Piedmont Perspective, Vol 13

What's New?
Summer has definitely hit and the shift in the market is palpable. With the exception of Debra Dryden’s listing at Scenic, no other new Piedmont listings appeared this week. Thankfully, 220 Scenic has drama to spare! This sleek, 80’s designed home goes beyond panoramic views; it has vast horizons (wow)! It’s the kind of view one typically only sees in New York City looking down at Central Park. Is there a price for such an expansive skyline? Yes, it comes in the form of steps, so don’t be surprised if you have to walk up a few floors for the payoff (but what a payoff)! List price$1,595,000.

What's Coming?
Linda McClain has hit a home run with her new fabulous listing at 50 Hampton Road. It’s shaping up as the property to watch. With 5bdrms/4+bths, swimming pool, spa, sauna, exercise room, office, media room, resort like gardens and three-car garage - it looks to be spectacular. It will debute on July 5th. List price $2,950,000. For a private viewing, contact me.

What's Pending?
Dana Cohen and I put 18 Littlewood into contract yesterday. Our Sellers received two very nice offers - both over asking. With incredibly caring clients who were also "coachable" and collaborative, it’s no surprise that their unique home went quickly and in demand. Today’s market is not last year’s or the year before . . . assuring a quick sale requires real effort and good old-fashioned work! Don’t get caught up in what last year might have brought. Timing is everything.

What's Happening Now?
Speaking of timing, summertime is here and vacations are taking their toll. Fewer buyers are around, as are fewer brokers and agents. But don’t despair if you’re just getting around to putting your home on the market. Those buyers that are out and about, are truly committed and anxious to find a home before the fall. With less competition, you may find that it’s a terrific time to sell. Good homes are always in demand and scant inventory often creates greater demand and a higher selling price in the end. If life dictates a move, go for it! Piedmont continues to be a Mecca for families looking for safe streets and good schools.

P.S. When vacationing, did you know the Piedmont Police Department offers a "vacation check?" They'll drive by the house every few days to make sure things are as they should be while your family is away. Where else could you live that offers that kind of care? Thank you to the Piedmont Police.

What's Fun!
The annual Fourth of July Parade is BIG FUN! This year marks Piedmont’s centennial so it’s bound to be bigger, bolder, and better than ever. If you’re new to the parade, find a spot for your chair the night before. Pool side lounge grabbers in Hawaii have got nothing on the parade attendees in Piedmont. The streets will be lined with camping chairs by nightfall and everyone has their favorite block. (Hint, look for a good lawn party). The parade begins at 10:00am and festivities last throughout the day, capped off by a concert in the park and then home for a barbecue, Ping-Pong, and sparklers. This is as "Americana" as it gets and I love it.

I'll be taking next week off to enjoy the holiday. See you the week after!

For more information about any of the properties or events listed above, please call me at (510) 339-0400 x264, or simply respond to this email. I'd love to share my real estate tips and my experience in the Piedmont community with you!

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.

Piedmont Perspective, Vol 12

What's New?
Michelle Winchester has brought 424 El Cerrito Avenue back to the market. Many of you may remember that this charming property sold only a year ago. This impeccable 3bdrm/2bth home with city views is truly lovely and "turn-key." List price - $1,195,00. Also back on the market after just a year, is the 3bdrm/2bth property at 1165 Harvard for $1,399,000 but comparisons stop there. These homes are apples and oranges.

Another sweet option is the 3bdrm/2bth home at 147 Ricardo for $1,195.000. Although it's missing a full bath upstairs, available attic space may mitigate this shortcoming fairly easily (check with the City of Piedmont first). Definitely worth a look.

There are several 3 bedroom homes to choose from, but none as wonderful as Littlewood! (Yes, I know I’m bragging, but I emphatically believe Dana Cohen and I currently have the nicest listing in Piedmont.) Urban sophistication combined with easy living in a tree-top setting with room to grow . . . At an incredibly attractive list price of $1,495,000 - 18 Littlewood is undeniably the best value in Piedmont - bar none. Compared with other homes in its price point, Littlewood truly is superior and has received rave reviews with good reason. To see it, click onto www.18Littlewood.com

If you are at all interested, make time to see it right away. Offers may be coming as soon as this Friday! Need a showing? There’s still time. Call Dana or me for an appointment ASAP.

Tucked away, behind Trestle Glen sits 8 Cavendish Lane. This home has 3bdrms/2bths and is listed for $1,095,000.

Debra Dryden has a 70's, blue shingled contemporary at 220 Scenic Avenue with 4bdrms/3bths, level yard, master suite with fireplace, and stunning panoramic bay views for $1,595,000. Open on Sunday. Worth a peak if drama inspires you.

What's Pending?
Gone, gone, gone! 42 Nace Avenue, 449 Scenic Avenue and 132 Palm Drive all went pending this month. Congratulations all the way round.

What's Happening Now?
Two unique properties (one a starter, the other, a home for the long haul) have not gone pending, but should. Both represent real opportunities. 90 Pacific has a layout that easily allows for expansion to the master bath and sits in a coveted location above Highland Avenue. At $885,000, there’s a genuine upside to any improvements made to this already adorable property. Personally, I think it’s a gem just waiting for the right buyer. Is that you? Let me know. I’d love to sell it. For those waiting to get into Piedmont, this may be your time.

Not a starter, but a lifestyle, Sandy Vogl’s traditional listing at 210 Hillside Avenue features a level back garden adjacent to the kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, 4bdrms/2bths,finished attic , bonus basement rooms, and central location close to schools, parks, the community center and pool - all awaiting the next generation. This is the home in which to make memories. To learn more, click onto www.grubbco.com

What's Fun?
The Alameda Flea Market is not to be missed! Offering row upon row of shabby chic finds to Tibetan wooden well lids, to retro fifties furniture, to rusted iron rod gates, the Alameda Flea Market has become the premier Northern California Market for those of us who are dedicated "junkies". If you haven’t discovered this rare treat, it only happens the first Sunday of each month and requires a good eye, swift feet, a hand cart, and quick decision making. (Cash in hand works too!)

Dealers arrive by 6:00am, but even if you are not an early riser, there’s still tons (literally) to see all day long. It’s great fun for the whole family.

What’s not there? Tube socks, disposable razors, hair products and beanie babies!. (That’s the swap meet).

See you next week!

Simply click on to the "opt out" link below if you are receiving this newsletter, but would prefer not to. On the other hand, if you'd like to pass it along, please do so!


For more information about any of the properties or events listed above, please call me at (510) 339-0400 x264, or simply respond to this email. I'd love to share my real estate tips and my experience in the Piedmont community with you!

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.







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Piedmont Perspective, Vol 11

What's New?

Cute, cute, CUTE – best describes Debra Dryden’s listing at 132 Palm Drive. If you are seeking the perfect introductory level home in Piedmont, don’t miss this darling 3bdrm/1bth home below the playing fields of Piedmont High that hits all the right notes. Offers as soon as Friday, with interest. (Gone pending!)

Georgia Cornell's new listing at 107 Nova is positioned as the least expensive home currently on the market in Piedmont. Priced to sell at $875,000.

Last, but not least, is my sleek contemporary with woodland views, privacy, elevator and chef’s kitchen at 18 Littlewood Drive. Voted 2007’s "Best Front Entry and Fence Design," by the City of Piedmont, it features, wrap around decks, 3 bdrms/3bths, chef’'s kitchen and lower storage level with expansion potential. It’s truly special. Please join Dana Cohen and me at the Open this Sunday from 2-4:30. This home might be the perfect Father’s Day gift!

What's Coming?

Michelle Winchester is bringing back 424 El Cerrito Avenue for your consideration. This darling home just sold last year, but the sellers are now headed north to Oregon. If you missed the opportunity last time around, this might be your lucky day! It features 3+bdrms/2bths and is open this Sunday.

Know anyone looking for a "starter home" in Montclair? I have a wonderful Mediterranean Cottage listing on Beauforest that is currently being painted and primed for market and it is looking snazzy! Listing price: $649,000. It will be open on June 24.

What's Pending?

Opportunities for purchasing a home in Piedmont are getting slim. While the MLS shows fourteen active listings, two of those have already gone pending, reducing the number to twelve. The multi-level home at 211 Scenic is now in contract, and the adorable cottage at 90 Pacific Avenue was set to hear offers last evening. Finally, after months of on again, off again marketing, 449 Scenic has also found a buyer, proving once again the importance of pricing a home correctly to begin with.

What's Happening Now?

Is a move out of Piedmont on the horizon? Did you bid on Dudley but didn't get it?Venture a bit north and consider Ruth Frassetto's stunning (and I do mean stunning) all- level mid-century contemporary with courtyard and spectacular bay views in El Cerrito. Renovated from top to bottom by "Bee Renovated," this 4bdrm/3bth showpiece epitomizes the ideal California lifestyle. If Sunset Magazine isn’t knocking at the door for a photo spread, they should be! Open this Sunday. Drive over and discover this amazing property: $1,295,000

For a look at this home or any other property mentioned today, click onto http://www.grubbco.com/. Don't have an agent but need one? I can help! My contact information is below (see that was easy.)

What's Fun!

Can I take a moment to support one of my favorite charities? Habitat for Humanity East Bay presents Playhouses for Habitat – a remarkable auction of miniature homes arriving at Alamo Plaza on May 26 – June 16. This auction is free and open to the public, but offers a Special Preview Cocktail Reception on Saturday, June 16 from 4-6pm, if you are so inclined. Tickets are $25 and children under 10 are free.

So now that you’ve got your dream home, perhaps you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind playhouse for your children?

What better way to fulfill his or her dreams while making it possible for someone else to own a home as well! For more information, visit http://www.habitateb.org/

See you next week!

Simply click on to the "opt out" link below if you are receiving this newsletter, but would prefer not to. On the other hand, if you'd like to pass it along, please do so!

For more information about any of the properties or events listed above, please call me at (510) 339-0400 x264, or simply respond to this email. I'd love to share my real estate tips and my experience in the Piedmont community with you!Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.