Taking Chances in Today's Market - Open Doors and Find Success

RISMEDIA, October 18, 2010—While today’s economy and real estate market have many real estate professionals and architects closing up shop, it has also provided numerous opportunities for those looking to take advantage of any open doors that pop up along the way.

Not one to let anything stand in his way, Sid Afshar, CEO of Sunfield Development in Orinda, California has let today’s market carry him from one big city to the next—creating a success story in its wake.

Even though his company is located in Orinda, Afshar’s extensive travel to Oakland has enabled him to form valuable business connections in the area as well as get to know the city’s goals. “In traveling to Oakland, I have come to realize that it is a very exciting place with a lot of opportunity,” says Afshar. “Most importantly, the city is one hundred percent committed to serving the people of Oakland and making it a great, vibrant place.” Now Afshar and his team will have a hand in developing the uptown area of the city, helping to draw in more consumers and money to develop additional projects down the road.

“It is clear to see that the pendulum has swung,” said Top 5 Member Ran Wyder, broker/owner of a real estate company in Oakland. “In the past, Orinda was the more built up area as many people were leaving Oakland to go settle in Orinda, but now, people are coming back to Oakland, so this is where the opportunities are,” continues Wyder.

With three developments already approved in the area, Afshar is confidently handling the challenge of serving the people of Oakland. While the city is experiencing a retail leak to surrounding cities, Sunfield Development is hoping to help increase retail and bring shoppers back to the area—keeping in mind the underlying current of the city—entertainment.

Building — The Fox Block, Uptown Oakland

Developing in Oakland presented Sunfield Development with an excellent opportunity. “The city of Oakland is truly developer-friendly, and we haven’t had to deal with so-called “private landowners” to obtain parcels of land, so that has taken some of the burden off our shoulders,” says Afshar. In fact, the forward thinking developers in Oakland have gotten much of the groundwork laid already. “The work and foundation has already been laid out, so it is easy for developers to come in and start the development process.” While the assembling of land is 1/3 of the development process, the city has saved Afshar both time and effort in getting everything set beforehand.

“Even in a down economy, it never hurts to take chances,” says Afshar, “as you never know what new opportunities you will be presented with.” As he continues to make a name for himself in the Oakland real estate scene, Afshar is looking forward to helping become a vibrant community. “There are many trends developing in Oakland, and we are excited to be a part of the city’s future,” he concludes.

For more information, visit www.sunfielddevelopment.com.