Archive for Buyers
Lead paint and renovating homes in oakland hills and Montclair CA
As of April 2010 all contractors, property managers and others who disturb painted surfaces are obligated to comply with the Federal Lead-Based Paint Renovations, Repair and Painting Program or RRP. I’ve been working and selling homes for years in the Oakland Hills CA, Montclair, Glenview, Crocker Highlands and Terstle Glen. Let’s face it, they were [...]
Mortgage Broker info for home buyers
Home buyers that are considering purchasing a home in Oakland, Piedmont or Berkeley California will inevitably find themselves communicating with a mortgage broker or a retail bank about obtaining a mortgage. This short video answers some basic questions about the differences between banks and brokers, what are loan points, reasons to use a local institution [...]
10 tips when hiring a Contractor
When preparing a home for sale or making improvements to your new home it is very important to protect yourself from unscrupulous contractors. There is nothing worse than getting shotty work or getting ripped off all together. Here are 10 tips to help ensure that you don’t get ripped off when hiring a contractor. 1. Make [...]
Free Hazardous Waste Disposal for Oakland and Piedmont CA
When preparing an Oakland Hills or Piedmont home for sale it is likely that you have a shelf or cabinet full of old paints, solvents, strippers, oil etc. Disposal of hazardous waste materials in Oakland is quite easy. The Oakland Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to [...]
If purchasing a home in Oakland, Berkeley or Piedmont you should check the water heater.
Look if the water heater is strapped for earthquake safety. It should be strapped at the top and bottom and held securely against the back wall. Ensure that there is a pressure relief valve. Without one the water could explode if it malfunctions. The pressure relief pipe should drain to a proper location. The gas [...]
Red Flags and things to look for when buying an Oakland, Piedmont or Berkeley home.
Homes in the Oakland Hills, Berkeley Hills, Piedmont and the surrounding areas were typically built quite a long time ago. After all, the classic character of these properties is what a lot of prospective Buyers are looking for. Negotiating a contract and spending time and money on inspections can feel like a real waste if [...]
If purchasing a home in Oakland, Berkeley or Piedmont look at the elctrical panel
Most of the homes that I sell in Oakland, Berkeley or Piedmont were built quite a long time ago. A major component of any home is the electrical system. Only a professional electrician can tell you the condition of an electrical system but here are a few things “red flags” to look for yourself. The [...]
If purchasing an Oakland, Berkeley or Piedmont home look at the furnace
Since 1997 I’ve sold over 200 Oakland, Berkeley or Piedmont homes. At least half of them were in need of a new furnace. Only a professional furnace technician can tell you the overall condition of a furnace. Most of the homes in Oakland Berkeley and Piedmont were built long before modern advancements in heating systems. [...]
Rockridge district is a jewel in Oakland CA
Rockridge is a vibrant community running along upper Broadway from 51st Street up to Highway 13. The area is conveniently located just a few miles from San Francisco and offers many commuting and public transportation options. Lower Rockridge has one of Oakland’s premier retail and dining districts located along College Avenue. Lower Rockridge is relatively [...]
How to successfully negotiate as a home buyer
I can’t believe how many of today’s home Buyers and home Sellers believe that “take it or leave it negotiations” are productive. I’ve negotiated over 200 transactions of my own as well as another 100 for other agents as a real estate office manager in the city of Piedmont. A simple rule that I recommend [...]
