350 Forest Street in the Rockridge district of Oakland was my favorite house on Broker's Tour last week. This glorious craftsman, has the detailed you want in a vintage home, box-beam ceilings in the dinging room, built-in's and pillars, silky smooth hardwood floors, wood windows, but it has a modern edge with upgrades galore, including scrumptious kitchen and bathroom remodels. This house is listed with my friend and colleague Stefanie Parrott for $989,000. Oh, did I mention that you can sell your car if you buy this pad? You are a block away from Rockridge BART as well as a block away from Market Hall on College Avenue.
The Best Ice Cream in Oakland and Berkeley
The other week, I attended the Eat Real Fest at Jack London Square. To kick off the festival there was an ice cream evening. It wasa 90 degree Friday night, Perfect! Ice cream for dinner. In the name of researchI sampled several scoops of creamy goodness. If I had to pick my last meal on earth it would be ice cream. I partake in ice cream daily, so I think I am an ice cream expert. So here are my top picks!
- St. George Spirits Whiskey Gelato by Gelateria Naia. - unbelievably smooth, with caramel notes. Insane!
- Saffron and Candied Almond Ice Cream by Ici - aromatic and earthy with the fantastic texture of the crunchy nuts.
- Raspberry-Lemon Verbena Ice Cream by Ici - fresh, fruity and the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
Visit Ici at 2948 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley. All of the diary and eggs are organic and flavors change daily and with the season.
Visit Gelateria Naia at 2106 Ashby Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, at 230 Bay Street inside WholeFoods Oakland, or at Michael Mischer Chocolates at 3352 Grand Avenue.
A North Beach Staple is Now Open in Oakland
In the 1950's Giovanni Gianni, (Papa Gianni) moved his family to America and in 1956 opened the first espresso house on the West Coast on Vallejo Street in San Francisco. Now 50+ years later, a cult following and several Bay Area locations, it is fitting that food mecca, Oakland gets a location. Last evening Caffe Trieste had their grand opening party! As I pushed through the jammed packed cafe, I felt has if I were on a movie set. Papa Gianni and the the North Beach Band with the Giotta Family Singers were singing classic Italian songs, glasses were raised, couples were dancing in place, (as there was no room for large movement.) and excitement and joy was in the air. As I looked at the beautiful honey colored wood cabinetry, exposed beams and the shiny stainless steel hood, I couldn't remember what existed before Caffe Trieste moved in. ( I had to ask...this use to be two small store fronts, one was a mailbox shop and I am still not sure of the other business.) With Caffe Trieste open to 10 pm Monday-Thursday and until 11 pm Friday - Sunday, folks will have a relaxing and affordable place for a snack, espresso or glass of vino. Go Oakland!
Oh Julia!
This past weekend I went to see Julie & Julia at the movie theater and I immediately came home and googled Julia Child. Why didn't I know more about her? I went to Culinary School for Pete's sake, I should have a library of her PBS television shows on my bookcase. My father watched a great deal of Saturday morning cooking, so I definitely remember her voice in the background of my life. The movie portrays Julia as a devoted wife who enjoys great food, great wine and butter. The photo above is Julia's Cambridge kitchen in 2001 after it was dismantled and put on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. (Everything is from Julia's kitchen except the walls and floors.)
Why am I bringing up Julia Child, her movie and life on my real estate and style blog? Because I love her kitchen! Maybe it is because many great meals were prepared here, but also there is something homey about Kitchen-Aid mixers on the counters and a vast variety of pots and pans hanging on a peg-board. Often the kitchens that we drool over in magazines have sparse counters with bowls of lemons. The kitchens are fantastic, but they do not look lived in. I tried to find out when this kitchen was last remodeled, as I believe Julia hosted 3 different television series in this kitchen, but I had no luck. The green shaker style cabinetry is classic and warm, the large farm style table in the middle of the room is perfect for family gatherings or the ideal place to sit and chop. I never would have thought to hang framed artwork on my cabinet doors, but it all works. The wall oven is a bit big for the cabinet it holds, (making me believe that oven was a newer addition, but the photos of Julia Child's kitchen by Pedro E. Guerrero from 1962 look quite modern.) If any of you know more about the Julia and her kitchen remodels leave a comment!
(Click on the two links above to view cool links.)
Oakland-Berkeley Real Estate at a Glance
At Red Oak Realty, the real estate brokerage I hang my license, most of our agents were busy this summer! At almost every weekly meeting we would discuss the market and talk about the multiple offers that were taking place. Red Oak has about 80 full-time Realtors and does a great deal of the Bay Area production. A few weeks back my office opened 89 escrows within one week! Last week, Red Oak Realtors were both the winning offer and the back-up offer for two properties for sale in Oakland. I love working at an active office, the energy keeps me competitive and I am able to hear many tales of the East Bay real estate underworld. Attached is a chart of the Oakland-Berkeley market from mid-summer, (July 2009 in select zip codes) To obtain current real estate data from a select neighborhood, email me, deidre@redoakrealty.com.
Preparing Your Oakland House For Sale
Currently I am preparing one of my Oakland listings for the market. Here is a snapshot of what I need to do to position this home to receive the most interest.
- If a seller can afford it, it is best to performinspectionsahead of time. By discovering all of the serviceable and non-serviceable areas of a property, a seller has an option to fix a problem or disclose it to a buyer prior to a buyer writing an offer. Many sellers want to sell a house, "as-is". How can a buyer, buy a house "as-is" if they do not know the true condition? (Sorry sellers, true condition does not mean what you experienced while you lived in your house, rather what a licensed professional determined after careful examination.) Currently, I suggest a home inspection if possible, a termite inspection, (a termite inspector searches for damage from wood destroying bugs, water damage, fungus and mold.), I highly recommend a sewer lateral inspection, (a homeowner is responsible for their sewer line until it reaches the city main. Having your sewer in compliance is a city ordinance, (your sewer must be in working order to close escrow) in Berkeley, Alameda, El Cerrito, Richmond, Albany, but not Oakland. However, many Oakland Realtors suggest that a buyer obtain a sewer lateral inspection.)
When buyers discover needed repairs, deficiencies or other problems during an inspection period of an escrow, they tend to ask for a credit for the needed work, ask for a price reduction or they will simply walk away from the transaction. By showcasing a home and disclosing all of the material facts up front, (and asking all buyers to sign off on the inspection reports prior to writing an offer) you set yourself up for a smoother transaction. When representing a seller, I still encourage a buyer to perform their own inspections, so they can be comfortable in their purchase, but I know that the likelihood of new discovery is slim. I just represented a buyer for a home in the Oakland Hills, I had my buyers hire a sewer professional to examine the sewer line and found that the sewer was constructed of terra-cotta that had many open joints, was full of roots, and needed $7700 worth of repairs. Since this was newly discovered information, I negotiated a full credit from the sellers.
- Staging can make your house look like a designer showcase, the stager that I recommend is Bonnie Pearson , she does amazing work that really showcases houses. In today's economy it is difficult for many sellers to afford a professional stager so I work with clients, their belongings, add what I can, and am still able to have successful results! Check out my latest listing, 60Edgemont.com. This property is set to close next week with 7 offers and my seller and I staged it together!
- Elbow grease makes a difference! Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, clean walls, fresh paint, scrubbed bathrooms and clean windows aid in the sell of your home. In today's market, buyers need a house to make them feel good. When a house is clean, a buyer will stay in the house longer, and this is what a seller wants.
- Price! Yes, the dreaded conversation! I know your house is special and I will showcase it as the best house in the neighborhood, but you have to price a house to bring in buyers. Buyers have access to Zillow.com, Redfin, Trulia, and many other real estate websites. Buyers know exactly what houses are selling for, (there is no fooling a buyer or their agent) and they know when a house is priced too high. It is a National Association of Realtor statistic:
If you under price a house by 5%, 80% of qualified buyers will show up to your house to consider buying it.
If you over price a house by 5%, 30% of qualified buyers will show up to consider buying it. If you over price, you loose 50% of interest!
Every property is different, every client is different, gone is the day where all sellers can afford to move out of their properties, hire help to scour and primp a home. It is important to strategize with a real estate professional who will guide you through the selling process within your budget.
Oakland Restaurant Buzz
Oakland is often written in the media as a gritty, high crime city to avoid. Oakland insiders know Oakland as the only city we want to live in. It is not that we are oblivious to our City's flaws, but we love the culture, feel completely at ease and understand our potential. Being the foodie that I am, I am super hyped about our current restaurant scene.
After a major renovation and 100 years after its birth, the Lake Merritt Boat House is now transformed into, the Lake Chalet. The Lake Merritt Boathouse is one of the defining buildings on the shores of Lake Merritt. It was designed in 1908 by John Galen Howard as a high-pressure salt water pumping station for the City of Oakland Fire Department. ( This $19 million project to restore the historic Lake Merritt Boathouse and renovate four acres of adjacent parkland was funded by the Oakland Trust for Clean Water and Safe Parks, Measure DD, a $198 million bond measure approved by Oakland voters in 2002. It is nice to see our tax dollars at work.) Luscious and beautiful, this restaurant seats over 400 people, boasts 3 bars including one on the outdoor dock.
This restaurant hums with large crowds and clinking martini glasses and Oaklanders are proving that we prefer to spend our dining dollars in our City. Todd, the bartender last Saturday made me a wonderful citrusy Vodka drink that he calls, Five Alive, (remember this drink from Coca Cola). Try the dungeness crab and citrus consomme, the crispy brandade fish sticks with malt reduction and arugula and crab and shrimp deviled eggs. Better than the food is the crisp atmosphere with the glistening water views.
Sidebar restaurant on Grand Avenue across from Lake Merritt is a neighborhood joint with fresh decor and sweet horseshoe shaped bar. The other week, after a long day at work, I took my kids to Sidebar for a late impromptu dinner. We had great service from Chad and Enrique and loved my Niman Ranch burger with house-made pickled red onions and a fried egg. Who knew that a fried egg is the perfect topping for a burger? The yolk opens and melts into the patty upon the first bite. The fresh berry and polenta cake dessert with marscapone cheese was perfection and both my children and I were satisfied with the total package that sidebar delivered.
Coming Soon!
Pizzaiolo is coming to Grand Avenue. They will take over DiBartolo restaurant.
À Côtéwill be opening a sister restaurant in the Gleview district of Oakland on Park Blvd. featuring small plates with Latin flavor.
All weekend Jack London Square will host the Eat Real Festival. Founded in 2008, Eat Real Festival is a social venture created to inspire eaters to choose tasty, healthy, good food. Tonight to kick this event off, the festival will be scooping ice cream from local folks. This event is free all weekend, will have music and cooking demos and more and food costs between $1 and $5 bucks. I am off to eat ice cream!
Enjoy the weekend! Deidre
Oakland and Berkeley Area Homes by Region and Price
The blue areas on the map above = 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes priced above $800,000.
The dark brown area on the map above = 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes priced between $500,000 and $800,000.
Thelight brown area on the map above = 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes priced at $500,000 and below.
This chart applies to home prices in today's market. There will always be exceptions. The other day, I looked up all of the active, 3 bedroom/2 bathroom homes in 94602 zip code. (homes that range between $500K and $800K) There was one home listed in the high $400,000's. This home is a bank owned property and needs some work. There were 3 homes priced over $800,000, but there have been on the market for over 2 months. (a sign that they are over priced.)
Exercising Outdoors in Oakland
Earlier this summer my friend Luz started raving about this boot-camp that she started, she was going on about how good she felt. When I heard that it started at 5:30 am, I said thanks for inviting me, but no. Luz was persistent and being significantly out of shape, I enrolled. For the month of July I got up in the wee hours of the morning, dressed in darkness and made my way down to Lake Merritt in Oakland for squats, weights and jogging. The first week was difficult, but I have to say, I lost 2.5 pounds and most importantly feel healthier and stronger. Monday, I will start my second session and I now feel comfortable plugging Oakland Adventure Boot Camp. (http://www.oaklandbootcamp.com) I have a gym membership and I have to say I never go. When I am on a machine I will take my towel and cover the display screen in hopes that the time will go by quicker, but it never does for me. When I arrive at 5:30 to camp it is dark and I get to see the sun come up and somehow an hour goes by a bit faster outside. Trainers Anna and Jennie run a women only camp and coach you at all levels. Oakland Adventure Boot Camp is the third boot camp that I have tried, and this is the first time that I enrolled for a second session!
Gone For Inspiration!
I am taking a week off! Thanks for reading the Oakland Berkeley Journal
Alameda Bay
Oakland and Berkeley Real Estate at a Glance
Berkeley:
2009 2008
Active Listings 138 188
Under Contract 47 35
Closed Sales 38 60
Average Sales Price $828,624 $835,000
Oakland:
Active Listings 1052 2286
Under Contract 363 226
Closed Sales 280 201
Average Sales Price $335,000 $492,000
Keep in mind the Oakland stats include all areas of Oakland. To understand a specific neighborhood, I can do a custom report for you. deidre@redoakrealty.com
Historic Warehouse For Sale in West Oakland
Location: Oakland, CA Once stables for Wells Fargo Bank, then a Cigar Factory, this 2 story masonry warehouse w/wood floors is currently divided into nonconforming spaces that have been used as artist studios for the last 30 years. Retrofit to minimum voluntary standards in 1994; 1 gas & electric meter for entire bldg, easement for 5 off street parking spaces in adjacent lot. Probate/requires court confirmation, needs work.
The Old Rossi Cigar Warehouse
This 12000 square foot commercial building has 2 floors, 5 parking spaces and is listing with Sara @ Red Oak Realty for $799,000. This gorgeous brick structure was purchased a few years back for over a $1million by a recording artist, who had dreams of building a sound studio, teaching children music, as well as living in this space. Unfortunately, the previous owner passed away prematurely of cancer. What can you make of her big dream?
Summer Field Trip - Paso Robles, California
The Bay Area is one of those places where you love to live. If you grew up here, you stay here. You might move away for college or a boyfriend, but chances are you will be back. If you moved out here to attend schools such as Cal, you often decide to linger and plant roots here. If you live in the Oakland or Berkeley area, here is a field trip for you.
The other month, I had the opportunity to drive down to Paso Robles. A small city nestled between the mountain range and beach in Central California. From my house, Paso Robles is a 3 hour drive, making this a great weekend adventure.
In 1857 this community was a rest-stop for travelers of the Camino Real trail, and was known for its mineral hot springs. Now this community is part old time town with a strong sense of yesteryear and part up and coming hip, foodie community. Paso Robles is known for it's wine country and a trip down here can be filled with great restaurants and wine tours.
In Paso Robles you can have steak and turkey nuts at F Mc Clintocks Saloon, to fine dining at Artisian Paso Robles a happening American restaurant featuring locally grown, sustainable food operated by brothers Chris and Michael Kobayashi. Chris Kobayashi was recently a semifinalist for Best Chef/Pacific by the James Beard Foundation.(www.ArtisanPasoRobles.com) In regards to the turkey nuts, according to our server, these are fried reproductive organs of the chicken and no I am not Anthony Bourdain, so I did not try them. Sorry!
I asked Michael Kobayashi to name a few of his favorite wineries for my readers, he named, L'Aventure, (www.aventurewine.com), Booker Winery, (www.bookerwines.com) and Linne Calodo, (www.linnecalodo.com).
When staying in Paso Robles you can stay at the historic Paso Robles Inn, a hotel that was established in the late 1800's and in 1906 expanded to a luxury hotel complete with a hot spring bathhouse. Burned in 1940, was rebuilt, and is still in business. Recently Hotel Chevel Hotel opened, giving people luxe service in a boutique setting.
For a day trip, you can take the quick 45 minute drive from Paso Robles to Pismo Beach to view the Pacific Ocean and build sand castles.
Another reason to live in the Bay Area - we are close to dreamy destinations.
Deidre Joyner of The Oakland Berkeley Journal Gets National Attention!
Keith Pandolfi editor at This Old House contacted me a few months ago after he selected Oakland as one of the best cities to buy an old house in the United States. Keith wanted to know more about the various districts of Oakland, as he was looking for a great neighborhood for first time home buyers. I suggested Temescal, as many of my clients would love to live there. I am happy to say that the Temescal district of Oakland made it through to the July/August 2009 issue. ...and I am happy to say, I was sourced and thanked!
Bold Style in Claremont Court, Berkeley
When I was a kid I always admired the homes in Claremont Court. I imagined that these homes had extra large crystal chandeliers and wonderful food simmering in the kitchen. As an adult, I admire the manicured yards, the classic architecture and the close walk to College Avenue and UC Berkeley. What I love about 2729 Belrose Avenue in Claremont Court is the style that the owners boast. Check out the bold colors, the eclectic decor , so unexpected and wonderful! 2729 Belrose Avenue is currently listed with Ruth Frassetto with GrubbCo.
East Bay Adventures
Upcoming events in the Oakland-Berkeley area.Charles Chocolates in Emeryville, (6529 Hollis Street) is hosting FREE summer movies. Tonight's film is Soul Food and in honor of this movie, barbecue ribs, fried catfish and mac n' cheese will be on sale, (along with Charles Chocolates' Blue Bottle coffee services, hot chocolate and sweets). Food and snacks service will start at 6:30 and the movie starts at 9:00 pm. To order ticket click here.
Future film line up:
July 10 - Soul Food.
July 24 - Tortilla Soup.
August 14th - Babette's Feast
August 28th - Ratatouille.
September 11th - Pizza
September 25th - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
July 24 - Tortilla Soup.
August 14th - Babette's Feast
August 28th - Ratatouille.
September 11th - Pizza
September 25th - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Sheila Metcalf Tobin, (SheilaMetcalfTobin.com) will have her art on display at Herribone in Berkeley.
HerringboneCard
Pretty Penny, (Rockridge - prettypennyclothing.com.) will be hosting their first Craft Bazaar, highlighting a group of local crafters.
Mark Schroeder's latest sculptures will be on display at the Autobody Fine Art Gallery in Alameda from July 10 to August 16. The opening reception is Friday, July 10, from 7:00 -10:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1517 Park St. across the street from the Havana restaurant. MarkSchroeder.com
Redwood Heights Home Just Got A Cool Price Reduction
This sunny 1940's home on Reinhardt Street in Oakland just got a $30,000 price reduction, making Redwood Heights affordable to first time buyers. (I love the vaulted ceilings in this living room!) I work with the listing agent, Leif and will be holding it open for him this Sunday. Being a Redwood Heights resident, I know the inside scoop for this neighborhood. Email me if you have questions. - Deidre
Adjustable Rate Mortgages And The Threat of Default
adjustableratemortgages.com
This chart shows the number of properties that were purchased between 2004 and 2007 with Adjustable Rate Mortgages. This chart breaks down the data by zip code. The 94608 zip code an area that contains parts of West Oakland, North Oakland and Emeryville. During the peak, (years 2004-2007) 30% of buyers purchased properties, (with 1-4 units) with an adjustable rate mortgage. This equates to 1305 properties. This is not to forecast that all of these mortgages will go into default, but in this zip code home prices have declined making it incredibly difficult for one to refinance. (When you refinance a home, the bank wants you to have equity in the property - at least 20%. Meaning, if your home is worth $300,000 the bank wants you to owe no more that $240,000 in loans.) If these homeowners mortgages adjust to an increased rate, it could make paying the mortgage tough. This coupled with job loss could affect the up coming short sale and bank owned property inventory.
The data in this chart is provide by Old Republic Title Co. Information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.
Below Market Priced Loft in Posh David Baker Building, Emeryville
Down the street from Pixar Studios is the David Baker designed lofts at 1500 Park Street. This is one of my favorite loft spaces in the East Bay. This building is in an ultra urban area of Emeryville and boasts the most lush, secluded garden as the entry. Once inside this building you will feel like you are in Eames territory. With a maple plywood mailbox area to the floor to ceiling windows, the modern space gives a nod to mid-century modernist.
Currently listed in this building is unit 223 offered at $249,300. (Listed with Jason of All Emeryville Properties) This is a below market rate unit for moderate household incomes making $75,000 per year as a single person or $85,700 combined for a couple. Click Here for more information regarding the City of Emeryville and below market rates. The first time home buyer coordinator for the City of Emeryville is Janet Peterson, 510-596-4316. It is important to note that if you purchase a home at a below market rate, you will have to sell your property at a below market rate, unless you own this unit for 25 years. (From my understanding, below market rates are set by the county of Alameda, and prices change with the economy. Please call Janet if you have more questions.)
