Boo! Real Estate is Local!

What's New?
Brokers’ Tour came and went without a single new introduction in Piedmont this week. However, several stellar properties are still available, beginning with Linda McClain’s Grand listing on Sandringham which has a substantially reduced asking price; Debbi DiMaggio’s Cool Contemporary on Estates Drive - which has also been reduced; and Dana Cohen’s Lovely Traditional on St. James Drive, which will be open again this Sunday, 2-4:30. If you missed your chance to see these wonderful homes, now is the time!

If we move down the road to Crocker Highlands, there is a magnificent new 4bdrm/2bth Mediterranean property on Longridge Road, featuring spacious formal dining and living rooms, two sun rooms, large family room, chef’s kitchen with indoor-outdoor dining, faux finishes, and enchanting gardens. For a private viewing of this exceptional property, please give me a call.

What's Coming?
Even with the holidays looming, there are still some nifty properties coming up just around the corner, starting with Dana Cohen’s new listing on San Carlos. This Traditional home, featuring 4bdrms/2bths, high ceilings and downtown Oakland City views is waiting for your finishing touches. Stay tuned!

What's Pending?
There truly is a buyer for every house and it just takes one . . . The property on Linda Avenue that had been on and off the market for several months has finally found that perfect buyer while the home on Lake Avenue sold almost immediately. So far, September and October have shaped up to be incredibly active months. Remember, Real Estate is local!

What's Happening Now?
Since we're talking houses, it only seems appropriate to mention Piedmont's own Haunted House at the Rec Center. "Magnolia Manor" opens up on October 18 and runs through October 26, culminating with the Halloween Carnival on Oct. 26, at the Rec Center Basketball Courts from 7-9 pm. Magnolia Manor has "scary," "very scary," and "not so scary" viewings, depending on your child’s age and capacity for fright! Boo! Tickets will be sold at the door and are $6 for children, $4 for adults. Check for times by calling the Rec Center 510-420-3070.

What's Fun!
Fall is in full swing which means that it must be time for the annual Neighbor’s and Newcomer's Margarita Party - which is always lively. This year, I have the honor of holding this fun event at my home and gardens on Littlewood (I’m hoping for clear skies)! While I’m not sure that four years qualifies me as a "newcomer" any longer, I'm happy to be included. (In Piedmont, it seems to take a generation - if not two, before really establishing oneself as a "local.") However, I have definitely earned my stripes as a good neighbor, becoming the "pot-luck queen" along the way (a moniker I wear proudly). If you have put off home repairs, throw a party. . . There is nothing like the threat of visitors to get you quickly motivated (I've been planting flowers all weekend)!

I am looking forward to seeing those of you who have already confirmed -and to meeting many more of you, this Saturday, October 20. If you haven’t yet signed up to attend, there is still time. Contact Jennifer Cavenaugh at 428-1442 or click onto the PNNC website at www.piedmontneighborsandnewcomersclub.org. The Piedmont Neighbor’s and Newcomer’s Club is open to everyone and they welcome new members!

See you next week!
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.

Indian Summer Sales! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 25

What's New?
Lexford is back on the market after four quick months with a snazzy new renovation and it looks spectacular! Apart from the high-end finishes and designer fixtures utilized throughout this 3bdrm/2bth Mid-Century Contemporary, there lies a gracious open floor plan that accommodates all types of lifestyles from toddlers to retirement and everything in between. And if that weren’t enough, the spacious and lush back garden extends well beyond its formal boundaries, prompting me to create a new term just for it - the "infinity"garden. Truly breathtaking! This should go quickly. Don’t wait!

What's Coming?
We’re going to see fewer and fewer properties coming to market now that the holiday season is right around the corner. We’re also going to see fewer rentals as well. The silver lining? Properties that do come to market between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, represent extremely motivated Sellers and you’ll most likely be up against fewer buyers as well, making this a GREAT time to buy. Make an offer and see where it leads . . .

What's Pending?
The market has experienced a flurry of activity in September/October. Huntleigh is now penidng, as are the homes on Harvard and Ranleigh and the fixer on Sylvan went well above asking with multiple offers!

As we move closer to the fall holidays, now is the time when properties that haven’t found their perfect buyer, consider withdrawing until the Spring market potentially brings more activity (but that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily off the table!). If you passed on a home earlier this year, you might check with your agent to see if the Seller is still interested in selling. This happens more often than you think and it is not a bad strategy to employ if you're still interested. One never knows until they ask. Put your agent to work, and have them make a phone call or two on your behalf on "withdrawn listings" that might fit your criteria!

What's Happening Now?
Indian summer is upon us, bringing days of warm fall sunshine, followed by cool crisp evenings. The autumn leaves are turning every shade of crimson and soccer has taken over most of the playing fields. This is Piedmont at its most inviting . . . warm and cozy and above all else, community based.

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to see our special neighborhood through the sophisticated eyes of a prospective buyer moving back to the Bay Area from Amsterdam. His prestigious job has taken him to world-class cities most of us have only briefly visited, but its Piedmont he and his family are thinking about setting up house in for the next decade or so. And why shouldn’t they? With top-rated schools, historical architecture, and family-friendly atmosphere, this might be the nicest place he’ll ever live! (That’s certainly been my own experience.)

Aside from the little boy who stopped to say hello, the inviting fall weather, and the double-espresso we lingered over at The Terrace Coffee and Gift Shop (That's Europe rubbing off)we spied a wild turkey and her chick walking up Huntleigh, making for a nearly magical afternoon. Introducing Piedmont to others, made me appreciate Piedmont all the more. I can't wait to show it to the rest of the family!

What's Fun!
Half Moon Bay is kicking off its annual Pumpkin Festival this weekend. If you’ve never visited this quaint seaside town, you’re overdue. South of San Francisco, about thirty-minutes down highway 1, it’s fun for kids of all ages. Load up on pumpkins, locally grown fruit, and fresh cut flowers. Get lost in a corn maze and view the pumpkin contest on display, where this year’s winner weighed in at a record-breaking 1540 lbs! Now that’s a pumpkin Cinderella could ride in.

If Half moon Bay seems a tad too far, enjoy our own neighborhood patch here at Coaches Field. The Wildwood Dad's Club is once again sponsoring the Piedmont Pumpkin Patch with proceeds benefiting the school. Open after school and on the weekends, it's a very worthy endeavor and a fun little outing! (You'll be buying a pumpkin anyway.)

The Piedmont Plug! (A shameless nod to Piedmont's entrepreneurs)
If you picked up one of my water bottles at the Harvest Festival after enjoying the warm outing (they were easy to spot, what with my shameless self-promotion printed right on them!) you might be wondering exactly how that’s done? While there are many companies that imprint logos, I always use Rod and Barbara Brown’s company, Made To Order, whenever I want to create something quickly and memorably. Not only can I depend on the great customer service and quality of product I receive, I support a local business venture as well. www.madetoorder.com


See you next week!

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.

Snap, Crackle & Pop! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 23

What's New?
With one lone introduction this week in Piedmont - a 3bdrm/2bth starter home on Sylvan in need of TLC - I’m going to talk about a trio of Lake Merritt properties, each providing a unique opportunity. Listen up! These don’t come along every day -and they might just be perfect for the "down-sizer" or savvy investor!

I’ll start with our own Tricia Swift’s luxurious and sophisticated Penthouse at the Park Bellevue Tower, on Lake Merritt, offering refined city living! Truly, there's nothing quite like this elegant residence in the East Bay. This stunning all-level Penthouse with dramatic sweeping views (I do mean dramatic - if you can't see it, it isn't worth seeing) features marble foyer, grand and spacious proportions, 3bdrms/4bths, chef's kitchen, office, walls of glass, and large in-unit laundry room. In addition, the Park Bellvue Tower offers athletic club/exercise room, sheltered pool, secure parking and 24-hr. doorman. New York living as close as Oakland! Perfect for the downsizing Piedmonter, searching for security and amenities to spare. For pricing and more information, call Tricia Swift at The Grubb Co. (510) 339-0400/333, or at (510) 693-9006.

Next on the list is another elegant Penthouse Suite on Wayne that epitomizes style and glamour at every turn. This property overlooking Lake Merritt with awe-inspiring lake and cityscape views might be perfect for a corporate apartment or an artists loft (separate studio deeded in)! This stunning residence features a retractable roof, grand and spacious rooms, three fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows, and a full-length balcony with which to enjoy the city lights. Don’t need a corporate apartment? Perhaps you’ve been waiting for a truly remarkable one-of-a-kind residence? This may be it! Please call me for a private viewing.

Last, but certainly not least is a magnificent Arts & Crafts Gold Coast Manor, circa 1905, just off Lake Merritt and near downtown Oakland, offering a world of possibilities. With 7+ bedrooms, grand foyer, gracious stairway, mahogany paneled double parlor, exposed wood beam ceiling, wrap around porch, original built-ins and remodeled kitchen and baths – all tastefully refurbished from top to bottom. This "Manor" might serve as an elegant Bed-and-Breakfast, an upscale Law Office, or a fabulous Day Spa, for those of you seeking a truly unique investment opportunity . . . Only your imagination limits its use!

What's Coming?
PRAISE(Piedmonters for Resources, Advocacy and Information in Special Education) has invited Jane McClure to speak at next month’s meeting on October 2, in the Piedmont High School library from 7:15-9pm. Ms. McClure, an educational consultant, will address questions and anxieties surrounding the unique transition of the special needs student from high school to college. Everyone welcome to attend. For more information about PRAISE, log onto: www.piedmontpraise.org

What's Pending?
Snap, crackle, and pop! Well-priced listings are getting snapped up in quick succession. With news that Blair, Arbor, Nace, Sea View, Craig, Wildwood, and Muir have all gone into contract! That’s quick work. Pointing out once again, that Piedmont continues to enjoy popular demand.

While caution is commendable, buyers who hesitate, may just find themselves on the sidelines. That's a nice place to be if you're at a soccer match, but it keeps you out of the game if your goal is a home purchase!

What's Fun!
This week I’m featuring the Crocker Highlands Home & Garden Tour, Shades of Green, with all proceeds benefiting Crocker Highlands Elementary School. This fun event takes place on Sunday, October 7, from 10:00am - 5:00pm and features eight beautiful homes in Crocker Highlands.

Tickets are available at: Pelago, Urban Indigo, Maison D'Etre, Mignonne, Mrs. Dalloway's, and Builder's Booksource. Tickets are also available online at www.crockerschool.org/shadesofgreen

GRUBB'S Co's own Anthony Riggins, an underwriter for this event, lives and specializes in Crocker Highlands, and has offered his own stunning home and newly landscaped garden, for this very special, annual fundraiser. If you’re looking for a socially acceptable voyeuristic outing, this makes for a very nice afternoon! It’s a great way to explore Crocker Highlands or collect ideas for future remodeling, while supporting a very worthy cause. You might also purchase the beautiful calendar Anthony has created for Shades of Green -The Doors to Crocker Highlands - with all proceeds benefitting the schools. Anthony can be reached at www.anthonyriggins.com

It Was Bound to Happen!
Last week I wrote about the Harvest Festival, which benefits Piedmont’s own elementary schools. I mistakenly promoted it as taking place last Sunday, September 23, when it actually is this Sunday, September 30. Please forgive my faux pas and join us for this wonderful and bountiful celebration in the center of town from 11-3 . . . my favorite event of the year!

The Piedmont Plug! (A shameless nod to Piedmont's entrepreneurs)
Several of you wrote to say that you missed "The Piedmont Plug!" (Thanks for the feedback!) If you haven’t yet visited Polish, on Piedmont Avenue, you’re probably overdue for some real pampering in plush and soothing surroundings. Jinny Lee, the owner and proprietor of Polish, has created the perfect urban oasis and spa for all our maintenance needs (need I say more?). And on top of being an ace businesswoman, she’s also a huge supporter of Chase the Blues, benefiting Oakland’s Children Hospital, The Booster's Club, benefitting sports in our schools, and many other events here in Piedmont. Please support her thriving and fabulous enterprise in kind. For reservations or to learn more, click on www.polishspa.com.

See you next week!


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

The GRUBB Co. is Going Green! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 24

What's New?
So this isn’t Piedmont exactly, but when properties this special come along, they’re worth mentioning and this stunning home deserves all of its praise and then some. . . "Spectacular" barely begins to describe Bebe McRae’s fabulous new Spanish Mediterranean listing on Westminster, near the Claremont Country Club, which boasts 4+++ bedrooms, 6 baths, 3 garages, San Francisco views, rolling lawns, and sparkling swimming pool! Completely renovated from top to bottom with every attention given to preservation and architectural integrity, this masterpiece wants for nothing. Bring your golf cart and live happily ever after (which clearly shows that I don’t play golf)! However, I do know a remarkable home when I see one . . . Price upon request. For more information, go to www.Grubbco.com.

Sandy Vogl has brought a Mid-Century Contemporary to the market on Somerset with sweeping bay views, generous open floor plan and ample room. With mid-centuries enjoying renewed and growing demand, this home, featuring 4bdrms/3bths will be open this Sunday, 2 - 4:30p.m.

I grew up playing hide-and-seek on warm summer evenings which made me very nostalgic when I walked into Anian Tunney’s sweet new listing on Mac Kinnon Place. It’s sunny cul-de-sac location immediately brought up memories of ice cream trucks and neighborhood gatherings out front, lasting well into the evening until our mothers' voices and the cricket's chirpping, called us inside to bed. Offering 2bdrms/2bths, this charming Mediterranean sings of summer nights. Close to schools, the community center and the town pool, you'll easily access all the amenities Piedmont has to offer.

I keep returning to Crocker Highlands* over and over in The Piedmont Perspective, with good reason. The newest listing on Trestle Glen featuring 4bdrms/1.5bths, level gardens and large lot on a shady tree-lined street is an absolutely beautiful Traditional in the heart of Crocker that is a terrific alternative to the higher prices of Piedmont. If you haven’t yet explored Crocker Highlands, you may be overlooking some great opportunities . . .

* Remember, Shades of Green - a tour of eight fabulous homes in Crocker Highalands - is taking place this Sunday, October 7. For more information, contact Anthony Riggins at The GRUBB Co: (510) 339-0400/282.

What's Coming?
The GRUBB Co. is going "Green!" That's right, DJ Grubb and John Karnay, the owners of GRUBB Co., have committed to using "green" practices throughout both the Berkeley and Montclair offices. Some of the more obvious steps when going green include recycling and purchasing 100% recycled goods, but did you know it also encompasses adding air-cleaning plants to the office, using biodegradable cleaning products, encouraging less waste from the employees, and even recognizing that a good portion of our work can be accomplished at home, thereby avoiding the commute into work altogether? With everyone's help, DJ and John will be aggressively pursuing GRUBB'S stainable business certification. Now that's worth crowing about!

My personal commitment to this goal, includes the continuation of e-mailing The Piedmont Perspective and any future marketing materials as well. Instead of adding to the mountains of catalogues in your mailboxes (that ultimately require recycling) I'll be focusing greater attention on internet advertising in the coming weeks, months, and years. With more than 80% of home buyers beginning their search on the internet, it only makes good and "green" sense!


What's Pending?
It’s great news that our market is experiencing terrific momentum but it’s incredibly exciting when one’s colleagues are responsible for much of that buzz . . . Adding to the ranks of gifted agents at GRUBB Co, our own Scott Hill, along with seasoned agent, Liz Dickson, aggressively pursued and successfully achieved, the sale of a stunning mansion on Mountain Avenue that had yet to hit the open market. Scott and Liz represented the buyers in this "fantasy property" complete with grand entrance, library, chef’s kitchen, study, views, gardens, and complete privacy. Congratulations to all parties involved - but especially to the Buyers!

The beautifully renovated home on Ronada has just gone into contract. (The outdoor room overlooking the pool was reason enough for me to want to sell my own Piedmont home and transition into this unique and remarkable renovation.) Congratualtions to the Buyers who understood the outstanding design qualities of this lovely property. Please invite me over from time to time!

What's Happening Now?
From a high of twenty-five active listings two weeks ago, down to sixteen today, the inventory is quickly dropping off and should continue to do so as we get closer to the Thanksgiving holidays. What are you waiting for?

Debbi DiMaggio's cool view Mid- Century Contemporary on Estates has been reduced and offers tremendous value. If you fell in love, but found it just out of your price range, now may be the time to reevaluate and make an offer on this beauty! Open this Sunday from 2-4:30 p.m.

The Traditional on Grand and Cambridge has reduced its price as well and is now below one million dollars. With 4bdrms/1+ bth, this may be the time to take a second look!

What's Fun!
After a whirl-wind week of events which inclded the stunning CSL Fashion Show, the fun-filled Camp Augusta Ho-Down, The Flip-Flops and Lemon Drops mom's event hosted at the ultra chic home of Sarah Abel, and the spectacularly successful Harvest Festival (hats off to you Heidi Monical) I'm tired! Whew! With a bit of a pause in the action, we've all time to regroup before moving into the holiday season and the next group of fundraisers . . .

The Piedmont Plug!
Like many of you with school-age children, I've just received this year's plea for "The Annual Giving Campaign." Collectively, most of us agree that there are few things as important as our children's education. Speaking as a mother, I'm grateful to the committee members who have the dubious honor of making the calls and contacting each of us for donatios. (That's a tough job! Maybe even tougher than being a Realtor. . .) When you've migrated from a private school where tuition is now in excess of $20,000 a year for elementary education and $25,000 for secondary education, the Annual Giving contribution is a breeze by comparison - especially if you have more than one child in the schools (as many of us do)!

Speaking as a Realtor, our homes' values have a direct correlation to the health and performance of our schools. Great schools keep our property values moving north! Let's all do our part to ensure the continued success of these coveted institutions. We can ensure the staying power of many of the enrichment programs we've come to know and expect for our children. The enhanced opportunities for our kids makes a significant difference in the quality of their education. In fact, many special programs, such as art and music, rely on our donations as the only means to keep invaluable extras like these alive. Please give this real consideration when filling our your check for The Annual Giving Campaign, and send in your tax-deductable donation today.


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