Pacita's Quick Bytes of Real Estate

The Regillus -- the grand Beaux Arts building facing Lake Merritt in Oakland CA The first time I saw this 8-story condominium building, I was in love. It was like being transformed in time and place. It harkens to a New York state of mind.   Everything about this property is first class. Circular...

Holiday Home Tour in Alameda CAAround this time of the year, one of the favorite events is the Holiday Home Tour in Alameda CA when several homes are decorated for the holidays and opened to the publc for touring. It’s a wonderful way to get to see the various architectural styles in Alameda, and...

Agent said the “sudden” appearance of other offers was “suspicious”This was an interesting encounter.On two of my listings in Alameda CA, my sellers elected not to set offer dates. Many agents kept asking for an offer date. Told them that if their clients are interested to please go ahead and wri...

Set an offer date, or not?It’s a dilemma. In a fast moving market, many agents and their sellers elect to set an offer date. While others don’t. Preemptive offersWe’ve seen where some properties are on the market for zero days, i.e. before the listing even hit the MLS, an offer was already submit...

You’re never too old to enjoy driving around to look at Christmas lightsWhen we were very young, my father used to pile the kids into the car, and then we’d drive around to downtown to look at the spectacular Christmas decorations put up by retailers. Then we’d drive around our neighborhood and m...

Why do we still do print advertising?There is always a debate about why do we bother doing print when over 90% of our prospective buyers and sellers search online anyway. Seems so old-fashioned.Well, sometimes, old-fashioned works. I know of one REALTOR who still walks his selected farms and deli...

Holding an open house is an opportunity to showcase Alameda CAToday, I held an open house at my listing on 7 Rutland, Alameda CA. The forecast was rain...but happily, the sun came out and smiled.It was surprising to have so many people come today. Fortunately, most of them were friendly so I was ...

Can you use Supraekey with iPhone5 AND iPad at the same time? Initially, I was told that the Supraekey will only work with one device at a time. Bummer. Not so fast.When I changed from an iPhone4 to an iPhone5, I couldn’t use my Supraekey right away. I needed an adapter -- called Lightning Adapte...

Santa dropped by at our Active Rain Meet-upInclement weather didn’t stop us from getting together for a spell. What we didn’t count on was Santa Claus dropping by to join us.We gathered at the home of Antonio and Alexia Cardenas who created this fantastic display, like they do every year. Holiday...

Shoe Booties are there for a reason...put them on!Have you ever seen a property for sale and find signs that say “Shoes off, please”?   And in many cases, there will be shoe booties available for people to put on in case they don’t take their shoes off. It isn’t just during inclement weather when...