Creative Oakland Parents Make a Difference for Oakland Public Schools

(click on the picture to enlarge.)

Over the weekend, Redwood Heights Elementary School had their annual Harvest for Learning School Auction. This highly successful event is entirely organized and hosted by Redwood Heights Elementary School parents and it raised over $50,000 for the school. This event takes months of careful planning and I am happy to be a part of the auction committee.

This past October, Crocker Highland's Elementary School PTA hosted the Shades of Green Home Tour, showcasing the beautiful 1920's homes in Crocker Highland with a Green Garden Expo. (Click Here for more information on Shades of Green.) All of the proceeds went to Crocker Highland's Elementary School. This Wednesday Messy Monkey Arts presents, (with the help of Peralta parents) an art show at Swarm Gallery to benefit Peralta Elementary School. Click Here for more information.

Despite all of the negative media coverage, Oakland Public School District has great schools with great families.

Sold with Skill, Oakland, Ca.

This year I had the pleasure of helping Patri prepare and sell her beloved home in the Redwood Heights community of Oakland.

The three pictures below show the progression of the before and after.

Below is the note that Patri sent me after we successfully sold her home.

Dear Deidre, 

I wanted to take a minute out of my busy schedule to thank you for all of your help in selling my home.  I really appreciated all of your creativity.  You had great ideas in the preparation and marketing of my home.  You understood how much the house meant to my son and I, and took great care to showcase the special qualities that meant so much to us.  You were sensitive to my needs and had my interest at heart.  Selling a home can be scary, especially in our current market, and it was great to have you oversee the entire process, and be available for all my questions.  From the start you were right there, with honest answers, and great support. It was good to count on your unpressured help.

I would absolutely use you again!  I would be happy to serve as a reference to anyone who is considering using your services.

Thanks again, 

Patri

Picture of the Day - Oakland, California

Pictured above is a can of Campbell's Alphabet Soup, also known as Theo.  Theo is the very happy and adorable cousin of two Redwood Heights students, Eli and Josh.  Theo is dancing to the music of the school band during the Redwood Heights Halloween Parade.

Sad To See Businesses Go

I took this photo as the vertical sign from this vintage establishment was being removed.

This was the home of Walter Bennett Camera on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland. It is sad to see that after over 55 years in business this boutique camera store closed its doors. Understandably people were opting to purchase their cameras online or at larger electronic stores to save a few bucks. I admit, the last camera that I purchased was at a big electronic store in Emeryville as I wanted to purchase a camera at a cheaper price and with an extended warranty. The fact is we take these small businesses for granted; we walk pass them while they are in business and then we realize how much we miss them when they are gone.

Two years ago my family needed passport pictures and we got immediate service at Walter Bennett Camera. 

This holiday purchase unique gifts from smaller, independent stores.

Email me if you would like to receive my holiday newsletter with great discounts on Oakland and Berkeley businesses.

What Do You Think?

This colorful home on the Oakland-Piedmont border has just been renovated.  You can't deny the beautiful lines and design of this house.  I love the columns, the landscaping, and it's intricate details. There is no doubt that this home is an attention grabber, but tell me what you think about the color?  

Mid-Century Doors Made in USA!

If you are restoring a mid-century home don't forget the front door. Crestview Doors designs and manufactures mid-century doors inspired by 1950's and 1960's design. Check out Crestview Doors online, click here. The doors above are from Crestview Doors website.

Should you buy a house in Oakland or Berkeley now?

I am talking to people everyday who are on the fence about buying a home now. Is now the right time to buy a house, or should you wait to see what the Oakland and Berkeley real estate market will do. When looking at the graphs above provided by BrokerMetrics. Home prices in Berkeley are down only 3.8% since September 2006. In Oakland the median home price is down a 47.3% since September 2006. These numbers are good to view, but to really understand this real estate market, you need to know exactly what is happening in your zip code and neighborhood. Oakland has seen such a drastic drop in the median price of a house as this statistic includes sales all over the city. When you combine the sales in East Oakland, West Oakland and North Oakland, areas that have experienced a major decline in value, the entire value of the city is affected. Factors that determine value are: crime, the foreclosure rate in the neighborhood and the performance of the area school. Areas such as Rockridge, Montclair and Crocker Highlands in Oakland have seen drop in price, but overall they are still highly desirable resulting in less of a decline in value.

The question you must ask yourself before buying are: will I remain in my home for at least 7 to 10 years before selling? Am I okay with no increase in appreciation for a few years? What will I save in regards to the tax benefits of homeownership? (Contact your tax advisor to determine how the deductions of interest and property taxes will affect your bottom line.) If prices go up in a year or two, will I regret that I didn't purchase a home in a declined market, and lastly can I afford the mortgage payments with property taxes and insurance? (A good mortgage broker will provide you with spreadsheets of your monthly payments so you can plug those numbers into your monthly budget.)

I believe in full disclosure of the pros and cons of the big investment of buying a house. You should know there is a tax credit of up to $7500 for first time homebuyers. This incentive will expire June 2009. For more information, click here.

My blog is interactive! Do you have questions? Email me and I will respond. Send me an email at DeidreJoyner@gmail.com or click on the email me button on the side of this page.

Spanish Deco Home in Oakmore Highlands, Oakland, CA

Mediterranean inspired homes often have strong influences from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Portugal, North Africa and Italy. Mediterranean homes built in North America in the first half of the 20th century often have ideas from native Americans and European settlers and this style of architecture is also known as Spanish Eclectic. Some of the characteristics of this style includes, low-pitched roofs, red roof tiles, little or no overhanging eaves, (an eave is the edge of the roof. Eaves usually project out the side of the house.) and stucco siding.

1925 Oak Crest Drive is my favorite home from Monday's Brokers Tour. This Spanish Eclectic home has the earthy texture of its Mediterranean influence combined with the modern edge of art deco design. This stately home gives off a calm and relaxing vibe when you enter the door. I can imagine this home through the various seasons. Enjoying the warm breeze on a hot summers night with the numerous windows opened, or sitting in front of the angular plastered fireplace warming up to a crackling fire on a chilly winters night. Features that I adore are the iron scroll work detail along the rear exterior of the house, the clean lines of the stairway banister, the vintage light fixtures throughout the house and the etched vintage shower door in the bathroom.

This home will speak to a person who is yearning for a larger home with with tranquil views of San Francisco and the Oakland Hills. Someone who wants modern convenience of a solid surface kitchen counter tops and high efficiency appliances accompanied with every 1938 detail still in tack. This home is located in the Oakmore Highland neighborhood of Oakland a community of well manicured homes built between the 1930's and 1950's. Oakmore Highland's is located just below highway 13 between Lincoln and Park Blvd.

This house is currently listed with Coldwell Banker for $1,099,000 and the photos are courtesy of Bonnie Ross.

Photo of the Day - Vintage Cars in Lincoln Square Parking Lot, Oakland

Vincent Brice and Miles Joyner admire the vintage cars in Lincoln Square parking lot, (Oakland Hills) as they sip on milkshakes from Sparky's.

Picture of the Day - Oakland, California

Tuesday morning I was driving along Skyline Boulevard in the Oakland Hills and I was struck by the view.  Oakland is such a beautiful city and one of the highlights is the view of the Bay and San Francisco.  Tuesday we had thick fog that covered most of the city, but on Skyline Boulevard, I was above it all.  Look at the blanket of fog!

Oakland Artist Carrie Lederer

Oakland is such a culturally rich city. On a daily basis, I come in contact with creative people. Carrie Lederer creates vibrant pieces of art depicting the origin or life. Carrie says, "Looking closely at these two worlds—a garden and the universe—I can see that my work conveys the order beneath the confusion found in both."

I love her intricate detail and color palette. Visit Carrie's website, http://www.carrielederer.com/

Mystical 1924 Home in Upper Rockridge, Oakland

Currently I am in search of the perfect home for my buyer clients who are relocating to Oakland. Although this home is not a good match for my clients needs; I was and am intrigued by this mystical home. This 1924 traditional home has an old world quality,that makes you wish you could see this home at its birth. The walls, casings,and vintage door knobs are in pristine condition. The grand staircase and turned wood railing lead to a large landing perfect for a library. The views of Downtown Oakland and San Francisco are fantastic and the since this home escaped the 1991 Oakland Hill Fire, the terraced backyard is studded with mature landscaping.

This four bedroom,2 bathroom home is available for the first time in 51 years,and it appears that the owner loved his home for many years.Listed for $999,000. This home is captivating, email me if you want a tour.

Cheers!

This home is listed with Tim Gullinksen, and the photos are courtesy of Tim.

Quality Homes Wanted in Oakland and Berkeley

Over the last week, I have been house hunting for my buyer clients in both Oakland and Berkeley. Buyers are looking for houses in the best locations that will hold their value throughout any real estate market, (with sensible floor plans). Because most sellers are holding off on selling as they are waiting for a better real estate market, quality inventory is low. Buyers are still out there hoping to take advantage of the real estate market slow down and folks are getting frustrated by the selection.

The people who are choosing to sell their homes are homeowners who want to move up. They realize that they will not get as much money for their home, but they also know that they will not spend as much on the larger home. (Depending on the area)

Other homeowners are selling their homes due to divorce, job relocation, empty- nesters who want to downsize and death. (People who have lived in a home for decades until they died).

There is a great deal of inventory in the transitional neighborhoos at low price points, but for folks who want to purchase a home with a price tag of $550K-$800K you have company. I am seeing multiple bids placed on 3 bedroom houses in prime locations that will hold their values. The exception is when a house is over priced to begin with as these houses sit on the market until the price drops.

Overall, the Oakland and Berkeley real estate market will continue to be a strong market for real estate, as we are close San Francisco and we have the best weather and sense of community!

1928 Traditional Home in the Berkeley Hills

Yesterday I was on Broker's Tour looking at the newest listings to hit the Oakland and Berkeley real estate market. (Hunting for new properties for my buyer clients).  As I approached 689 Alvarado Road, I was calmed by the tree lined street and I was excited to see this home that escaped the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley Hill Fire.

689 Alvarado is a grand property that is on amazing grounds. Set back from the street, the walk way to the entry is a lush garden full of mature trees. I am posting this home, as it has un-touched 1920's character and charm. This home embraces the outdoors, the views and all that we hold dear about living in Berkeley and Oakland. If this were my personal residence, I could imagine planning an intimate wedding for my daughter on the dreamy grounds (when she grows up).

This house is currently listed with Grubb Co. and the photos are coutesy of Dana Cohen. (Thanks Dana!)

Mid-Century Modern Rancher in the Oakland Hills

Three years ago, my dear friend purchased a 1963 ranch home in the Oakland Hills. The house was structurally sound, had plenty of room for her expanding family and was a cosmetic "fixer".

There is so much to like about this home, the built-in dressers in the master bedroom, the wall hung vintage toilets, the floor to ceiling windows and the courtyard in the center of the house. (The house is shaped like a U).

Almost immediately after her family moved in, plans were drawn to transform this rancher. Walls were taken down so the kitchen and family rooms formed a great room. An extra door was cut into the family room to bring more indoor-outdoor access. The carpet was removed and hardwood floors were installed. (This home was built without hardwood floors in the living room, dining room and family room.) Texture and depth was added with a slate fireplace surround in the family room, maple and cherry wood cabinetry in the kitchen and warm and earthy paint colors warmed the walls.

This California rancher is full of life! I call this an artistic, cozy, mid-century modern.

1959 Montclair (Oakland, CA) Home...For a Lifetime

I was touched by the story of this home. A couple built this home in 1959, raised their 7 children here and lived here until their death. A house for a lifetime nearly 50 years! (By the way, when we talk about needing space... they raised 7 children in a three bedroom house, those were the days!) The backyard is extra large as these owners and their neighbor, (some years back) purchased the rear vacant lot and sub-divided it, so each family could have a wonderful garden.

With floor to ceiling windows, some San Francisco views and all level living, this home could be yours for a lifetime. This home is listed with Red Oak Realty and photos are courtesy of Arthur White. Home offered at $799,000.

Mid Century Modern Remix

2 Marsh Place located on the Piedmont Side of Montclair, (Montclair west of highway 13) is a stunning 1962 show stopper. With floor to ceiling windows, views of San Francisco and level play areas, this is truly a special property. The home has been extensively updated with modern finishes, but the mid-century character still shines through. A home that boasts pride and perfection, there are no tacky shortcuts. As I toured this house, I said to myself, "I would live here!" What is the cost of this Montclair Mid-Century Modern? This home is listed at $1,595,000. Photos are courtesy of Hugh Robertson of Maison Nouveau, (Thanks Hugh!)

Mid-Century in North Berkeley

This 1952 ranch house in North Berkeley was my favorite home from last Thursday's Broker's Tour. (Broker's Tour for the East Bay is every Monday and Thursday; the tour is for Brokers and Realtors view new listings for their clients.) This home is sunny with spacious rooms and great outdoors spaces. The kitchen is clean and cheery, I can almost imagine a homemaker preparing banana and vanilla wafer pudding on the counter while a school girl completes her homework in the breakfast nook during the 1950's.

This mid-century home is located in one Berkeley's best neighborhoods on Virginia Street. A few blocks about Shattuck on a tree lined street, walking or biking distance to Chez Pannise, Peet's Coffee, Andronico's Grocery and Elephant Pharmacy and more. This 1600+ square foot 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is listed by Pacific Union for $775,000. Photos are courtesy of Jack McPhail.

I am happy to schedule an appointment for a private showing of this property.

Landscaping Anyone?

Okay, I get it! Times are tough, water is scarce, and gardens are evaporating. As I walk my neighborhood I am seeing the relics of landscaped front yards. If you are thinking of digging up the dead sod, here is some inspiration. EBMUD has a few rebates, click here to view. Additionally more and more Oakland and Berkeley homeowners are choosing shrubs and foliage other than grass.

This home is in the Redwood Heights District of Oakland. I love the texture that is created by the variety of colors and foliage. This front yard was designed to thrive with little water.