East Bay Real Estate Guide Volume 18 Issue 8

Page 1


Rea l GUIDE

Classic, Stunning Bungalow

2609 68TH AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94605

2 BED / 1 BATH / 824 SQFT. / $529,000

A classic, stunning bungalow features 2 beds and 1 bath with an attached garage. As you enter, the home welcomes you with a warm, airy ambiance accentuated by natural lighting. The living room, a cozy retreat, features large windows- perfect for relaxed evenings. The heart of this home, the kitchen, is a culinary delight boasting sleek white cabinetry, Quartz counters, a practical breakfast bar with bar-top seating, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances and an open layout that seamlessly connects to the main living area. A spacious backyard to let your imagination run wild- al fresco dining, urban gardening or entertaining awaits! Enjoy the tranquility of nearby Joaquin Miller Park, offering ample greenspace for outdoor activities and relaxation. For those who travel frequently, Oakland Airport is a mere 10-minute drive, adding an extra layer of accessibility to this already wellconnected location.

Charming Home with Modern Upgrades

1292 61ST AVENUE, OAKLAND, CA 94621

2 BED / 1 BATH / 920 SQFT. / $469,000

Welcome home to this charming space! Open living & dining areas flow into a well-appointed kitchen with ample storage and granite counters. Remodeled bathroom features a full-sized shower. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout create a warm ambiance. Newer windows, paint, and fixtures enhance the sunfilled atmosphere. Converted garage and basement offer additional income or family space. Generous living area boasts natural light and cozy fireplace. Multi-generational home potential. Easy access to transit, schools, dining, and highways. Eligible for Community Lending Program Discounts!

PATRICK McCARRAN

BEYOND STUNNING! This beautiful estate shows pride of ownership. Stunning 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, with downstairs bedroom & full bath, 3 car garage, 4252 ft.² on a premium lot with breath taking pool & hot tub. The large primary bedroom has a beautiful sitting room den that can also be easily converted to a 6th bedroom. This home is across from a 2 acre park, it has a great floor plan with high entry ceiling with custom staircase surrounding the second floor, Game room for family fun, upstairs loft, new carpet, laminate flooring and AC unit. The amazing large backyard is an entertainers dream, 2 large side yards for possible boat access with some adjustments. Walking distance to shopping, walking trail, restaurants, 5-10 minutes to Bart, cherry picking and boating is just 10 minutes away. Listing Courtesy Angela Pena Cell: 925-437-4568

Cottage/Cabin style with

of potential and awesome views of the Bay, GG Bridge, Mt. Tam! Enjoy village life, walking trails & easy freeway access is a plus. Marin alternative

Listing Courtesy Ron Pilgrim

BEST AGENT I COULD HAVE ASKED FOR!

Jody was amazing as an agent not only that but she is just a great person. She was incredibly helpful and patient throughout the whole process. It was my first time buying a house and there was a lot I didn’t know. She explained everything in great detail and made sure I was comfortable with every decision and offer. I never once felt pressured or rushed. I honestly can’t thank Jody enough for everything she did to help make this happen. If you want the best realtor, trust me Jody is the one. Jeremy C Verified By Rate My Agent

THANK YOU JODY!

Jody was very knowledgeable, it was apparent immediately that she had a wealth of experience. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home. We couldn’t have had a better agent to walk us through the home buying process!

R Verified By Rate My Agent

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

Jody and her team are absolutely amazing. I didn’t think I could do this but they worked hard and made it happen. I highly recommend her for all your needs.

Sharron Verified By Rate My Agent

Homes

PITTSBURG:

Own the last Piece of the beautiful historic Buchanan Ranch in Pittsburg. 1.67 acres of bare land nestled between the park and the Buchanan family homes Phenomenal opportunity for development or a family compound. Shown by appointment only $839,000

3600 Byer Rd. Byron, CA 94514

Step into luxury at Bella Torre, a magnificent estate inspired by Italy's most enchanting villas. Nestled on over 28 acres in prestigious Byron with unobstructed views of Mt. Diablo. Surrounded by similar estates such as Foxhaven Ranch and Campos Family Vineyards, this unique property is on the market for the first time since its construction in 2007. The estate features approximately 22,000 square feet under one roof, including an 8,000-square- foot main residence. Enjoy breathtaking south-facing views, lush gardens, sprawling patios, an outdoor kitchen, a saltwater pool and spa, and a bocce ball court. Additional amenities include a detached one-bedroom casita and a grove of 120 olive trees. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the space for up to 36 vehicles, a large executive office, gym, racquetball court, and oversized garage designed for two Class A RVs. The exquisite main home showcases Venetian plaster walls, 20-foot ceilings, chef's kitchen, a custom-designed home movie theater, and a 2,000-bottle wine room. Turn Bella Torre into the ultimate event center, winery, orchard, equestrian center, or family compound. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at 3600 Byer Road. Explore endless possibilities at Bella Torre. Situated in Contra Costa wine country, www.3600ByerRd.com | Contact

18615 Marsh Creek Rd. Brentwood, CA 94513 270 Acres | Listed: $4,250,000 52 acres of producing, mature, Olive Orchard with 50,000 trellised trees, seasonal reservoirs, (6) wells & Marsh Creek Riparian Water

4

$3500/MO

Augustus Asuncion DRE#01713767 925-433-1880

DRE#02223751 925-584-3014 Regina

DRE#01733171 925-565-7633

925-849-0446

Contact the Listing Agent for more information or for a showing

Keisha Zogg │ Corcoran Icon Properties

925.437.4195 │ Keishazogg@gmail.com CA.BRE #01400659

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this beautifully upgraded end-unit condo! Nestled in a prime location, this home offers unparalleled access to shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and hiking trails. This condo is part of a well-maintained complex that boasts exceptional amenities for an active and social lifestyle. Enjoy any of the 4 pools, stay fit in the state-of-the-art gym, unwind in the relaxing sauna, or challenge friends in the community game area. There's something for everyone here! Step inside and be impressed by the numerous upgrades. The kitchen has been thoughtfully enhanced with extra cabinet space, including a pantry and lower storage units, providing ample room for all your culinary needs. The new HVAC unit ensures year-round comfort, while the upgraded windows and shutters add both style and energy efficiency. The hardwood flooring throughout exudes warmth and elegance. As an end unit, this condo benefits from additional windows in the kitchen and second bedroom, flooding the home with natural light and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere. The spacious floor plan makes it perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying your own private sanctuary. Now offering seller incentive for special rate reduction program.

WALNUT CREEK $495,000

Meet Your Trusted Local Lender!

20 years of experience as a Loan Officer In-depth processing experience Outstanding knowledge of loan programs

We offer a variety of home loan options to meet your needs in today’s market!

Please contact Steve Margollis at (925) 679-7488 Amir Aliloupour Realtor®, GRI (925) 876-0255

September 1, 2023

I would highly recommend the Real Estate Guide for any local real estate professional! It has been great exposure for my business. Even in the digital age, magazine advertizing has not gone out of style. A magazine left in an office will be browsed by countless people for many months, and your ad can be seen by many of them.

WOW This is the best location! Prime for Diablo Country Club! Mid-century modern design, very open to the lush outdoors. The creekside setting offers many possibilities for across the new bridge development... perhaps a tree house, or...? New improvements including HVAC system, tankless water heater, guest bath, and bridge. All upgrades in keeping with the character of the home. Just steps from Diablo Country Club, offering fine dining, golf, swimming, tennis and many youth activities, a variety of memberships available.

Amir Aliloupour

In the dynamic world of real estate, success is often synonymous with collaboration and networking.
One entrepreneur's journey beautifully exemplifies the incredible impact of connecting with like-minded individuals in the field.

For me, the real estate community is not just a marketplace; it's a tightly-knit network of professionals who actively support each other to thrive. Through this thriving network, I had the opportunity to join forces with remarkable talents like Marcus Jackson Photography, Rob Sogomonian of the media company, and Scott Bigelow, the visionary behind Basset Wine.

Thanks to Steve Margolis and Real Estate Guide Magazine, my business found an exceptional real estate marketing platform in our local area. This valuable exposure has greatly benefited my brand and success within the real estate community.

The synergy of these partnerships has proven to be a game-changer for my business marketing efforts. Marcus Jackson Photography brought an artistic eye that elevated property visuals, Rob Sogomonian harnessed the power of media to broadcast the brand's unique story, and Scott Bigelow's expertise in the world of wine offered a delightful touch to client interactions.

It's not just about the individual successes; it's about the collective strength of this vibrant community. These collaborations are more than just transactions; they represent an exchange of knowledge, creativity, and support that is truly priceless for real estate professionals and their brand.

Intriguingly, the initial connections with these talented individuals and many others were forged through the cornerstone of my real estate success – the weekly real estate meetings in Walnut Creek and Danville. These gatherings serve as a nexus for ideas, camaraderie, and opportunity. The networking power inherent in these meetings has, without a doubt, been the driving force behind my flourishing business in 2023.

Real Estate Guide exemplifies that in the world of real estate, the key to success lies in the ability to collaborate, network, and harness the collective genius of the community. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of unity within the real estate industry.

Discover more inspiring stories like this in our magazine, where we celebrate the achievements and innovations within the ever-evolving real estate community.

MORTGAGE RATES CAN BE TRICKY

As I write this article, there is burgeoning excitement in the markets that interest rates will be coming down, including mortgage interest rates as well. Rate manipulation can be tricky. I want show a few of the scenarios that reduction in rates may cause.

The Federal Reserve can control the short-term interest rates, the discount rate and the reserve rate. Bothe of these rates are overnight rates and only banks have access to them. They are used by banks that have fallen short of the amount of reserve currency they hold and must borrow to meet their reserve requirements. These changes do not directly affect rates that you and I may use. If fact, when the rates are changed, the impact on all the other federal reserve instruments is impacted by the free market and moves based on these instruments are bought and sold by everyone, including private banks, insurance companies, large corporations, investment companies, foreign government, and many others.

What is important is why these rates are being changed. Today, the Fed is trying to balance the inflation of our economy and the risk of causing a recession. Their upcoming move could cause wither, neither or both. For our business. Let us discuss the impact on mortgage interest rates.

If the Fed decreases the short-term rates because they feel that the risk of inflation has been decreased, and hence, mortgage rates may also go down, this will attract more people to apply for mortgages, and the demand for homes would also increase. With the increase in buyers,

the average price would not be reduced as the demand for homes will also increase, keeping prices high and possibly increasing them. Increasing home prices would also put upward pressure on inflation and leave the economy back in the same position we are now in.

If the rationale for the reduction is due to a slowdown in the economy, it is a little more difficult. In a slowdown in employment will be reduced and fewer people, who may have had interest in purchasing a home, may not be able to go forward as incomes are reduced. Mortgage rates will also go down, but if the lower rates do not increase property sales, the rates will have to go down until homes are again back to being purchased. Finding the sweet spot where the property price reductions are reflected by an increasing demand, many may already be lowered due to the reduced demand, rates may have found a balance with the prices for the homes. If demand again increase as rates are now lower, the Fed will have to increase rates again.

Another possibility is a potential for a stagflation situation where prices are high and demand is not. This will be a probable situation where employment remains low.

If this is confusing, be sure….it is. If you wish to discuss this or any other real estate issue, please contact me. If you want to be in the market now, I advise you to do so. Delays in the purchase or sale of real estate will oftentimes be the expensive financial thing that you ever do,

John Case is a Broker Associate with Corcoran Icon Properties (CA) & Stanberry Realtors (TX) He has dealt with all aspects of Real Estate during his career and can answer any question that you may have regarding your home.

CalDRE Lic:00622378 He is also the editor of the East Contra County Real Estate Economic Report. He works with his wife Diana in Brentwood. They can be reached at 925-382-9771 or by email at johnacase@stanberry.com

The New Broker In Town

Hire Cathleen Griebling if you want someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and determined to getting your home sold. We can’t say enough good things about Cathleen. She knows her stuff. We hired Cathleen based on recommendations from family and friends who had used her in their real estate transactions. There is no doubt that we would hire her again in a heart beat to handle any future real estate needs. Whether your buying or selling, it is so important to have a knowledgeable real estate professional watching your back and negotiating the best terms for you. Thank you Cathleen Griebling. Robert T.

Cathleen is a true professional! She knows the business inside and out, works hard for her clients and follows through. We've had the pleasure to work with her on multiple occasions. Cathleen has helped us purchase 2 properties and sell 3 over the last 10 years. Even with the drastic ups and downs in the housing market over the last decade, she doesn't miss a beat. I can't recommend a more hardworking and trustworthy realtor.

Heather

Cathleen Griebling is a true real estate professional. She knows her community, the market and the best way to sell or buy a home. She has the utmost integrity and will be completely honest with you about how the process works, what you should know and expect. She works well with others and you can trust that Cathleen will do whatever it takes to get your deal done. I highly recommend Cathleen Griebling and due to her hard work my house sold over the listing price in the midst of Covid-19

CCRIM Invites You to visit our website: www.CCRIMToday.com

SELLERS:

List your home with a CCRIM agent who will have your home on our Caravan Tour & Tuesday Broker Open.

BUYERS:

Ask your agent to attend the CCRIM meeting to learn about "Coming Soons"

AGENTS & AFFILIATES : Attend CCRIM every Tuesday Doors open at 8:00 am St. Stephen Catholic Church 1101 Keaveny Court Walnut Creek, CA One of the LARGEST networking groups in Contra Costa

PRESIDENT

Michael Moore

Stokley Properties Inc.

925-588-4846

Michael@StokleyProperties.net

SECRETARY

Lisa Lilley REALTOR® 925-787-5105

lisalilleyre@gmail.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Joe Stokley

Stokley Properties Inc. 925-658-1415

JoeStokley@StokleyProperties.net

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

Ben Buehler

Cross Country Mortgage 925-787-7515

ben.bueniel@ccm.com

Visit CCRIM on Facebook!

VICE-PRESIDENT

Amir Aliloupour RE/Max Accord 925-876-0255

Aliloupour@yahoo.com

TREASURER

Rod Abdolhosseini

Keller Williams Realty 925-407-7667

RodAbdo@kw.com

TOUR DIRECTOR

Jake Kemper Windemere Realty 925-817-9820

JKemperSells@gmail.com

SERGEANT-ARMS

Ellen Osmundson Windemere Real Estate 925-890-4276

Ellen.Osmundson@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Robert Sogomonian

Keller Williams Realty 925-766-0869

RSogomonian@kw.com

Photo courtesy of Marcus L. Jackson Photography

Time to Sell? Then Stage For Maximum Return

The doom and gloom of the great meltdown has not materialized. While current economic conditions are certainly a little tenuous, rates have mostly stabilized and demand is still strong for homes.

No one knows what lies in the future for every expert that predict a recession there is another one promoting a real estate boom. California companies are overall in good shape and the banking collapse seems to have been avoided.

Inventory overall continues to remain at historic lows. Buyers are still looking. I think the primary difference today is the Buyer are adjusting and do not seem to have a sense of urgency to rush making an offer. Buyers are waiting to find the right home and one that is move in ready.

If you have a plan to move and are considering selling then there is no time like the present. So if you are ready then time to get home ready with a little basic staging and maintenance.

Don’t be too personal: Your home should convey a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a look that will appeal to most everyone. This is not the time to bring in your

unique style and create a look that may appeal to just you. Use neutral colors: When painting choose nice neutral and warm beige tones, This will help bring out the warmth of any wood or laminate floors. You’ll be amazed at the transformation a few coats of fresh paint will make on your home. Gray is on the way out in my opinion.

Take advantage of natural light: People love natural light, so don’t block any light with heavy curtains or furniture. Accentuate any attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them. Don’t be afraid to take down the curtains and just use the blinds or just leave the valances. A trick I use is to aim the blinds up to allow the light in and reflect off the ceiling.

Less is definitely more: Scale down your furniture to be in balance with the scale of the room. Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. Remove decorative items from shelves and tables I generally use the rule of one per shelf or table top.

Take a look outside: People do care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, make sure the lawn is

mowed and tidy. Bring in some bark or rocks to cover the bare earth and five the yard a finished look.

Spruce up ALL rooms: People are quick to stage living rooms and kitchens and but don’t forget to spruce up the bedrooms, flex space and closets as well.

Don’t forget fixtures: When staging a home, it’s important to ensure all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working. It may be a good investment to update the light fixture form the original brass and glass and the same go for the faucets. A nice modern kitchen faucet make a significant difference in the buyer impression of the overall kitchen.

Remember, staging a home means showcasing the property’s many features, not concealing its flaws. Make sure your house is in good condition and use staging to cast the home in the best light.

Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072.

He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com.

An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

and potential customers can explore properties from any device, at their convenience, 24/7. Enjoy a fully interactive experience, similar to Google Street View, that lets you navigate every room as if you're actually there.

1. Magazine readership has increased over the last 5 years in the United States.

2. 93% of all American adults read magazines regularly.

3. Magazines usually stay in homes and offices for weeks and months (with ads being looked at again and again) while internet ads can disappear into cyberspace in the blink of an eye.

4. Reading a magazine remains a uniquely intimate and immersive experience.

5. Not only is magazine readership up, but readers spend an average of 43 minutes per use.

6. Further, those 43 minutes of attention are typically undivided. Magazines and magazine ads garner the most attention: BIGresearch studies show that when consumers read magazines they are much like to engage with other media or to take part in non-media activities compared to the users of TV, radio or the Internet.

7. Magazines delivers more ad impressions that TV or Web in each half-hour period.

8. Magazine readership in the 18 to 34 segment is growing.

9. Magazines are the No. 1 medium of engagement - across all dimensions measured. Simmons' Multi-Media Engagement Study finds magazines continue to score significantly higher than TV or the Internet in ad receptivity and all of the other engagement dimensions, including "trustworthy" and "inspirational".

10. Magazines outperform other media in driving positive shifts in purchase consideration/intent.

11. Magazines rank No. 1 at influencing consumers to start a search online - higher than newer media options.

12. Magazines reach specific audiences. The only people who pick up this Real Estate magazine are people interested in real estate(buying, selling, etc.).

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