades that were made to what was once a modest 800 sf cottage, that has been rebuilt, expanded, and transformed it into a stunning 3,315 sf home during 2016-2017. Settled in among the soothing trees and greenery that makes Montclair a perfect place to live, this home offers 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, and a location just moments from the shopping and restaurants of Montclair Village, Rockridge and Piedmont Avenue.  

Everything about this home reflects simplicity, yet each element is effective, and carries its own weight in the overall effect.  An excellent example is this imaginative front door that is paired with a wooden

This handsome traditionally styled home is perfectly located in the Piedmont Pines neighborhood of Oakland at 2666 Carisbrook Drive.  It offers what is best about hillside living-sheltering trees, quiet ambiance, and lush greenery, and yet it is just moments from the amenities offered by the nearby shops and restaurants of Montclair and Rockridge.  It features 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, in a spacious 2766+/-sf of living space.  

 It is hard to deny the dramatic curb appeal of this home.  Its stunning two story facade with its brick first floor and adjacent walkway, seen here, combined with multiple front windows with delightful accompanying shutters, welcomes guests in a irresistible way.  Especially unique is that the front gardens continue on

This dramatic living room, with its stunning open beam peaked ceiling, and marvelously imaginative stone fireplace, is just the first of many impressions that convey the quality and charm that is represented in this Piedmont home located at 415 Scenic Avenue.  It features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in a comfortable 3068 +/- sf of living space, and is ideally located close to downtown Piedmont, and just moments from the popular shops and restaurants of Montclair, Rockridge and the Grand Lake area.  

Guests are welcomed by this sheltering wood shingled front porch and charming front door.  The home is surrounded by, and settled in among, tall, well established oak trees, and extensive plants and greenery.  

 A slightly different view of

These absolutely dazzling scenes, seen here above and below, represent just a portion of the approximately 180 degree /five bridge views that are available from this home at 5895 Grizzly Peak Boulevard In Oakland.  

 This home was designed to capture this entire stunning panorama-one which will alternate in its beauty hour to hour, and as the days and seasons change.

 This innovative balcony allows one to sit outside, high above the hillside, and enjoy the spectacular scenery and the sloping green hills directly below.  Designed by architect  Jim Orjala, and dubbed "The Aves House", the home's architectural concept was created to represent the appearance of a bird wing in honor of the many native birds that frequent the hillsides. 

This handsomely designed traditional home, located at 1637 Grand Avenue, represents a style often associated with Piedmont.  Its timeless appeal is obvious, and its architecture is classic for an era, yet it moves seamlessly into today's living.  Ideally located close to the in demand shops and restaurants of Montclair, Rockridge and Piedmont Avenue,  it offers 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms in a comfortable 2053 +/- sf of living space, with off street parking.

The curb appeal here is exemplary.  Carefully trimmed plants and hedges and imaginative front steps, lead to a dramatic front porch with matching pair of impressive entry columns  

 As guests reach the top of the stairs and arrive at the front porch, they are offered this