As you begin your search for your future Oakland or Piedmont home, there is a tendency to look at the asking price as the cost of your new home.  While there is no doubt that is a good starting point, common sense tells you that home prices are often negotiable, and that competition is particularly stiff right now in many neighborhoods.  In addition to the purchase price, you need to put additional items into your budget to see if you can truly afford the home that you are looking at.  

While some of these fees below are negotiable between seller and buyer, it is best to include them in your financial plans:

1. A Home Appraisal Fee:  Your lender needs to know the value of the home, so you should plan on paying this fee.  Costs vary, but are…

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In a very recent blog, I talked about having a clean, clutter free and odor free home when putting it on the market.  While all of that is true, there are four things that can often get overlooked, and are, if left in place, unappealing to future buyers.  The good news is that they can be corrected in a short period of time. 

1. Old Flooring--From the entryway forward, your floors should reflect care and cleanliness.  If your home is older, and you are still clinging to outdated, stained rugs or stair treads, consider having them replaced or removed. Handsome wooden floors that show the grain and patina of the home are appealing to many buyers.  

2. Outdated Kitchens--Most buyers are looking for refreshed kitchens today.  Busy families spend…

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This month's selection of beautiful homes reflects the classic architecture that buyers expect when purchasing their new home in Piedmont.

Historic Piedmont Estate Designed By Famed Arch...

Photo of Listing #40756981  

$8,385,000

  • 7 Beds
  •  
  • 8½ Baths
  •  
  • 10,518 SqFt

Piedmont, CA

Historic Piedmont Estate Designed By Famed Architect, Albert Farr. Spacious Formal Rooms With Gre...

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Simply Incredible 1912 Edwardian Estate- It Is ...

 

$7,250,000

  • 4 Beds
  •  
  • 4 Baths
  •  
  • 4,631 SqFt

Piedmont, CA

Simply Incredible 1912 Edwardian Estate- It Is The Crown Jewel Of Piedmont. Magical Gardens, Very...

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Rare Opportunity To Enjoy A Private Estate In C...

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When potential buyers tour your Oakland home, they are looking for many different things.  One thing, however, appeals to every buyer, and that is space.  The more space you can offer, the larger, and more appealing your home can become.  If they feel that they are getting a lot of room for their dollar, you will get their attention.   So, in getting your home ready for sale, your goal should be to present an open, uncluttered home that allows buyer to envision their things in the home, and encourage them to want to imagine how they would decorate it.  

After you have lived in your home for a while, you may or may not be aware of how cluttered or outdated the interior has become.  You tend to gather lots of furniture, accessories, and…

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The good news is that you have sold your Oakland home.  There was a lot of paperwork involved, but there is a bit more to come.  Here are some tips of steps to take to make sure that your move to your new home is trouble free.

While we have talked in the past in earlier blogs about the physical steps to packing, getting boxes, and tips in sorting out what to take, there is an equally important side to moving--notifying people that you are, in fact, moving! 

Here is the list of the most obvious people to contact as soon as you know for sure that you will be moving:

a. The Post Office--Luckily, that can be done online at usps.com, or you can fill out a form at the post office.

b. Relevant Utility Companies--Even if you are using the…

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