During the past few years, after the severe economic downturn, many Oakland and Piedmont homeowners saw their home equities take a serious downturn, as the value of their homes in the open market dropped--some below what they originally paid for the house.  The good news is that in many Bay area neighborhoods, that fact is undergoing a dramatic change, and things are heading back up!

We indicated, as an example, in our November 8th blog, that Piedmont is undergoing a radical change in the area of home sales.  According to Forbes magazine, Piedmont, was rated #165 in the nation's most expensive homes in the nation (Sausalito is #160, and San Francisco is #161). However, because of very limited housing stock and dramactic competition among…

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There comes a time, when you, as the seller, must seriously evaluate the impression that your home will make on potential buyers.  Once you put it on the market, people will want to consider your home as a potential future home for their family, so it is important that you make the best possible impression on them. 

Remember, before we put your Montclair or Piedmont home on the market, we will spend some serious time discussing the ways to put your home's best foot forward, but keep in mind that there are some very simple and inexpensive things to consider:

1. Maintain your landscaping, plants, and shrubs.  Keep them trimmed and free of debris around their base. …

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Piedmont Haven's Dads' Club is proud to announce the 6th annual Poker Night Fundraiser, Friday January 10, 2013. You don't have to wait for spring fling to get your school fundraising spirit going, and you don't have to fly to Vegas to get a good poker game in, or a night on the town. Ladies and Gentlemen, all Piedmont residents, are cordially invited to come down and play some Texas Hold'em and party the night away. The Dad's clubs signature fundraiser is a very popular event, where participation and excitement runs high. Everyone has a great time out, and all proceeds directly benefit our kids! Per tradition, there will be exciting raffle prizes, as well as cocktails and snacks. Dealers are on hand to teach the game, so beginners fear not. Everyone…

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This happy little boy was a visitor last year at our yearly Highland Partners' Breakfast With Santa event. We want to invite all little boys and girls-big and little-to join us for food, fun, and festivities this Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 to noon.  There will be free pictures with Santa, and he will listen carefully to all the little ones' wish lists.  While waiting, Mom and Dad can enjoy our espresso cart selections.Cookies and hot cocoa will be available as well. 

Please bring an unwrapped toy for our Toys for Tot Drive. As always, we look forward to seeing you and your family during this special time of the year.  My family is partially represented already--that smiling little boy is my son, Kai.

See you Saturday! For more details:…

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You are searching for just the right Montclair home, and have already looked at a lot of houses.  Perhaps you are getting discouraged.  What you want, you may not be able to afford, or it might not be roomy enough.  To search effectively, it is time to take a break from the many good and bad choices that you may be making, and begin to focus. Here are some tips to help:

1.DETERMINE THE "MUST HAVE" ELEMENTS FOR YOUR FUTURE HOME--This may take some time, because there may be a lot of these to start with.  But, with some serious consideration, a list will develop that isolates these items for you.  It may start with a special school district-a real "must have", or it may be a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, or a larger backyard.  Whatever the…

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Christmas is about to arrive in Piedmont, and there are so many things to do to put you and your family into the Christmas mood.  I have created a special list of family fun activities for the next few weeks. The good news is that some of these events allow you to "give back" to others, as well.

1.LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE--This Wednesday, December 4th, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Piedmont Communtity Center.  Lights will be ablaze, and Santa and his elves have promised to be there.  Christmas songs and melodies will be presented by the Piedmont High School Troubadours, and the Piedmont Council Boy Scouts will serve refreshments.  Candy canes will be given out to all good boys and girls--young and old. …

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A very valuable service is being offered by the Piedmont Police and Fire Department to Piedmont homeowners.  They are now offering emergency notifications through a system called CodeRED. The previous system of Public Safety Dispatches was discontinued on September 16th of this year, so if you, as a resident, still have the old system in place, it is no longer operational.  To continue to receive urgent public safety information, you must turn to the most current format--CodeRED. 

 

The city of Piedmont is offering this program at no cost.  Registration is simple.  Just go to the CodeRED site and provide your name, address and phone number, and, if you wish, your e-mail contact information.  Details: http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/?p=698. You can…

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As every Oakland resident knows, each Holiday season marks the lighting of the Christmas lights at the Oakland Mormon Temple, which is located high atop a prominent hill above the city.  This is an annual event that many wait for as a signal to start the beginning of the Christmas festivities.  This wonderful spectacle of celebratory lights is visible from much of the San Francisco Bay area.  Parking around the temple allows spectacular views of San Francisco and Oakland below, as well.

Arriving at the entrance, visitors are greeted with a a flowing creek that works up towards the temple, and runs between fountains splashing water. The creek is surrounded on each side by lush gardens and tall palm trees. These are highlighted with plentiful and…

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Whether home buyers are brand new, or old timers, certain basic procedures apply when preparing to buy a home.  Most of these are undertaken in conjunction with a real estate agent who can assist you in meeting your final home purchasing goals.  As an experienced agent, it is my goal to help you move forward in the most efficient way possible to obtain your new Montclair home.  Actually, that is the first step that should be taken--find an experienced, well informed agent to guide you along your path.  His or her experience in isolating your needs, finding your home, and negotiating its purchase should be your number one goal. 

Here are some additional things to consider when preparing to buy a home:

1. Know Your Finances- Take the time to…

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Yes, it's just around the corner--Thanksgiving Day. Also just around the corner, on that very same day is the annual Piedmont Turkey Trot. This is a family oriented 3 mile run/walk that starts in downtown Piedmont, and moves throughout the beautiful tree lined streets of the city, providing beautiful fall views and safe, comfortable, running conditions. 

Early registration provides you with a bit of a discount.  If you register by November 26th, the fees are $25 for ages 13 years and older, and $15 for 12 years and younger. (After November 26th, it becomes $40/$30).  Also early registration provides you with an opportunity to receive a commemorative long-sleeved shirt if you are among the first 1800 signed up.  If you are not sure of your schedule,…

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