TWO GREAT AGENTS + TWO DIFFERENT COMPANIES = UNSURPASSED RESULTS!
Have 600+ successful buyer transactions in combined careers (not counting listing sales)
18-month BUYER
SATISFACTION
GUARANTEE! Will resell the house FOR FREE if the buyer no longer loves it
GUARANTEE negotiating $ off the price of the house &/or substantial seller credits!
Vigorously pursue off-market inventory not found on Zillow or Redfin, including NEW CONSTRUCTION, expired listings, probate sales, & “Coming Soon” listings
Have better than 80% success rate in multiple offer situations when competing buyers’ offers have similar price & terms
GUARANTEE : Should their client ever lose to another offer with similar price and terms, they WILL PAY $ to their client!
Know 7 ways to often beat out all-cash buyers without offering a higher price
Have decades of experience helping buyers buy single family homes, townhomes, condos, foreclosures (REOs), short sales, probate properties, and new construction
Steve & Courtney Agent X
Rea l GUIDE E state
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Classic, Stunning Bungalow
2609 68TH AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94605
2 BED / 1 BATH / 824 SQFT. / $475,000
A classic, stunning bungalow features 2 beds and 1 bath with an attached garage. As you enter, the home welcomes you with a warm, airy ambiance accentuated by natural lighting. The living room, a cozy retreat, features large windows- perfect for relaxed evenings. The heart of this home, the kitchen, is a culinary delight boasting sleek white cabinetry, Quartz counters, a practical breakfast bar with bar-top seating, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances and an open layout that seamlessly connects to the main living area. A spacious backyard to let your imagination run wild- al fresco dining, urban gardening or entertaining awaits! Enjoy the tranquility of nearby Joaquin Miller Park, offering ample greenspace for outdoor activities and relaxation. For those who travel frequently, Oakland Airport is a mere 10-minute drive, adding an extra layer of accessibility to this already wellconnected location.
Charming Home with Modern Upgrades
1292 61ST AVENUE, OAKLAND, CA 94621
2 BED / 1 BATH / 920 SQFT. / $389,000
Welcome home to this charming space! Open living & dining areas flow into a well-appointed kitchen with ample storage and granite counters. Remodeled bathroom features a full-sized shower. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout create a warm ambiance. Newer windows, paint, and fixtures enhance the sunfilled atmosphere. Converted garage and basement offer additional income or family space. Generous living area boasts natural light and cozy fireplace. Multi-generational home potential. Easy access to transit, schools, dining, and highways. Eligible for Community Lending Program Discounts!
After picking up the keys to our first house in Discovery Bay in December of 1995. My wife, kids, and I made the move from our hometown of San Leandro. I had been coming to the delta since I was about a year old and wanted my kids to have as much fun on the water as I did. Growing up, my entire family water skied, and Orwood Resort was our favorite destination when skiing the Delta. Things sure have changed a lot since then. As we all know, when skiing out here, you can always find smooth water. As I got older and had my own boat, my friends and I found the best skiing water in the bays of what would eventually be Discovery Bay. It was short lived, as we could no longer ski in the bays once they started building homes. After many years going to the Delta with family and friends, I came out here with my now wife for some fun on the water. At that time, Ski Beach was a private island that we were able to access on weekdays. We used to cruise the Delta and stop there for a BBQ before going home. After making the move to Discovery Bay, my wife Lori and I both commuted to work. Her to Livermore and me through the tunnels to Berkeley. I was a Meat Department Manager for a large grocery chain at the time and was growing impatient with the commute. My nephew had recently bought a nationwide Home Inspection Franchise, and it immediately caught my attention. Fast forward to 2004, Lori and I bought a franchise from the same company and on April 17th, 2004, I did my first inspection. To purchase the franchise, I had to go through some rigorous training, which taught me the skills that would transform my newly purchased business into a success. I started off busy for a new franchise owner, doing 17 inspections my first month. WOW…. What an awesome feeling it was, to see my training start to work for me. After about 5 years of owning the Franchise, I made the decision to venture out on my own. My oldest son Brendan was getting to the age where he wanted to work with me. I felt he was too young to be taken seriously, so I told him to get a job working with the public to hone his speaking skills. Once he started working for Elite Home Inspection, he shadowed me for a full year before I started sending him out on his own. In the beginning, some of our realtors thought he was too young, but he proved he could handle whatever was thrown at him. By the end of his first year with the business, our agents loved him, and he has become an awesome partner for our business. In all, the home inspection business has been very rewarding for the Mann Family. We are proud to say that we have close to two hundred agents that are now working with Elite Home Inspection. We have seen some crazy things over the past 21 years but wouldn’t change a thing. We are currently performing over 1000 inspections a year, work 7 days a week (when needed), and offer the same day inspection reports. We travel anywhere for our agents and their clients. We are frequently in Sacramento, East Bay, South Bay and have agents in the SF area that call us for inspections as well. Please contact us with any questions or inspection needs. We would be happy to educate your clients with the knowledge needed for selling, purchasing and taking care of their home.
Welcome to Kindred & Balfour by Shea Homes, an intimate 55+ community in the East Bay. This stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom plus study AREA, cornerlot home is filled with natural light and neutral tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pristine, the walls have never seen a nail, and the carpet has never been walked on with shoes, making this home feel like it came straight from the developer. A $20,000 backyard upgrade adds stylish cement work, artificial grass, and beautiful landscaping, creating a serene outdoor retreat. Exciting amenities are coming soon. At final build-out, the clubhouse will include pickleball courts, a unique spool (spa/pool combination), a park, bocce ball courts, and a fully equipped kitchen for community events. Walk to the Golf Course - Brentwood Golf Course right next door and play a round, or drive just minutes to downtown and enjoy multiple places to eat or shop. Don't miss the opportunity to call this exceptional home yours.
Listedat$199,000
4th
SITTING RIGHT OUTSIDE OF LIME RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE IS 69 TERRACE DRIVE an open-concept 2 bedroom home in Concord
and
COMING SOON 2061 SPRINGBOOK CT., OAKLEY,
plank LPV flooring is bing installed this week. Excellent opportunity for this 3 bedroom, 2 bath single story 1510 sq ft home; located on a large cul-de-sac lot, in a well established court location.
DRE#01713767 925-433-1880 Sheena
925-305-9645
DRE#02242858 925-864-8550
DRE#002134011 925-849-0446
DRE#02235502 925-286-5657
Located in a Park Like setting with mature trees and walking trails close by. Modern kitchen with lots of nice amenities in the kitchen design. For the entertainer, there is a modern wet bar in dining area opening to a beautiful vaulted ceiling living space. Laundry closet is downstairs opening to the 2-car garage. Home is tech savvy too, controlled by the available laptop. Lots of natural light and nice window coverings thru-out. Guest room has a Murphy bed set-up with built-in desk. Lots of additional nuances make this an ideal home for commuters with freeway access within blocks and walking distance to downtown Pleasant Hill, shopping, movie theatre and restaurants. Seller is motivated!!!
Maggie Hurtado
Pleasant Hill • $724,900
The New Broker In Town
Hire Cathleen Griebling if you want someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and determined to getting your home sold. We can’t say enough good things about Cathleen. She knows her stuff. We hired Cathleen based on recommendations from family and friends who had used her in their real estate transactions. There is no doubt that we would hire her again in a heart beat to handle any future real estate needs. Whether your buying or selling, it is so important to have a knowledgeable real estate professional watching your back and negotiating the best terms for you. Thank you Cathleen Griebling.
Robert T.
Cathleen is a true professional! She knows the business inside and out, works hard for her clients and follows through. We've had the pleasure to work with her on multiple occasions. Cathleen has helped us purchase 2 properties and sell 3 over the last 10 years. Even with the drastic ups and downs in the housing market over the last decade, she doesn't miss a beat. I can't recommend a more hardworking and trustworthy realtor.
Heather
Cathleen Griebling is a true real estate professional. She knows her community, the market and the best way to sell or buy a home. She has the utmost integrity and will be completely honest with you about how the process works, what you should know and expect. She works well with others and you can trust that Cathleen will do whatever it takes to get your deal done. I highly recommend Cathleen Griebling and due to her hard work my house sold over the listing price in the midst of Covid-19
. Julie
OAKLEY $80,000 Perfect Place for 55+ COMING SOON. 1 Bedroom /1 Bath 728 sqft. Kitchen Update with Countertops, Cabinetry, Appliances, and Laminate Flooring. XXL Primary Bedroom with 2 lrg closets! Stack Washer/ Dryer, Refrigerator Incl. Wheelchair accessible. Park Space rent Lowest in the area.
Call for a preview showing!!!
I used the Real Estate Guide when I first started in the business over 16 years ago. When things slowed down a bit I moved to a less expensive publication. Big Mistake. I track all my marketing expenses annually to see what works & what doesn’t. My calls from ads dropped 75%,
The Real Estate Guide is a textbook example of “You get what you pay for”
I’ve been back with Steve for the last several years and can honestly say my business has picked up because of my ads I run in the Real Estate Guide. This is not some second or third section of a daily paper, or an after thought to the Sports page. This is where serious buyers & sellers go when they need information on the Real Estate Market. Thanks Steve, here’s to a successful 2025. What a great time to be buying property
Located on the Tee box in the gated community of Trilogy in Rio Vista. 2 bedroom, 2 bath with den/office. 1382 sq ft. Exceptional
$427,000
CONTRACTS SPECIAL IN CONCORD
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home, nestled in the highly sought-after Clayton Valley Highlands subdivision, offers endless possibilities for renovation and customization. Having been owned for over 50 years and previously rented, it's ready for your personal touch. Enjoy the convenience of nearby schools and shopping, all set on a spacious 7,500 square foot corner lot, providing versatile access and ample space to enhance your vision. Listed at $650,000. Call to see.
EXTENSIVELY UPDATED IN 2022
This 4 BR 2 BA 1773 SF home offers abundant natural light, high ceilings, and a cozy fireplace in the formal living and dining rooms. The chef’s kitchen features white cabinets, quartz counters, and newer stainless-steel appliances. The family room overlooks a peaceful backyard with no rear neighbors. Luxury vinyl flooring in living areas, warm carpeting in bedrooms, Google Nest and ADT ready. Situated near Laurel Creek Elementary and Community Park. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity! $599,000
Montcair Hills
Oakland
4166 SQ.FT. BEAUTY JUST AROUND THE CORNER FROM FAST WATER.
South facing views of Lido bay at its best. 110ft waterfront with 3 finger dock and 2 canopies and hydro-hoist. Large deck with a screen room storage area, 2 gas ports for BBQ and 1 gas port for firepit, 5 gas tiki torches , a fantastic tree for shade and all the outdoor space to host wonderful gatherings! 2 Primary suites and 3 additional guest rooms with 4½ baths. The home was rebuilt in 2006 to include fully distributed Crestron av system recently updated to 4k tvs' and updated audio which will be included in sale. Wine storage room with separate cooling unit, a sports bar and game room loft, an office with balcony decking, as well as 2 additional balconies. Primary bathrooms include toto washlet with heated seats and one primary bath includes a steam shower. The kitchen has Monogram appliances and Scotsman 50 lb. Ice maker. Large pantry with work room and laundry with direct access to large 3 car garage with double tandem design and workbench. Large driveway fits many cars and low maintenance yard with wonderful garden area.
Gated community with 24 hour guard, premium lot wit Stunning Single Story with water view. Discovery Bay $648,888 This Charming Single Story located in a court location in Shadow Lakes Community! Kitchen remodeled in 2023. Oversized Honed Leather Granite, newer appliances, LVP flooring throughout primary bath remodeled 2025, 2 other bathrooms redone. This charming home is move in ready! Must see the pride of ownership! Enjoy coffee on the lovely porch! Brentwood • $849,888
4 Bedroom, 2 Baths, 1805 Sq Ft
the Heart of Uptown, Oakland just blocks away from 19th street BART, Lake Merritt, The Hive, The Paramount, and The Fox Theatre where restaurants and activity can be joined anytime, this 91-unit condominium building makes its home. Eight-stories tall with parking, in-unit washer and dryer, Fitness Room, Courtyard with BBQ, Dog Run, Package Room and High-Speed Internet are all
ALILOUPOUR REAL ESTATE TEAM
Adding Value to Your Home:
Very few people are aware of the added value an ADU can bring to their property. As an example the appraisal can be as high as 1 to 3 times the cost of the ADU and that value is added to the value of the existing home. Another reason is the high rental income in California. In fact, the number one reason people are building ADU’s is to live in the ADU and rent out their main home.
Benefits of Owning an ADU
Lets talk about the benefits of owning an ADU and all the tax credits and Grants.
• Income potential
• Privacy for office, music, artist, Inlaws, college students
• Adding value to your home creating equity
Best Ways to Use ADUs
There are quite a few ways an ADU can be used as they can be Non-Living Space ADUs such as:
• A gym/yoga place
• A home office
• An art studio/music studio
• A pool house
• Other use of ADU is to be a Guest House, Lodging Caretakers, Multi-Generational Housing Opportunity, Rental ADUs, and many more!
Lot Splits Can Bring Value and Income to Your Property:
Besides rental income and increased property value Senate Bill 9 allows for lot splits where you can now have up to 4 units after the Lot split. We are expert developers and can advise you correctly if this is proper for you and your financial goals. Give us a call and we will be glad to assist you.
Over $10,000 was raised at this years Holiday Party for local CHARITIES
Congratulations to our Realtor & Affiliate of the Year Lauren McLane &
A NORMAL REAL ESTATE MARKET COMING SOON?
A better question might be when have we seen a normal market? Defining a normal real estate market might have these certain components; a balanced number of Buyers and Sellers, prices that fluctuate little as valuations remain constant, and interest rates that are market driven.
I will posit to you that we have not seen a ‘normal market’ since at least 2004. This means that it has been a challenge for over 20 years. Let me share with you a few of the market conditions that I have experienced with you to help in understanding.
In 2004, we were sitting in an open house waiting for people to visit. The number of homes had been shrinking for some time. The number of people came to the property that afternoon was much large than 2 of us could handle comfortably. Most of our time was spent writing offers for people desperately in need of a home and making them at levels at which they would never appraise and the fact that few of them had had their loan approvals. New developments had just gotten underway. Clearly the market was not normal as the demand greatly outstripped the supply.
In 2008, as many of you may remember, the real estate crash, as a result of the worldwide financial crash, left the economy with more homes on market due to foreclosure, and other dismal situations that strung out until 2012. In this case valuations destroyed the financials of banks, lenders, and more importantly families as jobs were lost and the mood of the nation was bereft
of joy. No demand for a large supply of homes is a sad memory for many of us.
Today, the availability of homes at an approachable cost is occurring. Homes are on market but often priced above affordable levels. The cry for lower mortgage is the current call but any lowering of rates will just send prices of the homes higher. In this case, it is the financing of the properties that keeps things from a return to ‘normalcy’.
The end of this is that there is no normal market. Given intrusions of government and new regulations are always there. We need to deal with the market every day, even in the egg market. If you have questions, please contact me at caseteamre@gmail.com or by phone at 512-772-6293
John Case is a Broker Associate with Corcoran Icon Properties (CA) & Stanberry Realtors (TX) He has dealt with all aspects of Real Estate during his career and can answer any question that you may have regarding your home.
CalDRE Lic:00622378 He is also the editor of the East Contra County Real Estate Economic Report. He works with his wife Diana in Brentwood. They can be reached at 925-382-9771 or by email at johnacase@stanberry.com
FOR AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION THEN THINK MAINTENANCE
By Patrick McCarran ~ Real Estate Broker
The rain may have started and it may be wet still but the weather will be worse soon so there is still time to do some deferred maintenance to make sure your home is in tip-top shape. Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home, you should still add these chores to your list to help preserve your home’s value and help avoid major repairs later on.
Walk Around the Outside
Check for any past damage. Look for those sagging, loose and leaking gutters. Now is the right time to clean out the gutters. Is your roof missing any shingles, or if tile are there any slipped out of place, or is there any water damage under the eaves? A common nuisance is foliage growing in and on the roof, such as grass and weeds or an overhanging tree. Check the valleys where the slope of the roof meets, this is a common area where debris forms or birds make a home and will cause leaks. Mother Nature is a formidable force and over time you’re your home will prove no match. Promptly schedule repairs for those items you can’t do yourself.
Walk around your yard as if you were a first-time visitor. What impression does your home make? Be sure to clear away fallen branches and leaves. A great idea is a vegetable garden we have a great climate in the area and it is very rewarding to have food you grew yourself not to mention educational if you have children. Prune shrubs and trees to keep them manageable.
If your irrigation water supply has been off for the winter, turn it back on. Test your automatic sprinkler system or connect your water hose and check for cracks and leaks. Replace old washers or sprinkler heads.
Don’t forget the backyard! Is it time to condition your deck? Be sure to hammer in any loose nails, or replace them with galvanized deck screws. Replace any broken boards or rails. Consider renting a power washer to clean dirt and mildew from the wood, and then apply an all-weather sealer or stain. Cover and protect that patio furniture from the weather.
Check your fences and repair any broken fence boards to protect from future storms. If you have good neighbor fences you may add a small board at the base to make sure the board don’t fall out during the next wind storm. It is a good idea to stain your fences once a year to extend the life of your fence. If you are just moving in what a great time to get started. Clean the pool if it has been covered all winter. Wash windows, screens and windowsills; repair any past damage.
Take A Tour Inside
The first step in any successful endeavor is to make a list. Start by going around to each room and make a list of things to do in each room. Then dive in. Dust walls and ceilings to remove cobwebs and wash any grimy areas, don’t forget the ceiling fans. Wash window curtains or remove drapes for dry cleaning, dust the blinds. Deep clean rugs and carpets. Dust and polish wood or laminate floors. Don’t forget the kitchen cabinets with a little maintenance such as Old English can really extend the life of your cabinets and give the whole room a fresh look.
Check the central air-conditioning unit for debris and obstructions it is important to have good air flow for maximum efficiency and to prolong the life of the unit. Vacuum the main condenser coil on top of the unit. Check the operating condition of window air-conditioning units; remove
and wash filters in mild soapy water.
Make sure all exhaust fans and vents are clean and clear. Don’t forget to remove the lint buildup from the clothes dryer vent.
One often-overlooked area is the fireplace. Be sure to sweep ashes carefully into your fireplace’s ash pit or into a dustpan. If you used it frequently then you may want to call a professional chimney sweep to have it cleaned and lower risk of fire. Clean and lightly oil fireplace tools.
Look around for clutter. Are there items you don’t use any longer? If you are planning on moving, what items will you not need? Consider having a garage sale and then either donate or trash the remaining items.
And lastly, possibly the most important of all, don’t forget to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors even if they are not dead put some fresh ones in
(and remember to recycle the old ones). You may have missed it this year but in the future plan to change them when you change your clock for daylight savings.
Although performing these chores may be dreaded task, they go a long way in maintaining and even enhancing the attractiveness and quality your home and save this list for the spring, it will go quicker if have started now.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo. com or www. CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.
GINAMARIE OLSON DRE # 02226206 925-784-9060
KELLOG DRE # 01350007 925-513-5794
PATRICK MCCARRAN DRE # 01325072
925-899-5536 Past President
DELGADO DRE # 01324033 925-642-3535
SYDNEY PARIS DRE # 02109493 925-506-1519
IVONNE MONTOYA DRE # 02162052 925-989-7435
MELISSA DELTORO DRE # 01893360 510-258-3550
NIELSEN DRE # 925-757-8283
MICHELLE JOGOPULOS DRE # 01339030 925-381-5242 President
CATHLEEN GRIEBLING DRE # 01381545 925-437-4494
JODY DREWRY DRE # 01478000
925-818-1970 Past President
WEXNER DRE # 01163404 925-383-8732 Event Director
CANALES DRE # 02054139 408-420-9656
KEVIN VIERRA DRE # 01878277 925-595-1321
DE-DE HAYS DRE # 01414161 925-281-4597 MONICA NEILSON DRE # 02019968 510-415-2399
JESSICA ROBINSON DRE # 02019968 925-776-2740
VICKI WATKINS DRE # 01708069 925-529-1005
# 01408930 925-570-5187
LISA HULTZ DRE # 01242163 925-642-3290 Past President VERONICA
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