December 8, 2022 | Sexton Real Estate Group
What’s The Best Real Estate Agency In Piedmont, California?
Sexton Group Real Estate Property Management 3369 Mount Diablo Blvd Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 298-5100
About Piedmont, California And Selling Northern California Real Estate
Piedmont is a small city in Alameda County, California, United States, surrounded entirely by the city of Oakland. The name comes from the Italian Piedmont region and means “foothill.” Piedmont was incorporated in 1907 and grew rapidly in the 1920s and 1930s. Its residential population was 11,270 according to the 2020 census, making it an excellent location for our real estate agency!
History
The original Piedmont neighborhood was larger than the current Piedmont municipality, with the Mountain View Cemetery considered a full part of the Piedmont neighborhood. In 1907, residents sought incorporation. In 1907, two elections were held among Piedmont residents, both of which narrowly supported the decision for Piedmont to become a separate city rather than a neighborhood within the city of Oakland.
Piedmont, like surrounding Oakland, has a history of racial segregation. Sidney and Irene Dearing, the city’s first African-American homeowners, circumvented the city’s restrictive housing covenants in 1925 by purchasing a home through a white family member acting as a proxy. They couldn’t rely on Piedmont to protect them from violent threats to their lives because the city’s chief of police at the time, Burton Becker, was an active member of the Ku Klux Klan. Although the Dearings initially refused to leave, bombs were planted on their property. After a mob surrounded their home and demanded that they leave, they sold it to the city for a profit.
The city council stated in early 2021 that it intended “to move forward with public acknowledgment and an apology for the abhorrent treatment Sidney Dearing and his family received in 1924.”
“In the Roaring Twenties, Piedmont was known as the ‘City of Millionaires’ because there were more millionaires per square mile than in any city in the United States,” according to the city’s Web page. Many of these millionaires built mansions that still stand, most notably on Sea View Avenue and Sotelo Avenue/Glen Alpine Road in ‘Alta’ Piedmont. On December 18, 1922, Piedmont was incorporated as a charter city under California law. The charter was adopted by voters on February 27, 1923, and it can only be changed by another vote of the people.
Piedmont celebrated its Centennial Anniversary since incorporation in 2007. The Centennial Committee organized celebrations along a trail that ran through downtown Piedmont and marked historical landmarks. In addition, the Committee designed a float for the city’s Fourth of July parade. From January 5 to March 31, 2007, the Oakland Public Library hosted the historical exhibit “A Deluxe Autonomy: Piedmont’s First 100 Years.”
Why Visit Piedmont? Top 3 Attractions In Piedmont, California
Piedmont, California is known for its rolling hills, wine country, and breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an afternoon escape from the city, Piedmont is definitely worth a visit. Here are three of the top attractions in Piedmont:
1. Fentons Creamery
Fentons Creamery, founded in 1894 in Oakland, California, is a landmark institution that has served generations with its famous handcrafted ice creams and sauces. Their ice cream sundaes are world famous – the Black & Tan Sundae is their signature item, made with one of Melvin Fenton’s many ice cream flavors – Toasted Almond.
History
The Creamery was founded in 1894 by Elbridge Seth (E.S.) Fenton in Oakland, California. E.S. Fenton established the family business at 41st and Howe Street, where it remained for 67 years. E.S. He adored children, so much so that he had thirteen of them, all of whom worked in the family business! He eventually handed over the Creamery to three of his sons, who ran it until they retired. The family business was then passed down to eight of their children.
Melvin Fenton, E.S.’s grandson, is credited with convincing his grandfather to start making ice cream when he was a young boy. Melvin grew up to become an ice cream maker and is responsible for the development of some of our most well-known flavors, including Toasted Almond, Swiss Milk Chocolate, and Rocky Road. In 1922, the family added the restaurant and soda fountain.
The ice creamery became the prize of the Fenton family’s dairy operation and remained in the family until another dairyman, Bill Morison, persuaded the Fenton’s to sell to his employer, Golden State Dairy (soon to be Foremost). Morison was married to Virginia Fenton, Elbridge Fenton’s granddaughter. As a result, the Creamery changed hands but remained under the direction of the family for a time.
In 1961, Foremost discontinued the full dairy operation at Fentons and relocated the restaurant and ice cream production facility, Fentons Creamery, to 4226 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Foremost ran Fentons Creamery as its flagship business for many years before deciding to exit the dairy industry entirely.
Scott Whidden, a third-generation Oaklander and ice cream maker since the age of sixteen, bought Fentons Creamery from what was then Foremost-McKesson in 1987. Fentons Creamery is once again a family-run enterprise. Their family is dedicated to the Fenton family’s tradition, doing everything we can to make every visit to the Fentons an event to remember.
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2. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (formerly Redwood Regional Park) is a park in the San Francisco Bay Area’s East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD). It is situated in the hills to the east of Oakland. The park contains the East Bay’s largest natural stand of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). The park is part of a historical redwood belt that stretches south to the Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve and east to Moraga.
Redwood forests are more common near the coast, where the air is cool and humid all year. Such forests can be found in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Marin Hills of the San Francisco Bay Area. Coastal conditions are created by the redwood forest’s unique geographical circumstances in Redwood Regional Park. Winds funneled through the Golden Gate flow directly across the Bay and are channeled into the linear valley that houses Oakland’s Montclair District. This valley is also well-watered all year and is protected from temperature extremes and high winds.
Picnicking, jogging, hiking, archery, and horseback riding are popular activities for park visitors along the 40 miles of park trails. Fishing is not permitted within Redwood Regional Park. The park has four picnic areas that can accommodate groups ranging from 50 to 150 people. Reservations are strongly advised. These are reservable and handicapped accessible. There are also some overnight group camping areas available. Reservations are necessary. A children’s play structure is located a quarter mile down Stream Trail from the Canyon Meadow staging area.
Another popular pastime is nature observation. Rare species found in the park include the golden eagle and the Alameda striped racer. Deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels are more common. The trails are occasionally closed due to severe weather or its effects, or for park maintenance.
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3. Joaquin Miller Park
Joaquin Miller Park is a large open space park in the Oakland Hills owned and operated by the city of Oakland, California. It is named after early California writer and poet Joaquin Miller, who bought the land in the 1880s and named it “The Hights,” and lived in the house now known as the Joaquin Miller House.
In addition to building his home and planting hundreds of trees on the property, Joaquin Miller erected monuments to his heroes, including Moses, John C. Frémont, Robert Browning, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The monuments are still standing today.
The 500-acre park is densely forested with coast redwoods, coast live oaks, and pines. Miller himself planted a large number of trees. The Oakland Hills location offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay area. There are miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in the park, as well as an off-leash dog area, a children’s playground, an amphitheater, and picnic tables. Fitness enthusiasts and weddings use the stairs beneath the “cascades” that flow from the Woodminister Amphitheater. The Friends of Joaquin Miller Park coalition of users looks after the park.
Pinkflower currant, evergreen huckleberry, creambush, and gooseberry are among the flora in the park. There are several picnic areas and walking trails in the park, including Sinawik Trail, Sunset Loop, Palos Colorados Trail, Chaparral Trail, and Cinderella Trail.
The 2,000-seat Woodminster Amphitheater and Cascade, an outdoor amphitheater regularly used to stage amateur and professional musicals and plays, are both located in Joaquin Miller Park. For many years, the Oakland Recreation Department staged popular musical comedies there three times per summer, with mostly amateur performers. The current management took over the production of the summer musicals in 1967.
The Cascade is the amphitheater’s waterfall feature, which was built in 1941 and dedicated to California writers. It is still in use today. Howard Gilkey, who also designed the Cleveland Cascade at Lake Merritt, created it.
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Best Real Estate Agency Serving Piedmont – Sexton Group Real Estate | Property Management
Sexton Group Real Estate | Property Management Is The Real Estate Agency Team You Can Trust
The top real estate agency in Northern California, Sexton Group Real Estate | Property Management in Oakland, California is a boutique real estate company specializing in residential sales for properties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. To better serve our clients we have three local offices, one in the heart of picturesque Berkeley, one near downtown Piedmont and the third in the heart of historic Lafayette, California. The Sexton Group encompasses the essence of Berkeley’s charm, Piedmont’s history and Lafayette’s family-oriented vibe all with a relaxed, down-to-earth nature. We are an amazing group of real estate agents whose wealth of experience spans more than 25 years in the industry. Looking to buy a home in Contra Costa or Alameda County? Contact us today for your free consultation!
Top 3 Questions People In Piedmont, California Have About Selling Real Estate In 2023
As we all know, the real estate market is constantly changing. What may have been true a year ago might not be anymore. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to be aware of what people in your area are wondering about when it comes to selling real estate. So, today, we’re going to take a look at the top 3 questions people in Piedmont have about selling real estate in 2023. Keep reading to find out more!
1. What Are The Tips On Selling Real Estate In Piedmont, California?
- Price Your Property Competitively: One of the most important tips when selling real estate is to ensure that you price your property correctly and competitively. Your agent can help you accurately determine both a list price and an optimal sale price that will attract buyers.
- Stage The Home Properly: Staging can make or break a sale. Utilizing the services of a professional stager can help to give your home the best chance to sell quickly and at top dollar. Remember that it’s not about making the house look like it belongs in a magazine, but rather helping potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space.
- Make Sure All Necessary Repairs Are Completed: If you know of any needed repairs or maintenance to your home, make sure these items are addressed before listing. Buyers may ask for a discount on the purchase price if they have to address major issues after closing.
- Maximize Curb Appeal: Investing in some landscaping and sprucing up the exterior of your home can make a huge difference. Many buyers will drive by the house prior to requesting a showing, so making sure that the property looks attractive from the outside is essential.
- Utilize Professional Photography: Professional photos are critical in today’s market and should be included as part of any listing package. There are many low-cost services that can provide high-quality images of your property.
- Utilize Social Media And Other Marketing Strategies: The more exposure your listing has, the better chance you have of selling it quickly and for a good price. If you are working with an agent, make sure they’re taking advantage of all the marketing opportunities available.
- Respond Quickly To Inquiries: Buyers and their agents are often in search of a quick response when inquiring about a property. Make sure you return calls and emails promptly, as this will be greatly appreciated by potential buyers.
- Be Flexible With Showings: Showings can sometimes be disruptive, but it’s important to be as accommodating as possible with potential buyers and their agents. The more flexible you can be with showings and home tours, the better chance you have of making a sale.
- Make Sure Your Documents Are In Order: Make sure that all necessary paperwork is ready prior to listing your home. Depending on your locale, this could include title documents, disclosures, inspections, and more.
- Don’t be overly attached To Your Property: As a seller, it can be difficult to let go of the emotional attachment to a house that you’ve called home for years. Remember that buyers are looking for a home that they can make their own, so try not to get too attached during the selling process.
Following these tips when selling real estate will ensure that your property is presented in the best light possible and has maximum exposure to potential buyers. With patience and some hard work, you should be able to sell your home quickly and for a good price.
2. What Does Escrow Stand For?
Escrow is an arrangement where a third party holds and regulates the payment of funds required for two parties involved in a transaction. The funds are held by the escrow agent until all of the terms of an agreement are met and overseen by the escrow agent. Escrow agents often work with online transactions, real estate purchases, or business mergers. The term “escrow” is derived from the Old French word “escoffier,” meaning a sealed container or packet. Escrow accounts are often set up to ensure that all of the necessary payments and documents required for a transaction are properly handled and transferred between two parties. The escrow agent helps to provide assurance to both parties involved in the transaction, as they are responsible for verifying that all of the contractual obligations have been met prior to releasing funds from the escrow account.
In some cases, such as real estate transactions, escrow is used to ensure that taxes, insurance premiums and other expenses related to the sale or purchase of a property are paid before the title of the property is transferred. The escrow agent will ensure that all obligations related to the transaction have been satisfied, and then release the funds from their account in order for it to be dispersed properly.
Escrow agents may be individuals or companies that specialize in these types of services. They typically charge a fee for their services, which is usually calculated as a percentage of the amount held in escrow. Fees may also vary depending on the type of transaction being conducted. It is important to note that an escrow agent must be impartial and act solely in the interest of both parties involved in the transaction. Escrow agents are regulated by local or state laws and must adhere to specific rules and regulations.
In summary, escrow is an arrangement wherein a third-party holds and regulates the payment of funds required for two parties involved in a transaction. The term “escrow” is derived from the Old French word “escoffier,” meaning a sealed container or packet. Escrow agents help to provide assurance to both parties involved in the transaction and may be individuals or companies that specialize in these types of services. They typically charge a fee for their services, which is usually calculated as a percentage of the amount held in escrow. It is important to note that an escrow agent must be impartial and act solely in the interest of both parties involved in the transaction. Escrow agents are regulated by local or state laws and must adhere to specific rules and regulations.
3. What Are The Things To Consider In Selling Real Estate In Piedmont, California?
When selling real estate in Piedmont, California, there are a few things to consider. Here are some:
- Location: Piedmont is situated in a desirable area, with close proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area. This makes it an attractive destination for buyers, so making sure your property is well located can be beneficial when selling.
- Market Conditions: The real estate market in Piedmont can vary depending on the time of year and other factors. Make sure to stay up to date with current market conditions so you can know the best time to put your property on the market and get the most for it.
- Local Amenities: Piedmont has a wealth of amenities, including parks, shopping centers, and more. Knowing what is nearby can help buyers make decisions about what they want in their new home.
- Property Value: Knowing your property’s value is essential when selling real estate. It can help you set a fair price and make sure you are getting the right value for your home.
- Taxes: Piedmont has some of the highest taxes in California, so it’s important to understand what taxes will be due when selling a home. Knowing the amount of money that you may have to pay in taxes can help you determine how much money you will make from the sale of your property.
By considering these things, you can ensure a successful sale of your real estate in Piedmont, California. With the right strategy, you can get the most out of your property and maximize your profits.
Map To Our Location From Piedmont, California
Are You Looking To Invest In Real Estate In Northern California?
The top real estate agency in Northern California, Sexton Group Real Estate | Property Management in Berkeley, California is a boutique real estate company specializing in residential sales for properties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. To better serve our clients we have three local offices, one in the heart of picturesque Berkeley, one near downtown Piedmont and the third in the heart of historic Lafayette, California. The Sexton Group encompasses the essence of Berkeley’s charm, Piedmont’s history and Lafayette’s family-oriented vibe all with a relaxed, down-to-earth nature. We are an amazing group of real estate agents whose wealth of experience spans more than 25 years in the industry. Looking to buy a home in Contra Costa or Alameda County? Contact us today for your free consultation!