While there are many elements that you must consider in deciding to buy or sell an Oakland or Piedmont home, there is one very important element that you will want to consider-the marketplace of  the home. The basic question to ask yourself is " What is the direction of current Bay Area real estate housing sales?" "What is the direction of Northern California housing sales?".

Right now, the direction is "up".  Here are some quick summaries courtesty of the National Association of Realtors' "Median Sales Price of Existing Single Family Homes For the Metropolitan Area" :

1. Median existing single family homes in the Western US rose 4.8% to $299,500 in the 4th quarter of 2014.

2. In the Sacramento/Arden/Roseville area, the median single family…

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 VISIT MY OPEN HOME-SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST, 1:00-4:00 P.M.

High atop the Oakland hills is 11717 Cranford Way.  This serene home is surrounded by a gracious gardens, with a sitting porch in the front, and, at the rear of the home, are tiered decks with amazing views from the Bay Bridge to the San Mateo Bridge.  What an desirable combination of choices for the exterior portion of the home.  

                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interior of the home is just as appealing.  The center of the home is most certainly the kitchen/dining area.  Wih a gleaming dining room table and chairs, a guest area around a fireplace, and a view out the windows, it is an ideal spot for guests to watch dinner being made in the…

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With Spring almost here, it is time to begin your search for your perfect Piedmont home.  The choices in style, price, and design are excellent this week, so make plans to visit the ones the you especially like.

               Price, Low to High                Price, High to Low             

The Most Magical, Sun-filled Mansion In Piedmon...

Price:   $4,395,000 City:   Piedmont Beds:   6 Baths:   4 Type:   Single Family MLS® #:   40685875 The Most Magical, Sun-filled Mansion In Piedmont With Magnificent Sf And Downtown Oakland Views S... Photo of Listing #40685875 View DetailsSave to FavoritesMap

A Rare Bit Of Privacy In The Center Of Town, Th...

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When it comes time to seriously consider buying a Piedmont or Oakland home, there are so many elements that you will want to consider, since this will be your family's home for quite a while.  You will want to be comfortable in your final choice.  In recent blogs, we have considered how to qualify financially to purchase your home.  But your home has to qualify in for you in so many other ways. As with financial prequalifying, it is important that you analyze your requirements for your new home, so you don't waste time viewing homes that will not, in the long run, meet your needs.  

So, while some of these questions may seem obvious, the answers to them may surprise you when you sit down with your family to get a consensus for their next home:

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Orinda homes have always been in demand for their atmosphere of gracious living.  Whether you are looking for classic Spanish hacienda style, or modern high ceilings and dramatic open floor plans, there is a home here to fit your lifestyle.                  Price, Low to High                Price, High to Low             

$2+m Price Reduction! Masterfully Designed To R...

Price:   $4,465,000 City:   Orinda Beds:   9 Baths:   9 Type:   Single Family MLS® #:   40627913 $2+m Price Reduction! Masterfully Designed To Replicate A Spanish Hacienda, This Old World Estate... Photo of Listing #40627913 View DetailsSave to FavoritesMap

Rare Opportunity To Buy A Newer Gated Estate (2...

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 Often, as we begin to make plans to purchase an Oakland or Piedmont home, we have a tendency to decide what we can afford by looking at the asking price of the home for sale.  While this is certainly a sensible place to start, some other issues come into play that should be considered when deciding what one can pay for the home.

There are, in fact, other costs involved in purchasing a home that will need to be included in any buyer's budget.  While many things are negotiable between buyer and seller, it is a good idea to include these elements into your purchasing plans. 

1. Professional Home Inspection Fees: It is extremely important to have your future home thoroughly inspected before making your purchase, especially if you have concerns…

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This stunning 5911 sf custom home features spacious rooms, and graceful architecture in each.  With its dramatic central staircase featured above, you can access any one of the 6 bedrooms and 7 baths throughout the house.  The beautiful tropical hardwood floors add color and warmth to the home.  The very modern kitchen, with it's circular workspace, is a central place for friends to gather.  

There are plentiful uses of windows to take advantage of the views of San Francisco Bay, the spacious grounds with wooded trees, and the partial Mt. Diablo views.  This home is on a well maintained one acre of trees and gardens.  It also offers residents a home elevator, and has garage parking for 8 cars.  

 

What makes this house especially unique is…

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