Please Give to the Alameda County Community Food Bank Virtual Food Drive

Please join us this holiday season in helping to alleviate hunger in our community by participating in our Virtual Food Drive . . . $4 provides one family meal! Go to the website below and select our group, Pacific Union and donate--it's that easy! ACCFB Virtual Food Drive.  Thank you for your donation!  FRITZ

2066 Drake Drive, Oakland

Newly listed, this updated mid century modern home is beautifully remodeled with an open concept floor plan, gorgeous kitchen and luxurious baths.  The home also features 2 master suites, a huge family room with fireplace, a level court yard and sweeping canyon views all just a few blocks from Montclair Village.  Offered at $849.000.  Call FRITZ for all the details on this home or for any of your real estate needs.  Open Sunday, 11/23, 2-4:30.

Union Square Tree Lighting in San Francisco

The annual tree lighting in Union Square, San Francisco is scheduled for Friday, November 28th.  The ceremony begins at 6pm.  For more information, click here . . . .

Celebrating 30 Years in Real Estate

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you with your real estate needs for the past 30 years.  I want you to know that I have appreciated your business and I look forward to many more years of mutually enjoyed success!

FRITZ

Bay Area Sees Busiest September for Home Sales in 5 Years

From the Pacific Union Blog:
Home buyers across the Bay Area were in the game as the usually brisk fall real estate season began, propelling September sales-volume numbers to the highest level since 2009, with San Mateo County leading the way.  Read more at http://bit.ly/1sVEsnY.  For more information on this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Bay Area Homebuyers Get a Break: Lower Interest Rates for Jumbo Loans

From the Pacific Union Blog:
We all know that the Bay Area has some of the highest home prices in the nation.  But did you also know that the so-called "jumbo loans" needed to buy many of these homes come with interest rates that are less than that of smaller "conforming" loans?  Read more . . . http://bit.ly/1rLyq7d.

Bay Area Home Construction Is Well Above Normal

From the Pacific Union blog:

Recent news of interest to home buyers, home sellers, and the home curious includes news that home construction in San Jose and San Francisco is picking up in 2014.  And that's sure to come as welcome news to local home shoppers who are grappling with some of the largest annual inventory declines in the country.  Get all the news at http://bit.ly/1ANus1J.   For more information about this article and for all your real estate needs, contact FRITZ.

Bay Area Home Buyers Benefit From Credit Agencies' New Relaxed Rules

From the Pacific Union Blog:

The Bay Area leads the nation in the percentage of residents with top credit scores. But even here, more homebuyers will qualify for loans, and at lower interest rates, thanks to recent policy changes by several U.S. credit agencies. Read more at http://bit.ly/1ouiyqu.  For more information about buying or selling a home or any of your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Alameda Gold Coast Neighborhood One of the Island City's Finest

From the Pacific Union Blog, August 6, 2014:
With its expansive, elegant homes and prime location, Alameda’s small Gold Coast neighborhood is perhaps the island city’s most desirable enclave. Read our neighborhood profile at http://bit.ly/V0KFk7 .  For more information about homes in the area, contact FRITZ.

1st and Only Time! 5588 Fernhoff Road, Oakland Open Sunday!

The "Morgan Estate" is an iconic architectural masterpiece on 2.67 acres overlooking San Francisco Bay designed by Frank Lloyd Wright associate Aaron Green.  Built without compromise, this home reflects only the best in unmatched quality and design.  Do not miss this special opportunity to view this exceptional home. For the 1st and ONLY time, open Sunday, June 22, 2-4:30.  Offered at $2,900,000.

Alameda County Fair 2014

Enjoy the Alameda County Fair beginning June 18th through July 6th, with tons of food, fun, music and attractions, including a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular!  More information . . .

50 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Oakland

Oakland is a very special place, a cultural capital with unlimited potential.  Read about the 50 Things You Probably Didn't Know courtesy of Movoto Real Estate and for even more great info about Oakland be sure to pick up San Francisco Magazine's June issue "The Oakland Issue" devoted to all things Oakland.  See you there!

Just Sold! 13145 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

It's sold!  STUNNING 6+ bedroom, 4+ bath Hillcrest Estates home.  Call FRITZ for more information on buying or selling a home in today's market.

Just Sold! 5670 Weaver Place, Oakland

This Hillcrest Estates home featured beautiful grounds and open concept living and entertaining space!  Call FRITZ for more information on buying or selling a home.

Freddie Mac: Bay Area Housing Markets Gaining Strength and Stabilizing

Courtesy Pacific Union Blog:

The San Francisco metro area ranked 13th among the nation's top 50 metro markets in terms of stable housing conditions, while San Jose placed 10th.  Conditions in the Bay Area and California are improving and moving steadily toward a more stable market.  Get the details at http://bit.ly/1jFuLEA.  Call FRITZ for more information about the market in your area and for all your real estate needs.

Enchanted Garden Cottages at 3856 High Street, Oakland

Open Sunday, April 20th 2-5pm.
Vine covered fences, flowing shrubs and a delightful Pergola that's overgrown by sweet smelling Wisteria are just a few of the features that make these garden cottages an exceptional find.  The Zen inspired lifestyle with open concept living and dining areas, offers fine detailing, cathedral ceilings, updated kitchen and baths, comfy sleeping areas as well as a loft, separate home office space and an enclosed sun porch overlooking enchanted gardens.  Tucked on the far corner of the property you'll find the romantic guest/artist quarters with kitchenette, bath and private deck.  This is Truly a special place to put down your roots!  Offered at $439,000.  Call FRITZ for more details and private showings.   www.3856High.com

Pacific Union's Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

From the Pacific Union Blog, March 21st, 2014:

Spring has officially arrived here in the Bay Area, which means that many home shoppers will soon hit the streets.  If you're planning to put your home on the market, here's what you should do to get it in top notch shape.  Read more . . .
For more information on buying or selling a home in today's market, call FRITZ.

5670 Weaver Place, Oakland

Located in the heart of the prestigious Hillcrest Estates area of Oakland, this 4330+ sq ft  residence is an example of luxury living surrounded by nature.   A circular drive and colonial ranch facade sets the mood for the residence, set on over an acre lot with splendid park-like grounds with majestic redwoods, quaking Aspen grove, rolling lawns and lush mature gardens. Wandering paths lead one through an array of amenities that include a koi pond, a 3-horse stable, fruit trees, rose gardens, and a vegetable garden.   In addition, the extensively renovated home features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, all a blend of modern luxury and sophistication, the perfect oasis for your personal relaxation and enjoyment.  Offered at $1,849,000.  Call FRITZ for an appointment to see this amazing home.

Tips on Conserving Water During the Drought

Read these helpful tips on conserving water.
Courtesy of SFist, January 17, 2014
After Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency, it's time you got serious about water conservation.  Does this mean we all now must take five minute showers instead of twenty minute showers? Ugh, possibly, yes.  Read more . . .