Live Local East Bay March 12, 2024

Exploring Culinary Wonders: A Mid-Week Dining Journey

In the midst of our busy lives, there’s something incredibly comforting about breaking the monotony and indulging in the simple pleasure of dining out mid-week.

Whether it’s a moment to catch up with friends, unwind after a long day at work, or simply treat ourselves to some culinary delights, these mid-week dining experiences hold a special place in our hearts. Here, we delve into a journey through some of our favorite mid-week dining spots, each offering its unique charm and flavors.

 

✓Anchalee Thai Berkeley (Best Calamari & PadThai!)

✓Casa Orinda (I love the huge Baked Potato with Butter & Sour Cream. But most come for the steaks and famous fried chicken.)

✓5 Tacos & Beers in The Elmwood (The spicy salsa & street tacos.)

✓Pizza Antica Lafayette (Spicy Sausage Pizza & Burrata Cheese.)

✓Sushi Island 🏝️ Orinda (I go for the vegetable udon, and the sushi too.)

 

If you are seeking something unique or special for an anniversary, birthday or big celebration, just reach out to The DiMaggio Betta Group, Corcoran Icon Properties.

 

We look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs.
Home Selling March 7, 2024

Step By Step Home Selling Process

Real estate encompasses a wide range of elements, and one aspect that I find particularly fascinating is the transformation of a seller’s home from a “lived in” space to a beautifully staged property ready for sale. As a professional Realtor, this is one of the services that we offer as part of our home selling services.

The first step is planning, which involves conducting a thorough walk-through of the property. During this process, I meticulously assess various aspects such as curb appeal, gardens, walkways, light fixtures, paint, floors, carpet, appliances, hardware, rooms, bathrooms and the kitchen. Additionally, I inquire about hidden elements like the roof, the sewer lateral, furnace, chimney, fireplace, electrical, plumbing and the foundation.

Taking all these details into account, I commit them to memory and visualize a plan. Once the plan is in place, obtaining bids from our reliable service providers is essential. I have a team of exceptional professionals who are always ready to meet with me at short notice, enabling us to gather estimates over a one or two-day period as well as scheduling of the home inspection, pest, roof, sewer and sidewalk inspections; depending on the city, different point of sale ordinances will apply.

man painting

Following the planning stage, the next step is preparation and execution. Once the bids are received, I sit down with the sellers to review the options, considering factors such as the scope of work, financial feasibility, and essential tasks. Together, we prioritize the necessary actions. On average, preparing a home for the market can take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks, allowing ample time for me to create advertising materials and establish an online presence before your property is listed.

The transformation phase requires a commitment from the homeowner and meticulous attention to detail, as there are multiple moving parts that need to be coordinated. This typically involves purging, packing and the sellers relocation from the home in order to commence painting, updates and/or repairs, cleaning and staging. Collaborating with our talented stagers and designers can greatly enhance this process. In some cases, I have even gone the extra mile by making numerous trips to various supply stores to find the perfect appliances, fixtures, or hardware for my clients as well as dropping off donations. By partnering with myself and our exceptional service providers, we are able to achieve a seamless transition from a “lived in” home to a beautifully staged property, creating an exciting transformation every single time.

before and after photo of a dining room

However, it’s worth noting that there is a certain risk involved in this process. Some clients become so attached to their homes that they find it difficult to let go and want to stay.

We look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs.
Home Buying November 18, 2023

When To Hire A California Qualified Real Estate Attorney in Real Estate

Why Buyers and Sellers should hire a qualified, licensed and local Realtor when selling or purchasing a home in California.

As a Realtor since 1989 I highly recommend that both homebuyers and home sellers partner with a qualified, licensed, professional Realtor when buying or selling a home. The following highlight 5 reasons why it’s wise even imperative to hire a professional Realtor

The hand of a man on a desk with a legal book.

 

1. For buyers, it’s the seller who is responsible for paying the commission in California, so it would be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity to work with an expert. Home buying has many aspects involved from identifying a competitive lender, sifting through disclosures, understanding local ordinances and inspections, writing the offer which is multiple pages and is always being updated and charged, negotiation, title, insurance and the closing, not to mention the human element that occurs during a high stake, high price and personal experience. Buying a home is one of the most expensive events in a persons lifetime.

2. Would you choose not to hire an attorney if you were being sued? It goes the same reasoning it’s recommended that both homebuyers and home sellers hire or partner with a Realtor. Buying and selling a home is a very detailed and emotional process not to mention, costly.

3. A Realtor will guide you every step of the way; they will counsel, offer advice, break down the process and dissuade you from potentially making a big wrong decision or many small mistakes.

4. An agent will connect you with a variety of professionals from service providers to reputable lenders and efficient escrow officers, to inspectors, insurance reps and more. And long after the transaction is closed most Realtors will be there for you for as long as you need to provide further referrals, resources and recommendations from interior designers, landscapers, attorneys, and even use their local connections to get you into a school or club. My husband and real estate partner, Adam Betta, helped our client get their children into pre school

5. Your buyer’s agent will provide insight and expertise and know what sorts of questions to ask the listing agent, service providers, lender, insurance agent. Your listing agent will be an invaluable resource to bring your home to market looking its best, walk you through pre market inspections, educate you on the nuances of the current market, through disclosures, the offer, negotiation and close.

Working with a knowledgeable agent has big upside and not working with one may potentially cause you heartache, headaches, lawsuits and great financial loss.

 

Woman bent over her desk with her laptop and papers.

 

Connect with The DiMaggio Betta Group | Corcoran Icon Properties

Live Local East BayNeighborhoods August 1, 2023

East Bay Bites Before 3PM

Bites b43 – Follow my entire Live Local Series on Instagram @DiMaggioAndBetta

chocolate crepe

Where you might find me if I decide to take a lunch break or meet up with a client, colleague or friend. And what I eat.

.+ Terrace Cafe ( BLT!)

+ Crepevine (Nutella & Strawberries )

+ Summer Kitchen (Chinese Chicken Salad)

+Casa Barotti (Pepperoni or Sausage, Spicy

+Yellow Door (Chinese Chicken Salad)

Share your favorites. I’ve tagged each establishment.

Enjoy!

Pizza

Terrace Cafe

Casa Barotti

Summer Kitchen

Crepevine

Yellow Door

 

We look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs.

 

DiMaggio Betta GroupNeighborhoods March 16, 2022

5 things to explore in San Francisco

Top 5 Things to See, Do and Experience in San Francisco.

Enjoy!

1. Ride the Cable Car to Nob Hill and Stop for Drinks at the Tonga Room at the beautiful and historic Fairmont Hotel.

2. Visit San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art –any day of the week, but if you’re in town check out – Art Bash on Friday, April 8th, 2022 from 6-1AM. Join SFMOMA for an unforgettable night at the museum celebrating contemporary art and artists. — Dinner + Art Auction: This year’s party kicks off with cocktails and a dinner experience designed by artist Sarah Cain, highlighted by an art auction with works by Jeff Koons, Julie Mehretu, Larry Sultan, William Kentridge, and Lynn Hershman Leeson. Click the link to Purchase Tickets.

3. Escape to Alcatraz – It’s hard to imagine I haven’t ever visited the island and I have lived here all my life. But if you ask me about New York and LA, I probably know more about those cities and attractions then my own.

4. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge, or….enjoy it overhead by SeaPlane! Book Here

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5. Love to Eat? Take San Francisco Food Tour

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So many more things to see, do and experience, these are just a few.

Share your favorites with us!

For other recommendations feel free to reach out. Debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranGL.com | 510.414.6777

Interested in Buying, Selling or Investing we are here to assist. Begin your home search right away by clicking here and entering your desired area. We are happy to set you up with a customized search.

Selling? Begin here.

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