Six Steps to Perfect Roast Turkey

This blog post on Foodista by Leah Rodrigues seems definitely worth sharing.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

1. Brine your Turkey: By process of osmosis, the brine will flavor the bird as well as keep it moist.
2. Flavor the Bird: Make sure to adequately salt and pepper the turkey and fill the cavity with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and lemons.
3. Keep the Turkey Dry: Don't forget to pat down the turkey before putting it in the oven. The excess moisture will prevent the skin from getting crisp. (This does not include fat).
4. Use a Thermometer: A thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. It should register 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the bird.
5. Start the Oven High and then Lower the Temperature: Start the turkey at 425 degrees F to help crisp the skin for 20 minutes and then lower to 350 degrees F until cooked through.
6. Let the Turkey Rest: I know you'll be hungry but letting the turkey rest lets the juices redistribute so that it will be moist and flavorful.

12568 Skyline Boulevard Exudes Elegance

Forget understated elegance. This 14 room, 5 en-suite bedroom, 6.5 bath almost NEW “Oakland Hills” villa on .57 acres exudes elegance and quality in every inch of its 8000 + sq. ft.!  Located on a premium home site surrounded by exclusive homes, this custom built residence encompasses two and a half levels centered by a grand staircase with impressive high ceilings and magnificent living and entertaining areas that include a gigantic party hall with wet bar, a private home office/library, a presidential master suite with gym and sweeping terrace, guest/aux-pair suite, bay/hill views and luxuries like solid stones and marbles, gorgeous moldings, hand crafted wood and iron work, sauna, four car garage, a pond, waterfalls and a pool site all surrounded by magnificent gated grounds. After all who deserves it more?  Offered at $2,163,880.  Call FRITZ for all the details and a private showing.  http://www.12568skyline.com/.

New Listing at 2215 Manzanita Drive, Oakland

Want to watch the sunset over San Francisco Bay or a sunrise at Sibley Park? This spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath hilltop contemporary offers exceptional vistas from the glass framed living and dining areas, the luxurious master suite, the big home office, sun-room and the gorgeous level out yard. Over 3300 sq. ft. of flowing living space with generously sized rooms, eat-in chef's kitchen and family room with wet bar. Only steps from regional park trails and Hills swim club.  A celestial value!  Offered at $799,000.
http://www.2215manzanita.com/

East Bay Housing Market Update

Excerpt from the Pacific Union Bay Area Real Estate Blog . . .

The percent of homes in contract in the East Bay rose by 2% from July 2011 to August 2011. For the two years, this percentage has fluctuated from a low point of 16% up to 30%.

With over 35% in contract indicating a sellers’ market, 25-35% a balanced market, and under 25% a buyers’ market, in the past 6 months, we have seen the market sway on the edge of a buyers’ market.

If you are currently looking to buy or sell a home in the East Bay/Alameda County call FRITZ for all your real estate needs. Click on the chart below for all the up-to-date information on the Bay Area real estate market.

Second Chance to Own 5652 Chappell Place, Oakland

You have a second chance to own this spacious mid century with sweeping bay views!

With gorgeous grounds, landscaping and fabulous SF Bay views, this glamorous contemporary ranch has it all. The light and airy interior includes 5 bedrooms and 6 baths (room for everybody), open entertaining areas, updated kitchen and bath, window wrapped rooms leading to an outdoor kitchen, large patios and decks. Separate 2 bedroom, 2 bath in-law suite and parking for 10+ cars. This home has it all!

Don't lose out a second time.  Call me for more details.  Offered at $1,198,000.

4134 Gilbert Street, Oakland

Forget the BURBS! You can have it all just a stones throw from Piedmont Avenue in an enclave of charming residences close to all urban conveniences. A gorgeous 2++ bedroom, 1+ bath "Brown Shingle" with extra attic space and a garden cottage plus all the intricate detailing like original moldings, pocket doors and built-ins one could dream up, packaged in generously proportioned, light-filled rooms with high ceilings and covered porches in a beautiful private, garden setting. A city dwellers dream home!

Offered at $599,000.  Open Sunday, August 21st from 2-4:30.

New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes

Effective July 1, 2011, California's Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (SB-183) requires all residential property be equipped with a California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) approved carbon monoxide detector when the property has a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage, as follows:

All single-family homes (owner or tenant occupied) on or before July 1, 2011 and all residential units (duplex/apartment/condominium complex) must be equipped with a detector on or before January 1, 2013. For new construction, CO alarms must be hard-wired and interconnected.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes can kill individuals before they are aware it is in their home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

For more information on this new law visit the CAL FIRE website.

6710 Elverton Drive, Oakland, CA

This is the "View" home!
This superb property features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with San Francisco Bay views from the terrace and every window of this hillside Mediterranean high in the Oakland hills. This exceptional executive home features soaring ceilings, window-wrapped open living and dining areas, eat-in gourmet kitchen, home office with private side entry, a master suite fit for a king, beautifully landscaped grounds with Koi pond & waterfall and huge, tiled view terraces, that will make you go ahh. It's a special home for "VIEW" lovers!  Offered at $1,169,000.  Call or email FRITZ for more info and visit the website at http://www.6710elverton.com/.

5588 Fernhoff Road, Oakland

This timeless contemporary masterpiece known as the "Joe Morgan" Estate, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright associate Aaron Green, commands 2.66 acres of prime Oakland Hills real estate with far reaching vistas of San Francisco Bay and beyond. The gated 5000+ sq.ft. residence features 4+ bedrooms, 4.5 baths with sweeping indoor and outdoor living and entertaining spaces, pool and tennis court all surrounded by splendid, landscaped grounds, that in true Frank Lloyd Wright fashion blend seamlessly with the architecture.


Nothing is left to be desired in this iconic masterpiece. Frank Lloyd Wright signature handcrafted built-in seating and cabinetry, hand picked fixtures and tile continue the harmony with the natural elements. More features include a luxurious master suite with dual bathrooms and closets, a glass framed family room opening to the pool, children and guest wing, sauna, wet bar and sunroom, three car garage, guest parking and state of the art security all within minutes of world class Bay Area amenities.

  This home is offered at $2,995,000.  Call Fritz or visit 5588Fernhoff.com for more details.

5652 Chappell Place Has it All

This is the home you have been waiting for! With gorgeous grounds and landscaping and fabulous SF Bay views, this glamorous contemporary ranch has it all. The light and airy interior includes 5 bedrooms and 6 baths (room for everybody), open entertaining areas, updated kitchen and bath, window wrapped  rooms leading to an outdoor kitchen, large patios and decks. Separate 2 bedroom, 2 bath in-law suite and parking for 10+ cars. This home has it all! Call me for more details.
Offered at $1,349,000.

308 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA

CAR-FREE-LIVING
Work in downtown? You won't need a car and live fashionably green in this charming 2 BD, 1 bath cottage style bungalow near Lake Merritt, BART, downtown & Whole Foods. Featuring updated kitchen and bath, hardwood floors, huge basement with an open permit for expansion, deck and yard.

Offered at $349,000.  Open Sunday, May 1st, 2-5pm.  Call or email FRITZ for more information.

Second Chance to Buy 1615 Grand View Drive, Oakland!

This gorgeous Scandinavian inspired home is back on the market!  Offered at $649,000, this spacious home with soaring ceilings and great views in a prime Hiller Highlands location is about to make someone's dreams come true.  When it comes to selling your home, FRITZ is in the know. Call or email him today to see this beautiful property in person.

1615 Grand View Drive, Oakland

 

A striking Scandinavian inspired contemporary in a premier Hiller Highlands location.

This lofty two bedroom, two bath dwelling features soaring ceilings, window wrapped entertaining areas, a spectacular open master suite, radiant heated polished concrete floors, an open easy living floor design and a modern kitchen with level beautifully landscaped grounds and gorgeous east facing hill vistas and so much more.  In the years to come there may be copies, but this original can be yours NOW! Offered at $649,000.  Call or email for more information and visit the property website at  www.1615grandview.com/.

Spectacular 13170 Skyline Blvd., Oakland Features Breathtaking SF Bay Views

This could be it!  Breathtaking San Francisco Bay and Diablo Range vistas surround this exclusive Oakland Hills estate. Situated on more than 1.76 acres with park like gardens, fruit orchard, pool, spa and tennis court, this spectacular dwelling features Hollywood inspired interiors like the elevated Moroccan pasha room with wrap around veranda, floating wood/gas burning fireplaces, gorgeous Koa wood wet bar and built-ins, grand living and entertaining areas, a gigantic master suite with his and hers closets, sitting room and private gym and separate two-suite guest wing.  This fantastic home features 5 bedroom suites, 7 full baths, many flower bedecked view terraces, parking for 10+ cars and a fully integrated remote security system.

The ultimate private compound!  Offered at $1,999,000. Call or email Fritz for all the details on this one-of-a-kind home.

7 Clipper Hill, Oakland, CA., Features 5 Bridge Views!

Marvel at the head-on view of San Francisco in the center of a 180-degree panorama from San Raphael to Santa Clara. Located on the highest point in Hiller Highlands at the end of a cul-de-sac, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhome at 7 Clipper Hill offers a unique combination of privacy, tranquility and a sweeping 5-bridge view of the Bay.

Savor the skyline of the city from the living and dining areas with their soaring ceilings and marble-surround fireplace, or escape to the privacy of the landscaped patio. Enjoy the sunset over the Golden Gate from your master suite, or relax in the cozy den to watch a movie.

A spacious guest suite on the lower level offers your guests quiet and privacy. Other noteworthy features include solid oak hardwood floors, central air conditioning, a central vacuum system, and an oversize two-car garage.

The home’s top-of-the-hill location provides the best views in Hiller Highlands. Situated on a cul-de-sac ensures peace and security with no passing traffic. A unique home for the discerning buyer. Offered at $794,500.
                                                                   http://www.7clipper.com/

Make the Most of an Extended Selling Season

 If you're going to sell in 2011, consider this:  make the most of listing your home by extending the selling season.  Late winter/early spring is the best time to get your house ready for the market.  Buyers begin looking for new homes in spring, many planning their moves around personal or school vacations that for many mean early to mid-summer moves.  This gives a seller several months exposure to the largest and broadest group of buyers.  Call or email me (fritzhoch@aol.com) for free information on the 29 steps to sell your home fast (and for more money) and take advantage of the spring selling season.