General Real Estate Tips and Advice

 

 

 

You are looking for that very special Oakland home for you and your family.  As with most buyers, you may be concerned whether you will qualify financially, so that when you find your perfect home, it can be yours.  While this is a very common concern, the more you know about "how much home" you can buy, the more comfortable you will be as you begin your search.  Below, is an overview of what lenders will be looking for when they consider your loan application.  While this is not the final list of things they look at, and there are many more issues involved, below is a general overview of what is looked at by lenders:

Overall, they are concerned about three things regarding future borrowers:

1. Your Credit Rating:  Your credit rating…

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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,…

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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:

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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In a very recent survey by DataQuick, it was revealed that current 2014 home prices in most cities in the East Bay were trending upwards compared to the same point in time in 2013.

While there are many causes, many of them seasonal, and some reflecting both national and local financial issues, there is no doubt that there has been a change.  Most real estate professionals have seen it as well.  Homes that have been placed on the market at a competitive price, have been receiving many, many offers, and the final sales prices have been driven upwards as a result.

There one major reason for this change, and that is the dramatic lack of housing stock.  There simply are not enough homes on the market to accommodate this season's home buyers.  Many…

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Once you have decided to buy an Oakland home, or Oakland condo, and begin your search, one of your most important first steps will be getting the all important financing to purchase it.  As you begin to work with me, I will assist you in directing you to some potential loan sources that I feel will be useful and valuable in your search.  Many buyers need to be sure that they understand the difference between two very important loan terms.  The first is "Pre-Qualified", and the second is "Pre-Approved".  There is a big difference between them.

In many neighborhoods in Oakland and Piedmont, the stock of homes is low, and as a result, homes are being bid upon quickly, and are often off the market within a couple of weeks.  This means that when you…

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Both the Oakland Zoo and The Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate have scheduled special events for Dad this weekend.  The Oakland Zoo has set aside the day to encourage family fun by declaring this Sunday,"Father's Day at the Zoo".  Dad will be allowed a free train ride through the zoo, and together the family can move through the site that houses more than 660 native and exotic animals, a wildlife theater, an African Savannah and Tropical Rain Forrest area, food, rides, and of course, the popular Children's Zoo, which is a favorite for everyone.  Make plans to attend this Sunday, June 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. The zoo is located off Highway 580 at 9777 Golf Links Road.  Here is a map of the zoo to help you plan your many activities for…

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