Yesterday I held open 2218 Blake Street in Berkeley, a 1890 Victorian house near UC Berkeley campus. When I arrived at the house people were lined up early for look at this multiple unit property in the heart of Berkeley listed for $395,000. I immediately opened the house and started talking to the crowd of people that formed on the old wooden front porch. People wanted to know more about this house, this current real estate market and the state of appraisals. At 5:30 p.m., an hour and a half after the open was scheduled to close, I finally was able to lock the doors. Here is the scoop. This property is 3 units per public record, but possibly just two units, but looks as if it was built as a single family home. (This property is listed with my colleague Barbara Hendrickson and neither she, I, or Red Oak guarantee this information, please go to the City of Berkeley to check on the legal status.) This is a trust sale with independent administration, has tons of original details and is a fixer. I believe this home will not qualify for FHA financing and after one Broker's tour and one Sunday Open House it has interested parties. All in all about 100 people came to this Sunday Open house as buyers are BACK and location is key.
Secret Mediterranean Casa in the Heart of Berkeley
20 Crystal Way in Berkeley is a tranquil home tucked away from Euclid Street on a small cul de sac. In fact in all of my 38 years in Oakland and Berkeley I have never been on this street. This sunny Mediterranean home has a scrumptious gardens, sensible upgrades and a great vibe. Listed by Dee Knowland of Pacific Union for $1079,000, I thought I would share this with you! 
Upper Rockridge Modern Compound
Last Sunday I held 6251 Contra Costa Road open for my colleague Pat Leaper. This home has over 6000 square feet of living space and is truly a unique property. Designed by award winning architect Martin Borenstein as his personal residence, this dwelling gives a nod to mid-century modern. This flat roof house with floor to ceiling windows and radiant heated floors has stunning views and an observation deck that is a show stopper. The Borenstein home can easily shelter two large families as it is two houses rolled into one, two kitchens, two fireplaces, two entries, multiple decks and did I say views? This is a great piece of land and has endless possibilities! This home is now available for $1,995,000.
Mid Century Cartoons
For those of you who read this blog you probably know that I have a soft spot for all things mid-century modern, the furniture, the architecture and yes the cartoons. Recently, MidCenturyModernist.com did a profile of the Incredibles and their mid-century lifestyle. I loved their selection of photos from the movie and it actually made me pull my copy of the DVD off the bookshelf and view it again. Mid century cartoons are lighthearted and carefree. The artwork has wonderful lines and angles and the colors are full of pastels, the colors of the times. Look at the artwork below, these would be fantastic framed and displayed in your mid-century pad.
Mid Century Modern Home In The Oakland Hills!
Imagine a mid-century home from a classic American movie. You know the house with high style, walls of glass, views and Doris Day inside. Roger Lee was an architect who designed high style for the middle class. Creating over 100 exquisite homes, Roger Lee is one of the forgotten mid century modernist. Five Krohn (in Montclair) created from the dreams of Roger Lee just went pending. One lucky Oakland home buyer will scoop up a great place to call home and a piece of art. (5 Krohn is listed with Christie Seeley of Pacific Realty)
Where is this in Oakland?
Do you know where this is in Oakland? This is the site of the Grand Lake Theatre in the early 1900's. (Before construction!)
View My New Property Brochure! Mid Century Modern Home in Oakland!
Let me create a comprehensive marketing plan for you! For those of you who know me, I am a very visual person. I just created this custom brochure for my clients and I can do the same for you. Spread the word!
Born To Be Cool - Mid Century Modern Home In Oakland
1949 - Joe Louis retired from boxing, Miles Davis released the Birth Of The Cool album, The Lone Ranger premiered on television and 4138 Coolidge Avenue was built in the Lincoln Heights district of Oakland. The California Zephyr launched its inaugural run and Oaklanders ate dinner at the Grotto in Jack London Square. The World War II was over and America was optimistic! Join me to celebrate this cool mid century modern home. Buy a piece of classic Americana. More photos atwww.4138CoolidgeAve.com.
Answers To Your Questions Regarding Trusts
The following information was provided by Old Republic Title Co. Thanks! 
Pride of Ownership - For Sale
This secluded country house in Montclair was my favorite home from last week's Broker's Tour. I am featuring this home as I felt it had a reasonable price, great upgrades and real charm. This home is offered at $629,000 by John and Judith of GrubbCo. The improvements include structural upgrades, gourmet kitchen with professional grade appliances and a master bedroom suite. Built in 1937, I really enjoyed the tasteful overhaul that enhanced this home and its era. (I also love the matchstick hardwood flooring in the hallway. Matchstick hardwood floors are narrow strips of hardwood - about half the width of conventional hardwood floors.) The best thing about this home, the improvements were carefully planned for the owners enjoyment.
Do You Qualify For The $8000 Tax Credit For Home Buyers?
Oakland Oozing With Possibilities
When I was 16 years old I worked at Emporium-Capwell's in Downtown Oakland. This department store was on Broadway in what is now Sears. As I was growing up I remember Oakland and its thriving retail business. We had I. Magnin's, Joseph Magnin's, Liberty House, Little Daisy and more.
These businesses are gone, but the beautiful buildings remain. I yearn for healthy downtown. I would love Oakland to model after Pasadena, California. Their shops, department stores and restaurants are on a main street, not in a mall.
Look at the buildings, you can't deny Oakland's beauty.
Eichler Anyone? Iconic Mid-Century Home In The Oakland Hills
Real estate developer Joseph Eichler was instrumental in bringing Mid-Century Modern architecture to subdivisions in California. The Sequoyah Hills district of Oakland, is a quiet neighborhood in the East Oakland Hills that boasts 40-50 Eichler homes. 8050 Phaeton is a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom Eichler currently listed for $798,000 by Hiedi Slocomb of APR. This home includes an atrium with a succulent garden, Eichler's signature radiant heating and a remodeled kitchen . If you like Eichler's, San Mateo is having an Eichler tour this month, click here for more details.
Exploring Oakland, California
The other day as I drove through Oakland on Broker's Tour, (A tour of the latest listings for Realtors) I decided to drive from Montclair to the Elmwood District of Oakland via Grizzly Peak. I drove up Shepherd Canyon to Skyline Blvd. and turned left. (Skyline turns into Grizzly Peak.) Here I actually stopped my car to soak in the beautiful views you can only find from the Oakland-Berkeley area. I love the turquoise blue water and the outline of Lake Merritt. Grizzly Peak will then take you to Claremont Avenue, and on Claremont you will drive through lush foliage and trees to get to Domingo Street and the Claremont Hotel. Get lost in Oakland
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The lush trees on Claremont Avenue in Oakland, photo by Deidre
Grand Opening of New Oakland Winery!
Stage Left Cellars Opening and Wine Tasting
This Saturday, April 4th, from 11:00- 5:00 pm Owners Melinda and Rich Doty of Left Stage Cellars will be having their grand opening in their new space at 2102 Dennison St., in Oakland. (Click here for a map) Come see this new Oakland business and see 13 original works of art by Oakland artist, Scott Courtenay-Smith. (Click here for Scott's website) It's at the 23rd Avenue exit from 880 South, in a cool little industrial park. Support Oaklanders who are making Oakland a great place to work, live and thrive!
Oakland Fraud Alert
Last evening a person called me and said they were calling on behalf of the Oakland Police Officer's Association and they asked me if I wanted to donate to the organization. In light of the recent shootings and deaths of four Oakland Police Officers, you may want to contribute money to the families who just lost their loved ones, but be AWARE the OPOA does not solicit donations over the phone. This is a scam! I called the President of the Oakland Police Officer's Association and he confirmed this. Please pass this information on.
Beautiful until the last petal drops!
Take a second out of your busy day and enjoy the delicate tulip-like flowers that appear in late winter, early spring.
Mortgage Interest Over Time
Are you curious about interest rates? Here is a chart showing interest rates over the past 37 years.
Found It! Franciscan Starburst Tiles From the 1950's
Gladding, McBean & Co., began production of Franciscan dinnerware in 1934 at their plant in Glendale, California. Gladding, McBean & Co. formed in 1875 to produce sewer tile for the then expanding American West. Over the years they acquired several regional potteries and expanded their product lines several times to include roof tile, decorative art tiles, garden pottery, and art pottery. Franciscan introduced their Fine China line in 1942. The Eclipse "American Modern" shaped patterns of 1954 included Starburst. Starburst would prove a radical departure from prior tradition and used an irregular shape and abstract radiant stars resulting in a very modern earthenware pattern. Today it is collected as some of the best design work from the Modern 1950's. When googling Franciscan Starburst dinnerware which is out of production but is available through companies such as Replacements.com. Last week I was able to spy Franciscan Starburst tiles in the master bathroom of 716 Blair Avenue in Piedmont. (A small well manicured city that neighbors Oakland. 716 Blair is listed by Dee Knowland of Pacific Union Listed at $1,395,000.) 716 Blair Ave is a mid century ranch home complete with a courtyard patio, original 1950's bathrooms and front door with starburst door hardware.
