Buyers – hang in there! We are here to help..

Buyers – we are here for you and we know that it is tough out there. It is hard to get a handle on this current market, frustrating to submit multiple offers and downright annoying to see that list prices don’t mean as much as they used to. What we do for our buyers is create a weekly inventory sheet, provide analysis of what is happening in terms of offers – we then highlight trends that we see happening in the market. By isolating pending prices and number of offers this method allows for a better picture into the next set of inventory and clients making the most infomed decisions.

Newest Team Member

I am really happy to announce that I have added a seasoned agent and all around great guy to my team – Auggie Wilms. Auggie will be helping out with both buyers and sellers. Auggie grew up in Berkeley, attended Berkeley High – and knows the East Bay like the back of his hand. He is familiar with burgeoning neighborhoods as well as established ones. He can spot a deal from 500 yards – Auggie is an accomplished carpenter, food master, dad and surfer.

2014 – Here we go…

I believe that you still have an undersupplied market place IE less inventory and more buyers.

Mortgage rates are still historically low and I think this helps drive home market by making it “feel” very active and fast paced.

This is a pretty good article on 2014 rates:

http://themortgagereports.com/14239/mortgage-rates-2014-what-to-expect-prediction

Read below for some of my 2014 thoughts.

Recently Sold Listings

Represented by Scott Ward in the past few months.These websites are just one example of how I like to use the internet to showcase properties. Note interactive floor plan and other custom features.

www.840-51st.com
www.1504cypress.com
www.2926benvenue.com
www.61st-triplex.com
www.4707elcentro.com
www.564forest.com
www.1048aileen.com
www.848-43.com
www.4479elinora.com

www.1206oregon.com

Local knowledge – the fun stuff!

Some interesting factoids here – marketplace, sellers and buyers, building trends, hot new locations etc and fun new East Bay eateries.

Discover the food scene – click here

Oakland foodies unite! reviews and round up of food culture – click here

More East Bay food round up! – click here

Berkeley food | drink | discover – click here

To read a recent Wall Street Journal Article on North Oakland Click here

Clean, Staged Homes SELL FASTER!

Just a few visual examples of successful houses that have sold for well over asking due in part by the staging. Staging is partially about creating a link to the buyer and allowing them to see a property with clean, simple, tasteful furnishing. In addition it allows the photography to look even better – resulting in a cohesive online presence.

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

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,