The Piedmont Perspective, A Return to Optimism, January 11, 2009
What's New?
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were joyfully spent with family and friends and that the new year brings you good health and prosperity. I am really looking forward to what 2009 has to offer and happily, I am not alone! There's a tangible return to optimism.
Here's what one previously cautious reader had to say . . .
"Julie, still enjoying your updates . . . and still scared about what lies ahead. Meanwhile, guess what? We're in escrow to buy a place . . . (Yeah, I know; I don't listen to my own advice.) It's a real dump, the classic fixer-upper but it's got what you guys call "great bones." And it's in a nice part of the city . . .
Our logic for taking the plunge? We're looking to live in the property for at least five to ten years, this will be our home and we were able to get a good price from a very motivated seller. Plus, the ridiculously low interest rates these days made it incredibly affordable! Even adding a homeowner's line to the monthly mortgage, we're only going to be paying a few bucks more than we now do for rent."
Wait, it gets better. Charles goes on to say . . .
"I don't have any data to support my hunch, but my opinion - and it's only my opinion - is that more folks around the country are going to get lured back into the market because of increased affordability as well as the low interest rates. That's not to say housing prices won't continue to slip but hopefully, we're approaching the turning point. Six months from now, I'll know whether I was right or simply offering another useless opinion."
Hey Charles, I think your opinion is right on the money! Furthermore, I think that those of you who step in and take advantage of today's market are going to be well rewarded down the line.
Congratulations Charles on seeing the upside potential of our current real estate market and thanks for your revised forecast and optimistic viewpoint. Please keep me posted.
What's Coming?
Piedmont currently has 14 properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and here are several new listings expecting to surface in the next few months: a fully renovated Beauty in the center of town, a recently remodeled home near Wildwood Elementary, a classic Brick Georgian Colonial on Tyson Lake, an impressive Contemporary on Indian Gulch, a sweet Mediterranean off Mountain Avenue, a charming Spanish style home with room to grow on Pala Avenue in Central Piedmont,a wonderful Traditional on one of the best streets in town and a Smaller Home across from Dracena Park. Stay tuned!
In the immediate future, Mindy Scott has listed 139 Waldo Avenue, coming to the market this weekend. This beautiful home features a traditional floor plan with four bedrooms and an office upstairs, an updated kitchen/family room and gracious formal living and dining rooms. Bring your central Piedmont buyers to this elegant and lovely Traditional. Price: $1,995,000. www.grubbco.com
There is also a new Mid-Century listing at 816 Blair Avenue. This 3bdrm/3bth home with bonus space down is priced at $1,198,000.
While in Oakland/Berkeley, Bebe McRae brings several wonderful properties to the market, beginning with 1328 Bay View Place - a Historic Craftsman, never before on the market with stellar views and great bones; 1020 Keeler Avenue - a one-of-a-kind Baronial Villa Compound with adjacent lot and charming cottage; and 535 Cragmont Avenue - a Mid-Century Jewel, custom built for its owner, offering splendid Bay views!
Anne Feste has just listed 1294 Holman Avenue in Crocker Highlands, previewing on Sunday, January 11! This fantastic 3bdrm/2bth Mediterranean features stunning details, beautiful marble bath and IPE Brazilian outdoor deck. Close to coffee, shops, and the new-new gourmet ghetto on Park Boulevard! Price: $850,000. www.grubbco.com
Finally, the Landmark Turn-of-the-Century home on Bonita Avenue has been reduced to $2,000,000 which represents a substantial price reduction from its starting point of $3,500,000, signaling very motivated sellers! This home is in need of extensive TLC but provides an opportunity to own a piece of history.
What a great way to bring in the New Year!
What's Pending?
Speaking of buyers who stepped in and capitalized on the market, the exceptional Cape Cod Traditional on Sheridan Avenue went into contract over the holidays and is now pending. I had the distinct pleasure of representing the buyers in this purchase which resulted in a mutually successful transaction for all parties involved! List price: $4,200,000.
Now how can I help you?
What's Happening?
As Charles pointed out above, mortgage rates are "ridiculously low."
Here's what Roger Smith of LaSalle Financial has to say about the current mortgage opportunities: "The first quarter of 2009 should bring historically low interest rates for those who are well-qualified and for those with good equity in their current homes. 'Stimulus' money is going to be available for both new purchases and for refinancing alike - especially at conforming rates. We may see rates as low as the mid-fours in the next several months." (Wow!)
Be advised that interest rates are changing daily (almost hourly) so connect with an experienced mortgage broker sooner rather than later, and develop a strong relationship. Roger is just one of many brokers at LaSalle Financial who can be reached at
(510) 339-4300 or at: www.lasallefinance.com.
For a more indepth analysis of the mortgage picture go to:
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=16285436>1=35000
What's Fun!
While my auditioning days are long behind me, my love for dance never wanes (although the 80's boogying around the house embarrasses the heck out of my kids).
A few months ago I happened upon a salsa class in Emeryville taught by salsa pros, Serena and Nick and was instantly hooked - the music, the beat, the movement - one, two, three (pause) one, two, three (pause). As it happens, salsa is fairly easy to learn (especially for the followers). Throw in a few spins and you'll look like a true professional - or not - but who cares? It sure beats the treadmill or spin class!
Join me on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm near the Allegra Ballroom (I'll drive). Give Serena and Nick a call at 415-608-6180 or 510-207-4289. They are also available for private lessons, workshops or parties. www.salsavalet000.com. Hmm . . . a summer salsa series sounds like fun!
Start now and you'll have the basics for the three-day SF/Bay Area Salsa Rueda Festival, February 20-22 at the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco. There will be instructions, classes, demonstrations and of course, lots of dancing for all levels! For more information, go to: www.salsarudeafestival.com
The Piedmont Plug!
So you didn't send out Christmas cards this year (me neither) but it's not too late to still reach out to family, friends and business associates via a New Year's Card, or how about a Valentine's greeting?
Leslie Bond and Marcia Redford of Printed Affair, will happily assist you in designing a personalized salutation, a custom invitation or a moving announcement as need be. Printed Affair can be found at 460 Boulevard Way at Grand Avenue in Oakland and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday by appointment. This unique neighborhood studio is a homegrown Piedmont asset and they are offering you a 20% discount when you mention The Perspective!
To reach Leslie or Marcia, go to printaffair@sbcglobal.net or www.PrintedAffiair.com. You can also reach them the old-fashioned way at 510-654-9903. And don't forget the personalized stationary!
See you in two weeks!
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 email me a jgardner@grubbco.com. 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.
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were joyfully spent with family and friends and that the new year brings you good health and prosperity. I am really looking forward to what 2009 has to offer and happily, I am not alone! There's a tangible return to optimism.
Here's what one previously cautious reader had to say . . .
"Julie, still enjoying your updates . . . and still scared about what lies ahead. Meanwhile, guess what? We're in escrow to buy a place . . . (Yeah, I know; I don't listen to my own advice.) It's a real dump, the classic fixer-upper but it's got what you guys call "great bones." And it's in a nice part of the city . . .
Our logic for taking the plunge? We're looking to live in the property for at least five to ten years, this will be our home and we were able to get a good price from a very motivated seller. Plus, the ridiculously low interest rates these days made it incredibly affordable! Even adding a homeowner's line to the monthly mortgage, we're only going to be paying a few bucks more than we now do for rent."
Wait, it gets better. Charles goes on to say . . .
"I don't have any data to support my hunch, but my opinion - and it's only my opinion - is that more folks around the country are going to get lured back into the market because of increased affordability as well as the low interest rates. That's not to say housing prices won't continue to slip but hopefully, we're approaching the turning point. Six months from now, I'll know whether I was right or simply offering another useless opinion."
Hey Charles, I think your opinion is right on the money! Furthermore, I think that those of you who step in and take advantage of today's market are going to be well rewarded down the line.
Congratulations Charles on seeing the upside potential of our current real estate market and thanks for your revised forecast and optimistic viewpoint. Please keep me posted.
What's Coming?
Piedmont currently has 14 properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and here are several new listings expecting to surface in the next few months: a fully renovated Beauty in the center of town, a recently remodeled home near Wildwood Elementary, a classic Brick Georgian Colonial on Tyson Lake, an impressive Contemporary on Indian Gulch, a sweet Mediterranean off Mountain Avenue, a charming Spanish style home with room to grow on Pala Avenue in Central Piedmont,a wonderful Traditional on one of the best streets in town and a Smaller Home across from Dracena Park. Stay tuned!
In the immediate future, Mindy Scott has listed 139 Waldo Avenue, coming to the market this weekend. This beautiful home features a traditional floor plan with four bedrooms and an office upstairs, an updated kitchen/family room and gracious formal living and dining rooms. Bring your central Piedmont buyers to this elegant and lovely Traditional. Price: $1,995,000. www.grubbco.com
There is also a new Mid-Century listing at 816 Blair Avenue. This 3bdrm/3bth home with bonus space down is priced at $1,198,000.
While in Oakland/Berkeley, Bebe McRae brings several wonderful properties to the market, beginning with 1328 Bay View Place - a Historic Craftsman, never before on the market with stellar views and great bones; 1020 Keeler Avenue - a one-of-a-kind Baronial Villa Compound with adjacent lot and charming cottage; and 535 Cragmont Avenue - a Mid-Century Jewel, custom built for its owner, offering splendid Bay views!
Anne Feste has just listed 1294 Holman Avenue in Crocker Highlands, previewing on Sunday, January 11! This fantastic 3bdrm/2bth Mediterranean features stunning details, beautiful marble bath and IPE Brazilian outdoor deck. Close to coffee, shops, and the new-new gourmet ghetto on Park Boulevard! Price: $850,000. www.grubbco.com
Finally, the Landmark Turn-of-the-Century home on Bonita Avenue has been reduced to $2,000,000 which represents a substantial price reduction from its starting point of $3,500,000, signaling very motivated sellers! This home is in need of extensive TLC but provides an opportunity to own a piece of history.
What a great way to bring in the New Year!
What's Pending?
Speaking of buyers who stepped in and capitalized on the market, the exceptional Cape Cod Traditional on Sheridan Avenue went into contract over the holidays and is now pending. I had the distinct pleasure of representing the buyers in this purchase which resulted in a mutually successful transaction for all parties involved! List price: $4,200,000.
Now how can I help you?
What's Happening?
As Charles pointed out above, mortgage rates are "ridiculously low."
Here's what Roger Smith of LaSalle Financial has to say about the current mortgage opportunities: "The first quarter of 2009 should bring historically low interest rates for those who are well-qualified and for those with good equity in their current homes. 'Stimulus' money is going to be available for both new purchases and for refinancing alike - especially at conforming rates. We may see rates as low as the mid-fours in the next several months." (Wow!)
Be advised that interest rates are changing daily (almost hourly) so connect with an experienced mortgage broker sooner rather than later, and develop a strong relationship. Roger is just one of many brokers at LaSalle Financial who can be reached at
(510) 339-4300 or at: www.lasallefinance.com.
For a more indepth analysis of the mortgage picture go to:
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=16285436>1=35000
What's Fun!
While my auditioning days are long behind me, my love for dance never wanes (although the 80's boogying around the house embarrasses the heck out of my kids).
A few months ago I happened upon a salsa class in Emeryville taught by salsa pros, Serena and Nick and was instantly hooked - the music, the beat, the movement - one, two, three (pause) one, two, three (pause). As it happens, salsa is fairly easy to learn (especially for the followers). Throw in a few spins and you'll look like a true professional - or not - but who cares? It sure beats the treadmill or spin class!
Join me on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm near the Allegra Ballroom (I'll drive). Give Serena and Nick a call at 415-608-6180 or 510-207-4289. They are also available for private lessons, workshops or parties. www.salsavalet000.com. Hmm . . . a summer salsa series sounds like fun!
Start now and you'll have the basics for the three-day SF/Bay Area Salsa Rueda Festival, February 20-22 at the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco. There will be instructions, classes, demonstrations and of course, lots of dancing for all levels! For more information, go to: www.salsarudeafestival.com
The Piedmont Plug!
So you didn't send out Christmas cards this year (me neither) but it's not too late to still reach out to family, friends and business associates via a New Year's Card, or how about a Valentine's greeting?
Leslie Bond and Marcia Redford of Printed Affair, will happily assist you in designing a personalized salutation, a custom invitation or a moving announcement as need be. Printed Affair can be found at 460 Boulevard Way at Grand Avenue in Oakland and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday by appointment. This unique neighborhood studio is a homegrown Piedmont asset and they are offering you a 20% discount when you mention The Perspective!
To reach Leslie or Marcia, go to printaffair@sbcglobal.net or www.PrintedAffiair.com. You can also reach them the old-fashioned way at 510-654-9903. And don't forget the personalized stationary!
See you in two weeks!
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 email me a jgardner@grubbco.com. 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.
posted by Julie at
12:05 PM
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