Archive for Market

How to get top dollar Selling Berkeley real estate

March 4th, 2016

Conveniently located off of Adeline and Ashby, this Berkeley neighborhood is an annexed area that joins with Oakland and Emeryville. Family friendly, the home offers immediate access to a neighborhood park and is a few short blocks from Ashby BART and Highway 580, offering a central location with plenty of options for commuters. Weekly farmers […]

Mediterranean Home for sale in Berkeley CA

March 4th, 2016

New on the market is 1912 Fairview St is a gorgeous Mediterranean-style bungalow built in 1937 in a great Berkeley location. Brought to you by Brian Santilena Berkeley Realtor with Pacific Union Real Estate.  The 1,438 square foot house sits on a 4,000 square foot lot surrounded by a neighboring park. It features 3 bedrooms […]

Home for sale in the Oakland Hills CA

February 25th, 2016

6308 Hillmont Dr. in Oakland’s Millsmont.  $599,000 Offered by Realtor Brian Santilena with Pacific Union Real Estate Located in the quiet and scenic Millsmont neighborhood of Oakland, 6308 Hillmont is a 1,659 square foot split level home located on a spacious 5,671 square foot corner lot with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Enclosed within a […]

Bridging the Millennial home buyer divide

December 5th, 2015

Over the past 3-4 years I’ve been selling more and more homes to members of the  Millennial Generation.  More than to any other.  I work in the San Francisco East Bay (Oakland, Piedmont & Berkeley) and I’m right in the path of tech companies turning towards Oakland’s more affordable commercial environments and cheaper employee housing […]

7112 Marlborough Terrace in Oakland CA Claremont Hills

September 26th, 2015

7112 Marlborough Terrace is a true work of art.  Offering 3 full bedrooms, a library, hobby room, 3.5 baths and serene views of the Oakland Montclair Hills.  Built in 1994 and offering hand chosen finishes throughout, you’ll find this custom built home the perfect blend of European styling and California living.  Please see the video […]

The Physical Inspection Contingency Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley CA

March 4th, 2015

When purchasing an Oakland, Piedmont or Berkeley CA home, one of the primary protections afforded to a home buyer in the California Purchase Contract is the Physical Inspection Contingency, or aka Inspection Contingency.   When you make an offer on a home you are essentially saying that you agree to purchase the property so long […]

Buy vs Rent in the San Francisco East Bay

May 28th, 2014

Should you Buy or Rent in the San Francisco East Bay? That’s a very good question.  Not just when considering buying a home in Oakland, Berkeley or Piedmont CA but anywhere.  While everybody’s situation is slightly different there are several items to consider along the way.  How long do you plan to hold a property?  […]

LIve in Oakland’s Glenview Neighborhood

May 17th, 2014

The GLENVIEW DISTRICT of Oakland CA has evolved from a mostly bedroom community to a vibrant and popular destination and place to live.  The addition of some terrific restaurants, an active ride share community, an AC Transit V-line (Direct bus to SF) and charming architecture make the Glenview a true homeowners delight.  Glenview is Located […]

Winning in multiple offers with a good offer letter

November 11th, 2013

An offer letter can attract, or if done wrong repel the decision makers evaluating your offer.  A good offer letter acts as an introduction and put a happy “face” on an otherwise faceless purchase contract.  Even in a Buyer’s market, a good letter can help a Seller get over the fact that an offer is […]

Buy an Oakland, Piedmont Berkeley home with cash now and finance it later

October 19th, 2013

Delayed financing is as good as all cash. Needless to say, the Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley real estate markets are super heated.  Low inventory and pent up buyer demand combined with low interest rates are making for heavily competitive environment.  Even when a Buyer steps up and offers a seller thousands, tens of thousands or […]