It is really cool that we have a lake in the middle of our city! Year-round Lake Merritt is Oakland's most popular gym. (I say this with no statistical data!) Recently, I have been a major exercise slacker! So I am posting this to self motivate.
This Old House! Vintage Oakland Home
I am so excited about my newest listing! Every home has a story to tell and I found 3933 Maple Avenue to be a particularly interesting story. Built in 1923, this house is a store-front residence and was published in" Images of America, Oakland Hills". 87 years later the store front windows and redwood exterior is completely intact! For more photos, click here!
Oakland is THE food haven of the East Bay
Jack London Night
Yes, I said it! Sure I realize that Chez Panise in Berkeley is the birth place for California Cuisine, (and Berkeley has great restaurants), but in recent years Oakland has moved the real food movement forward. There are many restaurants here that serve locally grown and delicious food. This weekend was all about the food, as we had the Eat Real Festival in Jack London Square. This festival is all about sustainable food, with the goal of making real food as accessible as fast food. As an Oaklander, I was happy to see a stellar turn-out with tons of people outside enjoying the food, drink and music at Oakland's waterfront. I will be honest, the lines were long, so I only selected a few spots to indulge.
sweet!
Friday night was majority a dessert night. My son, daughter and I parked, walked through Jack London, stopped in the Decade With No Name exhibit, a celebration of the sculptors, painters, photographers and street artists who call Oakland, Berkeley and the greater East Bay home. After walking the booths we all decided that we had to try, Sweet, absurdly creamy crème brulée. Rob of Sweet had various flavors, such as Grand Marnier, Coffee and Vanilla. You walk up select a flavor and they burn the cream while you wait. Unbelievably good. Next we stopped by Jack London's newest additions, Miette. Miette is an incredibly irresistible bakery, featuring cupcakes, cakes, cookies, ice cream sandwiches and rarely found candy bars such as Sky Bar and Flake. The creme fraiche ice cream sandwiches are incredible. Miette began at the Berkeley Farmer's Market and now has locations in the San Francisco Ferry Building in San Francisco and Jack London Square in Oakland.
miettesandwich
As the sunset, we headed over to Bocanova, for dinner. (For a detailed review, check out my Yelp page, Deidre J.) This place was hopping! With a full bar, handsome interior and gorgeous Oakland setting this place was the hang outfor Oaklanders.
Day Two of the Eat Real Fest brought out a more food carts and quite a crowd. The best of show was Gerard's Paella. Seen on Throw Down with Bobby Flay on the Food Network, Gerard takes freshly caught seafood and makes monster pans of paella. His set-up is unreal! Worth the wait in line, this was the best lunch that I have had in weeks.
paella
paella2
Coming soon to The Oakland Berkeley Journal, food trucks around the town. Bon Appetite!
Come Visit Aunt Judy's House
More Than Flowers
Why had I not visited Arjan Flowers before? I have passed this Piedmont Avenue boutique many times over the last 11 months it has been open for business. Somehow I missed it! Better late than never. Proprietor, Mina is gracious, knowledgeable and is the perfect hostess. She answered tons of questions, potted a staghorn fern that I purchased, and after an enjoyable visit she left me wanting more. Expect arrangements with branches, fruit and unusual findings. In fact during my visit a customer presented Mina with blackberries on the vine from her garden for Mina to incorporate into her arrangements. Marvel at the photos below.
walnuts on the branch
walnuts
There is a nut in there
flowers!
It Is Artichoke Season
In addition to being a beautiful centerpiece on your dining room table, artichokes are mouthwatering when they are in season. The other day, I picked up a few local artichokes at Berkeley Bowl West for $1 each and my daughter and I indulged in the savory treat after my tedious cleaning and de-thorning. (yes, I realize de-thorning is not in the dictionary.) Artichokes are native to Southern Europe, but are cultivated in California. Artichokes flourish in a cooler, coastal climates and we are lucky to have these sweet, tangy, nutty tasting edible flowers, so close to home. Here is how I prepared them:
Elmwood Glory
When I was thirteen, I took the bus to the Julia Morgan Center for my bi-weekly dance classes. If I had the chance, I would stop by Sweet Dreams and spend a dollar of my allowance on super sour gummy candies. The Elmwood was always an idyllic neighborhood to me. Even at age 13 I loved the charm of the early 1900's homes. The location couldn't and still can't be beat, close to everything! UC Campus, Rockridge, BART, WholeFoods and the Claremont district of Oakland/Berkeley.
At one time the shops of the Elmwood were sparse, but within the last few years new life has created a rebirth.
Today, Labels had their grand opening, showcasing two stories of gently used and some new designer accessories, handbags, shoes and jewelery.
The Dailey Methodis another recent addition to the corner of Ashby and College, offering strength and stretching classes with a heavy emphasis on your core.
Ici is my favorite ice cream shop! Yes, you might find me in that long line on College Avenue.
Summer Kitchen and Bakeshop, serves re-imagined take-away food.
The Elmwood Cafe, is the Ozzie's Soda Fountain reinvented.
Lola Home, was established in 2005 and brings inspiration to your to your walls, table and office.
What are homes selling for in this neighborhood?
Since January 1, 2010, a total of 10 - 3 (or more) bedroom, 2 (or more) bathroom homes have sold in the Elmwood. With an average list price of $1,085,800 and an average sold price of $1,112,337, selling on average in 23 days.
Here are Some Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
1. Buy a cross-cut type shredder and be sure to shred all personal and card info, especially approved credit applications. 2. Be careful of "Dumpster Diving." Make sure that you do not throw anything away that someone could use to become you.
3. Be careful at ATM's and using phone cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can get your "Pin Number" and get access to your accounts.
4. Cancel all credit cards that you do not use or have not used in 6 months. Thieves use these very easily - open credit is a prime target.
5. Put passwords on all your accounts and do not use your mother's maiden name. Make up a fictitious word.
6. Empty your wallet of all extra credit cards and social security numbers, etc. Do not carry any identifiers you do not need. Don't carry your birth certificate, social security card, or passport, unless necessary.
Coming Soon to Redwood Heights, Oakland
As you walk along the path to the front door of 3390 Guido you will enjoy the cool breeze and shelter of the pine tree above. Once you cross the threshold of the front door the the large rooms, easy floor-plan and cheery kitchen will capture your heart. This house was rescued 8 years ago. Once a victim of a fire and re-built with plain white cabinetry and ordinary vinyl flooring, Ellyn gave this house new life and made it a home. In the last eight years this house has had updated bathrooms, updated kitchen, new furnace, new hot water heater, seismic strengthening, new drainage, new landscaping, new interior and exterior paint and lots of love! Open Sunday July 18th, 2010 from 2-4 - 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, offered at $615,000
Montclair Redo to View
Montclair is an area of Oakland above Highway 13 between Broadway Terrace and Park Boulevard, with properties built from the 1920's to new construction. The appeal is the woodsy setting and in many parts of Montclair you will get the feeling that you are away from it all, yet so close to the city vibe. 5687 Florence Terrace is a 3 bathroom, 2+ bedroom home, currently on the market for $698,000. The cool thing is you are only two blocks up from Mountain Boulevard which is a straight shot to Montclair Village, (a retail and restaurant district of this area), yet you feel like you are in a very private, lush nook. Set back from the street, with drought resistant perennials flowers and paver-stone hardscape this house is very striking and handsome. Once inside the three sets of french doors to the grand balcony will capture your heart. The simple and tasteful white decor is minimalist, meets Shabby Chic, meets East Coast beach house. The owners of this house have done tons of upgrades from structural improvements to fantastic cabinetry and this house is truly a move-in and hang your artwork house. This property has been renovated tastefully, yet it retains all of the essence of 1923 the year it was built, making it a must see.
The Murals of Rocky Rische-Baird
Have you driven or walked by the corners of 11th and Broadway and 41st and Piedmont in Oakland and remarked about the murals that depict the Key System Stations that operated streetcars and bus lines throughout the East Bay (and a commuter rail and ferry to San Francisco) from 1903 until 1948 and wondered who this talented artist is in our midst? His name is Rocky Rische-Baird and this native of Northern California who splits his time between the Bay Area and the village of Putney, Vermont. Rische-Baird self describes his art as representative of the unity between nature, self and the idea that the human mind retains past memories. However it is interpreted, his art has an other-worldly quality that is mesmerizing and gives us a peek into Oakland’s unique history. Love them!
Broadway Mural
mural on 41st
Redwood Heights, Worth a Second Look!
Wow, this week my son Miles is graduating from Redwood Heights Elementary School! Ten years ago, when my husband and I purchased our home in this neighborhood, I was so excited that my children would be attending my former school. I have been a Redwood Heights parent for the last nine years, kindergarten - 5th grade for both my daughter, Nia and son, Miles. I love my neighborhood, very down to earth, yet full of life. Recently Redwood Heights home prices took a slight dip in price, making this a great time to consider a move to this neighborhood.
This charming neighborhood, with a neighborhood association established in 1944, is the perfect place to purchase a home. From storybook Tudors to mid-century ranch homes and prices currently ranging between $550,000 - $750,000, this neighborhood is full of value. Redwood Heights residences like myself appreciate this satisfying community with Redwood Heights Elementary School and Recreation Center at the heart. I really enjoy the social nature of the neighborhood - it is common that folks wave to me as I am driving or walking during my daily chores.
Above you will see the newest addition to Redwood Heights Elementary, our retaining walls are now studded with a handcrafted mosaic mural the vision of neighbors and artists, Claudia Goodman - Hough and Pam Consear.
This summer enjoy the outdoors as the recreation center with “Movies in the Park” at dusk on select Fridays. Grab a sweater and a lawn chair and head over to 3883 Aliso Ave.
June 25 - The Wizard of Oz
July 9 - The Princess Bride
July 24 - Bolt
Residents participate in an annual Oaktown Scavenger Hunt put on by parents of Redwood Heights Elementary, just one of many community events hosted by Redwood Heights Elementary School parents.
The Story Behind the Latham Sculpture
Oakland is the home of amazing people, both past and present, and James and Henrietta Latham were no exception. James, a Wells Fargo representative and his wife Henrietta, had three children, Charles, Milton and Edith and were dedicated to the value of all living things, including the way children were educated. His brother Milton, a prominent California senator, was the 6th governor of California. James died in 1876 and Henrietta remarried a Mr. Dwight, continuing her passion for “the speechless ones” through watercolor painting, and by writing one of the first vegetarian cookbooks, published in 1898, called The Golden Age Cook-Book. The gorgeous bronze sculpture located at Telegraph and Broadway in Oakland was a gift from their children as a tribute to their humanity. Created by Raphael Charles Peyre, a French sculptor, it depicts several scenes including a cherub restraining a man from beating a donkey, and the bowls surrounding the base were intended as horse water troughs. Henrietta Latham Dwight died in Paris in 1909 and was buried in Oakland in 1910.
writing on sculpture
Visit Oakland’s Own Great Wall
Every first Friday of the month, with the next screening on June 4th, the Great Wall of Oakland presents a curated screening of video art and films from artists in Europe, Canada and the United States. A series of 100-foot by 100-foot moving images are projected onto the back wall of 2201 Broadway. The Wall faces West Grand Avenue between Broadway and Valley Street, next door to Luka’s Taproom and Lounge in Oakland’s Uptown district. Don’t miss this dramatic cutting edge motion art! Click here for more information.
Are You The All Cash Buyer?
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.
