5 Tips On How to Spot a Competent Real Estate Agent

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

So, you’ve done your best to spruce up your house. You’ve splashed on fresh paint, made sure there is no leaky roof and added those potted plants. You feel satisfied with its curb appeal now. You have also made your research and know more or less the ins and outs of having a mortgage. You feel you are ready. Ready to either sell your house or buy that forever home. But wait! You are missing one key ingredient. You need the help of a competent real estate agent to help you make things happen.

Having a competent realtor to help you navigate your real estate options is like having an extra pair of eyes, ears, hand and feet. Real estate agents can help you see a house’s potential from a different perspective and give you options you may have missed. They help you with inspections and paperwork which, otherwise, would be too tedious on your part. And that is if you even have the time to do these things.

Here are 5 tips on how to spot a competent real estate agent

Ask around. Reach out to family and friends who have had the chance to work with a realtor. They are your best source of information whether a realtor is any good. Ask for specific instances why the real estate agent has performed above and beyond the sale and why they recommend that particular agent. This will provide you a detailed information which will help you determine if a real estate agent can help you or not.

Read Reviews. You know what they say about the internet, you can’t hide anything from it, good or bad. Most real estate agents post reviews that they have received on their website and social media. Be very discerning though because you will not read any negative feedback. In order to get a good idea about a realtor’s true capabilities, scour the internet and look for user reviews. These type of reviews will give you a clear picture.   

Pay attention to a real estate agent who knows the neighborhood. When you buy a house, you are not only buying the physical house but buying into the neighborhood as well. What you want is to buy a house that’s in a neighborhood where your family is safe and secure. You want a neighborhood where the basic necessities like schools, hospitals and stores are readily accessible. More importantly, you want a neighborhood that has a healthy family environment. These reasons make having a realtor who knows the neighborhood even more important. As mentioned earlier, a good realtor can give you insights that you may have missed out.

Widen your search and talk to multiple agents. There are a lot of good real estate agents out there. Each can help you achieve your real estate goals. Finding the right realtor for you means you have to invest some time by talking to multiple agents to determine if you and the agent have a “fit”. Working with a realtor is a “relational” experience and you need to have a good working relationship with your realtor, be comfortable with her and trust that she will give you the best options.

A good agent is a realistic agent. A good realtor will base her recommendations for price by analyzing different data like market reports. A competent realtor will give you information about similarly sold/bought houses in the neighborhood, how long it took before they were sold. A competent real estate agent will give you recommendations based on very calculated data.

Buying or selling a house is a life-changing event. The success, (or failure) of your real estate investment greatly depends on how competent your realtor is. Keep these recommendations in mind and you will at least be sure that you will have the services of a competent agent.  

About the Author

Izabella Lipetski is a premiere California licensed real estate agent with over 20 years of experience. She has served over 200 clients with discretion, integrity, diligence and passion. You may reach her at the ff:

Email: ilipetski@gmail.com/

Phone: (510) 506 2072

  

I Am Beaming With Pride!

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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

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.”

Ralph Marston

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!   

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

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.

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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!

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

1451 13th St. Suite #1, Oakland, CA 94607

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

530 62nd St. Oakland, CA 94609

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

Saturday, November 2nd

Sunday, November 3rd

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!

Weekend Guide and Open House List | October 26 - 27

. ~ 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!

Hellaween Costume Run

Saturday, October 26th

Oakland, CA

This untimed 5K takes place at dusk around Oakland's most BOOtiful lake! Whether you walk, skip, run or take some time at our sangria stop mid course, it's sure to be a fun time for all! Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and compete in our annual Hellaween Costume Contest. The winners of the contest will receive prizes after the race. Kids are encouraged to participate alongside friends and families in our kids division which runs the same course as the 5k. All participants will receive a shirt and a medal to commemorate their race!   

DogFest Bay Area 2019

Saturday, October 26th at 11AM

Jack London Square, Oakland, CA

Once again, we’ll be partnering with Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites in making this a not-to-be-missed event! Last year over 4,000 supporters enjoyed a great day at DogFest Bay Area. Attendees had the chance to meet assistance dogs and puppies in training, listen to a graduate speaker, do a little pet shopping from local vendors, enjoy great beer and food, pet caricatures drawings, face painting, a costume contest and much, much more!

A Nightmare on 14th Street | Halloween Extravaganza

Saturday, October 26th at 9PM

Complex Oakland in Oakland, 420 14th Street, Oakland, Ca

Party with Bay Area Top Tastemakers & DJS at the Renowned Complex in Oakland! Experience 20,000 square ft. of 3 Spooktacular Rooms of Music and Decor and outdoor lounge! Capacity Guaranteed!

Color Me Beautiful

Sunday, October 27th at 1PM

2210 D South Shore Center Dr., Alameda, CA

Create a masterpiece as art imitates life and you use all the colors to paint something beautiful.

Halloween Spirit Run

Sunday, October 27th

548 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566

A 5K/10K event held in Downtown Pleasanton. Organized by the Pleasanton Rotary to raise funds for their philanthropic programs in the community. Costumes encouraged! 

FEATURED OPEN HOUSE

1451 13th St. Suite #1, Oakland, CA 94607

Sunday, October 27th at 1PM - 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

530 62nd St. Oakland, CA 94609

Sunday, October 27th 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

Saturday, October 26th

Sunday, October 27th

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!

5 Little Things That Increase a Home's Curb Appeal

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

5 Little Things That Increase a Home’s Curb Appeal

If you are looking to sell your home, whether it be now or in the future, chances are you have thought about doing some renovations to the interior. A splash of paint here, a new tile there. New appliances perhaps? Or maybe just completely remodel the kitchen. After all, the kitchen is the soul of the house. These are all good ideas and probably the only thing that’s keeping you from a full remodel is your budget. Ah, the budget. Every homeowner’s pitfall. But what if I tell you that you don’t have to spend big in order to increase your home’s curb appeal? That got your attention right? So, here are 5 little things that you can do on a budget to increase your home’s curb appeal.

1. The first thing buyers (and practically all visitors) see are your doors. So let’s start with this. Refresh your front door. They say first impressions last and your door will either make the house inviting enough to be seen or discourage any potential buyer because of the years of neglect and wear and tear. Clean your front door, repair anything that is broken (screens and locks) and splash on a fresh coat of paint to make it more inviting.

2. Now that you’ve taken care of the doors, do not forget your windows. Always, always clean them. No need to repaint, a good pressure wash to take away all the dirt and grime will do.

3. Add potted plants. Plants instantly liven a home and makes it more appealing. Home buyers will always have their own ideas about landscaping, so potted plants will be optimal and will not break the bank.

4. The roof is your home’s “crowning glory”. Are there shingles that are missing? Is the roof worn down? Have them repaired. Do not fall into the trap that neglecting your roof will not matter. It does! The roof is very important to any home. And while you’re at it, clean those gutters!

5. Make sure your home is bright! Studies have shown that houses that are bright and with lots of natural light, are more inviting and tends to sell faster. This is another key to making a lasting first impression.

Selling your home can sometimes be a long and stressful process. The key is to make your home as beautiful as it can be. These little changes do not cost much, except some elbow grease. But these little improvements can greatly increase your home’s value. Putting in the work before any showing will give a lasting first impression. So now that you have your plan, the only step remaining is to hire an Agent! And this is where I come in…

Weekend Guide and Open House List | October 19 - 20

. ~ 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!

Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment

until October 29th

7000 COLISEUM WAY, OAKLAND, CA 94621

Disney returns to the ice with a brand new spectacular! Hosted by Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Worlds of Enchantment is a feast of color, music, and dance featuring some of the most beloved characters, including Toy Story's Woody and Buzz, Cars' Lighting McQueen, The Little Mermaid's Ariel and two sisters from the kingdom of Arendelle that you might just recognize.

Zoo Kids - Some Like It Dry - Desert Animals(2)

Saturday, October 19th at 9:30AM

Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605

Learn how plants and animals live in the harsh desert environment. Class begins at 9:30 am.  There are two possible drop-off points for ZooKids:  Lower Entrance (near the Education Center and Children's Zoo) and Main Entrance (near the café and gift shop). There will be directional signage as your enter Knowland Park. 

Oakland Hills Trail Run

Saturday, October 19th

Oakland, CA

The Oakland Hills Trail Run takes place in a hidden redwood forest in the hills just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. The forest’s peaceful groves give little evidence of the park’s bustling past – in the mid-1800s the area was the scene of extensive logging to supply building materials for the San Francisco Bay Area. The logging era has long since passed, and a stately forest of 150-foot coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) has replaced those cut down.

Autumn Foothill Hike

Sunday, October 20th at 10AM

Diablo Foothills: Orchard Staging Area

Hit the trails in search of autumn's red and gold among dramatic rock outcrops and expansive rolling hills on this challenging and rugged 7-mile hike.

6th Annual Black Light Art Show

Saturday, October 19th at 7:30PM

2309 Encinal Ave #B, Alameda, CA

Everything must glow in the dark! Blacklight paintings, lit up sculpture art, body painting, and video installations abound in this year’s Blacklight Art Show. Several special indoor and outdoor installation pieces will be on display including  Wormhole by FILMA Art Collective. Stroll the outdoor night Market and check out the live music by Quentel the Cryptid and halloween treats by Shannon Cooks.  Our sister galleries, The Red Door and 3 Dot will be open as well. Costumes encouraged, be sure to sign in to enter the costume contest!

All the Spooky Ladies

Saturday, October 19th at 1:30PM

2210 D South Shore Center Dr., Alameda, CA

Gather your ghoul-friends and have a bewitching good time with all the spooky ladies! Arrivals more than 15 minutes after painting session has started are welcome to paint, but will need to catch up on their own. Painters arriving 30+ minutes after start of a class will not be allowed to paint or receive credit.

Danville FallFest

Sunday, October 20th

Hartz & Prospect Avenues, Danville, CA 94526

Fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family. More than 200 artists feature a wide variety of art (paintings, photography, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, etc.).  While at the event, we invite you to saver local cuisine and explore the variety of businesses downtown. 

FEATURED OPEN HOUSE

1451 13th St. Suite #1, Oakland, CA 94607

Saturday, October 12th at 1PM - 4PM

Sunday, October 13th at 1PM - 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

Saturday, October 19th

Sunday, October 20th

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!