True Oakland and Piedmont bargain shoppers know about the outstanding shopping opportunities available at the Dress Best For Less Store located at 3861 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Whether they are looking for gently used stylish clothing, or attractive household goods, books and pictures, there is sure to be something that attracts the eye, and the pocketbook.  The good news is that the satellite store, The Marking Room, located at 799 Magnolia Avenue in Piedmont, has even greater bargains to attract the clever buyer.    

What makes these stores extra special is that most of the profits from these stores are donated to the vital Piedmont Educational Foundation, which is committed to promoting educational excellence, and financial support for…

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As you begin your search for your future Oakland or Piedmont home, there is a tendency to look at the asking price as the cost of your new home.  While there is no doubt that is a good starting point, common sense tells you that home prices are often negotiable, and that competition is particularly stiff right now in many neighborhoods.  In addition to the purchase price, you need to put additional items into your budget to see if you can truly afford the home that you are looking at.  

While some of these fees below are negotiable between seller and buyer, it is best to include them in your financial plans:

1. A Home Appraisal Fee:  Your lender needs to know the value of the home, so you should plan on paying this fee.  Costs vary, but are…

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This month's selection of beautiful homes reflects the classic architecture that buyers expect when purchasing their new home in Piedmont.

Historic Piedmont Estate Designed By Famed Arch...

Photo of Listing #40756981  

$8,385,000

  • 7 Beds
    •  
  • 8½ Baths
    •  
  • 10,518 SqFt

Piedmont, CA

Historic Piedmont Estate Designed By Famed Architect, Albert Farr. Spacious Formal Rooms With Gre...

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Simply Incredible 1912 Edwardian Estate- It Is ...

 

$7,250,000

  • 4 Beds
    •  
  • 4 Baths
    •  
  • 4,631 SqFt

Piedmont, CA

Simply Incredible 1912 Edwardian Estate- It Is The Crown Jewel Of Piedmont. Magical Gardens, Very...

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

…

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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…

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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...

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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....

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Built For The…

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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…

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On September 1st, the Havens Community Service Crew kicked off it's first after school activity of the year.  Benefiting Children's Hospital Oakland, this time their teen patients, the project consisted of making fleece blankets, as well as decorating place mats and bookmarks.

There was a huge turnout, with almost 40 kids, and a large group of parents (Thank you!), who enthusiastically worked away laying fabric, cutting fringe, and tying off.

Within the hour, five cozy fleece tie blankets were made, and a large stack of place mats and bookmarks had been decorated with heartfelt drawings, sticker collages and messages.

The students were so excited about making the blankets that, while working, they discussed and requested specific…

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If you have ever wanted to tour some of the more beautiful homes in Piedmont and Oakland, the 2015 Children's Support League "Heart of the Home Tour" annual event makes that possible for some choice homes in the area.  Combining fund raising, home design and decorating with delicious food, this annual event is an appealing way to enjoy a pleasant weekend in Spring.  

Each year, the CSL arranges special tours of unique homes and their gardens in the area, and then invites local decorators to recreate various rooms in imaginative and exciting ways.  This has been an amazingly attractive format, and all proceeds from the event benefit organizations in Alameda and Contra Costa County that serve children at risk.  In 2014, $132,000 was distributed to…

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These classically designed Piedmont homes combine outstanding interior space with pleasant gardens, and tree lined streets. They provide gracious living close to everything, whether schools, or unique shopping opportunities in nearby Rockridge or Montclair.  
               Price, Low to High                Price, High to Low             

Gracious Piedmont Mediterranean With Exquisite ...

Price:   $3,950,000 City:   Piedmont Beds:   5 Baths:   4 Type:   Single Family MLS® #:   40685148

Gracious Piedmont Mediterranean With Exquisite Details, A Grand Foyer, Hardwood Floors And A Spac...

Photo of Listing #40685148 View DetailsSave to FavoritesMap

Fantastic Mediterranean Home In Great Location....

…

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You and your family are excited that you have just bought a new Oakland or Piedmont home.  It was something you all really wanted, and now you are going to settle in and enjoy it for years to come.  These years of enjoyment, however, must be tempered with a maintenance plan to assure that you will have few, if any problems over your time living there.

The good news is that, with a little bit of planning, you can save yourself a lot of money down the road by taking these following steps to create a regular maintenance plan:

1. Clean and inspect all gutters, downspouts, and other drainage areas around the home to avoid damage         from leaks-whether interior or exterior.

2. Inspect your roof regularly for cracks, loose shingles or tiles, and…

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