The other day, I showed this property...perfect neighborhood, fantastic price, (bank owned) and potential! There was one big problem, water damage. I emailed these pictures to one of my favorite lenders and she said this damage could make it difficult to obtain a home loan. (If a buyer purchases this property with a loan, the damage might need to be fixed before escrow can close.) Perhaps this home is the perfect property for an all cash buyer, one who is up for some work and doesn't have to worry about an appraisal or loan. (Remember, you might be pre-approved to buy a house, but the house also needs to be approved too!)
A Home For A Lifetime
Richard was raised in Nebraska and Madeline grew up in Massachusetts. As fate would have it Richard and Madeline met on a blind date in Egypt. Madeline worked for the State Department and Richard for the Caterpillar Tractor Co. They fell in love, moved to Beirut, Lebanon and started their family. The Minards, now a family of 5 were ready to move back to the US and raise Steve, Kathy and John. Out of all of the places on this continent, they chose a premium lot in El Cerrito, California. With no family in the area, they moved to 1764 Julian Court in 1962, planted roots and had a wonderful life.
Richard worked as an engineer for a non-profit and Madeline was in the PTA, was a Brownie troop leader and loved to golf at the nearby Mira Vista Country Club. The Minards 1/2 acre lot produced gorgeous blooms and supreme vegetables, that the family happily shared with all of the Julian Court neighbors. Madeline used the harvest from their garden to cook her favorites: Tabbouleh, Tomato Chicken Curry and almost anything from her beloved Julia Child cookbook. Steve, Kathy and John loved roaming the back yard, digging forts, finding lizards and tunneling through the tall soft grass right before it was cut.
The Minards could have lived anywhere in the world, but they chose this fine piece of land high on an El Cerrito hill.
It All Happens in Oakland!
Save the date! On April 29 The Oakland Zoo will host a screening of the movie “Return to the Wild, a Modern Tale of Wolf and Man.” The reception begins at 6:30 in the Marian Zimmer Auditorium at the Oakland Zoo with the screening beginning at 7pm. The film is appropriate for children 12 and older and the cost is a sliding scale of $10-$20. Get the details at www.oaklandzoo.org. Pack a lawn chair, dress warm and head on up to Redwood Heights Recreation Center this Friday, April 30 to see the Pixar movie “Up.” Snacks are available from 6:30 to 8:30 for $4.00 with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund for summer day camp and after school Rockets. The movie begins at dusk, approx. 8pm. Call 510.482.7827 for a list of all the Friday night movies through July.
Oakland Museum of California is newly remodeled! Saturday, May 1, celebrate the transformed museum with 31 hours of continuous free programs and events. Festivities begin at 11am with a Native American Ohlone blessing, and of course the continued discovery of the story of California. For more info visit museumca.org.
Stop by L’Amyx Tea Bar, 3437 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland, on May 7 from 5-7 pm and enjoy a complimentary beverage and reception launching a solo exhibition of the recent paintings of Lorrie Fink, oils inspired by the organic forms found in nature and the cycles of life. This Washington D.C. raised artist has been the Bay Area since 1974, with her first solo exhibit at EBMUD Gallery in 2008.
For images or further information about this exhibit, please contact: Lorrie Fink, (510) 326-1990; e-mail: lorrie@lorriefink.com, web site: http://www.lorriefink.com.
What the Media is Not Telling You
It is a buyers market, right? Foreclosures and short sales are on the rise, so buyers get out and buy properties at rock bottom prices! Well I will definitely not dispute the data that the news provides, but I will say in the Oakland and Berkeley area, I am seeing things that the news is not covering.
1. There is a lack of quality inventory! I believe sellers are afraid of this market and are choosing to stay put.
Homes in select areas such as, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Albany, Alameda, North Oakland, Temescal, Rockridge, Crocker Highlands, Haddan and China Hill, Sheffield Village, Oakmore, Dimond and various other districts of Oakland and are experiencing multiple offers due to the lack of inventory. These homes are often selling over the asking price. (If they are in good condition and are priced right.)
2. The sweet spot price range is between $300,000 and $700,000 (This is the price range that the bulk of today's buyers are in.)
3. Buyers are getting frustrated by the lack of quality inventory.
4. Buyers have to feel that they are buying something of value. So it is important for sellers to show off their homes properly, fresh paint, refinished floors and no clutter!
5. Buyers like homes that are move-in ready, but have room for their family to grow or areas that can be enhanced and improved.
6. Original details are key, buyers like homes that show off their history. Often homes that are completely gutted leaving no memories of its past get overlooked or are not buyer's first choice.
7. FHA loans, loans that require a very small down payment of approximately, 5% down, accounted for about 30% of the transactions in the Oakland and Berkeley area last year, (this is an approximate after to speaking with two reputable mortgage lenders and speaking with my general manager about Red Oak's production.) This is a good loan, if managed by a competent mortgage provider, but consumers should know there are many people out in this market place that have enough money to place 20% or more down on a home. I am finding with many of my clients that family members are willing to loan or gift down payment money, as they feel real estate is a good investment and they want to help their children find a place to call home.
When you are ready to buy or sell a home, ask a real estate expert what is going on in your neighborhood. Often the national and statewide statistics differ from what is happening locally. If you are a homeowner and you are on the fence wondering if you should sell your home, perhaps now is the time to sell. As always free to email or call me. - Deidre (deidre@redoakrealty.com.)
Rockridge Affordable? Yep!
Last week I voted 401 Avon my favorite house from Broker's Tour. With a much smaller house in Temescal selling for over $700,000, this house is priced right. 401 Avon is a huge 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom at 1694 square feet, (according to the MLS) has great upgrades and light. Henry Mather Green and Charles Sumner Greene were influential of the craftsman era. (Mather and Green combined arts and crafts with inspiration from China and Japan.) Giving a nod to its Japanese influence, the seller of this property added shoji screens. This property is listed with Leonard Carrillo of Red Oak Realty.
East Bay Buzz
The East Bay just keeps getting better and better. If you think Oakland and Berkeley are sleepy cities, then you are certainly mistaken! Once Ozzie's Fountain Shoppe amid-century pharmacy and soda fountain is now the Elmwood Cafe. This cafe was thoughtfully renovated and the owners did their best to savage the essence of its former space. Located on the corner of College andRussell, Elmwood Cafe is open from 7 am - 10 pm daily.
Curator, Lonnie Lee is hard at work renovating her new art gallery in the Uptown area of Oakland. This space will feature local art in an historic old building. This space was a former stable, auto garage, furniture repair shop and then home of United Glass. Lonnie Lee was the proprietor of Vessel on Ashby Avenue in Berkeleya boutique that I loved a few years back. Vessel Gallery in Oakland's revived art district will surely be special. Look for Vessel Gallery to open May 15th, 2010.
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Kakui will come to Montclair Village, bringing a handsome sushi spot. This space housed Jamba Juice and is next door to Noah's Bagels. When I walk by I get glimpses of the owners vision and I am super excited.
Kakui
New from Saint George Spirits in Alameda is Firelit Spirits from distiller Dave Smith. This yummy liqueur is made with Blue Bottle Coffee and distilled brandy. The coffee is roasted at Blue Bottle Coffee in Oakland and this liqueur is distilled in small batches in Alameda.
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Coming soon to the corner of Adeline and Alcatraz in Berkeley, Addie's pizza. The owners of Sweet Adeline Bakeshop are renovating the old Spud's Pizza spot. If you have tasted the baked goods that chef, Jennifer produces at out Sweet Adeline's Bakeshop, then you are as excited as I am about her upcoming pizzeria.
Addies
Wildly popular Labels Consignment Shop in Walnut Creek will open up a sister store on Ashby Avenue near College. This place was voted the best place to buy a designer handbag by Diablo Magazine!
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Possible $10,000 Tax Credit in California
Governor Schwarzenegger, is trying to pass a statewide tax credit for new and existing home purchases starting May 1st, 2010. Click Here to read more. I have a few concerns about where the funds are coming from within the state's budget, and how long the funds will last. What do you think?
Where are they now?
I sold this mid-century modern home last year. (2009)
Last year I had the privilege of working with Julie and Alastair. After many happy years in their mid-century modern home in Lincoln Heights, they had out grown this swanky two bedroom, 2 bathroom pad. Their family had grown to five and life had created a new chapter in Alastair's homeland, New Zealand. I really loved working with Julie and Alastair and was happy to see a glimpse of their new life overseas. (Above is the exterior of their former California ranch, below is their new New Zealand retreat.)
Set on an acre of land that is both maintained garden, rural and natural. A stream defines one side of the boundary and there is a large fenced area that is toddler safe for their youngest son. The house is circa 1930's that has been carefully restored. It has 3 bedrooms with a sun-room that is easily used as a bedroom if they want. There are french doors all around the house leading onto various decks and out into the yard. On the property is an old 'bulking shed' where they used to hold large bundles of tobacco when the property was used by tobacco farmers. This shed is huge, almost like a small hanger. The 'blokes area' is a small, well built unit off the shed and also has a wood fireplace in it. There is another shed as well (which was originally used to dry hopps, and is called a hop kiln.) There are about 30 fruit trees, and the gardens are simple but lovely. How dreamy is this?
The Joy of Entertaining...
Over the past two months, I have been preparing this beautiful cottage for the marketplace. I think this is the perfect place to have the ultimate dinner party. Every house has a story to tell and the cottage at 3915 Laguna lets the imagination take flight. For me, the discovery of the history of a home is a labor of love and is as important as the home itself. Christina and Richard transformed their Dimond Cottage into a masterpiece and it is an honor to represent them in the sale of their first home. Each home I market has a story to tell. Please call me when you are ready to tell the story of your house. Click here to view the Laguna Cottage.
3915 Laguna
Reinvent your room
Matthew Kowalski is showcasing his art at my office. Red Oak Realty, 2099 Pleasant Valley Avenue in Oakland. I love the bright colors!
Matthew Kowalski: Artist Statement
“I create my Radical Relief art using found objects as a printing medium. Finding the objects I use is random and up to fate. I am driven by curiosity in my search for and discovery of these tools, society's discards. I get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that I am turning someone’s garbage into gold and making my small contribution to stopping the waste running amok in our world. It makes me feel good knowing that everything we need is here, all around us; we don’t need to make more."
Signs of Spring
The buds are swelling and we are now witnessing signs of Spring! Soak up the flowering magnolia's and plum blossoms before the petals drop to the earth. Now is the time to plant your tulip bulbs, trim your rose bushes down and remove the rusty leaves and start weeding your garden beds while the soil is moist.
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grab and go, cheaper eats. (Oakland and Berkeley)
Here are a few of my favorite places to grab quality food on the run. Cafe 15 is in Downtown Oakland at 597 15th Street behind the State building. This is owned and operated by husband and wife team Lauren and Arash Ghasemi (Arash was a chef at Eccolo restaurant on 4th Street in Berkeley, which is now closed). Cafe 15 believes that sustainable, quality food doesn't have to cost a fortune. All of the food is made from scratch on the premises. I have tried a few of there salads, they are wonderful, full of flavor and very satisfying. I plan on trying the oyster po' boy next. Cafe 15 is open Monday - Friday for breakfast and lunch.
Summer Kitchen Bakeshop is in Berkeley near the corner of College and Ashby, and they claim to be take away re-imagined. Owners Paul and Charlene were inspired by Martha's Vineyard, the rolling farmlands and the summer kitchens built long ago behind the old farmhouses. This shop is spic and span and very cozy. Here you can walk up to the counter and choose from a good selection of grab and go items like the buttermilk fried chicken, panko and herb crusted chicken tenders and my favorite the cauliflower and olive salad. There are picture perfect cupcakes, sweet loaf breads and tarts. There is a made to order menu featuring sandwiches, salads, specials and the wood burning hearth produces pizza's and also makes the whole restaurant glow.
Amba in Montclair Village, serves falafels, fries, hummus and a few tasty salads. All of the food is vegetarian, kosher, fresh, flavorful and affordable. This is a great addition to Montclair Village and is a great alternative to your typical take-out. Please note they are closed on Saturday.
What is your favorite place to grab quality food on the run? Leave a comment or email me, I would love to hear from you.
love this view!
1 Kelton Court, 5B – photo by Scott Hargis
This view comes FREE with the purchase of 1 Kelton Court #5B. I love 1 Kelton Court! 1 Kelton Court is on a cul de sac a few blocks away from Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. This is the perfect building for folks who want to be close to everything and yet live in a quiet building. (One of my clients purchased a unit in this building last year.) 1 Kelton Court #5B is currently listed with of Linda Elkin of Red Oak Realty.
Race to Nowhere comes to the Grand Lake Theatre
I have heard rave reviews about the documentary, Race to Nowhere. (Click here to view the trailer) See it on Thursday, February 11 at 7 PM, at the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland. Tickets may be purchased at the box office.
coming soon and dreamy!
The floors are being shined and the final details are underway! 2624 School Street is coming soon to the Oakland real estate marketplace! I love this photograph of this vintage bungalow with the clouds billowing above. The earth has been turned over and fresh sod is coming. Check 2624 School Street in Oakland online, www.TheSchoolBungalow.com
can you wipe the drool...
Yesterday on Oakland's Broker Tour, I fell in love with 5785 Country Club Drive, (listed by Karen Starr of Grubb Co.) Claremont Pines, (a neighborhood in Upper Rockridge located between Broadway and Broadway Terrace) is a one of my favorite neighborhoods. Some of the properties in this area have City and Bay views, the neighborhood is very walkable, there is a neighborhood grocery store, Village Market and in about 20 minutes you can walk to your favorite shops and restaurants on College Avenue in Rockridge. 5785 Country Club, (offered at $1,525,000) was built in 1941 home and has been completely transformed into a sleek, yet relaxed abode that gives homage to mid-century modern design. The light is fantastic and the views of the City and Bay add to the charm.
Budding Berkeley Artist
Finding a Voice by Marissa Anderson, (age 14!!) will be showing at Red Oak Realty Solano Avenue location February 8- April 3rd Artist reception February 5th, 6-8 pm
what is needed to get pre-approved for a home loan?
Often times people are a little apprehensive about going through the pre-approval process. Frankly, we all are a bit afraid of credit scores and we hope that we will be approved for an amount that we want. The following is a typical need list.Every case is different, but this is what is typically needed to get pre-approved for a home loan.
A typical need list for salaried borrowers looks like this: We need copies of - 1. Most recent 30 days of consecutive paystubs 2. 2008 and 2009 W-2s 3. Liquid accounts (checking, savings, money market, stock, etc.). Most recent two months consecutive statements. ALL PAGES of each statement please - the lender will require this. 4. Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, etc.). Most recent statement(s). Again, all pages of each account please. 5. Valid Driver's License or Passport If a borrower owns a rental property, or is self employed the lender will also call for: 6. Most recent two years (2008 and 2009) 1040s (federal tax returns), all pages and schedules. If a borrower is a partnership. 7. Most recent two years K-1s and partnership returns (in addition to personal 1040s). If a borrower is a corporation. 8. Most recent two years corporate returns (in addition to personal 1040s)
Eye Candy
This door knob was on a 1930's home in the Redwood Heights district of Oakland. This particular property sold needing repairs and TLC, I hope that the new owners keep this knob as it is a piece of art.
