The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker! The Piedmont Perspective, April 30, 2009

What's New?

I secretly scoff at all of you double latte, mochochino, espresso shot coffeeholics, as if I am somehow morally superior for avoiding the daily pull of Starbuck's or Pete's. The ugly truth is, I'm stubbornly hooked on Raspberry Snapple (I'd shoot the tea directly into my veins if it were possible) allowing myself just one each morning. (Mulberry Market stocks the sugary fix just for me - thank you Chad and Laura!)

When life gets really hectic, I'll succumb to a second Snapple by late afternoon. You can pretty much gauge the level of my work load by the number of raspberry teas I drink! (Sadly, there's no 12-step program for Snapple addicts.)

Last week proved busier than usual. Between the demands of end-of-the-year school activities, community fund-raisers and my work as a Real Estate professional, I was forced to spring for an entire case of the caffeine-fueled nectar (Ah -Sweet Nirvana)!

As Realtors, we wear many hats, often pulling up our shirt sleeves to work side-by-side with the sellers to prepare their home for market. Part mover, part landscaper, part cheerleader, part caterer . . . indeed, part therapist - I'm whatever I need to be in the moment. It's not unusual for me to help a client clean out a closet, rearrange the furniture, or plant a flower bed. (The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker!)

Even so, prepping, staging and marketing a home in a short period of time, requires a team of dedicated professionals far beyond me. From tree-trimmers, to house painters, to designers, to photographers . . . (you get the picture) it's the sum total of many talented professionals who create the polished final act. As much as I really enjoy the "hands-on" experience, I'm better off delegating these tasks to those more experienced than I am in their particular skill set - and so are you!

Let's face it, selling a home, under the best of circumstances, is incredibly invasive. Even when the move is happily anticipated, there's no shortcut to the work involved, let alone the emotions that go with packing away your memories. Our homes have value far beyond the balance sheet. Letting go can be extremely tough (unexpectedly so) and fraught with emotional land mines.

To the extent that you can lighten your burden and delegate some of the overwhelming tasks at hand - do it! Do it! Asking for help and then letting others actually help you can be invaluable and incredibly time efficient. It's also surprisingly satisfying - whether you are the seller or the Realtor! Learn to delegate.

Speaking of which, it's time to crack open another Snapple. I've another busy day ahead of me! Can I offer you to a cup of Joe?

Up, Up and Away Fun! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 91, April 8, 2009

What's New?

"Hey Juls, remember my leather litigation case you threw out a few years ago?" my husband, Cliff, yelled from the bedroom as he packed his overnight bag. Typically, Cliff doesn't travel much for business but was headed to Seattle to argue a case the next morning before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In Cliff fashion, he was waiting until the last minute to organize his belongings. "The big square one that held my files?" he said.

"I remember it," I hollered back from the kitchen, "and I didn't throw it out - you did."

"Not true," my husband countered, "Why would I throw it out? I need it." (Lawyers are accustomed to arguing and my husband is no exception. Perhaps I was his warm-up?)

"It was falling apart," I replied, lowering my voice as I walked into the room. "You'd had it for over 25 years and we were moving . . . Remember?"

"No, I don't remember," Cliff countered, rooting through the luggage closet for an alternative that might suffice. "Why don't you just admit that you tossed it," he said. "You throw everything away." (It's true - I'm the family purger, but I was holding my ground.)

"Because I didn't," I said (a snappy comeback if ever there was one). Ok, I was beginning to feeling a tad bit defensive. "We specifically talked about that briefcase, if you recall."

"No, I don't recall. I'm going to have to start confirming our conversations in writing," my husband teased - a refrain I have often heard over the course of our 19-year marriage.

While confirming conversations in writing may be pushing it just a bit within the bounds of holy matrimony, confirming things in writing is a very smart idea with respect to real estate - where the consequences matter a whole lot more than whose turn it is to pick up dinner or who threw out a shop-worn briefcase (definitely not me!).

I am an e-mailer both by nature and by well-honed practice (you've probably figured that out by now). I value the ability to clearly answer questions, state a position, and track a transition from beginning to end - and in spite of my husband's good-natured ribbing, both he and I prefer to spell out our responsibilities in writing; often emailing each other throughout the day, as opposed to conversing on the telephone.

So it comes as no surprise that I follow the same course of action with my clients as well. From outlining a listing calendar to answering questions about strategy, to finalizing the deal, regardless of how important or seemingly inconsequential the issue, I find a written record keeps ALL of us on track and on the same page.

I won't discount that there is an important human element and connection to the art of conversation, but I find that memory, intentions and actions are best served in writing. While I am always available to assist you on the phone, chances are, I'll be confirming our conversation in a written format as well - be it, email, text or the good old-fashioned letter (remember those?).
Now you'll have to excuse me, I'm off to the luggage store to replace my husband's ratty old briefcase (the one I didn't throw away).

For the record, this action does not now, nor in the future, imply, infer or impart a partial or full admission of guilt as to the tossing of aforementioned briefcase.

Cliff, please print and file this email for your records.

What's Coming?

Liz Dickson has listed a very grand 5bdrm/4bth Newsom and Newsom Manor, built in 1922. This gracious home features five bedrooms up, including luxurious master suite, cozy upstairs library, spacious rumpus/play room down and lovely gardens and pool, accessed through French doors. Please contact Liz for more information at The GRUBB Co.: 510-339-0400. www.grubbco.com

I am pleased to announce my newest listing at 12 Keefer Court in Piedmont. This Magical Mediterranean is coming to market a week from Sunday, on April 19 . Creatively-sited on a private cul-de-sac, this charming 4bdrm/3bth home with intimate courtyard, features lovely formal rooms, an updated kitchen with breakfast nook and a true master suite with large sitting room and private patio entrance. Located near schools, playing fields and the community pool and recreation center, this wonderful home is listed for $1,385,000. Open Sunday, April 19, 2-4:30pm .

Dana Cohen has just listed 1400 Mountain Boulevard in Montclair. This elegant 1920's Tudor retreat features 4bdrms/2 .5bths, private master suite, an updated kitchen with breakfast room, generous formal rooms, beautiful period details with built-ins and gumwood trim - all on a large, level corner lot with lush gardens, manicured lawn and play area. Just two blocks from Montclair Village, the public library and recreational facilities, this special home is open this Sunday, April 12, 2-4:30pm. List price: $935,000.

Jill Carrigan has listed 117 Diablo Drive and brings it to the market on Sunday, April 19. This Modern Masterpiece, sculpted into the hills of Montclair offers unsurpassed views and represents the perfect fusion of pure, clean modern architecture, and Asian craftsman design. Designed by renowned architect, Richard Janzen, this 4bdrm/4bth home with sauna and media room is truly one-of-a-kind! List price: $2,185,000

While in Montclair, drive by Scott Hill's listing at 950 Leo Way which has been reduced to $1,045,000. This charming Cape Cod home - built in 1993 - sits on a quiet wooded street and features 4bdrms/3bths, formal living room and dining room with French doors to a patio and level grass yard, master suite with beautifully update bathroom, 2-car garage, and ample natural light! Please view this property at www.950leo.com .

(I haven't mentioned every special home - just a few of my favorites! For a more complete guide, please feel free to email me at jgardner@grubbco.com or better yet, give me a call 510 326-0840!)

What's Pending?

Maybe it's the beautiful sunny days we enjoyed earlier this week that caused the dogwoods, rhododendrons, wisteria and tulips to burst into prolific bloom, but there's evidence and a reinvigorated sense that things are really beginning to POP in the spring market!

New buyers are hitting the market in strong numbers, spurred on perhaps by the news that jumbo money is back in play (it is) and that home interest rates have probably gone as low as they will very likely get (historically low)! Cautious buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines, are now taking advantage of this very attractive marketplace - and they should.

As an example, the uber-sophisticated Modern at 330 Hampton Road has quickly gone pending and with multiple offers, once again reinforcing my belief that demand exists for perceived value. List price: $1,550,000

What's Happening?

Easter eggs won't be the only things being discovered this Sunday. Whether you celebrate Easter or Passover, there will still be many homes open this weekend for your viewing pleasure.

If you have visiting relatives, these family holidays often provide a rare opportunity to view homes with your mom, your dad, your siblings or your returning kids.

Happy hunting!

What's Fun!

If you have been to a G-rated movie lately, you've probably caught the coming attractions for "UP" - Pixar's soon to be released, animated feature, written and directed by talented Piedmont dad and Pixar director, Pete Docter (he's probably a talented director too). This latest animated film looks truly delightful and I, for one, can't wait to see it.

Good news. Now I don't have to (and neither do you)! The Docter family - Amanda, Pete, Nicholas and Elie are hosting a special advance screening benefit for The Piedmont Educational Foundation on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Pixar Studios in Emeryville, with wine tasting hosted by Mulberry Market. This special evening also includes a light supper and silent auction with limited edition merchandise so be prepared for Up, Up and Away Fun! Children of all ages welcome so bring the whole family.

Tickets are extremely limited and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis at: www.piedmontedfoundation.ogr/up.

The Piedmont Plug!

The Piedmont Neighbors and Newcomers Club invites you to join them at their Annual Progressive Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Tickets are $40 per person. Checks should be payable to PNNC and sent to 422 Blair Avenue, Piedmont, 94611.
Whether you are new to Piedmont or a lifelong resident, this is a wonderful evening!

See you next week!

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.