The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 58, If You are Only Watching the Ball, You are Missing the Majority of the Game! July 16, 2008
What's New?
As the mother of two very active baseball players, I have spent the last decade watching my boys play this quintessential American sport on numerous spring, summer and fall ball teams. Having now clocked too many games to count, one would think that I would have become an expert at "America's favorite pastime" - WRONG!
My exasperated husband still marvels at my lack of knowledge with respect to the subtleties and finer points of the game. Sitting in the bleachers, he'll overhear me questioning the coach's call for a bunt or worse yet, a "pick off" - a play that from my untrained perspective, invariably results in an overthrow - advancing the runners an additional base. Ugh!
"The pitcher and catcher have to attempt the pick off," my husband, Cliff, not-so-patiently reminds me, "or the runners will assume they can steal every base and will easily do so!"
Oh, now I get it! (Light bulb moment.)
In spite of my remedial progress with respect to baseball, I have come to learn that on a well-coached team, every player is moving on every play to collectively manufacture runs, secure outs and produce a successful outcome for the team!
Cliff has been teaching me to place as much importance on what's going on AWAY from the ball, in order to better appreciate how the game is actually won! (Funnily enough, my broker has been teaching me the same thing!)
Don't get me wrong. The ball is clearly important, but the game is much more complex than what meets the eye!
In real estate, finding a home is akin to focusing on the ball -
Experienced REALTORS (like experienced managers) know that what happens between the plays and in the dugout, often influences the outcome more. Yes, I'll admit it's a home run when I direct you to the house of your dreams, but my real value comes into play by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the other players, staying on top of the market, understanding the inspection reports and how they affect the value of the home, successfully negotiating the transaction, and following through to the last inning.
Here's my point: if you are only watching the ball; you are missing the majority of the game!
Understanding that your REALTOR is often working diligently between innings, may help you comprehend his or her role a little better - as well as your own. Given the mass availability of information on the Internet, it stands to reason that buyers often seek out and find their own homes, but that doesn't discount the importance of their REALTOR'S involvement. Once a property has been determined, securing and obtaining the home and protecting you from potential liability, is where the REAL work begins!
OH! (Light bulb moment?)
Now, let play ball!
What's Coming?
Ed Kuo brings to market an authentic Japanese style home, custom built for its owners in 1977. This unique 4bdrms/2.5bth "Zen" property on Pershing Drive on the prestigious Piedmont side of Montclair - complete with cherry blossom trees and koi pond - features large open floor plan, traditional tea room with tatami mats, eat-in kitchen with movable island, spacious master suite and unobstructed bay views! Add thoughtful details such as shogi screens, hardwood and black slate floors, Japanese lanterns, surrounding gardens, abundant natural light, lower level workshop, and 2+ garage and you have a truly one-of-a-kind retreat close to Montclair Village. www.250pershing.com
Hope Broderick has just listed 4350 Bridgeview Drive in Upper Oakmore. This stunning Mediterranean combines old-world charm with sleek modern interiors and features 4bdrms/2bths, media room, inviting gardens, and gorgeous views! Situated on a dead end street close to wooded trails, Red Boy Pizza and Rocky's Grocery makes this home both conveniently located and exceedingly private as well. Price: $998,000 www.grubbco.com
What's Pending?
The charming home at 12 Sierra Avenue has gone pending and is now in contract, as are 87 Huntleigh, 21 Manor Drive and 334 Howard Avenue. Here we are in mid-July and the activity on many homes is absolutely staggering - contrary to often discouraging news. It all boils down to location and price!
What's Happening?
Contingent sales are happening! That is, homes that are purchased "contingent" to the sale of a current home or "contingent" upon the identification of a replacement home. Confusing? Not really. This is just a return to the good old days, when buyers (and sellers) wanted a clear understanding of what their current home might fetch in the market before moving on to the next.
While contingent sales involve close monitoring of ALL connecting transactions, due to the inherent "domino effect," contingent sales are an increasingly important and viable tool in today's current marketplace.
If you have been circling around a home, but have delayed making an offer because the timing for marketing your current home is still a few weeks away, seriously consider making a "contingent offer." Once you have locked in a replacement property, you can quickly bring your home to market. Commit to the process! You may be pleasantly surprised at the positive outcome.
Contingent sales may soon become the norm in a market that requires greater flexibility from all parties involved. At The GRUBB Co, we are well-trained in the contingent sale!
What's Fun!
Woodminster Theater has kicked off its 42nd annual summer season with the musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Chosen as Oakland Magazine's 2008 Readers' Choice Award for "Best Theater Company," the fun and high-spirited musical performances are performed Thursday through Sunday at 8PM under the stars at the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Tickets run from $23-$38. For more information about this season's shows, go to www.woodminster.com or call 531-9597.
The Piedmont Plug!
The Milkman Plus!
I remember waking up early and making my way to the front door several times a week to pull in the many gallons of milk, cottage cheese and butter my mother had ordered. With eight people in my family, we consumed massive amounts of the white liquid and had home delivery at several times a week for most of my childhood.
Good news! The Milkman is back! Pat Borella will drop off dairy items, juices, bread, bagels, entrees, water, coffee and more at your home at a predetermined time each week. With a huge selection of items from which to choose, you need never rush down to the store in the wee morning hours again. The Milkman Plus can be reached a 1-800-464-MILK. Now how easy is that?
See you in two weeks!
As the mother of two very active baseball players, I have spent the last decade watching my boys play this quintessential American sport on numerous spring, summer and fall ball teams. Having now clocked too many games to count, one would think that I would have become an expert at "America's favorite pastime" - WRONG!
My exasperated husband still marvels at my lack of knowledge with respect to the subtleties and finer points of the game. Sitting in the bleachers, he'll overhear me questioning the coach's call for a bunt or worse yet, a "pick off" - a play that from my untrained perspective, invariably results in an overthrow - advancing the runners an additional base. Ugh!
"The pitcher and catcher have to attempt the pick off," my husband, Cliff, not-so-patiently reminds me, "or the runners will assume they can steal every base and will easily do so!"
Oh, now I get it! (Light bulb moment.)
In spite of my remedial progress with respect to baseball, I have come to learn that on a well-coached team, every player is moving on every play to collectively manufacture runs, secure outs and produce a successful outcome for the team!
Cliff has been teaching me to place as much importance on what's going on AWAY from the ball, in order to better appreciate how the game is actually won! (Funnily enough, my broker has been teaching me the same thing!)
Don't get me wrong. The ball is clearly important, but the game is much more complex than what meets the eye!
In real estate, finding a home is akin to focusing on the ball -
Experienced REALTORS (like experienced managers) know that what happens between the plays and in the dugout, often influences the outcome more. Yes, I'll admit it's a home run when I direct you to the house of your dreams, but my real value comes into play by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the other players, staying on top of the market, understanding the inspection reports and how they affect the value of the home, successfully negotiating the transaction, and following through to the last inning.
Here's my point: if you are only watching the ball; you are missing the majority of the game!
Understanding that your REALTOR is often working diligently between innings, may help you comprehend his or her role a little better - as well as your own. Given the mass availability of information on the Internet, it stands to reason that buyers often seek out and find their own homes, but that doesn't discount the importance of their REALTOR'S involvement. Once a property has been determined, securing and obtaining the home and protecting you from potential liability, is where the REAL work begins!
OH! (Light bulb moment?)
Now, let play ball!
What's Coming?
Ed Kuo brings to market an authentic Japanese style home, custom built for its owners in 1977. This unique 4bdrms/2.5bth "Zen" property on Pershing Drive on the prestigious Piedmont side of Montclair - complete with cherry blossom trees and koi pond - features large open floor plan, traditional tea room with tatami mats, eat-in kitchen with movable island, spacious master suite and unobstructed bay views! Add thoughtful details such as shogi screens, hardwood and black slate floors, Japanese lanterns, surrounding gardens, abundant natural light, lower level workshop, and 2+ garage and you have a truly one-of-a-kind retreat close to Montclair Village. www.250pershing.com
Hope Broderick has just listed 4350 Bridgeview Drive in Upper Oakmore. This stunning Mediterranean combines old-world charm with sleek modern interiors and features 4bdrms/2bths, media room, inviting gardens, and gorgeous views! Situated on a dead end street close to wooded trails, Red Boy Pizza and Rocky's Grocery makes this home both conveniently located and exceedingly private as well. Price: $998,000 www.grubbco.com
What's Pending?
The charming home at 12 Sierra Avenue has gone pending and is now in contract, as are 87 Huntleigh, 21 Manor Drive and 334 Howard Avenue. Here we are in mid-July and the activity on many homes is absolutely staggering - contrary to often discouraging news. It all boils down to location and price!
What's Happening?
Contingent sales are happening! That is, homes that are purchased "contingent" to the sale of a current home or "contingent" upon the identification of a replacement home. Confusing? Not really. This is just a return to the good old days, when buyers (and sellers) wanted a clear understanding of what their current home might fetch in the market before moving on to the next.
While contingent sales involve close monitoring of ALL connecting transactions, due to the inherent "domino effect," contingent sales are an increasingly important and viable tool in today's current marketplace.
If you have been circling around a home, but have delayed making an offer because the timing for marketing your current home is still a few weeks away, seriously consider making a "contingent offer." Once you have locked in a replacement property, you can quickly bring your home to market. Commit to the process! You may be pleasantly surprised at the positive outcome.
Contingent sales may soon become the norm in a market that requires greater flexibility from all parties involved. At The GRUBB Co, we are well-trained in the contingent sale!
What's Fun!
Woodminster Theater has kicked off its 42nd annual summer season with the musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Chosen as Oakland Magazine's 2008 Readers' Choice Award for "Best Theater Company," the fun and high-spirited musical performances are performed Thursday through Sunday at 8PM under the stars at the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Tickets run from $23-$38. For more information about this season's shows, go to www.woodminster.com or call 531-9597.
The Piedmont Plug!
The Milkman Plus!
I remember waking up early and making my way to the front door several times a week to pull in the many gallons of milk, cottage cheese and butter my mother had ordered. With eight people in my family, we consumed massive amounts of the white liquid and had home delivery at several times a week for most of my childhood.
Good news! The Milkman is back! Pat Borella will drop off dairy items, juices, bread, bagels, entrees, water, coffee and more at your home at a predetermined time each week. With a huge selection of items from which to choose, you need never rush down to the store in the wee morning hours again. The Milkman Plus can be reached a 1-800-464-MILK. Now how easy is that?
See you in two weeks!
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