The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 48, Internet Saturation is the Best Use of Marketing Dollars! May 14, 2008
What's New?
So you have sold your large and lovely Piedmont home and are excitedly anticipating the next chapter of your life. Look no further than Tricia Swift's exceptional penthouse condominium listing at 565 Bellevue, #2507 on Lake Merritt. Offered at $1,399,000, this penthouse suite is an elegant retreat with three bedrooms, three full baths, sweeping views, gorgeous details, and luxury building amenities (24-hour doorman, pool, athletic club, and more). After the ongoing responsibility and upkeep of an older property, the ease and elegance of luxury, security, convenience, and maintenance-free living offers real freedom. To see more: www.Grubbco.com
Mindy Scott has brought to the market a Handsome English Tudor located at 130 Sandringham Road. This home, which has recently undergone extensive renovations, is sited on a commanding upslope parcel in Piedmont. The house is surrounded by classic English gardens including stone terraces, flowering beds and open lawns with beautiful vistas of the hills and bay beyond. There are 4bdrms/3bths, a new kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, spectacular formal living and dining rooms, a grand circular staircase, leaded glass windows and wonderful period detailing throughout. This architectural masterpiece is fully equipped for modern living and easy convenience, yet retains all of its original integrity and charm. Open this Sunday, 2-4:30.
A 3bdrm/3bth 1950 Colonial has come to market at 140 Somerset Road which features a lovely courtyard entry, library with built-in bookcases, lower level family room with adjoining au pair, rear decks and patios for pleasant outdoor entertaining and sweeping bay and San Francisco views. Price: $1,450,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30.
Last week I spoke about Matt Heafey and Bebe McRae's co-listing at 17 Pacific Avenue. This Classic Brown-Shingle is the home every buyer covets and as predicted, is attracting rave reviews and well-deserved attention. Offering 4bdrms/2bths including master suite with sitting area, formal living and dining room with box-beamed ceiling, true chef's kitchen, spacious family room, two-car garage and delightful sunny garden in the heart of Piedmont, this meticulous residence is truly the house you have been waiting for! Open this Sunday from 2-4:30. www.17pacific.com
Last, but not least, Dana Cohen represents a fantastic and spacious level-entry Renovated Tudor at 9o Oakmont Avenue, featuring 4bdrms/3bths, master suite, TWO family rooms, and easy convenient location near Wildwood and Piedmont High Schools. Price: $1,550,000. Open this Sunday 2-4:30.
www.95oakmont.com
What's Coming?
A new listing in Piedmont, to be shown by appointment only, offers a rare combination of exceptional qualities: architectural style reminiscent of European country traditions, a prime central location on a street with impressive properties, and expansive gardens. The property itself is over a quarter acre of level lawn, mature flowering cherry trees, roses, and a classic Japanese garden, tea house and pond. 12 Sierra Avenue has not been on the market for over thirty years. It has five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and is listed by Katherine Cooper for $2,675,000.
Coming out on the May 22, Dana Cohen will be offering a sophisticated 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Traditional at 518 Scenic, with dazzling master suite and separate office, beautifully remodeled baths, an updated eat-in kitchen and private level yard and deck. Price: $1,295,000
What's Pending?
There are currently 24 active listings in Piedmont, but the big news this week is that pending activity is beginning to correspond with listing activity. Whereas the first quarter sales for 2008 resulted in fewer sales than we had experienced in previous years, There are currently eight new pending sales in Piedmont, which include two that had spent more than 75 days on market. This is the late Spring Market I anticipated!
Factoring in those two 'longer than average' listings, average days on market are still at a very acceptable 34 days. Better still, Park View Avenue sold in just four days and 12 Littlewood went pending in just five! These successful sales underscore the obvious - well-priced homes quickly find their mark!
(And great marketing never hurts!)
Other properties that joined those mentioned above are the mid-century on Cambrian Avenue, The BIG fixer on York Avenue, a split-level home on Latham, a mid-century on Littlewood Avenue and a Traditional home on Trestle Glen.
That's good news all the way round!
What's Happening?
After several years of training, my husband and sons finally got it right last Sunday for Mother's Day. I slept in (that's 7:30 for me) played tennis with my husband, returned home to a hot breakfast, and smiled proudly as my boys did their chores without my asking. After the dishes were cleaned, the boys presented me with a great big box, that opened up to a smaller box, and then again to a much smaller box . . . until I made my way down to a little pink I-Pod NANO (Joy!) Both of my boys adopted this piece of technology several years ago, but like many in my generation, I have been slower to catch up. Now that I too, have mastered the ease of capturing my favorite tunes (Boogie Wonderland - I am never giving up Disco) I'm hooked!
Real Estate has been a bit slow to catch up as well. While we know that nearly 80% of buyers begin their initial search on the Internet, sellers are often looking at the Sunday newspaper to judge whether or not their home has received its optimum share of exposure.
But is that the best and most effective use of marketing dollars?
The short answer is "No." And in an increasingly "greener" environment, print advertising is becoming increasingly problematic as well.
Given that 80% of buyers (and 100% of REALTORS) search the Internet, isn't your goal better served by saturating that marketplace instead? From Craig's list to Realtor.com, to SfGate.com to luxuryhome.com to your own designated URL site, Internet technology is far more reaching and vastly more effective.
Earlier this year I was contacted by prospective buyers from Belgium who had found me (you guessed it) via the Internet and more specifically, on The Piedmont Perspective.
Moreover, Links can be forwarded in a way that postcards or flyers - no matter how beautiful they are - can never be. (Did you link on any of the properties above?) Last fall I wrote an item which caught the attention of a reader who in turn, forwarded it on to 600 of her contacts! That's true saturation and the power of the Internet.
In a world where today's consumers routinely shop for songs with the push of a button, it makes sense that this generation would shop for homes in much the same way: www.Grubbco.com. Make sure your REALTOR is using the Internet to your advantage.
While no one can promise you what the market will bring, a smart agent can certainly promise to bring you the market!
If you are looking at the Sunday Open House Guide as your only measure of excellence, you are missing the bigger picture!
What's Fun!
It is National Bike Month (since 1956) with the biggest day of the month taking place tomorrow, Thursday, May 15. Join thousands of other Bay Area cyclists as they bicycle to work for Bike to Work Day ! On your way home from work, Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe in Emeryville is hosting a Bike Away from Work Day Party 5:30-8:30pm. Free valet bike parking; raffle prizes, and stories to share.
The Piedmont Plug!
Montclair Village welcomes The Tulip Grove. The Tulip Grove is the East Bay's best resource for new parents. Whether you are in your first few weeks of pregnancy or experiencing the joys and challenges of life with a newborn, The Tulip Grove is here to help. They offer professionally-led classes, workshops and peer support groups along with all of the baby products you need to take the anxiety out of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. www.thetulipgrove.com
THANKS FOR READING!
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.
So you have sold your large and lovely Piedmont home and are excitedly anticipating the next chapter of your life. Look no further than Tricia Swift's exceptional penthouse condominium listing at 565 Bellevue, #2507 on Lake Merritt. Offered at $1,399,000, this penthouse suite is an elegant retreat with three bedrooms, three full baths, sweeping views, gorgeous details, and luxury building amenities (24-hour doorman, pool, athletic club, and more). After the ongoing responsibility and upkeep of an older property, the ease and elegance of luxury, security, convenience, and maintenance-free living offers real freedom. To see more: www.Grubbco.com
Mindy Scott has brought to the market a Handsome English Tudor located at 130 Sandringham Road. This home, which has recently undergone extensive renovations, is sited on a commanding upslope parcel in Piedmont. The house is surrounded by classic English gardens including stone terraces, flowering beds and open lawns with beautiful vistas of the hills and bay beyond. There are 4bdrms/3bths, a new kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, spectacular formal living and dining rooms, a grand circular staircase, leaded glass windows and wonderful period detailing throughout. This architectural masterpiece is fully equipped for modern living and easy convenience, yet retains all of its original integrity and charm. Open this Sunday, 2-4:30.
A 3bdrm/3bth 1950 Colonial has come to market at 140 Somerset Road which features a lovely courtyard entry, library with built-in bookcases, lower level family room with adjoining au pair, rear decks and patios for pleasant outdoor entertaining and sweeping bay and San Francisco views. Price: $1,450,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30.
Last week I spoke about Matt Heafey and Bebe McRae's co-listing at 17 Pacific Avenue. This Classic Brown-Shingle is the home every buyer covets and as predicted, is attracting rave reviews and well-deserved attention. Offering 4bdrms/2bths including master suite with sitting area, formal living and dining room with box-beamed ceiling, true chef's kitchen, spacious family room, two-car garage and delightful sunny garden in the heart of Piedmont, this meticulous residence is truly the house you have been waiting for! Open this Sunday from 2-4:30. www.17pacific.com
Last, but not least, Dana Cohen represents a fantastic and spacious level-entry Renovated Tudor at 9o Oakmont Avenue, featuring 4bdrms/3bths, master suite, TWO family rooms, and easy convenient location near Wildwood and Piedmont High Schools. Price: $1,550,000. Open this Sunday 2-4:30.
www.95oakmont.com
What's Coming?
A new listing in Piedmont, to be shown by appointment only, offers a rare combination of exceptional qualities: architectural style reminiscent of European country traditions, a prime central location on a street with impressive properties, and expansive gardens. The property itself is over a quarter acre of level lawn, mature flowering cherry trees, roses, and a classic Japanese garden, tea house and pond. 12 Sierra Avenue has not been on the market for over thirty years. It has five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and is listed by Katherine Cooper for $2,675,000.
Coming out on the May 22, Dana Cohen will be offering a sophisticated 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Traditional at 518 Scenic, with dazzling master suite and separate office, beautifully remodeled baths, an updated eat-in kitchen and private level yard and deck. Price: $1,295,000
What's Pending?
There are currently 24 active listings in Piedmont, but the big news this week is that pending activity is beginning to correspond with listing activity. Whereas the first quarter sales for 2008 resulted in fewer sales than we had experienced in previous years, There are currently eight new pending sales in Piedmont, which include two that had spent more than 75 days on market. This is the late Spring Market I anticipated!
Factoring in those two 'longer than average' listings, average days on market are still at a very acceptable 34 days. Better still, Park View Avenue sold in just four days and 12 Littlewood went pending in just five! These successful sales underscore the obvious - well-priced homes quickly find their mark!
(And great marketing never hurts!)
Other properties that joined those mentioned above are the mid-century on Cambrian Avenue, The BIG fixer on York Avenue, a split-level home on Latham, a mid-century on Littlewood Avenue and a Traditional home on Trestle Glen.
That's good news all the way round!
What's Happening?
After several years of training, my husband and sons finally got it right last Sunday for Mother's Day. I slept in (that's 7:30 for me) played tennis with my husband, returned home to a hot breakfast, and smiled proudly as my boys did their chores without my asking. After the dishes were cleaned, the boys presented me with a great big box, that opened up to a smaller box, and then again to a much smaller box . . . until I made my way down to a little pink I-Pod NANO (Joy!) Both of my boys adopted this piece of technology several years ago, but like many in my generation, I have been slower to catch up. Now that I too, have mastered the ease of capturing my favorite tunes (Boogie Wonderland - I am never giving up Disco) I'm hooked!
Real Estate has been a bit slow to catch up as well. While we know that nearly 80% of buyers begin their initial search on the Internet, sellers are often looking at the Sunday newspaper to judge whether or not their home has received its optimum share of exposure.
But is that the best and most effective use of marketing dollars?
The short answer is "No." And in an increasingly "greener" environment, print advertising is becoming increasingly problematic as well.
Given that 80% of buyers (and 100% of REALTORS) search the Internet, isn't your goal better served by saturating that marketplace instead? From Craig's list to Realtor.com, to SfGate.com to luxuryhome.com to your own designated URL site, Internet technology is far more reaching and vastly more effective.
Earlier this year I was contacted by prospective buyers from Belgium who had found me (you guessed it) via the Internet and more specifically, on The Piedmont Perspective.
Moreover, Links can be forwarded in a way that postcards or flyers - no matter how beautiful they are - can never be. (Did you link on any of the properties above?) Last fall I wrote an item which caught the attention of a reader who in turn, forwarded it on to 600 of her contacts! That's true saturation and the power of the Internet.
In a world where today's consumers routinely shop for songs with the push of a button, it makes sense that this generation would shop for homes in much the same way: www.Grubbco.com. Make sure your REALTOR is using the Internet to your advantage.
While no one can promise you what the market will bring, a smart agent can certainly promise to bring you the market!
If you are looking at the Sunday Open House Guide as your only measure of excellence, you are missing the bigger picture!
What's Fun!
It is National Bike Month (since 1956) with the biggest day of the month taking place tomorrow, Thursday, May 15. Join thousands of other Bay Area cyclists as they bicycle to work for Bike to Work Day ! On your way home from work, Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe in Emeryville is hosting a Bike Away from Work Day Party 5:30-8:30pm. Free valet bike parking; raffle prizes, and stories to share.
The Piedmont Plug!
Montclair Village welcomes The Tulip Grove. The Tulip Grove is the East Bay's best resource for new parents. Whether you are in your first few weeks of pregnancy or experiencing the joys and challenges of life with a newborn, The Tulip Grove is here to help. They offer professionally-led classes, workshops and peer support groups along with all of the baby products you need to take the anxiety out of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. www.thetulipgrove.com
THANKS FOR READING!
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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6:10 AM
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