General Real Estate Tips and Advice

If you have been to Oakland's waterfront recently, you have no doubt seen the beginning of what is planned to be an amazing revitalization of the whole area south of Jack London Square.  This development is Brooklyn Basin, and promises an amazing mix of residential and retail that should completely revive much of the presently sadly neglected areas of Oakland's waterways.  

The picture above presents Brooklyn Basin as it will be seen when completed in the next 3-4 years.  It is estimated to cost over one billion dollars, and encompasses 64 acres.  13 buildings of residential housing will be developed here.  Sixty to seventy percent of this housing will be for sale, and 465 of the units are going to be below market rate.  Of the projected 3100…

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If you are like a large majority of homeowners today, you have some kind of household pet.  Statistically, it will most likely be a dog or cat, but birds, hamsters or fish are not out of the mix, as well.  When you are considering selling your Oakland or Piedmont home, you will need to make plans to deal with these animals when you hold your Open Home.  Without some preparation, these pets can create some issues for future buyers.  

Here are some suggestions to make the Open Home combine perfectly with whatever pet you may have:

1. Recognize That You May Have Pet Odors In Your Home:  You and your family have lived with your pet for a while, and you are used to the doggy or cat odors that exist.  They may be especially strong if you have more…

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Many new potential buyers of Oakland homes for sale, have a general idea of what they want in their future home in terms of price, location, yard space, square footage, etc..  Often, they will begin their search by touring Open Homes in various neighborhoods to get a sense of what is available.  Many times, they will begin these tours before choosing an agent to represent them.  Even when you have chosen me as your agent, these tours that you took were always a good thing to do.  

When you, as a potential buyer, began your search, you were given an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) informational sheet at each home that you visited.  What you may not have realized, is just how valuable this sheet is to you, and to me, as your agent, when deciding…

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You have no doubt heard about the thousands and thousands of Monarch butterflies who visit Northern California each fall in their migration southwards.  They are truly fragile and stunning to look at, and well worth a trip to be able to see them.

You will get this opportunity on November 8th and 15th in San Leandro.  Each year, for the last 10 years, the city of San Leandro has sponsored a wonderful walk through the resting site of butterflies who have arrived here from miles away.  A naturalist will conduct a tour throught the restricted site, and answer questions about these special guests. Details will be offered, including the fact that they can fly up to a mile high, and 25 miles per hour.  

These walks are open to all ages.  They are not…

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Oakland has so many different and unique neighborhoods to discover.  Whether you are searching for a classic Victorian, Arts & Craft, Spanish, Tudor or Modern design, there is an Oakland home and neighborhood that will meet your needs.  

Here is an opportunity to take a visual tour through just a few of the many, many distinctive areas in the city, and find what will appeal to you. 

 

Oakland Neighborhoods

 Upper Rockridge  Montclair  Lakeshore Maxwell Park 
 		 Glenview  Millsmont
Lower Rockridge  
 		 Grand Lake  Oakmore Hiller Highlands Crestmont Claremont 
Redwood Heights  Oakmore Laurel 
 		 Trestle Glen  Temescal Crocker Highlands

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As your Oakland real estate agent, it is my job to prepare you to make the best presentation possible when we put your home on the market. As the seller, you can assist me, and promote the sale of your home, with an understanding of the following points:

1. Know the Value of Your Home In The Current Marketplace--While we will be working together to determine the very best sales price for your home, you will be more comfortable with this process if you do your homework as well.  Whether you use my website, or the current popular websites of Trulia or Zillow, take the time to see what homes in your area are selling for.  Compare them by size, location, amenities, and condition.  You can learn a lot in a very short time with an appropriate checklist…

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If you have not yet discovered the family friendly First Friday events at the Oakland Museum of California, (OMCA), you are in for a treat.  Where else can you combine food, fun, music and stunning arts and history in one place?  Young or old, there is something for you to see and do.

While the theme changes each Friday, the basic format is the same.  You can count on listening to, and dancing to, live music from different Bay area groups.  The musical variety is amazing, and has included New Orleans, Funk, Salsa, Cuban, and more. Additionally, you can also count on hands-on art activities for children, and full access to all the museum galleries until 9:00 p.m.. To add enjoyment, there will be a brief pop up style tour of one of the galleries by…

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As your real estate agent, I am pleased to say that I am very confident that together, you and I can put together an outstanding presentation for your Oakland home at it's Open House.  Needless to say, the first impression that we make is no doubt the most important to attract potential buyers.  We will take your budget into consideration, rearrange and consolidate as needed, and make the freshest, most appealing presentation possible.  

However, there are many things that can be done to meet this goal that do not cost a great deal of money.  They are:

1. Fix Up The Exterior Of Your Home:  Many times, your "curb appeal" can be one of the most telling factors in your presentation.  Many potential buyers will do a drive by of homes that they are…

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You have been looking for a home for a while, and now you have found an Oakland home that meets you needs.  You are very anxious to buy it, and very much want the offer to be effective enough to attract the seller's attention, especially in this current marketplace where you know the competition for available inventory is quite high. Bidding wars for some homes are not uncommon.

The important thing, to assure that you will be considered by the seller, is that your offer stand out, and thus be acted upon promptly.

In working with me as your real estate agent, you have taken an important first step.  I am experienced in the Bay area marketplace, and very comfortable with negotiating.  Together, we will make a plan to put together an outstanding…

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If you have not discovered the bargains and outstanding selections at the Dress Best For Less Store, you need to consider upping your shopping skills.  This outstanding resale store was established 30 years ago as a way of collecting and reselling high quality clothing and other household items to benefit the Piedmont Educational Foundation.  It has been a rousing success.  In September, 2013, DBFL donated $60,000 to the schools, and in May, 2014, the Foundation received $50,000.  Overall, in the last 30 years, DBFL activities have raised more than $1,000,000 for the PEF.  

They also highlight special seasonal events, and currently have a delightful selection of clothes and accessories that are just right for that perfect Halloween costume party.…

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