alameda: We turned from rolling stones to planted in stone in Alameda
- 04/11/15 06:58 PM
For a couple whose first years were spent moving from place to place, we have turned from rolling stones to being planted in stone in our adopted island city of Alameda CA
Nomads, that's what we were
When Gary and I first met in Tallahassee FL, I was on the verge of moving to Orlando FL. He decided to come with me. In Orlando, we lived in an apartment before buying a house and then buying another.
Fate intervened through mergers and acquisitions, and I was given time out.
But then another branch of the company hired me in Dallas TX only to … (3 comments)
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alameda: "How's real estate?" is often asked. Here's an Alameda County snapshot
- 05/09/13 08:57 AM
In any social setting once people find out you're a REALTOR, invariably the question asked is always "How's the real estate market doing?"
Fortunately for us who work for Alain Pinel Realtors, our hard-working Marketing Department provide us with such excellent resources to answer such questions. This is the latest local market report for the areas fanning out from Oakland CA. This photo is of Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. I can see Noble Tower building where my folks live, facing the lake. How cool is that :)
Clicking on each zip code will prompt you to download the information about … (2 comments)
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alameda: Sampling cities with high number of distressed properties for sale in Alameda County CA
- 09/15/11 08:13 PM
To get an idea of the current market, here's a comparison of a few select cities in Alameda County, CA, and how many distressed properties are for sale. These numbers are for all residential homes for sale as of September 16,2011 and consist of: detached single family residences, condos, townhouses, duets. The information was pulled from EBRDI (East Bay Regional Data Inc.) MLS.
Three of the cities in this sample had more distressed properties for sale than there are regular sales.
… (4 comments)
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alameda: Alameda and Oakland Magazines --- fabulous handouts at open houses!
- 03/10/11 07:24 PM
Wonderful as handouts during open houses!
For my open houses, I generally hand out local magazines to folks who want to know more about the city, And, it goes without saying that I capitalize on these giveaways by affixing my business information (sticker or business card). Another way to get my name out there.
And make no mistake: these magazines are fabulous resources for locals and guests alike.
So happy that there are two really good magazines to share: Alameda and Oakland Magazines.
Took time off for a leisurely lunch and read the latest issue of Alameda Magazine.
Love, love, love this … (7 comments)
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alameda: Vintage home, contemporary flair, very good deal in Alameda CA
- 10/09/10 10:58 AM
… (4 comments)
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alameda: INVENTORY LEVELS indicate --- GASP! ---- sellers' markets in East Bay CA
- 01/02/10 11:44 AM
As if competing in multiple offer situations on REOs, short sales and regular sales isn't challenging enough, it looks like we may in it for a while.
When determining what type of market we are in, the most common metrics used are the months' inventory levels. Judging from the activity in select cities in the East Bay, it is evident that inventory levels are low, low, low!
What does that mean? Below 6 months inventory is typically a seller's market. But below two-three months' inventory?
Our buyers have to be more aggressive and more strategic when submitting their offers. With … (4 comments)
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alameda: Oakland/Alameda Estuary Lighted Boat Parade in Alameda CA --- a fabulous show!
- 12/05/09 06:50 PM
Dec. 5, 2009. The theme for this year's Oakland/Alameda Estuary Lighted Boat Parade is "Christmas Carols".
At around 5 pm, just before dark, the participating boats lined up and took their practice runs. Athough we didn't know it at the time, the theme was evident as boat after boat cruised by, with many of them having crews singing along with Christmas carols blaring over their boats' speakers.
Friends (and my clients) Carmel and Loretta invited several people to watch the parade on their boat, the Far Niente (which means "without a care" in Italian). Their boat had an absolutely perfect slip directly on … (4 comments)
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alameda: Happy puppy at Active Rain
- 06/22/09 07:17 AM
Having some downtime reading blogs on Active Rain.
BAM! It hit me. It's been over a year since I started blogging on Active Rain! I started in March 2008, and my first blog was about my Blackberry Curve. Ha! I have truly evolved. I have an iPhone now.
And still evolving....made it as number 1 Active Rain blogger in Alameda AND Alameda County, CA.
This has been, and continues to be an outstanding source of good information, tips, advice, etc. not only for real estate, but for other things as well. Have to keep visiting the Active Rain HELP/FAQ at the … (7 comments)
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alameda: OVER 50 AGENTS came to my broker's tour today in Alameda, CA
- 05/12/09 11:26 AM
I Every time I have a broker's tour in my island city, I always (ALWAYS!) serve Chinese dim sum appetizers and bottled water. It's become sort of a "signature" refreshment, and people who know me, know I will always serve dim sum.
Today, I held a broker's tour for my newest listing at a very desirable part of Alameda called Marina/Fernside. Here's the VISUAL TOUR.
Over 50 agents toured the place, and many chatted for a spell. I was expecting a good turnout, but I can't believe just how many came.We even had agents from neighboring cities ---- and that's a … (8 comments)
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alameda: Alameda is on HGTV's "My house is worth what?"....and all I can think of is....
- 02/24/09 05:55 PM
I've got to go on a diet!
Ah, vanity...and a cold dose of reality. They say TV puts on 10 lbs on you. But after seeing myself, it looks like I've gained 100 lbs!
My house is worth what?
The show is "My house is worth what?" and it aired tonight at 11 pm EST/PST, and will air again this Sunday at 7pm.
Tonight's episode is about "Assessing the Value of Various Renovations", For this segment, my clients' duet (but the show calls it a duplex!) was featured. Even after the remodeling they've done and still doing, their property is worth $100K … (8 comments)
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alameda: Ignorance is not always bliss, especially when it comes to getting permits for home alterations
- 02/11/09 11:30 AM
In Alameda, and most assuredly in other cities, too, there is always a question on what alterations to a property will require permits. Granted, some folks deliberately sidestepped getting permits because of the cost, the time, and for other reasons. And others just didn't think or realize the work they're doing needed permits. On occasions, a missing or incorrect permit history may simply be a case of human error.
NO PERMITS IS A DEAL BREAKER
Two of my very bright and very resourceful clients renovated their kitchen, doing what they thought was a "like for like" change that was very simple. They changed the countertop … (1 comments)
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alameda: 562 Lincoln Ave in Alameda CA. A simple bungalow for a simple life
- 02/09/09 07:00 PM
562 Lincoln, Alameda, CA
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, year built: 1924 sq.ft.:803 sq ft per public records (does not include bonus room)
$450,000
Comfy, cozy, unassuming bungalow has evolved through the years to accommodate the needs of members of the owner's household.
The front porch was enclosed to so that the owner had a place to give piano lessons. The detached garage was converted into a room with its own bath, so that another member of the household had more private quarters. The dining room was used as a bedroom, but can be easily restored into a dining room.
… (0 comments)
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alameda: The award for number one in sales for 2008 goes to....
- 01/14/09 02:37 PM
Today, my company Gallagher & Lindsey held our awards ceremony for the fourth quarter and for the year 2008.
We prepared to applaud the same guy, Moon Tam, who wins as number one, year after year for more than 10 years. As far as we can see, he broke the mold. He doesn't even prospect anymore. All his business is purely by referrals. He's reached that stage where he can turn down requests for his service. We could only aspire to be in his shadow.
Nonetheless, I was pleased to say that I'm in that shadow since I started as … (16 comments)
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alameda: From $300K fixer to a waterfront/boat dock $800K townhouse --- with the same buyer!
- 01/10/09 07:34 AM
How do you go from this fixer to a waterfront townhouse?
This morning, I showed a major fixer upper to a couple looking for investment property. There was clearly a bit of disappointment that this fixer was more than they expected (although I had set expectations earlier).
I mentioned that there are a couple of fixers on the west side of town that they should also check out. Both said they weren't keen on seeing anything there (they're east enders, and there's a bit of west vs east mentality). I persuaded them to let me show those properties anyway, and … (3 comments)
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alameda: How I get leads when I hold an open house in Alameda CA
- 01/10/09 04:26 AM
Like most people, when I go to a retail store, I don't like having a salesperson follow me around. Knowing how I feel about being "stalked", I try to conduct myself in a manner that would be helpful without being obtrusive. Someone commented on my latest post ANOTHER open house lead turned into a listing. Holding open houses work! that he hasn't ever had a lead from an open house---yet.
Yes, I know...it depends on the market. But a lot of it also depends on how you do open houses, too....right?
When I looked at sources of my business, 21% of them … (13 comments)
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alameda: An offer the Seller can't refuse --- and the shortest days on market for my newest listing
- 01/06/09 07:41 PM
My Seller wanted a few more days to get his house in order before I activated it on the MLS. This is the newest listing which I blogged about ANOTHER open house lead turned into a listing. Holding open houses work!
Because he gave me permission to start promoting it (as long as I sent the waiver to our MLS), I talked it up among my clients and agents in the office,
Saturday afternoon, I got the listing. Sunday, I took a few pictures and created my first draft for a VISUAL TOUR. Although I could use more pictures, I started promoting this … (14 comments)
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alameda: Spanish Bungalow, 2 bedrooms/1 bath/bonus room and 3-car garage spaces!
- 01/04/09 01:16 PM
For my first draft of the VISUAL TOUR check out http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1763848
… (7 comments)
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alameda: Gas Shut Off Valve is an ordinance in Alameda CA
- 12/30/08 04:43 PM
In addition to installation of smoke detectors, strapping of water heaters, testing/repairing/replacing sewer lateral, one of the government requirements to close escrow in Alameda is installation of a gas cut off valve.
Automatic gas cut off valve ensures that the gas is shut off in case of a major earthquake. They are recommended, and in some cities in California, are now mandated when a home is sold. In Alameda, the cost of installation varies, but typically, the one-time cost will run around $525.
Although I haven't seen any links on the City of Alameda's website for a detailed explanation about … (2 comments)
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alameda: Sewer Lateral: What's that? Must be tested, repaired or replaced, per the City of Alameda CA
- 12/30/08 06:37 AM
SEWER LATERAL hardly a topic one wants to discuss, but a very important consideration and negotiation item (and could be pricey) when buying/selling real estate in Alameda CA.
I didn't know anything about, and still have limited knowledge of what a sewer lateral is, until I moved to Alameda CA.
Here, prior to sale, properties over 25 years old must have the sewer lateral tested for infiltration. If it passes the test, it is certified for 5 years and need not be tested if it is re-sold during that period If it fails, it must be repaired or replaced, and then re-tested Replaced … (2 comments)
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alameda: It's a foggy day....in Alameda CA? Pictures taken with an iPhone
- 12/30/08 04:51 AM
Went out this morning to get my paper, and saw --- gasp! ---- fog? In Alameda?
So I hurried and took this picture, using my iPhone. Since fog is such a rarity in our island town, I thought I'd register it for posterity. I had visions of getting all warm and toasty in layers of woolen sweaters and scarves.
Then I went back inside, went online to Active Rain, made a few comments. Looked out the window, and voila! Less than 30 minutes later, the fog is gone! That didn't last long.
So I guess we can still claim that we live … (3 comments)
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