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

What You Should Know About Pre-Approved Loans on Your Oakland Home

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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2121 East 29th Street-Oakland-A Design Spectacular

 OPEN HOME THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND--2:00 -4:30 p.m.

If you have ever wanted a gracious Spanish styled home with an excellent floor plan, elegantly updated rooms, and space for guests, this is the home for you. Centrally located in the Baja Glenview Area of Oakland, this immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has been designed to please. 

This sophisticated living room has hardwood floors, a fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, and a large floor to ceiling window that lets the light into this bright, airy space.  Modern light fixtures and lamps here, and in all the rooms of the home, add to the appeal of each.  Immediately adjacent, is a formal dining room for entertaining friends and family.  This room, and the front room, both have…

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The Oakland Zoo and The Dunsmuir Hellman Estate Offer Father's Day Fun

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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Current Redwood Heights Properties For Sale

Redwood Heights is a beautifully located neighborhood with a pleasant variety of architectural styles and designs among its homes.  Originally begun in the 1920's, the styles include Tudor, Mediterranean, Spanish Stucco, and Mid-Century Modern properties.  It is just moments from very busy Montclair shopping district, a short trip to downtown Oakland, and sits just moments from historic Joaquin Miller Park.  Jogging, walking and hiking are available on trails in the hills above, and the Redwood Heights Recreation Center offers classes and fun for children through seniors.  Many homes have views of San Francisco and downtown Oakland. 

Searching "All Property Types in Redwood Heights". Save this Search!

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630 Kenwyn Road, Oakland, CA--A Hillside Home Close to Everything

This handsome Mediterranean style home has been completely remodelled, and is designed for gracious entertaining inside or out.  If you are looking for a spacious family home, take a moment to consider this 3500+ square foot showplace.  It is located on Haddon Hill in Oakland, moments from the very popular Lake Merritt/Grand Lake shopping and dining activities.  Plan to stroll along among the shops, jog or ride around the lake, or take accessible freeways to anywhere in the Bay area.  It is a must see among current, available Oakland homes.

From the moment you enter, the bright and welcoming rooms flow gracefully one to the other until you reach the center of the home with its stunning upgraded kitchen and family room.

     …

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Have You Considered Buying An Oakland Condominium?

There are so many reasons for considering buying a condominium, and, right now, in the Oakland area, there are an amazing number of condos and lofts available in every possible price range. Many are located in or near the downtown area among colorful artist studios, wonderful and imaginative restaurants, and handy work and transportation sources.

This would be an excellent time to put this purchase of a loft or condo into your real estate plans.  Here are some benefits of owning either:

1. Lofts or Condos tend to be an excellent first step to getting into the real estate market.  Their initial price is reasonable, and even with homeowner association fees, the monthly cost can beat a single family home for those just entering the housing market. …

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Use This Powerful and Effective Staging Tool When Selling Your Piedmont Home

Onr of the most effective tools in staging your home for sale is the act of "decluttering".  If you have lived in your Oakland or Piedmont home for any period of time, you have started to accumulate all kinds of books, toys, storage boxes full of papers, etc.. that you find handy and comfortable while living there.  When you put you home on the market, however, you will need to address this issue of crowded or cluttered rooms before you show it. 

Why is this important? Why bother?  There are two very important reasons for taking the time:

a. Buyers Need to Envision How Your Home Will Fit Their Needs--They need to see a simple presentation of each room.  They don't want to see an old football trophy, or an award given for raising Boy Scout funds…

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Meet With Friends And Enjoy The Piedmont Avenue Stroll

If you are looking for a pleasant evening out, and want to support nearby small merchants and artists, the Piedmont Avenue Stroll is just for you.  Held on the third Thursday of every month, this is a neighborhood oriented event designed to attract Oakland and Piedmont residents to get to know their local businesses and artists who are, literally, just around the corner.  

Each month, participating businesses and artists invite you to visit them from 6:00-9:00 p.m.. Many offer special discounts or promotions to make your shopping experience even more worthwhile.  Late night entertainment is available as well after the promotional hours.  Those merchants participating can be identified by a bright yellow flag in front of their shop. 

There is a…

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How To Streamline The Sale Of Your Home-Part 1

STEP ONE--Deciding On The Price of Your Home-

Once you have made the decision to put your home on the market, it will be my job as your Oakland real estate agent to help you begin to take the important steps in determing its ultimate sales price.   I will certainly do a CMA-a Comparative Market Analysis-when we first meet.  That will give a sense of what your home might sell for compared to other homes in the area.  It is important to know that the CMA is the not the only basis that should be used for pricing your home. Your home is unique from all these others.  You can make it stand out from the competition.

STEP TWO--Prove Your Home Is Special To Buyers--

There can be some very productive homework that you can do that might just make your…

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Planning To Buy A Waterfront Home? Here Are Things to Consider

We in the Bay area are very lucky to have so many homes on, or near, the water.  Whether it be a quiet lagoon on Alameda Bay Farm Island, alongside a stream in the Oakland hills, or next to San Francisco Bay in Alameda, the choices are numerous and varied.  Because of their appeal, they can often be a bit more expensive than a similar home elsewhere, so it is important to consider the issues concerning their purchase so you can be assured that you have the best value for your money.

The Pluses of Purchasing A Home On The Water:

1. The presence of water often creates a soothing, gentle atmosphere within and around the home.  Often, one can observe the plants, wildlife, and small animals that are usually adjacent to these streams and bays. 

2.…

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