Modern Luxury at 3373 Moretti Dr. (Concord)

IG users, click the link in my bio for the full blog.

Chris is the son of my past clients and a first-time home buyer. He is 37 years old, which I mention because the average age for first-time home buyers now is 38. Anyway, Chris had some help from his parents and wanted a detached home because the HOAs would have decreased his purchasing power. Ideally, he wanted to live in Concord or Martinez, but Pittsburg also has many homes priced under $600,000.

Chris was qualified up to $625,000. This home was listed at $600,000 and we offered $615,000 with a $2,500 credit. There were four other offers and they’d already countered one when we made ours. They never responded to the counter-offer, so we got into contract. I recommended we do a few more inspections because the repairs were done by a handyman an the owner. We did another roof inspection because the skylight was leaking on a rainy day and we also found the sewer lateral needed to be replaced.

It turns out the original roof inspect did not note the skylights were not the right type for the slope of the roof and that the roof itself was at the end of its useful life. So, much more work needed to be done (about $30,000). We asked for that in a credit/price reduction and the seller said no, so we wrote a new counter asking for a total credit of $12,881 and they agreed.

Luckily, Chris has some handy people that can help do some or part of the work and he will do the clearance. This home is a smaller one, but others in the area are going in the low $700,000 range. So, Chris can do some of the work now and slowly make improvements as rates start to fall. In six months, he might be able to get a lower rate, too. Speaking of the area, this home is in a wonderful spot in Concord and I’m so glad he landed here.

Now, Chris has a 3-bed, 1-bath, 929-square foot home with a garage on a small lot. Nestled in Concord’s Holbrook Heights neighborhood, it contains modern luxury amenities like vinyl plank flooring and recessed lighting for a contemporary ambiance. Vaulted ceilings, sliding doors, and a spacious backyard are nice touches. A gas range, a convenient laundry room, and wood-beam ceilings offer attractive qualities to the home. Where this home really shines is the expansive backyard with a patio, pergola, mature trees, and plenty of space for entertaining, gardening, or relaxation. Congrats, Chris!

Views, Views Views! Just Sold: 979 Via Montanas

IG users, click the link in my bio for the full blog.

You may remember a recent blog about a property I had listed with incredible views. Well, it didn’t take long for that lovely little gem to be snapped right up! Just a few days ago, my client and I closed with a buyer on the property at 979 Via Montanas in Concord.

We ended up with four offers and sold it for almost $100,000 over asking. Originally listed at $1.25 million, the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,310-square-foot home was officially sold for $1.335 million after just six days on the market. Frankly, I was not surprised given it was on .90 acre lot, single story and had the view. See below:

Via Montanas is a desirable place to live for many reasons, but you really can’t beat those views from the backyard. It shows off everything we love about living in the Bay Area, doesn’t it? The house was in original condition from 1985, however my client did a great job doing the things needed to get it looking good for the market, such as painting, deep clean, carpets cleaned and staging the home to show its full potential.

Next time you need help buying or selling a home in the East Bay, who you going to call?

Views, and more Views! in Concord!

IG users, click the link in my bio to see the full blog.

979 Via Montanas

I can’t get enough of this new home on Lime Ridge in Concord. My new listing is officially live and I hope you like it as much as I do! It is a single-story home on nearly an acre of land with views from the house and the yards to die for. A 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2,310-square-foot gem going for $1.25 million. Take a look:

The home has vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, hardwood floors, and gardens, giving it a comfortable and welcoming air, perfect for hosting guests or relaxing alone. You can’t beat 180-degree vistas from your patio, with plenty of space to expand creatively with a deck, pool, or other landscaping dreams.

There are additional exterior living areas and room to add an ADU. You’re just steps from the Lime Ridge Open Space and the Contra Costa Canal Trail for miles of walking, running, biking, and hiking. You’re also just five minutes in the car from shopping and a BART station, meaning you’re all set on both tranquility and accessibility.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make this extraordinary home your own. Built in 1985, it is a sturdy and well-constructed house; move-in ready, or a blank canvas to be expanded on! Give me a call today if you are interested in touring 979 Via Montanas.

New Go-To Dumpling Spot

I had never heard of BaoBao dumplings, but I went with a friend recently to the Concord location and was blown away by the food!

Instagram users, click the link in bio for the full blog.

I had never heard of BaoBao dumplings, but I went with a friend recently to the Concord location on Treat & Oak Grove and was blown away by the food! BaoBao doesn’t have much of an online presence, but they have six locations and some delicious dumplings. Just check out the pictures below!

Technically, the restaurant is named 88 BaoBao Dumpling House, and I’m not sure why! But I am sure that I’ll be back next time I need my Asian street food fix in the East Bay. We got some shrimp chow mein and, of course, some dumplings.

Luckily I went with my colleague, Phuong, and she knew how to order and to add the sauce she mixed up (soy sauce and the chili sauce) onto the chow mein. It was spicy, but delicious. I enjoyed every bite of my meal at BaoBao, but better yet was the company and knowing what to order.

Next time you want a fresh steamed dumpling, check it out!

Just Listed: 1831 Jefferson St. (Concord)

Just Listed: 1831 Jefferson St. in Concord. For Instagram users: to learn more, click on the blog link in my bio.

Just listed in Concord: a 4-bed, 2-bath, 1,719-square-foot home in Bishop Estates. This beautifully-remodeled home includes a reconfigured kitchen with sleek quartz counters, a Bosch dishwasher, and a charming breakfast bar flowing into the family room.

You can entertain in style with a cozy living room and wood burning fireplace, gather for intimate meals in the formal dining room, and enjoy a true sense of community with your neighbors in friendly Bishop Estates. The primary suite offers an updated bathroom and all bedrooms offer hardwood floors.

Outside, enjoy privacy on the patio with no rear neighbors and spacious side yards. Safe, confined, and low-traffic streets make it perfect for children to ride bikes. Open Houses are occurring this weekend (April 13-14 from 1-4 p.m. each day), so come swing by!

Another bonus about Bishop Estates: it has cherished traditions of open porch nights, weekly Macaron Mondays, and events at the Cabana Club. It is suburban bliss! All of this and more for just $949,000. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in buying this wonderful home, please reach out!

A Reflection On The Real Estate Market

Back in March, the owner of 4791 Laura Dr. in Concord found herself facing a dilemma. She yearned to move as soon as possible, but a looming shoulder surgery in May cast doubt on her ability to prepare her home for sale. The decision was whether to list the property in September or wait until the new year. With months stretching ahead, there was time to transform her home into a market-ready gem.

The first step involved bringing in a professional stager to assess the property’s potential. Together, they determined what would stay and what had to go. Carpet bids, inspection quotes, and even a talented artisan to repair sliding doors were lined up at reasonable prices. The owner carefully selected which repairs to undertake, fully aware that potential buyers might request credits for some items.

By May, her life had taken on a minimalist hue. She had sold, donated, or packed away all but the essentials, embracing a simplified lifestyle. August marked a turning point, with a fresh coat of paint adorning the walls and new carpets gracing the family room and upstairs bedrooms. The stagers worked their magic, creating an inviting atmosphere. It was time to settle on a final asking price.

In March, market comparisons supported a price of $975,000, but the Spring season had seen prices surge. A bold decision was made to aim for $1 million. However, it soon became apparent that the initial price might have been a tad ambitious. Rising interest rates had discouraged potential buyers, and open house traffic remained disappointingly sparse.

Within days, the price was pruned to $990,000, a modest concession aimed at slipping below the million-dollar mark. A month rolled by with little traction, prompting another price adjustment down to $975,000. The owner quipped that this was, in fact, their original target.

With more showings from other agents a glimmer of hope emerged. Within two weeks of the price reduction, an offer materialized. Initially, I was told it was coming the next day, but it took over the weekend to get the offer. While it fell slightly below the asking price, it was a VA offer with a request to address some remaining repair issues, totaling around $11,000. Over the weekend, two more agents came knocking. Once I had the offer, I called the ones who had just shown up, mentioning I had an offer, and asking if there was any interest from their buyers. One agent said he was writing it up as I called and was hoping to be the sole contender.

Thus, they presented a full-price offer at $975,000 with a $20,000 credit for closing costs and rate buy-down. The owner gladly accepted, finding peace with the fact that these buyers were a perfect fit for her cherished home. Ironically, they had come by the first open house, continued to look, but kept commenting on the yard and comparing it to other homes. In the end, the seller had bittersweet emotions, as she bid adieu to the place filled with countless memories and love, but also embarking on the next chapter of her life.

Key Takeaways for Sellers and Buyers:

1. Preparation is key: Getting your home ready can feel overwhelming, especially after many years of living there. Engage a resourceful agent early, plan meticulously, and allow ample time for decluttering and organizing.

2. Trust your agent: A skilled real estate agent will manage expectations and communicate effectively throughout the process. Markets can shift, and their guidance can be invaluable.

3. Act swiftly: If you’re considering making an offer, don’t delay. Timing can make a significant difference in securing a property, as waiting may invite competition.

4. Revive interest: Sometimes, a home that has lingered on the market just needs the right nudge. An astute agent will reach out to potential buyers who have shown interest in the past, often leading to successful sales in a competitive market with limited inventory.

New Listing: 1121 Glenwillow Ln. In Concord

I recently represented the buyer for 1121 Glenwillow Ln. in Concord, a beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2,600-plus-square-foot home. Its panoramic views in the Pine Hollow neighborhood make for a peaceful and private homey feel on the cul-de-sac back by the Open Space.

The house also has an extra den/office, vaulted ceilings, and large windows to allow extra sunlight to fill the rooms. The kitchen is updated and has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a breakfast nook. An expanded great room boasts hardwood floors, a fireplace, and access to the backyard.

The master suite has a spacious walk-in closet and a large en-suite bathroom with a custom vanity, a luxurious stall shower, and a separate soaking tub. In the backyard, a turf lawn, putting green, deck, and dining area with BBQ mean endless hosting opportunities, no matter the weather. There is even a finished 3-car garage, a storage shed, space for an RV or boat to park, and an owned solar system included in this home.

My client bought for $1.38 million, got a seller paid rate buy down and the roof repair of $8500! If you are looking to buy or sell in the East Bay, give me a call!

A New Listing In Concord (That Went Pending Today) – 1 Week On The Market With 9 Offers!

This exquisite Seven Oaks property is a splendid single-story rancher, nestled at the end of a peaceful court, surrounded by the verdant hills of Mount Diablo. Boasting an open floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this home is a gem!

As you step into the spacious entryway, you are greeted by an inviting ambiance that draws you in. The living room, with its vaulted wood-beamed ceiling, exudes warmth and character. The home features hardwood floors and fresh paint on the interior walls, while the living room and bedrooms are adorned with new carpeting.

The primary bedroom suite is a true haven, offering ample space and comfort. The sliding glass door opens to the backyard, creating a seamless connection with nature. The remodeled bathroom features modern amenities and fixtures that add to the comfort of the home.

The formal dining area adds a touch of sophistication. The kitchen/family room combo is perfect for entertaining guests, with easy access to the wrap-around deck, pool with waterfalls, spa, and a cozy fire pit. The drought-resistant landscaping adds to the overall charm of this serene setting, creating an idyllic retreat that you will be proud to call home.

The best street tacos! Who knew?

Of all the great taco joints in the Bay Area, I did not expect to find the best street tacos in front of the Concord Home Depot. But, I did! I found Kelly’s Deli, and I’m so happy that I stumbled upon it.

I met my handyman, Costa, there over the weekend to pick up some items for my client’s rental home. I commented about something smelling good as we walked through the store and Costa said that the taco truck has good food.

I thought it would all be junk food, but Costa said their street tacos were the best he has ever had. I couldn’t wait – I had to taste them even before I got home to take a picture! You can order chicken, pork, or steak. I got the chicken and hot or mild salsa/sauce.

Three tacos full of juicy deliciousness! Costa got the breakfast burritos to go for him and his wife. I will be back, because for $8.95, this is much more than your average taco truck.

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!