There is exciting news for those watching the development plans for the Brooklyn Basin project on the Oakland estuary. Potential residents know that  Brooklyn Basin's dramatic mixed use retail and housing development will be a remarkable addition to Oakland's waterfront.  As recently reported by Mark Hedin of the Bay Area News Group , Oakland's Planning Commission, on September 7th, approved the first project for this site.  Designated as the Brooklyn Basin Terraces Apartments, they will feature a mix of 2800 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space, and 241 market-rate apartments.  The builders expect to break ground for these units in early 2017. 

As can be seen by the  illustration above, Brooklyn Basin will be a mixed use residential and…

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When you are selling your Oakland or Piedmont home, you can increase its appeal dramatically by the effective use of curb appeal.  Just as many sellers stage the interior of their home, they need to consider the effect that a handsome exterior will have on potential buyers.  The good news is that many of the ideas below can be done without a large financial investment.

Your first step is to look at your home the way others may see it.  How will drive by buyers see it?  What impression are you giving about the home in general?  Here are some top tips:

1. The yard must look clean and neat.  Remove all debris from the front yard, and be sure to include the sidewalks, garden beds, gutters and porches in your cleanup.  Weed and remove all dead…

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