It is really cool that we have a lake in the middle of our city! Year-round Lake Merritt is Oakland's most popular gym. (I say this with no statistical data!) Recently, I have been a major exercise slacker! So I am posting this to self motivate.
Crocker Highlands House in Oakland In Need of New Owner
570 Santa Ray in the Crocker Highlands District of Oakland is new to the market and oozing with potential. This property is listed by my colleague, Julia Temple at Red Oak Realty and is a bank owned traditional listed at $599,900. This home has fantastic light, huge rooms, original details, loads of charm and handsome woodwork. This house looks in need of work, but there is no doubt this could be a masterpiece, with a superb location. Last Saturday I took some clients out to preview this home and I was asked what this property would be worth in today's market once all the work necessary was done. I just did a little research and looked at properties that have sold in Crocker Highlands with at least 1800 square feet since September 2008 until now. (Keep in mind there were a few properties that were fixers, as well as stunning gems.) The average listing price was $948,349 and the average selling price was $927,705. I can't wait to see what this home ultimately sells for and what the new buyers decide to do to this property!
Lakeshore Avenue - Crocker Highland's Retail District
When people are thinking of relocating to Oakland, I like to drive them through the different districts of Oakland, so they can get a sense of our community. One of Oakland's greatest assets is the diversity. While other cities have numerous nationalities living within the city limits, but sticking to their separate districts; Oaklanders tend to intertwine. A prime example is Lakeshore Avenue. Often you will see a dozen nationalities mingling on the front bench of Peet's coffee enjoying the sun. On Saturday mornings Lakeshore Avenue bustles as folks from all over Oakland attend the weekly Farmer's Market for food, music and culture. (On Lakeside between Lakeshore Avenue and Grand Avenue - Open All Year Long) Lakeshore Avenue is the retail district (within walking distance) from Crocker Highlands and the Lake Merritt area. When I was a teenager I worked a few summer jobs on Lakeshore Avenue and this is still one of my favorite stomping grounds. Stop by Maribel to consign your quality, chic clothing and accessories or spy and buy new and gently used jewelery, handbags, clothes and accessories. 3251 Lakeshore Avenue. (510) 419-0677, consignment hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Open Daily.
My favorite vegetarian pizza is baked fresh and all day long at Arizmendi. This worker owned cooperative bakery is the sister to the The Cheese Board Collective in the Gourmet Ghetto of Berkeley. Here you can buy all things bread made with the best ingredients, from baguettes to their wonderful cornmeal and dried cherry scones to the veggie pizza. Purchase pizza by the slice or whole pie. Click here for the daily pizza menu.
Lakeshore Avenue has Trader Joes, Peet's Coffee, Noah's Bagels, Flavors of India Restaurant, Mezze Restaurant, Urban Indigo and more. Additionally around the corner, (within walking distance) is the Grand Lake Movie Theatre, where you can still hear the Mighty Wulitzer Organ play briefly before select movies on Friday and Saturday nights. Lakeshore Avenue has a few vacant retail spaces, what would you like to see on this street? Please leave a comment.
Historic Oakland Craftsman Home in the Grand Lake District of Oakland
The other week, I visited 990 Vermont Street in the Grand Lake District of Oakland. As I walked up the front steps and was greeted by the over sized front porch, I felt an immediate sense of comfort. The inviting diamond latticed window panes, the rustic hardwood floors and substantial rooms make this property feel like the perfect place to live, relax and entertain. I learned that Ms. Dorothy Buckley owned this property for nearly 60 years, and it is evident that this house was well preserved. 990 Vermont is perfect for someone looking for original craftsman woodwork and a great walking neighborhood. (This property needs foundation help. Many people fear foundation replacement, but you can live in a house while replacing the foundation. Contact me with your foundation questions. I purchased a home that needed major foundation work, and I have helped many homebuyers purchase homes with foundation problems. I have great resources and a list of reputable foundation professionals for the Oakland-Berkeley area and I am happy to share.) This home is currently listed with Valva Realty and I would be happy to schedule a showing.
Grand Dame in Crocker Highlands
This grand house was my favorite new listing from yesterday's Broker's Tour. What's not to like about this grand dame? With beamed ceilings, handsome woodwork, natural light, oversized rooms and stately entry, this John Hudson Thomas, 1912 home in picturesque Crocker Highlands is an entertainers dream.
This home is currently listed with Pacific Union and photos are courtesy of Teri Carlisle. List Price, $2,350,000 (6 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms) This property is being shown by appointment, email me for an appointment.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas....
Maribel is a great new and gently used clothing and accessories boutique on Lakeshore Avenue. Owner, Ann brings in great contemporary finds from designer jeans and shoes to hats and jewelry. Ann sells Viv and Ingrid Jewelry, fun jewelry created by two local girls who met at Cal and started a highly success jewelry business.
Visit Maribel at 3251 Lakeshore Ave and mention Oakland Realtor Deidre Joyner to receive 10% off your jewelry purchase!
