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!

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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!

Salsa Verde – where is that!

Tucked away off Detroit in Concord (near Costco) sits a tiny, family-owned Mexican restaurant that you should definitely give a try. There’s all sorts of great Mexican food in California – especially in the Bay Area and this one is good, especially if you are hungry after Costco shopping and don’t want a hot dog!

Salsa Verde has been there for seven years. I thought it was reasonably priced and the food was good. You can sit outside, and it’s a really cute little spot. One of my team members is Hispanic and used to her mother’s homemade cooking and it authenticity didn’t quite compare.

One specialty at Salsa Verde that you don’t usually see on a menu is a pot of food called mole cajete, which had grilled cactus, chicken, steak, and more in it. I enjoyed my taco and chicken enchilada. Their street tacos were also good! This off-the-beaten-path restaurant is worth checking out. It primarily caters to the businesses around Costco and is closed on Sundays.

Open House Saturday 1-4 pm, Kirker Pass Rd. in Concord

Offers Due Monday 2/5 at noon!

Road Trips: Concord Pavilion

Have some of our other “Road Trips” installments been too far away for your liking? Love music and being outdoors like me? Then this blog is for you!

Recently, I took a short trip to the Concord Pavilion – basically the mini-me of Shoreline Amphitheater – to see One Republic play a show. It was a rare warm summer night; we sat on the grass, brought in sushi and enjoyed the show. Fitz and the Tantrums were the opening act and they were also very good. It’s a really fun place to hang out with friends, grab a drink and enjoy an outside concert.

One Republic is one of my favorite bands. This is the third time I have seen them – but the Super Bowl arena in downtown San Francisco didn’t really count since it was so crowded and with limited space. The front guy Ryan Tedder is extremely multi-talented. I didn’t realize until this concert that he wrote “Rumor Has It” for Adele, plus songs for Rihanna, Ed Sheeran and many more artists.

The Pavilion is bigger than you’d expect for a venue buried in the East Bay, holding up to 12,500 guests. When I was there, it was packed but didn’t feel suffocating.

Other acts on the schedule include country stars like Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, as well as Janet Jackson. Kings of Leon, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy and Nicki Minaj are some of the performers who have graced the Pavilion stage in the past couple years.

To get to the Pavilion, just drive up to Kirker Pass in Concord and follow the signs. It is a fun evening the whole family can enjoy!