Dave and Carla Higgins's Blog

Fabulous Piedmont Pines Home on over 1/2 Acre with Pool and Detached Cabana

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

6319 Castle Drive, Oakland CA 94611 in Piedmont Pines

This rare Piedmont Pines retreat was initially built in 1952 by a contractor for his daughter. There is really nothing like it, boasting over a half acre of land and positioned for both inside and outside views of San Francisco. The home has a fabulous full size swimming pool, extensive landscaped patio and both fire pit and detached cabana with its own fireplace and exterior grilling station. The floor plan of the home has been exceptionally thought-out with all bedrooms including the master on the main level. The lower level of the home features a large rumpus room leading out to the cabana area, small kitchen and retro pool room with half bath, two changing stalls and a 1950’s fountain bar (great for pool parties). Further atributes include an attached two car garage with inside access and newer roof.

First open house is scheduled for Sunday January 8th from 2-5:00pm. Contact Dave Higgins for further information and showing times 510-698-2678 or Dave@DaveAndCarla.com

Crocker Highlands Fourth Quarter Update 2011

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Just Sold, 115 Highland Avenue, Piedmont CA

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Classic central Piedmont home with four bedrooms on upper level, gracious formal living room and dining room with gumwood trim, arched and leaded glass windows. We proudly represented the buyers on this transaction. (The Grubb Company also represented the seller). Congratulations to one of our premiere clients who successfully purchased this property in multiple offers.

note: Our buyers are luxury home renovators, please stay tuned for the unveiling of a wonderful newly updated home in the early spring of 2012. Call 510-390-6929 for details

WOW - Crocker Highlands get's another 'Best of Award'!

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ok, our blog is beginning to take on some redundancy with all of the 'Best of Awards' that Crocker Highlands Elementary is continuing to win. Granted, we may be a little biased toward this outstanding institution since we personally live in Crocker Highlands and have one child entering second grade there and another about to begin kindergarten, but seriously, this school does rock! The faculty is amazing and really cares about our children and their educational well being and the parents that comprise the Crocker PTA are all business. The after school programs are wonderful with options in everything from guitar lessons to acting. Our daughter performed in three plays last year alone (Peter Pan, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Mary Poppins). The Crocker Highlands Elementary PTA organizes and puts on a yearly fundraising Auction and every other year has a neighborhood home and garden tour. In spring there is a great school carnival with bounce houses to dunk tanks and an old fashion cake walk. This school is one of the great things about Crocker Highlands and we want to personally say thank you to everyone who makes it so great!

Here is a hyper link to the digital online version of this month’s Oakland Magazine and the badge of 'Best Of'' for Crocker. Below is a cut out (the fact that the title to the upper right is PETS has nothing to do with our kids! ha ha ).

http://www.pageturnpro.com/Alameda-Magazine/28088-Oakland-Magazine/index.html#/64

Crocker Highlands Elementary wins the Readers Choice Award for Best East Bay Elementary School

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In the most current issue of Parents Press here in the East Bay the yearly 'Best of' list was published and Crocker Highlands Elementary was voted (in the Readers Choice Category) #1 in the East Bay for Elementary Schools...Go Crocker Highlands! We have a 2nd grader at Crocker and our five year old will be starting Kindergarten here as well this Fall. We can tell you first hand that Crocker Highlands Elementary is truly an exceptional school with an amazing faculty as well as PTA and overall parent base to support it/them. Carla chaired the last Crocker Elementary Home and Garden Tour which is a huge fundraiser for the school and we both oversaw the last two Crocker Elementary Carnivals (which have become mini-fundraisers as well).

If you would like to see a digital version of this Parents Press issue and article relating to Crocker Highlands Elementary and the 'Best of' list you can click this link:

Parent's Press Best of the East Bay Addition 2011

Dave and Carla's Listing Activity Update

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a preview of this weeks ad in the Hills Newspaper group here in the East Bay.

The inaugural AIA East Bay Home Tour scheduled for August 13th 2011 (Sponsored by The Grubb Company)

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Maximum Loan Sizes Fall October 1, 2011

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:54:00 GMT

October 1st is currently scheduled as the date that loan limts are sceduled to decrease. In our Bay Area market this could have a drastic effect on buyers purchasing power - Here are the details.

max loan size for single-unit transactions will fall from 729,750 to 625,500
for FHA, that means the max purchase with minimum down payment is down from $756k $649k
for Conventional, the max purchase price to avoid MI (20% down) is down from $912k to $781k
The impact range is approximately $649k to $912k
- Inside this range, financing options will become more limited, specifics vary by case
- Any buyer or seller planning to transact in this range should evaluate their scenario with a lender to explore the impact specific to their situation

Fun East Bay happenings this 4th of July!

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

EAST BAY JULY 4TH 2011

Alameda: 4th of July Parade - Monday July 4th, 2011. Alameda Race starts at 9:45 am (www.alamedarace.com), Parade starts at 10am, down Lincoln and Park, Alameda, CA (Second longest parade in the nation); Jumpin’ & Jivin’ Jubilee noon – 4pm. [FREE]

Oakland: 4th of July Celebration at Jack London Square – Monday, July 4, 2011, 11am – 4pm. Performers from Kinetic Arts: stiltwalkers, jugglers, and face-painters. Clowns and Balloon Artist. Hula Hoop Dancing. Children’s Art Activities. Magic! The Conscious Carnival Games. Two Jump Houses. The Amazing Bubble Man, Bike, Canoe, and Kayak Rentals. Enormous Slide. Acrobats. The music of Big Cat Tolefree Band and the sounds of Eric Bolvin. Plus lots of food and drink (no fireworks). Jack London Square, Broadway & 1st St, Oakland, CA. [FREE]

Piedmont: 4th of July Parade - Monday July 4th, 2011. The Parade begins at 11:00 am on July 4th at Highland Avenue and Park Way, ending at Piedmont Park where we will continue the celebration through the afternoon, starring Dave Martin’s House Party.. [FREE]

Antioch: 4th of July Parade – Monday July 4th, 2011. The July 4th Parade kicks off the celebration at 10am on Main Street. A children’s Fun Fair follows at Williams Park. There is also a 5K run, picnic, entertainment and fireworks. Day long event. Main Street, Antioch, CA. [FREE]

Benicia: Torchlight Parade – Sunday July 3rd, 2011, 6:30 pm. Benicia’s Independence Day Parade stretches along First Street and includes music, dancers, floats, horse’s clowns, and entertainment. [FREE]

Berkeley: 4th of July Celebration – Monday July 4, 2011. Party from noon-10pm with live entertainment on the main stage from noon until 9:30pm. Afro Cuban Rumba Drumming and Circus Art performers around the marina, jugglers and magicians in Shorebird Park. Free dragon boat rowing from 2-6pm, pony rides, a dunk tank, Adventure Playground open 11am-8pm, and more. Fireworks off the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:30pm. South Shore of the Berkeley Marina. [FREE]

Concord: 4th of July Jubilee and Parade – Monday, July 4, 2011. Pancake Breakfast: 8am (fee). Entertainment begins at 9:30. Parade starts at 10am at Willow Pass Road near Park ‘n Shop Center and ends by Todos Santos Plaza on Salvio Street. Festivities for the children in the Plaza both before and after the Parade include free jumpies and face painting. Free parking in the City parking garages. Singing Flag performance and Fireworks at Dave Brubeck Park next to Concord High School starting at 7:30pm. Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, CA. [FREE]

Danville: 4th of July Parade - Monday, July 4, 2011 9am – 12pm. Marching bands, antique cars and more. Parade runs from the corner of Hartz Avenue and Railroad Avenue, continues down Hartz and San Ramon Valley Boulevard, and ends at the corner of San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sycamore Valley Road. Downtown Danville, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA. [FREE]

Dixon: Old Fashion Fourth of July Celebration - Monday, July 4, 2011 starting 11am until evening. Fireworks at 9:30′ish. Activities, food booths, music, motorcycle/car show and demolition derby. Dixon Fairgrounds, 655 South First Street, Dixon, California 95620.

Fairfield: Main Street Independence Day Parade - Monday, July 4, 2011, 10am. Parade route along Texas street. Flag-waving, music, car exhibits, and local clubs all in honor of the USA. Texas St., Fairfield, CA.

El Ceritto: Fourth of July Celebration – Monday, July 4, 2011 10am – 6am. Rides, carnival games, live music, food and a circus. Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Avenue, El Cerrito, CA. [FREE]

Fremont: 4th of July Parade - Monday, July 4th, 2011, 10am. Parade in the Mission San Jose District, Mission Blvd to Washington Blvd., Ellsworth St. and Pine Street, Fremont, CA. [FREE]

Hayward: 4th of July Family Festival & Picnic – Monday, July 4, 2011, 11am – 3pm. Old-fashioned games and a History Hunt around the park. Adults can kick back, relax with neighbors, and listen to free live music by the Banjo Racketeers. Bring your own family picnic, or hot dogs and soda will be available for sale. Meek Park, 240 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA. [FREE]

Martinez: Hometown 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks – Monday, July 4, 2011 – 9am to 9:30pm. Pancake breakfast 8am; Parade begins at 10am along Main St; live music from 11:30-4pm. Main St. Plaza, Main St. at Castro St. Martinez, CA. [FREE]

Orinda: Annual July 4th Parade & Celebration – Monday, July 4, 2011 7am – 1pm. Parade begins at 10am. Roadrunners’ Pancake Breakfast, flag raising ceremony, fun run, parade, live music, food, games and booths in the park following the parade. Schedule of Events. Orinda Way, Orinda, CA. [FREE]

Pleasanton: Fourth of July Concert & Celebration - Monday, July 4, 2011. 12pm – 1:30pm. Music and food. Concert by the Pleasanton Community Concert Band at Lions Wayside Park, 1st St & Neal St, Pleasanton, CA. [Free]

Pleasant Hill: 4th of July Fireworks Celebration – Monday, July 4, 2011. Celebrate Pleasant Hill’s 50th birthday. Firecracker 5K Fun Run at 8am, Parade at 9:30am through downtown Pleasant Hill. Fun at at the park at 10:30am, at Pleasant Hill Park right after the parade. The park is located downtown at the corner of Cleaveland & Gregory Lane, a short walk from the parade route. Fireworks at dusk, around 9:10pm, at College Park High School, located on Viking Drive just west of Contra Costa Blvd (between Morello & Contra Costa Blvd). Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa, CA. [FREE]

San Ramon: Star Spangled Spectacular – Monday, July 4, 2011 1pm – 10pm. During the day, inflatable features, interactive games including hamster balls – plus, food and beverage booths. San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Fireworks aprox 9:30pm, synchronized to music. 2501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, CA. [FREE]

Suisun City: Independence Day Spectacular - Monday, July 4, 2011 11am – 10:30pm. Fireworks show at 9:15pm with music on 1610 AM radio. Music, crafts, food vendors, restaurants, dancers, giant slide, and rock climbing all day. Harbor Plaza, 558 Solano St, Suisun City, CA. [FREE]

Vacaville: 2011 4th of July Spectacular - Monday, July 4, 2011 6:30pm – 10pm. Clean Slate will be performing at this special Creekwalk Concert from 6:30 – 9:30. Fireworks around 9:30pm. Concert and Fireworks in Downtown Main Street, Vacaville, CA 95688. Anywhere in Downtown Vacaville is great for viewing the fireworks show. [FREE]

Information used here was gathered from SavvyCities.com

Just Sold, 18 King Avenue, Piedmont

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sold in two weeks with multiple offers. This fine renovation was located on one of Piedmont's finest streets. Centrally located close to parks and town, this home offered a new foundation, electircal, plumbing (even a completely new floor plan. Originally listed at $1,675,000.00 you can get further details and see the complete photo tour by clicking here.

Significant Price Reduction - Lovely Crocker Highlands Home

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This wonderful property located at 744 Calmar Ave in Crocker Highlands was just reduced to $649,000.00. Featuring multiple upgrades, vista views and newly landscaped backyard, this home represents a lovely value. Click this link for further details and full photo tour.

796 Santa Ray Avenue, Lovely Crocker Highlands Tudor

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Fabulous Crocker Highlands Tudor with impeccable interior finishes and glistening hardwood floors. Light filled and private with formal living and dining rooms, breakfast room and spacious bonus room, Large valley view master suite with recently added designer bathroom. Private light filled backyard with magical gardens and patios. For full details go to www.796SantaRay.com

796 Santa Ray Avenue, Oakland CA 94610
Offered at $749,000.00

744 Calmar Ave, Charming Crocker Highlands Cottage

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Magical Crocker Highlands traditional. Spacious living and dining rooms, large deck off the master suite looking over the fabulous neighborhood and landscaped back gardens. Tucked just blocks away from the Lakeshore and Grand retail areas, this private home with its gleaming hardwood floors is a wonderful getaway every time you arrive.
See a complete tour at www.744Calmar.com

                         744 Calmar Avenue, Oakland CA 94610
                                       Offered at $679,000

4433 Arcadia Avenue, Modern meets the Oakland Hills!

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

MOMA meets the Oakland Hills. Magnificent, architecturally stunning contemporary, fabulous for entertaining.   This Upper Oakmore home boasts cathedral ceilings, open space and dramatic walls of glass with panoramic Bay Views. The expansive Chef’s eat-in kitchen is designed for the true gourmand with dual Bosch dishwashers and Viking stainless appliances. The lovely outside space has modernist landscaping and exterior design with level upper gardens and views. Lower level library/family room and master bedroom suite, large main level media/family room as well as an attached two-car garage. Numerous green elements have been incorporated into the home including solar power, a secondary solar hot water system and water entrapment system for green garden maintenance. See a full tour at www.4433Arcadia.com

                            4433 Arcadia Avenue, Oakland CA
                                    Offered at $1,200,000

Fabulous Haddon Craftsman $549,000.00

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

615 Athol Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610 / Priced at $549,000.00

Fabulous 1923 Haddon bungalow just minutes away from the Grand-Lakeshore Retail District. This light filled, private home boasts a spacious floor plan with abundant room for entertaining. Hardwood floors, period details and two bonus rooms allow it to function with great utility. The landscaped backyard offers a wonderful artist studio with elevated loft and ½ bath. Additional lower space with full bath and unwarrented kitchen can be found under the house with its own exterior entrance. The home has had several recent upgrades including newer electrical, furnace and drainage system.

First open house this Sunday May 1st from 2-4:30pm

Take a wonderful photo tour at www.615Athol.com

Sold! Sold! Pending! Our Property Status Updates

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:13:00 GMT

Our Reliez Highland Rd property in Lafayette just closed escrow after having an incredible response from the home buying public. 12 offers and a closing price in the mid $900's. This home went for well over $100K above the asking price. This home is truly spectacular, if you missed it, you can see our photo tour here.

3380 Reliez Highland Rd. Lafayette -12 offers submitted.

Our listing at 515 Haddon Road in Oakland also closed escrow this month. This classic 'Box Style Craftsman' boasted a fabulous floorplan and an additional bonus space in the backyard. You can see pictures here .

515 Haddon Rd on Haddon Hill, Oakland - Just Closed Escrow this Month.

Freshly pending after 12 days on the market, two open houses and ten disclosure packets taken. 106 Selkirk Street in Redwood Heights is located just a block from the sought after elementary school on a splendid cul-du-sac street. You can see a great photo tour here.

106 Selkirk Street in Redwood Heights, Oakland - Pending, just twelve days on market.

New Listing in Redwood Heights, 106 Selkirk St.

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:25:00 GMT

106 Selkirk Street, Redwood Heights, Oakland

First Open House Scheduled for April 3rd, 2-4:30pm

Lovely, sun-filled traditional home on a wonderful cul-de-sac one block from Redwood Heights Elementary School. Situated on a corner lot, this home has sparkling hardwood floors and a spacious split-level floor plan. In addition, there are formal living and dining rooms plus an additional lower rumpus area*. The cook's kitchen offers granite slab counters and stainless appliances. Both bathrooms are tastefully updated. The attached garage offers direct access into the house.

The private garden includes a wonderful flowering magnolia and spacious level yard. A separate building* perfect for use as a artist studio or home office completes this lovely property.

*Total room count differs from public record. Neither Seller(s) or Listing Agent has verified the accuracy of any of these sources of information.

Just Listed, 3380 Reliez Highland Rd, Lafayette

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

3380 Reliez Highland Rd, Lafayette
First Open House Sunday March 13th 2-4:30pm

Nestled at the top of a private road and sitting adjacent to Briones Regional park, this 1959 Ranch style home has been maintained with impeccable pride of ownership. Featuring a newer roof, updated bathrooms with marble counter tops and shower walls, clean updated kitchen with GE Profile Stainless appliances and sparkling hardwood floors. A large two car attached garage also features a 1/2 bath and laundry room and is directly accessible from the living/family area.

The exterior grounds are a combination of majestic gardens with mature fruit and olive trees accompanied by a large spacious patio with a stunning 180 degree view overlooking the Lafayette canyon side.

Five bedrooms in total* including a master bedroom suite with doors out to the patio make this property an ideal place to call home.

*Public records shows this house as a four bedroom home.

Newly Listed, 515 Haddon Rd, Oakland CA

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

515 Haddon Rd, Light filled Craftsman with Artists Studio*

Centrally located within blocks of Lake Merritt and the Grand Avenue and Lakeshore retail areas, this stunning craftsman offers an abundance of charm. Formal dining and living rooms offer gleaming hardwood floors, large light filled windows and period details. The spacious kitchen has been updated and the home features lovely front and back gardens with an additional detached two level artist studio.* Just blocks from renowned Cleveland Elementary**, this home is a tremendous opportunity. Take a detailed photo tour here.

• Fabulous floor plan.

• All bedrooms on the same level.

• Detached artist’s studio behind the home (with full bath)*

• Blocks from Lake Merritt and the Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Retail Areas.

• Close to Hwy 580 Access for quick commute.

* Artists Studio (including bathroom within) is thought to be unwarranted and created without permits. Cleveland Elementary attendance is not guaranteed must be verified with the district.

Check any address in Oakland for its Elementary, Middle, or High School Boundary.

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered
how to figure out which schools come with different property addresses around Oakland? Realtors tend not
to openly provide or promote this information in our area when marketing homes. This is mainly due to the risk of litigation should a re-positioning take place within the district, or for some other reason the
school that a family thought they would get with the house the moved into can’t accommodate them.

Oakland offers a nice system online for figuring out which schools a house should be attached to and all you do is log in, enter the property address and hit go.

Once you are into the schools it will also give you fairly in-depth breakdowns of the class types, rankings, and other interesting facts.

You can check it out for your self by going to:
http://mapstacker.ousd.k12.ca.us/newwelcome.htm

We hope you find this information helpful!