In the Green

If you have browsed through my blog, you will see various interior colors and the effects that colors have on the majority of the population.

So what do you think about green?

Touring homes for sale in Oakland and Berkeley, I think sage green is the number one color right now. I love green with lavender and red, and I even love this lime green, pictured here.

Green creates security and it has also been known to heal the heart.

By the way, this photo is from the 2006 Decorators Showcase House in San Francisco. I absolutely love this bathroom sink, as it is fabricated out of Corian. That means no rotten wood vanities in the bathroom, no grout or mildew, and it comes in five colors. The sink was designed by Steven Miller Design Studio.

One more thing!! The green walls are covered in glass, so you can Windex,(or vinegar and water) your walls clean.

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...

Outdoor Movies in Old Oakland

Do you want some free family fun! Pack your camping chairs and blankets and take the quick drive to Old Oakland for a free outdoor movie.

The 4th Annual Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema series

My family and I have gone several times and we felt like we were in a different world watching a movie outdoors in quaint Old Oakland.

Schedule:

August 18 - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE-- preceded by short by Oakland filmmaker Anthony Lucero

September 15 - THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL -- preceded by short by Oakland filmmaker Manijeh Gonzalez Fata

October 20 - BABE

Location: Old Oakland, 9th and Washington

Time: Films begin at sunset. The start time is earlier as the year progresses.

Seating: Limited chairs provided -- feel free to bring your own

Parking: Free parking at 8th and Washington. 12th Street BART two blocks away. Or ride your bike!

Questions? Call the Oakland Film Office at 510-238-4734 or go to, Film Oakland.

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...

The Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge

San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, 1936

Ambitious taxpayer-financed public-works projects helped to put people back to work. Once such project, the construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, would alter Oakland's regional position forever. Since travelers no longer had to board ferries to reach San Francisco, Oakland became a city that too many people knew only as the place they drove through on their way across the bay.

Currently Oakland's location is amongst the best in the Bay Area. Some Oaklanders get to work in downtown San Francisco faster than San Francisco residents who have to wind through the streets.

Of course as an enthusiastic Oaklander I can talk all day about the many benefits of living in Oakland.

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...

Moving to Oakland? Don't Forget the Closing Costs.

So, you are ready to buy a home. What will it actually cost in terms of out of pocket expenses. In addition to your down payment, there are closing cost. The approximate cost is 3% of the purchase price of your new home. Here are some of the fees:

Title Insurance - (This insures that you are receiving the property free and clear of liens, except your new mortgage)

Prorated Property Taxes - (You will make sure the property taxes are current, however you are paying the taxes at the sellers tax rate. Within 6-12 months you will receive a Supplemental Tax Bill which is the difference between the sellers property bill and your property taxes. Property taxes are based on the purchase price of your home.)

Any lender fees - Often these fees are minimal

City transfer tax - the city wants their money

The following is a list of the cities in Alameda County and their transfer tax. (Emeryville has No city transfer tax!!!) Typically this tax is divided equally between the buyer and seller, for example if the city transfer tax is $15 per $1000 dollars of purchase price and the purchase price is $500,000 then the buyer and seller will each pay, $3750 in transfer cost as part of their closing cost.

Transfer Tax in Alameda County Cities:

City of Alameda: $12.00 per thousand

City of Albany: $11.50 per thousand

City of Berkeley: $15.00 per thousand

City of Hayward: $4.50 per thousand

City of Oakland: $15.00 per thousand

City of Piedmont: $13.00 per thousand

City of San Leandro: $6.00 per thousand

County transfer tax is $1.10 per thousand and this is generally paid by the seller.

If you are confused at all, call me at 510.693.4253 or email me at deidrejoyner@comcast.net

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...

Eating the Season in the Bay Area

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In addition to providing my blog readers with information regarding Oakland and Berkeley real estate, I strive to provide information regarding our community. When I sell you a home, it is my hope that you enjoy all that this area has to offer.

Eating what is in season and available locally is important for many reasons, it supports our local farmers, the taste and quality is superior, and it cuts down on the fuel it takes to ship produce in from other countries, so it is a "green" thing to do. Additionally the cost for foods in season can be less expensive.

Check out a cool website, http://www.localfoodswheel.com/.

Here are a few things in season and grown locally:

strawberries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, salmon, asparagus, chili peppers, garlic, summer squash, green beans, corn

Wouldn't You Like to Live Here?

If you didn't know, I am a second generation Realtor. Check out this cool listing my mom is bringing on the market this weekend. I will be helping her this Sunday at her Open House. (Sunday June 25th from 2-5 PM) This is a stunning 1312 square foot 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom townhome in Emeryville. Emeryville has no city transfer tax so, home buyers save thousands of dollars on their closing costs.

Email me if you want a private showing! deidrejoyner@comcast.net

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...

Why is my house not selling?

The Bay Area real estate market is healthy, in fact many properties are having multiple offers, so why is your house not selling?

Here are a few things to consider. Sadly for sellers the real estate market peaked in September 2005, so you need to think realistically, most likely you will not sell your home for the same price your neighbor got two years ago. The good news is any home will sell at the right price!

When your home hits the real estate market, the first three weeks are critical so you need to price your home right from the beginning. Even in this market buyers think a home has "issues" when it is on the market longer than 25-30 days. Remember there is no fooling a home buyer, home buyers and their Realtors will know what your home's true value is.

Sometimes with the correct pre-marketing plan your home will have multiple offers! Make sure your home is ready for the marketplace, it is best to present your home to the public with your "A game". Sometimes you will see homes on the market with confidential remarks such as, "seller to replace flooring by close of escrow." Regardless of the promise, a home will not sell unless a buyer falls in love with it. Unless you are selling your home as a "fixer" a person should physically see what they are buying.

Hire a Realtor who will aggressively market your home. In today's market it is super important to have a heavy emphasis on Internet marketing. The vast majority of home buyers start their home search on the Internet.

When you are considering selling your home, identify the reasons. Is it just because you want a change or have you out-grown your home? My point is maybe now is not the best time for you to sell. Maybe there are some inexpensive fixes to the "problem" aspects of your home. Possibly it is best to hold on to your home another year or two until you acquire a bit more equity.

If you are looking for a Realtor to give you honest answers to your tough questions, give me a call, I am happy to help. My motto is, I would rather under promise and over deliver. I am here to be your resource and when the time is right, I am ready to work aggressively for you.

Take a look at one of the websites I built for a recent condo listing, www.50EmeryBayDrive.com.

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...