Piedmont Perspective, Vol 50 - May 28, 2008, It's All About The Teamwork!

What's New?

I hope your Memorial Weekend was well spent. I spent mine in Citrus Heights at a baseball tournament with my husband and younger son, watching my son's tournament team get soundly beaten on Saturday. Still, the tenacity of those young ball players and their faith in each other is inspiring and ultimately, the real lesson any team sport teaches us.

Real Estate is also a team sport in many respects and it too requires faith and tenacity. I took a listing this week that has been on the market here in Piedmont for several months, but because I was able to rely on a strong "in-house" team of professionals, the home and its marketing were completely reinvigorated in the space of one week: www.324seaview.com. When the challenge is to bring buyers back, it's not just about getting it done, but getting it done with finesse!

To that end, please join me this Thursday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM for a "special viewing" of my newest listing at 324 Sea View Avenue. This Romantic Mediterranean Retreat, features a tiled courtyard entry with French doors, grand formal living and dining rooms with beamed ceilings, modern kitchen, handsome library, 3bdrms/3.5 bths and gardens of blooming roses, lavender and Japanese Maples. For more, go to www.324seaview.com

Catering: Food Art
Acoustical Guitar: Dylan DiMartini
Staging: Studio D
Guest Architect: Ahmad Mohazab of Tecta Associates.

Come and enjoy this truly special home. Even if you have seen it before, you are going to want to see it again and feel free to bring along a friend!

What's Coming?

This week Piedmont has 21 active listings and in the majority of cases, The GRUBB Co. will either list, sell or handle both sides of the transaction. Why? The GRUBB Co. consistently dominates the marketplace in Piedmont. Again, this speaks to our ability to respond so quickly to your requests and to The GRUBB Co's finely-tuned teamwork. This week's listings range in price from a low of $798,000 to a high of $4,000,000.

Let's begin with Debbi DiMaggio's stunning listing at 3 Wildwood Gardens. This Sophisticated Contemporary features 4bdrms/3bths, walls of glass, open floor plan, built-in swimming pool and level living. There has been a real resurgence of popularity in these Mid-Century Moderns (12 Littlewood sold in 4 days) and this one is well worth a peek. With bold staging that really speaks to the personality of the home, Debbie has hit this one out of the ballpark!

Katherine Cooper has listed a charming home, designed by John Hudson Thomas at 12 Sierra Avenue. This 5bdrm/4bth house is a sentimental favorite and features stunning architecture, a romantic roof line, and breathtaking gardens that invite backyard weddings and intimate garden parties. This magical home will NOT be open on Sundays and requires an appointment for a private showing. Please call Katherine Cooper at 339-04400/211.

Dana Cohen has listed a Sophisticated 4bdrm/2 .5bth Retreat on a quiet tree-lined street with updated kitchen and baths, luxurious master suite and private office. Mature landscaping with beautiful gardens, rear level lawn, and a side deck off the kitchen for ideal outdoor enjoyment. Price: $1,249,000. For more information, go to www.518scenic.com

What's Pending?

As predicted, 17 Pacific Avenue had multiple offers and is now pending. This wasn't just a good outcome; it was fantastic and well deserved. Great house, great marketing and great teamwork (this week's theme). Similarly, 90 Oakmont Avenue and 32 Arbor Drive both had great success, as did 1050 Winsor Avenue and 160 Moraga Avenue (smaller homes are in real demand). Also pending are, 104 Latham Street and 93 Cambrian Avenue. But the BIG NEWS is that the grand estate on Lincoln Avenue went pending and closed in just seven days!

This was a tide-turning week in the marketplace and specifically, in Piedmont!

Let's examine the reasons why:

1) Interest rates returned to historically low figures. The conforming loan limit which had increased a few months ago had yet to see a true reduction in rate. Now, it has finally found its "sweet spot." (Speak to your mortgage broker about today's opportunities!)

2) Home values met the market. Sellers reduced their asking prices and buyers recognized the intrinsic value of these purchases. (Remember, when pricing a home, it is wiser to "meet the market," than to chase it.)

3) Positive news emerged! The buyer pool is reading positive news in the mainstream press for the first time in eight months! This validates and confirms the buyers' decision to enter or reenter the marketplace at this time.

In short, there is a real return of faith in the market!

What's Happening?

Last week, I had the pleasure of showing a prospective Piedmonter our town and it could not have fared better. From the personal greeting I received at Mulberry Market to the way in which several of my friends opened their homes for private viewings with little or NO notice, to the "hellos" thrown out along the way, you all contributed to a very successful outing. While I work hard to stay on top of the market, word of mouth is often required for these "trickier fits" and you came through with flying colors, proving once again that Piedmont isn't just a town, it's a community!

By the way, I am still seeking a long-term rental for this family. Please call or email me if you know of anything suitable for an amazing family of six and a beloved boxer either here in Piedmont or in Crocker Highlands.

(Please feel free to refer your San Francisco and out-of-area friends my way. I promise to take very good care of them.)

What's Fun!

Last night I invited my girlfriend for a quick "go see" at the brand new restaurant that has just opened up on Grand Avenue at the base of Boulevard Way.(She lives on Boulevard and I was driving by. Luckily, she goes with the flow. . .) We have both been anxiously waiting to see the inside of Camino, a trendy and interesting new dining spot which features an entirely new menu each day that relies heavily on its indoor hearths. Long tables invite community dining and good conversation and it does look great, both inside and out!

Unfortunately, Camino is closed on Tuesday nights so we ended up next door at La Taza de Cafe; a Cuban/Latin American Restaurant (why give up a perfectly good night out?) and discovered a colorful dining patio, Latino Topas and island inspired beverages like the key lime lemon drop. I am told there's even salsa dancing and Flamenco on the weekends. I can't wait to try that out - but first some lessons! You can find this fun and funky restaurant at 3909 Grand Avenue. Open Tuesdays - Thursdays and Sunday Brunch. www.latazadecafe.com

Now who's already been to Camino?

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.

Piedmont Perpsective, Vol 49 Tahoe Bound! May 22, 2008

What's New?

I am always thrilled when I hear from readers, but equally gratified when other REALTORS contact me who often send thoughtful ideas and insights my way (Realtors work best when we work collaboratively). This week I am teaming up with Linda Granger of Chase International in Tahoe. With Memorial Weekend just ahead of us, many of you may be setting your sights on the Tahoe marketplace. For those of you who thought that Tahoe/Truckee would never be in your future or who are interested in "moving up," read on - it may be closer than you think! Here's what Linda has to say about the Tahoe/Truckee market . . .

One quick observation before I turn over this week's Perspective. Piedmont had some fantastic pending sales this week, including the estate on Lincoln Avenue, listed at $7,800,000 and the wonderful Traditional on Oakmont Drive, listed for $1,550,000. Both of these properties went pending in quick time and with spectacular results - as did 17 Pacific Avenue - just this afternoon. (Smaller homes are finding great demand as well.)

This signals a return of confidence to the marketplace. Take note, this is my prediction of a Late Spring Market playing out. Good, well-priced homes sell! Piedmont is in high demand today.

Please take note of my new listing on 324 Sea View Avenue at the bottom of this week's e-letter!

Now back to Linda . . .
As a Tahoe/Truckee REALTOR who often works with buyers purchasing vacation/investment homes, one of the questions that I inevitably get asked is, "What are the tax benefits of owning a second home?" This leads me to believe that not everyone is aware of the difference in tax advantages between a primary home and an investment property or a second home. I have created a simple chart that spells out the advantages in easy to read format. (Please contact me for a copy at lgranger@chaseinternational.com .) As you will see, there are many ways in which the tax laws favor investment in real property and that's fabulous news!

Remember, there are always limitations and exceptions, so a prudent investor will consult with a tax professional.

What's Coming?

As we enter our summer season, the inventory at the Lake and in Truckee increases substantially. Homes that were rented through the winter as ski leases are put on the market for a quick summer sale. Traditionally summer offers you the greatest amount of choice. In other words, with the increase in inventory, the low interest rates, and the 22% decline in median price from the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2008, this is an outstanding time to purchase your Tahoe vacation/investment home! It is also an outstanding time for a seller of a Tahoe/Truckee home to "move up" in the market.(Think 22% of $500,000 and then 22% of $1,000,000. See the advantage?)

Now, don't get overly excited, thinking that every seller is giving their home away, because it doesn't bear out. Currently, there are only 20 homes in Tahoe's MLS that are short sales, in default, or bank owned sales (Interested?) With over 1400 single family listings and 700 lot listings in the Tahoe Sierra MLS, this is a very insignificant number.

The twist in the Tahoe market is that more properties are purchased with discretionary income than in Metropolitan areas. Property owners here, often have the financial depth to wait out a"choppy" market. As a result, we will experience fewer foreclosures than other areas. Still, the opportunities have never been better to own in the Tahoe Basin (that's where I come in) and prices will never be this low again!

Chase Nation is an innovative concept sponsored by Chase International, the leader in luxury real estate in the Reno-Tahoe area. Here we hope you will gather to discuss the local real estate market and the Reno-Tahoe lifestyle. Check it out or email me at chaseinternational.com . I invite you into join our network.

What's Pending?

In the Truckee area, there are currently 51 single-family residences in escrow under $1,000,000 and 29 homes over $1,000,000. In Tahoe Basin, Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley, there are currently 25 single family homes in escrow under $1,000,000 and eight single family homes over $1,000,000, including five lakefront properties. I have all the statistics in full detail and in beautiful, easy to read bar graphs and charts for every area of the Lake and Truckee, including market comparisons by year. Just email me at lgranger@chaseinternational.com and I will forward them to you.

What's Happening?

Did you know that the Tahoe City Marina is in the process of expanding the marina by 81 new boat slips after 20 years of planning? The existing marina has 161 boat slips that are privately owned. In 2004, a 9'x24' slip sold for around $175,000 and today a 9'x24' slip goes for about $390,000! A 28' slip goes for about $450,000! (Wow!) Now that's appreciation!

The 81 new slips will not be privately owned, but leased, and there are currently several hundred people on the waiting list for those slips. There probably will be NO new marinas built on Lake Tahoe ever. It's quite an experience to "show" boat slips. I stand in front of the slip with my client looking at two feet of Trex decking on each side of a nine foot wide body of water and say, "All this, for only $450,000! www.tahoecitymarina.com

As for the Truckee area, the Ritz Carlton, the Hyatt, and The Village at Northstar are forging ahead at a breakneck pace. Do they know something that we don't know? My guess is that they do their research before moving into an area. If you are not aware of these projects, contact me and I will enlighten you. You will be blown away!

And how about Martis Camp in Truckee? It's spectacular! You've always known that life is about the people you love. At Martis Camp, there's room to enjoy your loved ones and embrace the things that matter. With an inspired range of amenities that include a Tom Fazio golf course, a direct ski connection to Northstar-at-TahoeTMResort, and miles of hiking trails, there are endless way to create memories.

Beginning July 2008, owners who take advantage of the membership opportunities will enjoy a summer of the Fazio golf experience at Martis Camp. Contact me at lgranger@chaseinternational.com for more information.

What's Fun!

Tahoe City has a fun new restaurant coming our way with the introduction of the Lakeside Sports Bar; North Lake Tahoe's newest place for sports, family friendly dining, and nightly entertainment. The Lakeside Sports Bar, Restaurant & Nightclub offers lake front patio seating, a lunch and dinner menu featuring pizza and casual dining at "local's" pricing (yes, "local's" pricing!), plenty of high definition sports on TV, deejays, live music and the best dance floor on Tahoe's North shore. Grand Opening is Memorial Day Weekend! www.lakesidetahoecity.com or call 530-583-2000.

Here's one of my favorite activities . . . every Sunday evening beginning June 22 and running through September 7, the Tahoe City Parks and Recreation Department puts on FREE concerts from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Commons Beach in the center of Tahoe City. It is a really family-friendly evening! Bring you beach chairs, coolers and dancing shoes, or launch your boat and listen to the concert from the lake. The music is always upbeat and the evening is always fun!

The Tahoe Plug!

Finally, I want to thank Julie for this opportunity to reach out to all of you. (I can't believe Julie does this every week when it took me weeks to do just one!) Perhaps writing doesn't come quite as easily, but I will tell you that my commitment to Real Estate in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas is second to none. Feel free to use me as your Tahoe connection, whatever the reason - I have been here for over 22 years, and know that I can help.

Whether you want the inside track on what restaurants to patronize or need to know where to stay for an easy-breezy weekend, OR would like to consider buying or selling a vacation/investment property in Tahoe/Truckee, you now know where to find me and I look forward to hearing from you! lgranger@chaseinternational.com

Julie's Newest Listing: 324 Sea View Ave, Piedmont!

I have just listed 324 Sea View Avenue and am looking forward to bringing it to market this Sunday, May 25 with all new staging and a new price of $2,200,000! This Classic Mediterranean, features sun-filled entry with adjacent courtyard, formal living and dining rooms, old-world library, 3bdrms/3.5bths, contemporary kitchen, hardwood floors, red-tiled roof, period details, and lush gardens. This Romantic Italian Retreat is only minutes to Piedmont's Parks, schools and the center of town. Please return to see it anew!

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.

The Piedmont Perspective, Vol. 47, Good Old Fashioned Teamwork! May 7, 2008

What's New?

Piedmont has 26 active listings this week, offering buyers everything from a sleek and sophisticated home on Moraga Avenue, offered at $899,000 to an Elegant and Grand Estate on Lincoln Avenue, listed for $7,800,000. Speaking to her range and years of experience, Anian Tunney represents both ends of this spectrum (and several in between).

So let's begin with the Beautiful Traditional listing on Lincoln Avenue, which represents luxury at its very finest. This 4-story grand residence might just as easily sit alongside the mansions in Presidio Heights in San Francisco, but chances are it wouldn't offer the extraordinary all-level garden, with clematis-covered arches and formal lawn just outside the elegant dining room. With 6++bdrms/5++ bths, formal living and dining room, chef's kitchen, family room, finished attic, sauna, wine cellar and more, it wants for nothing. Shown by appointment only.

Dramatically different, but dramatic just the same, is the uniquely stylish 5bdrm/4bth Contemporary on Littlewood. With a sunny open floor plan, inviting living, dining and family rooms, stunning built-in lap pool and fabulous and private woodland/garden setting on more than ½ acre, this property has already sparked huge interest and has offers ready to be presented. With demand like that, it's bound to go quickly so don't wait (see "What's Pending?").

If "immaculate" and "turn-key" define your search criteria, look no further than Arbor Drive. This renovated, refurbished, resplendent Mediterranean (all the "re"asons you're looking to buy) is sheer perfection in its every detail. Featuring 3bdrms/3bths, library, media room, professional kitchen, and easy location, this stunning homes has it all. If you had almost given up the idea of owning in Piedmont, now is the time to "re"connect.

What's Coming?

Matt Heafey and Bebe McRae join forces to bring the quintessential Piedmont Brown-Shingle Traditional to market this weekend. This beautiful and spacious 3-story home in the heart of Piedmont close to schools and the park, has been extensively remodeled and offers 4bdrms/2 full bths/2 half bths, master suite with sitting room and fireplace, formal living and dining rooms and spacious kitchen & family room opening on to a large and lovely private garden! With two offices and a 2-car garage, this Pacific Avenue home leaves nothing to be desired. Open this Sunday 2-4:30.

Dana Cohen brings a terrific 4bdrm/3bth Renovated Tudor On Oakmont Avenue to market on May 16. Featuring a level entry, formal living and dining rooms, two family rooms (yes, two) cook's kitchen, remodeled baths and convenient location close to schools and recreational facilities, this home offers easy living in a spacious package. Don't miss it. Price: $1,550,000

Debbi DiMaggio is set to bring a cool contemporary to the market in the next few weeks. Set in Wildwood Gardens, this unique level-living home offers 4+bdrms/3bths, light-filled rooms and hallways, large level lot, swimming pool and refreshed kitchen and baths.

Last but not least, Anian Tunney offers up a Charming Traditional on Winsor Avenue. This home features 3bdrms/2bths and is listed for $895,000. Open this Sunday 2-4:30!

What's Pending?

Wow! With one Sunday Open, followed by the Monday Broker's tour, three aggressive offers quickly followed suit on Littlewood Drive and this property is already pending! This is a great example of how property values and demand are truly set home by home, street by street, and neighborhood, by neighborhood. (Location, location, location!)

While it reminds us how quickly good homes find buyers, it should also serve as a lesson as to why it makes sense to work with a REALTOR and a mortgage broker from the start of your home-hunting process. If you are casually interested - fine - spend your Sundays haphazardly moving from house to house.

However, if you are truly motivated, you will want to partner with a sharp agent on your behalf and avoid discovering that the home of your dreams sold without your having had a chance to see it. (Never mind having had an opportunity to put together an offer!)

What's Happening?

It has been a whirlwind of activity this last couple of weeks, and while I have been professionally busy (thanks to you) I have also been personally busy as well - attending and supporting local charities in and around Piedmont/Oakland with still more to come. (Don't miss Spring Fling, this Saturday, May 10 - www.piedmontspringfling.org.)

What strikes me as significant, whether I am an attendee or a committee member at these events, is the Herculean amount of work that is accomplished through good old-fashioned teamwork. (Take it from me, cleaning up after a party of 300 is infinitely easier when 20 people show up to share the task.)

Well-executed real estate transactions require carefully orchestrated teamwork as well and while it's the REALTOR that is generally at the forefront of any transaction, you can bet that a chain of well-organized and interockling professionals supports him/her behind the scenes. From marketers to videographers, to escrow coordinators, to title officers, each link in the chain is inherently important to the ultimate outcome and success of your transaction.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it helps to have a qualified team in your corner (this week's repeating theme). At The GRUBB Co., when you work with one agent, you receive the collective wisdom, training, experience and efforts of everyone at GRUBB. Our in-house technical support and marketing staff are all available to meet your every need.

How can The GURBB Co. help you? www.Grubbco.com

What's Fun!

My colleague, Vicki Robinson, expands on last week's theme of nearby fun and shares her outing last week with her two grandchildren, ages 9 and 13. They boarded the ferry in Tiburon and boated over to Angel Island for a sunny day of hiking, biking and all manner of exploration. (Grandmas have definitely become more adventurous than I remember.)

While Debbie Kelley is off to Golden Gate Park to rent bikes and see the Annie Lebowitz exhibit at the museum with her sons and husband this weekend.

With Mother's Day coming this Sunday, either of these suggestions might be a terrific outing the whole family can share. (Thank you ladies.)

The Piedmont Plug!

Shop owner Helen Bentkowski, of The Terrace coffee and gift shop on Broadway Terrace, has put together a fun after hours trunk show at her establishment at 5891 Broadway Terrace. Representative, Alexandra Murphy will be on hand to share the spring collection of CAbi with all of us. To preview the collection online, go to: www.cabionline.com. Please mark your calendars and bring a friend to view this fun and affordable collection!

RSVP required at: (510) 428-0323 or terracegiftscoffee@sbcglobal.net or alex@nniallmurphy.net

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.