I Support the Alameda Animal Shelter

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

A new year, new start. As we set our eyes to bigger and better goals for the new year, I would like to share with you an opportunity to continue to be a blessing to “others” in this coming year. I have been supporting an organization that is very near and dear to my heart. The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) has been founded by a group of volunteers in 2009 initially to raise funds for the medical care for the animals at the Alameda Animal Shelter. Due to fortuitous circumstances, these same volunteers ended up taking over the management of the shelter in 2012 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the FAAS shelters and cares for the lost and abandoned animals of Alameda, California, and this is your chance to be a blessing to these wonderful creatures! Here’s how:

Adopt a Pet – There are lots of wonderful animals in the shelter just waiting for Good Samaritans to bring them to their new homes. Whether you are dog lover or a cat person, you will surely find a very good companion just waiting to be adopted in the shelter. And even if you are not fond of dogs or cats, you will surely fall in love with the rabbits!

Make a Donation – Let’s take this off immediately out of the table, any amount will do. Any amount that you can donate will be a big help to all of the animals who not only need immediate medical attention but to all the animals who call the shelter their temporary home. The good news is that you can make donations not only via the monetary kind but you can also shop to donate! Joining a rewards program that donates to your favorite charity is a win-win situation! You get the merchandise you need and the Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter gets the much needed monetary support it needs. So if you do most of your shopping online, please consider making purchases through AmazonSmile, the charity organization of Amazon. When you choose Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter as your charity, it will donate 0.5% of your purchase to FAAS.

Volunteer at FAAS – One of the best gifts an organization can receive is the gift of time. Like most organizations, FAAS relies on volunteers to walk the dog, take care of the cats, wok the kennels, or put in some office work perhaps. Whatever it is that you can commit to, your time will go a long way to making sure that the animals are well-taken care of.

There is no universal answer to the question “why adopt a pet”? There are people who will say that you will know when the time comes. And yet, there are people who will insist that you will never know. Whatever the answer to this question is, one thing is certain: adopting a pet means commitment. When the time comes that you feel you are ready, go visit the Alameda Animal Shelter. There will always be someone waiting for you there.

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

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

  

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!   

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!

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 | September 28 - 29

. ~ 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!

Night Photography at Blackhawk Plaza in Danville - Shoot-Only - Dublin

Saturday, September 28th at 6PM

Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville

Achieve the skills needed to create spectacular night photographs in this photo walking tour of Blackhawk Plaza in Danville. You'll gain the skills to capture stunning, colorful and dramatic low light and night photographs. Your instructors will guide you a hands-on walking tour with multiple photo demonstrations. You'll be able to shoot photographs alongside your instructors and get tips and advice on how to improve your images.

San Ramon Community Harvest

Sunday, September 29th at 10AM

Crow Canyon Gardens, 105 Park Place, San Ramon

Harvest fresh backyard fruit at Crow Canyon Gardens for donation to local soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and the food bank. This harvest take about 3 hours and stays in one location, which makes it terrific for families with children. 

Watercolors and Flowers

Sunday, September 29th at 3PM

Anthropologie, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, Unit #1602, San Ramon, CA

If you love flowers and watercolors this is the workshop for you! We will combine wild garden flowers with basic illustration techniques while you learn a few simple mixing tips to add texture and volume to your designs. All supplies, brushes, paints are included with your registration. In this workshop, you will learn the basic concepts behind watercolors/illustration.

Safety Dance: A fundraiser 80’s Dance Party in Oakland

Sunday, September 29th at 8PM

FOUR Elements Fitness, 322 Frank H. Ogawa, Oakland, CA

This is a benefit event to support Free Self-defense for Girl and Women. In an effort to help end violence against girls and women, the Sweaty Betties partnered with FOUR Elements Fitness to offer free self-defense training that anyone can use to avoid and escape assault. 

Paint and Sip Fundraiser

Saturday, September 28th at 5:30PM

Back 2 Nature Skincare & Wellness Spa, 473 Central Avenue, Alameda, CA

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals OAKLAND, CA (August 29, 2018) – Each year, nearly 16,000 U.S. children and teens are diagnosed with cancer. But only 4 percent of federal cancer research funding is earmarked to develop new treatments and cures for children battling this heartbreaking disease – an amount that is far below what is actually needed.

Painting is fun and relaxing, but watching your child suffer with cancer is heartbreaking. Please come out and join us is supporting single parents who need our help to find their peace of mind. If you can't make it, make a donation to show you care.

Here are the Open Houses happening this weekend in Alameda County

Saturday, September 28th

Sunday, September 29th

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!

AUGUST 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 last AUGUST 2019 for Pleasanton, Danville, Alameda, Oakland and San Ramon.

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, we are positive we can find the right home for you. Call or just text me at 510-506-2072 and let's get started!

Why not Alameda?

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

Why not Alameda?

It’s Labor Day weekend! If you are planning to spend a nice and quiet getaway for the family,
why not try Alameda, California? Alameda is a hidden gem by the Bay area, filled with beautiful
beaches, hiking trails and curio shops lining the streets. From adventurous hikes to a quiet and
peaceful day at any of the museums, Alameda has something to offer for each member of the
family.

For the Family

Crown Memorial State Beach

This place was once known as the Coney Island of the West for a
now long-gone amusement park right beside its shores. But no matter, Crown Beach is a 2.5-
mile stretch of sandy beach where the family can hang out and just enjoy the sunny day and its
warm waters. The shoreline has a bike trail and the waterfront is a haven for windsurfers and
kiteboarders.

USS Hornet Museum

For those who enjoy the thrill of the action but have never had the
chance to serve, this is a good place to start. The USS Hornet Museum is housed inside an old
aircraft carrier that once served during WWII. The museum is open to everybody and even
offers overnight trips where guests can book ahead of time to experience the life of a ship’s
crew, down to sleeping in a ship’s bunk, to eating in the crew’s mess hall. Place your
reservations and stay up to date with different events of the museum by visiting their website.

Pacific Pinball Museum

If gaming nostalgia is your thing, this is the place for you. This
museum has over 100 fully restored pinball machines to choose from, with some set to free
play. This interactive museum offers the family that precious bonding moment as they explore
different eras with their corresponding pinball machines.

Where to Eat

Scolari’s

Famous for its stacked cheeseburgers, this Alameda institution has been serving
hungry families for decades. The fried chicken with Nashville hot sauce, pork belly with collard
greens and biscuits are the all-time best sellers.

Burma Superstar

This is a Bay area favorite. Aficionados swear by the tea leaf and rainbow
salads. Book your reservations early as this place gets easily packed.

Ole’s Waffle Shop

Order a homestyle breakfast with its signature waffles and enjoy the
company of regular patrons while being served by the friendly wait staff. This Alameda favorite
has been around since 1927. Retro feels all the way.

Cookiebar Creamery

Situated off the West End, this ice cream place offers the most
scrumptious ice cream cookies and sandwiches which are a sure-fire hit for the kids. While
there, check out their bestsellers, purple ube, Vietnamese coffee and 1606 (peppermint,
cookies and cream chunks and oreo)

Nightcap

Hangar 1 Vodka

This Alameda native pays homage to the city's history as a naval hub. Try the
limited edition Fog Point vodka or better yet, experience the thrill of distilling by enjoying a
guided tour of the 60,000-square-foot facility.

Faction Brewing 

“Come for the beer stay for the view” This place’s patio offers a majestic
vista of the San Francisco skyline. Try any of their 20 plus original brews.

There you have it folks, a taste of what Alameda has to offer. So if you’re looking for a place
where the family can bond this Labor Day weekend, why not Alameda?