Tag: bay area

Oktoberfest: Just one of the things we have missed this year!

With this years Covid cancellations of Oktoberfest in Munich and even our local events in Walnut Creek & Clayton there as been a drought of lederhosen, dirndls and maybe even some German bier. Oktoberfest has been cancelled 24 times primarily due to war and cholera epidemics, and now Covid. The last couple of years I was invited to a friends house who does a wonderful Oktoberfest in her backyard. Like me they also lived in Germany and it is always a fun celebration of friends, food and bier. Thus I thought it was worth sharing a bit of trivia this last week Oktober regarding the Oktoberfest celebration!

Did you know, Oktoberfest actually starts in September? The original Oktoberfest was held October of 1810 in honor of the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Oktoberfestbier is brewed only by the breweries within the city limits of Munich. These are also the only breweries allowed to participate in the annual Munich Oktoberfest. For beer lovers, you might enjoy the “want to know link” below as to why they needed a festival in October to finish off the beer casks

Here are some fast facts and trivia about Oktoberfest. You’ll also want to know the history of this event, as well as the differentiation between Oktoberfest the fest, and Oktoberfest the brew! Once you’ve mastered those, try your luck at this Oktoberfest quiz. I did pretty well myself!

Should you decide to host your own Oktoberfest in the future, here are some tips about clothing and food. This year, you can just wear your lederhosen and dirndle for Halloween, but that seems to be cancelled too….

Prop 19: Vote YES!

I tend to avoid posting anything remotely political on here, but today I have to urge all California voters to consider voting YES on Prop 19! The biggest reason,  allow eligible homeowners to transfer their tax assessments anywhere within the state and allow tax assessments to be transferred to a more expensive home with an upward adjustment. This means you don’t have to buy a house less than the one you sell. This could also help our housing shortage, because many seniors may now decide to sell their bigger homes and down size. I realize many may have already voted, for those who have not yet done so, this one is a no brainer.

Two new listings!

I just put two new listings on the market, and I’m excited to share some information about them! Check out the photos and videos below, and give me a call if you have any interest (or know someone who does) in buying in Walnut Creek!

2196 Walnut Blvd.: This gorgeous lot and great location is located just down the road from Walnut Creek Intermediate. It is on a flat, half-acre lot, retaining its secluded country charm. The home was under construction when transferred to the successor trustee, and the family decided to sell as-is.

There is a separate in-law unit that needs finishing touches to stay in while constructions finishes, and the addition includes a bonus room and unfinished master suite that totals approximately 1,000 square feet. There is a 4-car garage, too. Can’t beat this location! Listed for $1,275,000. Call me for all the details.

3124 Lippizaner Ln.: This 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,964 square foot townhouse in the Trails End community near Northgate High School offers walnut hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, an atrium, and two sliders to access the high-end back deck. The backyard views (looking over the open space) can’t be topped.

This townhouse is freshly painted and has new carpets, granite counters, and two built-in’s for extra storage. Enjoy the wet bar, wine fridge, and multiple entertaining spaces. There is a community pool, tennis courts, and Equestrian Center. You can see pictures and a video here. Listed at $890,000.

WC Community Service Food Drive done right!

The Parkmead community rallied with about 100 bags plus $$ donated for the Food Bank. I received some wonderful notes thanking me for giving them a way to participate, so I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of my Parkmead neighbors and friends who put forth a huge effort to take part in the Walnut Creek Community Food Drive last weekend.

The numbers for the city as whole are equally amazing. Over 6,100 bags were distributed throughout Walnut Creek and you can see most came back filled with food that packed THREE FULL Food Bank trucks. A total of $13,886 was raised and the cash alone translates into nearly 26,000 meals. 

I am so happy with the results and so proud of the community I live in!

A job well done for all your generous donations, and for showing up to help our community!

Just Sold: 729 Katydid Ct.

I recently sold a beautiful home at 729 Katydid Ct.! I’m so happy for my Coast Guard clients. One was stationed in Alameda and the other out towards Bodega Bay, so in 2014, they decided to buy in Martinez. A year ago, they were transfered to Virginia, rented the house out, but after one year decided to sell.

Virginia was much cheaper and they got a huge house with acreage. Serendipitously, I was able to connect with them on a recent trip to visit my son who lives in Norfolk, VA. We had a wonderful lunch at a rooftop restaurant and they have jokingly told their colleagues that their real estate agent came all the way from CA to meet with them!

All in all, we had five offers. It was listed at $620,000 and sold for $645,000. They were ecstatic with the results and as you tell by the pictures, staging helps tremendously especially with showing restrictions because of COVID-19. Video also helps buyers get a full perspective before deciding to book an appointment.

Just Listed: 5371 Saddlewood Ct. (Concord)

Just listed on Friday: This beautiful 1,368-square foot home in Concord! This is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house built in the 1970s on .18 acres. It is in a prime a cul-de-sac location with desirable schools nearby. Substantial interest in the home is driving an offer date of Wednesday, Oct 7th at 12 pm PT. There is still a Bay Area inventory shortage, and with low rates, we have a seller’s market. Enjoy the video tour!

Join in the Community Food Drive!

As we move through 2020, we have come to the realization that nothing we do is the way it used to be. For me, the keyword(s) for the year are “pivot” and “flexibility.” As many of you know, for the last four years, I have done a pie party and donation drive for the Trinity Center. This year, I don’t see it occurring in our COVID environment.

Credit: Walnut-Creek.org

So, this year, I am pivoting. I’m being flexible. This year, I’m going to host a neighborhood food drive for Walnut Creek’s annual Community Service Day! If you live in my Parkmead neighborhood, you’ll be receiving a one-page flyer this week with more information on how to participate. If you don’t live in my neighborhood, I would be happy to coordinate.

Taking part is easy. Fill up a bag with non-perishable items and either call, text, or email me to come pick up your bag on your front porch (no contact pickup). Or, you can drop it off on my front porch. To get ahold of me, visit my website here.

Credit: Walnut-Creek.org

Another option, you can drop-off option at any one of the donation sites or on Saturday October 10th Walnut Creeks Community Service Day. I will be working at Heather Farms on the 10th helping to sort the neighborhood’s donations and will drive them all over that day. Thank you to everyone for participating! There are many ways to join in – visit the Community Service Day webpage here . You can also directly donate to the Food Bank with this link.