I hope your Memorial Weekend was well spent.  I spent mine in Citrus Heights at a baseball tournament with my husband and younger son, watching my son's tournament team get soundly beaten on Saturday.  Still, the tenacity of those young ball players and their faith in each other is inspiring and ultimately, the real lesson any team sport teaches us.    

Real Estate is also a team sport in many respects and it too requires faith and tenacity. 

I took a listing this week that has been on the market here in Piedmont for several months, but because I was able to rely on a strong "in-house" team of professionals, the home and its marketing were completely reinvigorated in the space of one week: www.324seaview.com.  When the challenge is to bring buyers back, it's not just about getting it done, but getting it done with finesse!  
To that end, please join me this Thursday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM for a "special viewing" of my newest listing at 324 Sea View Avenue. This Romantic Mediterranean Retreat, features a tiled courtyard entry with French doors, grand formal living and dining rooms with beamed ceilings, modern kitchen, handsome library, 3bdrms/3.5 bths and gardens of blooming roses, lavender and Japanese Maples.   For more, go to www.324seaview.com    Catering: Food Art
Acoustical Guitar: Dylan DiMartini
Staging: Studio D
Guest Architect: Ahmad Mohazab of Tecta Associates.      
​Come and enjoy this truly special home.  Even if you have seen it before, you are going to want to see it again and feel free to bring along a friend!

I am always thrilled when I hear from readers, but equally gratified when other REALTORS contact me who often send thoughtful ideas and insights my way (Realtors work best when we work collaboratively).  This week I am teaming up with Linda Granger of Chase International in Tahoe.  With Memorial Weekend just ahead of us, many of you may be setting your sights on the Tahoe marketplace.  For those of you who thought that Tahoe/Truckee would never be in your future or who are interested in "moving up," read on - it may be closer than you think! Here's what Linda has to say about the Tahoe/Truckee market . . .

One quick observation before I turn over this week's Perspective.  Piedmont had some fantastic pending sales this week, including the estate on Lincoln Avenue, listed at $7,800,000 and the wonderful Traditional on Oakmont Drive, listed for $1,550,000.  Both of these properties went pending in quick time and with spectacular results - as did 17 Pacific Avenue - just this afternoon.  (Smaller homes are finding great demand as well.)   

This signals a return of confidence to the marketplace.  Take note, this is my prediction of a Late Spring Market playing out. Good, well-priced homes sell!  Piedmont is in high demand today. (Please take note of my new listing on 324 Sea View Avenue at the bottom of this week's e-letter!)  

​Now back to Linda . . .  As a Tahoe/Truckee REALTOR who often works with buyers purchasing vacation/investment homes, one of the questions that I inevitably get asked is, "What are the tax benefits of owning a second home?"  This leads me to believe that not everyone is aware of the difference in tax advantages between a primary home and an investment property or a second home. I have created a simple chart  that spells out the advantages in easy to read format.  (Please contact me for a copy at lgranger@chaseinternational.com .)  As you will see, there are many ways in which the tax laws favor investment in real property and that's fabulous news!

 Remember, there are always limitations and exceptions, so a prudent investor will consult with a tax professional. 

So you have sold your large and lovely Piedmont home and are excitedly anticipating the next chapter of your life.  Look no further than Tricia Swift's exceptional penthouse condominium listing at 565 Bellevue, #2507 on Lake Merritt. Offered at $1,399,000, this penthouse suite is an elegant retreat with three bedrooms, three full baths, sweeping views, gorgeous details, and luxury building amenities (24-hour doorman, pool, athletic club, and more). After the ongoing responsibility and upkeep of an older property, the ease and elegance of luxury, security, convenience, and maintenance-free living offers real freedom.  To see more: www.Grubbco.com

Mindy Scott has brought to the market a Handsome English Tudor located at 130 Sandringham Road.  This home, which has recently undergone extensive renovations, is sited on a commanding upslope parcel in Piedmont. The house is surrounded by classic English gardens including stone terraces, flowering beds and open lawns with beautiful vistas of the hills and bay beyond.  There are 4bdrms/3bths, a new kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, spectacular formal living and dining rooms, a grand circular staircase, leaded glass windows and wonderful period detailing throughout. This architectural masterpiece is fully equipped for modern living and easy convenience, yet retains all of its original integrity and charm. Open this Sunday, 2-4:30.

A 3bdrm/3bth 1950 Colonial has come to market at 140 Somerset Road which features a lovely courtyard entry, library with built-in bookcases, lower level family room with adjoining au pair, rear decks and patios for pleasant outdoor entertaining and sweeping bay and San Francisco views. Price: $1,450,000.  Open Sunday 2-4:30.

Last week I spoke about Matt Heafey and Bebe McRae's co-listing at 17 Pacific Avenue. This Classic Brown-Shingle is the home every buyer covets and as predicted, is attracting rave reviews and well-deserved attention.  Offering 4bdrms/2bths including master suite with sitting area, formal living and dining room with box-beamed ceiling, true chef's kitchen, spacious family room, two-car garage and delightful sunny garden in the heart of Piedmont, this meticulous residence is truly the house you have been waiting for!  Open this Sunday from 2-4:30. www.17pacific.com   Last, but not least, Dana Cohen represents a fantastic and spacious level-entry Renovated Tudor at 9o Oakmont Avenue, featuring 4bdrms/3bths, master suite, TWO family rooms, and easy convenient location near Wildwood and Piedmont High Schools.   Price: $1,550,000.  Open this Sunday 2-4:30. www.95oakmont.com

Piedmont has 26 active listings this week, offering buyers everything from a sleek and sophisticated home on Moraga Avenue, offered at $899,000 to an Elegant and Grand Estate on Lincoln Avenue, listed for $7,800,000. Speaking to her range and years of experience, Anian Tunney represents both ends of this spectrum (and several in between).

So let's begin with the Beautiful Traditional listing on Lincoln Avenue, which represents luxury at its very finest.  This 4-story grand residence might just as easily sit alongside the mansions in Presidio Heights in San Francisco, but chances are it wouldn't offer the extraordinary all-level garden, with clematis-covered arches and formal lawn just outside the elegant dining room.  With 6++bdrms/5++ bths, formal living and dining room, chef's kitchen, family room, finished attic, sauna, wine cellar and more, it wants for nothing.  Shown by appointment only.

Dramatically different, but dramatic just the same, is the uniquely stylish 5bdrm/4bth Contemporary at 12 Littlewood. With a sunny open floor plan, inviting living, dining and family rooms, stunning built-in lap pool and fabulous and private woodland/garden setting on more than ½ acre, this property has already sparked huge interest and has offers ready to be presented.  With demand like that, it's bound to go quickly so don't wait (see "What's Pending?").

If  "immaculate" and "turn-key" define your search criteria, look no further than 32 Arbor Drive. This renovated, refurbished, resplendent Mediterranean  (all the "re"asons you're looking to buy) is sheer perfection in its every detail. Featuring 3bdrms/3bths, library, media room, professional kitchen, and easy location, this stunning homes has it all. If you had almost given up the idea of owning in Piedmont, now is the time to "re"connect.