Finding The Right Mattress

You’ve got more options than ever when mattress shopping these days with no shortage of brick-and-mortar and online-only retailers to choose from. Here are the factors you should consider when you’re shopping for a perfect night’s sleep.

1. Mattress construction: The most popular mattress types are inner spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and adjustable air mattresses. Each has pros and cons when it comes to durability and comfort customization.

2. Firmness: Mattress firmness plays a huge role in the quality of your sleep. Mattresses that are too firm or too soft can cause aches and pains, so it‘s recommended that you test a mattress for 10- to 15 minutes in store before making a purchase.

3. Sleeping position: Your mattress should match your sleeping style (side, back, face-down, etc.). You want a mattress that keeps your spine in proper alignment. For example, some mattresses are better for side sleepers, while others are better for back sleepers.

4. Size: It’s not quite as simple as choosing between a king and a queen mattress. You should also consider your height, as some mattresses are a better fit for shorter people while tall people will want a longer mattress so their limbs aren’t hanging over the edge of the bed.

5. Stability: For couples, you should consider how the mattress reacts when one person moves, so the other person’s sleep isn’t disturbed in the middle of the night.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! – DUET IN OAKLAND!

821 34th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601

$699,000 | 5 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,197 SqFt

Wonderful opportunity for a flexible investment! Live in one unit and rent out the other, rent out both units, in-law quarters and more! The elegant front door adds a touch of class. Good floor plan with a good flow and functionality. Lots of improvements, including classic texturing, soothing paint colors, plenty of storage space, mostly newer windows and natural light. Nice remodeled kitchens in both units. Both baths have been updated. Most rooms upstairs have ceiling fans, several with additional lighting. Additionally, this property has been rewired and re-plumbed. The patio and fruit trees add to outdoor enjoyment. Convenient location near shopping, dining, services, amenities, public transportation, freeway access and Bart.

FULL LISTING

HOT NEW PRICE ON 4.5+ ACRES IN SAN RAMON!

111 Paulanella Pl, San Ramon, CA 94583

$1,839,000 | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 2,026 SqFt

Drive out a country road and escape city life to enjoy your home, surrounded by nature and tranquility. Situated on approximately over 4 1/2 acres in a peaceful setting and it has much to offer!! The main house has been completely remodeled, creating modern conveniences while living in the country. Very open and airy. Rich in character and quality, finished in a style that exudes a country flair to enjoy. Adding to its charm is your own self-contained caboose – just for fun!! There is also an additional structure with a large interior area for storage of equipment, etc. plus a workshop and even a large bonus room! A lighted windmill allows for a touch of nostalgia. Cross a bridge over a stream to continue to the back of the property. A variety of fruit trees are an added bonus. Beautiful views!! If so desired, up to 4 horses are allowed. The illusion of being in a remote area gives way to realizing that shopping, dining, entertainment, services and commute access are only minutes away.

FULL LISTING

JUST SOLD IN BLACKHAWK!

332 Red Maple Dr, Danville, CA 94506

$1,349,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,793 SqFt

Live the good life! Fabulous single story home on the picturesque 5th hole of the Blackhawk Country Club Lakeside Golf Course. Open floorplan w/ volume ceilings. Views of tranquil grounds from every window & slider. Sliding glass doors welcome you to backyard from Master, Dining, Living, Family & Kitchen. Lots of natural light. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, high end gas cooktop, center island, solid granite countertops, custom cabinetry. Hardwood floors in living areas, marble tile entry, plush carpet in bedrooms. Master bedroom walk-in closet features custom organizers. Larger secondary bedrooms share updated Jack & Jill bathroom. Newer lighting & interior paint. Spacious yard with deck, patio, lawn & mature trees. Possible pool site if desired. Located within the private & serene Silver Maple gated community of Blackhawk. Just a short walk to the wonderful Blackhawk Plaza and it’s fine restaurants, shops & movie theater. Open Saturday & Sunday 1-4

FULL LISTING

Dispelling Refinancing Myths

“Refinancing” is a scary word for many people, but that shouldn’t be the case for you. For many homeowners, refinancing can not only lower your monthly payments and help with your monthly budget, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

YOU’RE NOT TOO LATE

For years now, we’ve been hearing that interest rates will be on the rise, and although there have been some small increases, you’re still in a great position to drastically lower your interest rate. The general rule is if your mortgage interest rate is more than one percent above the current market rate, you should consider refinancing.

IT’S NOT TOO TIME CONSUMING

Don’t brush off refinancing just because it seems like a long and daunting process. An informational call with a lender to see how rates compare will only take a few minutes. There are also some programs for streamlining the application process. And besides, isn’t the amount of money you could save worth the time and effort?

ARMS CAN BE REFINANCED, TOO

Seeing your Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) increase after the introductory period can be incredibly stressful and place a squeeze on your budget. Many people assume they’re stuck, but ARMs can be refinanced, just like fixed-rate mortgages. You can even switch to a shorter term fixed-rate mortgage, such as 15 or 23 years. The longer you’re planning to stay in the home, the more sense it makes to look into refinancing.

JUST LISTED IN PONDEROSA VILLAGE OF SAN RAMON!

538 Treyburn Cir, San Ramon, CA 94583

$969,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,622 SqFt

Beautiful home on a corner lot located in popular Ponderosa Village! Light, open and airy floor plan with high ceilings. The flooring, kitchen and baths have been updated and the inside has been recently painted as well. Great location, near schools, shopping, parks, dining, commute access and the Iron Horse Trail.

FULL LISTING

JUST LISTED IN MEADOW GLEN OF SAN RAMON!

2601 Shadow Mountain Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583

$750,000 | 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,354 SqFt

Truly a home to make your own and enjoy! Sparkling gem in the much sought-after Meadow Glen Community located by Twin Creeks! Wonderful, open, single-story floor plan with vaulted ceilings and more! The kitchen and baths have been tastefully updated and there is lots of storage as well. Appealing end unit with 2 patios creates a nice ambience to enjoy. Rare, oversized 2-car garage also offers additional space for storage, equipment, etc. Great location, close to schools, shopping, dining, entertainment, new downtown City Center, Business Parks and commute access.

FULL LISTING

5 Negotiating Tactics That Can Hurt A Sale

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers should avoid:

LOWBALL OFFERS

Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.

INCREMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS

Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.
“Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.

NITPICKING AFTER INSPECTION

Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.

ASKING FOR MORE, MORE, MORE

Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

THE BOTTOM LINE

While there are things you can do to help boost your odds of a successful deal, there are a number of others that can prevent the sale from happening. WHEN BUYING A HOME, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT.

JUST LISTED IN THE LAKES IN DISCOVERY BAY!

9607 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$649,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,503 SqFt

Better than new – in the private gated community of The Lakes! Gorgeous “newer than new” well designed home features “tons” of upgrades and amenities to live in and enjoy!! Open floor plan concept bathed in lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. Master bedroom suite with a lavish bath plus a second bedroom are conveniently located on the main level. The upstairs has two bedrooms, a loft plus a bath to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the lovely back yard with an inviting “California Room” plus an outdoor kitchen, built-in barbecue and luxurious spa. Lush lawn area with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains. a must see!!

FULL LISTING

HOT NEW PRICE FOR 4.5+ ACRES IN SAN RAMON!

111 Paulanella Pl, San Ramon, CA 94583

$1,899,888 | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 2,026 SqFt

Drive out a country road and escape city life to enjoy your home, surrounded by nature and tranquility. Situated on approximately over 4 1/2 acres in a peaceful setting and it has much to offer!! The main house has been completely remodeled, creating modern conveniences while living in the country. Very open and airy. Rich in character and quality, finished in a style that exudes a country flair to enjoy. Adding to its charm is your own self-contained caboose – just for fun!! There is also an additional structure with a large interior area for storage of equipment, etc. plus a workshop and even a large bonus room! A lighted windmill allows for a touch of nostalgia. Cross a bridge over a stream to continue to the back of the property. A variety of fruit trees are an added bonus. Beautiful views!! If so desired, up to 4 horses are allowed. The illusion of being in a remote area gives way to realizing that shopping, dining, entertainment, services and commute access are only minutes away.

FULL LISTING