November 29, 2019

I Am Beaming With Pride!

. ~ Your Satisfaction is My Success ~ #Izabella #luxuryrealestate #bayarea #luxury #realestate #milliondollarlisting

I am a very proud grandma! I am amazed at how talented my granddaughter Danica has become. Please click on the link and be amazed like I did!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81TpUbZwxjA&fbclid=IwAR0m2mdFOLRAplbAS4jfiAD9jy9k2C6-frC_lnNQlt0izSr2QiGcVYEGziU


November 28, 2019

Thankful Everyday (And Not Just On Thanksgiving)

. ~ Your Satisfaction is My Success ~ #Izabella #luxuryrealestate #bayarea #luxury #realestate #milliondollarlisting


“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.”

Let’s all stop and take a deep breath right now - try to freeze time and think of all the things that you are thankful for. Is it because the Good Lord has given you another day to celebrate life? Is it because you are enjoying the feeling of drinking a good cup of Joe in the morning and then going to the work you love? Or is it because you now have the ability to spend more time with friends and family perhaps? Whatever it is that you are thankful for, let us all sit back and reflect upon this past year and just appreciate all the blessings that we were given and have shared in return.

However, not all days are created equal. Some days start off great. You feel refreshed. Things go as planned. You jump from one meeting to another and you just feel wonderful inside. Then there are other days. When your best laid plans go out of the window even before your day has even begun. The water heater broke. There’s a missing button on your favorite dress. Or the car won’t start perhaps? So instead of feeling wonderful all over, you now get that sinking feeling in your stomach.

Turning bad days into wonderful ones is a challenge, but it can be done. In times like these, the best way to turn things around is to focus on gratitude. Even if things look bleak, you will always find things that you can be grateful for.

Here are 5 can’t miss things that we should all be grateful for

  1. We woke up and are once again given the opportunity to celebrate life. Not everyone is given this chance. Each day, thousands of people pass away in their sleep. The mere fact that our Good Lord woke you up to spend another day with your loved ones and to do the things that you love is already reason enough to jump out of bad and be thankful.
  2. Friends and Family - We often take them for granted because we see them everyday. They are always “there” and the thought of losing them never cross our mind. But in the midst of life’s chaos, in the hurly-burly of life, let us all take the time to be especially thankful to friends and family for all the support when we are facing challenges, for all the hugs and words of wisdom when we feel down and lonely, and for just being “there” when we need them.
  3. Your health - You are not a superhero. No matter what we do, the ravages of time will take its toll on our bodies. And yet we should still be grateful that our body allows us to see, listen, walk and talk, hug and kiss our loved ones - everyday.
  4. The free pleasures of life. Have you ever experienced waking up to a beautiful sunrise? Enjoyed a nice stroll in the park? Have a picnic at the beach with your family? These are all nice isn’t it? When you experience these things, a warm glow envelops your whole being and everything in the world just feels right. And you know what the best part to all of this is? They are free. 
  5. A roof over your head and a warm home. You’ve all seen them on the way to work, or on the way to church perhaps. I’m referring to homeless people who day in and day out have to brave the elements just because they don’t have a place they can call home. Think about this, after a miserable day at the office, you still get to go “home” to a place where there is warmth and you are secure.  
     

There are certainly a lot of things to be thankful for and most of them we take for granted. Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful people who have supported me and who have so generously shared their time and effort. I am especially grateful to the trust and confidence given to me by the families in looking for their dream homes. I am both humbled and honored to be part of such a life altering decision. From my family to yours, we all keep you in our thoughts, prayers and hearts and we are thankful for each and everyone of you. May blessings be yours this Thanksgiving!   


November 8, 2019

5 Easy and Practical Tips for Millennials Buying Their First Home


 ~ Your Satisfaction is My Success ~ #Izabella #luxuryrealestate #bayarea #luxury #realestate #milliondollarlisting


5 Easy and Practical Tips for Millennials Buying Their First Home

The millennial generation is quickly becoming the largest home-buying demographic in America. They are entering their prime earning age and are all eager to own their very first home. However, statistics show that though 87% of millennials want to own a home, 67% would need to wait 20 years to afford buying one. Many millennials are first time home buyers who have to navigate the real estate buying process on their own. Buying a home is difficult enough for a seasoned adult, it gets worse when you are young and don’t have any experience. Fortunately, millennials are the most tech savvy generation of home buyers that there is today. While they spend most of their time with their gadgets, they put this to good use by searching online to guide them through this difficult process. Because of this, millennials have very specific needs that need to have specific advice. 

Here are 5 easy and practical tips for millennials looking for their first home.


1.   Think It Through – Let’s face it, owning a home is not right for everyone. Even if you have the requisite down payment for that lovely condominium you saw downtown, the expenses do not end there. You will have to consider mortgage costs, association dues, money for repair and maintenance, etc. These costs will pile up when not considered and will prove to be a heavy burden once you jump into buying your own house without thinking it through. This is aside from the possibility that maybe buying a house is not your priority at all. You may want to travel and see the world first before you decide to settle down and put down your own roots. Or perhaps, you are yet undecided as to where to really put your roots down. Whatever your priority is, it would be in your best interest to think everything through.

2.     It’s The Budget, my dear –  Most of us, when we hear the word budget, shivers creep up our spine. In today’s age, sticking to a budget is like being on a crap shoot, you’ll win if you get lucky. However, this is a reality that most millennials have to face. Most millennials come in with huge student loan debts that they are still in the midst of paying off when they go look for their first homes. As if this is not burden enough, they have to figure out how to save up for the down payment for their dream homes. This is the reason why you need to really take a close look at where you are financially before you do decide to buy your first house. The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can do to help you set your finances straight. Since buying a house is a major financial investment, you need to be at least debt-free in order to afford one. So do whatever it takes. Get a second job to help bring in more money. Or sell stuff perhaps? It also does not hurt if you are able to receive money gifts from friends and family. And then there’s the question of how much house can you really afford? But whatever it is that brings in every dollar, you have to be mindful of your budget and you have to stick to it.  

3.    Love at First Sight Does Not Mean “The One” – Here’s a pitfall that most home buyers make, not only millennials. Not looking at enough houses before they decide on what to buy. Most home buyers liken buying a house to falling in love. The first house they see that they “fall in love” with is “The One”. This may be true, but hold your horses! Before actually falling for it, go back to step No. 1 AND THINK IT THROUGH. Is the house too big or too small for me? Do I have enough money for a down payment? (and that is assuming you are already student loan debt-free) Do I really want to buy a house? Whatever it is that you fell in love with in the house, pause a little. Do not settle immediately.

4.    Think #ForeverHome – “Oh the house at the end of the street is perfect”! or “I love the view from that condominium” are statements that we have heard often enough only to have buyer’s remorse in the end. Why? Because you have not put in your due diligence and you are not thinking about  having a “foreverhome. Am I ready to settle down? Am I in the right location? How big (or how small) of a house do I need? How expensive of a house can I afford? Is this the neighborhood where I want to raise my family? These are the questions you should be asking, more than the view from that beautiful condo. Of course you have to consider a home’s curb appeal. Who wouldn’t want a house that will make your heart flutter when you see it? It’s just that there are more pressing questions to answer before you decide on what to buy.

5.    Seek the help of a competent and trustworthy Realtor – This advice is last on the list, but definitely not the least. When you are ready to buy your first home, it is imperative that you engage the services of a reputable and trustworthy realtor who can help guide you through the buying process. The realtor of your choice should be very knowledgeable in the area you wish to buy a home from and financially savvy to be able to get a good price for you. And since we are dealing with money for a major investment, it goes without saying that your realtor should be trustworthy. So ask around your friends, neighbors and even office mates who have had the chance to deal with a realtor and seek their recommendations. Better yet, go online and search for realtors within the area of your choice who have had very good reviews. This will give you an idea who to engage and give you the best home buying experience that you can have. Once you engage, ask a lot of questions. It would be in your best interest, and your realtor will be more than happy to answer all your questions and assist you.

Buying a house is a life-changing event. It is probably one of the, if not the biggest decision you will ever make. You and your family’s future depends on how well you are able to analyze your present situation and predict/mitigate all future circumstances. Fortunately for the millennial generation, help is just a phone call or a simple keyboard click away.

If you are ready to buy your #foreverhome, I am here to help.


Izabella Lipetski
COMPASS / CAL BRE#01372992
(510) 506-2072 / ilipetski@gmail.com

November 5, 2019

OCTOBER 2019 Market Report

. ~ Your Satisfaction is My Success ~ #Izabella #luxuryrealestate #bayarea #luxury #realestate #milliondollarlisting




🏡 Buying or Selling Your Home? It's always a good idea to know what's going on in the market. 📊📈📉

Here's how the Real Estate Market performed FOR OCTOBER 2019 for Pleasanton, Danville, Alameda, Oakland and San Ramon.

SINGLE DETACHED HOMES







ATTACHED HOMES






Thinking of buying or selling this year? When visiting isn't enough and you decide to make our beautiful area home, let me help you! From Single Family Homes, Condominiums, Luxury Houses and more, I am positive I can find the right home for you. Call or just text me at 510-506-2072 and let's get started!

November 2, 2019

Weekend Guide and Open House List | November 2 -3

. ~ Your Satisfaction is My Success ~ #Izabella #luxuryrealestate #bayarea #luxury #realestate #milliondollarlisting


If you're looking for fun things to do, let our Weekend Guide help you find the best things happening this weekend in the East Bay Area!

Luna Mexicana
Saturday, November 2nd at 4PM
Paramount Theatre Box Office

Luna Mexicana is one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events. Like the celebration that inspires it, Luna Mexicana is a beautiful medley of exuberant dance, joyful music colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food, and – most of all – celebration of family.

2019 Dog Day Afternoon
Sunday, November 3rd
Brannan Street between Delancey and the Embarcadero, San Francisco

Pet costume contest, pet caricatures, DJ, trick or treat between over 30 pet related vendors for your dog or cat, Delancey BBQ and beer garden and over 16 local dog and cat rescues with animals for adoption.

Organ & Trumpet Benefit Concert
Saturday, November 2nd at 7:30PM
First Congregational Church of Oakland, Oakland, CA

International trumpeter, Ralph T Dudgeon joins, concert organist, Ken Herman for an evening of celebratory music that features, the organ at 1st Congregational Church of Oakland, considered one of the finest organs west of the Mississippi.  This is concert benefits Gamaliel of CA, a community-organizing coalition of groups from around the state working for justice for the disabled, in transit, juvenile incarceration and housing.  It will also benefit 1st Congregational Church of Oakland, a community center for many non-profits and hub of Spirit-led justice making in the East Bay.

Shakespeare on Tour: MACBETH
Sunday, November 3rd at 2PM
Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, Main Library 94501 

Come join us for a performance of Macbeth, performed by the Shakespeare on Tour company, to be followed by a Question and Answer session with the cast. The production is professionally directed and suitable for elementary students through adults. Shakespeare wrote for the stage, not for the page, and much of his information is conveyed through visual imagery and live performance. All ages are welcome to the performance, so come and enjoy the show!



FEATURED OPEN HOUSE





Sunday, November 3rd at 2PM - 4PM

For price, features and more photos, click HERE.



If you would like to set up a private viewing, please call me at (510) 506-2072



Sunday, November 3rd at 2PM - 4PM

For price, features and more photos, click HERE.

If you would like to set up a private viewing, please call me at (510) 506-2072





Here are the Open Houses happening this weekend in Alameda County



Didn't find what you're looking for? Visit my website for more listings. Click HERE.



Thinking of buying or selling this year? When visiting isn't enough and you decide to make our beautiful area home, let me help you! From Single Family Homes, Condominiums, Luxury Houses and more, I am positive I can find the right home for you. Call or just text me at 510-506-2072 and let's get started!