Archive for Sellers

Is staging a home for sale worth it?

March 31st, 2014

Ask any Realtor if staging a home is an essential part of marketing and most will give a definite “YES!”  Research has consistently shown that staged homes sell faster and at higher prices than non staged homes. Staging is all about showcasing your home’s unique features, minimizing flaws and to defining spaces.  There is nothing […]

Oakland CA Ranks Among Nation’s Top Ten “Green” Cities for Real Estate and more

May 7th, 2013

Did you know that Oakland, CA has been ranked as one of the nation’s top ten “greenest cities”?  Oakland has the country’s cleanest, freshest tap water; access to an abundance of fresh, locally-grown, organic food; and a hydrogen-powered public transit system. Growing food locally reduces waste and carbon emissions.  Oakland already gets 17% of its […]

The Bay Area real estate market is HOT!

January 18th, 2013

The Bay Area real estate market and especially homes for sale in Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley.  They are HOT, HOT, HOT!  And it’s heating up even more as we enter the spring market.  SF Gate just did a story on this exact topic.  Low rates and low inventory are combining for one competitive market.  Multiple offers are […]

Selling our Piedmont CA home with Brian Santilena

September 26th, 2011

  I think Brian Santilena did excellent work, in every way, helping us sell a home in Piedmont, and the end result was impressive. Brian promised from the start that he would act as the project manager for obtaining contractor bids on necessary repairs and staging, and he delivered on his promise. Brian knows many […]

Selling our home in Montclair Oakland CA with real estate agent Brian Santilena

September 26th, 2011

Marketing homes for sale in Oakland CA Montclair district by Brian Santilena. Comments from home sellers of 6800 Colton Drive, Oakland Montclair CA 94611 We worked with Brian to sell our home in Oakland as part of a relocation process. Having moved to another city, it was important to us that our agent have not […]

Pest Control Reports and Damaged Wood Behind Stucco

March 24th, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FKa17SlxW8    Pest control reports, damaged wood behind stucco and stucco hole testing. Stucco is one of the most durable exterior wall finishes available.  If applied properly it will protect your home from the harsh elements for decades.  Stucco is used on the exterior of all types of homes.  From entry level bungalows to Piedmont […]

Understanding Pest Control Reports

March 24th, 2011

Watch Next Video: Part 2   I’m Brian Santilena and I’m a real estate agent in the markets of Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley California.  Because of my background as a contractor I have a special interest in educating my buyers and sellers about the condition of the home they’re looking to buy or sell.    I […]

Pest Control Reports and Faulty Grade Conditions

March 24th, 2011

Watch Next Video: Part 3 Faulty grade conditions relate to the height of soil in relation to the wood lying on top of the foundation.  So let me start with the different parts of a foundation. There are lots of different types of foundations but since many of the homes in my selling area were […]

Changes in conforming loan limits and tomorrows buying power.

February 15th, 2011

I was just updated by a senior mortgage consultant (Brian Moggan with MSP home loans) who works with many home buyers in the Oakland Piedmont and Berkeley area and he said that the FED is not likely to extend the temporary increase in the conforming loan limit. (currently at $729,000) So why does that matter to […]

Oakland CA sewer lateral EBMUD waste water control ordinance

October 21st, 2010

Update as of May 2011 As a home seller in Oakland or Piedmont California you will soon be obligated to conduct a sewer lateral scope inspection and upon transfer of the home to a new Buyer someone will be obligated to make any repairs needed to comply with the new city of Oakland sewer lateral […]