Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy New Year!





明けましておめでとうございます!




Image result for 謹賀新年


Wishing you healthy and happy 2017!



Hiroko Tsumori 津守弘子

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Oakland Real Estate Market Report November 2016


Oakland is one of the hottest real estate markets and it has achieved a great appreciation this year again!



いつもお世話様です。イーストベイの不動産の事なら、津守弘子までよろしくお願い致します。510.409.3472またはhiroko@eastbaymodern.com
津守弘子のレビューはこちらでみれますよ。

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

We are busy preparing 2017 listings!

 Image result for selling home


2016年もあとわずかですが、11月くらいから、不動産のエージェントは2017年のリスティングの準備に取り掛かります。

リスティングはなんだかんだと言って、デビューするまでかなり時間がかかります。そのままの状態で、売却を望まれるセラーさんもいらっしゃいますが、少しでも、多くのバイヤーさんを魅了して、少しでも高い価格で売れるよう、お家の片付け、ペンキの塗る変え、ステージング等、をされる方も多々。

長年住んだ家ですから、色々も未練もあり。が、売ると決めたからには、頑張って、美化しましょう。

で、ただいま、オークランドで一軒、その作業に入っています。この物件、来年早々にはリスティングになりますから、どうぞお楽しみに。

いつもお世話様です。イーストベイの不動産の事なら、津守弘子までよろしくお願い致します。510.409.3472またはhiroko@eastbaymodern.com
津守弘子のレビューはこちらでみれますよ。

Friday, December 9, 2016

2017 Seminar Planning (2017年のセミナー計画)

Image result for 2017



12月もすでに9日。本当に早いですね。

子供達はもう一週間で冬休み。我が家の冬休みはお家でゆっくりかな?

11月に日本に帰国してきましたので、近場で、遊びましょう。と思っています。

 ところで、2017年は不動産、投資にまつわるセミナーを関係者の方達と計画していこうと思っています。

今、考慮に入れている内容は。。。。


January:  1st time home buyer’s seminar (はじめての不動産購入者へのセミナー)

February: How to get your financing for home buying (不動産購入者へのローンのいろは)

March: Estate Planning (エステートプラニング)

April:  Financial Planning (ファイナンシャルプラニング)

May:  Real Estate as Investment(投資としての不動産)

June: Buying a 2nd home (別荘の買い方)

July: Retirement Planning (老後の計画)

August: Life insurance and college planning (生命保険と大学費用のための貯金)

他に何かこれが知りたい、学びたいというものがある方は、どうぞおしらせください。


いつもお世話様です。イーストベイの不動産の事なら、津守弘子までよろしくお願い致します。510.409.3472またはhiroko@eastbaymodern.com
津守弘子のレビューはこちらでみれますよ。

Friday, December 2, 2016

Hiring contractors

 Image result for contractor



Lately I am doing many repairs and upgrades around my own home.

Once I started doing them, I realized how difficult to find trustful contractors to do jobs.

First of all, I always hire licensed, and bonded contractors.  I like contractors who are willing to get a city permit.  Though the cost is important, it is not my first priority to hire a contractor whose estimates are low.

When I list properties for sellers, I find many unpermitted works.  Though having a city permit isn't necessarily guarantee that the works are done perfectly, it tells us that the city has checked the work, and it has passed the city code. I think it is very important.

While looking for contractors, many said, " oh,,, do you really need a permit?  We do a great job whether you pull a permit or not. It will cost you more..."

Sounds discouraging, don't you think?

Just a quick note but in the city of Oakland, the re-roofing permit fee is very low and the city inspector doesn't even come.  Not sure what is the point of having it but I got it.  So, if the city doesn't inspect, how can the work be insured?  The cost of re-roofing is quite high and it is supposed to last for 25-50 years depending upon your choice of materials.

I found out that I could purchase a warranty from a manufacturer of roof materials.  In order to purchase a warranty, contractors need to install the materials according to the manufacturers' specification, and the contractors have to be a qualified installer by the manufacturer.  In any case,  I have done that.  Hopefully this process minimize the risk.

Now, our 40 gallon water heating tank got a leak.   I called four contractors.  I always check their reviews.  I asked all contractors to give me quotes for replacing with a same 40 gallon tank and tankless instant hot water system.  I asked where you want to locate tankless water heater: inside or outside, where in the house etc., etc.,  the size of the system, and the maker.

(Please note that I have researched tankless water heater system quite a bite beforehand.  I know where to install and have a few desirable makers.)

It was easy to choose the contractor I like, because he was quite honest, gave me a good price, and was willing to pull a permit. He was the only one who was happy to get a permit.)

It installed in a day and passed the city's inspection.  Now I have almost endless hot water supply without wasting gas!

Okay. This will be the last.  We also needed to replace our old 80's furnace.  The old furnace waked me up every morning with unbelievably loud noise without much warmth. sigh.

Our new furnace is 97.5% efficient and very compact compared to the old system.  The estimate from contractors varied from $5500 to $15,000.  I just couldn't believe the difference.  Of course, all contractors suggested different furnaces but I asked them to give me any furnace above 95% efficiency.  I also asked to give me a proper sized one.  (I checked and knew the proper BTU size for my home.:)

At the end,  I chose the contractor who gave me a good price, and the furnace that had a rebate going on now.  They replaced the furnace in two days, repaired some duct works, and installed Nest.  Very happy.

Now, it's time for me to go back to work.  Yes, my bank account is empty now.

If you are looking to sell or buy home in East Bay, please contact me at 510-409-3472.

日本語でブログを?思われる方はご連絡くださいませ。また、日本語で書きます!


いつもお世話様です。イーストベイの不動産の事なら、津守弘子までよろしくお願い致します。510.409.3472またはhiroko@eastbaymodern.com
津守弘子のレビューはこちらでみれますよ。