Blog

Dec

City Transfer Tax Update

Posted In: Alameda County, Berkeley, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito, Oakland, Taxes

Happy December! Last month voters passed some ballot measures that will affect transfer tax rates within certain cities. If you intend to buy or sell a home in the following cities next year this could apply to you. Starting next year, possibly as early as January 1st, the following changes will occur: ALAMEDA COUNTY Berkeley (Measure P) For sales above [...]

Nov

Albany Market Stats for August, September, October 2018

Posted In: Albany, Local Market Statistics

The Albany market saw an influx of inventory last 3 months; October 2018 saw a record number of new listings, the most to come on in one month for years. See how that compares with years past. October 2018 = 11 new listings October 2017 = 4 new listings October 2016 = 9 new listings October 2015 = 9 new [...]

Oct

Is the Market About to go kerplunk?

Posted In: Economy, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Local Market Statistics

Buyers, Sellers + Realtors were all chatting about the market at our open house this past weekend. It seems that everyone is confused about the market and what was happening: Is it shifting? Is it dropping? Is it seasonal? YES!!! All of the above. The problem is that we won’t know which it is until it passes. The other problem [...]

Oct

Edible Urban Oasis in the El Cerrito Hills

Posted In: El Cerrito, For Sellers, Fun for Kids, Our Sales, Success Stories

Right before we list a house we like to do a walkthrough of everything and make sure all of the details are in place. We look for things that we might want to add that will make the house feel warm and welcoming, such as doormats, potted plants, outdoor seating or twinkle lights. If we think the yard needs more [...]

Sep

Should I Put My Property in a Living Trust?

Posted In: For Buyers, General Real Estate News

(as reposted from the Abio blog…) We have trust issues. When legendary singer Aretha Franklin died recently, she didn’t leave a will or a trust for her estimated $80 million estate. No instructions about how to split her assets among her four children or deal with creditors and extended family members who might claim portions of her estate. That got us thinking. More than half of [...]

Sep

Who Should Vote for Prop 5, Property Tax Law

Posted In: Alameda County, Contra Costa County, General Real Estate News, Legal, Taxes

(as reposted from the Abio blog) Proposition 5, a measure developed by the California Association of Realtors, is headed to the ballot Nov. 6, and advocates say it could ease not only the property tax burden on seniors, but also relieve the state’s housing crunch. Here’s what you need to know before you vote on Prop. 5, also known as the Property Tax Transfer Initiative: [...]

Aug

What is like to live at 737 Cornell in Albany, CA?

Posted In: Albany, First Time Home Buyers, For Sellers, Listings

Story #1: A Day in the Life at 737 Cornell, Albany, CA Located one block from Solano Ave shops + restaurants it is easy to see why the location is sa-weet! Walk, bike, roll, scoot, crawl, run, meander…no matter how you get around you can do it all, without a car! It is 6am and you are headed out the [...]

Jul

Sweet House For Sale in Richmond, CA North + East

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Sellers, Listings, Richmond, Success Stories

We just listed a sweet house for sale in Richmond, CA North + East neighborhood! This home has been owned by the same family for over 6 decades and is ready for its next owner’s to take over. We were referred to the Black family by their former next door neighbor, whose house we sold the previous year. Referrals are [...]

Jun

Design Your Dream Home With This Cosmetic Fixer in El Cerrito

Posted In: El Cerrito, Listings

Renew, refresh, and refill this gracious home! What do you get when you combine a gracious, well-maintained 3 bed, 1.5 bath home with a glamorous makeover? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design your dream home. Would you open up the kitchen to create a great room? What about painting the paneling in the living room? Be sure to look under the [...]

Apr

Mid-Century Masterpiece

Posted In: Alameda County, Listings, Oakland, Our Sales

We are so in love with our newest listing! Have you ever been to house where each time you visit it you feel happy? THIS is that house! You can check out the details here: 5900Ostrander.com [arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v7Zfb0cLhI” thumbnail=”3937″ /]