Dining, Shopping, and Prime Location Make Oakland’s Grand Lake a Hot Destination

From the Pacific Union blog:
As in other highly walkable and vibrant East Bay neighborhoods, demand for real estate in Oakland's Grand Lake remains intense, driving up home prices and ensuring speedy sales.

Grand Lake enjoys a favorable, central location just north of Interstate 580, a perk for residents who commute via car.  Downtown Oakland and the 19th Street BART station are about two miles away and accessible via several bus lines.  AC Transit also offers trans-bay service to downtown San Francisco via the B and NL routes, both of which make stops in the neighborhood's heart . . . read more . . .  For information about real estate in the Grand lake area and other areas of the East Bay, call FRITZ.

San Francisco Fleet Week 2015

This October 8 - 12 visit the Marina Green in San Francisco for Fleet Week festivities.  This event attracts over a million people every year.  Events include the Air Show--The United States Navy Blue Angels put on a breathtaking display--the Parade of Ships and the Humanitarian Village.  For more information, times and tickets to events, visit http://fleetweeksf.org/.

Buying a Home? Insist on an Inspection

Courtesy the Pacific Union blog:
There are a million and one details in purchasing real estate.  If you're in the market for a new home, don't forget to include a home inspection on your list of priorities before you even think of signing a contract.  Home inspections are so important that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently began instructing lenders to urge all mortgage applicants, at first contract, to hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate desired properties.  Read more. . .
For more information on home inspections and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Montclair Sidewalk Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest, Oakland

The Montclair Sidewalk Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest returns to Oakland Saturday, September 26th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, September 27th from 10am to 5pm.  Presented by the Montclair Village Association, this free event showcases works from more than 70 artists and crafters who will line the streets of the Montclair Business District.  Read more . . .

Top Tips to Prepare for Homeownership

Ready to buy a home?  Here are the top tips to determine if you are ready.

1.  Decide what you can afford.  Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2.  Develop your home wish list.  Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3.  Select where you want to live.  Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans and safety.

4.  Start saving.  Do you have enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment.  Also, don't forget to factor in closing costs.  Closing costs---including taxes, attorney's fees and transfer fees---average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5.  Get your credit in order.  Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately.

6.  Determine your mortgage qualifications.  How large of a mortgage do you qualify for?  Also, explore different loan options---such as 30 year or 15 year fixed mortgages or ARM's.

7.  Get pre-approved.  Organize all the documentation a lender will need to pre-approve you for a loan.  You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers and copies of 2-4 months of bank statements.

8.  Weigh other sources of help with a down payment.  Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs?  Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.  Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money to buy your first home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9.  Calculate the costs of homeownership.  This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities and association fees, if applicable.

10.  Contact a Realtor.  FRITZ would be glad to talk with you and answer all you real estate questions.

Millennial Homebuyers Face Credit-Score Challenges

Millennials make up the largest percentage of the U.S. population and recently surpassed Generation X as the biggest portion of the labor force, but the younger generation's credit score could be a factor that's delaying or preventing more of them from entering the housing market.  Read more . . .
For more information on this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

New Listing! Open Sunday! 4328 Steele Street, Oakland

Fall in love with this charming 3+ bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage bungalow on a friendly tree lined Laurel street.  It features an updated kitchen and bath with granite counters, open living and dining areas with beautiful hardwood floors, fireplace, a separate studio space with kitchenette, a covered back porch and an enormous yard that beckons your green thumb!  Conveniently located just a short stroll from shops, restaurants, parks and public transportation.  www.4328Steele.com

Offered at $589,000  |  Open Sunday July 19th, 2-5pm

Call FRITZ for more information.

Open Sunday! 1317 9th Street, Alameda

125 YEARS OF HISTORY!

A historic 7 room Queen Anne Victorian residence adorned with lavish wood trim and high ceilings built for gracious living. 

Situated near Gold Coast mansions and Crown Memorial beach, the current owners painstakingly began to renovate from the ground up, starting with a new foundation and upgraded electrical & plumbing systems.  The interior restoration began with the gorgeous wood mantle fireplace, wood floors and plasterwork restored to it's almost original glamour.  Untouched  and awaiting  skillful craftsmen are some of the original features like pocket doors, a gorgeous walnut staircase and painted-over original trim & wood work.   Three plus bedrooms, two plus baths, an almost finished basement, double story decking, incredible wine cellar and an enchanting yard with brick patio, mature shade trees and shrubbery complete this amazing home.

A rare bit of Americana priced far less than you would expect.

Offered at $789,000  /  Open  Sunday June 28th,  2-5 pm

Call FRITZ for more details.

New Listing! 5663 Florence Terrace, Oakland

Two charming homes on one lot in a prime Montclair location perfect for a shared living arrangement. There's a newer custom home offering a unique multi-level floorplan with 2+ BR, 2 bath, 2 car garage with gorgeous light-filled living and entertaining areas plus a guest suite. The ultra charming, 1920's cottage features open living and dining areas with gleaming wood floors, fireplace, a modern kitchen & bath as well as two cozy bedrooms and a huge in-law suite with a private entrance. All surrounded by lush gardens, decks and private terraces with Montclair vistas.
Truly a one of a kind offering and an exceptional investment opportunity!

Offered at $1,298,000

Call FRITZ for more details

Mortgage Availability Improves for Sixth Straight Month

Courtesy of the Pacific Union Blog:
Good News for homebuyers:  It's becoming easier to get a mortgage.
Relaxed government regulations, new offerings from federal loan programs and new jumbo-loan options helped raise the Mortgage Bankers Association's monthly Mortgage Credit Availability Index by an average 0.5 percent from March to April---the sixth straight month of increased access to home loans. Read more . . .

Get to Know These Home Deductions for Next Year

Courtesy of  Drew Cockrell, Coldwell Banker, Atlanta:

The end of one tax season is a perfect time to start planning for the next one.  Start now so you can plan for a smooth tax prep next year.  Here are some key provisions:

Taxes—What You Can and Cannot Deduct

You can deduct real estate taxes, whether you pay them directly or through an escrow account. But be careful: not everything that may be called a "tax" is really a tax, according to IRS rules. "An itemized charge for services to specific property or people is not a tax, even if the charge is paid to the taxing authority." For example, a $5 fee charged for every 1,000 gallons of water you use or $20 per month for trash collection are not taxes and are not deductible.

Home Mortgage Interest

In most cases, all mortgage interest is deductible. But a couple may find itself limited if the total mortgage balance is over $1 million or if the mortgage was for reasons other than buying, building or improving a house.

The IRS gives a broad interpretation of interest. In most cases, both late payment penalties and mortgage prepayment penalties are deductible.

Special Tax Rules for Selling a Home

Homeowners considering selling their home will want to consider the guidance in  Publication 523. Those realizing a substantial profit might be worried about taxes, but the IRS grants a nice break.: A couple selling a home gets to exclude $500,000 in profit (it's $250,000 for a single homeowner).

However, the IRS wants to make sure it really is your main home. Among other conditions, you must have owned the home and used it as your main home during at least two of the last five years before the date of sale.

Many of these rules and provisions come with conditions and exceptions, so it's wise to read the full rules, and consult a tax professional before making a decision.

New Listing, Open Sunday, 547 Merritt Avenue, Oakland

PENTHOUSE VIEWS!  Enjoy awe inspiring lake and city vistas from this Penthouse "Haddon Hill" town home.  Over 3100+ sq ft of luxury steps from the lake, shops and fine restaurants.  3 plus bedrooms and 3 baths, dual master suites, home office, den, gourmet kitchen and magnificent in and outdoor entertainment areas.  A view-lovers dream home!  Open Sunday 2-5.  Offered at $899,000. Call FRITZ for more details.

Just Listed and Open Sunday! 869 Regal Road, Berkeley

Open Sunday 2-5pm

869 Regal Road, Berkeley

Magnificent detailing and classic lines exemplify all that is great with this arts and crafts architectural style. Circa 1918, this fine Berkeley Hills residence boasts four bedrooms, two and half baths, two car garage and all the modern amenities carefully integrated into the home's vintage style. This hillside home exudes the very best amidst beautiful gardens and breathtaking San Francisco Bay views.   A rare offering at $1,350,000.  www.869Regal.com

Call FRITZ for more information about this home and all your real estate needs

Staging Can Increase a Home's Appeal During Bustling Spring Season

From the Pacific Union blog:
With the coming of spring, potential Bay Area home buyers will begin pounding the pavement, and homes that make a good first impression are the ones most likely to appeal to eager buyers in what could be a crowd of open houses.  That's where staging comes in.  Read more at http://bit.ly/1I0Mxzy

2015: The year to buy a house

Courtesy CNN Money:
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro tells Christine Romans why more people will be able to buy homes this year, and why that doesn't mean another housing bubble.  Hear more . . .

Why are so few homes for sale in the Bay Area?

Courtesy of SFGate:
Rain wasn't the only thing in short supply over the winter.  The Bay Area housing market has also been suffering from an inventory drought.  Real estate activity always slows in winter, but the number of homes and condos sold in the Bay Area in January and February were the lowest in seven years for those two months, according to CoreLogic Dataquick. . . . read more . . .

March is a Busy Month for Buyers and Sellers

From the Pacific Union blog:
March is one of the busiest months of the year for Northern California home buyers and sellers.  Whether you're looking for a new home or preparing to put yours on the market, it's important that you're ready for busy times ahead.  Here are some tips for both buyers and sellers: http://bit.ly/1BOHZc4

It’s Never Too Early to Think About Spring Landscaping

The recent midwinter warm spell across the Bay Area serves as a reminder that spring is just around the corner.  Here are a few quick tips for getting your yard in shape for the coming season, when home buyers are sure to be out and about: http://bit.ly/1AY57Ez

Real Estate Roundup: Very Few Bay Area Homeowners Underwater

From the Pacific Union Blog:
Recent news of interest to home buyers, home sellers and the home-curious includes a report that San Jose and San Francisco have some of the fewest underwater homes in the country.  Also, California real estate investors strongly favor flipping homes to becoming landlords.  Get all the week's real estate news: http://bit.ly/1EWq5Dd.  For more real estate info and help with buying or selling a home, call FRITZ.

Oakland Restaurant Week January 2015

Oakland restaurant week is January 15th - 25th.  This is your chance to try some of your favorite restaurants and create some new favorites all for awesome deals.  For more details and a list of participating restaurants, read more . . . Bon appetit!