Mary Smartt--Smartt Moves with Mary Smartt

Why haven't I blogged in two weeks? Because I'm so busy with my clients! They say the market is busting, but I am not seeing too much evidence of that in our market. This just goes to show you that the real estate market is truly a neighborhood-by-neighborhood market.

Here in Berkeley, Rockridge, and other parts of Oakland, there continues to be a consistent number of homes available for sale. And, buyers are starting to come out of the woodwork due to interest rates that are both low and sane and some great deals that are out there.

So, what does this say about the market in our neighborhoods? Here are some tips for both buyers and sellers.

SELLERS:
*Be Patient. At the top of market, sometimes homes were barely on the market before they received multiple offers over asking price. Now, deals are happening, but buyers are being a bit more cautious. Hang on, homeseller, and price it right and make it shine.

*Price it Right. Don't compare your home sale to sales that happened in your neighborhood last year or at the top of the market. While sales are happening, we are not seeing record-breaking profits. If that is why you are selling your home, perhaps it is best to wait until the market goes nuts again.

* Make your home shine. This is always the case, but now more than ever. With a slower market, you need to make sure your home is better than the competition. Fix that fence and paint those walls! The investment will be well worth it.


BUYERS:
*Get your Loan Pre-Approved. Talk to a mortgage broker (or call me for a referral) and get your loan set-up. The mortgage landscape is changing constantly right now, and mostly for the better. Rates are low and sensible, so now is the time.

*Don't Get Desperate. Take the time to find the home that is right for you. This might take some patience, but it will be well worth it in the long run. But be prepared! Some properties are still hot and do demand a multiple offer situation.

*Avoid Foreclosure Hype. As I've blogged before, a lot of people think they can get great deals on foreclosures right now but this is a tricky and risky business. Now what you are doing before you move on a foreclosure.


Alright, I'm hoping to get more blog entries out there again after being so busy lately. Next I am going to write about below-market rate opportunities and a great new listing I just put on the market. As, always, I'm happy to help. If you have any questions, just let me know. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net.

Living in the East Bay for the last 15+ years, it seems like the powers that be are always talking about a revival of Jack London Square. And, it looks like it might actually be on the verge of happening!

First, there is the highly anticipated California Harvest Hall, which is planned to be largest public market on the west coast, rivaling even Seattle. That should be opening in 2009 and promises to bring in a lot of local visitors and tourists alike.

Today, Eater SF has a run down on other great developments in the neighborhood. Among the news is that Cocina Poblano has just opened and offers the largest tequila selection in the east bay. Plus, the upscale hotelier Joie de Vivre has taken over the Waterfront Hotel and will be opening up a new restaurant from local celebrity chef Joey Altman. And, Jack London Square already has one of the best farmer's markets around and lots of history and charm.

So, what about the market? Is now a good time to buy in Jack London Square? I would say so. There was a lot of development in the neighborhood over the last few years getting ready for the promised revival of Jack London Square. Now, there is a lot of inventory. And, with today's market, there are some great deals. Even a quick look at the available properties in the area shows that there are about 70 properties listed at $500,000 and less.

Another great option if you are interested in buying property near Jack London Square is the nearby East Lake Lofts. These are authentic industrial brick-and-timber lofts next to Laney College. These are filling up fast, but some choice lofts are still available.

If you have questions about Jack London Square or would like to purchase a condo or home in the area, please let me know. I am always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net.