A Tale of Two Markets
What’s New?
With only five homes currently for sale in Piedmont (ranging from a low of $945,ooo to a high of $2,895,000) let’s take this time to explore some wonderful listings that truly deserve your attention in nearby communities here in Oakland . . .
Before I leave our neighborhood, I should mention Piedmont’s newest listing – at $2,895,000. It is a grand and stately 5bdrm/3bth Traditional on Mountain Avenue, offering a coveted central location, bay views, and room to spare on three finished levels! Open this Sunday from 2-4:30. If you would like to see this beautiful home sooner, please give me a call.
On the Piedmont side of Montclair is Anian Tunney’s stylish Mid-Century Contemporary listing, offering all-level living featuring 3 bdrms/2 bths and a sunny open floor plan on Harbord Drive. Only a hop, skip and a jump, from Montclair village, this beautifully renovated home is light, bright and very special. Don’t miss this rare Piedmont side of Montclair property. For more information or a photo tour, go to www.Grubbco.com.
Whether you are buying up or buying down, or entering the market for the very first time, if College Avenue factors heavily into your plans, consider Karen Starr’s meticulous and stunning Bungalow listing on Belgrave Avenue in the heart of Rockridge. Renovated from top to bottom, it features 3 bdrms/2bths, chef’s kitchen, formal dining and living rooms, plus spaces, skylights, and designer finishes throughout. (This is not your grandmother’s bungalow!) The well-designed layout is hip, urbane, stylish and above all, thoughtful in every detail. If easy access to fabulous restaurants, shops and BART are part of your “wish list,” make sure you see this special home. For more information or a photo tour, go to www.Grubbco.com.
What’s Coming?
As if Karen wasn’t busy enough, she brings another “showstopper” to market this Sunday – a truly Magical Mediterranean in Crocker Highlands on an oversized, level, corner property with inviting lawn and garden.
Beautifully remodeled and restored, this home features 3 bdrms/2.5 bths, two sunny plus rooms, and a lovely master suite. It showcases a gracious step-down living room with original carved, craftsman fireplace, beamed ceiling, and beautifully refurbished, original, hardwood floors, as well as formal dining room, chef’s kitchen with cozy adjoining breakfast room, large media/family room on lower level, and garage parking for three cars! This one has it all.
First open house, Sunday, January 20th. Price: $1,250,000 (Please call me for location and a private viewing.)
The wonderful thing about writing The Perspective is the “inside” information I often receive from my colleagues at other firms. Last week, I received just such an email alerting me to a “Coming Soon” (an e-lert!) that really looks quite special and is sure to get much attention. It is an absolutely wonderful Traditional on Scenic Avenue, featuring 4drms/2bths (including master) sought-after central Piedmont location, pretty and spacious living and dining rooms, remodeled kitchen with Wolf Range and a small adjacent family room. Level out to patio. Price $1,550,000. Open Saturday and Sunday. Have I caught your attention yet? I hope so.
What’s Pending?
The 2008 market is off to a fantastic start with a very quick sale in the heart of Piedmont. This pretty 4 bdrm/3 bath Traditional went pending without a single Sunday Open and with multiple offers, proving once again that demand remains high in Piedmont and that well-priced homes continue to attract willing and well-qualified buyers. If this quick sale is any indication of what we might expect in 2008 in our marketplace, we are off and running!
What’s Happening Now?
This really is the Tale of two markets. Right before the break, I wrote that 324 Sea View Avenue had found a buyer; however, it quickly returned to the market and is still very much available. Don’t assume that a property is inherently flawed just because it fell out of escrow or has been on the market longer than expected. Often, it is the buyer who questions his/her decision and changes his/her mind during the course of inspections, or the original list price did not reflect the market’s demand at that time. Neither scenario is uncommon, so if you were considering Sea View before the holidays, you may want to take another look!
And while you are there, check out the listing across the street which has experienced a price reduction!
Contact me if you would like to review the homes that did not sell in 2007. These homes are often excellent opportunities for the savvy buyer!
What’s Fun!
This is an early reminder to please mark your calendars for Chase the Blues benefiting the Emergency and Trauma Services at Children’s Hospital & Research, Oakland. This year’s event falls on May 3, 2008 and is once again, hosted at the Nady residence on Glen Alpine. If you have never been to this stellar event, you are missing out on a truly fun-filled evening of music and dance in a very lively and informal venue. I am proud to be a part of the committee that chairs this event once again and prouder still that The GRUBB Co. is one of this year’s main underwriters (thank you DJ). Please join us! You’ll be thrilled you did. If you would like more information, go to www.chasetheblues.com.
Chase the Blues is always recruiting new volunteers. We invite any and all newcomers to become involved!
Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information about me.