Indoor Firing Ranges and OSHA Compliance Part One – Lead

  Six Cures for the Small-Kitchen Blues Expand your kitchen without breaking the bank.  By Josh Garskof, excerpted from Money magazine  Sure, you order takeout three nights a week, and preparing a burger tests the limits of your culinary know-how. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need and deserve a spacious kitchen. After all, the kitchen has evolved from a room where food is prepared to the hub of a house, where you do everything from eating casual meals to paying the bills and helping Junior with his algebra homework. Plus, as long as you stick within the norms of the neighborhood, a kitchen expansion is one of the best ways to increase your property value, says Omaha appraiser John Bredemeyer, a spokesman for the Appraisal Institute.  “A lot of people buy the kitchen and take the house that comes along with it,” he says.  “So going from a cooking kitchen to an entertaining kitchen is likely to pay for itself when you sell your house someday.”  Best of all, you don’t necessarily haveto shell out the $50,000 to $100,000 cost of a kitchen addition. Here are some money-saving tricks for enlarging the kitchen—or at least making it seem bigger:  Having a place to eat in the kitchen is essential, but even a 3½-foot-wide round table takes up a 10-foot-by-10-foot floor space to comfortably accommodate walking around it, says Denver architect Doug Walter. So consider these space-conserving alternatives:  1. LOSE THE TABLE.  Replace it with a diner-style booth ($2,000 to $5,000), which needs just six feet by eight feet of floor space and can be set directly against the wall or in an alcove. Or, let a new countertop double as a breakfast bar by overhanging it 15 inches off a peninsula or an island. Opt for backless stools that can be tucked almost entirely under the counter.  2. USE THE DINING ROOM.  If you rarely eat a meal in the dining room, consider knocking down the wall separating it from the kitchen to form an attached, everyday eating area. That costs about $1,500(if you have to move a structural wall, it will cost another $4,500). You’ll lose cabinets, but if you put a peninsula in the wall’s place, you’ll retain some storage space. Sometimes kitchen congestion can be resolved by updating an old-fashioned floor plan that’s chopping up ample square footage with too many walls and other obstructions.  1. ANNEX OTHER SPACES.  Walk-in pantries, mudrooms and laundry rooms that abut the kitchen are often worth sacrificing for an expanded kitchen, says Charlotte, N.C. contractor John Harmon. Construction costs can be as little as $2,000, depending on the situation. And thanks to stackable laundry machines that can be tucked away in a closet and cabinets that can store as much as an entire closet in a fraction of the space, they won’t be missed.  2. MOVE THE SLIDERS.  Replacing sliding-glass patio doors with a single swing-out door ($3,000 to $4,000) or relocating your backdoor out of prime kitchen territory ($5,000 to $7,000) can free up vital wallspace for new cabinets and a countertop without adding any floor space.  If the only solution is more physical space, you may be able to do the job for less than the $400-a-square-foot (or higher) cost of a full-scale kitchen addition and remodel.  1. ADD ADJACENT LIVING SPACE. If what you really need is an eating area or a space next to your existing kitchen, build a family room, den or great room alongside it. The open floor plan will make the kitchen seem bigger, and the person cooking, (or microwaving, as the case may be), will feel like part of the household activity. And because the new space won’t require all the labor and materials involved in reconstructing a kitchen, the project will cost about $200 a square foot.  2. HANG A “BUMP-OUT.” If your plans for the kitchen require just a little more room, you may be able to hang the space off the side of the house by suspending the additional square footage from the existing structure, much like a bay window. As long as the bump-outdoesn’t extend more than three feet beyond the main exterior wall, it should easily cost $2,000 less than if the contractor had to excavate the yard and pour a new foundation, says Walter.  Whatever technique you use to expand your kitchen, once it has an open, spacious feel, it’s sure to become an even more popular hangout. Heck, it might even inspire you to break out a cookbook.  A Home Improvement Project that Saves Big Money on Taxes ~ Thanks to Ms. Pam Winterbauer Tax Credit Available for Insulated Garage Doors in 2009 and 2010 Wouldn't it be nice if adding style, curb appeal and energy efficiency to your home actually saved you money? In 2009 and 2010, it can. Thanks to the new 2009 stimulus legislation, American homeowners can earn up to a $1,500 tax credit for buying qualifying insulated garage doors. The recent stimulus legislation signed by President Obama on Feb..17, extends and significantly increases these tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. Adding a newgarage door in 2009 or 2010 can save homeowners money by not only helping lower energy consumption and costs, but also by paying for itself through the tax credit incentive.    A tax credit is more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only decreases the amount of income that is taxed. More details on the tax credit, along with information about garage door styles and local dealer installers, can be found at , a non-commercial Web site.  If your home has an attached garage, the room next to the garage is often the coldest room in the winter. Cold air in the winter, and warm air in the summer, can enter the house through the garage, increasing the amount of energy the home needs for heating and cooling. Insulated garage doors not only make a noticeable difference in the temperature of a home, but now can also save you money off the bottom line of your income taxes.  The new tax credits are available for qualifyinggarage door purchases placed in service from Jan.1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2010. The maximum tax credit that a taxpayer may claim from all qualifying improvements combined is a whopping 30 percent of the cost of each product and $1,500 over the lifetime of the tax credit periods (2009 and 2010). To be eligible for the tax credit:   The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage. The door must have a U-factor equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains windows. The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration. The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years. The garage must be part of the taxpayer's principal United States residence. In addition to saving money and energy, installing a new garage door also improves a home's appearance and value. The garage can comprise a third or more of your home's front appearance. A new door that is quickly, safely and correctly installed by a local professionalwill differentiate your home and add style, value and curb appeal.  Even in today's tough economic times, replacing your garage door with a new upscale model can boost the resale value of your home. A recent online survey revealed that 71 percent of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it definitely increased the value of their home.  To find a professional dealer/installer and the garage door style that's right for you, visit . The site's ZIP code search function will help you find a professional in your area who can install your door in a few hours. The site also features before and after images of new garage doors that have dramatically changed the appearance of homes.  Courtesy of  AC   How Much Do I need? These calculators will help you buy enough, but not too much.   Various HGTV                        STUDY TRACKS MOST COST EFFECTIVE REMODELING PROJECTS The 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 30 midrangeand upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 79 markets across the country.The report is produced by Hanley Wood, LLC in cooperation with "REALTOR®" magazine.  In addition to wood decks and siding, window replacements and kitchen remodels also returned a relatively high percentage of remodeling costs. A midrange bathroom remodel was estimated to return 74.4 percent on resale, comparable to a midrange attic-to-bedroom conversion, at 73.6 percent of costs recouped, and a midrange basement remodel, at 72.7 percent of costs recouped. As in last year's report, the least profitable remodeling projects in terms of resale value were home office remodels, sunroom additions, and back-up power generators, returning only 54.4 percent, 56.6 percent, and 57.1 percent, respectively, of project costs.   December 10, 2008 – Exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost, according to the 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. On anational level, wood deck additions and all types of siding replacements — upscale fiber cement, midrange vinyl, and upscale foam-backed vinyl — returned more than 80 percent of project costs upon resale.  C.A.R. LAUNCHES GREEN WEB SITE         C.A.R. has launched "At home with green(tm)," a Green Web site focusing on the Association's new Green Initiative and providing information to homeowners, REALTORS(R), and the general public on how to green their homes, offices, and lives.Features of "At home with green(tm)" include: . "Understanding Green" an index of green resources, green terminology, and key green principles.  Homeowners and Buyers" provides current homeowners and home buyers with information about buying a green home, finding a REALTOR(R) with green credentials, understanding the incentives for going green, and greening a home room by room.    Green tip:  Mulch slows down evaporation Planting a layer of mulch around trees and plants, such as chunks of bark, peat moss orgravel slows down evaporation. By doing so, 750 to 1,500 gallons of water can be saved a month.  Green tip:  The two-minute test If you aren’t sure about the flow rate of your showerhead, you can test it using a five-gallon bucket and a stopwatch. Turn the shower on full blast (hot and cold). Place a five-gallon bucket under the shower and capture all of the flow. Fill the bucket for exactly two minutes. If your showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less, the bucket will not overflow during the two-minute test. If the bucket overflows during the test, you do not have a functioning low-flow showerhead.   Recycling codes: What they mean  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ( ), in 2006, the U.S. produced more than 251 million tons of garbage — approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per person per day. Of that, recycling diverted 82 million tons of material away from disposal. In short, Americans are putting plastics into their recycling bins.  Many of us recyclewithout knowing if something is actually recyclable. Have you ever wondered what those numbers mean on plastic bottles? Below we explain what the seven different codes found on plastics mean and what they are recycled into. Check to see which plastics are accepted in your city; every city has different curbside recycling programs.  1. Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET, PETE): PET is a clear plastic found in soft drinks, water, juice, sports drinks, and condiments bottles; food jars for such products as peanut butter and jelly; and in frozen food packaging.  PET is recycled into fiber for carpets, clothing, and tote bags. It can also be re-used for food and beverage bottles. PET is the most common-used plastic due to its inexpensive and easy-to-recycle features, and is widely accepted by most curbside recycling programs.  2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is resistant to most solvents and is used for food products with a shorter shelf life such as bottled milk. Because it's morechemical-resistant than PET, it's also used for household cleaners including laundry detergent, shampoo, and plastic grocery bags.  HDPE is recycled into bottling for non-food items, such as motor oil and antifreeze, plastic lumber, flowerpots, and recycling bins. It's accepted by most curbside recycling programs.  3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl): You won't find this recycling symbol on household items. PVC is chemical-resistant so it's used to make packaging products, shrink-wrap, window frames, fencing, and decking. PVC is recycled into pipes, fencing, decking, floor tiles, traffic cones, garden hoses, and packaging products. It's not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs.  4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A tougher and more flexible plastic, LDPE is used for dry cleaning bags, newspapers, breads, frozen food, shrink-wrap, container lids for hot and cold beverages, and toys. It's most common use is for plastic shopping bags.  LDPE is recycled into envelopes, garbagecan liners, trashcans, paneling, and floor tile. LPDE is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs, but plastic bags are now readily accepted at supermarkets.  5. Polypropylene (PP): PP is also strong and chemical-resistant, which is good for hot-fill liquids. It's used for takeout food, yogurts, margarine, and bottle caps.  PP is recycled into automobile parts, such as turn signal lights; brooms; bicycle racks; and trays. Some recycling curbside recycling programs accept PP.  6. Polystyrene (PS): PS is more versatile than the other plastics and is used in many food items such as cutlery, plates, cups, and containers. It's also used for those pesky packing peanuts, as well as foam packaging for electronics and furniture.  PS is recycled into moldings, thermometers, and license plate frames. Some recycling curbside recycling programs accept PS.  7. Other: An item with this marking means that it is made with a different resin other than the six listed above. These items caninclude oven-baking bags, some juice and ketchup bottles, and packaging materials. It's recycled into bottles and plastic lumber and is not commonly accepted by curbside recycling programs.  For more info:     Detox Your Indoor Air By: Elyse Umlauf-Garneau Some solutions:   When you’re building a new house or renovating, pay attention to air quality. Choose formaldehyde-free products and use low VOC paints, caulks and adhesives. Work with architects and contractors who understand and can address IAQ issues and who know how to balance energy efficiency with proper ventilation.  Often correcting IAQ problems is simple. Golden points out that bag-less vacuum cleaners may suck microscopic contaminants and blow them right back into the air. Just switching to a vacuum with a HEPA filter could eliminate many irritants. And though cutting off the heat in an unused room may save energy, you could inadvertently be creating a mold problem. Needless to say, smoking cigarettes indoors is taboo. Swap chemically-based household cleaners for non-toxic ones made from natural materials. They’re readily available at stores and online. Find them at . Better yet, save money and make your own with easy-to-find products like vinegar and baking soda. Find some recipes at .  Additional resources:  -Learn about improving IAQ during wildfires at .  -The sites, and provide guidance on all aspects of creating a healthy home.  -Find healthy household furnishings and building supplies at .  -The California Air Resources Board features IAQ guidelines and fact sheets.  Reproduced with permission from the California Association of REALTORS® and copyright 2008 California Association of REALTORS®  Remodeling that pays off  One of the smartest things you can do with your home's equity is to put it right back into your home. It's a clear win-win: You enjoy the benefit of an improved living environment and tangibly enhance your home's value at the same time. But not every project will increase theresale value of your home. It's best to stick with the ones that will give you the biggest return.  Here's how Remodeling Magazine rates top jobs in terms of one-year return on investment (ROI): Project  ROIRemodeling Costs: Average Price Tag  Minor kitchen remodel 88%    $8,655 Second-story addition 83% $73,553 Bathroom remodel 81% $9,135 Bathroom addition 81% $13,918 Family room addition 75% $30,960 Major kitchen remodel 71% $31,090 Deck 55% $8,022 Home Improvement Tips: Don't over improve. It's difficult to recover the investment in a home that is already more valuable than most others in the neighborhood.  Keep whimsy in check. Eclectic tastes likely won't appeal to mainstream homebuyer.  Before you sign… Check out the contractor before you sign a contract or pay him/her any money.       Protect Yourself.  Play Detective.  After verifying that the person has a contractors license, check him/her out on the internet.  Google his/her name or company name.   then search  and always askthe people you trust who would they recommend.You might also see if any complaints have been filed against a company at the Better Business Bureau web site.  Every BBB in the U.S. and Canada posts its reliability reports on the web, and you can locate a report via our .   In addition, BBB representatives are available to assist you on the phones during normal business hours.   There are 128 BBB offices in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Each office maintains files on businesses headquartered in its service area, which may extend as far as a 200 mile radius. BBBs have the most current information on businesses from their complaint files, plus additional information gathered from various area sources such as local, state and federal government agencies. BBBs also carry reports on national businesses. The good news is – you no longer have to call us for information.          Home Maintenance Checklist           Weekly Check sprinklers for broken heads, etc. repair as needed  Completeyard maintenance including weeding, pruning, mowing.  Monthly Check trash bins, recycle bins, and yard clipping bins for odors and slime.  Wash thoroughly. Pour in 1 to 2 cups bleach into each bin. Check faucets and hose bibs for leakage. Replace washers as needed.  Quarterly Check shrubbery.  If necessary prune trees and shrubs away from gutters and neighbors' houses.  Semi-annually Change batteries in smoke dectectors Check screens for tears and deterioation, repair or replace.  Annually Check the roof and gutters for needed repairs. Change filters in furnace Have central air conditioner serviced          Check caulk around windows and doors, replace if needed.  Check for the beginning of peeling paint and repair accordingly  Check for cracks in concrete driveways and walkways and fill with appropriate material  Drain and refill water heater to remove sludge that accumulates at bottom of tank.  This will greatly lengthen the life of the water heater.    Every 2 to 5 years Have acomplete pest control inspection and do necessary repairs. Check fencing for stability. Replace any boards and re-sturdy fence and paint or stain.  Schedule of Normal Life By: Freddie MacAppliances Life Estimate in Years    Dishwashers 5 to 12 Disposals 5 to 12 Washers and dryers 8 to 12  Water heaters 8 to 12 Refrigerators 15 to 20 Stoves 15 to 20   Heating and Air Conditioning Life Estimate in Years   Warm air furnace 8 to 12 Heat pumps 8 to 12 Air conditioning compressors 8 to 15  Gas chillers 8 to 15 Hot water boilers 30 to 50  Roofs Life Estimate in Years Selvage or asphalt roll 12 to 20  Wood shake and shingle 15 to 20  Asphalt  15 to 20 Fiberglass 15 to 20 Asbestos shingle 30-50 Slate 40-75   Plumbing Life Estimate in Years Gas hot water heater 8 to 12  Electric hot water heater 10-15  Private disposal systems (septic)  15 to 25 Galvanized water pipes 30 to 50    Gutters and Downspouts Life Estimate in Years   Galvanized 15 to 20 Copper Life of home if well-maintained    (c)1995 Freddie Mac. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission from Freddie Mac.  Air Conditioning MaintenanceWith good maintenance and proper care, your air conditioning unit should run efficiently for up to 15 years! Try these easy tips for getting the most out of your AC this summer.          Don't short cycle the cooling system. Make sure that when you turn the unit off you then wait 10 minutes before turning it on again. This will allow the pressure in the conditioning system to equalize again which will prolong the life of your AC. Clean the area around your AC. Dirt and debris on your outdoor condenser coils can block the air flow through the unit, causing your cooling system to work harder and increasing your bill. Allow for adequate air flow to your unit by cleaning the area around the condenser coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage. NEVER use water to clean your air conditioning system. A thoroughly cleaned AC unit will operate at top efficiency. However, do notattempt to clean your own unit with water because of the very serious risk of electrical shock and possible shorting of electrical components. If your cooling system is in need of deep cleaning seek professional help. Clean your air filter regularly. During cooling season you should clean your filter once a month and replace it when it develops holes or appears worn. Don't cool the air outside, too. To ensure that your cooling system is working most efficiently, check for holes or separated joints in your AC ducts. Also, add insulation around ducts in attics, crawl spaces and garages. Check the settings on the system and close the “fresh air” vent. Trouble spots to look for:  Leaky ductwork. Leakage from areas such as ductwork joints, elbows, and connections can be substantial, up to 20% – 30%! This is especially costly if the ducts travel through unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Use duct tape or caulk to seal ductwork. Thermostat placement. Donot place lamps or TV sets near your AC thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Liberty Floor Covering. New Location:  30139 Industrial S.W. #G – Hayward, Ca 94544 Phone: 510-315-0808  Energy Saving Tips While you can't exactly print dollar bills from your AC unit, you can do the equivalent by saving money on how efficiently your conditioning system operates. With the proper maintenance (follow the tips above) and these energy saving tactics you'll find yourself with money to spare this summer!  Buy a programmable thermostat. You can program this thermostat to automatically lower or raise your conditioning system in order to avoid cooling your house when you are not around. A normal temperature for your cooling system is 72 degrees F for the summer. If you have central air conditioning keep the thermostat at 78 degrees F. If you leave your home for an extended period of time, do not go below 55degrees F or your pipes might freeze. Ceiling fans are your best friend. A ceiling fan can make a room feel 6 – 7 degrees cooler, and even the most power-hungry fan costs less than $10 a month to use if you keep it on for 12 hours a day. Good fans make it possible for you to raise your thermostat setting and save on air-conditioning costs. Your windows matter. Buy white window shades, blinds or drapes to reflect heat away from the house. Depending on the severity of the heat where you live, you also can use sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows and mount awnings over them. Extension Cord Safety Always Use the Right Extension Cord for the Job  Power requirements vary for different tool applications. Using the wrong extension cord can damage a tool or create a fire hazard. Cords differ in the number and thickness of the wires, the type of plug, and the length of the cord. Wire thickness determines the amount of power that will be delivered to the tool. Commonsizes, or gauges, are 18, 16, 14, and 10. Oddly, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire is. So, of these, the 10 gauge is thickest and will deliver the most power. You can always use a thicker cord than the one called for in tool instructions, but not a lighter one. When in doubt, chose the heaviest three-prong cord available. Length of the cord can cause problems. Don't use a cord that is far longer than what you need, especially if you leave the excess cord coiled. Leaving coils in the cord allows heat to build up in the wires which can get hot enough to melt the insulation. Always uncoil a cord fully before using it. Never hook a three-prong cord to a two-prong cord. It can be done with some two-prong cords, but it's very dangerous. When working outdoors, choose a cord with an outdoor rating. They usually bear the designation "W-A." And don't let the cord lie in the sun for extended periods. The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause insulation to deteriorate. Occasionally, agood cord can get cut or damaged in the middle. Never try to salvage it by taping the wires together. Instead, make two smaller cords out of it by adding a socket to one and a plug to the other. Always unplug extension cords when they are not in use. Three Important Reasons to Check Your Cords Today by SixWise.com Most people don’t give much thought to the extension cords running under their couches, connecting lamps to faraway sockets or allowing five plugs to fit into one electrical outlet—until something goes wrong. Please don’t make that mistake!  Every year, an estimated 4,000 injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and 13 percent of those injuries involve young children aged 5 years or less.  Three Major Extension Cord Risks  1. Tripping How many extension cords are running across your floors, in heavily trafficked, common areas, right now? This accident waiting to happen is the reason why, according tothe CPSC, about half of extension-cord-related injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. The elderly are most at risk, as a fall can easily break bones or result in the need for surgery.  The solution: Place extension cords with extreme care, in areas that are not normally walked over. Run cords along baseboards or walls or thread them behind tables or other furniture where they are out of the way. (DO NOT put them under rugs or heavy furniture, or behind radiators or heaters, as this is a fire hazard)  2. Fires The CPSC estimates that extension cords cause about 3,300 residential fires each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of extension cord fires?  Short circuits Using old, damaged cords Overloading cords, which leads to overheating Misuse The solution: Delaware’s Assistant State Fire Marshal Richard Ward said homeowners can reduce their risk of extension cord fires byinvesting in heavier gauge extension cords and avoiding “bargain cords.”  "You get what you pay for," Ward said. "If you pay more money, you're going to get a better extension cord.” Other tips include:  Replace cords that are cracked or frayed. Don’t overload cords or sockets. Don’t run cords under rugs or near heaters or radiators. Only use exterior extension cords for outside use. Firefighters in Phoenix, AZ said they see several fires each year caused solely by people using interior extension cords outside. Pay attention to cord quality and purpose—don’t use a light-duty extension cord for a job that really needs a heavy-duty variety, such as air conditioners or freezers.  Feel the temperature of the cords when they are in use. If they are hot to the touch, unplug them immediately. Replace the extension cord with one that has No. 16 or heavier gauge wire (the lower the number, the heavier the wire and the more electrical current the cord can safely carry). 3. Electrical BurnsElectrical burns to the mouth accounted for half the extension-cord-related injuries to young children, according to the CPSC. They reported one incident in which a 15-month-old girl put an extension cord in her mouth and suffered an electrical burn that required surgery.  The solution: Keep all extension cords out of the reach of children. Plugs, outlets and cords can be irresistible to young children who don’t realize their dangers.  Play it safe and avoid using them if you have small children, or ensure that your child cannot get access to the cord. Some of the worst places to put them are dangling over counters or tabletops where they can be pulled down. If you do use one, be sure it has a safety closure to cover any unused outlets.  Other Tips For Safe Extension Cord Use Extension cords are handy tools and necessities in many homes, so follow these other tips to help you use extension cords in the safest manner:  Make sure new cords are listed by a recognized national testinglaboratory Only use extension cords when they’re absolutely necessary Use polarized extension cords with polarized appliances Don’t leave prongs exposed, even partly, when the cord is in use Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting it from the socket Special “angle extension cords” can be used where furniture or beds may push against the plug Don’t use staples or nails to attach extension cords to any surface Don’t exceed the total wattage listed on the cord by plugging in too many appliances Try not to use them for long-term purposes American Dream Homeownership is the American Dream and home maintenance can be the American Nightmare.   Certain areas of a home need regular monitoring and attention.  Ignoring the basic elements of a home can be costly.           Don't gamble your investment away through neglect.  Pay attention to your home and do repairs as needed to save the most money possible.   Remember, if ignored a small problem today usually leads to a big repair costtomorrow.  For information on buying or selling east bay homes, please contact me at 510-429-4800 or send me a note on the  form.  Take care, Joanne Your San Francisco Bay Area Real Estate Broker ~ Joanne L. Gardiner, Broker, e-PRO Realtor Advantage Realty 3205 Whipple Road – Union City, California 94587 Office: (510) 429-4800 or Cell: (510) 589-4794 San Francisco Bay Area  ~ San Francisco East Bay Real Estate  Joanne Gardiner and Advanage Realty serve the greater San Francisco Bay Area with an emphasis on the East Bay.  Our location near the bay enables us to easily serve Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and San Mateo County.  Our primary service areas in Alameda County include:  Castro Valley, Dublin, Fremont, , Livermore, Newark, Niles, Oakland, Pleasanton,  San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Sunol, and Union City.  In Contra Costa County:  Danville and San Ramon.  In San Mateo County:  Burlingame, Foster City, Palo Alto, and San Mateo.   The types of real estate in which we specializeare:  Single family homes, duets, condominiums, townhomes, garden homes, PUDs, manufactured homes, mobile homes, and small residential income properties from duplexes up to complexes with 10 units. Zip codes for the primary areas we serve:  94540, 94544, 94545, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94540, 94557, 94587, 94536, 94537, 94538, 94539, 94555, 94560, 94577, 94578, 94579, 94546, 94552, 94583, 94582, 94566, 94588, 94506, 94526, 94568, 94611, 94610, 94602, 94618, 94619, 94605, 94501, 94502, 94404, 94010, 94301, 94302, 94303, 94304, 94306, 94309   Our web sites:        Our sister site: