The Montclair district of Oakland is a distinct area comprised of an eclectic array of architectural within mountainous landscaping full of eucalyptus, oak, pine and redwood trees. I love the hidden passages that lead to Montclair Village, the retail area of this community.
Dreamy 1941 Laurel Heights (Oakland) Traditional
4145 Eastlake Avenue is my favorite house from Monday's Broker's Tour. (Broker's Tour is a scheduled tour of homes open to Realtors.) Eastlake Avenue located on the border of Laurel Heights and Redwood Heights is one of my favorite streets. This street features views, a cul de sac and is a tucked away street off of the beaten path. This house has random plank hardwood floors in the living room, views, rounded corners, (a feature seen in the 1930's and 1940's) an eat-in kitchen and a large downstairs which includes a living area, an extra bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom upstairs has a small balcony, a great place to catch a few rays of sun and glimpse Downtown Oakland and the Bay. This property shows pride of ownership, is super clean, appears to be well maintained and is move-in ready. Homes are rarely for sale on this street making this a property to see. This house is currently listed with Vicky Faulk of Coldwell Banker for $725,000, Thanks Vicky!
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.
North Oakland Redo
This home at 5932 Whitney Street was for sale last year. Many buyers like this neighborhood as it is super close to Berkeley, Ashby Bart and the Temescal shopping district of Oakland. The problem was, last year this house was a fixer, and many buyers could not afford to purchase this home and pay for the renovations necessary. Fortunately, this home was purchased by a licenced contractor who renovated this home, all with permits. 5932 Whitney is now beautiful, available and move-in ready! This is my colleague's listing and I will be holding it open for her this Sunday, open 2-4 pm. Come visit me this Sunday and don't forget to set your clocks forward tonight for daylight savings time! Cheers!
Get Property For $5000 in Oakland? What You Should Know About Auctions.
I am hearing from many people that they are itching to buy a house via auction. One friend told me that they were going to buy a house in Oakland this year for $5000. He said that he did not care about the condition of the house or the neighborhood. I understand, buying a piece of property for 5 grand is enticing. If houses were available to purchase for $5000, I would buy a West Oakland Victorian and renovate it back to its turn of the century glory. Here are a few things you should know about buying property via auction.
There is no Department of Real Estate regulations of auctions, nor separate regulations of auctioneers who conduct real estate auctions. If the auctioneer is selling real property the auctioneer must be a licensed broker or work with a Department of Real Estate licensed broker.
To buy a home via auction you MUST have adequate financing lined up before bidding as the purchase agreement usually does not contain a financing contingency. (a period a time in which you can back out of the contract if you can not cement financing.)
When buying a home via auction you will not be provided with any reports or disclosures regarding the property condition. For example, the foundation could fail and the roof could be long overdue for replacement. Unfortunately an inspection contingency period will not be a part of the part of the purchase contract. A time period in which you can back out of the deal if you are not satisfied with condition of the house.
Typically bidders who purchase homes via auction are professional investors, they are not folks looking to buy a home to owner occupy. They are investors who know all of the potential pitfalls regarding the process When you are bidding on a foreclosure via auction you could be bidding on just the junior or second mortgage that has been foreclosed. For example the starting bid on a home is $40,000. You bid on this property and win the home for the $40,000 amount. However, unbeknown to you, there could be a senior loan or mortgage attached to this property for an additional $300,000, where you are now responsible for paying it off in full in order to actually own the home. How horrifying would that be to think you are purchasing a fixer upper home for $40,000 and realize you are now on the hook for $340,000!
I wouldlike to hear from you! Do you have a positive auction experience in the Bay Area? Let me know.
Independent Oakland Businesses in Temescal
The other day on the news I heard a bleak forecast regarding small businesses in this economy. The report said that 1 in 5 businesses will close. I thought about all of the mom and pop shops that I patronize and how I like that they know me and my family. I will be honest, I do shop at Target for my basic household supplies, but there is so much more variety in the boutiques around town. Here are few shops within a one block radius of Telegraph Avenue in the Temescal District of Oakland.
The other day I stumbled upon Ruby's Garden in the Temescal Plaza next to Genova Deli. How could I have missed this store for the last year? A clean and cool boutique with original art covering the walls and funky tee shirts for kids, handmade capes made by local folks, colorful ugly dolls and more. This is my type of shop. Ruby's Garden features clothing for babies and children up to age 8 and is a full service florist with delivery service available. Owners Mae and Mary are Temescalians , (Okay, I just made that word up - they work and live in Temescal and they are committed to the success of this district of Oakland.) Click here for Ruby's Garden online.
Stop by Ruby's Garden for gifts, inspirations and urban chic clothes for your kids.
The Shaver Shop is a local business that specializes in the sale and repair of knives, fine cutlery, scissors, barber and sewing equipment. Purchase new knives or maintain your old. 510-655-8742 Click Here to visit Shaver Shop online.
Article Pract's owner Christina Stork was super friendly when I stepped into her shop. She showed me the naturally dyed yarns made in Berkeley by, A Verb To Keeping Warm. Her shop features as many locally made products as possible and offers an assortment of classes. Click Here to Visit Article Pract online.
Proprietor Scott of Scout Hardware brings home inspiration to all. Showcasing uncommon goods from around the global including finds from French flea markets, no VOC paints by Mystic, window treatments, furnishings, lighting and more, Scout is an ever changing home and accessory store perfect for your Berkeley Bungalow, Rockridge Craftman, or any room that you want to add a little nostalgia. Click Here to Visit Scout Online.
The best of everything! Mid-Century Home on the Piedmont Side Of Montclair, Oakland
Yesterday as I compiled the homes to view that were open on broker's tour, I was urged by a colleague to put 45 Lane Court on my list. (This home is currently listed with Nancy Rothman of Pacific Union.) My colleague had heard that this property was a piece of art, and boy the rumors were right! Set back from the street, this house immediately grabbed my heart, as I spotted the copper garage door perfectly patina-ed. This home has the vault ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that mid-century modern homes boast, but it has artistic and modern enhancements that are breath-taking. The master bathroom has a stainless steel soaking tub and steam room, the downstairs family-rumpus room has a custom kitchen for seamless entertaining and every aspect of this home looks as if it has been enhanced or over-hauled to pristine perfection. (really!) For enthusiast like myself I notice the details, the silky smooth walls, the clean hinges and door hardware, the custom scones to showcase the stunning artwork, the solid Douglas fir doors, and I could go on and on. This was my favorite Oakland property of today's broker's tour. (By the way, this property is blocks to Montclair Village, making it a great walking neighborhood in Oakland.)
Here are a few photos to drool over.
1950's Style Lives On In Oakland
With World War II over, America was optimistic about a new beginning. When you view 1950's houses, (that have not been renovated) you will often see cheery colors such as pink bathrooms and yellow accents.
If you are looking to paint your rooms to mirror the 50's authentically, here is your inspiration. This aqua blue mid-century home in the Redwood Heights district of Oakland is now pending, (listed by Judith Cain of Grubb Co. there were two offers.) I like how the owner embraced this home's mid-century roots and painted the exterior in a tasteful color shade of turquoise, a nod to classic mid-century Americana.
The sunny yellow kitchen below is a Montclair, (Oakland, CA.) mid-century home. (Currently listed with Glass-Sabine with Grubb Co.) Compare this current photo of a mid-century kitchen with the vintage photo at the bottom, and you can see all of the in-tact 50's details. Classic chrome cabinet pulls, Formica with aluminum edging countertops, vibrant colors and linoleum floors.
1950s-colors
Delaying Home Foreclosures
What an idea, delaying the foreclosure of your property with three simple words? Yesterday I was watching Good Morning America and their story about delaying bank foreclosure on properties. Apparently, a Florida attorney is advising clients to ask their banks to, "provide the note". According to this report mortgages are often sold and resold to other financial institutions and investors, making it near impossible for banks to provide a note or original deed of trust. This tactic is not guaranteed to stop the foreclosure process indefinitely, but it can buy you time. Click here to see the Good Morning America clip. When I googled this topic today, I noticed some controversy. While some homeowners are on the brink of foreclosure due to loss of jobs or due to mortgage predators who put folks into loans without much explanation and told them blindly not to worry. Others however have refinanced their homes over and over again inflating their mortgage to more than they can really afford. Let me know what you think. (leave a comment anyomously) Have you had any luck working with your bank to keep your house?
Stylish and Immaculate Bungalow in Temescal, Oakland
672 57th Street is located on the Temescal/North Oakland border. Close to Berkeley, the Ashby Bart, Children's Hospital and the cool shops of the Temescal District of Oakland.
I love how the landscape architect owner renovated his turn of the century bungalow. This home has two cool claw foot bathtubs, rustic douglas fir floors and bold columns from the era in which it was built; yet it has modern additions such as skylights and tube lighting, newer energy saving windows and silky smooth walls with no cracks ! (I have a huge appreciation for the details in a home.) The built-in cabinetry in the dining room have been clean, sanded and painted so the drawers work like they did in 1907 when this beauty was built.
This home is listed by Red Oak Realty and I will be holding it open for my colleagues Leif and Charity this Sunday, February 22nd from 2-4.
Buying A Home In Oakland? Buying A Home In Berkeley?
This photo is from the California Online Archives. Oak trees at Mosswood Park in Oakland When you buy a home you buy a piece of the street and a part of the city.
Growing up and still living in Oakland, I often run into people I know. I can see the distress on folks faces as they ask me how business is. You can't avoid all of media coverage regarding the declining real estate market. One would think that the entire real estate market has collapsed. Oddly enough my pressure-free, no nonsense approach to real estate has paid off and 2008 was a great year for my clients and I. Last month Red Oak Realty awarded me a Managers Award for 2008. So let's just look at real estate in Oakland and Berkeley. Since January 1st 2009, 326 residential properties have sold! (The first 47 days of this year) Compare this to 345 properties sold between the same time period in 2004 390 properties sold between the same time period in 2005 361 properties sold between the same time period in 2006 332 properties sold between the same time period in 2007 Only 186 properties sold between the same time period in 2008 - the start of one of our worst real estate years. To make this short, buyers are back. In Berkeley the average home price for properties that sold since January 2009 are as followed: average list price was $624,990 and the average sold price was $612,637. Sellers are getting 98% of their asking price on average. In Oakland as a whole, the average home price for properties that have sold since January 2009 are as followed: the average list price was $ 79,464 and the average sold price was $84,599.When I searched for homes in select neighborhoods of Oakland, Rockridge, Redwood Heights, Montclair, Grand Lake, Glenview, Lincoln Heights and Upper Rockridge the numbers went up drastically. The average list price was $601,102 and the average sold price was $582,941, seller are getting 97 percent of their asking price. (these statistics include condos and homes of all sizes.) So what does this all mean? Well with 743 homes currently pending, (in contract to close escrow) in Oakland and 51 homes currently pending in Berkeley, buyers are feeling like now is a great time to buy a home in Oakland and Berkeley. There are experts that say the market will drop another 8-10% in the next year as unemployment increases and more mortgage interest rates adjust, but if you are trying to "time" the real estate market perfectly, you could miss the bottom and find yourself in a market that has increased in value. Berkeley median home price actually increase by 2% for the fourth quarter in 2008.
Consider this:
- It looks like Congress will increase the first time home buyers credit to $8,000 from $7,500. What more, this credit will not have to be paid back!
- As stocks seem more and more volatile and the health of major companies are uncertain, real estate historically proves to be a sound investment for long term wealth.
- With the Bay Areas ideal weather, are very close commute to San Francisco and UC Berkeley in our backyard, the Bay Area will always be highly desired.
- If you are now in a position to buy a home, buy the absolute best location you can afford. Work with a reputable local Realtor who is in touch with the Oakland and Berkeley neighborhoods and understands the subtle nuances that can make a difference in future resell value.
Shop Oakland on a Budget - Issues Magazine Shop
Here is a snapshot that I took of the cool paintings by Olivia Allums on the wall of Issues last December.
Okay, I know I am urging you to get out and support your local businesses of Oakland and Berkeley and here is one more shop to put on your to-do list. Issues Magazine Shop at 20 Glen Avenue, off of Piedmont Avenue, in Oakland is an ultra cool magazine-media shop featuring magazines from all over the globe. Contact Issues at 510-652-5700
So if you need a pick me up without spending the entire contents of your wallet, stop by Issues for a French Vogue or Atomic Ranch Magazine.
Every time I stop by, proprietor Noella always has a smile on her face. Last December Issues had a special art exhibit featuring Olivia Allums. Issues commissioned Olivia to paint historic signs of Oakland businesses. I arrived at the gala about 45 minutes after it started and found that most of the 30 collection were already sold. Olivia has been requested to make a second edition of these works. I already have put my name on the waiting list for painting of Giant Burgers. (Back in the day, this burger joint had a cult following.)
Oakland's Best Tuna Sandwich
Sandwich extraordinaire Jeff, a Genova staple.
I have been patronizing Genova Deli for two decades. This deli with a cult following use to be located in a small hole in the wall location on Telegraph Avenue in what is now called the Temescal district of Oakland. Of course at that time there was no Temescal District with Pizzaiolo, Dona Thomas or Bakesale Betty and more. Folks would drive out of there way and stand in long lines to get a Genova sandwich. About 10 years or so ago, Genova moved to its present and large location just down the street,(from its former location) 5095 Telegraph Ave. (510-652-7401)
Every week I head over to Genova to get my beloved tuna sandwich complete with all of the trimmings. This is the best tuna sandwich in town! I love their tuna topped with the crunch of the sliced pickles and iceberg lettuce, (no micro greens!), the spice of the peppercinis and their signature vinaigrette. Come here when you are craving a great sandwich from a true Italian deli.
Montclair, (Oakland) Real Estate
This photo is of a home that was for lease last year in Montclair. The house is constructed from an old water vessel.
Montclair is a coveted neighborhood locally known for having an "in the country" style of living. With its charming village, walking trails and proximity to both nature and highways into San Francisco, downtown Oakland and Walnut Creek, its no wonder why it is one of the prime places to live in the city of Oakland. After reviewing the recently sold properties in the area, the price per square foot, the days the properties were on the market and the overall condition of the homes in the vicinty, I can honestly tell you that there is no true formula to determining value. But here goes my opinion anyway…
There are about 5 areas of Montclair, that consist of the following:
The Piedmont side of Montclair which include homes west of highway 13 and border the upscale city of Piedmont.
The Piedmont Pines area, with homes between the streets of Ascot and Shepherd Canyon.
The area off of Thornhill within walking distance to Montclair's Villiage and commonly known as the Fernwood area
The area whose homes stud the streets between Thornhill and Broadway Terrace, (above the highway 13) sometimes referred to as "Broadway Terrace".
And finally, neighborhoods simply called Montclair.
Montclair is architecturally diverse, boasting homes built in the 1920's and 30's, as well as mid-century modern homes which were built in the 70's, 80's, 90's on. Montclair has the most eclectic variety of styles in Oakland- tudors, mid centuries, cottages and ski chalets! The one caveat to Montclair is its unfortunate proximity to the Hayward fault line which runs adjacent to Highway 13.
The properties that always seem to move quickly and sell high usually have level lay-outs, abundant privacy and some yard and garden/outdoor area. Last summer I was house hunting for one young couple in particular who desired a home in Montclair. I spent a lot of time there and learned there were several homes that were on the market for over 80 days that fit most of their criteria in regards to bedrooms (3), bathrooms (at least 2) and square footage (1,700+), but unfortunately, not one of these houses felt like home. One Thursday during the broker's tour that takes place there every week from 10am to 1pm, I viewed one particular home off of Shepherd Canyon. I knew immediately, after simply stepping through the front door, that this was a house they would want to see IMMEDIATELY. I called them from the entryway and scheduled an appointment that night...Long story short, in a market that had been languishing, there were three offers on this home. It stood out from the rest and every buyer knew it. But within one week we made it to the end and were the winning offer. (Surprisingly we were not the highest offer, but that's another story. Feel free to email me to find out the reasons why.) So here is the skinny on why this house was so desirable.. It had a private backyard, only about 10 stairs to the front door, it was not perched on a cliff, (Many homes in Montclair are very vertical and sit on a pier foundation system.) the layout was nearly level with very large rooms and a kitchen facing the backyard and opened to a patio. Additionally this house was well maintained, all of the improvements were made for the previous owners enjoyment, (not hastily made for re-sale purposes.) Buyers look for quality and they can not be fooled by just a slick coat of fresh paint. Most importantly, it was priced right!
Here are a few recent addresses of homes that sold quickly in Montclair Village because they were priced correctly at just under the market value, (pricing a home over market value, even as little as 5% can cost a seller 5-10% of their final selling price). 6725 Sims was on the market for 10 days before it went pending, listed at $694,900 and sold for $695,000. 40 Neva Court was listed at $1,150,000 and sold for $1,241,000 and it was on the market for 15 days before it went pending. Both of these homes were vacant when listed, so potential buyers had the ability to view the homes easily. Both were also staged, painted and void of the sellers personal effect, which also tend to work in the seller's advantage.
I apologize that I can't provide you with a magic formula on how to buy a home in Montclair. But, let me leave you with this…I have spoken to many home buyers who have been relocated from urban areas and have said, "If I am going to move to Oakland it has got to be Montclair, I enjoy the eculyptus in the air and feeling that only Montclair has. You'd never know you were in a city!" The question I always ask my buyer clients is "How does this home make you feel?" and then "Will this house fit your life style needs for the next 5-10 years, or more?"
So as you look at your Montclair home and contemplate whether to sell, don't try to guess it's value, and if you drive past a Montclair home, and try to guess if you can indeed afford to buy there, remember to call me, a local Realtor, who knows Montclair and loves it just as much as you do!
I love that this home appears to be a mid-century home with clean lines and that it is adjacent to the Montclair Village walking trail.
Oakland Artist Worth a Look
Oakland Potter, Whitney Smith
As a child, I always knew that I like nice things. I didn't always know how to articulate my likes and dislikes, but I was always drawn to quality. When I was in my early twenties, I managed an Il Fornaio Panetteria in Marin and met local artist, Sylvia Verange. Very soon Sylvia and I were friends and the next thing I knew I was purchasing art from her on lay-away.
I think I was first drawn to art as an apartment dweller. I could beautify my apartment without investing money into a property that I didn't own. When it was time to move, I could pack up my beautiful objects!
Last December I stumbled upon Oakland potter, Whitney Smith. As I walked into Whitney's Oakland studio I was immediately taken with the fresh and unpretentious works of art. Influenced by Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts and with a floral design background, Whitney has fresh designs anchored with an Old World feel. Whitney says she likes the look and feel of old things and antiques. She tries to emulate the craftmanship of an earlier time.
Check out Whitney's website, www.whitneysmithpottery.com and add a piece of fine pottery to your art collection.
This pomegranate vase is beautiful, affordable and a great Valentine's gift. (You can order this on Whitney's website.)
Marzano Restaurant in Oakland
Marzano's is a neighborhood pizzeria features salads, appetizers, thin crust pizza, a few seasonal entrees, weekend brunch, soft serve house-made gelato and a full bar.
A few years back I admired a beautiful Mediterranean building on Park Boulevard in Oakland. The State Farm insurance office that had occupied this building vacated and as I drove past this vacant building daily, I wished that a cool business would negotiate a lease and set up shop here.
Last December John Hurley of Garibaldi Restaurant and his partners opened Marzano Restaurant in this fabulous space. Eager to sample the offerings I visited Marzano right away, and to be truthful there were a few flaws. Being that I managed restaurants for nearly 15 years, I knew that many restaurants need a few weeks be able to run as a well oiled machine. Since that initial visit, I enjoyed Saturday brunch and a Wednesday night dinner. With both meals I had fantastic service and scrumptious food. I am so happy to have a beautiful and delicious neighborhood restaurant close to home!
Proprietor John Hurley and Diana Parker
Marzano Restaurant
4214 Park Boulevard
Oakland, Ca. 94602
510-531-4500
Good Properties For Sale in Oakland, CA
This photo was taken off of the balcony of 2281 Chelsea in Montclair.
Today was such a beautiful and clear day in Oakland. Last night the wind raged all night providing us a cloudless day with San Francisco and Downtown Oakland views to be seen all around town. Today, I am showcasing two new listings that I viewed on Broker's Tour. The first one is freshly renovated by the sellers daughter who is a designer in Santa Rosa. 2881 Chelsea, listed by Dian Hymer of Coldwell Banker boasts raised wood beamed ceilings, two decks with spectacular views of Downtown Oakland and San Francisco, two tasteful bathrooms and a handsome kitchen. The sellers are in there 80's and it is time for them to move on. Lucky you! Offered at $678,000.
The second house 5529 Balboa, listed by Terry Anthony of Coldwell Banker is a 1956 mid century home with stunning views of San Francisco. Unfortunately I am not satisfied with the photos that I took today. This home is a cosmetic fixer complete with vintage wall paper and organic shaped slate tile entry. Listed at $709,000.
Put Orange in Your Life
I am loving the color orange, not necessarily the traditional autumn pumpkin color, but the vibrant Gerbera Daisy shade. In one of my previous blog posts, I took a few snapshots of an orange and lavender house, and honestly I was not crazy about it, but the right orange paired with neutral shades are quite appealing! Orange can be called the social color, it can create the feng shui energy to promote lively conversations and good times in your home.
Try a small accent of orange to add life to your taupe exterior.
Orange flowers create drama and look great with the color purple and various shades of green.
Above and below are two Oakland homes that are bold, orange and work.
