Active Listings

990 43rd St
Oakland

Offered @ $349,000

Total fixer with huge upside!

Coming Soon

• 43rd St
  Oakland , 94608
• Adeline St
  Oakland, 94608
• 62nd St
  Berkeley, 94703
• Browning St
  Berkeley, 94702
• 56th St
  Oakland , 94608
• 44th St
  Oakland , 94608
• Claremont Ave - Duplex
  Oakland, 94618
• Fremont St
  Oakland, 94608
• Investor opportunities
  Contact me directly for info,

Happy 2014 everyone! Year of the Horse – GiddyUP.

Whew – what a year in real estate. 2013 was very active to say the least.

There was a lot of competition on both sides of the market (buyer and seller), multiple offers were heard on most properties and plenty of buyers missing out. For the most part this is a classic seller’s market. Successful buyers need to be aggressive, smart, nimble and level headed. Successful sellers need to showcase their homes in the broadest context with good photos, staging, and with a succinct message about the home.

Check out what the media has to say about  the Oakland market:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/americas-10-hottest-housing-markets-2013-08-14

Check out what the media has to say about the Berkeley market:

http://www.berkeleyside.com/2013/06/20/berkeley-home-prices-soar-just-dont-call-it-a-bubble/

So what is in store for Q1 2014? (One guy’s opinion…)

1) Try and relax – an informed buyer, one that understands the market, neighborhoods, appreciation, risks, rewards, and ownership satisfaction will still be able to find a home. Sellers, stay clear in your purpose and honest with the information and, you too, will be successful.

2) Traditionally inventory starts to ramp up in the spring  - obviously, there are people selling their homes now and properties to see. In fact, there may even be your dream house available right now. Buyers, use this early part of the season wisely; investigate neighborhoods and cultivate a reasonable “wish” list. Try and track what the “deltas” are between list price and sold price. Sellers, spruce up your home, fix things that need fixing with good trades people, and don’t be afraid to paint the inside of the house if it needs it – first impressions are still very important.

3) Watch the rates – if things inch up that could be the start of something.

As always – feel free to call me or email me directly to talk about your buying or selling needs.

Scott

415.225.4593