The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 56, Avoiding the Sand Traps! July 2, 2008
What’s New?
Piedmont currently has 24 active listings. While the beginning of the year saw a build-up in inventory as buyers waited out the market, Piedmont activity has now settled into a more consistent rhythm of listing to pending sales. Buyers continue to be attracted to our wonderful community and that’s great news!
Still, strategic pricing has never been more important. Price your home sharply and the market WILL carry it where it should go. Price your home too high and you are likely to be penalized as you chase the market downward. If it is underselling you are worried about – avoid overpricing! This is where the real danger of selling a home “under value” truly lies.
While we are speaking of well-priced properties, Anian Tunney brings to market a terrific opportunity at 310 Highland Avenue. This 3bdrm/2bth home in the center of town is ready for your vision and is close to schools, the park and Mulberry Market. If “fixers” are high on your wish list, this house is definitely worth your consideration.
Continuing on the theme of “fixers,” the new listing on Howard Avenue offers 3+bdrms/1+bth, sunny breakfast room, lower level plus rooms and original architectural details. At $775,000, this home is currently the least expensive listing in Piedmont.
(Although the home on Howard Avenue represents the least expensive property in Piedmont, the best “value” is Carol Brown’s listing at 21 Park Way. Do the math. Across from Dracena Park and centrally located, this home may offer the best upside potential of them all. )
What’s Coming?
I will be holding 324 Sea View Avenue open AFTER the parade on Friday, July 4 from 1-3 PM. For those of you with out-of-town guests, or for those who have yet to see it, please stop by. This Romantic Mediterranean is truly special. www.324seaview.com Come on by for a 4th of July rootbeer float!
Anian Tunney has listed 80 Wildwood Gardens. This sleek and sophisticated “buy down” house is filled with nice surprises and great light. With an inviting open floor plan and a lovely courtyard setting, this 2bdrm/2bth mid-century classic might be ideal for those of you whose kids have headed off to college and are looking to downsize, but wish to retain Piedmont living!
Finally, on the Piedmont Side of Montclair, there is an absolutely wonderful retreat home that has just hit the market, but shouldn’t last long. Featuring 4bdrms/2+bths, this recently remodeled 1956 beauty on Bruns Court offers fabulous chef’s kitchen with great room, formal living room, large foyer, courtyard entry, and nearly level lot with lawn and brick patios. Ideally situated close to Montclair Village, this stunning home blends traditional architecture with modern convenience and features close proximity to the village with rare privacy. Shown by appointment only.
Please give me a call if you would like to see it.
What’s Happening?
On Sunday, my husband, Cliff, and I unexpectedly found ourselves with no kids and no commitments (unusual for a Realtor, or a mom, on a Sunday afternoon). With free time on our hands, Cliff suggested we make our way over to the Montclair Golf Course and enjoy the rare time together. I had never actually golfed on a real course before, but having honed my technique on putt-putt courses (I don’t like to brag, but I can frequently get the ball through the windmill on the first try) I was sure my skills would easily transfer – WRONG!
I sliced, I hooked, I shanked, I skulled, I mulliganed, and when all else failed, whiffed the ball completely – and that was just on the driving range . . However, it was all worth it when the driver I had borrowed, connected beautifully and at long last, I hit one straight and true and then another and another (That’s three total for anyone who’s counting – clearly, I’m a specialist).
Unfortunaltely, my success was shortlived. Once we attempted the nine hole, par-three chipping course, I required at least four shots to every one that Cliff playe(that’s twelve for anyone who’s counting) and spent more time digging my balls out of the bushes than executing anything that majestically sailed aloft, before landing anywhere near the flag – or even on the green.
Frustrating? Just a bit.
Fun? Absolutely!
Sometimes, Real Estate feels a little like my golf game, I can spend a lot of time beating the bushes, but when everything comes together, it’s like hitting a great drive . . .
Fun? Absolutely!
For you, hitting the ‘great drive’ will be vastly improved by working with a seasoned professional. Just as a good golf pro is sure to improve my golf game, a qualified REALTOR will help you avoid the sand traps along the way. You will want someone with ‘eagle’ eyes, who plays the ‘fair way’ and knows how to ‘read the green.‘ Knowing the market and all of the players is just ‘par for the course . . .’
I look forward to working with you.
What’s Fun!
I am a huge fan of Pixar and was looking forward to seeing WALL-E; the latest animated film by the Emeryville studio, involving an empathetic robot left behind on Earth to clean up after mankind. In fact, my family was so excited that we bought tickets early and went on opening night.
As with all Pixar films, it was really wonderful and entertaining, but it was also surprisingly poignant and profound (I won’t give it away). Suffice it to say that it’s a toss up as to which of us enjoyed it most. The whole family loved it and you will too! Kudos to Piedmont’s own Pete Doctor for co-creating this magical heartfelt story.
Living here in Piedmont, many of us cross paths with several of the talented professionals behind the making of these instant animated classics which makes us incredibly fortunate. Aside from experiencing these films on a more personal level, we can also thank the employess of Pixar for the many tours and special events they donate to our local causes and charities year after year which also, makes us incredibly fortunate!
WALL-E is playing just about everywhere, but we saw it at the Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland - one of the last independent movie theatres left. The organist played beforehand and there was not a commercial to be seen. Great entertainment followed by great entertainment. Now that’s the way to see a movie – and don’t be late. The short film beforehand is fabulously fun as well!
The Piedmont Plug!
The Montclair Golf Course is open every day from 9:30 AM until sundown. (The driving range is open until 10:00 PM.) This nine-hole “pitch and putt” course requires no reservations. First come, first served. Currently undergoing major renovations, the clubhouse and pro shop are much improved, but the facility has retained its authentic atmosphere. Enjoy an inexpensive burger and a beer and grab a bucket of balls for you and your kids. Start ‘em early. It may be too late for me!
The Montclair Golf Course is at 2477 Monterey Boulevard in Oakland. (510) 482-0422
Happy F
ourth of July! See you at the parade.