There’s a lot that goes into having Local Expertise–and it starts with knowing the territory. The Berkeley-Oakland-Piedmont community has been my home since childhood. Having a native’s insight into our neighborhoods gives me a keen perspective on each home I see. As a long-time Realtor, I understand how a changing economy effects our local home values and how it can dictate the best time to buy and sell. Knowing how to navigate in our unique real estate market requires broad experience, sound judgement and attention to your needs.

Having represented both buyers and sellers for years, I know what’s important to all parties involved and understand their motivation. This broader perspective gives me the expertise to negotiate successfully for my clients, while protecting their fiduciary and legal interests.

Buying expertise: Helping each client find the right home, in the right neighborhood, at the right time—then expertly negotiating the best possible price with the most favorable terms, and closing the sale on time.

Selling expertise: Really knowing the marketplace—then strategically preparing, accurately pricing and aggressively marketing each home, so that it receives the strongest offers and closes escrow on time.

Local expertise requires first-hand knowledge of home values, neighborhood trends and current housing inventory. Being in our local real estate markets daily, and actually previewing the houses, keeps me on top of the pulse. By giving you a heads-up on the opportunities and challenges that are out there, you can be a savvier buyer or seller. Computer knowledge alone just won’t cut it.

Local expertise also means knowing new city ordinances, lender regulations, the latest disclosures and changing health and safety requirements. These factors, among others, can affect both market timing and long-term home values. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to have a Realtor with local know-how on your team.

Check out my Services for Home Buyers and Services for Home Sellers for a summary of  what to expect.  It’s there to help you prepare, which is the most important step to success in real estate. For even more details, ask me how this process can be tailored to your needs.

Common Questions I Hear

How is the market changing and where is it going?

I expect this to remain a buyers market for the next few years. However, the location in a specific neighborhood and property characteristics have a big impact on the value. Fine homes in good neighborhoods are always in high demand. Sign up for the Free Reports on the right-hand column to follow the market.

When’s the best time to buy or sell?

This depends a lot on your person needs, as well as the market. Take a look at my blog on this subject–there’s a posting for buyers and another for sellers.

Is the house in an earthquake hazard zone, and what does that mean?

Every home for sale will have a disclosure packet,  including a Natural Hazards Disclosures Statement. This is provided by a third party and identifies whether the property is in a USGA earthquake hazard zone, among other identifiable natural hazards such as slide and flood zones. You will also receive the Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Safety & Environmental Hazards, which explains how to strengthen (retrofit) your home.

So, will that recently-enacted sewer lateral ordinance affect this property’s value?

The citys of Berkeley, Albany, ElCerrito, Richmond, Alameda and Kensington currently have ordinances requiring an inspection confirming that the property’s sewer lateral (which connects to the city’s sanitary sewer main) is not leaking. Oakland, Piedmont and Emeryville will be enacting ordinances later in 2011, also requiring compliance before close of escrow. I recommend that every property have a sewer lateral inspection. The cost of repair or replacement can range from about $3500 to as much as $12,000, depending on the job.

Is this pest inspector reputable – should we get another report?

Understanding a structural pest report and evaluating the findings takes experience and knowledge. Knowing the professional reputations of the inspectors, as well as the date and content of the report, tells me when another inspection should be done.

How are the values in this neighborhood changing?

Again, order the Free Reports on the right. They  will be a valuable tool in helping you track the value of the neighborhoods you’re interest in. I can also give you more details of how things are changing — so give me a holler.

Does this remodel need a permit?

This is a hot topic. The answers can vary city to city, the nature, size and cost of the project and whether an owner or contractor is doing the work.  The best place to start is by contacting the city building department that has jurisdiction over your property.

These important questions are only a sample of what every buyer and seller face. As you step into the market, understanding the dozens of things that come up can be daunting. Managing the many logistical and legal issues which effect every home, neighborhood and city requires local expertise, professional knowledge and focused attention. This where I can help.