Silky, Creamy, House made Ice Cream in Berkeley

It has been a while since I stepped foot into Sketch Ice Cream on Fourth Street in Berkeley. Yesterday I had a craving for a fish taco at Tacubaya and I took a few moments to give Sketch a visit. Being a soft-serve ice cream junkie, I was ecstatic to see that their house made seasonal ice cream is now dispensed out of soft serve machines. Yesterday, I experienced lemon verbena and vanilla bean soft serve. While I was devouring my delicious dessert I had a chance to chit chat with the owners Ruthie and Eric who are friendly, foodies, and extremely conscientious. As we were talking Ruthie was simmering a pot of pear sorbet and Eric was available to help customers. If you have not been in Sketch for a while, this boutique ice cream store has a new look and now serves their ice cream in biodegradable cups.

Sketch Ice Cream is for people who enjoy flavor and quality and local ingredients. Be prepared for small full flavor portions, and tell Ruthie and Eric hello.

New Stoplight in Montclair Village, Oakland?

Every morning after I drop my kids off at school, I make my way to Peet's Coffee in Montclair Village. I frequently pass the intersection of Mountain Blvd. and LaSalle, and I have never witnessed any problems. Apparently there were two reported accidents in this intersection, one in the 1970's and one last fall, so a stoplight is in the works for this intersection. I would like to know what you think. Do you think this will create a congested Montclair Village? Do you think the possible backed-up traffic will deter people from patronizing the surround businesses? Do you think that drivers will speed in downtown Montclair to catch green or yellow lights? Leave a comment on my blog! To view the article about the pending stoplight in Montclair Village from today's Oakland Tribune, click here.

The logo above is for the Montclair Village Farmer's Market, located on LaSalle between Mountain Blvd. and Medau Place.

Inspiration Point in Redwood Heights, Oakland

I have a new listing in Redwood Heights. I am very excited to showcase this beautiful home with amazing views (that will inspire you), and also showcase local Redwood Heights artists. Join me February 13th from 6-8 pm for a special Twilight Open House and Art Gala.

For more information go to www.4228Dunsmuir.com

Attention Homeowners in Oakland

I just worked an Open House in the Grand Lake Rose Garden District of Oakland. The home is a beautiful craftsman style with many original details and a fabulous floor plan...Let me cut to the chase, the open house was quite busy with many active homebuyers. My point is don't always listen to the media! There are many serious buyers out there bidding on homes. If you are in doubt email me and I will show you proof of an active Oakland real estate market.

The photo above is from Ashley L., thanks Ashley!

Stately Craftsman in Oakland's Grand Lake District

What is a Craftsman House?

American craftsman homes were popular roughly from 1909 thru the 1930's. Craftsman homes reject the ornate elegance of the high Victorian Style of previous years. Instead craftsman homes express a simpler, back to nature look that emphasizes earth tone colors. Built in towns all over America, craftsman's are warm and inviting. With stained wood trim, stone and slate these homes often boast built-ins such as window seats, benches and bookcases. A person could walk in a craftsman home that is unfurnished and feel as if it were ready to be lived in.

Are you craving a craftsman? Come visit me at 526 Mira Vista Avenue in the Grand Lake District of Oakland. I will be open this Saturday from 2-5 pm. This home is a 4+ bedroom/2+bathroom home walking distance to the Grand Lake Theatre, the Farmer's Market, DiBartolo, Arzimendi, the Grand Lake Rose Garden and More! I am not the listing agent of this property, but I am familar with this home and neighborhood. Feel free to email me your questions.

House Envy in Oakland

Every Monday and Thursday I go out and preview homes for sale in Berkeley and Oakland. I often see homes that I like that are nice and clean along with homes that have been hastily prepared, ready for a lengthy stay on the market. I have to admit I am picky about houses. I can tell when homes have been hurriedly painted without care. I appreciate when the painter has removed the light fixture and door knobs as to avoid leaving paint on the vintage hardware. Basically I can tell when love and care is invested into a home. Last Thursday I went to 6221 Cabot in Oakland, a home listed by GrubbCo. and I was euphoric from the feeling the house evoked. The house had beautifully restored wood work and built-ins, luxe, yet clean finishes such as carrera marble, commercial grade appliances, wood windows with new solid hardware and more. Nestled on a beautiful tree lined street as if in a story book this home is situated blocks from Rockridge shops and restaurants. In no way am I trying to sell this home, I am merely writing because I have house envy.

As I was walking from room to room, I wanted to sit down and stay awhile. I kept saying to my colleague and friend Nicole that I could live here and I wouldn't change a thing.

I appreciate the love, attention to detail and style that the homeowners brought to this home. When I write about Oakland style or tasteful remodels, this home exemplifies all that I believe in. Now I don't want you to think that I only believe in luxe re-do's, but my hat is off to homeowners who enhanced their home thoughtfully without stripping its core.

Thanks!

Deidre's Bay Area Travels

This year take the time to explore the Oakland and Berkeley area. When you purchase a home, you are not only buying the house, you are also buying the neighborhood and city. Making my Bay Area destination list is Indian Rock Park in Berkeley. This was actually donated to the City of Berkeley by Mason McDuffie in 1917. Whether you want to rock climb or watch unparalleled views of the San Francisco Bay this is a must see.

This beautiful photo is from Catherine who posted this on the Yelp website.

Oakland Home Style 2008

What is "in" and "out" for 2008? Well I can tell you this, I consistently hear from my Bay Area home buyers that they hate generic remodels. Home buyers in the Oakland and Berkeley area love original details, solid construction and tasteful updates.

The San Francisco Chronicle had a great article about home trends for 2008. Personally, I think it is unwise to decorate your home with trends, but rather with function, personal taste, and within the era of your house. What is sexier than a clutter-free home with a place for everything? I love an eclectic mix of treasures from your travels, sleek energy efficient appliances and warm colors.

Designers say that 2008 will be a busy year for interior design, as homeowners want to enhance their properties since they are staying in their homes longer.

According to the article "green" remodels are in, and sleek poured concrete kitchens and bathrooms are out.

Click here to read entire article regarding design trends for the Bay Area.

Photo from sfgate.com

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness

A home should be cozy and comfortable. It should be your refuge after a day out in the elements. A home should also be affordable. Recently many people are realizing that they purchased more home than they could comfortably afford. Before you are completely overwhelmed call your mortgage company and try to negotiate or call a quality loan broker who might have options for you. (Email me and I am happy to recommend several quality mortgage brokerages, deidrejoyner@comcast.net.)

President Bush signed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which will help Americans avoid foreclosure by protecting families from higher taxes when they refinance their home mortgages. This Act will create a three-year window for homeowners to refinance their mortgage and pay no taxes on any debt forgiveness that they receive. Under current law, if the value of your house declines, and your bank or lender forgives a portion of your mortgage, the tax code treats the amount forgiven as income that can be taxed.

For more information click here.

I can give you great advice on Oakland and Berkeley area real estate, however I am not a tax specialist. Please contact your tax adviser regarding this new act.

Happy New Year!

This was a wonderful holiday season for me! My husband took the week of Christmas off of work and we did practically nothing! Our kids had a relaxing Christmas and we still made time for others. This past Christmas two of my girlfriends and their children went to Target and purchased gifts for families with children at Children's Hospital Oakland. We usually exchange gifts with each other, but this year we decide to give to others instead.

We took the kids out for burgers after the shopping and the kids are pictured above.

I hope you had a blessed holiday season!

Deidre

More Holiday Cheer!

It is the day after Christmas the house is a mess, you are tired of cooking, and you haven't started your new year's diet, now what? Go to Bakesale Betty's for a
Fried Chicken Sandwich. Bakesale Betty is know for their fabulous chicken breast sandwiches garnished with cabbage slaw. Visit Betty's at 5098 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. If you are not satisfied with your sandwich you can call me to complain!

On the ninth and tenth day of Christmas...

Go to Vessel and Susan Gildea's Personalized Stationary on Ashby Avenue in Berkeley near the Claremont Hotel. At Vessel you can find hand crafted uber-luxe jewelry, original art, home accessories and more. Tell owner Lonnie Lee, hello!

At Susan Gildea you can order personalized stationary, labels, stickers, notepads, jewelery and more. Susan is super friendly and you will be surprised how affordable personalized stationary can be.

On the Eighth Day

For a man or woman who enjoys a cocktail every now and then. Hangar One Fruit Infused Vodka is a phenomenal vodka created in small batches the old fashion way in still pots. The fruit infused vodka is made with real fruit grown by local farmers. Buy Hangar One at Montclair Spirits in Montclair Village or at HangarOne.com

Here is a recipe from HangarOne.com

KAFFIR LIME-ADE

Scott Beskow, McCormick & Schmick’s, Kansas City, MO

Juice of one lime (approx. 2 oz.)

Four sugar cubes

Lime wedge

1-1/2 oz. Hangar One Kaffir Lime vodka

Water

In a 16 oz. pint glass muddle sugar cubes and lime wedge in the lime juice. Add ice, vodka and water to fill. Shake. Serve in the pint glass with a lime garnish.

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!

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

Cracker Jacks is a fabulous resale and new clothing store for kids. Owner Elizabeth Helm has created a hip store full of carefully selected new and gently used toys, clothes and shoes for children. For the baby or toddler pick one of Crackerjack's cool tee shirts. Mention Oakland Realtor, Deidre Joyner and receive 10% off! Visit Elizabeth at 14 Glen Street off of Piedmont Avenue and tell her Deidre said hello. CrackerJacksKids.com

On the Fifth Day of Christmas....

Here is a great Christmas tip! Philippa Roberts on Piedmont Avenue is a wonderful newly added boutique. Here you can buy jewelry by several artists (including Philippa), candles, home accessories and more. Mention me, (Oakland Realtor, Deidre Joyner) and receive 10% off your purchase! Go out and support our local businesses in Oakland while buying great gifts! The earrings pictured above are a Philippa Roberts design! Visit Philippa's website, www.philipparoberts.com

On the Fourth Day of Christmas...

This is the perfect gift to give a couple or a baby. Seriously, a baby does NOT need another stuffed animal or piggie bank! Give a gift certificate for Oakland photographer, Karlya Benjamin. A $100 gift certificate gets a mini photo session in the Oakland area, 20 custom-made notecards and a life long memory. Karlya specializes in capturing special moments in a natural setting. I have had photos taken in the Redwoods up at Roberts Park and Lake Merritt. Call Karlya at 510-388-2945 or visit her website, www.Karlya.com.

My children Nia and Miles photoed by Karlya above.

On the Third Day of Christmas...

Do you have someone on your list who has everything? Buy them a GuavaPeel candle by Bluewick. The smell is heavenly! (I burn them at my open houses and in my house.) Rockridge Home on College Avenue sells these amazing candles and if you mention me, you will receive 20% off!!!

KPFA Craft Fair this Weekend

December 8th and 9th KPFA will be hosting their craft fair at the Concourse on the corner of 8th and Brannan. There will be tons of original art and live music. For more information click here.