Utilizing Your Agent’s Skills to Get Ahead of the Game! The Piedmont Perspective, Volume 61, August 6, 2008

What’s New?

Working at an Open House in the Upper Oakmore last Sunday, I was struck by the number of parties that came through the home with NO designated agent in place.

The Internet has made it so easy for buyers to search the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that for many of you, it seems more natural and much easier to shop on your own . . .

However for most of us, our home represents our single largest investment. Add to that, the potential liability that surrounds every home sale and you have a complicated transaction at best. Given the potential risk involved, doesn’t it make more sense to research and select your representative up front?

Yet with real estate, buyers often embark on the process alone, pulling in a REALTOR as an afterthought – once the property has been identified.

My point is this: Would you walk into the hospital and let the on-call doctor perform life-saving surgery without so much as a consultation? (I didn’t think so.)

The earlier one connects with a qualified broker, the better. Aligning yourself with an experienced REALTOR to oversee the entire transaction from beginning to end makes good sense (and good cents) with so much at stake.

From mortgage brokers, to lenders, to escrow officers, to title companies to insurance brokers, to home inspectors (the list goes on and on . . .) a successful outcome requires thoughtful and directed collaboration.

Since you will ultimately require a REALTOR to get into contract, aligning yourself with a seasoned professional from the get-go, makes for a more symbiotic relationship; a relationship that is far more satisfying and successful when it begins early in the process!

Utilize your agent’s skill set early on and you will be ahead of the game!

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the next few years – or have a friend who is considering a move – please feel free to give me a call.

What’s Coming?

Bebe McRae’s newest listing at 5329 Broadway in Oakland offers three floors of chic and sophisticated living. Featuring 3bdrms/2bths- including large master suite, chefs kitchen, inviting open floor plan, designer finishes, fabulous garden and wonderful views, this stunning home is located just steps from College Avenue and BART. This transformed Craftsman Bungalow offers much more than the eye can see. This is not a drive by. Stop in and see all this dramatic home has to offer. You will be amazed at the drama of this beautiful property. www.5329Broadway.com Open Sunday 2-4:30

Debra Dryden’s listing at 45 Monticello Avenue is attracting rave reviews with good reason. This updated Traditional features 3bdrms/2.5bths, gated front courtyard, spacious foyer large enough for a baby grand piano, formal living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen, professionally landscaped garden, 4-car garage (!) and beautiful windows that highlight the natural light and partial Bay views. Run, don’t walk to see this wonderful home on a level street with an active monthly dinner club (now that’s community at its finest!). This tastefully elegant home shouldn’t last long. www.45monticello.com Open Sunday 2-4:30

300 Wildwood Avenue has been listed and offers a great Wildwood school location, 3bdrms/1bth, and bonus room downstairs. At $1,275,000, this charming home presents as an affordable value.

What’s Pending?

The Piedmont/Rockridge/Montclair/Berkeley markets continue to remain strong but results are specific house to house. Finding a pattern is almost impossible as to what sells for over asking and why. Several wonderful homes have sold quickly, with multiple offers, while other terrific opportunities struggle to find their place in the market. There seems to be very little rhyme or reason, except the “perceived value” of a home – a concept I return to again and again.

Once your home is perceived as overpriced, it is very difficult to overcome the mind set of today’s buyers who are hunting for a good value.

Set your price realistically and qualified buyers will flock to it!

What’s Happening?

Good agents provide a host of services to their clients:

This week I consulted with buyers on design choices for a potential remodel, wrote a letter with respect to the value of an inherited home for a probate evaluation, showed property for a long-term lease requirement, held a home open for a colleague, wrote up a counter-offer on a current listing, provided comparable sales for an impending appraisal and refi, referred a qualified contractor and met with several inspectors for a home that went into contract last week.

Savvy clients understand how to utilize their agent’s skills!

How can I help you?

What’s Fun!

I had a birthday last month (48 for anyone who’s counting which really means I am only 35!) and when my husband asked me what how I would like to celebrate, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

“TEATRO ZINZANNI, ” I replied. I’d like to see Teatro Zinzanni. I had never been and having had a brief circus career while working at Great America in my younger days (that’s another story altogether) I am still amazed at the artistry and the skill circus acts require. Teatro Zinzanni was good old-fashioned fun!

Combining live theatre, opera, vaudeville and circus artistry in an elegantly appointed tent, this always sold-out show involved a fair amount of audience and wait staff participation and proved absolutely delightful – Beach Blanket Babylon meets Cirque du Soleil. Everyone had a rip-roaring time. I highly recommend it.

Slightly bawdy and full of double entendres, it makes for an ideal evening with adult friends. Even if you have already had the pleasure, the show changes every four months, so perhaps it’s time to return? www.zinzanni.org For reservations, call415-438-2668.

The Piedmont Plug!

Mary Merrick has recently left The GRUBB Co. and is using her vast experience and knowledge to branch off into estate liquidation and e-bay sales(what a great and timely idea!). Her new endeavor: Metropolitan Estate Sales is sure to be in high demand given the care and creativity Mary brings to every project.

Mary’s services encompass a broad range of needs, from managing the sale and disposition of complete households, to locating the best buyer for a few treasures. She has comprehensive knowledge and experience in the evaluation of personal property of all kinds.

Don’t have an entire estate to liquidate – just a few items?

Metropolitan Estate Sales can do that too!

Please call Mary if you have a need to downsize, sell, or donate and she will happily meet with you at no cost, to see if she can help. Mary can be reached at
510-839-4006. To learn more about all of her services, visit her website at www.metestatesales.com

See you next week!

For more info
rmation 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.