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.

Ginger Bread Homes and Noble Firs, The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 30

What's New?

With only one new listing - a 2bdrm/1bth home on Cambridge Avenue - to alert you to this week, I am going to take this opportunity to sing the praises of the new Mulberry Market which has replaced the old Bon Fair in the center of town. Last week, I had the good fortune of getting a "sneak peek" at the new Mulberry Market, which is currently set to open December 8, and it is absolutely fabulous!

Remodeled from the ground floor up, the new proprietors, Chad Olcott and Laura Pochop have created a space in which Piedmont can take real pride. With an open floor plan that boasts a Peet’s Coffee Bar (finally, coffee in town) a self-serve milkshake station, a fully-stocked deli, fresh, crisp produce, fine wines, and even chips and sodas for the teens, no detail – whether small or large - has been overlooked. From a pressed tin ceiling, to hand-milled cabinets, to a bank of stools in front of a grand picture window, Mulberry Market simultaneously bridges yesteryear with tomorrow. It is truly a visual and culinary treat for us all. Thank you Chad and Laura for your incredible tenacity and vision! (Chad for Mayor?)

What's Coming?

The holidays are fast approaching. (Yikes! Does Hanukkah really start tonight?) Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or some other winter solstice celebration, now is a great opportunity to carve out time with family and friends. Take advantage of California's year-round sunshine and walk Lake Merritt with an old friend you rarely have time to see. Rediscover the unique shops and outlets on 4th Street in Berkeley (they just keep getting better) and have scones at Betty's Diner. Stop by the new Whole Foods Market on Harrison and pick up dinner. (Who wants to cook after all that shopping?) Invite new neighbors over to share a glass of Christmas Cheer. Create a sugary gingerbread house with your kids (you knew a real estate reference was bound to show up somewhere) and then move the buttons on all of your pants . . . Whatever you do, enjoy this bit of down time because it never lasts long enough before the holidays are behind us and we are back into high gear come 2008.

And speaking of 2008, we may just skip first gear altogether! There are several wonderful new listings coming your way after January 1 - from very grand to "just right" (think Goldilocks) - and I will be keeping you posted on all of them. Stay tuned. Which properties you say? You'll have to give me a call to find out more . . .

What's Pending?

Lest you think the market has all but disappeared, fear not - it is just taking a breather as is typical for this time of year. The Mediterranean on Sea View found a happy buyer and for significantly less than the original list price (now wouldn't that make you happy?) If value is your number one priority, this is the perfect time to secure it. With interest rates as low at 5.75% on conforming loans* (we haven't seen rates this low since August of 2005!) you may be in a terrific position to buy now and December can offer very viable opportunities. Although it is easy to get preoccupied during the holidays, stay focused!

*Conforming loans are loans up to $417,000. Jumbo loans are loans higher than $417,000. To see how today's interest rates specifically fit into your plans, contact me for a referral to a qualified mortgage broker or log onto www.LaSalleFiance.com.

What's Happening Now?

Piedmont High makes U.S. News and World Report's "100 Gold Medal Schools"! It comes as no surprise that the success of Piedmont's high-performing schools sets our unique town apart from neighboring communities and now it is official! We, Piedmonters, have earned bragging rights! Pass it along. (This nifty news comes courtesy of Pam McBain. Thanks Pam for keeping us so well-informed.) San Francisco families - are you listening?

To learn more, click onto the links below.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2007/11/29/gold-medal-schools.html
(the list)

http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/index.html (the full set of articles, some with video!)

What's Fun!

Music Director Benjamin Simon kicks off the 2007-2008 season of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra with Program I: Prodigies, Dec. 30, 2007—Jan. 1, 2008, a New Year’s celebration devoted to Mozart and Mendelssohn, two of the greatest child prodigies the classical world has ever known. The SFCO provides
music for small orchestra that is fun, fresh, first rate and free! For further details, see
their website at: www.sfchamberorchestra.org (Thank you Sherri Richards for this musical gift!)

The Piedmont Plug!

The Boy Scouts have once again opened their annual Christmas tree lot at Coaches Field on Moraga Avenue. With operating hours that extend from 3:45-8pm Monday-Thursday, 1:30-9 pm on Friday and 9 am-9 pm on Saturday and Sunday, you are sure to find whatever scented greenery your heart desires. From garlands to wreaths to stately trees, this is a wonderful way to support the local scouts here in Piedmont. Personally, I love the Noble Firs.

Turkey Trot on into Piedmont!

What's New?
With only four Piedmont listings showing as active on the Multiple Listing Service this week, and none of them new, there is very little to whet the appetite. However, fewer listings often create a second wave of interest for homes that have been previously passed on for one reason or another. Buyers, who must buy now, are compelled to work with existing stock. If your home has been on the market for awhile, NOW is the time to reduce the asking price and bring qualified buyers back to the table. Clearly, they are out and about, and they are looking for value . . . That's great news!

What's Coming?
Thanksgiving is coming and for most of us that means a few days off with our loved ones and a hearty helping of turkey and fixings. Enjoy this time, whatever your traditions, and relax – that’s after the Turkey Trot through Piedmont, of course. The GRUBB Co. will be closed Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday, but will be open for business bright and early come Friday. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call. (I'll be cooking for 25, but will make time for you!)

What's Pending?
The Traditional on Crocker went pending with one offer, as did the large lot up on Littlewood; while properties on San Carlos and on Lakeshore each received ten offers and went well over asking in both cases (WOW!) demonstrating that there is substantial demand – even late in the fall season. This may be because buyers - even those with "A" paper - had some difficulty securing loans in August and September due to the mortgage upset. Happily, sanity reemerged as mortgage lenders recognized the need to underwrite good candidates (that’s you) making October and November banner months at The GRUBB Co. as lending dollars came back into play.

What's Happening Now?
Dress Best for Less just finished its fall sale and is closing temporarily for a BIG remodel. The exciting new "upscale" Dress Best for Less will reopen on December 1, just in time for the holidays! This unique boutique, located at 3861 Piedmont Avenue, donates all of its net profits to Piedmont’s schools and last year, accounted for more than $50,000 of the schools' budget! Please support this very worthy enterprise.

Dress Best for Less welcomes your gently used clothing and household items. They can be donated at the drop off center behind the community pool.

What's Fun!
Speaking of the holiday season, The Christmas Revels has returned and offers performances from December 7-9 and December 14-16. Revels are a unique form of participatory musical theatre that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds in a joyful celebration of the seasons. It draws upon traditions of song, dance, games and performance from around the world to present a theatrical even that is rich in meaning and fun for the entire family. For more information go to www.CALREVELS.ORG. The GRUBB Co's own Tricia Swift performed in the original cast back in 1986 and has been a supporter ever since! Make The Christmas Revels one of your holiday traditions.


The Piedmont Plug!
Last week I had the good fortune of joining many of my friends for a holiday luncheon and shopping excursion at Elegant Clutter in Danville. This inspired and sparkling emporium, owned and operated by Piedmont’s own Mary Burczyk, specializes in upscale home furnishings and accessories at truly affordable prices and is well worth the destination and time. In fact, give yourself plenty of time to shop, as chances are, you won’t come away empty-handed! With room upon room of themed vignettes, the shop is simply dazzling! Elegant Clutter can be found at the Livery Shopping Center. Take 24 to Hwy 680 South, to Sycamore Valley Road West and explore!


Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.

Spring Forward - The Top Ten List for Preparing Your Home for the Spring Market!

Were you one of the clever buyers who took advantage of the fabulous Fall Market? Lucky you. You can sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home for the holidays! If you now have a property to sell as a reult of your good fortune and savvy timing, or if you are looking ahead towards entering the market next year, here is my list of The Top Ten items you can begin to accomplish over the next few months. Get to work!

Top Ten Checklist or “First Impressions Count!”

1. Pack away everything that is nonessential (family photos, knick-knacks, and collectibles) and EDIT the rest: furniture, books, toys, clothing, artwork, etc. Use a critical eye and simplify!

2. Have your property thoroughly inspected so no surprises show up when you place your home on the market. Hire a qualified Home Inspector and a Pest Inspector and go from there, as indicated (chimney, foundation, engineering, roof, sewer lateral may all require further investigation).

3. Make any necessary repairs that show up on the above inspections if possible. Replace broken panes in windows, update batteries in smoke detectors, repair dripping faucets, repair decks or porches, strap water heater, and update kitchen and baths with new appliances if necessary (or be prepared to discount your listing price accordingly).

4. Clean interior and exterior thoroughly – power wash patios, bricks, walkways and siding. Wash windows, organize drawers, clean out garage and storage spaces, clean refrigerator/stove, and organize laundry room. Give away what you no longer use or need. Store away items that are treasured.

5. Paint inside and out, as needed. Avoid bold colors. Meet with a Stager for a color and staging consultation. Create an emotional connection!

6. Buff and polish hardwood floors. If badly damaged, refinish them as indicated.

7. Replace carpet as needed. Uncover hardwood floors where possible.

8. Give attention to the roof, flashing, downspouts and gutters. Clean out all gutters.

9. Trim overgrown landscaping and trees. Plant new color where needed or tired, and mulch garden.

10. Meet with an experienced, local REALTOR and a qualified Mortgage Broker to ascertain the real costs of selling your property. Define your goals and expectations and create a plan together!

Julie Gardner
REALTOR, The GRUBB Co.
1960 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 339-0400/264
www.juliegardner.com
www.ThePiedmontPerspective.com

Spooktacular Activity! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 28

What's New?
The trick-or-treaters were out in force last week in every manner of spooky or adorable costume and Piedmont, as usual, was decked out for the occasion! Year after year, Waldo Avenue continues to delight kids of all ages with its over-the-top Halloween spirit. Did you wander over?

My eleven-year-old waited until the last minute to decide on a costume, but an ingenious idea (thanks to my sister) some quick shredding of several inexpensive thermal, tea-stained shirts, a handy black eye-liner pencil, and about thirty minutes of wrapping, produced a spooktacular Egyptian mummy (and a dizzy child). King Tut would have been envious!

I bring this up because the fall market is just about wrapping up as fewer and fewer houses come to the forefront. (Did I mention my son's amazing mummy costume?) This week in Piedmont, there are a scant eleven active listings, and only one new property to introduce, but happily, it's a charmer!

Many of you might remember that several months back, I spoke about the "fixer on Sea View" that had sold in one showing before its first open house. That charming Colonial home has now been remodeled from floor to ceiling and is ready for a new owner seeking a pretty "turn-key" property. Designed by the same team who just brought Lexford to the market (and sold it in quick order) it is a honey of a home, featuring 3bdrms/2bths, hardwood floors, newly remodeled kitchen and baths on a fantastic tree-lined location.

What's Coming?
Most of "What’s Coming" will hold off until after the the New Year as is typical for this season, but don’t be discouraged – there will be plenty to get you excited in upcoming months and I will be here to keep you informed . . . Were you one of the clever buyers who took advantage of the fall market? Lucky you. You can now sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home for the holidays! Sellers also enjoyed strong demand and a flurry of activity.

Oakmont is returning to the market with Liz Dickson and Scott Hill at the helm. If you didn't see it before, now is your opportunity. Open this Sunday 2-4:30.

What's Pending?
It should come as no surprise to anyone that San Carlos went pending very quickly and with 10 offers! (For those of you who thought heavy competition was a thing of the past, The GRUBB Co. is still selling 50% of its listings in multiple offers!) This centrally located home had potential to spare and illustrates the point of bringing a home to market "refreshed!" Congratulations to all parties involved.

The lovely Traditional on St. James has also found new owners. While this property stayed on the market slightly longer - as is more typical in our current marketplace - it too, enjoyed strong interest and had lots of showings.

Food for thought. If you are willing to cast your net further afield, great values await. In a community as intimate as ours, no destination takes more than a few quick minutes. And the bus is a very viable option for many of our teenage children.


What's Happening Now?
The Haven’s Dads are in the process of organizing a Havens Dads' Club (finally)! Interested in becoming a member of The Havens Dads' Club? They are having a kickoff meeting on Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Wynne and Ralph Kokka at 1909 Oakland Avenue (sorry for the late notice) where there will be an open forum to discuss ideas for the new Dads’ Club. Your participation is needed to make this long-overdue club a success. Please contact Ralph Kokka at (510) 658-8851 or ralphkokka23@yahoo.com if you plan on attending, or if you can't make it, but are interested in participating.

What's Fun!
The Turkey Trot is just around the corner so mark your calendars and dust off those running sneakers. This annual family-friendly road race takes place on Thanksgiving and attracts both experienced sprinters and novice runners alike. Beginning at the Piedmont High School, the runners and walkers work their way to Hampton Field before looping back down Sea View toward the finishing line in a 3-mile course that shows off the town. Aside from offsetting the calories you are sure to enjoy later in the day (just how many pieces of pumpkin pie did you eat last year?) this event is a great way to help sponsor the PHS Track and Field Team while starting the day off right! Whether you are running (my husband) or watching (me) you will enjoy clapping and encouraging your friends as they jog by. Adults $25. Kids under 14-years, $15. For more information contact Lisa Joyce at lisajoyce@sbcglobal.net or go to Active.com (search "Piedmont Turkey"). Thank you Lisa!

For inspired fun, try and stand near Doug Ireland (you can usually find him on Mountain Avenue, near Sharon) for a "running" commentary on the race. He brings real wit and joy to the occasion!

The Piedmont Plug!
This week’s plug goes to The Parker Families. Scott and his brother, Keith, have owned Fenton McLaren furniture stores since 1982 and offer two locations for your viewing pleasure – one at 5535 College Avenue in the heart of Rockridge, and the other at 1325 San Pablo, near Gilman. These two industrious brothers teamed up while still in College at Cal Berkeley. Scott’s wife, Mara Lee, is perhaps the friendliest sales associate you will ever meet, while Kathy, Keith’s wife, works behind the scenes keeping everything running in smooth order.

Now that you have successfully found the home of your dreams, it’s time to furnish it. Fenton McLaren buys their furniture direct from the manufacturers in most cases, which results in huge savings for you! With a large selection that includes dining room tables and chairs, leather sofas and club chairs, coffee and end tables, bookcases and sideboards, you are sure to find what you need before the relatives descend. Don’t see it on the showroom floor? Ask Mara Lee to special order it for you – she often can!

Boo! Real Estate is Local!

What's New?
Brokers’ Tour came and went without a single new introduction in Piedmont this week. However, several stellar properties are still available, beginning with Linda McClain’s Grand listing on Sandringham which has a substantially reduced asking price; Debbi DiMaggio’s Cool Contemporary on Estates Drive - which has also been reduced; and Dana Cohen’s Lovely Traditional on St. James Drive, which will be open again this Sunday, 2-4:30. If you missed your chance to see these wonderful homes, now is the time!

If we move down the road to Crocker Highlands, there is a magnificent new 4bdrm/2bth Mediterranean property on Longridge Road, featuring spacious formal dining and living rooms, two sun rooms, large family room, chef’s kitchen with indoor-outdoor dining, faux finishes, and enchanting gardens. For a private viewing of this exceptional property, please give me a call.

What's Coming?
Even with the holidays looming, there are still some nifty properties coming up just around the corner, starting with Dana Cohen’s new listing on San Carlos. This Traditional home, featuring 4bdrms/2bths, high ceilings and downtown Oakland City views is waiting for your finishing touches. Stay tuned!

What's Pending?
There truly is a buyer for every house and it just takes one . . . The property on Linda Avenue that had been on and off the market for several months has finally found that perfect buyer while the home on Lake Avenue sold almost immediately. So far, September and October have shaped up to be incredibly active months. Remember, Real Estate is local!

What's Happening Now?
Since we're talking houses, it only seems appropriate to mention Piedmont's own Haunted House at the Rec Center. "Magnolia Manor" opens up on October 18 and runs through October 26, culminating with the Halloween Carnival on Oct. 26, at the Rec Center Basketball Courts from 7-9 pm. Magnolia Manor has "scary," "very scary," and "not so scary" viewings, depending on your child’s age and capacity for fright! Boo! Tickets will be sold at the door and are $6 for children, $4 for adults. Check for times by calling the Rec Center 510-420-3070.

What's Fun!
Fall is in full swing which means that it must be time for the annual Neighbor’s and Newcomer's Margarita Party - which is always lively. This year, I have the honor of holding this fun event at my home and gardens on Littlewood (I’m hoping for clear skies)! While I’m not sure that four years qualifies me as a "newcomer" any longer, I'm happy to be included. (In Piedmont, it seems to take a generation - if not two, before really establishing oneself as a "local.") However, I have definitely earned my stripes as a good neighbor, becoming the "pot-luck queen" along the way (a moniker I wear proudly). If you have put off home repairs, throw a party. . . There is nothing like the threat of visitors to get you quickly motivated (I've been planting flowers all weekend)!

I am looking forward to seeing those of you who have already confirmed -and to meeting many more of you, this Saturday, October 20. If you haven’t yet signed up to attend, there is still time. Contact Jennifer Cavenaugh at 428-1442 or click onto the PNNC website at www.piedmontneighborsandnewcomersclub.org. The Piedmont Neighbor’s and Newcomer’s Club is open to everyone and they welcome new members!

See you next week!
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.

Indian Summer Sales! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 25

What's New?
Lexford is back on the market after four quick months with a snazzy new renovation and it looks spectacular! Apart from the high-end finishes and designer fixtures utilized throughout this 3bdrm/2bth Mid-Century Contemporary, there lies a gracious open floor plan that accommodates all types of lifestyles from toddlers to retirement and everything in between. And if that weren’t enough, the spacious and lush back garden extends well beyond its formal boundaries, prompting me to create a new term just for it - the "infinity"garden. Truly breathtaking! This should go quickly. Don’t wait!

What's Coming?
We’re going to see fewer and fewer properties coming to market now that the holiday season is right around the corner. We’re also going to see fewer rentals as well. The silver lining? Properties that do come to market between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, represent extremely motivated Sellers and you’ll most likely be up against fewer buyers as well, making this a GREAT time to buy. Make an offer and see where it leads . . .

What's Pending?
The market has experienced a flurry of activity in September/October. Huntleigh is now penidng, as are the homes on Harvard and Ranleigh and the fixer on Sylvan went well above asking with multiple offers!

As we move closer to the fall holidays, now is the time when properties that haven’t found their perfect buyer, consider withdrawing until the Spring market potentially brings more activity (but that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily off the table!). If you passed on a home earlier this year, you might check with your agent to see if the Seller is still interested in selling. This happens more often than you think and it is not a bad strategy to employ if you're still interested. One never knows until they ask. Put your agent to work, and have them make a phone call or two on your behalf on "withdrawn listings" that might fit your criteria!

What's Happening Now?
Indian summer is upon us, bringing days of warm fall sunshine, followed by cool crisp evenings. The autumn leaves are turning every shade of crimson and soccer has taken over most of the playing fields. This is Piedmont at its most inviting . . . warm and cozy and above all else, community based.

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to see our special neighborhood through the sophisticated eyes of a prospective buyer moving back to the Bay Area from Amsterdam. His prestigious job has taken him to world-class cities most of us have only briefly visited, but its Piedmont he and his family are thinking about setting up house in for the next decade or so. And why shouldn’t they? With top-rated schools, historical architecture, and family-friendly atmosphere, this might be the nicest place he’ll ever live! (That’s certainly been my own experience.)

Aside from the little boy who stopped to say hello, the inviting fall weather, and the double-espresso we lingered over at The Terrace Coffee and Gift Shop (That's Europe rubbing off)we spied a wild turkey and her chick walking up Huntleigh, making for a nearly magical afternoon. Introducing Piedmont to others, made me appreciate Piedmont all the more. I can't wait to show it to the rest of the family!

What's Fun!
Half Moon Bay is kicking off its annual Pumpkin Festival this weekend. If you’ve never visited this quaint seaside town, you’re overdue. South of San Francisco, about thirty-minutes down highway 1, it’s fun for kids of all ages. Load up on pumpkins, locally grown fruit, and fresh cut flowers. Get lost in a corn maze and view the pumpkin contest on display, where this year’s winner weighed in at a record-breaking 1540 lbs! Now that’s a pumpkin Cinderella could ride in.

If Half moon Bay seems a tad too far, enjoy our own neighborhood patch here at Coaches Field. The Wildwood Dad's Club is once again sponsoring the Piedmont Pumpkin Patch with proceeds benefiting the school. Open after school and on the weekends, it's a very worthy endeavor and a fun little outing! (You'll be buying a pumpkin anyway.)

The Piedmont Plug! (A shameless nod to Piedmont's entrepreneurs)
If you picked up one of my water bottles at the Harvest Festival after enjoying the warm outing (they were easy to spot, what with my shameless self-promotion printed right on them!) you might be wondering exactly how that’s done? While there are many companies that imprint logos, I always use Rod and Barbara Brown’s company, Made To Order, whenever I want to create something quickly and memorably. Not only can I depend on the great customer service and quality of product I receive, I support a local business venture as well. www.madetoorder.com


See you next week!

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.