Blog

Jun

4707 El Centro Avenue, Oakland Open Sunday 6/28 2-4:30

Posted In: Listings, Oakland

Wow! Check out this new listing at 4707 El Centro Avenue in Oakland. This 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath home radiates light throughout. With 1550 square feet of living space this home features a large, formal dining room, a bright kitchen with tile countertops and breakfast nook, and a warm living room, ready for relaxing. The house also features thermal-paned windows, hardwood [...]

Jun

The Cerrito in El Cerrito and The Parkway in Oakland Expected to Reopen

Posted In: Community, El Cerrito, Oakland

A reader tuned me in to this article posted at SFGate on 6/18- looks like The Cerrito and Parkway will reopen! (06-18) 18:55 PDT — Beer, pizza and “Rocky Horror” drag shows are likely to light up the East Bay movie landscape once more, as two shuttered theaters approach resurrection. The Cerrito Theater in El Cerrito and its former sister theater, the [...]

Jun

This Just in From the Federal Reserve

Posted In: Mortgage & Finance

This just in from the Federal Reserve, compliments of Chet Gohd, owner of RPM Mortgage in Berkeley. Here is what Chet has to say: The Federal Reserve concluded their meeting today with leaving interest rates unchanged and offering a few remarks about their view of the current status of our economy. Recent economic reports have offered positive signs in that [...]

Jun

California Running Out of California New Home Tax Credit

Posted In: For Buyers, New Home Sales, Taxes

A boon for new homebuyers, scheduled to last through next March, will be out of money long before that. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Time is running out for California residents wanting to take advantage of a $10,000 tax credit. The state set aside $100 million to help home buyers purchasing newly built homes, hoping to jump start the moribund residential-construction [...]

Jun

May is in… Housing Update

Posted In: Local Market Statistics

In the East Bay, Alameda County’s median value was $289,197 – up 3.3 percent over March, but down 39.0 percent since April 2008. The Contra Costa County median home sale value in April 2009 was $225,500 – up 2.3 percent over March, but 43.0 since April 2008. Due to foreclosure-related short sales, in April Contra Costa County continued to post [...]

Jun

Just In…California Foreclosure Moratorium News

Posted In: Foreclosures & Short Sales, Mortgage & Finance

Effective today banks in California cannot foreclose a mortgage without either renegotiating the loan or giving the homeowner three months notice. This is a good thing because it will encourage lenders to either cut rates or rewrite loans to affordable levels, which may allow many Californian’s to keep their homes. Lenders will have to demonstrate that they have tried to [...]

Jun

Historic Maybeck Back On

Posted In: Architecture, Berkeley

This beautiful and historic home located on Derby in Berkeley is once again available for purchase. After going temporarily going off of the market this extraordinary home has slipped back on the market. I remember seeing this home a couple of years back (or perhaps it was only last year that I saw it?) and what stuck out was the [...]

Jun

The Latest in Design Trends

Posted In: Home Improvement

Whether your budget is small or large, here are some design essentials you should know when it comes time to spruce up your home. Top 10 inexpensive ways to freshen up your home 1. Buy new towels for the bathroom 2. Upgrade outdoor lighting 3. Install new doorknobs and caminet handles 4. Make a centerpiece for your dining room table [...]

Jun

New Contact Info :: New Changes

Posted In: General Real Estate News

So after a wonderful ride with Red Oak Realty I have decided to join Keller Williams in Berkeley. I have been given the opportunity to help coach new agents coming into the business, as well as veteran agents looking to move their business to the next level. I am really excited about this new change and I look forward to giving [...]

Jun

Four Operators Want To Take Over Cerrito Speakeasy Theater

Posted In: Community, El Cerrito

Four operators want to take over Cerrito Speakeasy Theater By Chris Treadway West County Times Posted: 06/04/2009 02:46:49 PM PDT Updated: 06/04/2009 04:16:38 PM PDT Four potential operators are interested in taking over the darkened Cerrito Speakeasy Theater. The city of El Cerrito said this week that the four candidates have until Monday to submit proposals for operating the movie [...]