About Oakland's Crocker Highlands

I've been contacted by the San Francisco Chronicle quite a bit, and as of late I've been featured in a section called "Sound Off," that's published on Sundays and also posted on sfgate.com.

But the question the Chronicle reporter asked me today really through me for a loop. It was one of those situations where I was damned if I did, damed if I didn't, so I went with my gust instinct and answered as honestly as I could.

San Francisco Chronicle: Q: If you had to pick one street in Oakland that is most desirable to homebuyers, which one would it be?

A: I would have to say Trestle Glen Road in the lower hills. It's a tree-lined street adorned with well-manicured homes of all styles and ages, from 1920s-era craftsman bungalows to 1950s-era Spanish revival houses.

Many sections of it are more affordable than people think, and because of its proximity to Piedmont, there's a very low crime rate. If you live on Trestle Glen, you're also likely within walking distance of a Trader Joe's, Block

buster, numerous restaurants and easy access to the Lake Merritt recreation area.

But it's a tough street to get on because demand there is very high these days.

-Eric Abrams,

Highland Partners

Prudential, Piedmont

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/13/REFU1DT7L9.DTL#ixzz0qz3bWOm9

It's always a tough question when someone asks you what the "best" of this is or the "best" of that is, as it's so very personal, but the idea of the column is to stir debate and with that, I believe the point was made!

Oh, and yes, this is the size of the picture they used! Believe it or not! It's huge! Nonetheless, I'm honored to have been contacted by the Chronicle and to read the comments of other Chronicle readers.

Best,

Eric M. Abrams

California Real Estate Broker

510-332-6314

Ericmabrams@gmail.com

CAR# R01862927

Staged to Sell was given the opportunity this summer to work with a client on a cozy condo in a very popular development in the Oakland Hills. We have been working in this particular development for years and have seriously worked on this particular model several times before with much success. We were therefore prepared to come and do our thing and get it sold in record time - just like before.

My Realtor client decided not to tell me a head of time that we would need to do a bit of painting. I think she was having some fun with us and decided to get my reaction when I arrived for our meeting with the client, a lovely woman who had a beautiful baby less than a year old. The family was moving to a bigger place as they had outgrown the one bedroom at this point.

The painter did a great job....lots of primer, three coats of paint too. Results: Sold in a week and two referrals from this one job. The wonderful clients referred us to all their friends and are having us come and help them with their new home.

Color is great for living (you should see my house) but for selling we need to tone it down and bit while keeping it warm and cozy.

Living Room Before

Living Room After Staged to Sell

Bathroom Before

Bathroom After Staged to Sell

Bedroom Before

After Staged to Sell

As you can see we still believe color helps sell a property, but the right color makes all the difference.

Kym Hough's Staged to Sell is the San Francisco East Bay's Premier Staging Company. With two locations and a 4,000 square foot warehouse full of furnishings and accessories, we tailor our designs to the demographics and style of the home. Good staging is marketing, and with 25 years of marketing experience we are qualified to assist our Realtor and Homeowner clients with getting the property sold in record time. For more information on Staged to Sell's services click on to our website www.staged-to-sell.com

• city or town where property is located: Oakland California
• neighborhood where property is located: Trestle Glen
• price the property is currently listed at: $ 425,000
• homes in the same neighborhood are selling for: $ 460,000.00 to $563,000.00
• difference in value between this property and the comps: $ 35,000.00 to $138,000.00
• probate / short sale / R.E.O. / 1031 exchange / traditional:
• days on market 30

On visual inspection of this property I have noticed that the following repairs would make a difference. Here is a list of suggested projects along with the estimated costs involved. Please consider the cost price estimates to be for supplies only. These postings are for contractor investors or serious do-it-yourself homeowners.

What is most amazing about this property is it's size.....67,082 square foot lot in Trestle Glen. Just imagine the possibilites here. Subdivide? Build new and sell other units? Check with the city of course on what can be done but.....WOW The last time a home sold with a large lot in the area (6/13/2005) was a 7,650 square foot lot and it went for $875,000.00....And it was really close to this property. Imagine almost 9X the property. Sure prices have changed in the last several years but, the economy of scale has not. There is great potential here. Give me a call and let's take a look at it together

1. project: Total rehab of house $125,000.00 min
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For the property address and further information, please contact me at: 510 334-7800

I would like to help you take advantage of this opportunity / investment