The Upper Rockridge neighborhood in Oakland has always been one of the most in demand neighborhoods in the city.  Graced by a combination of classic Spanish, Mediterranean, and Mission style designs, it has gradually seen added dramatic custom built homes, many of which are full of light and creative designs.  Located adjacent to Berkeley and near Piedmont, it is well placed as well for freeway access to downtown Oakland and SF, as well as Orinda and the rest of Contra Costa County.  Rockridge, especially along College Avenue, it the location of a wide variety of appealing restaurants, shops and boutiques.  

          Remember, new properties come on line regularly, so check my website at www.brucewagg.com for the latest updates.

 Ideally…

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The Oakland hills are some of the most in demand places for home builders.  The combination of a Tahoe like ambiance and often stunning SF Bay views, make this an ideal spot for those who want to create their own special living space.

The site locations are as varied in price and location as the home possibilities.  Below is a handsome mid-price choice with the Tahoe appeal.  For opportunities above or below this price range, click on this site, and then call me to view your choices: OAKLAND LOTS AND LAND

Spectacular Extra Deep Lot Situated At The End ...

Photo of Listing #40753537  

$750,000

  • 19,899 SqFt

Oakland, CA

Spectacular Extra Deep Lot Situated At The End Of A Great Cul-de-sac. Site Has Bay Views And Over...

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Lake Merritt shoreline with the downtown Oakland skyline in the distance

Oakland is not one uniform housing market. It is a collection of distinct neighborhoods offering different combinations of architecture, terrain, walkability, transit access, shopping, parks, views, lot sizes, condominiums, townhomes, and detached houses.

A buyer who enjoys the restaurants and BART access of Lower Rockridge may have very different priorities from someone searching for wooded privacy in Montclair, a period home in Crocker Highlands, a condominium near Lake Merritt, or a bungalow in Maxwell Park.

This guide provides a starting point for comparing several established Oakland neighborhoods. Follow any neighborhood link to read its local real estate guide and browse current homes for sale. You can also begin with the broader Oakland…

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As the busy Spring housing market arrives this year, you may find that there is a lot of competition for some of the choicest or best priced homes in Oakland and Piedmont.  It is important that you get pre-approved for a home loan, so that you will be an excellent choice among potential buyers for that ideal home that you want.  It is especially important  that you leave nothing to chance about your ability to finance that home.

Lenders are looking at a number of things when they are considering your request:

1. Your Credit Score--While this may seem obvious, this credit score, and your credit history tells lenders a lot about you.  In essence, this score is their key indicator as to how responsible you are about acquiring debt, and then paying…

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 Whether you want hillside views, cozy tree lined streets, sweeping bay views, or downtown  vibes, there is a home for you in Oakland.  Here are just a sample of the many neighborhoods that you can choose from, and if these don't fit, there are plenty more!  Just let me know what you need, and we will find it.  

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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 The Spring selling market is now upon us. Whether Oakland, Alameda or Berkeley,  this is one of the busiest times of the year for home buyers who are looking for their perfect new home.  While some marketplaces are especially stong, and competition is extremely heavy for the few houses on the market, that is not necessarily true of all Bay area homes.  For that reason, it becomes very important to price your home correctly to attract the maximum attention in the shortest period of time.  No matter what the area, my job, as your real estate agent, is to help you arrive at a competitive and realistic asking price, so your home will get immediate interest and attention. 

Many sellers, for a variety of reasons, have a tendency to want to overprice…

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As your real estate agent, I am thoroughly prepared to assist you in purchasing your new home.  With my many years as a real estate professional in the Bay area, I have developed a sophisticated sense of the area, and I know where the homes are that will fit your specific needs in terms of price and location.  In this blog, I would like to make you aware of the many services that I can offer you when purchasing your new home.  Buying a home is a truly a significant step for everyone, and whether you are looking in Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley or Alameda, or anywhere else in the San Francisco Bay Area, I can offer you the following services to make your search more comfortable and well planned:

* Meet with you to identify your ideal home

* Provide…

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While there are many elements that you must consider in deciding to buy or sell an Oakland or Piedmont home, there is one very important element that you will want to consider-the marketplace of  the home. The basic question to ask yourself is " What is the direction of current Bay Area real estate housing sales?" "What is the direction of Northern California housing sales?".

Right now, the direction is "up".  Here are some quick summaries courtesty of the National Association of Realtors' "Median Sales Price of Existing Single Family Homes For the Metropolitan Area" :

1. Median existing single family homes in the Western US rose 4.8% to $299,500 in the 4th quarter of 2014.

2. In the Sacramento/Arden/Roseville area, the median single family…

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 VISIT MY OPEN HOME-SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST, 1:00-4:00 P.M.

High atop the Oakland hills is 11717 Cranford Way.  This serene home is surrounded by a gracious gardens, with a sitting porch in the front, and, at the rear of the home, are tiered decks with amazing views from the Bay Bridge to the San Mateo Bridge.  What an desirable combination of choices for the exterior portion of the home.  

                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interior of the home is just as appealing.  The center of the home is most certainly the kitchen/dining area.  Wih a gleaming dining room table and chairs, a guest area around a fireplace, and a view out the windows, it is an ideal spot for guests to watch dinner being made in the…

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 Often, as we begin to make plans to purchase an Oakland or Piedmont home, we have a tendency to decide what we can afford by looking at the asking price of the home for sale.  While this is certainly a sensible place to start, some other issues come into play that should be considered when deciding what one can pay for the home.

There are, in fact, other costs involved in purchasing a home that will need to be included in any buyer's budget.  While many things are negotiable between buyer and seller, it is a good idea to include these elements into your purchasing plans. 

1. Professional Home Inspection Fees: It is extremely important to have your future home thoroughly inspected before making your purchase, especially if you have concerns…

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