If you would like an imaginatively updated loft in Oakland, located just moments from busy and popular Jack London Square, you will certainly want to consider this beautifully light and airy home.  The wall of South facing windows and industrial skylights, let in pleasing natural light, and create a sense of welcome, whether you are entertaining, or just relaxing at the end of the day.

As with many buildings in the area, this building also has an interesting architectural history, much of which remains in evidence today.  Once the Oakland Plumbing Supply Company, the original concrete floors remain, but are now burnished to a handsome sienna brown.  The original safe door still remains in the corner, and is unique to this unit.  

The…

1604 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

1440 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

Courtesy of Realtor Magazine,  here is a brief summary of some of the most important paperwork that you will be seeing, whether buying or selling your Oakland home.  You will be seeing more as the negotiations progress, but be assured that I will go over each page with you carefully, so you are comfortable as you move forward.

Vocabulary: Transaction Documents

Property disclosure form

This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property. Your real estate agent will let you know if there is a special form required in your state.

Purchasers’ access to premises agreement

This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities such as measuring for draperies before you move.

…

1344 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This current selection of Piedmont homes offers you a excellent choice of interior designs and classic architecture.  Be sure to contact me when you find the one that interests you.

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

Photo of Listing #40734504  

$6,950,000

  • 7 Beds
    •  
  • 7 Baths
    •  
  • 7,312 SqFt

Piedmont, CA

Rare Opportunity To Enjoy A Private Estate In Central Piedmont! Two Parcels Combine For Over An A...

View Listing 

Only Rarely Does A Home As Beautifully Designed...

 

$5,685,000

  • 6 Beds
    •  
  • 5 Baths
    •  
  • 7,408 SqFt

Piedmont, CA

Only Rarely Does A Home As Beautifully Designed As This One Come On The Market, Even In Piedmont....

View Listing 

Built For The…

1455 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Oakland Lake Merritt condominium building near downtown Oakland

Oakland has seen steady growth in condominium options, and that trend continues as more buyers look for lower-maintenance homes close to BART, restaurants, Lake Merritt, downtown Oakland, and the waterfront. Whether you are considering a classic building near Lake Merritt condos for sale, a historic condo near Jack London Square, or a newer building in one of Oakland’s changing neighborhoods, there are many different choices to compare.

Buying a condominium is similar to buying a single-family home in some ways, but there are several important differences. The unit itself matters, of course, but so does the building, the HOA, the reserves, the monthly dues, the rental rules, the financing requirements, and the long-term maintenance history. Before…

1675 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

At this time of year, especially, there is a strong competition among buyers in the Oakland and Piedmont housing markets to purchase homes. In fact, in some market areas, there have been multiple offers on available homes, often disappointing many buyers who felt that their ideal home slipped through their fingers.  

The best solution to this problem is to be ready to move ahead right away when you see the home you want. To do this, it is important that you have a pre-approved loan in place. This takes a bit of advanced planning.  You should know what it will take to have a lender consider you, and what elements are involved in setting your mortgage rates.  

Here are some of the major considerations that come into play:

1. Your Credit…

1470 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This charmingly updated Maxwell Park home is ideal for those who want to enjoy a well located home that allows immediate access to nearby restaurants, excellent grocery stores, boutique shops, stores and transportation.  And yet, in addition to all that the nearby Dimond and Laurel districts have to offer, there is a small town charm to be found in this cozy and desirable neighborhood.

Many amenities makes this Craftsman style home especially appealing.  It has a freshly painted exterior, and hardwood floors throughout.  An attractive living room features the classic Craftsman style fireplace, and the adjacent dining room offers ample space for entertaining friends and family. 

Just steps away is a pleasant kitchen that is updated to…

1914 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 Over the last decade, Oakland has made a commitment to reinvest in the downtown area, with the intention of revitalizing its shops, stores, and overall ambiance.  This has been done with the very specific goal of attracting visitors and Oakland residents alike, to play, live, and enjoy the city.  The result has been new condos, lofts, restaurants, and art venues, all highlighted by the Jack London Square complex, and the soon to be developed Brooklyn Basin complex.  

Much of this development has been tied to a steadily developing concept--a "Walkability Score".  This is a measure of how friendly a neighborhood is to its residents.  How convenient is walking to its shops, parks and schools?  How convenient is its access to transportation to…

1756 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

The very much anticipated Brooklyn Basin project is taking its first major step forward towards completion. Construction of the first building is expected to begin before the end of 2016, given anticipated current design approvals, and be completed by late 2018.  Adjacent to a park, with a planned concrete, cement and glass facade, this 308,270 sq.ft., seven story building will be a dramatic step forward towards the start of this immense project.  

As envisioned in the picture above, the Brooklyn Basin project is located at the Oakland waterfront, and will offer amazing views of both the city and the water.  It is planned as a mix of both residential and retail.  13 buildings of residential housing are planned.  As projected, there will be 3100…

1918 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Alameda's Marina Shores Towns  are among the newest of townhomes to appear on the ever growing housing scene in Alameda.  Perfectly located along the Oakland Estuary in the historic Fortman Basin, these luxury townhomes offer a very wide assortment of opportunities to select the perfect home for your needs.

As an example, this community offers 27 distinctive floorplans, and homes range in size from approximately 1338 to 2280 square feet, and have choices from two to four bedrooms, and two and one half to four bathrooms.  An additional benefit is a two-bay tandem garage.  

The small town atmosphere of Alameda makes it one of the best locations for your new home. Alameda's cozy downtown offer unique shops and dining opportunities, plus a large,…

2216 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post