Tom Schieber - Brentwood Real Estate, Brentwood Homes, Brentwood Homes for Sale » Community

Going On Vacation? Don’t Tell The Burglars!

Tom Schieber — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:52:28 +0000

Want to help keep your home safe from burglars while on vacation? One smart way is to refrain from announcing your plans on various social networks such as Facebook.

There’s other common-sense tips, too, as shared in this 4-minute video from NBC’s The Today Show.

Drawing from a series of interview with former convicts, you’ll learn that there’s more to keeping your home safe than just locking the doors and windows, and setting the alarm system for “away”. You’ll also want to make sure your home looks “lived in”.

And some of these tricks you may have never thought of.

For example, while on vacation:

Make sure a neighbor is picking up your mail and newspapers daily
If it snows, have a friend drive tracks in your driveway, or shovel it clean
Set inside lights to a timer, giving the appearance someone being home

In addition, if you don’t have a safe for valuables, consider moving them to a child’s room. It’s among the last places a burglar looks.

You can’t make your home 100% safe from intruders but you can make your home a tougher target. Just use some common sense and follow the tips in the video.

Happy New Year East Contra Costa!

Tom Schieber — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:06:58 +0000

It’s a brand new year – and there’s much to be optimistic about here in East Contra Costa County! Our community is growing and thriving, the economy is on the up-tick, and while we are still facing challenges in the real estate market, we are working through it together and with a great sense of encouragement!

Last year I posted dozens of articles on Real Estate markets throughout Brentwood, Antioch, Discovery Bay and the rest of East Contra Costa County. I’ve provided free lists of foreclosures throughout the area, market data and statistics, and neighborhood market updates. I’ve also tried to give a flavor for the local community, to help the folks who might be new to the area – to get a feel for our very special community.

My resolution for 2011 is to provide even more valuable information about our neighborhoods, community events, schools, businesses and real estate markets. I’ll incorporate more pictures and video of local happenings like the Downtown Brentwood Farmer’s Market, or the u-pick orchards (can’t wait for Cherry season!). I will continue to provide free, down-loadable market statistics and foreclosure lists, and neighborhood specific real estate updates throughout the area.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for additional resources that you might find helpful. In fact any feedback that you have is always appreciated. Are you using the free foreclosure search tool on the site? The MLS map search to look for homes? The cyberhomes evaluator to get an estimate for your property? Are there other useful tools that I’m missing? Send me a note on the contact page and let me know!

And please, if you know someone who is looking to buy or sell a home in the East Bay, give me a call so that I can see if I can help them out. If I can’t work with them directly, I probably know a great Realtor in their neighborhood.

Check back often, and have a blessed 2011!

Tom

Another Reason to Love Brentwood CA

Tom Schieber — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:09:35 +0000

There are lots of resons that we love this town, not the least of which are spectacular Mt. Diablo views and amazing sunsets! Thanks to my dear firend and client Victoria MacPherson for sharing this photo with me!

Brentwood Residents Gear Up for More Holiday Giving

Tom Schieber — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:35:26 +0000

As the Holidays approach, residents of East County won’t let a dismal economy or a difficult real estate market stop them from giving back. In a community with the sense of togetherness like ours, opportunities to spread holiday cheer will be in no short supply. As in recent years, I believe that we’ll see amazing generosity and giving in these difficult times.

Just a few examples of the community’s spirit:

The Brentwood Regional Community Chest has begun its annual Christmas Basket Program. A tradition of more than 30 years, this year the BRCC will provide 500 families a box of food (a turkey, fresh vegetables and bread) and a toy for each child. Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor has gotten behind the effort by dressing in a turkey-suit to raise donations – word is that this year he’ll be basted in a giant roasting pan down at the Streets of Brentwood. That’s worth an $8 donation (one turkey) from me. Click here for more information.

Many local businesses also participate in toy drives. Dr Rob Sheffield, a well-respected Brentwood orthodontist, doesn’t just collect toy donations, but matches your gift to maximize the impact his efforts have on the community. Ted Curran at Monkey Wrenches, a reputable auto repair shop in Brentwood collects gifts for the Toys for Tots program. Find them at 8130 Brentwood Blvd and drop off a couple of gifts. Fact is, you can find donation bins at local businesses all around East County.

The Salvation Army kettles will also be hitting the storefronts around town soon as well. But rather than staffing the kettles with $8/hour workers this year, local SA chapters are utilizing volunteersfrom Soroptimist and Kiwanis clubs around Brentwood and Antioch, as well as other volunteers. You may even see the unofficial Oakland Raiders mascot Gorilla-Rilla ringing a bell next to the famous red kettle.

Local churches are always ministering to the needyin the community, and the holidays are no different. Golden Hills Community church in Brentwood is working on its Christmas Angels shoebox program to provide gifts to needy kids, as well as their annual free Thanksgiving Dinnersin Brentwood, downtown Antioch and Bethel Island. Contact the Brentwood CA Church directly for more information.

But it’s not all work in Brentwood for the Holiday Season. We are also getting ready for an annual Holiday tradition that’s nothing bu fun -the Holiday on Ice Skating Rink at the Streets of Brentwood outdoor shopping mall. From November 20th thru January 17th you can take advantage of this unique community event and catch even more holiday spirit!

Reasons to be Proud of Brentwood’s Leadership

Tom Schieber — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:14:49 +0000

City of Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor started his annual Brentwood City Update speech last week by stating that the City has “a balanced budget and a 30 percent reserve.” I’m sure there are plenty of government officials who would like to make statements like that in these tough economic times. But residents of Brentwood (Contra Costa County) CA can be proud that we are in that situation.

The full article is in the Brentwood Press, and can be read on their website.

Finance Director Pan Ehler said the good financial news is the result of the fact that the city began planning for the economic downturn three years ago. By utilizing a 10-year fiscal model, updated annually, the city has been able to keep its $262 million budget balanced while receiving an “AA” bond rating, the highest possible for a city Brentwood’s size.

Other positives focused on reduced crime rates in Brentwood, for both violent and property crimes, and city projects in the downtown area that are on schedule and within budget at this point. There was discussion of the defeat of Measure F on the spring ballot – not that it’s necessarily good news but that it’s evidence that the voting process works and the citizens had their voice heard.

Brentwood may not be a perfect city, but the imporvements, the safety, the sense of community and the financial situation are all things that we as residents can be rpoud of.

Brentwood Schools Unique Calendar

Tom Schieber — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:44:12 +0000

Labor Day has passed, and by now just about everyone you know has gotten their kids back in school. But here in Brentwood, CA our kids have been back in class for more than six weeks! While other kids around the Bay Area are still out on vacation, Brentwood students got back to work the last week of July.

The Brentwood Union School District operates on a modified traditional school calendar. Some call it year-round school, but really it just spreads-out the breaks, shortening the amount of time our kids have to lose what they’ve learned by being out of school. Classes usually begin in late July with a 10 day break in October and another 10 day break in March. Being off while other schools are still in session makes for great opportunities to travel with our kids and avoid big crowds. These breaks are in addition to traditional holidays which include a two week winter break for Christmas and New Years.

Summer Break is approximaely eight weeks beginning with the second week in June. Long enough to enjoy the beautiful Brentwood summer, but not so long that teachers have to start over in the fall. The short Summer keeps the kids from getting bored, and the teachers that I know are certain that it helps the kids stay on track with their school work.

You can get more details on the Brentwood Schools schedule and even download the schools calendars at the school districts website: https://www.brentwood.k12.ca.us/welcome.asp

Community Rallies, Brentwood Schools Benefit

Tom Schieber — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:01:25 +0000

Local Brentwood families and businesses managed to raise nearly $50,000 to save Freshman sports at Brentwood schools this year – a feat that is to me a clear reflection on the strong sense of community and purpose that defines our town. There’s a sense of pride living in a community that cares about its kids, and the activities that keep them healthy and active, and focused on teamwork, dedication and commitment.

Local businesses in Brentwood like Bill Brandt Ford and Willy’s Bagels & Blends, along with many others, stepped-up the effort by raising awareness and funds alike. You can read the entire article in The Brentwood Press.

So while Freshman Sports are safe for this year, the budget crisis that still faces Brentwood schools makes it likely that we’ll need the same kind of community support to keep our ninth-graders active in years to come. But given the nature of the community in this town, I know it’s not a lost cause.

Brentwood Farmer’s Market up for National Award

Tom Schieber — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:27:42 +0000

The Brentwood Farmers’ Market is one of the contestants in the 2010 America’s Favorite Farmers’ Markets contest hosted each year by American Farmland Trust.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select America’s Favorite Farmers’ Markets at www.farmland.org/vote. The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers’ markets can rally the most support from their communities.

The Streets of Brentwood Hosts Outdoor Theater

Tom Schieber — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:17:57 +0000

The fellas got their gals and locals got a taste of live theater at the inaugural performance of the Broadway Under the Stars summer series last Friday at The Streets of Brentwood, where Frank Loesser’s musical “Guys and Dolls” headlined the opening night.

The summer series will also stage Phillip Canville’s “Auction Gallery” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” All three shows are directed by Steve Kinsella of the Brentwood Playhouse and the Kinsella Theater Group and are sponsored by the Brentwood Art Society and The Streets of Brentwood.

“Guys and Dolls” runs through Aug. 1 and is followed by “Auction Gallery” (Aug. 13-29) and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Sept. 10-26). The Brentwood Playhouse troupe performs at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the duration of each show. Tickets are $17 for general admission; $15 for seniors and students. Call 925-516-8500, ext. 203 to reserve tickets for upcoming performances.

Brentwood, CA

The Streets of Brentwood Open-Air Mall Benefits Brentwood Area Residents

Tom Schieber — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:11:46 +0000

A relatively brief article in the Brentwood Press highlights the importance of the new Streets of Brentwood open-air mall to our community.

Not only has the “lifestyle center” (it’s a shopping mall with restaurants and a movie theater) increased sales tax revenue for the city, it has brought some much needed amenities to the area. To have a local, state-of-the-art multi-screen theater here in Brentwood is a great thing, in my opinion. And the shops, while maybe not right up my personal alley, provide what was previously found only by driving to Pleasanton or Walnut Creek.

And as for restaurants in Brentwood, the additions down at “the Streets” are more than welcome. For a city of over 40,000 people, there seem to be too few choices until recently. I’m glad to see the diversity of restaurants down there as well – from Thai food at Bangkok 101 to burgers at Red Robin to Grazie! and Fuzio – you’ll find something you like.

And keep in mind that The Streets of Brentwood almost didn’t get out of the planning stages. Thank goodness they broke ground in 2006 right before the Brentwood Real Estate market turned, or that corner of Sand Creek Rd and the Hwy 4 Bypass would still just be a dirt field. Yet as housing prices in Brentwood have had a drastic impact on property tax revenues, the increase in sales tax from developments like the Streets has been critical.

So if you are looking to buy a home in Brentwood, and want to get a feel for some of the things the community has to offer, check out “the Streets.” Maybe even take in a live concert on a Friday evening this summer. Then grab a bite and go see a movie. I think you’ll agree, this is a nice feature to have in our community.