When you are buying an older house it is common for a property to have $10,000 - $20,000 worth of needed repairs. If a seller has owned their home for many years often there is newly found damage that is discovered during an inspection. In many cases it is not that the seller intentionally neglected their property, they just didn't know the damage was existed. Inspections by quality professionals are key as you need to know exactly what you are buying. Pictured below is rot in the wood framing of a home in the Oakland Hills. I represented the buyers of this house and I was able to negotiate dry rot and termite damage repairs before escrow closed. (The sellers paid the cost of the repairs.) Before my clients moved in the wood was removed, new wood was installed and the appropriate exterior was installed to code.
Real Estate Update in Oakland and Berkeley
Berkeley:
- Sold properties Median Price $726k down from $762k in Nov 2008
- Sold units 43 up from 25 in Nov 2008
- Current for sale properties Median price $699k same in Nov 2008
- Units for sale 131 down from 159 in Nov 2008
- Months supply of inventory at 1.7 down from 3.3 in Nov 2008
- Days on Market at 65 up from 37 in Nov 2008
Oakland:
- Sold properties Median Price $254k up from $200k in Nov 2008
- Sold units 220 same from 219 in Nov 2008
- Current for sale properties Median price $235k from $188k in Nov 2008
- Units for sale 870 down from 1934 in Nov 2008
- Months supply of inventory at 1.8 down from 6.2 in Nov 2008
- Days on Market at 39 down from 61 in Nov 2008
- Median price in Nov 2007 was $400k
Mid-Century Furniture and Finds!
A reader asked me where to buy mid-century furniture in the Oakland - Berkeley area. To really enhance your mid-century home what could be better than mid-century furniture. Form Vintage Modern on College Avenue is a small furniture and home furnishings store that features original mid-century pieces mixed with mid-century inspired new pieces. Sofas and large furniture can be special ordered. Form glows with George Nelson’s bubble pendant lamps that are now reproduced by Herman Miller. Coming Soon from Joe and Lindsay at Form is Urban Home! This will be the place for modern, vintage, traditional, and industrial furniture and furnishings. Look for the same eclectic style and greater selection that you've come to expect from the Form Vintage Modern at affordable prices as this will be the place to consign and buy. 1825 Eastshore Avenue in Berkeley.
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Klassik by Lynne at 1313 67th Avenue in Emeryville on the Oakland border features Danish Modern furniture. This huge warehouse is the place to purchase vintage Danish modern furniture as well as new Danish and Swedish pieces. Lynne has a huge selection to choose from, from credenzas to dining sets and much more. Lynne brings in furniture from Denmark by the container! She visits her homeland often and drives all over the country to hand select and secure impeccable vintage pieces. On one of Lynne's trips to Denmark she met an older man who had hundreds of rolls of vintage fabrics saved from the mid-century. Lynne purchased 315 rolls making it possible for you to reupholster your vintage Danish furniture in vintage fabric! Lynne also sells Kvadrat fabrics , (Kvadrat was established in Denmark in 1968 and now holds a leading position in the European market of design-textiles supplying renowned architects, designers and furniture manufacturers throughout the world.) Kvadrat imports their wool from Ireland and England and spins it, dyes it and then weaves the fabric. Other textile companies weave fabric in cream color and then dye it, but Lynne feels that dying the thread before weaving makes for a better product. Chris Howard is the operations manager at Klassik by Lynne and he does an amazing job of restoring Lynne's vintage finds from her Denmark adventures as well as the furniture that customers bring in. I fell in love with a simple oak and teak credenza that would be perfect for my home office and I was told that it was a Hans J. Wegner piece. I asked Lynne how I could be certain that the piece was authentic. She pulled the Danish credenza away from the wall and showed me a stamp. She then pulled out a book that showed the various seals from furniture producers and the designer behind them. On the credenza in question there was a stamp that said 1955, Made in Denmark and it had a logo-ed stamp with a RY. Sure enough the logo with the RY produced Hans J. Wegner furniture. What great service and expertise!
99% of Klassik by Lynne's inventory is vintage but she does sell new production of Hans J. Wegner, Louis Poulsen and Nanna Ditzel. Lynne says now is the time to purchase vintage Danish furniture as she is worried about the dwindling inventory. Denmark is a small country of about 5 million people and the demand for mid-century Danish furniture is high. Danish modern furniture is highly desired and exported to the US, the Middle-East and Japan.
The Real Estate 411 in Oakland and Berkeley
The two charts, provided by Altos show this week in real estate in Oakland and Berkeley. This is an overview so it includes homes in excellent and in poor conditions, (and every neighborhood). To get a better sense of the market, email me. Some properties are still flying off of the market due to high demand and the lack of quality inventory. - Deidre
Second Look in Oakland
A few months ago I featured mid-century signs in Oakland and Berkeley and the sign below missed the cut. This cool 3-D mid-century sign is on MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. (In the Laurel district)
Making a Difference in Oakland
My dear friend Claudia Miller is the Regional Development Manager for First Place For Youth. Founded in 1998, First Place was the first organization in Northern California to provide affordable housing and supportive services to former foster youth, and today is considered a national model for providing permanent housing for high risk youth. Over the past two years, I have heard Claudia's stories about the kids and young adults that are a part of this organization and I have heard her determination to raise money for this important cause.
Yesterday First Place for Youth hosted a private showing of The Blind Side at the Jack London Theatre in Oakland. This movie depicts a teenager lost in the foster care system who ultimately becomes a successful adult. About 100 Oakland residents and friends of First Place showed up to support the cause. This holiday season as people are cutting back on the extravagant gifts, First Place for Youth is a great gift alternative. Donate any amount of money in a friend or family members name. Visit First Place for Youth online.
Growing up with my entire family intact, I have taken for granted my privilege of family support. Every year I was able to go the school in my neighborhood, maintain the same friends over the years and enjoy trading school pictures with my buddies. Often foster children are moved around, (on average 5 times), have difficulty getting into school because of lost birth certificates and often no one purchases their school photographs. Last week, Oakland resident and photographer Christina Koci-Hernandez donated her time and took exquisite photos of the kids in the program. Click Here and check out Christina's amazing slide show!
Home Decorating 101 with Oakland Designer Laura Martin Bovard
Boy if I knew then what I know now... Being the shopaholic that I am, I have purchased furniture and home accessories with many different motives. The red sofas because I loved the lines and color, the oak mission desk furniture, because it was quality furniture and I was just starting out and didn't have an overall concept of what I wanted my house to be, the maple dining table with the veneer top, to the dozens of vases and art pieces that just called my name... Now I have a house full and wish I had an overall plan before I started.
As I looked at my home office space I realized that I need more storage and thought about asking my husband for an armoire for Christmas and then I thought, what would Laura do? Laura Martin Bovard is an Oakland based Designer who creates spaces that her clients love to live in. I have always steered away from Interior Designers as I thought I couldn't afford one, so I talked to Laura and asked her for some advise and realized that I had it all wrong.
Q: How do you advise your clients to start the decorating process?
A: One piece of advice I always offer my clients is to keep a folder with images from magazines or pictures of artwork you feel inspired by and collect them as you go. Whether you work with a decorator or just do it on your own it’s always good to have a place to refer back to when beginning the decorating or remodeling process. With so much exposure to what’s new and in fashion and it can be easy to get side tracked and end up feeling confused. Always good to have the general feeling tone established so that you can keep your focus on how you want your space to look. Having the design folder allows you to go back and see the direction you want to keep. That way you can say to yourself, “would this pillow that I love while I’m here in the store actually do what it needs to add to the feeling of warmth and comfort I want my room to have?” or “will this tile go with the counter material?”
Q: I have always thought I couldn't afford a decorator, what are your thoughts? A: Sometimes I hear that my clients don’t perceive that they can afford to work with a decorator but in fact in the end we can help them save money by coming up with a plan and by shopping smart. We have resources that most people don’t have access to and often get them at dealer pricing which allows us in many cases to re-sell them at below retail pricing. You can think of it this way…the money you save on making purchases through us goes to the design fees which is the time we spend coming up with and implementing a cohesive look that reflects who you are.
Q: What is it like to work with a decorator? A: When you work with a decorator it’s like having a coach tell you yes, that size will work or no, that finish won’t flow so you avoid making costly mistakes. Bringing a decorator in before making expensive decisions is very often where clients end of saving the most money. I can’t tell you how many kitchen and bath remodels I’ve seen go awry when people chose materials that simply don’t go together or don’t fit the style of the house. On the other hand a couple of hours with someone who has a good eye for design and experience can help you get through a remodel or a decorating without wasting time and money.
Q: Do you help clients with small projects, such as paint color consulting ? A: Yes, for less of a commitment but one that still nets good results we are able to come in for a few hours and help our clients freshen up their space without purchasing new items by styling with a designer’s eye by rearranging furniture, re-hanging art and basically “shopping” your own house to shift the energy.
Q: Can you tell me a few of your low cost tips? A: A few tricks of the trade that I’ve come to rely on for big impact are:
· Rearranging furniture and adding lamps or just new lamp shades and pillows or a throw over the back of the sofa
· I like to take the jackets off of hardback books and use them to style (the bindings provide great hits of color) books are a great way for people to learn more about you and I use them a lot for styling
· painting the backs of shelves a dark color to allow the objects and books on the shelves to pop off.
· I love to hang a textured or beautiful wall covering on just one wall which provides a focal point and another layer of beauty or just painting one anchor wall can make it feel like a whole new space. Good design is all about creating layers so when we see an opportunity to do so we jump on it.
The following pictures show a recently completed job in San Leandro, a fresh, soothing mid-century modern home. The construction remodel was done by Welte Construction, a local contractor in San Leandro. Laura said they are a super nice and professional firm.
Fine Art - Made in Oakland
This past summer my husband turned 40. I wanted to give him something special and lasting, so I hired Oakland artist, Sarah HaBa of Rockridge to paint a picture from a photograph. Sarah capture the essence of my family on a wood board and I love it! Check Sarah out online, http://sarahhaba.com
New Listing in Montclair
Can I plug my newest listing? www.1895Manzanita.com This house is perfect for the buyer who wants SPACE, 3409 square feet of space. There is also Golden Gate, Bay Bridge and South Bay views from almost every room. The rooms do say, "I was built in the 1970's" but the lay-out is supreme. Some TLC is needed, but this house is totally move-in ready! Oh, did I tell you the price? $699,000!
Thanks for reading! - Deidre
1895 Manzanita
The Importance of a Structural Engineer
When buying a home in the Oakland - Berkeley area you need to understand that our properties are sought after as many home buyers like that fact that that the majority of our homes are older with tons of charm. When buying a house it is important to thoroughly inspect it before you complete the purchase. It is not uncommon for homes to lie within earthquake fault zones or liquefaction areas, (liquefaction is when the soil beneath a property is loose-sandy soil.) Many homes have settled and have adjusted to the soil conditions that they are located on. On occasion I can tell a property will need a structural engineer inspection as the home shows signs such a sloping, cracking or the way the house is positioned on a hill. Other times it is less obvious and the home inspector will recommend an engineers report. When an engineer is needed, I am always fascinated by the findings of Dan Szumski. Dan is incredibly knowledgeable and really knows are area, often he knows obscure facts about a location. On one inspection at a Montclair property and told us that an old tunnel to Canyon was underground. Another time he told me that a fault line ran under a street, (and after a natural hazard report was order, he was correct!)
The thought of an engineer inspection can scare some, but usually a good engineer will give real solutions for any deficiencies that he or she finds. A few weeks back Dan told my client how he could do some of the seismic retrofit by himself and he even recommended using tools for the tool lending library in Oakland. Inspectors are realistic about older homes and will advise when something should be repaired ASAP, or when it can be done over time. If you have questions about a home you have already purchased you can always have an inspector come out and exam the areas that concern you. Knowledge is key!
Foreclosures Within the USA
Often people ask me if I am still in real estate. The media will paint a picture of doom and gloom. I am not negating the problems, and yes people are struggling. I think it will that sometime before the economy recovers, but this chart shows how resilient the Bay Area is.
How is the Economy? Let's Check In,
Senior Mortgage Consultant and Branch Owner of RPM Mortgage in Berkeley, Chet Gohd's market update:
We saw some encouraging news this morning with the Fed's Beige Book report, its somewhat of a glass half-full scenario with a hole in the bottom of the glass ..First the CNN report, then the Chet update;
The economy has shown signs of stabilizing or modestly improving in recent weeks, according to the latest Federal Reserve snapshot of regional economic conditions. "Reports of gains in economic activity generally outnumber declines," the Fed said Wednesday in the latest edition of its Beige Book. "But virtually every reference to improvement was qualified as either small or scattered." The Beige Book, published 8 times a year, is a summary of economic conditions in the central bank's 12 districts. It precedes, by about two weeks, the central bank's scheduled policy meeting at which interest rate movement is discussed. The housing market and manufacturing activity, which have been improving since the summer, were two bright spots in the October report. However, commercial real estate remains a concern, with all 12 districts reporting weak or deteriorating conditions in that sector. (end of story). For example, the section at Home Depot where they sell "For Lease" signs is sold out and on back order!
It's often challenging to see much improvement on a day-to-day basis. It's easier and usually more reliable to use the data coming from various metropolitan areas throughout the country where the measurements can be weighed and scaled. We are in a complicated situation here..The Fed realizes that they see improvements but they are very small and thus we are vulnerable to falling backward( as opposed to falling forward). For this reason, they are not looking to pull the stimulus infusions back just yet but also may no longer be exploring new forms of stimulation as any program needing governmental approval has to compete with the healthcare debate, a war against terrorism and a midterm election next year.
Eating Through Oakland
I recently investigated a few more restaurants for you! Bocanova has now been open for a month in Jack London Square. I love the dinning room and outdoor seating. The little gem salad was fantastic and my halibut sandwich with onions, peppers and avocado was very satisfying. My friend ordered a few items that I was not a fan of, but I have to give it 5 stars for concept and atmosphere and about 3.5 stars for food. I will definitely go back and next time I have to try the crab deviled egg which is mentioned many times on Yelp!
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Burma Superstar opened this spring in the Temescal district of Oakland and has been on my to-do list for months. Be prepared for a wait, as this is a popular eatery. My cousin was in town from NYC, so the seven of us had to wait an hour for a table. Once we were seated, we had some the best service, ever! I counted 4 different staff members helping us and the service was just flawless. You have to try the green tea leaf salad, the spicy crispy chicken and the salt and pepper calamari. Lucky you if you live in the Temescal and can walk over to this joint!
Aunt Mary's Cafe is the neighborhood spot that I wish was in my neighborhood. Featuring sustainable foods with southern flavor. Come for strong coffee, malted waffles and bubble and squeak, ( potatoes, greens, eggs with a house made biscuit and gravy.) Aunt Mary's is also open for lunch and dinner and it has indoor and outdoor seating with a heat lamp!
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Coming soon to the Temescal is Remedy Coffee. I can't wait to see this coffee house featuring Ritual Coffee that is roasted in San Francisco. (and has a cult following) Constuction is underway and I love the telephone booth that will be stationed within the coffee house. (Wow, when was the last time you used a phone booth?) You can purchase beans and lattes at the outdoor espresso cart while construction is underway.
Free Tools!
So you are not a contractor, but you are a weekend warrior. You decide that you can swing a bathroom remodel, but do not want to invest money into expensive tools, as you will only be using them once or twice. Oakland has a tool lending library in the Temescal district! To borrow tools you need to have a library card and have proof that you live in Oakland, Emeryville or Piedmont , (a utility bill or property tax bill). The tools are free and you can keep them for 3,5 or 7 days depending on the tool. 5205 Telegraph Avenue - 510-597-5089, open Tuesday thru Saturday
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Out and About in Oakland
TomorrowOakland Unwrapped will host, Full Moon Buy Night at Jack London square. Support local business and artisans as they fill the square and sell their wares. Oakland Unwrapped is an Online Marketplace where shoppers can find and buy directly from Oakland-owned independent businesses and artists. In 2008, Oakland Unwrapped became a program of OneCalifornia Foundation, a nonprofit economic development organization in downtown Oakland. Click here for more about Full Moon Buy Night. Artist's such as Scott Courtnay-Smith who creates fine art as well as wearable art. (see his fedora above.)
Enjoy the Bay Area's hot Fall nights with the fourth annual Sunday in the Redwood's Concert Series. There are two weekends left, for more information, click here.
October 4 - Amazing Jazz
October 11 - Neo Soul Experience with Ledisi
Mid-Century Modern Details
My clients Jill and Cory just closed escrow on a 1953 mid-century ranch house in the Oakland Hills. When I first saw this house on the multiple listing service, I knew this house had potential. Homes built in the mid-century typically have steel reinforced foundations and gauging from the information provided, it looked to be a mainly cosmetic fixer. Additionally, many of the cool mid-century details were still intact. I could see past the orange paint and green carpets and I knew this middle-aged rancher was a diamond in the rough. Check out the Nutone doorbell chimes and the vintage mid-century fish tiles in the bathroom. Jill and Cory have agreed to let me share their renovation journey and I will bring you a progress report - photo journal soon.
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Coming Soon to Redwood Heights! Mid-Century Home in the Oakland Hills
In 9 days my newest listing 3253 Jordan Road will hit the Oakland real estate market! To preview this home before it hits the market go to, www.3253Jordan.com. Below is the custom property brochure that was just created for especially for this property. (This brochure will be scored and folded into a small booklet.)
*The attached brochure was created for Deidre Joyner, all rights reserved, by Jenn Kelly
Fab Rockridge Redo!
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.
