The LAUREL DISTRICT of Oakland has always had a popular annual Laurel Street Fair that attracts both local neighbors and  visitors from every part of the city. It's attendance has been estimated to reach 8000 people, and it offers a wide variety of food and entertainment. It is now celebrating it's 15th Anniversary this Saturday, August 9th, and promises to be a lot of fun for visitors of all ages. 

It is held on MacArthur Boulevard between 35th and 38th Streets, from 11:00m a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. As you browse through the fair, you will see foods, information booths, crafts of every kind, merchandise for sale, a fashion show, and music is being offered hourly to add to the atmosphere.  Bands are offering everthing from lion dances, samba funk,…

2133 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Recently, the website Bankrate.com published an article written by Jay MacDonald that listed the top things that turned buyers off when viewing a home for purchase.  He surveyed a group of real estate agents across the U.S., and came up with an interesting list for all sellers to consider and prepare for before putting their home on the market. I have included the highlights for your use. Most of these issues do not need to cost a great deal of money to deal with, which is good news for sellers. 

My job, as your Seller's Agent, it to make sure that your home presents the best possible first impression.  Here are some things that we, as agent and seller, will be addressing as you put your home on the market.

THINGS THAT DISTURB POTENTIAL BUYERS:

…

1719 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Discover Gracious Living In the Oakland Hills. Sort by: Price, Low to High Price, High to Low  

Panoramic Views From Nearly Every Room! Situate...

$2,000,000 City: Oakland, CA Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40663294 Price: $2,000,000 City: Oakland Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40663294

Panoramic Views From Nearly Every Room! Situated On Private Cul-de-sac, Lot W/ Landscaped Areas. ...

Photo of Listing #40663294 View Details Save to Favorites Map

Stunning Views Of Bay Bridge, Sf, Golden Gate! ...

$1,899,000 City: Oakland, CA Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40659413…

1841 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Actually, the question should be "Why not choose Oakland?". As a city, it's central location on the coast makes an ideal departure site for nearby San Francisco or busy San Jose.  It is short distance from scenic coastal towns like Monterey or Mendocino, or the nearby wine country of Napa and Sonoma counties.  
Looking for your own personal scenic views?

  feb_2009_044_400The hills above Oakland gives you a panoramic view in every direction. Enjoy water sports? The Oakland estuary offers everything from small kayaks to sailboat racing on weeknights, to the bright white Coast Guard cutters making ready for long offshore trips.
Enjoy mountain views?  The Claremont and Montclair neighborhoods have streets lined with ecalyptus, pine, manzanita and fir trees, causing you…

1849 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

You have just bought a new Montclair home, and you are excited about moving in.  Moving household goods has always been a challenge, whether you do it all on your own, or leave it totally in the hands of professional movers.  No matter which way you go, moving costs build up as time is accumulated, so you want to save as much time as possible.  Since professional movers charge you by the hour, and truck rentals are by the day, time is money, so here are some tips to save you both:

1. Measure Everything:  Before you decide to take beds, sofas, tables, dining room tables and chairs, etc., measure exactly the sizes of each room that they will be going into, and then the chosen pieces you want to take.  Take the time to draw out a floor plan to…

1832 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

Many cities in the San Francisco Bay area have homes on the water.  The closest ones here are found in Alameda, on Alameda Bay Farm Island, and Ballena Bay.  Whether you want a condo, townhome or single family home, there are many things to consider when purchasing a home on, or near, the water. It is especially important to take a moment to review your choice of homes, when you know that due to their pleasant views and ambiance, they are often more expensive compared to similar homes in the neighborhood that are not by the water.

 The very best features of having a home next to a bay, stream or ocean is the view of the water, and the pleasing atmosphere of the plants and wildlife that greet you every morning from your deck and  picture…

2639 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Thumbnails List Map Sort by: Price, Low to High Price, High to Low  

Gated Private Estate With Lush Gardens, Lawns, ...

$5,950,000 City: Piedmont, CA Beds: 6 Baths: 5 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40661974 Price: $5,950,000 City: Piedmont Beds: 6 Baths: 5 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40661974

Gated Private Estate With Lush Gardens, Lawns, Redwood Grove And Swimming Pool. Extensively Renov...

Photo of Listing #40661974 View Details Save to Favorites Map

Exquisite Piedmont Residence On Coveted Street....

$5,250,000 City: Piedmont, CA Beds: 6 Baths: 5 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40656363 Price: $5,250,000 City: Piedmont Beds: 6 Baths: 5 Type: Single…

1805 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

 

When you finally decide to buy a home in Montclair, Piedmont or Berkeley, there are certain steps that you should take first.  These steps will affect how successful your final purchase will be for you, and for your family:

1. Find An Experienced Real Estate Agent Who Will Work Hard For You:  Purchasing a home has become more complicated every year.  Whether you are in need of information about loan qualifications, home inspections, property disclosures, offers or counteroffers, the experience of your agent in working with each of these elements can make the difference in getting the home you want.  My award winning sales record, and my many years in this marketplace, will assure you that you are in good hands with me as your agent. 

2.…

1743 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

       

 

The city of Oakland has more than 100 neighborhoods--some are quite big, and some are surprisingly small.  Each is unique in character, history and home design.  In some areas, there will be homes that are entirely single family ranch, while in others, they are super modern, and sit atop a high hill with unfettered views of San Francisco.  Some neighborhoods offer a rich cultural history, and others brag about their very unique shops, stores and restaurants. 

 

   To get you started on your search for a home or condominium, I have created a list of some neighborhoods that may interest you. While there are more, of course, this should give you a strong sense of your many choices.  DISCOVER OAKLAND NEIGHBORHOODS & HOMES FOR…

1845 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

19 Properties Found. Showing 

 

Gated Private Estate With Lush Gardens, Lawns, ...

$5,950,000 City: Piedmont, CA Beds: 6 Baths: 5 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40661974 Price: $5,950,000 City: Piedmont Beds: 6 Baths: 5 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40661974

Gated Private Estate With Lush Gardens, Lawns, Redwood Grove And Swimming Pool. Extensively Renov...

Photo of Listing #40661974 View Details Save to Favorites Map

A World Of It's Own! Expansive Grounds & Pristi...

$5,450,000 City: Piedmont, CA Beds: 7 Baths: 9 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40651177 Price: $5,450,000 City: Piedmont Beds: 7 Baths: 9 Type: Single Family MLS® #: 40651177

A World Of It's Own!…

1953 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post