Archive for month: August, 2019

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

538 Treyburn Cir, San Ramon, CA 94583

$949,000 | 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.

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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

Freshly Painted Walls

Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to give your home a fresh new look is to simply give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Newly painted walls can give a home a new and updated look, which can go a long way. Make sure to patch any imperfections first and paint in a neutral tone in order to make your home more attractive.

Here are some color ideas:

• Pure White
• Interesting Aqua
• Grizzle Gray
• Believable Buff

New Fixtures

You’d be surprised at how much of a difference little things like door knobs and electrical outlets make to the overall look of a space. Swapping your old fixtures and hardware for newer, more modern ones can give your home just enough of a facelift. Making some small changes can make a dramatic difference in how your home looks.

Here are some fixture ideas:

• Lighting
• Curtain Rods
• Door Handles
• Switches

Landscaping

Before you tackle the interior, take a close look at your home’s landscaping. For starters, get rid of any clutter that may have accumulated over the years. Trim the bushes, install some addtional lighting, plant some flowers, and fix any loose stones or pavers along the walkways.

Here are some landscaping ideas:

• Pathway Lighting
• Concrete Pavers
• Easy to Maintain Plants
• Gravel & Stones

Updated Window Treatments

Any old drapes or plastic blinds that are covering your windows are just taking away from the esthetics of your home. If your window treatments could use an update, consider making some changes to improve the looks of your windows and potentially even let more natural light in, which is always a good thing.

Here are some window treatment ideas:

• Roman and Roller Shades
• Shutters and Blinds
• Updated Hardware
• Automation and Motorization

Many purchases that you make come with the option to buy a warranty in the event that the product is damaged, such as small appliances and electronics. This helps cover the cost of repair should they break down so you’re not paying out of pocket.

Warranties also apply to home purchases and offer buyers some peace of mind knowing that the major components and systems of the property are covered in case something goes wrong after you take possession. While they’re certainly not mandatory to buy, home warranties can help alleviate any concerns that you might have about anything malfunctioning in the home, and will be of financial assistance should anything go awry.

That said, it’s important to understand exactly what is covered under home warranties before you buy into one, as not necessarily everything under your roof will be covered.

The specific coverage offered will depend on the plan that you choose and the items you want to be covered, as all home warranty plans differ. The warranty company that holds your policy will replace or make any necessary repairs on any covered item that breaks down as a result of normal wear and tear according to the plan’s terms.

It’s critical for homeowners to fully understand precisely what is included in the home warranty in order to avoid the disappointment of a rejected claim.

That said, certain items are typically included in basic coverage, including the following:

• Electrical system components
• Plumbing systems
• Ovens and stovetops
• Dishwashers
• Built-in microwaves
• Water heaters
• Exhaust fans
• Sump pumps

Of course, homeowners may opt to upgrade their coverage in order to have more items included in their home warranties, such as:

• Air conditioner units
• Refrigerators
• Washers and dryers
• Central vacuums
• Pools
• Hot tubs
• Garage door openers
• Septic systems

Have Your Home and its Components Inspected Before Taking Out a Policy

If there’s something wrong with any one of the components in your home that you want covered, it’s possible that the warranty company you’re with will refuse to approve your claim. They’re covered under what’s known as a “pre-existing condition” clause that basically states that the company will not cover any component that already had an underlying condition.

In order to avoid the frustration of having your claim denied, it’s advisable to have your home and its components inspected first if your warranty does not cover pre-existing conditions.

What Constitutes a Denied Claim?

A pre-existing condition isn’t the only thing that could result in a rejected claim. Other issues that could leave you empty-handed include inadequate maintenance, improper installation, excessive and unnecessary wear and tear, and violations of building codes. Make sure none of these apply to you before you attempt to file a claim for a malfunctioning component.

Isn’t a Home Warranty the Same as Homeowner’s Insurance?

After reading about what home warranties are, you might be wondering how they differ from homeowner’s insurance plans. Granted, they do sound somewhat similar, but they’re certainly not the same thing.

Home warranties are designed to protect the systems and appliances of homes from any malfunctioning that is caused by normal wear and tear. On the other hand, homeowner’s insurance covers damages and loss as a result of issues out of your control, such as fires, natural disasters, or theft. They don’t cover anything that simply breaks down after normal use. That’s where a home warranty enters the picture.

The Bottom Line

It’s always important to look over your home warranty policy in great detail to understand exactly what items in your home will be covered. If you want more coverage for additional items that are not part of your basic policy, you’ll need to pay extra for these to be included. Even if you currently have a home warranty that you’ve been paying for every year, you should still look it over in the event that your coverage changes.