Turkey Trot on into Piedmont!

What's New?
With only four Piedmont listings showing as active on the Multiple Listing Service this week, and none of them new, there is very little to whet the appetite. However, fewer listings often create a second wave of interest for homes that have been previously passed on for one reason or another. Buyers, who must buy now, are compelled to work with existing stock. If your home has been on the market for awhile, NOW is the time to reduce the asking price and bring qualified buyers back to the table. Clearly, they are out and about, and they are looking for value . . . That's great news!

What's Coming?
Thanksgiving is coming and for most of us that means a few days off with our loved ones and a hearty helping of turkey and fixings. Enjoy this time, whatever your traditions, and relax – that’s after the Turkey Trot through Piedmont, of course. The GRUBB Co. will be closed Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday, but will be open for business bright and early come Friday. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call. (I'll be cooking for 25, but will make time for you!)

What's Pending?
The Traditional on Crocker went pending with one offer, as did the large lot up on Littlewood; while properties on San Carlos and on Lakeshore each received ten offers and went well over asking in both cases (WOW!) demonstrating that there is substantial demand – even late in the fall season. This may be because buyers - even those with "A" paper - had some difficulty securing loans in August and September due to the mortgage upset. Happily, sanity reemerged as mortgage lenders recognized the need to underwrite good candidates (that’s you) making October and November banner months at The GRUBB Co. as lending dollars came back into play.

What's Happening Now?
Dress Best for Less just finished its fall sale and is closing temporarily for a BIG remodel. The exciting new "upscale" Dress Best for Less will reopen on December 1, just in time for the holidays! This unique boutique, located at 3861 Piedmont Avenue, donates all of its net profits to Piedmont’s schools and last year, accounted for more than $50,000 of the schools' budget! Please support this very worthy enterprise.

Dress Best for Less welcomes your gently used clothing and household items. They can be donated at the drop off center behind the community pool.

What's Fun!
Speaking of the holiday season, The Christmas Revels has returned and offers performances from December 7-9 and December 14-16. Revels are a unique form of participatory musical theatre that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds in a joyful celebration of the seasons. It draws upon traditions of song, dance, games and performance from around the world to present a theatrical even that is rich in meaning and fun for the entire family. For more information go to www.CALREVELS.ORG. The GRUBB Co's own Tricia Swift performed in the original cast back in 1986 and has been a supporter ever since! Make The Christmas Revels one of your holiday traditions.


The Piedmont Plug!
Last week I had the good fortune of joining many of my friends for a holiday luncheon and shopping excursion at Elegant Clutter in Danville. This inspired and sparkling emporium, owned and operated by Piedmont’s own Mary Burczyk, specializes in upscale home furnishings and accessories at truly affordable prices and is well worth the destination and time. In fact, give yourself plenty of time to shop, as chances are, you won’t come away empty-handed! With room upon room of themed vignettes, the shop is simply dazzling! Elegant Clutter can be found at the Livery Shopping Center. Take 24 to Hwy 680 South, to Sycamore Valley Road West and explore!


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

Spring Forward - The Top Ten List for Preparing Your Home for the Spring Market!

Were you one of the clever buyers who took advantage of the fabulous Fall Market? Lucky you. You can sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home for the holidays! If you now have a property to sell as a reult of your good fortune and savvy timing, or if you are looking ahead towards entering the market next year, here is my list of The Top Ten items you can begin to accomplish over the next few months. Get to work!

Top Ten Checklist or “First Impressions Count!”

1. Pack away everything that is nonessential (family photos, knick-knacks, and collectibles) and EDIT the rest: furniture, books, toys, clothing, artwork, etc. Use a critical eye and simplify!

2. Have your property thoroughly inspected so no surprises show up when you place your home on the market. Hire a qualified Home Inspector and a Pest Inspector and go from there, as indicated (chimney, foundation, engineering, roof, sewer lateral may all require further investigation).

3. Make any necessary repairs that show up on the above inspections if possible. Replace broken panes in windows, update batteries in smoke detectors, repair dripping faucets, repair decks or porches, strap water heater, and update kitchen and baths with new appliances if necessary (or be prepared to discount your listing price accordingly).

4. Clean interior and exterior thoroughly – power wash patios, bricks, walkways and siding. Wash windows, organize drawers, clean out garage and storage spaces, clean refrigerator/stove, and organize laundry room. Give away what you no longer use or need. Store away items that are treasured.

5. Paint inside and out, as needed. Avoid bold colors. Meet with a Stager for a color and staging consultation. Create an emotional connection!

6. Buff and polish hardwood floors. If badly damaged, refinish them as indicated.

7. Replace carpet as needed. Uncover hardwood floors where possible.

8. Give attention to the roof, flashing, downspouts and gutters. Clean out all gutters.

9. Trim overgrown landscaping and trees. Plant new color where needed or tired, and mulch garden.

10. Meet with an experienced, local REALTOR and a qualified Mortgage Broker to ascertain the real costs of selling your property. Define your goals and expectations and create a plan together!

Julie Gardner
REALTOR, The GRUBB Co.
1960 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 339-0400/264
www.juliegardner.com
www.ThePiedmontPerspective.com

Spooktacular Activity! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 28

What's New?
The trick-or-treaters were out in force last week in every manner of spooky or adorable costume and Piedmont, as usual, was decked out for the occasion! Year after year, Waldo Avenue continues to delight kids of all ages with its over-the-top Halloween spirit. Did you wander over?

My eleven-year-old waited until the last minute to decide on a costume, but an ingenious idea (thanks to my sister) some quick shredding of several inexpensive thermal, tea-stained shirts, a handy black eye-liner pencil, and about thirty minutes of wrapping, produced a spooktacular Egyptian mummy (and a dizzy child). King Tut would have been envious!

I bring this up because the fall market is just about wrapping up as fewer and fewer houses come to the forefront. (Did I mention my son's amazing mummy costume?) This week in Piedmont, there are a scant eleven active listings, and only one new property to introduce, but happily, it's a charmer!

Many of you might remember that several months back, I spoke about the "fixer on Sea View" that had sold in one showing before its first open house. That charming Colonial home has now been remodeled from floor to ceiling and is ready for a new owner seeking a pretty "turn-key" property. Designed by the same team who just brought Lexford to the market (and sold it in quick order) it is a honey of a home, featuring 3bdrms/2bths, hardwood floors, newly remodeled kitchen and baths on a fantastic tree-lined location.

What's Coming?
Most of "What’s Coming" will hold off until after the the New Year as is typical for this season, but don’t be discouraged – there will be plenty to get you excited in upcoming months and I will be here to keep you informed . . . Were you one of the clever buyers who took advantage of the fall market? Lucky you. You can now sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home for the holidays! Sellers also enjoyed strong demand and a flurry of activity.

Oakmont is returning to the market with Liz Dickson and Scott Hill at the helm. If you didn't see it before, now is your opportunity. Open this Sunday 2-4:30.

What's Pending?
It should come as no surprise to anyone that San Carlos went pending very quickly and with 10 offers! (For those of you who thought heavy competition was a thing of the past, The GRUBB Co. is still selling 50% of its listings in multiple offers!) This centrally located home had potential to spare and illustrates the point of bringing a home to market "refreshed!" Congratulations to all parties involved.

The lovely Traditional on St. James has also found new owners. While this property stayed on the market slightly longer - as is more typical in our current marketplace - it too, enjoyed strong interest and had lots of showings.

Food for thought. If you are willing to cast your net further afield, great values await. In a community as intimate as ours, no destination takes more than a few quick minutes. And the bus is a very viable option for many of our teenage children.


What's Happening Now?
The Haven’s Dads are in the process of organizing a Havens Dads' Club (finally)! Interested in becoming a member of The Havens Dads' Club? They are having a kickoff meeting on Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Wynne and Ralph Kokka at 1909 Oakland Avenue (sorry for the late notice) where there will be an open forum to discuss ideas for the new Dads’ Club. Your participation is needed to make this long-overdue club a success. Please contact Ralph Kokka at (510) 658-8851 or ralphkokka23@yahoo.com if you plan on attending, or if you can't make it, but are interested in participating.

What's Fun!
The Turkey Trot is just around the corner so mark your calendars and dust off those running sneakers. This annual family-friendly road race takes place on Thanksgiving and attracts both experienced sprinters and novice runners alike. Beginning at the Piedmont High School, the runners and walkers work their way to Hampton Field before looping back down Sea View toward the finishing line in a 3-mile course that shows off the town. Aside from offsetting the calories you are sure to enjoy later in the day (just how many pieces of pumpkin pie did you eat last year?) this event is a great way to help sponsor the PHS Track and Field Team while starting the day off right! Whether you are running (my husband) or watching (me) you will enjoy clapping and encouraging your friends as they jog by. Adults $25. Kids under 14-years, $15. For more information contact Lisa Joyce at lisajoyce@sbcglobal.net or go to Active.com (search "Piedmont Turkey"). Thank you Lisa!

For inspired fun, try and stand near Doug Ireland (you can usually find him on Mountain Avenue, near Sharon) for a "running" commentary on the race. He brings real wit and joy to the occasion!

The Piedmont Plug!
This week’s plug goes to The Parker Families. Scott and his brother, Keith, have owned Fenton McLaren furniture stores since 1982 and offer two locations for your viewing pleasure – one at 5535 College Avenue in the heart of Rockridge, and the other at 1325 San Pablo, near Gilman. These two industrious brothers teamed up while still in College at Cal Berkeley. Scott’s wife, Mara Lee, is perhaps the friendliest sales associate you will ever meet, while Kathy, Keith’s wife, works behind the scenes keeping everything running in smooth order.

Now that you have successfully found the home of your dreams, it’s time to furnish it. Fenton McLaren buys their furniture direct from the manufacturers in most cases, which results in huge savings for you! With a large selection that includes dining room tables and chairs, leather sofas and club chairs, coffee and end tables, bookcases and sideboards, you are sure to find what you need before the relatives descend. Don’t see it on the showroom floor? Ask Mara Lee to special order it for you – she often can!