The Piedmont Perspective - A Real Estate and Community Newsletter from Julie Gardner

The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 117 Trick OR Treat?

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:54:00 +0000

What's New?

Watching Montclair's cheerfully costumed participants parade down Mountain Boulevard in front of our GRUBB Co. office last Friday, I was once again struck by how magical a celebration Halloween is for everyone involved. From the tiniest bumblebee to the tallest and oldest trick or treater, children of all ages seem to enjoy this gleeful opportunity to explore their more dramatic side.

When it comes to Halloween, the scarier the better!

Not true for Real Estate . . . in home sales, I prefer to avoid the truly scary! As such, I've learned to cherish the transaction that runs from the beginning to the end of the process with nary a fright. In this more competitive marketplace, that disappearing transaction may have gone the way of the invisible man.

I asked my GRUBB Co. colleagues to contribute their ideas on this Halloween special edition I am calling: "Trick OR Treat? Here are some of my favorites with my thanks to Michael, Bebe, Karen, Tricia, Dana and Carol!

Trick: Is there anything trickier than navigating a deal where buyers and sellers aren't telling you the whole story? (Now that's spooky!) Realtors do our best work when we have all the facts and can truly meet your needs. When hidden agendas exist, we are truly working in the dark.
Treat: The buyers or sellers who comes to you with thoughtful intentions, true motivations, appropriate time limits, pre-approved financing and realistic market expectations! (Now we're talking daylight!)

Trick: Entering into a multiple offer situation without a buyer feeling as if he/she is overpaying for the home. (Honestly, we get that can be frightening and GOOD Realtors build in a safety net! )
Treat: Buyersr who puts their best offer forward, with the knowledge that someone is going to purchase the home. Why not you? If a more motivated buyer succeeds, so be it. You can't control that but know this - the best agents protect their buyers by supplying market data that justifies an over-asking purchase offer and insist on inspections, due diligence and an appraisal contingency! (If yours doesn't, it may be time to work with another agent.)

Trick: Renegotiating a purchase offer on behalf of a buyer after inspections and avoiding a defensive or confrontational response or stance from the seller (very, very tricky!).
Treat: Working with Real Estate professionals on both sides of the transaction who understand that negotiations are more and more, a part of the buying and selling process and in turn, working with buyers and sellers who understand the need to obtain value. Negotiations should never be personal - they are simply business!

Trick: Explaining to a buyer that the cost to acquire a home may be more than its price per square foot." In fact, house values are more than a multiplier - there is an "intangible" that goes far beyond the basic math of many houses. Figuring out or assigning the "true market value" is, in reality, exceedingly tricky!
Treat: The buyer who is both pragmatic and yet remains open to the information provided about the market, about a specific home and about it's likely outcome. If you are still willing to go well beyond the neighborhood sales, that is your decision (buyers often buy emotionally) but know the facts beforehand so that you are truly educated about the price you are offering. Then move comfortably forward if you so desire!

Trick: Sellers who turn down a good offer in the hopes of a better offer (really frightening)!
Treat: Sellers who understanding that the first offer is often the best offer. (Really, it almost always is!)

Trick: Sellers who overprice a home in a more challenging marketplace.
Treat: Sellers who price a home competitively to attract the highest number of buyers and the best possible outcome.

Trick: Buyers or sellers who work with an out-of-area realtor, an on-line lender (Warning Will Robinson!) or an out-of-town appraiser and are disappointed with the results. Don't expect these "out-of-towners" to know the standard practice, the geographical customs, the other players involved or the value of the local marketplace. (They just don't and it's silly to expect them to!)
Treat: Buyers and sellers who work with their local specialists; professionals who knoweldgeably understand the neighborhood you seek - not the one you are departing!

Trick: Finding the house of your dreams and having it realized!
Treat: Finding the house of your dreams and having it realized!

Halloween should be scary fun. Buying a home shouldn't be scary at all. While buying or selling Real Estate might seem frightening at first glance, beneath the make-up and with the right representative, partnered with a well-respected brokerage firm, it isn't actually scary at all.

Trick or Treat!

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.

Volume 115 - A Very Scary Tale! - October 21, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:47:00 +0000

What's New?

Halloween is just around the corner and things are beginning to look frightening. Graveyards are popping up all over Piedmont and the ghosts are flying on Dracena Avenue once again. My younger son, Tristan, loves this time of year (What kid doesn't? Costumes and candycorn? Seriously, it's a winning combination - even for me). Unlike my sister's darling daughters who tend to dress as flappers or Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz,no saccharin cartoon character costumes will do for him. If it doesn't involve a medieval weapon, a black hooded cape and a scary mask, Tristan's just not interested.

Recently, I had quite a scare when I called my local mortgage broker, Melissa Milton of LaSalle Financial, and asked her to do a credit check on me! Like many of you, I am keeping my options open and wanted to know: "Would I qualify for a loan in this "more conservative lending climate" - OR did I have some heavy housework ahead with respect to my "credit worthiness?"

While I never miss a mortgage payment, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that I am occasionally tardy on the PG&E bill and there was that one accidental overdraft last year . . . so I was legitimately worried. In the absence of any real knowledge, I had forecast all kinds of spooky scenarios!

This is where fear and denial walk hand-in-hand. For the last few years, I had been putting off obtaining a credit review even though I believe it's the smarter choice - especially now. Still, I imagined the grim reaper delivering the bad news (not that Melissa's the grim reaper. She's more like Glenda, the good witch).

Would I be heavily penalized for my few brief lapses in time? Would my husband? Truth be told, I really had no clue. Invoices come in and payments go out (typically in a timely fashion) but how do I stack up where it really counts?

No, not St. Peter (I'm hoping Heaven's gates are more forgiving) I'm talking about the big three credit bureaus; I'm talkin' FICO SCORES!

So with courage in hand, I gave Melissa a call and guess what? After all that senseless worrying, I qualify as "good to excellent" and so does my husband (no sense in obtaining only half the equation). While neither of us is perfect (who is?) we are both in the UPPER range. Yoo hoo! (Credit scores, like SATs, range from a low of 300 to a high of 850.) Now that's just good to know. Turns out, knowledge is a powerful sleeping aid.

While a move isn't in my imminent future (college tuition is) perhaps, it is in yours. My advice is that you follow my lead, pick up the phone, obtain a credit history and line up your lending options BEFORE identifying the home of your dreams. Put your bank representative or your favorite mortgage broker to work for you. That's part of the service they provide.

IF there is a problem, any experienced mortgage broker worth her salt (or sugar) will help you navigate the hurdles and rectify any outstanding concerns. (This can involve a few letters or it can be more complicated but the sooner you have the information, the better off you'll be.) Whatever the outcome, it can't possibly be as scary as your imagination might lead you to believe!

Now break out the candycorn and let's bob for apples. Boo!

(Melissa Milton and the many other fine agents of LaSalle Financial can be reached at (510) 339-4300 or at www.lasallefinance.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 www.JulieGardner.com for more information as well.

The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 113 - Negotiation; It's A Brave New World! October 7, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:51:00 +0000

What's New?

"How much is this?" I asked the pretty antique vendor as I eyed the small Stoneware pitcher on her table at the Alameda Flea Market last Sunday. "Twenty-eight dollars," she politely answered. "Hmmm, can you do better?" I inquired as I carefully looked it over. "What were you thinking?" she said. "Eighteen?" I replied. "How about twenty-three?" she offered. "How about twenty?" I responded. "That's a hard size to find," she countered, "you'd pay much more for it in a shop." (very true) "I'll let it go for twenty-one."

This is when I PAUSE FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT. "OK, I'll take it," I said with a smile (certain I'd just gotten a very good deal). "Terrific," she said (knowing she'd made a few dollars on the sale). "Would you like that wrapped up?" "Yes, please and thank you."

Another successful and happy transaction!

Back and forth negotiation at the flea market isn't the exception, it's the norm! There's rarely a sale that doesn't engage in this banter before settling on a mutually satisfactory price. Buyers are looking for the "find" and sellers are interested in making a profit. It's the well-practiced give and take of human interaction. Not surprisingly, experienced vendors are far more likely to become truly competitive by the end of the day - then they are at the beginning.

I'm an early bird by nature and habit-up with the moon and at the front gate with the rest of the flea market junkies before the crack of dawn. For me, there's a significant trade-off. Experience has taught me that the best finds go early . . . the best deals; however, come late!

The same is true for real estate. Homes that are highly coveted, quickly sell for close to or above their asking price while homes that languish on the market for awhile, tend to get discounted over time. (If you are looking for the "deal," hone in on those properties that have been largely ignored. Those sellers are likely to be the most flexible as time goes on.) With dramatic changes in the marketplace over the last few years, buyers are quickly becoming much better versed in the concept of offering less than list. Indeed, buyers expect to negotiate on price!

Sellers, on the other hand, are still a bit slow to embrace this Brave New World and tend to object to a realignment of value. Unlike a few years ago, buyers are requesting time to fully inspect their purchase before removing ALL of their contingencies. While a buyer's initial offer price should, ideally, factor in any known defects, sometimes a buyer's inspection will disclose new discovery previously unavailable or perhaps, unknown which may give a buyer PAUSE before moving ahead.

When that happens, it may be reasonable to expect some push back from the buyers with respect to the costs associated with new discovery. Expect buyers to seek "to perfect" the deal. This can come in the form of credits to the buyer for the work required or a reevaluation of the purchase price altogether. Either way, it isn't personal - it's business. With some quantifiable discussion, you're very likely to find a middle ground that achieves the goal for both parties.

Whether negotiating with a flea market vendor, a colleague, an agent, a client (or a spouse) I find that the best transactions come with well-intentioned and reasonable give and take. When both sides have left the negotiation table having given and having gained what's truly important to them, you're much more likely to have a happy ending - even if something unexpected should come up after the close of escrow!

When it's a win-win for everyone involved, you can look forward to a happy and successful transaction!

(The Alamdea Flea Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month at the old naval base in Alameda. Start time: sun up!)

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 www.JulieGardner.com for more information as well.

The Piedmont Perspective - It's ALL About Perception! September 25, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:05:00 +0000

What's New?

I was out in the garden yesterday evening mulching the beds, pruning bushes and generally, just decompressing from the day. The air had cooled a bit and the pine needles were landing all around me - a sure sign that change is in the air. It's getting darker earlier, the kids are back at school and the celebrations are definitely more seasonal. We're a year beyond the worse financial setback in decades and things are slowly beginning to improve.

The legacy of the recession is a common sense approach and a return to middle class values by and large. Let's not forget that purchasing a home is typically driven by family values, but strong emotions are part and parcel of almost every home purchase as well. The desire to secure a "deal" combined with the need for "home" and all that title entails, has created a yin and yang of sorts for the majority of home buyers with whom I work each day.

From cautious pessimism, to cautious optimism, buyers are definitely more plentiful than they've been in quite some time and it's palpable. It's also tangible! Several recent sales have had multiple offers as a result of increased interest, coupled with incredibly attractive interest rates and some homes have received offers well above their asking price!

I'm not sure what creates this emotional "tipping point" for buyers but I am sure that "perception" has a great deal to do with it and that "perception" often has to do with what the mainstream media tells us to believe.

So how does one judge "real value" when it's subject to seasonal changes and media hype? That's a good question.

I'm often asked, "How much is this house really worth?" and the short answer is "What is it worth to you?" I am happy to provide clarity in the form of nearby comparable sales, market patterns and specific interest on a given property, but at the end of the day, I can't tell you a home's intrinsic or emotional value - only you can decide that.

I can predict a home's probable selling price, based on facts, figures and experience, but I can't tell you with certainty where it will ultimately trade. It's divination on a professional level, but as always, the market determines "market value"- not the agents, nor the sellers.

Sometimes a home is so special that a buyer fearlessly jumps in with full abandon. He/she comes to the table bearing "the gift" - an offer so powerful that it clearly leaves the rest behind and often, makes little sense (or cents) to the rest of us from an economic perspective.

In that case, there's little to be done with respect to your common sense approach. Purchases based on "emotional value" will always trump those based on "market statistics." In short, value is relative and you'll have to discover your own truth with respect to value and perception.

Here's a quick and favorite story of mine about "perception." Many years ago when my husband Cliff was at law school, he and his good friend and law school classmate Greg we're nervously anticipating their final grades on an important test. (Before the advent of computers, scores were posted on the door by social security number and a student's grade was based entirely on the semester final.)

Scanning the test scores, my studious husband shook his head in disappointment while his more carefree law school buddy breathed a sigh of relief and gave a hearty cheer. "What'd you get?" my husband asked Greg. "I got an 83," was his happy reply. What'd you get?" "I got an 83," responded Cliff with an ironic laugh.

Perception! (BTW, an 83 was the top 10% of their class.)

We each carry our own truths; our own perceptions about life and where value lies. Is there a baby in your future? Are the kids off to college? Are you changing jobs? Changing lifestyles? What's your own personal truth?

What do YOU value most? Find it and let the rest fall where it may. It's your home. It's your life. You decide.

I'll be here and ready to help when you do!

P.S. - You can always reach me right away by emailing me at jgardner@grubbco.com or calling me at (510) 326-0840. I look forward to hearing from you!

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well. DRE License #01431765

The Piedmont Perspective, Volume 110 - Positioning, Power & Pace! - September 16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:15:00 +0000

What's New?

At the risk of giving myself away, I've been glued to the U.S. Tennis Open over the last week, enjoying the return of Kim Clijsters to the woman's circuit, and the mounting epic battle between tennis great, Roger Federer and future great Juan martin del Potro.

There's something incredibly mesmerizing about the Grand Slams and watching the tennis ball go back and forth, back and forth, back and forth - until an opening develops and the ball is SMACKED for a clear winner. Tennis is a game that goes far beyond the physical as toned minds match up against one another and well-honed strategy comes heavily into play. The truth is that every player in the top 100 has tremendous ground strokes, but it's the mental game that separates the top ten from the rest of the pack and firmly establishes the marquee players!

The same can be said for Real Estate. There often seems to be a simple illusion that anyone can obtain a Broker's license, hang a shingle and manage a profitable real estate business, but in every community, there are a few key players that seem to enjoy the lion's share of the business - as has always been true for The GRUBB Co.

Understanding a community's needs, building trust, defining market value and developing creative marketing strategies has often separated The GRUBB Co. from the rest of the pack. For more than forty years, The GRUBB Co. has enjoyed a dominate market presence here in the East Bay! www.grubbco.com

Watch enough tennis and you'll see how a great player quickly establishes positioning, power and pace as the game unfolds, while the challenger defensively tries to keep up and second guess the stronger opponent. Should the momentum shift, the best players in the world learn to adapt and adjust which is why the top players tend to stay at the top and why The GRUBB Co. is the most recognized boutique agency in Piedmont, Berkeley and the Oakland Hills! (We've earned it one house at a time.)

So watch as The GRUBB Co. continues to grow, expand its Internet presence, design creative advertising, and retain and broaden its market appeal! As a company, we're constantly learning, developing and adjusting to your needs and the market demands.

And so am I . . . every cross court shot, half volley, lob or service ace makes me a better player and a more astute Realtor as well. In home sales, every deal is a new challenge and each successful outcome requires careful strategy and market timing (positioning, power and pace!) and like any top performer - lots and lots of tenacity and hard work!

It's an interesting time to be in real estate in general, to be affiliated with The GRUBB Co. specifically, and to be working with all of you as a whole. Like any great player, I'm constantly striving to improve my game and I look forward to assisting you (and your friends) with all your real estate needs now and in the future.

But first do you mind if I finish the men's final? Roger Federer just took the first set 6-3 and Del Potro is ahead in the second set tie-breaker. Exciting stuff!

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well or contact me directly at jgardner@grubbco.com or at (510)339-0400/264. DRE#:01431765

The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 109 - Take Me Out to the Ball Game! september 3, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:30:00 +0000

What's New?

I am about to make you all a little jealous so I'll apologize up front for gloating. Last Friday, good friends of mine gave me four premier tickets and a parking pass to the San Francisco Giant's Baseball game. They were field level seats about five rows back at the first base line with a perfect and intimate view of the action. (These types of gifts make it hard to go back to general seating once you've been spoiled!)

Even better, San Francisco was experiencing record breaking temperatures that made for an incredibly balmy evening at the park - the kind that begs for a plate of nachos and an ice cold drink (I wore shorts and sandals)! And it didn't hurt that the Giants won the game against the Colorado Rockies in brisk fashion. (Two hours and twenty-three minutes - that's my kind of ballgame.)

During the seventh inning, the Giant's mascot, Lou Seal (Luigi Francisco Seal) joined the party. Having danced a couple of seasons as Bugs Bunny for Great America (it's true!) I get as excited as a kid when I see a fun-loving mascot doing his thing and Lou's among the best in my humble opinion. He was leading us all in a crowd pleasing rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," but failed to notice my waving arms and enthusiastic singing as he rewarded fans with free bags of Cracker Jacks. Hmmm?!? With all due respect to Tim Lincecum and his fantastic pitching, keep your foul balls, what's a gal gotta do to get a FREE box of Cracker Jacks? I LOVE that mammal. Couldn't he tell? Didn't I deserve some love back?

No sooner had that thought popped into my mind when the spectator to my right turned to me and said, "We're taking off soon and I packed extra snacks. Would you like some?" and handed me an unopened box of Cracker Jacks (I kid you not)! "The only condition is that if there's a tattoo inside, you have to wear it." Done!

Now how's that for asking the universe to deliver? So without sounding too space age - I am a strong believer in the concept that we have a way of creating our own reality. This isn't a touchy, feely kind of philosophy - it's the understanding that we unconsciously move toward out dominate thought or to put it in other words - ask and ye shall receive!

So why not ask for the house of your dreams and I am betting you'll begin to find it - even if the house isn't perfect (remember perfection doesn't exist). All kinds of opportunities will begin to present themselves and instead of finding objections, you'll begin to see the possibilities!
See what a warm summer evening and a simple box of Cracker Jacks can do? (Although my husband says I set my sights too low and should have asked for a winning lottery ticket instead.) And thanks to the San Francisco Giants, their mascot, Lou Seal, and the unexpected but welcome generosity of my friends for a spectacular evening!

The Piedmont perspective, Vol 107, Fascinating Rhythm - August 28, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:36:00 +0000

What's New?

The truly fascinating thing about Blogs, e-newsletters, Twitter and the like, is the intimacy of the medium. Each week, I can count on several immediate responses from my loyal subscribers, but once in awhile, I get a rare response from someone completely anonymous to me that comes from the BIG BLOGOSHPERE out there (the final frontier?).

After recently publishing the two pieces about my favorite "Buyer and Seller Myths," I received a thoughtful reply from one such reader who wondered if I would have the "courage" to print her favorite "real estate myths" and offered up the terrific suggestions below.

Yes Josie, I do have the courage (I find it helps to be a bit fearless in real estate) and thanks for your valuable input. The welcome give and take from readers like you is what keeps The Perspective relevant and I hope that an open and honest debate make for "fascinating rhythm" (I'm all a-quiver). Per your suggestion, I will offer my responses in turn (and in blue).

Myth #1 - "Housing is a great investment, it always goes up!" (Nobody says this anymore, but until two years ago, it was practically an article of faith among Realtors).

Unfortunately it's true - real estate doesn't always go UP, as the past few years have reminded us. Like any market, home values fluctuate and are subject to economic pressures - even here in the beautiful Bay Area. But I believe we make a mistake when we think of our homes as an "investment" only. For most buyers, homes represent more than a balance sheet. They are largely an emotional purchase; a fulfillment of the American Dream (as American as apple pie) and a tangible representation of our achievements. We want and often need, to own our own little piece of the pie. Even if there is no guarantee that the pie will appreciate - it shouldn't keep us from appreciating the pie!

Myth # 2 - "Buy this house even though you don't like it all that much. You can always trade up!" (With the exorbitant transaction costs of buying and selling, plus the pain and emotional toll of moving, this is usually terrible advice.)

I would agree. Transaction costs are significant (they typically amount to as much as 8% of your selling price and include items such as transfer taxes, inspections, painting and staging and commissions) and packing up and moving is certainly no picnic either. You should LOVE your home or it should have the potential to meet your growing needs. Homes aren't meant to be traded like baseball cards. If you aren't planning on staying in your home for a minimum of five -ten years, the rental market may in fact, suit your basic housing requirements better.

Myth #3 - "The market is starting to heat up!" (For buyers, this never seems to change.)

OK, call me an optimist, but I do believe the market is heating up. Based on the heavy (and I do mean HEAVY) recent activity at Sunday Opens, the incredibly attractive and artificially low interest rates, and the more affordable housing stock currently available, pending sales are UP in the month of August and expected to grow in September as well. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I believe we can realistically predict a healthy and robust market through Thanksgiving with a seasonal decline through the holidays and then a significant bump come next Spring. Savvy buyers are cognizant that this window of opportunity may be limited. Sellers should take heed as well!

Myth # 4 - "There was another offer that was the same price as yours. The seller wants another round of bids." (Really? The EXACT same price? How was this house on the market for four months with no sale, and as soon as I bid, another bid appears at the EXACT same price?)

The EXACT same price? Maybe not. So close, they are virtually indistinguishable? That's a very likely scenario and here's why. Buyers tend to be conservative until someone else makes the first move. Like the gawky teenager who suddenly becomes incredibly attractive when your best friend start expressing interest ("Jessie's Girl") homes that sit for awhile tend to lose their appeal, until another interested buyer steps forward to "claim" the house.

Buyers often need their choices validated by another interested party before they are willing to commit. Once a move is made, any sharp listing agent will immediately contact those prospective buyers on the fence and leverage the first offer. (Don't get upset, that's part of our fiscal duties and why smart sellers hire aggressive agents to begin with!) That's why you may suddenly have more than one buyer on a house that has sat virtually untouched for months.

And the identical offers? They are just a byproduct of time and market testing. (There's a learning curve that works to an agent's advantage the longer a house sits on the market.)

Myth # 5 - "It's no big deal to ... [add another bathroom, add a new floor above, build new stairs to an unfinished basement, replace a garage]. (Um, actually, it is damn expensive, and sometimes impossible!)

Upgrades, remodels and renovations can be a BIG deal. Make sure you read ALL of the disclosures provided and secure your contractual right to inspect the property. Ascertain up front the projected costs of any repairs or changes you are likely to make in the near future and then do the math! Inspections can and often do include engineers, contractors, home inspectors, roofers, arborists, geologists, etc, to help you pencil out these necessary (or unnecessary) expenses - as the case may be. This is especially true for "fixer" properties that may prove more expensive than anticipated. Are you better off buying the less expensive home and adding these upgrades to the cost of the price or are you better served paying the adjusted amount now and getting a house that comes closer to your current needs? Only you can make that decision, but decide with as much information as available in hand!

So there you have it. Thank you Josie for putting into words what so many of our buyers have been silently wondering. I'll look forward to hearing what others of you have to say.

"Fascinating rythm -
You've got me on the go!
Fascinating Rhythm,
I'm all a-quiver. "

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com or email me at jgarnder@grubbco.com for more information as well.

The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 105 - Did You Myth Me? (part two) - August 12, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:49:00 +0000

What's New?

Yeah! My first sequel! Here come my favorite "BUYING" Real Estate myths (thanks in advance to those of you who sent in ideas)!

MYTH #1* - "Sellers are desperate, I can write my own ticket."

Not true. Many sellers would like to sell but don't have to sell or prefer not to sell if the price comes up well short of their expectations. While some sellers really must sell due to lending pressures, death, divorce or job loss/transfer, many other sellers have had fantastic results - even in this more challenging marketplace. Regardless of the circumstances, well-priced homes continue to find a willing and able market.

MYTH #2 - "I can take my time. That house isn't going anywhere."

Maybe, maybe not. If the house is overpriced, it probably isn't going to move quickly but many buyers are taking advantage of historically low interest rates and entry-level opportunities. While you wait, someone else is very likely to capitalize on the chance to buy a home or buy into a neighborhood that was previously unaffordable to them. Go on, make an offer. You have little to lose.

Remember that homes (especially here in Piedmont, Rockridge and Berkeley) are unique commodities. Some of them have never been on the market before and others won't come back for decades. Some have no parallel; they are truly one-of-a-kind estates. If you LOVE the house and plan on living in it for the next 5-10 years, it doesn't make much sense to wait - even if you believe prices may continue to correct (they may - or they may not!).

We may bump along in the bottom for the next several years or home prices may turn around rapidly as demand continues to grow and stocks climb. Either way, we won't know until after the fact. Will you have missed your window of opportunity?

MYTH #3 - "Interest rates will stay low."

This one is absolutely false! Interest rates are currently artificially low (courtesy of the federal government)specifically to encourage a faster recovery and it's working - sales are up)! If you wait for a property to reduce in price, but the interest rate jumps up just .05% during that time frame, you are very likely to experience a net loss!

MYTH #4 - "Everybody's in my shoes. I'll write a "contingent offer" when I find a home I like and then sell my home after I am in contract."

OK, but you will be in competition with those that have already sold their homes. Many people are selling their current residence first so that they have a clear idea of what they can afford on the "buy" side. Those that choose to identify their next home before selling, have a much tougher hill to climb. Conversely, those that have sold or are in contract on their current residence are clear for takeoff!

The contingent purchase" continues to be the weakest offer on the table and generally, last in line (although admittedly, a more frequent part of the landscape). If you employ this strategy, make sure your current home is ready to place on the market immediately and price it aggressively. Sellers who agree to "contingent offers" will have limited patience and expect to see quick results!

Myth #5 - I'll buy a foreclosure and get a cheap deal."

There are a couple of problems with this line of thinking. First, foreclosures (or REO's as they are known in real estate lingo) are few and far between here in Piedmont, Montclair, Rockridge and Berkeley. (Now if you want to move to Stockton, Antioch or Modesto, you'll have plenty of inventory from which to choose).

Neighborhoods in Oakland where foreclosures are more prevalent, greatly reduce the value of the surrounding homes and bring neighborhood values down as a whole. These communites will have a slower recovery and may not be where you ultimately want to hang your hat. (However, there may be great investment opportunities in some of these neighborhoods if you have cash resources.)

Second, buyers in the foreclosure market are generally heavy hitters. These ALL CASH buyers can be stiff competition! Don't get discouraged just yet - these professional investors tend to offer wholesale value, so if you find a REO that meets your needs (it could happen if you are exceedingly vigilant and very, very lucky!) you will likely outbid the professional investor. Make sure you have a dependable loan and a decent down payment on your side to offset the all cash offer he is likely to present.

Myth #6 - "What do I have to lose by bidding low? The seller can counter the offer."

Warning Will Robinson!!!:You stand to lose the house!
Holding back is a reasonable strategy IF your offer is countered, but don't count on it. I worked with a seller recently who received three offers on his home and took the highest one on the spot. When the buyer in second position found out, she was devastated and phoned to say, "I could have (and would have) gone higher, if I'd known. I assumed the seller would counter." You know what they say about assumptions . . .

Assume nothing when it comes to the house you desire and always put your best foot forward - especially in a multiple offer scenario. It is very likely you won't get a second chance to improve your offer.

Myth #7 - "I'm looking for the perfect house!"

(This one was sent to me by my good friend Jan, and it will always be my favorite.) Listen up! Perfection doesn't exist - in a home, in a mate, in life. If "perfection" were the standard we lived our lives by, none of us would ever get into a bathing suit, let alone purchase a home!

Find a home that meets the majority of your needs and be prepared to compromise on the rest. Decide what's "non-negotiable" (for some of you that's location, for others, it's a back yard) The point is that some items on your "wish list" are less important than other items. Clients I recently worked with were certain they wanted a house in the Wildwood School District until they found a wonderful home in the center of town (and no, it wasn't "perfect"). Be open to possibilities and be prepared to adjust. (This is true for ALL price points!)

Besides, perfection is boring - just ask my husband - whom I'm sure would never have asked me to marry him if perfection had topped his list! Sometimes it's the imperfections that we really grow to love (at least I hope so).

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 103 - Did You Myth Me? August 4, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:53:00 +0000

What's New?

Whenever I take a break from writing, I really miss hearing from all of you so I am pleased when you write to tell me that you missed me as well. Or to quote one as my youngest fans(he's only two-and-a-half!) "Juie, I mythed you." Which got me to thinking about some of my favorite Real Estate myths -(I'll limit these to "selling myths" this week and share "buying myths" with you next week.)

MYTH #1 - "It only takes one buyer!" I often hear this phrase from hopeful sellers, prior to placing their home on the market (usually for more than the listing price I have suggested). Yes, it's true - it does only take one buyer to sell a home - however, it takes two buyers to get your list price and it takes three to get above it. In today's marketplace, it often takes many more than that. (Conversely, if you haven't received a full price offer within the first two weeks, you aren't likely to get it.)

Even with multiple offers, your home still may not go above asking in this much more conservative marketplace. Recently, a Mid-Century listing with bay view, sold well below asking, even though it had received several well-intentioned offers on its predetermined date, closing for more than $150,000 under its retail price (not an infrequent scenario these days)!

What happened there? Well, the market clearly disapproved of the price, judged it too high and came in with a more appropriate estimation of the home's true market value. (Remember, the value of your home is what a willing and able buyer will pay for it in any given market.) If three or four offers come in well below asking, it's time to adjust your expectations. Your home just found its real "market" value. (Don't forget that there is a difference between "intrinsic" value and "market" value.)

MYTH #2 - "That's only the first offer, I'm sure the second will come in higher." Not usually. While there are a few bargain shoppers out there who make a habit of throwing lowball and unrealistic offers at every home that strikes their fancy, the adage that "the first offer is usually the best," is as true now as it has ever been.

The first buyer does typically represents the most willing, enthusiastic, and motivated buyer and is usually willing to pay the most for your home. While you may get lucky with a second or even a third offer, counting on "luck" to achieve a higher end result is not the wisest strategy. Too often the story becomes "Did you hear that the offer they finally accepted was far less than their first offer?" Think long and hard before sending away your first buyer and avoid becoming a cautionary tale!

MYTH #3 - "I'll take it off the market and get more next year when the market recovers." Maybe, maybe not. No one can predict where the market will be next year. Market indicators suggest a 3 - 5 year recovery at best. You could find yourself netting far less.

MYTH #4 - "My home is worth more than my neighbors' home." Unless it is substantially larger, recently remodeled, or very well-appointed, it probably isn't. Taste is largely subjective. What you view as special, may have little or NO value to someone else. Even if it is "more special," your neighbor's sale two doors down, just set the new comparable for the block - and that's what today's appraiser is basing his/her offer upon.

(Sales that were previously private, are all part of the public record and are easily obtained via the Internet. Everyone knows what you paid and how long ago, what permits you took out and what work was accomplished. Buyers begin to do the math . . . While it shouldn't be relevant, it often comes into play.)

Myth #5 (and my current favorite) "Nobody's showing any interest, so we don't want to lower the price." Huh? No one's showing any interest BECAUSE the price is too high. Here the sellers are making the assumption that some other unidentifiable reason is keeping buyers away. Let me assure you that EVERYTHING will sell at the right price - everything! List price is always relevant.

The constant with each of these myths is "ego." I'm reminded of the line from the Lord's Prayer (Don't laugh, I've been known to pray) " . . . lead us not into tempataion, but deliver us from evil. . ." With respect to Real Estate, the line should say ". . . deliver us from ego . . ."

Here's the skinny, more deals fall apart due to ego than to market conditions (this may be true in marriage as well). Check your ego at the door and you are bound to consummate a good deal!

Look for my favorite "buying" myths next week in Part Two of Did You Myth Me? - and send me yours as well. I'm counting on hearing from you!

(Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.
Real Estate License #R01431765)

The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 102, Wag Your Tail!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:23:00 +0000

What's New?

My dog, Buck, never gives up. No matter where we walk, he will vigorously hunt until he finds his prize: a castoff ball of some sort (lacrosse, tennis - he's not particulary discriminating - the older the better) which he then proudly places at my feet. Big dog smile and tail wagging rapidly, he knows that even if I ignore him at first, I will eventually give in and toss him the ball. Together, we will engage in a prolonged game of fetch and he will be happily rewarded for his unyielding tenacity (not unlike many buyers). Buck is the ultimate optimist!

And so am I when it comes to real estate. (No, I don't hunt for old tennis balls or chase after them for that matter). Sure, I read the papers, listen to the news reports and gather all of the relevant statistics I can with respect to our specific marketplace (I too, can be obsessive) so there's no denying that home prices have softened and that overall, sales are down.

Still, I remain optimistic as to our future. Why? Because the dream of home ownership is very much alive and well. Yes, buyers are more discriminating than they used to be and certainly, they are purchasing more conservatively, but buyers are also undeniably and intimately engaged in the process: often times, asking me about a new listing even before I have had a chance to alert them to it.

They are keenly interested in what is selling and for how much, they anticipate every beat and nuance of the market and they collect sales information as eagerly as my dog collects used tennis balls! Like all good detectives (or an excited Black Lab) these buyers are constantly tracking each and every opportunity that presents itself.

In many cases, their tenacity is paying off. Buyers who are stepping in to take advantage of this more conservative marketplace, are often times, securing homes that were previously unaffordable and unattainable just a few short years ago. (This is true for every segment of the marketplace from budget foreclosures to three-million dollar estates!) With a relative market in hand, they realize their upside often offsets any down side.

So if you find yourself increasingly attracted to the marketplace at this time, you are in very good company. There are wonderful opportunities to be had in nearly every community and at every price point.

So wag your tail, jump for joy and get excited. It's ok to be optimistic! (just don't run into the street!)

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.
Real Estate License #R01431765

The Piedmont Perpsective, Vol 101 - Let's Eat Cake!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:18:00 +0000

What's New?

Every year about now, my twin sister Jill, gets a little blue. It seems another birthday has come and gone with very little fanfare . . .

Of course, I blame her for this very human oversight. The simple truth is that if you want people to remember and celebrate your birthday, you need to let them know it's important to you! (Thankfully, Plaxo and Facebook make it so much easier for us to easily inform family and friends, but I'm not above making a well-timed phone call or two . . .)

Forget the subtle hints, subtext, humble pie and misplaced assumptions. If you want to be noticed, you need to SCREAM it from the rooftop - "It's my birthday. Let's eat cake!"

However, with respect to Real Estate, there is often an element of mystery involved. My job involves highly-skilled negotiations as I advocate for my clients and their best interest. Not infrequently, successful sale inceptions require stealth and good timing. Understanding a seller's motivation often requires covert investigation and subtle inquiry. Like a good game of chess, I am assessing my opponents at every turn and trying to stay one step ahead of the game!

But with respect to our relationship, I need to understand your true motives and intentions from the get go. I do need to understand your finances (really!) and I need ALL of the relevant information that informs your decisions as we move through the process. Without your complete trust and your unedited input, I am bound to be working at a disadvantage, which may result in wasted time and unfortunate missteps. And in a market that is already heavily fraught with land mines, missteps are best avoided at all costs!

Like your attorney or family physician, our business together is confidential! Your sale, your personal relationships and your finances are NOT an open book, nor should they be. Moreover, the amount you paid or what you sold your lovely home for, is nobody's business but your own (nosy neighbors and best friends alike)!

So let's agree to be as up front with one another as possible. I will keep you fully informed throughout the process, provide options, give my opinion when asked, carefully listen to your goals and objectives, then act upon your directives. You will provide full disclosure so that I have the necessary tools to help you successfully navigate the rocky world of Real Estate with positive results. (That seems fair - doesn't it?)

And since you are sharing with me, I will share with you that I turned 49 last week, I love tulips and peonies (cheeky!) and I am a fan of angel food cake with fresh strawberries and whip cream.

Let's eat cake!

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well. Real Estate License #R01431765

Here's to Getting Older, The Piedmont Perspectice, Vol 100, Jnue 17, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:59:00 +0000

What's New?

Hey, I'm 100 today (not years, but editions) and thanks to you, readership has grown to more than 1000 subscribers and continues to expand. Rarely a week goes by without a few new readers added to the list. I can't tell you how gratifying that is.

Today marks my 100th edition and I take great pride in that. What started as a weekly listing update has blossomed into a unique and creative platform to speak to all manner of issues with respect to real estate.

Unexpectedly, it has also given me an opportunity to share stories about my children, my friends, my mother-in law, my sisters, my parents, the dog and my husband - who is easily the funniest person I have ever known, but also loves me in spite of how often I poke fun at him (which is often! ) Honey, this must be the "for better or worse" part of the vows.

As to the rest of you - throughout the months, you've written or called to ask if I was referring specifically to you in a particular piece. Once in awhile, the answer is "yes," but usually, any reference, is coincidental; the examples are a composite of many people and many experiences. Typically, a phrase, a song, a memory or a moment gives me a "jumping off " point and a story takes root (and yes, I do take broad literary license).

I build a framework, let it marinate, rewrite, rewrite, REWRITE, fine tune and then meet with DJ Grubb on Tuesdays who has become an integral part of the process. While he rarely makes changes, when he does, they are always "spot on." He is invaluable to me in keeping the news relevant and the one-liners memorable. (Thank you DJ.)

A few of you have written to ask why your home didn't make The Perspective in a given week, as if it wasn't somehow "Perspective worthy." The short answer is that I made an agreement with my coworkers when I began writing The Piedmont Perspective to seek approval before publication. Some agents prefer to tightly control the marketing of their listings and I do my best to respect that choice and their practice. Inevitably, I'll have made a mistake or two (John Faust) or inadvertently passed along information prematurely. If so, I apologize.

On balance, I hope I have had more hits than misses. If they haven't all been homeruns, they've certainly contributed to the conversation as evidenced by those times when you approach me to tell me how much you enjoyed the piece I wrote about baseball, were touched about my son's college hunt or laughed over the argument about Cliff's briefcase. That you remember the stories, that they made an impact or struck a chord, is continually surprising and brings me great personal joy. The favorite part of my week is each Wednesday when I hear back from you. (Some of you are regulars and I'm forever in your debt.)

I'm most often asked, "How do you come up with the stories?" It's a bit of a mystery (even to me) a touch of serendipity, a lot of work and some pixie dust! Some of the topics come easily and others take much longer to emerge. Some get tossed in the recycle bin only to resurface weeks later in much better form, having improved while gestating. Others simply get discarded altogether; lost forever or not good enough to make the grade. With each piece, I work very hard to create readable copy and an authentic voice. I admittedly keep it positive, not because I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but because I truly believe in the concept of home ownership. To quote Dorothy, "There's no place like home."

Along the way, you have referred me friends, family, neighbors and coworkers and my business has grown exponentially. For anyone who works in a competitive field as I do, your referrals are the ultimate compliment and acknowledgment of my value. You have entrusted me with your care in transitions that are often highly emotional, even under the best of circumstances - and I hope I have lived up to your expectations.

So thank you one and all for reading, for writing back, for creating the moments, for the good-natured rebuttals and for The Piedmont Perspective's growing success and circulation. It has been a true privilege. Here's to the next 100 episodes and here's to growing older!

I hope I continue to improve with age.

Secret Agent, Man, The Piedmont Perspective, May 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:07:00 +0000

What's New?

Rummaging through my kitchen cupboards last Sunday morning, I couldn't help but notice a big bold recipe on the back of the Kosher Salt box entitled "Secret Spice Rub." Really? I mean how secret can the recipe be if it's published on the back of a box in GIANT FONT, no less? Ask my teenage son what he did on Friday night with his friends and you'll get nothing but cold stone silence. As soon as I inquire, he's on lockdown. Now, that's how you keep a secret!

It might surprise you to learn that some homeowners prefer to sell their homes - secretly. No For Sale sign, no MLS, no Sunday Opens, no overt marketing of any kind! Strictly a covert operation and their agents are known as . . . you guessed it, "secret agents." Secret sales are the homes you hear about every once in awhile that exchange hands without ever coming to market; the few private sales with happy endings that encourage others to shoot for the same outcome - usually with less successful results.

While there can be good reasons for the "off market" listing - one where the secret agent keeps the news "in-house" - typically the loss of market exposure vastly outweighs any gain in privacy. In an era where more than 85% of buyers begin their search on the Internet (complete with pictures, video tours, school information and neighborhood demographics) opting to keep your sale under wraps carries tremendous risk - risk that the perfect buyer will never even know your home is for sale.

Obviously, "Secret Agency" eliminates the buyers in New York and North Carolina or London for that matter, who may well be searching the Internet for a home in the Bay Area, but it also eliminates the buyers just down the street. The neighbors who, quite frankly, don't even know they are real buyers -until they walk into a Sunday Open and literally, fall in love (the emotional close).

The neighbors who like their current home, but have always wanted a family room or a level garden. The neighbors who hate their kitchen and covet yours. The neighbors who are downsizing (or upgrading) and find your home meets their needs better. The neighbors who have friends who are relocating. The neighbors who always thought "If that home ever comes on the market, I'd move," and so it goes . . .

The secret listing eliminates everyone who isn't already represented and actively seeking a home with a qualified agent. "Secret Agency" eliminates the CHANCE BUYER!

While it is still true that your home is more likely to be sold by another agent or a broker than at a Sunday Open, it is also true that the vast majority of buyers today, start on the Internet, well before contacting and selecting a local agent. (I recently represented buyers who had spent two years going to Sunday Opens before finding the "right" house and only then, did they make contact with me!)

If your goal is to get top dollar for your home and to sell it as quickly as possible, than full exposure to the marketplace which includes Internet saturation, photo tours, AND Sunday and Broker's Opens, are respectfully, part and parcel of the process.

As for secrets? I still don't know what my teenager did last weekend and maybe I'm better off not knowing. Certainly, he won't be telling me. That kid knows how to keep a secret!

Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com

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

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:54:00 +0000

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.

Batter Up! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 89 - March 25, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:01:00 +0000

What's New?

Watching my son come up to bat last week, I was once again reminded how difficult baseball is - a game where even the best players in the world only get on base once out of every three attempts.

Statistically, baseball is a game of failure; a game where every miscalculated step or strike out is painfully on display for all to see. There's no hiding in the pack like with soccer, basketball, lacrosse or rugby (what exactly happens in a "scrum?"). Even water polo has plenty of activity to redirect the eye. Not baseball! While baseball is theoretically, a team sport, you often stand alone.

So in spite of the atheist in me, like many an anxious parent, I always pray for a little help each time my son approaches the batter's box or whenever a hit sails deep into left field toward his outstretched glove. Fingers crossed, eyes looking toward heaven, I silently pray, "Please, please, please . . ." as I watch him react and race to the ball.

At the risk of offending those who pray for more than baseball, I know that it isn't prayer that makes the difference in my son's success or failure - it's practice. Because so much time is spent waiting between plays, the inescapable truth is that my son will only be ready to act in the moment, if he is adequately prepared before he sets foot on the field. Mastering critical skills should happen before - not during - a game, so that when action is required, the play is automatic!

Preparation is the key in real estate as well so that when the right opportunity comes along, you are set to execute the corresponding play. Preparation starts with clarifying your goals and then qualifying your actions, understanding your finances and then pre-approving your loan, outlining a timeline and then visiting Sunday Opens, selecting an experienced REALTOR and then effectively communicating your needs (and that's just your warm-up). Fine tuning your real estate skills should happen before, you find the right home - not after.

While today's INTERNET generation is more apt to research and explore the market on their own, yesterday's consumer had it right in one important strategic component: they relied much more on their agent's experience and often started with a well-timed phone call to their Realtor FIRST.

Even with today's unrestricted access, there's no doubt that aligning yourself with a local REALTOR from the onset, automatically improves your odds in the game. No one wants to bunt if they should be swinging for the fences (and my husband thinks I don't know baseball!).

As a neighborhood specialist, I am in the best position to know what is coming to the market, what has withdrawn, what is due for a price reduction and which sellers are open to an offer long before the most adept Googler. Like a well-honed athlete (or a boy scout) it is my job to be prepared; to know the players, to understand their strengths and weaknesses and to manage the game from beginning to end.

So while I am more than happy to help the home buyer or seller who waits to contact me until the 7th-inning stretch, YOU are better served by capitalizing on my knowledge and experience from the very first swing. Like Baseball, Real Estate is essentially a team sport; however, unlike baseball - you never have to stand alone.

Just think of me as your personal batting, pitching, and base coach all rolled into one. I am your back up man, your "go to" girl, your supportive trainer and your strategic manager. I study the competition, know the landscape, and do my best to craft a winning game plan.

So whether it's a curve ball, an off-speed pitch or a fast ball crossing the plate (bear with me, I'm on a roll. You can think Tudor, Mid-Century Contemporary or quintessential Brown Shingle.) you will be prepared to hit the pitch out of the ballpark, round the bases and arrive safely at home!

Batter up!

What's Coming?

Anian Tunney has just listed 10 Huntleigh Road near Hampton Field in Piedmont. This chic and stylish home with gracious open floorplan seamlessly combines formal and informal living. Built in 1980, this beautiful Brown Shingle, features spacious formal rooms, inviting kitchen, beautiful brick patios for entertaining, family/media room down, elegant master suite, high ceilings, French doors and garden fountain. List price: $2,900,000. Shown by appointment only! www.grubbco.com

Anian Tunney has also listed 330 Hampton Road. This striking Contemporary was famed architect, Clarence Mayhew's, own home and features 4bdrms/3bths, walls of glass, family room off of the kitchen and lush gardens on a large corner property, nestled amongst California Live Oaks.
List price: $1550,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30

Don't miss Michelle Winchester's listing at 191 Sandringham Road. This beautiful Monterey Colonial features 5bdrms/3+bths, elegant formal rooms with Bay views, paneled library, big media/family room down and inviting brick courtyard. List price: $2,195,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30. www.191Sandringham.com

I will be back at 308 Pala Avenue this Sunday afternoon, 2-4:30pm. Please join me at this elegant Mediterranean which features 4bdrms/3bths, formal living and dining rooms, sunny spacious kitchen, bonus media/family room down and renovated rear garden in Central Piedmont.
List price: $1,850,000. www.308Pala.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?

The open and inviting view home on Scenic Avenue, listed for $995,000 hit the market last week and went pending very rapidly. This well-priced home sits squarely within the "sweet spot," I wrote about a few weeks ago. Homes perceived as a "good value" continue to attract strong attention!

While it's tempting to hold out for the "deal," it's really the "value" you want in this - or ANY market.

What's Happening?

Last week I spoke about the "tipping point" being near at hand and sure enough, Kenneth Harney's article in last Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle confirms my belief.

It's worth noting that Bank of America is leading the way in true Jumbo financing and will be originating loans up to $1,500,000 but they won't be alone!

For the last several months, loans above the "super conforming" loan limit of $729,750 have been difficult to come by and significantly more costly for the borrower, which has created a backlog of high-end properties.

With news that ING Group is offering loans as high as $2,000,000 and Luxury Loans of San Diego is underwriting mortgages from $3,000,000 - $ 6,000,000 for large commercial banks to put into their investment portfolios - homes that were previously unattainable may now be back on the table for high-end buyers.

Jumbo borrowers - start your engines!

What's Fun!

The annual Tri-School fundraiser takes place on April 4, 2009. This is the only event all year that benefits all three elementary schools.

Beach, Havens and Wildwood parents are cordially invited to attend Retro Fever Auction 2009! Celebrate, Dance and Dine at the Sequoyah Country Club and enjoy live music, great food, signature drinks, and far-out auction items, including children's art, vintage wines, exciting getaways and groovy parent parties. Now that's fun!

Tickets are limited so RSVP to:www.PiedmontSpringFling.org by March 30, 2009 to reserve your spot.

The Piedmont Plug!

Risking my neutral stance on all things political with respect to Piedmont, I am going to put in a plug for Measures B and E that are scheduled for a vote on June 2, 2009.

Together, these two measures address some (not all) of the lost revenue our schools have recently experienced due to BIG budget cuts in Sacramento. Measure B continues the parcel tax we already have in place, for an additional four years, while Measure E seeks to backfill a portion of the revenue that supplements Piedmont's fine academic programs.

Without addressing the complex feelings that surround these measures, I will speak as a local REALTOR who analyzes the market every week and wishes to remind all of you that our high property values are directly tied to the health and well-being of our PUBLIC schools. While other communties statewide have suffered the impact of dramatic downturns, Piedmont still remains relatively stable, due primarily to the strong demand for our K-12 education!

Compromise the quality of our children's education and you are sure to see a comparable decline in the value of your homes. As a community that has always placed a high premium on educational excellence, can we really afford to abandon this position now - especially now?

Yes on Measures B & E. "BE" Pro-Education!

PS - While some of us pay a disproportionate amount of property taxes, compared to our long-established neighbors, Parcel Tax money is exclusively for education here in Piedmont, and it is the only school tax money that we control 100% locally. Parcel Tax funds account for a much-needed 27% of the school's annual budget. So please feel free to forward this message. Every "yes" vote counts!

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.

The Sky Isn't Falliing! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 86 - March 4, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:35:00 +0000

What's New?

Is it so wrong to enjoy the fact that the sun peaked out from behind the clouds today and gave us all a much-needed respite from the rain? Coming off of a tw0 year drought and acknowledging that California desperately needs to refill its near empty reservoirs, the rain has been an incredibly welcome sight (except during Sunday Opens). Still, I lost NO time taking advantage of the clear skies to get out and stretch my legs a bit and walk my Black Lab, Buck, who was even happier than me to bounce along the road - his tail (not mine) wagging along at top speed.

Most of the headlines these days seem to be a lot like the storm clouds of late. None of them have been good and ALL of them have played into the fear of the consumer and the homeowner - even those on solid ground. Consume a steady diet of the mainstream media and like Chicken Little, you're bound to think the sky is falling!

Gather your information from national news or Internet sites alone and you are sure to be misled as to the reality of your specific neighborhood.

To hear national media reports, one might think that every home in America has lost 25-50% of its value and that's just not true. As I have repeatedly said, real estate values are largely dependent on their geographical location. In our East Bay Market, home values are further defined neighborhood-to-neighborhood and block-to-block. Moreover, our market has remained more stable than most!

According to GRUBB Broker and co-owner, John Karnay (who tracks our local sales statistics religiously) "our market is in remarkably good shape." John compared The GRUBB Co's market share - which accounts for sales above $500,000 - from July-Dec. 2007 to July-Dec. 2008 - in El Cerrito, Kensington, Albany, Berkeley, Oakland and Piedmont and here's what he found : the average sales price has dropped 5%, the median sales prices is down 2.2% and the average price per square foot is off by 6.5%. So while we're not exactly in the positive column just yet, it's positive news in light of national reports that would have you believe an entirely different story.

Which isn't to say that I'm not sensitive to the headlines. Of course I am. REALTORS are working on the front lines. Like many of you, I have kids to put through college and retirement to plan for as well, so I hear you and understand your concerns.

Nor could I responsibly and effectively guide you in your most important financial decision, without reading, watching and absorbing everything that affects my profession, our market and your outcome. BUT I try to balance out the mainstream news by forming opinions on what is truly relevant to our community and to our experience. Your particular experience may be entirely unique but in general, here's the skinny . . .

For those of you who bought real estate within the last five years,
chances are you bought in competition and paid for your appreciation up front. Having now lost that appreciation, there may not be a soft landing for you at this time. Stay put if possible.

For homeowners who bought prior to 2004, you are quite likely, in fine form. Even if your home lost some appreciation during the last few years, you bought before prices really took off and while you may have lost some additional gain in the last few years, you haven't really lost intrinsic value.

Finally, more affordable housing stock represents real opportunity. While buying down may be less advantageous, buying UP makes a whole lot of sense (and cents) in this market. While some are selling at a loss, others are expanding their income property portfolios. While some are leaving the area, others are flocking in to take advantage of the public schools and more attractive pricing. There are two sides to every coin.

In the meantime, try not to obsess about the headlines and turn off the news! The sky isn't falling - it's just raining a bit - and we need the rain! (Remember, the sun often follows the clouds.) Can I offer you an umbrella?

What's Coming?

Steve Michaledes brings a great "starter" home or investment property to the market in Montclair at 7030 Broadway Terrace. Featuring mid-century architecture, sparkling views of Mt. Tamalpais and the North Bay, an inviting open floor plan and fished rooms down, perfect for au-pair or in-law suite, this 3bdrm/3bth home is well-priced at $680,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30 www.grubbco.com

Steve Michaledes has also listed a fabulous Contemporary in the Claremont Hills. Named Metropolitan Home of the year in 2009, this award winning design blends bold, modern architecture with sleek, sophisticated finishes and showcases an artful mix of simple, clean lines and warm inviting spaces. http://www.pointclickhome.com/winners Featuring4bdrsm/3.5bths, outdoor living room, kitchen/family room/breakfast nook combo, fireplace and partial Bay views, media room/library with built-in surround sound, master retreat with fireplace, steam shower and beverage center, this home is truly one-of-a kind! Open Thusday 3/5 for Broker's Tour and Sunday 3/8, 2-4:3o. List price: $1,850,000

Carol Brown has listed 168 Wildwood Avenue. Centrally located near playfields, schools and Grand Avenue shops and restaurants, this 3bdrm/2bth Mediterranean offers both convenience and charm. This home features a sunny living room with arched multi-paned windows and vintage craftsman fireplace, formal dining room, renovated eat-in kitchen, lovely bedrooms overlooking enclosed private garden, many updated systems and nearly level access from back garages. Open this Sunday, 2-4:30. List price: $985,000 www.grubbco.com

Please join me at 308 Pala Avenue this Sunday, 2-4:30pm. This elegant Mediterranean which features 4bdrms/3bths, formal living and dining rooms, sunny spacious kitchen, bonus media/family room down, level living and renovated rear garden in Central Piedmont is still available! List price: $1,850,000. www.308Pala.com

Dana Cohen's listing at 10 Bukeye in Upper Rockridge is an adorable 3bdrm/1.5bth Traditional with Bay view, open living and dining room, cozy breakfast room with built-in and luscious gardens and patios. Just one block from Village Market, this home is close to schools, BART, and freeway access. Open Sunday 3/8 from 2-4:30pm. www.10Buckeye.com List price: $715,000.

(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?

Speaking of opportunities, several wonderful opportunities exist in Piedmont and throughout the East Bay right now and they are waiting for your well-crafted offer. (Don't be shy Buyers. your opportunities have never been better!)

Just a few short years ago, REALTORS would have encouraged an above asking offer whenever several parties were coming to the table in order to remain competitive. While a few special properties are still enjoying this response, more and more, a below asking offer is perfectly appropriate and often welcome. If a home is just out-of-reach, make an offer. You might be surprised by the warm reception!

What's Happening?

I am passing along a cautionary tale of a wonderful couple I recently worked with who qualified for a purchase loan until they got a bit too eager "shopping" their mortgage options. Each time they spoke with another lender, another credit report was run. By the time they had chosen a lender, one of the couple's credit score had slipped ever so slightly (less than 15 points) but that was enough to significantly limit their financing options.

One of the lenders I work closely with, Melissa Milton of LaSalle Financial, explained that even a few points less on a credit score can mean the difference between eligibility for the best rate versus a second-best rate and sometimes, eligibility for a particular loan program (for example, 80% financing as opposed to only 75% financing). She advises to start the pre-approval process with ONE reputable, recommended mortgage professional, and then continue to speak with other potential lenders WITHOUT having each subsequent lender pull another credit report.

By informing subsequent potential lenders of the scores derived from the one credit report, buyers can still gain the benefit of comparison shopping without incurring unnecessary credit requests.

Make your decision which individual loan officer to work with based on the variety of banks and loan programs available through that person, on experience in the mortgage industry, on pricing, and on customer service!

Melissa Milton can be reached at (510) 339-4300 or at www.lasallefinance.com and is available for consultation at her email address: mmilton@lasallefinance.com

What's Fun!

From wrong to brazen (I'm full of guilty pleasures this week). I snuck out-of-town last weekend and had a great time with several girlfriends in Park City. While the snow wasn't quite up to par ("dust on crust," as one local called it) the weather was warm and beautiful, the town was charming, and the company of women was excellent.

Stealing away for a few days of fun in the sun in sunny Utah and leaving behind my husband, kids, household duties and most importantly, my BOSS, is highly recommended - but wait for the next big snow storm!

Better yet, avoid the expense of air travel and head to Lake Tahoe where the snow has been dumping since President's week.

Either way, you're probably due a few days of R & R!

The Piedmont Plug!

My order of Girl Scout cookies arrived this week and my kids quickly began to devour them (I've resorted to hiding the Thin Mints in the freezer.) Clearly, growing boys can rapidly consume a lot of cookies (as can their mother). No worries, the Girl Scouts will be out in force for those of you who didn't have the chance to preorder.

Please support our local troops as they set up in spots around town with their goodies in tow! Remember a portion of the net proceeds go to local charities and that's a sweet result.

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.

Real-Time History, The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 85, February 25, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:05:00 +0000

What's New?

The nice thing about writing The Perspective week after week (after week) is that I have accumulated a fair amount of real-time history and can easily access the sales patterns with respect to Piedmont's unique marketplace. Wanting to compare the number of this year's listings, with last year's, I looked no further than my own newsletters (e-letters!) of February 2008 to comparison shop. As I chase these statistics, I realize we are on track for a robust Spring Market!

While many observers perceive that there is too much inventory on market, it just isn't true. (In Stockton - yes. In Piedmont - No!) Last year, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reported 16 homes for sale in Piedmont, with an average list price of $1,928,375 and average days on market (DOM) reported at 46 days. This year, the MLS reports 18 new listings since the beginning of 2009, with an average list price of $1,816,726 and an average DOM of just 14 days!

This seems to indicate that aggressively priced homes quickly find buyers, while homes that are stalling need to adjust the list price downward in order to meet buyer demand!

While it's true that recent bank upheavals, poor economic forecasts decreasing stock values and uncertain employment opportunities are all contributing to current buyer conservatism, the blunt truth is that the bulk of homes that are languishing, are simply overpriced for the market conditions - AS THEY EXIST! Which isn't to say that there aren't plenty of willing and able buyers about - there are. (They are even showing up in the POURING rain - and that's commitment!)

With mortgage rates at historical all time lows and a shiny new stimulus package on its way, designed to promote and reward home ownership, ALL buyers continue to seek good values, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum. As new buyers move into the marketplace, the market will in turn, experience improved health and better stability, restoring faith and encouraging other buyers to move UP the ladder. As has always been true, first-time buyers drive the marketplace!

Sellers, are you listening? Are you attracting buyers or are you mired in last year's values?

What's Coming?

There's a good deal of activity heading our way so grab a cup of coffee and let's begin . . .

Scott Hill brings 950 Leo Way in Montclair to the market this Sunday. This charming Cape Cod home - custom 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! List Price: $1,125,000. Open Sunday, March 1, 2-4:30. www.950Leo.com

Anne Feste brings a truly appealing 2004 Tudor home to the market this week at 9 Woodside Glen in the enchanting, secluded pocket neighborhood of Westminster. This sharp and sunny newer construction home, on a mostly level lot, features many modern amenities which include a spacious master suite on the main floor, formal living and dining rooms and gourmet kitchen opening on to a lush garden. With an inviting open floor plan and a friendly cul-de-sac location, this wonderful 4bdrm/2.5bth home is listed for $1,050,000. Open Sunday, March 1, 2-4:30 www.grubbco.com

Dana Cohen has just listed 10 Buckeye Avenue - an adorable Upper Rockridge Traditional, featuring 3bdrms/1.5bths, Bay views, open living and dining rooms with stone fireplace and wonderful gardens that incorporate patios and play area for easy outdoor entertaining. Only one block from the Village Market and close to schools, BART and shops, this wonderful home is listed for $715,000. Open Thursday, February 26 for Broker's Tour from 10am-1pm and on Sunday, March 1, 2-4:30pm. www.10buckeye.com

Bebe McRae's newest listing is at 6150 Broadway Terrace in Upper Rockridge. This stately 5bdrm/3bth expanded Traditional features a wonderful master suite, separate au-pair/guest suite, family/media room, updated kitchen opening onto park-like gardens and garage with work room and easy access to the home. List price: $1,550,000. Open Sunday, 2-4:30pm. www.grubbco.com

Now that your home from skiing, make sure you see my listing at 308 Pala Avenue, open this Sunday 2-4:30 and always, by appointment! This elegant Mediterranean features 4bdrms/3bths, formal living and dining rooms, sunny spacious kitchen, bonus media/family room down and extensively renovated rear garden in Central Piedmont. List price: $1,850,000. www.308Pala.com

Gene Boomer has just listed 1126 Harvard Road in Piedmont. This inviting 4bdrm/3.5bth Traditional has been thoughtfully renovated and expanded to meet your growing needs while maintaining distinctive period details from the 1920's. Featuring formal living and dining rooms, updated kitchen with adjoining family room, rear deck, level play yard, hardwood floors and ornate fireplace, this spacious home is nestled in a peaceful and private setting, appointed with mature oak trees and wrapped by three vacant lots, owned by East Bay Municipal Water District. Close to schools, parks, recreational facilities and Lakeshore Shopping district and transportation, this elegant home also offers an excellent Piedmont location! List price: $1,449,000. www.grubbco.com

Carol Brown brings 168 Wildwood Avenue in Piedmont to the market on Sunday, March 8. This charming, all-level Mediterranean features 3bdrms/2bths and is centrally located near elementary, middle and high schools, playing fields and Grand Avenue restaurants, shops and transportation. Offering a sunny living room with craftsman fireplace, dining room that opens to an eat-in kitchen, master suite with bath, nearly level access to lovely back garden, large basement and two garages on a private back alley, this sweet home has been lovingly maintained and updated. List price:$985,000

Finally, if a "fixer" is in your future, don't miss the new listing on Manor Drive that features terrific street presence and "good bones" (as we say in the buisness) but requires more than just cosmetics. Please give me a call to go over the inspections in more detail and to book an appointment!

(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?

The uber-sophisticated contemporary on Marsh on the Piedmont side of Montclair, went pending very quickly. This unique home had tried to find a buyer last year with a competitive discount firm, but had no luck. This year, the motivated seller listed with The GRUBB Co. and met buyer demand. He sold in quick time and with more than one offer! List price: 1,295,000.

Discount firms tend to provide discount services! Examine your goals and decide how you want your home positioned in this very complicated marketplace!

While one prospective seller recently suggested that "homes sell themselves," the example above proves the opposite is true. Now, more than ever, choose your agent and your brokerage carefully. This important decision may make the difference between selling or NOT selling your home!

What's Happening?

The Stimulus Package is the talk of the town (ours and every other town as well) but don't expect to see changes filter down for several weeks. Mortgage interest rates continue to shift daily,if not hourly.

While Buyers may be coming to the Sunday Open Homes willing and able, they frequently are surprised to discover that they aren't quite as ready as they previously thought.

Too often buyers work backwards. They find the house they want first and then begin the process of qualifying for the loan, only to discover that changes in employment or credit have harpooned their ability to buy in this stricter environment!

Working with a reputable mortgage broker or a private banker from the beginning of your home buying process not only qualifies you up front, it also brings great clarity to the process about your purchasing power! www.lasallefinace.com

At a time when terms are every bit as important as price, good preparation increases your chances at the negotiation table!

What's Fun!

Honigman Designs goes to the Oscars! Did you watch the Oscar ceremony on Sunday evening and happen to catch Amanda and Pete Doctor, of Pixar fame at the awards show?

It's no surprise to anyone who adored this sci-fi animated masterpiece (like I did) that WALL-E won for Best Animated Feature, but the unexpected surprise was that jewelry designer, Amy Honigman-Tobe, was a winner in her own right as well. Pete's wife, Amanda was adorned with an intricate sapphire and gold necklace and elegant moonstone and sapphire earrings which were both designed and created by Piedmont artist, Amy Honigman-Tobe!

Amy creates sophisticated pieces and currently sells her elegant designs through Pave, McMullen and Nathan & Co. Says Amy, "Custom pieces are my favorite as my customers get just the look they want." Now how much more fun does it get than attending the Oscars in custom jewelry designed specifically for you?

Amy can be contacted at HonigmanDesigns@comcast.net. Stay tuned for her upcoming web-site as well.

Congratulations to Honigman Designs and to all the creative folks at Pixar for your recognition and your showing at the Oscars!

The Piedmont Plug!

You wouldn't think that Montclair Village needs another coffee shop, would you? Between Nellie's, Peet's and Starbuck's, how much coffee can one village drink?

Here's where you'd be wrong. The Metro Cafe & Bar has just opened its doors and they offer not only gourmet coffees and teas, but innovative sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts - as well as premium beer and wine! Now coffee (and coffee houses) just got a whole lot better!

The Metro Cafe & Bar is located at 2058 Mountain Boulevard and is open Monday-Friday 6am-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am-8pm and according to my boss, DJ Grubb, "They make the best tuna sandwich it town." Enjoy and don't forget your laptop.(There's plenty of Internet access as well.)

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.

Quality, Value & Convenience! - The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 84

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:02:00 +0000

What's New?

Thank you to those of you who wrote back last week to respond to the Trivia Question "What does QVC stand for?" At least a dozen sharp subscribers got it right away and several other readers correctly identified two of the three initials. The correct answer was (drum roll please . . .) "Quality, Value & Convenience!"

And the lucky winners to two FREE tickets to "Shopping the Musical" are: Penny Robb, Alexandra Manoles, Jason Zeledon, Su-san Lichen and John McWilliams. Thanks again for playing and have a great time at the show!

It should come as no surprise that, Quality, Value and Convenience are also three important staples that drive home prices as well. Gone are the days when buyers conveniently "overlooked" flaws - minor or major - in order to remain competitive in the prevailing marketplace.

In today's more conservative marketplace, even cosmetic blemishes such as old carpeting or an anemic paint job can easily derail a prospective sale. Sellers, resist the temptation to save money by foregoing painting, staging and necessary repairs. The extra effort and investment upfront typically results in additional "value added" to the home and often mitigate any problems an empty or tired house might otherwise highlight (such as sloping floors). Bring a Quality home to market and you WILL get prospective buyers through it.

Selling quickly; however, depends on where you price a property. Whether the home is "picture perfect" or a total "fixer," price the home appropriately if you wish to attract purchase offers in quick time. (Hint: if your home has been on the market longer than 21 days, chances are its's overpriced!) While Buyers might wish for the "deal," it's hard to deny real value when they see it. Offer Buyers real Value and you are sure to attract and achieve the best result!

As for Convenience, expect homes with coveted locations to attract stronger interest. Being within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants and public transportation all add to a home's desirability and Convenience and that's added value as well! (For a quick assessment of your home's walkability score, go to www.walkscore.com)

When markets become less certain, Quality, Value and Convenience become more important than ever!

What's Coming?

Like the Magnolia trees around town or the bearded iris in my garden, the market is beginning to bloom! There are currently 22 homes for sale in Piedmont and 13 of them have come on since the beginning of the year, signaling a strong start to the upcoming Spring market. Buyers donned raincoats, galoshes and hats and hit the Sunday Opens in BIG numbers in spite of very heavy downpours. Like the welcome rain, the winter real estate drought appears to be over! Let's begin with my Central Piedmont listing on Pala Avenue.

Are you free this Thursday night? Yes? Great! Please join me for an evening viewing at 308 Pala Avenue on February 19, from 5-7pm. This elegant Spanish Mediterranean featuring 4bdrms/3bths , bonus media/family room down and extensively renovated rear garden in a GREAT Central Piedmont location is wonderfully welcoming and "turn-key" ready. Please join me for wine and appetizers on Thursday evening and bring along an interested friend! www.308Pala.com List price:$1,850.000. Can't make it on Thursday? I will also be there on Sunday, February 22 from 2-4:30 as well. Hope to see you soon.

Matt Heafey's listing at 27 Muir Avenue is the quintessential classic Traditional Piedmont home, featuring four large bedrooms up and gracious formal rooms on the main level, including elegant living and dining rooms and inviting family room off a very spacious kitchen. Situated on a level and highly-coveted tree-lined street, this lovely 4+bdrm/4bth home with pretty rear garden is a dream in the making. List price: $2,295,000.
www.27muir.com Open Sunday, 2-4:30pm.

Last, but not least, look for a fabulous 50's Classic with Captivating Bay Views to hit the market this weekend on Dudley Court. This well-appointed 4bdrm/3bth level- in home is nicely located on a quiet Piedmont cul-de- sac. The lower level of this home features a versatile guest suite and a fantastic family room complete with a wood burning fireplace. This appealing space is further enhanced by its direct access to the large flat lawn and patio area. Exceptional livability! Open Sunday 2-4:30.

These represent just a few of the homes here in town. Please call me for a complete list of ALL homes that meet your criteria!

What's Pending?

The pretty Mediterranean home on Dormidera went pending last week while many other fine properties are still available and open to offers. With the average list price in Piedmont hovering at $1,889,404 - there may be room to negotiate on many of these wonderful homes. You'll never know what a seller will take unless you put pencil to paper and open a dialogue!

Here's the "Buyer's Market" you've been waiting for. Now call your mortgage broker and be prepared! (Don't assume last year's pre-approval still holds. Credit viability and qualifications are changing daily!) www.lasallefinance.com

What's Happening?

Do you need to move or do you want to move? That's the $64,000 question, but the majority of buyers seem to be moving for sound "need-based" reasons such as a new baby, a job transfer or a practical downsizing - as opposed to those wanting to move just because . . .

However, for those seeking to move as an option, rather than an imperative, there is less competition and plenty of good inventory in the marketplace. Now could be an exceptional time to move UP in the market as value is more easily obtained.

And stay tuned to the new Stimulus Package which among other incentives will once again be increasing the "jumbo conforming" loan limit and will be offering an $8,000 credit to first-time home buyers as well. (Sorry, this won't apply to those of you who already own a home and will be moving up - or paring down.)

This influx of funds may take some time to filter through the system so don't expect these changes next week. Also recognize that once the money begins to make its way to the consumer, it will run out . . . There should be stiff competition for these finite funds.

What's Fun!

Your touching responses to my folk's true love story were really fun (for me anyway) and I was thrilled to hear from you. One reader - director, screenwriter and my neighbor and good friend, Kate Montgomery, responded with a funny tale of her own courtship and with Kate's permission, I am reprinting it here.

"Doug's first gift to me when we were dating was a Henkel 4 star chef's knife. Of course I acted thrilled but in truth I was just a bit perplexed by this, until my mom asked "is it one he already has or does it compliment his collection?" Sure enough - it was one he didn't have himself ... "I think he's serious" said my mom - and of course, she was right."

I am an equal-opportunity voyeur. For those of you similarly literarily inclined, please send me your own funny, ironic, embarrassing or profound stories and I will donate $50 for each one I print in The Perspective to the Tri-School Fundraiser.

Pick whatever topic you like as long as it represents a "slice of life." Turn your stories into cash for our schools!

The Piedmont Plug!

Now that Valentine's Day is behind us, perhaps there are a few frilly frocks in your closet that may no longer be needed? The Princess Project passes along gently used formal (think prom) and semi-formal attire to those in need and are currently accepting donations for their annual "dress drive."

You can reach the caring folks at The Princess Project at www.princessproject.org to learn more about this worthy cause. (Thank you Lisa Kieraldo for this timely and thoughtful suggestion.)

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 email me at jgardner@grubbco.com . I love sharing 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 Diamond in the Rough!" The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 83, February 12,2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:51:00 +0000

What's New?

Truth be told, my pragmatic hard-working father was never a hopeless romantic. He was the kind of husband who gave my mother a dishwasher, a vacuum cleaner or a washing machine come the holidays and she - equally sensible - was thrilled to have them.

My mother had grown up in San Marino (the Piedmont of Pasadena) while my father hailed from the small town pastures of Davis. In her family's eyes, Dad was a bit of a "Diamond in the rough" compared to Mom's more genteel upbringing.

My mother said she married Dad because "he made her laugh." In spite of her family's strong objections to the pairing, their union stuck. They've weathered 56 years together - sometimes laughing, sometimes crying - but all of it together. That's about as romantic as it gets.

So when it came time for me to choose a mate, I followed my mother's example and married a man who made me laugh, who engaged my mind and who always believed in me - even when I faltered. Even without romantic gestures on Valentine's Day -that's true love!

With respect to homes, "the diamond in the rough" is the home that's badly in need of TLC (tender loving care). The trick in this or any market, is getting the lump of coal for a discounted price in order to offset the costs of renovations and repairs that are necessary to bring out the "sparkle." That seems basic but it's a tougher challenge than statistics bear out.

Too often, I see hopeful buyers excitedly jump into a bidding war on these "fixer" properties with the expectation that they are achieving a "below market value" when all too often, the opposite result plays out. Unfortunately, the large number of "fixer buyers" often drives the selling price well beyond the asking price, erasing any potential appreciation the home may have had. Ironically, these homes often math out at much higher prices per square foot than their "fixed" counterparts down the street! Go figure! (Seriously, go figure!)

When buying a "diamond in the rough," carefully do the math and understand your end game. If the goal is to "flip" the house in a short amount of time, be certain you are not overpaying for the project on the front end. If on the other hand, you plan on renovating and staying for many years, then the price you pay in the short-term may hardly be relevant.

If that's the case - as with marriage - commit to the long-term and carve out the diamond of your dreams . . .

Happy Valentines Day Mom and Dad!

What's Coming?

I am pleased to report that inventory has increased dramatically over the last few weeks and there are some really wonderful homes to consider, from Classically Traditional, to Elegant Mediterranean to Ultra-Chic Contemporary, so let's get started . . .

I'll begin with Matt Heafey's new listing on 27 Muir Avenue set to debut this Sunday, February 15, 2-4:30. This stately home, featuring 5bdrms/4.5 baths, gracious formal rooms, spacious kitchen and family room, formal entry and detached office or gym, sits on a most-coveted, level tree-lined street in Piedmont. List price $2,295,000. www.27muir.com

My new listing at 308 Pala Avenue is ready for viewing a week ahead of time and will be open for Broker's Tour tomorrow, Thursday, February 12 from 10am -1:00pm and again on Sunday, February 15 from 2-4:30pm. Please join me or my colleague, Michelle Winchester, on either day at this elegant Mediterranean which features 4bdrms/3bths, formal living and dining rooms, sunny spacious kitchen, bonus media/family room down and renovated rear garden in sought-after Central Piedmont. List price: $1,850,000. www.308Pala.com

Judy Cain has just listed 740 Calmar Avenue in Crocker Highlands. This stunning Mediterranean offers old-world charm, including Venetian plastered walls, vintage tiled fireplace, Tuscan-style kitchen and designer garden with fountain and shade trees. Featuring 3bdrms/1.5bths and terrific Lakeshore location, this home, near the Farmer's Market, local shops, the Grand Lake Theatre and public transportation is a bit of Italy in Oakland! List price: $969,000 Available for private showings beginning on February 19 and open to the public, next Sunday, February 22. www.740Calmar.com

Moving from old-world charm to cool sophistication, Hope Broderick brings 2 Marsh Place on the Piedmont side of Montclair to the market this weekend. This luxurious remodeled oasis features 4bdrms/4bths, spacious open floor plan with Golden Gate and Bay Views, outdoor spa and shower, high-end kitchen and loads of natural light! List price: $1,295,000. Open this Sunday, February 15, 2-4:30 www.grubbco.com

"Fabulous" doesn't begin to describe the sleek Contemporary at 45 Lane Court on the Piedmont side of Montclair. For those of you seeking a view home in the Oakland Hills, this artistic romantic retreat featuring 3bdrms/2+bths, Bay view sunsets and every designer amenity, is not to be missed! List price $1,795,000. Please call me for an appointment right away - this spectacular home won't last long!

And finally, for a private hideaway in Montclair, look no further than Bebe McRae's 1930's listing at 1957 Gaspar. With 3+bdrms/2bths, peek of the Bay and level yard, this charming home has loads of space. Open Sunday, 2-4:30. List price: $825,000. www.grubbco.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?

Kelly Deal's Contemporary Craftsman listing at 1076 Mandana Avenue sold very quickly after returning to the market with two offers and one in back up! This Crocker Highland's showpiece went into contract well above its list price of $1,275,000 and other coveted neighborhoods are experiencing much the same interest.

While Buyers find it hard to believe that multiple offers are still at play in this marketplace, the fact is that Buyers are placing quality and location at the top of their priority list. Expect good homes to receive the attention they merit - even in today's marketplace!

What's Happening?

The GRUBB Co. is pleased to announce their new affiliation with London based brokerage firm Mayfair International Realty. As part of our ongoing expansion and global reach, The GRUBB Co. and its Buyers and Sellers are now internationally represented!

What's this mean to you? It means that properties that are marketed here in the United State are also being aggressively marketed throughout England and Europe as well.

In an increasingly global marketplace, one never know where the Buyer will originate or where the Seller will move. Regardless of the continent on which you reside, you will be in professional hands and quality care!

Isn't it nice to know that The GRUBB Co. is going the extra 5,371 miles to satisfy your every need?

What's Fun!

Love is in the air and nothing says "I love you" like diamonds (Honey, are you listening?)

But if diamonds aren't in the budget this year (or even "diamoneques" ) perhaps you'd like to see a show in San Francisco instead? - compliments of Dan Meagher, Director of Marketing and new Perspective reader. (Thank you Dan!)

Now in its third hit year, "Shopping! The Musical" is currently San Francisco's longest running original musical. This award-winning revue features comedy songs about customers, products,Victoria's Secret, those "oh-so-helpful" sales people, people who pay with nothing but change and much, much more!

Dan is offering a night of laughter, music, and "shopping" without maxing out your credit card to the first five readers who answer the trivia question below (sorry REALTORS, this is for customers only!)

Ticket certificates are good for two(2)FREE tickets to any future Friday performance at the Shelton Theatre in San Francisco's Union Square. Show time: 8:00pm.

For show information, please visit:http://www.shoppingthemusical.com/.

Trivia Question: What do the initials "QVC" stand for?
I'll personally deliver the tickets to the first five correct respondents - or you may pick them up at The GRUBB Co. office in Montclair. "Go Shopping!"

The Piedmont Plug!

Whether it's roses or tulips (or roses AND tulips) that strike your fancy, no one puts together a more beautiful and fragrant bouquet than Piedmont floral designer, Alexandra Conroy of Conroy Designs. I've bragged about Alex's stunning foral creations in the past but having had several occasions to utilize her talents last year, I speak from personal experience and encourage you to find out for yourself!

Good news Cupids - you're NOT too late for Valentine's Day (hint, hint). Give Alex a call at (415) 710-8831 or email her at: alexandra@conroydesigns.com. To see her creations go to: www.Conroydesigns.com but don't delay, 24 hour notice required. Delivery charge of $5.00 within Piedmont.

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 email me at 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 or sign up for this e-letter at thepiedmontperspective.com

The Keys to the Castle! The Piedmont Perspective, February 4, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:46:00 +0000

What's New?

There was a time(before the introduction of The Multiple Listing Service)when Realtors held the keys to the castle - quite literally. As the gatekeepers for the majority of sale transactions in any given neighborhood, Real Estate Brokers and Realtors controlled and released the appropriate information on an "as need to know" basis.

Today's immediate access to Internet sites such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and the still closely guarded Multiple Listing Service (MLS) makes every prospective buyer or seller an instant expert - and herein lies the danger.

With public records as close as a click, prospective buyers can quickly and easily ascertain tax records, assessed value and purchase price for any given home and begin to form an opinion of value based on information that isn't exactly accurate, specifically relevant or in some cases, even true.

While it's good practice to understand the recent market activity surrounding a listing, the geographical demand and the larger economic picture, the price the current owners paid may or may not be relevant to the resale value in today's marketplace.

So let's begin by analyzing what is, what isn't and what may be relevant to a prospective purchase offer:

Seller/Buyer motivation is relevant - Understanding the reasons why the Seller or Buyer is moving sets the agenda.

Terms are relevant - How quickly would the Sellers like to close? How soon do the Buyers need to move? When can inspections take place? And are the Buyers preapproved through a reputable lender? Write a contract without ascertaining these answers and you are sure to be missing important key components.

Price and condition are relevant - Whether it's a dilapidated "fixer" or a pristine estate, the price must accurately reflect the condition of, and the demand for, the property. Grossly overpriced homes don't sell in any market while conversely, aggressively priced homes do! Ultimately, it is the market that determines the value of a home.

The previous purchase price isn't relevant (except in cases of a "short sale" - one where the outstanding loan is higher than the list price of the house. Sellers in these cases have very little room to move.)

What a Seller wants or needs isn't relevant - Buyers don't care about what you want or what you need, nor more than Sellers care about what Buyers can afford. Once again, it is the market that determines the value of a home.

Outstanding loans/liens may be relevant. Understanding how much money is owed on the note may give you valuable insight and inform your purchase offer. On the other hand, don't expect a "steal" just because the owner bought 40 years ago and now owns the house outright.

Days on Market (DOM) may be relevant -but only if the MLS is reporting them accurately. Agents have been known to manipulate the reported DOM by removing listings for a few weeks and then placing them back on so that they remain "fresh." When accurately reported, DOM may indeed signal a buying opportunity.

Finally, are Real Estate Websites relevant? - Tread carefully! "Zestimates" don't see the improvements an owner has made to a home or the number of offers the property down the street received in a recent sale. They don't personally visit a home so how can they accurately assess value?

More often than not, homes values on Internet sites are merely a matter of averages. Compare that to your personal home-shopping experience where many homes (especially those in competition) are far above average, while some are well below! Get caught up in this kind of faulty information, and you are sure to form opinions that work against a successful outcome.

When crafting an offer, I work to collect, organize and analyze as many facts as possible, but truth be told, decisions by Buyers and Sellers regarding Real Estate often have less to do with stats and more to do with feelings than anything else. While empirical evidence would make my job much easier, at the end of the day, there's a certain amount of leg work, gut instinct, subjective opinion and well-honed intuition that comes into play on every successful transaction.

That's when working with an experienced local Realtor pays off in spades! Find one and be open to his/her experience and you are sure to obtain a set of keys to your very own castle in the near future!

What's Coming?

I will be bringing a wonderful Spanish Mediterranean to the market in the next few weeks. This inviting 4bdrm/3bth home with potential au pair/guest suite down has a terrific Central Piedmont location on a shady tree-lined street and has recently undergone an extensive rear yard renovation.

Please join me for a special Piedmont Preview on Thursday evening, February 18 from 6-8pm with opens to the public on Sunday, February 15,and Sunday, February 22, 2-4:30pm. List price: $1,850,000. Please call me for more details.

What's Pending?

Here's a true Tale of Two Cities . . . while Liz Dickson's fabulous remodeled listing on El Cerrito Avenue jumped off the market in mere days, a much more modest 2bdrm/1.5 bth home on Oakland Avenue spent 120 days on market before attracting a willing and able buyer. Originally listed at $813,950 - it rode the market down, down, down, to $654,700 before doing so. (This illustrates my point above with respect to price and condition.)

Every house has a "tipping point," but finding it quickly, statistically has better results for Sellers. Setting a realistic list price may be the single most important component to a successful outcome!

What's Happening?

After last week's discussion of how critical banks have become with respect to Buyer's Fico Scores (above 740 to qualify for Jumbo Loan financing) one reader and good friend (we'll call him "A") wrote back to assert that his Fico score of 700 is still "good!" (Sorry "A," no offense. Please don't shoot the messenger!)

But he's right in one sense, because getting a loan is about so much more - including the home appraisal, the location, the down payment and the credit risk.

Which only emphasizes my point that before you begin to shop for a home purchase, it is indeed wise to put yourselves in the hands of an experienced loan broker or private banker to smooth the way and help cement the deal! www.lasallefinancial.com

(Here's a shout out to Patty Edmonds, my personal Wells Fargo Banker.)

What's Fun!

It's the Year of the Ox and as my neighbor and friend, Kevin informs me, "the year of the Ox signals a year of hard work."

Given the economy, it's only natural to dig in, pull up one's sleeves and work harder than ever, but as I pointed out to Kevin, "A year of hard work beats the alternative, which is a year of too little or worse yet, NO WORK. (Bring on the ox! I'm ready for it!)

San Francisco's China Town celebrates The Year of the Ox in all of its glory, this Saturday night, February 7 from 5:15 -8:00pm. Rated as one of the top ten parades in the nation, it is one of the few remaining night-illuminated parades and is the oldest in the country. Begun in 1860 this crowd-pleasing, fun event, celebrates the Chinese culture with singing children, floats, stilt walkers and a 201 foot long, Golden Dragon -"Gum Ling."

If you're up for large crowds, grab BART and view this exciting spectacle which begins at 2nd and Market Streets and winds it's way toward China Town! Best of all, it's FREE!

The Piedmont Plug!

Last week I wrote about the upcoming Beach Dad's Jazz Night and in an effort to avoid playing favorites, am now announcing the Wildwood Dad's Club Crab Feed this Saturday, February 7. Gates open at 6:00pm and everyone is welcome!

This fun, annual event, featuring fresh crab, no-host bar, lasagna, salad and great french bread, takes place this Saturday at the Piedmont Veteran's Hall in the center of town. (Clearly, the dads in this town, know how to have fun!)

Please join the Wildwood Community in this Funraiser!Tickets $40 in advance and $45 at the door! Childcare available at Haven's School Mates.

For more information or to secure your reservation, email Jeff Porter at jgport@pacbell.net or Jim Gardner (no relation) at jgardcon@sbcglobal.net.

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 email me atjgarnder@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.

I honor your privacy and requests to be deleted from the mailing list. Simply click on to the "opt out" link below if you are receiving this newsletter, but would prefer not to. On the other hand, if you'd like to pass it along, please do so!

Real Estate License #R01431765

Hitting the Mark! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 81, January 28, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:28:00 +0000

What's New?

"Surrender!" my younger son yelled, jumping from behind a doorway and aiming his automatic Nerf gun squarely at my chest while spongy orange foam darts rapidly filled the air. Avoiding his aim, I dove behind the couch, grabbed a second rifle and began to shoot back.

"Never!" I shouted, doing my utmost best to keep up with the obsessed tenacity and the energy of a 12-year old boy in battle. (I imagine this is a very different experience than the one my twin sister shares with her two girls.)

We spent the next twenty minutes running from room to room, shooting, reloading, and stealing each other's ammunition until exhausted and laughing, we called a momentary truce. When the Nerf war was finally over, most of the darts had landed helter skelter throughout the house but a few were velcroed squarely in my hair and in my back. Victory! Tristan's well-executed attack had hit the mark.

Helping today's Buyers find the right home is a lot like my son's Nerf battle. Most of the darts are going to land helter skelter, but with well placed aim, strong motivation, good preparation and a well-executed attack, you're eventually going to "hit the mark"- especially as winter gives way to spring and more and more buying opportunities emerge.

As they do, you will want to have a good plan in place (avoid the surprise approach my son often relies upon). Start by understanding the market, the price point you can afford, what you need and desire in a home and where you want to live. Once you have real clarity, the target becomes much easier to find and your darts will begin to land.

With a savvy Realtor, an effective mortgage broker and a reliable escrow team in place, victory should be close at hand!
What's Coming?

Anian Tunney's stunning Normandy Traditional listing at 57 Lincoln Avenue will be open this Sunday from 1:00 -3:00pm! (Please note the time change due to the Superbowl). This truly spectacular home with 4bdrms/5bths, chef's kitchen out to stone patio and terraced gardens is truly stunning. Price: $3,450,000.

The Wonderful Colonial at 1127 Winsor Avenue was sold just a few years back and has returned to the market with beautiful new kitchens and bathrooms and smart remodeling choices throughout. This extensively remodeled home features 5bdrms/3bths, professional grade kitchen, family room and au-pair/guest suite or home office with separate entrance! Conveniently located near all of the schools. Price: $1,850,000. Open Sunday.

I will be bringing an elegant Spanish Mediterranean to the market soon. This 4bdrm/3bth home with potential au pair/guest suite/media room down has a terrific Central Piedmont location on a tree-lined stree and has recently undergone an extensive rear yard renovation. Expect it to hit the market at the end of February! Please call me for more details. 510-339-0400/264

What's Pending?

The lovely and fully renovated home on El Cerrito is now pending after receiving more than one offer. With a home that special, was there ever a doubt? List price: $1,695,000.

What's Happening?

The return of affordable Jumbo Loans is a very welcome sign of positive change!

Roger Smith of LaSalle Financial Services reported today that loans as high as $2,000,000 are available to those with good credit scores (740 and above) and with strong down payments, for as little as 5.25% on a 5-year fixed/adjustable rate mortgage and at 5.5% on a 7-year fixed/adjustable rate mortgage!

This is great news for those of you buying or selling in the high-end market or for those of your who have been thinking about refinancing your current home.

For more information, contact any of the well qualified mortgage brokers at LaSalle Financial Services at 510-339-4300. www.lasallfinace.com

What's Fun!

Winter Music Night - Saturday February 7!

Those totally fun Beach School dads are at it again. If you missed last year's Winter Music Night, here's your chance to get in on the fun!

On February 7, The Beach Dad's Club will again be hosting their Winter Music Night featuring live music, food, and drinks served up by the Beach School dads! (It's always nice to see men at work!) This is an adults only evening - childcare will be available.

Tickets: $40 per person (beer and wine $5 each)
Location: Piedmont Community Hall
Time: 7:00 - 11:00pm
Music: Beach dad, Miles Perkins' band, Mingus Amungus
Food: Beach dad, Rob Lam's Butterfly Restaurant

Please email your reservation to: receipt@beachparents.org

The Piedmont Plug!

Faye Keogh of the Berkeley GRUBB Co. office reminds us to check in with Spare the Air before using our fireplaces.

Nothing's cozier than a nice warm hearth, but with so little rain, it's important to be cognizant of the health issues surrounding smoke-filled skies. You can quickly check the daily status by going online to www.sparetheair.org before building a fire.

Thank you Faye for this important and timely!

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 email to 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.

Coveted Real Estate - the Piedmont Perspective, Vol 80, January 21, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:40:00 +0000

What's New?

I typically steer clear of any political views in The Perspective, but having just watched Barack Obama take the oath of President of the United States, I should acknowledge that perhaps, the most highly coveted piece of property this week was anywhere along the parade route or in Capitol Mall in Washington D.C., where MILLIONS of heartfelt citizens vied for space and the opportunity to gather together to celebrate the change of leadership and to honor our first African American President - a fitting tribute, one day after The Martin Luther King Holiday and 46 years after Dr. King's, I have a Dream speech was immortalized in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.

I grew up in Sacramento in the mid 60's in a fully integrated school system and never gave much thought to color. My life and environment was, not simply dotted, but heavily saturated with diversity. As I matured and entered the workforce, my friends, classmates and colleagues have seamlessly represented every ethnic, religious and sexual orientation - much to my benefit and growth. However, it occurred to me while watching the Presidential inauguration, and the many memorable and moving faces within the crowds, that change which was once forcibly mandated by law, has now been voluntarily embraced by choice.

No where is that concept more evident than here in Oakland and Berkeley where blended families seem to be the rule rather than the exception. On any given Sunday Open, I meet people from every walk of life and they echo this sentiment in our discussions. Oakland/Berkeley/Piedmont proudly serve as home to a kaleidoscope of nationalities, experiences, and beliefs. Our unique community isn't a color-blind society - it's a color-RICH society. (Isn't it the differences in texture and colors that make a patchwork quilt truly vibrant?)

These are indeed historical times. Like the many participants and well wishers that came together this week to share a sense of purpose, I am looking forward to profound changes - not only in Washington D.C. - but throughout the entire county. With renewed hope, I anticipate and embrace remarkable and profound changes ahead for all of us.

Let me remind you that I will be donating 10% of my net proceeds to the charity of your choice after the close of escrow throughout 2009!

What's Coming?

I will be joining Anian Tunney at her Open House this Sunday for 57 Lincoln Avenue, near Crocker Park. This exceptional grand Normandy home features 5bdrms/5++bths, elegant living and dining rooms, stunning kitchen leading to inviting stone patio and beautiful tiered gardens, au pair/guest suite down and indoor/outdoor children's play area. This truly beautiful home in the heart of Piedmont is pitch perfect! Open Sunday, 2-4;30pm Price: $3,450,000. www.grubbco.com

Mindy Scott's Traditional listing at 139 Waldo Avenue sits on one of Piedmont's most coveted blocks, offering instant community and a fabulous central Piedmont location. Featuring 4+bdrms/3bths, elegant formal rooms and a charming, open kitchen; this classic home is priced at $1,995,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30pm. www.grubbco.com

Make time to see Liz Dickson's wonderful listing at 341 El Cerrito Avenue in Central Piedmont. Just steps from the Recreation Center, the Community Pool and the Piedmont Middle and High Schools, this charming and inviting home has been completely rebuilt from stem to stern and is turn-key ready! Featuring 3bdrms/2.5bths, study, large kitchen/family room, open floor plan, sun filled spaces and a view of Mount Tamalpais, this is a surprisingly spacious home that lives big! Thanks to local Piedmont contractor Frank Silver and his wife, Paula, this home's thoughtful renovation was truly a "labor of love." Price: $1,695,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30pm. www.grubbco.com

Bebe McRae brings 210 Stonewall in Berkeley back to the market the first week in February. This fabulous 30's Wurster Modern sold very quickly a year and a half ago and is now available once again. If you missed that opportunity, here is your chance to purchase this spectacular home in the Claremont Hills with Bay View!

In Piedmont, don't overlook: 450 Hampton Road for $1,295,000; 58 Crest Road - a spacious Mid-Century Modern for $2,038,000, 633 Moraga Avenue - a sophisticated renovation for $1,195,000, and 70 Somerset Road for $1,795,000! www.grubbco.com

What's Pending?

The open and inviting 4bdrm/3bth home at 126 Dracena Avenue came on the market and went pending in rapid succession. List price: $1,495,000.

What's Happening?

Dennis Duffy of A Very Nice Mortgage Company, set me straight last week when I mistakenly said that the conforming loan limit was $615,000.

"Julie - Thoroughly enjoy your Wednesday Piedmont Perspective; however, The Conforming Jumbo Loans in our area are capped at $625,500." (I knew that, but just wanted to make sure YOU were paying attention).

And Zach Griffin of LaSalle Finace confirmed Dennis' quick observation. Here's the breakdown:

Conforming: > $417,000
Conforming Jumbo: $417,001 - $625,500
Jumbo (aka: the Super Jumbo): < $625,500

Why work with a Mortgage Broker instead of a Private Banker? "The advantage of working with a Mortgage Broker," according to Dennis " is that a Mortgage Broker has the opportunity to shop for the best rates and most favorable terms from many lenders and has the ability to fit the applicant to the lender. In contrast, the Private Banker is an extremely limited banker relationship and the services provided depend on the overall size of the managed account. The larger the account size, the more services offered."

Thanks gentlemen, for keeping me on my toes! (Now I'm sure I'll hear from some private bankers on the topic.)

What's Fun!

It should surprise no one that I was a fairly diligent Girl Scout in my day. I loved the uniform and knee socks; the wide green sash brimming with hard-earned tributes my sewing badge had taught me to carefully applique.

Each year, come January, my sister and I went door to door selling Girl Scout cookies to our neighbors. To this day, I still have an insatiable affinity for the Thin Mints (who doesn't?) but now there are so many more flavors from which to choose including: Lemon Chalets, Trefoil Shortbreads, Do-si-dos, Samoas, Dulce De Leche, Sugar Free Chocolate Chip, Real Chocolate Chip, Tagalongs, and Thin Mints.

Haven's Elementary student, Sophie Hodess, wrote me to say she is taking orders for cookies on behalf of her troop. Presales are open until February 1. If you would like to place an order, please email her at 5at5@comcast.net.

Cookies are $4.00 a box and I have already ordered mine (thin mints of course). Please support your local Girl Scouts!

This year as with last, a percentage of the earnings will go to charity.

The Piedmont Plug!

Now that change is in the air, I'd actually like to see it coming my way. (My windows have been overdue for a professional cleaning since last spring!)
Typically, I'd wait until the rains had come and gone, but Ben, the owner of Squeeky Windows is currently offering a 30% discount on ALL window cleaning though January 31, 2009 (now that my windows are sparkling, rain should be imminent).

You can secure your spot today by calling Squeeky Windows at 510-531-8138, but hurry! This discount only applies to work performed during the month of January.

While the crew of Squeeky Windows is at your home, you may want to ask them to clear your gutters as well. Before the next big storm develops, now is the time to maintain the performance of your roof, drains, and gutters!

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 email me at 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.

"Finding The Right Boot!" The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 79, January 15, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:47:00 +0000

What's New?

My toes were frozen, my feet were numb and the pain shooting through my thighs was sheer torture. We've sent men to the moon, but can't engineer a ski boot that fits comfortably (or create a "Fast Track" lane that's actually fast - but that's another rift)! I'd only been on the ski slopes for a few short hours, but by mid-morning, I knew I was done. Big bruises were already forming on my shins and my right calf was so tender, I wondered if I could make it down the mountain without ski patrol coming to my rescue.

Slowly and painfully hobbling into the lodge, I vowed once again to take up snowboarding, if only to avoid those damned hard-shelled boots. Silently cursing my bony feet, the sub zero temperature and the manufacturers of ski boots the world over, I realized I'd have to return the boots as soon as we flew home. In the meantime, it was back to rentals.

"We'll figure this out together," Tom, the owner and proprietor of Montclair Sports, assured me when I unexpectedly showed up, purchase in hand. "I want to make sure that whatever boot you own, it 'fits you like a glove,' but more importantly, I want you to be happy. Don't worry, we'll find the boot that fits your feet."

What Tom intuitively brought to the process was a heightened awareness and a keen sense of responsibility to 'get it right.' As a result, I felt incredibly secure in his hands and I trusted his advice and his recommendations.

Like Tom, helping my clients find the 'right boot' and understanding their particular journey and their reasons for selling or for purchasing a home, is essential to the success of our relationship and to its outcome. I've yet to work with the Buyer who walked into the first home he or she saw and said, "Close enough. This one will do. Would you prefer cash and how soon can I move in?"

I have; however, worked with Buyers who specifically bought a house for their kids, for the schools, for a new job, for a home-based profession, for a hobby, for a garage, for a view, for its potential, for its value, for its location, for the weather, for a grand piano, for an art collection, for retirement, for an aging parent, for a new baby, for a returning college graduate, for an au pair, for a gazebo, for a yard, or for a cherished pet (the adjoining neighbor was the dog's sitter).

Choosey? You bet and with good reason. A home is more than a simple investment - it's where you live your life! Whatever the compelling reason for purchasing or selling a home, the motivation is uniquely yours and it's always the right choice. You may have one reason or you may have many. Either way, my job is to help you clarify and achieve those goals to the best of my ability. Listening to your concerns - without judgement - is part of the process. Assuring your sense of comfort and understanding my responsibility to 'get it right' is as important to me as it is to you. I look forward to working with you.

And thanks Tom, for service above and beyond. I'll never shop for sporting goods anywhere else but Montclair Sports.

Now can you fix the Fast Track lanes on the Bay Bridge?

What's Coming?

Anian Tunney has just listed 57 Lincoln Avenue, near Crocker Park. This exceptional Normandy-styled home features 5bdrms/5++bths, elegant living and dining rooms, stunning kitchen leading to inviting stone patio and beautiful tiered gardens, au pair/guest suite down and indoor/outdoor children's play area. This truly beautiful home in the heart of Piedmont is pitch perfect! Shown by appointment only! Price: $3,450,000 www.grubbco.com

Mindy Scott's Traditional listing at 139 Waldo Avenue sits on one of Piedmont's most coveted blocks, offering instant community and a fabulous central Piedmont location. Featuring 4+bdrms/3bths, elegant formal rooms and a charming, open kitchen; this classic home is priced at $1,995,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30pm. www.grubbco.com

Don't miss Liz Dickson's wonderful new listing at 341 El Cerrito Avenue in Central Piedmont. Just steps from the Recreation Center, the Community Pool and the Piedmont Middle and High Schools, this charming and inviting home has been completely rebuilt from stem to stern and is turn-key ready! Featuring 3bdrms/2.5bths, study, large kitchen/family room, open floor plan, sun filled spaces and a view of Mount Tamalpais, this is a surprisingly spacious home that lives big! Thanks to local Piedmont contractor Frank Silver and his wife, Paula,this home's thoughtful renovation was truly a "labor of love"!
Price: $1,695,000. Open Sunday 2-4:30pm. www.grubbco.com

(Good news! The Silvers work on other people's projects as well! Franks and Paula can be reached at: www.fmsprojectsinc.com )

What's Pending?

Debra Dryden's beautiful and magnificent listing on Monte Avenue never officially made it to the open market before receiving two hotly contested offers, putting it into "pending" status immediately. This is a prime example of qualified buyers recognizing value in this marketplace and acting on their good instincts.

Good homes will always find ready, willing and able buyers!

Don't forget these good values still waiting to find their buyers and open to your offer: 633 Moraga Avenue - $1,195,000, 450 Hampton Road - $1, 295,000, 58 Crest Road - $2,038,888, 125 Estates Drive - $1,349,000 and 204 Hillside Avenue - $1,900,000.

What's Happening?

The availability of Jumbo Loans (those loans over the current conforming loan limit of $625,500) are returning to the marketplace and that's good news for those of us living in higher end markets such as Piedmont, Crocker Highlands, Rockridge, Montclair, Claremont and Berkeley and those of you wishing to buy. (As an aside, these higher-end neighborhoods have remained relatively stable in the face of softening values in many surrounding areas.)

While I often recommend working with an experienced mortgage broker to secure a loan, these newer Jumbo Loans are more likely to originate through private banking via Bank of America, Wells Fargo and First Republic Bank. It may be well worth a phone call to your local banker to see if you qualify for these higher purchase or home equity loans!

What's Fun!

Maybe it's just me, but I'm thrilled when the kids go back to school and I can resume my schedule which includes walking with friends, my husband, or our black Labrador, Buck. It isn't fancy, but it's fun connecting with others and getting a bit of exercise along the way.

This morning, my friends and I took our dogs and walked the Lafayette Reservoir. Last night, it was the hills of Piedmont and on Sunday, the trails above Skyline Boulevard. With days (and evenings) as warm as these, there's no good excuse not to take advantage of our stunning scenery.

The Piedmont Plug!

Having sung the praises of Tom Revelli of Montclair Sports above, it's only fair to give credit where credit is due. Montclair Sports offers both purchases and rentals of ski and snowboarding equipment, but it is also clear, they offer much more than the latest merchandise of every kind-they offer personal service!

In a world of corporate mega stores that have no accountability and whose employees have no experience with the product they sell, it's comforting to know that Tom stands behind his products, his staff and his store. Montclair Sports is a full service sporting good store, located at 1970 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94611 and is open seven days a week! 510-339-9313 or montclairsports@sbcglobal.net.

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 email me at 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.

The Piedmont Perspective, A Return to Optimism, January 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:05:00 +0000

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.