Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

10 Reasons to Cross the Golden Gate Bridge - Why Marin Part 1

10 Reasons to Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and Visit San Francisco

 ggbnight

Is July really almost over? I am still trying to figure out where June went and now we are quickly approaching August which means back to school, fall and the best weather of the year in San Francisco. There is no better time to venture out from your Marin haven, through the Rainbow tunnel and head across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge (or take the Larkspur ferry) for some SF activities.

1.     Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge - Have you? If not, do it!

img_7781_400Presidio - Off the Grid Thursday Night...

Fairfax Streets For People is Coming Up! Save The Date: August 31th

Bolinas Avenue will close to traffic and the fun will begin! There are Zumba , world dance and Yoga classes held in the street.

Many food vendors, too. The creation of this event was a response to a long time vision that many of us have held that Fairfax is ripe for an eventual pedestrian only Mall style (Think Boulder, not Bloomingdales!) street where restaurants can serve outside and people can congregate. So, a few years ago, Sustainable Fairfax along with the Town Counsel and other local entities came together to create this event and promote the concept one day a year. Some day, it may become a permanent reality. Click here for more details on this years's event. Hope to see you there!

...

645 Miner Road, Orinda - SOLD!

 645miner-pic_3264

Congratulations to the new owners of 645 Miner Road in the charming town of Orinda, California, which closed escrow at $2,650,000.  Renee Adelmann and I represented the lucky buyers.

This newly remodeled, 4,970SF pristine estate has 5 oversized bedrooms and 4.5 baths including a private master suite with fireplace, formal and informal living spaces, library/office, chef's kitchen and even a separate guest suite over the 3-car garage!  Set on 1.41 mostly flat acres at the bottom of a serene cul-de-sac, the home is surrounded by soaring mature redwood trees with a full-span rear deck leading down to sparkling pool.  A perfect home for summer entertaining!

If you are in the market to purchase a home in the East Bay, please allow my experience and knowledge...

It's heatin' up in Marin! Where to go for a swim...

Looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy a family day?  Take the kids to a community pool!  Keep them busy for hours and tire them out while you bask in the Marin sun and read a book.  Here is a list of local community pools by city that offer public swim hours for non-members at a reasonable fee.  And if community pools or club memberships aren't your thing, you can call me and I will help you find a home for sale with a pool!

KENTFIELD

College of Marin Kentfield Campus Pool
Physical Education Facility
835 College Avenue, Kentfield
(415) 485-9578

MILL VALLEY

...

1448 11th Street, Oakland - JUST SOLD!

1448_11th_st

I recently had the pleasure of representing my buyer in purchasing this grand 1906 home in West Oakland that closed escrow for $635,000 and was the best of 6 offers on the property.

This 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,738 square foot home (plus finished attic) included a lush backyard, "endless pool", spa, sauna, two-level deck, and a wine cellar -- an entertainer's dream! The home had been lovingly updated inside while still maintaining much of its original charm. Congratulations to my very lucky buyer!

If you are looking for a home in Oakland, I'd love the opportunity to assist you. Please contact me for more information at anytime at Matt@EastBayModern.com or 510.604.8000.

...

7 Habits of Highly Effective San Francisco Home Buyers

Please WATCH my webinar where I go over the 7 habits of Highly Effective San Francisco Home Buyers!



See you soon in my next video where I will elaborate on the 1st Habit, Know Your Numbers!!

If you have any questions or need any information, please feel free to contact me at 415-722-2528 or Hanna@San FranciscoModern.com at any time! 

...

What is a Mobile Loan Signing Agent?

 best_mobile_images_233

Would you like to avoid the stress and inconvenience of coming to the Title Company during the 9-5 work week to sign a stack of loan papers and closing documents when refinancing, buying or selling a home?  Ask your real estate agent or the escrow officer at the Title Company, to arrange for a Mobile Notary to come to your home or place of work at a time that is convenient for you.  I did, and my clients loved it. 

I recently had clients who chose to sign their closing papers with a Mobile Loan Signing Agent at their home due to logistical challenges in their work schedules.  It certainly was convenient but their situation was a little more complicated than the typical signing because there were multiple Trusts, 3 parties to the...

Greyhound Dogs Need Rescuing: Meet & Greet in Novato every 3rd Sat.

greyhound_adoptions_379 

Greyhound Dogs need rescuing!

Golden State Greyhound Adoption rescues ex-racing greyhounds from Florida dog racing tracks and brings them to California to be adopted. 

Teresa King, one of my favorite clients, has been an an avid volunteer with the organization for over 8 years.  During that time she has adopted many dogs herself, youngsters and old brood matrons, (dogs kept for breeding future racers).

On the third Saturday of every month, rain or shine, Teresa conducts Meet and Greets at the Hamilton Pet Food Express...

326 Greenfield, San Anselmo - Sold Quickly!

 img_5626_314img_5609_314

Welcome to a great neighborhood!  326 Greenfield in San Anselmo has new owners who are thrilled with this art deco charmer.  I had the pleasure of representing the sellers. I listed and prepared their home for sale to get top dollar and it did!  Offered at $755,000 we had 3 very good offers and it sold for $790,000.

img_5848_241

After raising two boys and loving their neighborhood and home for 22 years, the sellers were ready for the next phase...

Competing with All-Cash Buyers!

picture_of_cash_for_july_blog_post_500 

Yes, it can be done! There seem to be a throng of buyers laden with cash from selling their homes, cashing out their high-tech stock options, family money, and the list goes on. There is no question that they have an advantage. They're not subject to appraisals and underwriting standards while you are, because you need a loan. If you're up against someone with a lot of money who just loves the home, it's probably time to move on, but barring that, give it a try. Cash buyers are not invincible. There are definite steps that can be taken to level the playing field.

First, it's important to understand what sellers and their agents are looking for. It boils down to just a few things: A good price; the terms the Sellers want (more on this...