October 2017 Central County Homes

OCTOBER

2017

DELIVERED TO 80,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

PHOTO BY SUSANWOODPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthly publication of Community Focus, the Concord Pioneer and Clayton Pioneer

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

Celebrity Homes When Enough Isn’t Enough

BY LYNNE FRENCH, WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE

The priciest house for sale in the U.S. is a spec house. In real estate lingo that means the developer designs and builds a home without a buyer lined up. Bruce Makowsky of Bam Luxury Development is the builder. The 60-year old lives in a 27,000 square foot Beverly Park mansion once leased by the late pop icon Prince and made his fortune selling handbags on QVC before turning to real estate six years ago. He’s built nine homes so far and furnishes them to reflect his own extravagant travels, interests, and tastes. “I live the life,” he said.

The estate is listed for $250 million. That is a quarter of a billion dollars.

The home’s 38,000 square feet spread across four floors, 12 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, three kitchens, a 40-seat movie theater, infinity pool with a swimup bar, and 270-degree hilltop view from downtown to the ocean.

Makowsky led a group through the Bel Air mansion, proudly showcasing the property’s lavish, whimsical elements, including a bedazzled sofa-sized camera sculpture and a $500,000 set of moving Seven Dwarfs images while Beyoncé’s concert footage blasted on screens throughout the house.

The handbag tycoon said his vision for the property, which took four years and 250 workers to build, came from boats. Billionaires, he realized, spend eight weeks of the year on their hundred million dollar yachts, “but then they only live in a $30 million dollar home.” That discrepancy, he reasoned, didn’t make sense, so he created a home with finishes and furnishings reminiscent

of a mega yacht, with a matching price to boot. Nautical themes are present, as are motifs that reflect Makowsky’s love of collectable cars, guns, and guitars.

For prospective buyers who might not share his taste for furniture, cars, and helicopters, he’s willing to negotiate. It’s about selling a glamorous lifestyle as much as the property. Average homebuyers might be able to get the fridge thrown in with the sale; the Bel-Air home is fully furnished and comes with a $30 million fleet of exotic cars and motorcycles parked in the foyer, including a custom Rolls Royce, a Bugatti, and a vintage Allard. The four-lane bowling alley has shoes in every size, and a candy room is filled with towering cylinders of sweets. Two wine cellars are stocked with hundreds of bottles of Champagne and wine. There are custom-built glass ping-pong and billiard tables and 130 artworks collected from around the world.

There are more status symbols. A helicopter is parked on the roof— craned in because the house doesn’t have a permit for landings and takeoffs.

A Hobie Cat Sailboat sits on a deck, ready for imaginary voyages. Stuck in the crocodile-embossed elevator? The house comes with seven full-time employees, who live in a separate wing.

Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates, CalBRE #01122025. Contact her at (925) 672-8787, Lynne@ LynneFrench.com, or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.

2611 Morgan Terr. Rd., Clayton Morgan Territory Unobstructed views Asking price of Mount Diablo from this 4 BR, 3 BA $1,195,000 country home set on 1.32 acres in rural Morgan Territory. Completely remodeled throughout. 3,300 sq. ft with bonus room , gourmet kitchen with Wolf stove, griddle and grill and sub-zero refrigerator and wine fridge. Sparkling pool, basketball sports court and room for horses with direct access to Mt. Diablo State Park. City water.

Virtual tour and pictures at www.2611MorganTerritoryRd.com

Kelly McDougall CalBRE 01156462

(925) 787-0448 KMcDougall@windermere.com

Bam Luxury Development’s $250 million, 38,000 sq. ft., Bel Air spec house.

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

Prince’s Estate Lack of a Will Could Mean Chaos

BY JEFFREY HALL, ESQ.

The famed recording artist Prince died leaving an unknown fortune and possibly no will or estate plan to dictate what to do with that fortune.

Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, told the probate court in the Minnesota county where Prince lived that her brother did not have a will, which means his estate could be in court for years and exhaust millions of dollars in court fees and unnecessary taxes. Ms. Nelson filed an emergency order for the appointment of a special administrator to protect Prince’s assets, even as those assets are swelling.

Prince owned several properties at his death as well as the rights to hundreds of songs; estimates put his estate’s value at between $100 million and $300 million. It is possible a will may still be found, but under state law, if there is no estate plan in place, Prince’s six siblings – one sister and five halfsiblings -- will share his estate. In Minnesota, half-siblings and full siblings are treated equally when it comes to inheritance.

Ironically, for someone who was known for his privacy, Prince died intestate -- without a will – which means that his estate will be open to public scrutiny. In addition, if everything passes through probate, his estate will likely face a large estate tax bill that might have been at least partially avoided.

Moreover, his estate may not be distributed as he may have wished.

For example, Prince was a devout Jehovah’s Witness. If he wanted to leave anything to the church or another charity, those distributions will not be made without a written estate plan. In the absence of clear instructions, there are likely to be lawsuits over the distribution and administration of his estate.

Prince also left a number of unreleased songs that he may not have wanted made public, but without other guidance, those songs along with his entire music catalog will now be under the control of the estate administrator.

You don’t have to be worth millions to learn a lesson from Prince’s apparent mistake. The only way to ensure that your assets get distributed the way you want is to create an estate plan. Not having an estate plan can similarly cost your heirs time and money in unwanted court battles and fees.

Contact your attorney to make sure your estate plan is in place and up to date.

“Prince was a major star and a cultural influencer, but he was a human being,” Kenneth J. Abdo, an entertainment lawyer in Minneapolis, told the New York Times. “It comes down to taking care of business. If you don’t take care of it, you’re leaving a mess to the family or the courts.”

For more information about estate planning, call Jeffrey Hall, Esq. at 925-230-9002 for a free 30-minute phone consultation or visit his website at HallLawGroup.com.

Eagle Peak Luxury Home 458 Obsidian Way, Clayton

Outstanding 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 2981 sq.ft. on .35 acre lot set back on an attractive parcel in Clayton's desirable Oakhurst Country Club. Mature landscaping with private fenced courtyard and appealing views to the valley below. Spacious, open floor plan with natural light. Updated large kitchen, island, and wet bar with granite counters and crisp white cabinets. Plantation shutters, higher ceilings throughout and impressive tiered staircase. Exceptionally large master suite with gas dual fireplace adjacent to a jetted tub. Whole house two-speed exhaust fan and enclosed dog run area. This is a special home! Only $974,900.

Joe Dajani, GRI, SFR Dajani Real Estate Group Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale Properties Tel: 925-672-3000 Mobile: 925-457-7080 joe@joedajani.com www.JoeDajani.com DRE License # 01100804

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

Lending a Helping Hand 2300 Agents Traveled Across the Country to Offer Assistance

It’s not all about selling houses with Keller Williams Realty. A group of agents from Keller Williams Realty put need ahead of profits and headed to Texas to provide aid for those who had flood damage in Houston and prepare essentials for both Texas and hurricane Irma Florida victims.

Keller Williams CEO used the cancelled MEGA Camp Conference, to be held in Austin Texas, to springboard efforts to a massive MEGA Relief event instead. Over 2,300 Keller Williams agents from across the country reached out with their hands and hearts as they provided relief to disaster victims.

It was an incredible experience to be in people’s homes demucking and stripping everything out, including furniture, personal belongings, sheet rock, insulation, and more. This was necessary so the victims could begin rebuilding their lives and recover as best as possible. This group of Mega Relief agents also went to various disaster relief centers and sorted through donated clothes, blankets, food, and supplies and prepared care kits for both Texas and Florida. It was incredibly profound to bring help, love, and support in the greatest way possible all the way from California!

CAL BRE # is 01746457

Deborah Zacharatos-Reeg was one of more than two thousand Keller Williams agents who traveled to Houston to assist with hurricane clean-up efforts.

Deborah Zacharatos-Reeg Broker Associate

Serving Communities with Excellence … Always!

Proudly Serving the East Bay: Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Counties

(925) 250-5856 Direct Deb@DeborahZReeg.com www.DeborahZReeg.com KELLER WILLIAMS EAST BAY • 100 PRINGLE AVE., SUITE 100 • WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596

Leigh Klock, Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional

Leigh@LeighKlock.com

373 Blue Oak Lane, Clayton

Lic.0506034

Derek Knapp Ext. 210 Commercial & Personal Lines

VISIT US FOR ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS! HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS WORKERS’S COMPENSATION • BUSINESS AUTO

Lori Knapp Ext.211 Personal Lines

NEW LISTING

PHONE 925-827-0510 • FAX 925-827-0643 www.insuranceagent2000.com 3585 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519

This Stunning Eagle Peak home in the Oakhurst Country Club development offers 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with 2,981 square feet of living space. Enjoy the Chef's kitchen with island, granite counter tops, and open floor plan. The generous master bedroom boasts a fireplace and luxurious spa inspired en suite. Relax and entertain in the lush backyard with views of the Carquinez Strait.

Call for Pricing CalBRE# 01874255

Laurie Limrite Ext. 213 Commercial Lines

www.LeighKlockHomes.com

925.212.5593

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

Fall is the Ideal Time to Plant This Season Isn’t Just for Pumpkins Fall is in full effect! In the midst of pumpkin-spiced everything, cooler weather, and the shedding of leaves, it’s easy to forget that autumn is one of the best times of year to establish plants in your garden or yard. Whether you let your grass die over summer or want to spruce up garden beds, the cooler weather and promise of pending rain gives new plants a much better shot at successful sustenance.

Many people think spring is the best time of year to plant. This is the case for some varieties, but for the majority of California natives and drought tolerant plants, the moister soils of fall allow roots to establish and grow.

Take advantage of the small timeframe that fall lends because soggy winter soils are not ideal for fresh plantings. While roots will take hold in fall, there won’t be much action above the ground, but come spring your plants will display their full gratitude.

Planting in the fall is also beneficial for gardeners. You will have to water less frequently as opposed to spring plantings. The softer soil is also much easier to dig in and pull weeds from, saving your back from pain and consuming less of your time.

RECENT ACTIVITY

BY BRYCE

SALE PENDING 799 MANDANA BLVD., OAKLAND

FOR LEASE 1900 ELINORA DR., PLEASANT HILL

3 BD, 2 BA, 1,588 SF

3 BD, 2 BA, 1,042 SF

1923 Spanish Mediterranean near sought after Trestle Glen neighborhood. Beautiful hardwood floors, granite counters and travertine. Listed at $985,000.

Cozy Gregory Gardens rancher with updated kitchen and baths on a generous-sized lot. $3,200 PER MONTH

GARDEN & NURSERY

Take advantage of this wonderful time of year by stocking up on waterwise plants at the Ruth Bancroft Garden’s Nursery. Staff will help you select plants that will work great with your landscape and thrive throughout the fall and seasons to come.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery is located at 1552 Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek.

FALL FINDS AT THE NURSERY

Present this coupon and receive 20% off one regular priced item under $50 for members, 10% for general public.

Valid for potted plants only.

Valid one time only. Exp. 10/31/17

The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek

www.ruthbancroftgarden.org

Featured Listing 120 Lance Court, Martinez

“Pleasant Court Location + Pool” 4 Bedrooms 3 Full Bath 2,716 SqFt. Swimming pool Asking: $879,900

Come Home to Martinez!

A Great Place to Live!

Interested in buying or selling? In this competitive real estate market, put my decade of local experience to work for you. Contact me today to achieve the results you want, expect and deserve.

Bryce Schumacher, Realtor® 925.457.4096 bryce.schumacher@pacunion.com www.bryceschumacher.com Lic. 01379459

Maureen Ingalls (925) 370-1680 CalBRE: Maureen #00894262

RE/Max #01491373

VISIT: WWW.MartinezHomes.com

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP ANGIE CLAY

ANGIE CULUM

925.207.9366

925.209.5999

CALBRE 01361143

CALBRE 00851239

CATHY BAIGENT

JANET POWELL

925.383.2734

925.876.2399

CALBRE 00820617

CALBRE 01973545

JENNIFER WATKINS

JENNIFER ZAK

925.348.8802

415.505.1290

CALBRE 02017103

CALBRE 02007463

JOHN FONDNAZIO

JULIE DEL SANTO

925.817.9053

925.818.5500

CALBRE 01938194

CALBRE 01290985

1704-1706 TERRACE ROAD, WALNUT CREEK

4 BED, 3 BATH, 2,464 SF, 7,500 SF LOT PETER PAREDERO 5615 FRANK PLACE, CLAYTON

CALBRE #01882902

4339 BLENHEIM WAY, CONCORD

925.876.0966 $615,000

4 BED, 2 BATHM 1,550 SF+POOL TERRYLYNN FISHER 2650 JONES ROAD, UNIT 7, WALNUT CREEK

2 BED, 1 BATH, 953 SF LINDSEY SINDAYEN / HURLBUT TEAM

WWW.DUDUM.COM

925.787.8746 $785,000

4 BED, 2.5 BATH, 1,880 SF+LARGE LOT TERRYLYNN FISHER

Distinctive Properties

$1,200,000

925.876.0966 $420,000

925.464.6280

10 FIFI COURT, WALNUT CREEK

$1,197,000

4 BED, 2.5 BATH, 2,330 SQ. FT., 15,682 SF LOT SIZE LAURIE HIGGINS 925.876.7968 505 RAVEN PLACE, CLAYTON

3 BED, 2 BATH, 2,053 SF, 9,450 LOT TERESA ZOCCHI TEAM 2865 ESTATES DRIVE, CONCORD

3 BED, 1 BATH, 998 SF, 5,414 SF LOT JOHN FONDNAZIO 1564F SCHENONE COURT, CONCORD

$778,988

925.360.8662 $474,010

925.817.9053 $375,000

3 BED, 2 BATH, INSIDE LAUNDRY, DIABLO CREEK TERRYLYNN FISHER 925.876.0966

FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU...

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

ELEVATING THE ART OF REAL ESTATE...

3658 CITRUS AVENUE, WALNUT CREEK

$949,950

714 CITRUS AVENUE, CONCORD

$885,000

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LAURIE HIGGINS

LINDSEY SINDAYEN

925.876.7968

925.464.6280

MARTY HENDREN

MARY NOEL

925.786.3398

925.890.0753

PETER PAREDERO

TERESA ZOCCHI

925.787.8746

925.360.8862

TERRYLYNN FISHER

VERONICA HIDALGO

925.876.0966

925.381.9585

$8

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,950 SQ. FT., 8,855 SF LOT TERESA ZOCCHI TEAM 925.360.8662

4 BED, 2 BATH,1,770 SF, 8,850 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO

1825 YOLANDA CIRCLE, CLAYTON

5004 HAMES DRIVE, CONCORD

$750,000

925.381.9585 $668,000

WWW.HAMESDRIVE.COM

5 BED, 3 BATH, 2,443 SQ. FT., VIEWS! TERRYLYNN FISHER 1849 5TH STREET, CONCORD

2 BED, 2 BATH, 1,356 SF, 5,250 SF LOT MARTY HENDREN 3135 PERSIMMON STREET, ANTIOCH

925.876.0966 $469,900

925.786.3398 $335,000

4 BED, 2 BATH, 1,555 SF, 9,500 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO 1725 LANDANA DRIVE, #8, CONCORD

BRENTWOOD

$465,137

3 BED, 2.5 BATH, 1,427 SF, 2 CAR GARAGE VERONICA HIDALGO 925.381.9585 4719 SPRINGWOOD WAY, CONCORD

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,080 SF, 4,880 SF LOT JANET POWELL

925.381.9585

$205,000

.19 ACRE LOT 925.876.2399

ANGIE CULUM

LAFAYETTE

925.209.5999

DANVILLE

CALBRE 01322819

CALBRE 01166864

CALBRE 01351308

CALBRE 00615420

CALBRE 01895540

CALBRE 00959722

CALBRE 01907345

CALBRE 01468657

WALNUT CREEK

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CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | OCTOBER

August Home Statistics CLAYTON Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

CONCORD Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 2017 16 10 9 13 16 13 24 17 $800,438 $834,250 27 13

LAFAYETTE Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

JOHN

Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 2017 31 33 29 32 23 49 24 28 $1,589,594 $1,752,320 45 40

2016 2017 34 25 39 32 33 32 16 24 $759,644 $799,792 19 19

Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

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2016 2017 61 54 51 50 47 71 15 25 $1,044,440 $1,188,837 60 44

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2016 2017 47 49 41 57 40 49 22 15 $590,727 $632,531 78 57

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Central County

2016 2017 156 100 118 107 119 118 23 19 $595,096 615,300 168 116

MARTINEZ

PLEASANT HILL Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

Source: www.ccartoday.com

925-969-0133

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Tamara Steiner

Community Focus info@ourcommunityfocus.com 925-335-6397

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GRAPHIC DESIGN Trish Heaney

COPY EDITOR Alison Clary

Pioneer CCHomes@pioneerpublishers.com 925-672-0500 office 925-285-8612 cell