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.
Rotten Rot
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
