Home burglaries are on the rise in the Bay Area, and many homeowners do not protect their homes well enough.We got broken into a few years back, simply because we left one of the front windows open by two inches.I'm no expert in the matter but what can you do?  Get good locks. Make sure the door and framing are of strong materials. Cover the windows with curtains, shutters. It can be something light just so it makes it hard to see. Put valuables away from windows. Get a good size dog. A chihuaha is a good alarm dog (for those who like litttle dogs). Turn the radio on. Buy two or three. If they are on timers so much the better. Put some of your lights on timers, and have the lights come on at various times. Also have a light on when you come home. Don't walk into a dark house. Get a sta... 03/31/2016

Listed on December 1, 2015, the hard work and persistence of Janki Patel and The J-Team closed this great investment opportunity in Oakland, CA by the end of the year, which is what our clients wanted.Here is what our client had to say:As a mortgage broker myself, I've had many opportunities to work with Janki over the years. So I already knew that her professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail firmly put her in the "top 1%" of realtors. Recently, however, I had a chance to see all those skills up-close and personal, as my wife and I listed our 4-plex investment property with Janki. It was clear from the very start that Janki had a clear strategy for the listing that would attract the broadest selection of prospective buyers. She has a great team supporting her (which she calls ... 01/20/2016

 The answering machine answered with, "You have reached number, number, number, etc." No greeting. No name. I was trying to reach the listing agent. It might be OK for our clients to not have a message stating their name, but real estate agents?!Quite a few real estate agents' phones don't say anything.  The phone company's machine voice answers with only a number. Or it just beeps. Or you can't leave a message because the mail box isn't set up.I told my buddy that his aswering service just answered with a number. He said, "Really? I didn't know that." I asked him, "Are you hiding from somebody?" He laughed. He does well, so I don't understand. If a potential client were to call him, he would just get: "You have reached 510-123-4567...beep." When you call your doctor or dentist, and you... 01/03/2016

Serene renovated beauty in sought-after Maxwell Park location! Stunning top-to-bottom remodel with modern updates and high-end finishes. Views from living room, dining room, and upper-level master bedroom. Inviting open floor plan and new spacious kitchen are perfect for entertaining. Two master bedrooms, modern fireplace in living room. Brand-new: hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, electrical, plumbing, furnace, dual-pane windows throughout, sewer lateral completed. All updates with permits. Warm and friendly community. Conveniently located near Mills College and I-580. Unfinished basement ideal for storage, workshop, and possible development.     12/22/2015

Another Home Pending By The J-Team The J-Team is pending a fourplex in Oakland, located at 2530 75th Avenue for $469,000. With four units ranging in size from 750-1,100 sq ft, the total square footage is 3,439 and sits on a 5,000 sq ft lot.Built in 1963, each unit has a dining room, refrigerator and oven range. This two-story building has 16 rooms total, 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and features balconies on the second story and a common side yard. The tenants have usage of the attached garage and driveway for parking. Featuring four units, this is a wonderful investment opportunity and The J-Team received multiple offers, with the seller accepting one in less than 7 days. “We are so happy our clients were able to list and accept an offer so quickly,” said The J-Team CEO and Team Leader Jank... 12/20/2015

City Ventures has broken ground on a new 171 unit townhouse project in West Oakland California. Nestled next to the historic train station, east of frontage road, west of Wood Street between 14th and 16th St. close to Interstate 880, this all electric, solar powered community called Station House will feature two and three bedroom townhomes. This development is designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape and architecture of the eclectic West Oakland community. West Oakland is known for its eclectic, artistic and creative design and architecture, so the Station House will be a perfect fit. West Oakland is ideal for artists, creative minds, and is perfect for anyone looking to live, play and work in the West Oakland area. The West Oakland area is in the heart of the San Francisco ... 12/16/2015

One of Oakland's biggest residential projects has begun work. Built and designed by Signature Development Group, this new waterfront mixed-use redevelopment will focus on the Oakland Estuary, a 65 acre environmentally sustainable master-planned community called Brooklyn Basin. Adjacent to Jack London Square, Brooklyn Basin will feature over 3100 residential units, 30 acres of parks and public areas and over 200,000 ft.² of retail and commercial industrial space.The infrastructure has already begun on one of the city's largest real estate projects costing over $1.5 billion. This is designed to transform the city's southern waterfront into one of the largest master-planned residential and commercial developments in the city. In addition to Signature Development Group, along with their Chi... 12/10/2015

Holiday fun.  Ice skating in Oakland?   The perfect gift for Christmas is something you don't have to size or dust and doesn't require batteries. The perfect gift includes a family activity which becomes memorable simply because it is fun.    The Oakland Ice Center is currently running extended hours for public skating.  And, Tuesday night is "Cheap Skate" night.  The Center is well known, has been around for a long time and welcomes all levels of skaters.  You don't have to be a figure skater or an NHL Hockey player to enjoy the ice.  Why not branch out this holiday season?  Just because there are warm breezes in the California sunshine doesn't mean you can't ice skate any time you want.  Holiday fun.  Ice skating in Oakland.       12/10/2015

Excellent investment opportunity!!! "CONTRACTOR SPECIAL"     Overview Maps Photos Features Market Stats $288,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms3 UnitsInterior: 2,728 sqftLot: 4,500 sqftYear Built: 1915MLS #: 40723904 Location 1519 - 1521 79th AveOakland, CA 94621USA Sean A Beattie RE REALTY EXPERTS(800) 517-7326[email protected]// http://www.GetHomesHere.com       Listed by: RE REALTY EXPERTS Our recent listings Excellent investment opportunity!!! "CONTRACTOR SPECIAL"Bright and spacious single story home!!!Meticulously renovated to perfection!!!Gorgeous home in sought after Stoneridge NeighborhoodExcellent investment opportunity! Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale 12/06/2015

The J-Team just listed a fourplex in Oakland, located at 2530 75th Avenue for $469,000. With four units ranging in size from 750-1,100 sq ft, the total square footage is 3,439 and sits on a 5,000 sq ft lot.Built in 1963, each unit has a dining room, refrigerator and oven range. This two-story building has 16 rooms total, 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and features balconies on the second story and a common side yard. The tenants have usage of the attached garage and driveway for parking.In a great location in Oakland, 94506 this property is close to shopping and the Eastmont Police Station. It’s also close to major freeways, BART, and buses.“This property has great cash flow,” said The J-Team CEO and Team Leader Janki Patel. “It’s a great investment that sell quickly and has a wonderful opport... 12/01/2015

My husband and I have done most of the usual spots in Sacramento for Thanksgiving. There have been the outrageous dinners at our house, hosting our families. We have been to the top Midtown Sacramento restaurants, including one our favorites, The Firehouse. In fact, it was The Firehouse where we used to go a few years back with our friends, Dan and Rose Mary Swart. But 3 or 4 years ago, Dan and Rose Mary moved to Boston.I worked with Rose Mary at Lyon Real Estate. She will tell your herself that real estate was a difficult struggle for her, but she had other issues in her life at the time. Plus, unlike me, for example, she has other talents. Rose Mary is an artist. She can paint anything, even a deadringer Chagall. I can't even draw stick people.You can read more in my personal blog tod... 11/26/2015

Thanksgiving is coming around again. Soon family will be over. We're scrambling to get things clean right now. Real estate will have to be put on hold.I'm thankful everyday. When I get up and don't feel any pain, I'm thankful. When my senses can perceive my lovely wife, I'm thankful. When there's a seller or buyer who needs me, I'm thankful.So here's my gratitude list: The Lord My healthy mind and body My wife My house Family and friends Past clients, current clients, and future clients My colleagues and office My dog, Memphis. (I talk to him a lot.) I tell myself these things once a day because...the world, a lot of bad news you know?Before going to sleep, I tell myself three things that happened that I was grateful for, and I thank Him once more.Happy Thanksgiving everybody. 11/24/2015

 UPDATED 2 STORY CONDO FOR SALE IN OAKLAND!  OPEN HOUSE 11/8 2 PM - 4 PM Listing Details Address: 2438 Frances St, Oakland, CA 94601 Price: $275,000 MLS number: 40721771Bedrooms: 2Bathrooms 1.5Square footage: 1,008 square feetHOA Fee: $200/monthYear Built: 1986 Call (510-387-3100) or email Maya Willner of Willner Realty for a private viewing or for more information about buying or selling a home in Oakland, CAThis 2 story, 2 bedroom/1.5 bath updated condo boasts 3 outdoor sitting spaces, generously sized bedrooms and a view of the bay from the balcony. Other features include granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a washer and dryer in your home. Click here to find out what your home is worth! OAKLAND 94601 REAL ESTATE MARKET There are 34 homes for sale in the 94601 zip code of... 11/08/2015

There were four offers at the time I submitted my offer. They got 10. My offer was above asking...10% over, cash, no appraisal and no loan contingencies. Only a two day inspection contingency. Even all of that didn't make me feel any better. I had told the buyer we were still too low, and he replied, "well you never know."Send me proof of funds, OK? You know, show me that you have the cash in the bank. "Yes, a bank statement with a real bank's name, your name, and the amount." He didn't get around to it. I figured, OK, I gotta go with what I have. If they like our offer they will ask for the POFs and work with us. If they don't, it won't matter.So I get an email from the listing agent: "Thank you for your offer." Nothing more. No phone call. No love. She was straight to the point. I tho... 09/17/2015

3 Bedroom Oakland Home for Sale in King Estates | 8057 Greenly DrThis 3 bedroom home for sale near King Estates Park is the best real estate deal you can get this year! The tranquility this single story home offers is absolutely precious. The home’s unique architecture, inclusions, and large expansive backyard will make your heart skip a beat. Want more? It’s in a convenient location! Read on to know more about this lovely home.  Nestled in the friendly neighborhood of King Estates in Oakland CA, the home is a hidden gem. The neighborhood offers easy access to the Laurel district, Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland bringing you closer to all your needs. But at the same time, it boasts of an atmosphere of peace and quiet, away from all the hustle and bustle. One of the well-loved features... 08/20/2015

Unmotivated tenants can be difficult  When I was looking to buy my duplex, I encountered tenants who were visibly upset that they had to show their place to prospective buyers, and who were obviously unmotivated to move. They looked sullen and impatient. And when I looked at the lower unit, I could hear them stomping upstairs where they lived.When I talked with them, they tried two tactics: first they tried to scare me by saying someone committed suicide in the attic; and then they tried to appeal to me by saying they really love their home and would like to stay.I asked them if they would move downstairs (because I want to live upstairs). And their response : "What? And downgrade our lifestyle?" Ahhh.....so it wouldn't be okay for them to downgrade, but they would expect me as the owne... 07/15/2015

On the news last night and today is about squatters in an upscale part of Oakland, in the hills. The headline said “Squatters bring crime wave to Oakland Hills”. The squatters took over a home going through foreclosure. The owner had taken a reverse mortgage on it, and when her husband passed away, she went into a nursing home. Since the home was vacant, it attracted squatters who moved in and refused to leave. One said she had invested time and money and sweat, and she's not leaving unless she gets paid!  in the meantime, the police have arrested suspects at the house, and recovered stolen cars. One is being investigated for identity theft. It seems to me the City of Oakland could have done something more --- after all, they have their VPRO (Vacant Property Registration Ordinance) in e... 07/10/2015

In August of 2009 there was an article about a new way to buy houses. It was called the NationalBLS, buyer's listing service. Like a dating service it tried to connect buyers with sellers."This was the first service for pre-approved residential real estate buyers. It was a service where buyers could anonymously post their requirements and receive offers from eager sellers. It's real estate in reverse."This was good for buyers because they wouldn't have to be pounding the pavement weekend after weekend. They could wait for a seller to contact them.I thought, wow, what if this thing takes off? Could it hurt real estate agents?Well, sellers don't want to do the legwork either. Sellers wants the buyers to chase them, not the other way around. Sellers are paying to sell their house afterall,... 07/09/2015

06/17/2015

The Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets was a great game last evening. Robert Vegas Bob Swetz was at the game yesterday evening in Oakland, and it was exciting. Vegas Bob was sure if the Warriors could pull off another win or if they would have to play the Rockets again. Exciting game and Vegas Bob is preparing for the next set of games, and routing for the Golden State Warriors ;o) 05/27/2015