The Piedmont Perspective, Vol. 7

What's New?
I hope you all had a memorable Mother's Day. Were you one of the families out shopping for a new home on Sunday? If you were, you were in good company. Dana Cohen reports very lively activity at her listing at 533 Blair. With charm and warmth to spare, this centrally located Storybook Traditional offers 3bdrms/3bths at a list price of $1,495,000 - offers as they come so get in there or someone else will!

Few houses boast the kind of whimsical nature and architectural elements that Nancy Lehrkind’s listing at 1121 Winsor features - an inspired, Berkelyesque cottage, residing in the heart of Piedmont, it has 3 bdrms/2bths and fabulous nooks and crannies that invite comfort and curling up with a good book. It’s truly unique and well worth seeing. List price: $1,695,000.

What's Coming?
I am still eagerly anticipating the cool, contemporary, upgraded mid-century modern with panormaic views at 155 Hagar Avenue - open this Sunday; along with Ed Kou's sparkling new listing at 51 Sylvan - offering easy living and downtown Oakland views in a clean and stylish 3bdrm/2bth package.

If you missed the turn-of-the-century Victorian on Oakland Avenue, here's your chance at another go - 219 Sunnyside, on almost 1/3 of an acre is an "AS IS" listing waiting for an enthusiastic owner. With expansive gardens, hill views and sunny front porch, it only needs a glass of lemonade to complete the picture of a bygone era.

It should be beautiful weather once again, so put on your walking shoes and check out these fabulous listings, as well as others you might have overlooked. (Need ideas ? Give me a call.)

What's Pending?
This week’s pendings include the traditional Tudor at 68 Sharon, the sleek Contemporary at 61 Arroyo, last week’s swift sale of the Cape Cod at 333 Seaview, and this week's even swifter sale of 101 Lexford Avenue, which never hit the open market. Wow!

It might interest you to know that of the 16 homes that have gone pending since the beginning of March 2007, 5 have sold under asking, 4 have sold at asking and 6 have sold above asking (that’s what we call a photo finish).

While listing price averages $615 square foot, average pending price hovers at $599 a square foot and average sold price reports $588 a square foot. (Are you catching the downward trend?) Looking at these statistics, one might surmise that about 1/3 of the time, the listing price starts too high (and they do – even here in idealic Mayberry). Remember that the market defines the true value of your home.

That’s important to keep in mind when setting your price. Buyers have little concern with what you need or what you want. As I’ve mentioned before, if you haven’t captured your market within the first two weeks, chances are your home is overpriced. The market tends to carry properties up, but will take them down in no uncertain terms and almost as swiftly. No one wants to find themselves in a free-fall (least of all, you!). Price according to what the market will bear and listen to your Realtor (we're not perfect, but a good Realtor should have a sense of where the true market lies).

What's Happening Now?
The Piedmont Calendar is what’s happening. So many of you have emailed me back with comments and suggestions for the "What’s Fun" portion of this e-letter that I’ve decided to take your suggestions to heart and create a community calendar.

With your help, I will be launching http://contactbeacon.com/r.php?id=101449-884457 tracking your events, interests, community gatherings and whatever else you’d like to submit. It’s time we all had a central bank that gives us an overview. I don’t know about you, but it’s tough to keep up! Thank you Debbie Kelly for this wonderful idea. . . Look for it soon.
What's Fun!

This weekend marks a fresh face for the Spring Fling! Returning to a local Piedmont venue. (The tennis courts in the center of town – yeah, I wasn’t a huge fan of the food or the acoustics at the Greek.) This year’s annual fundraiser, benefiting Beach, Haven’s and Wildwood Elementary Schools, promises to be more darn fun! Inspired and led by "Chad the Dad," Chad Olcott has revamped and revitalized this increasingly important event. This is your chance to get out there and support our local schools. Can’t attend due to the Camp Augusta weekend (as I can't)? I’m sure our checks are still welcome.

See you next week!