My Piedmont and Oakland Real Estate Adventures. History, Architecture and Homes - Buying Oakland Homes

Getting Pre-Approved For A Home Loan-What You Need To Know

  As soon as you decide that you would like to begin to look for your new Piedmont or Oakland home, you should take steps to get your loan financing in place.  In many areas of the East Bay, the competition for homes and condominiums is very high. As a result, you need to be ready to make a offer immediately upon finding your ideal home to avoid losing out to other bidders.  What do you need to know about your financing options?

1. Being Pre-Qualified By A Lender-This is a first step in the mortgage process, but an important one.  You will be asked to provide your lender with your basic financial status.  You would inform them about your debt, your income, and your assets.  It allows the lender to review your situation, and give you a general…

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Buying An Oakland Condominium-What Questions Should You Ask?

The last half decade has been an amazing time for growth and development of condominiums and lofts in Oakland.  Here is a current sampling: Oakland Lofts and Condos.

As your agent, I will assist you in every way to help you find the perfect choice, but here are some things that you will need to consider when making your decision as to which is best for you.  

1. Is The Location Well Suited For Your Needs?  Many condos in Oakland are downtown, in and around the Jack London waterfront area.  While this is perfect for those who enjoy walking to shops, restaurants, along scenic trails, or to handy bus, ferry or train transportation, it may be a bit too busy for others.

2. What Amenities Are Important To You?  Some condos offer gyms, pools,…

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Buying Or Selling An Oakland Or Piedmont Home This Year-Looking At Prices

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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Selling Your Oakland Home-How To Increase Buyer Appeal

 If you want your Oakland home to stand out among the competition, you will want to make it attractive and memorable.  To do that,  take some basic steps that can, with a little planning, be reasonable financially, and can cause your house to be remarkable.  Although I will have suggestions to help you get ready for your Open Home, here are some basic concepts that work well:

1. Create Outstanding Curb Appeal--This means refreshing your front yard, trimming trees and bushes, planting flowers and weeding gardens.  Don't stop there, however.  With a little bit of paint, touch up the front door (consider an attractive, contrasting color) and window trim.  Add new house numbers, and upgrade your outside porch lamp.  This first step is extremely…

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