The Oakland Berkeley Journal has a new look.  Subscribers will need to go to, www.TheOaklandBerkeleyJournal.com and subscribe again.  Thanks for your support and interest!

Deidre

The Oakland Berkeley Journal has moved!!!!

The Oakland Berkeley Journal has a new home! www.TheOaklandBerkeleyJournal.com.
My new site is on Word Press with great new features such as a search bar to search for topics that you want to read.

Thanks for your support and interest!

Deidre

Stylish and Immaculate Bungalow in Temescal, (Oakland)

672 57th Street is located on the Temescal/North Oakland border.  Close to Berkeley, the Ashby Bart, Children's Hospital and the cool shops of the Temescal District of Oakland.

I love how the landscape architect owner renovated his turn of the century bungalow.  This home has two cool claw foot bathtubs, rustic douglas fir floors and bold columns from the era in which it was built; yet it has modern additions such as skylights and tube lighting, newer energy saving windows and silky smooth walls with no cracks !  (I have a huge appreciation for the details in a home.)  The built-in cabinetry in the dining room have been clean, sanded and painted so the drawers work like they did in 1907 when this beauty was built.

This home is listed by Red Oak Realty and I will be holding it open for my colleagues Leif and Charity this Sunday, February 22nd  from 2-4.

Buying A Home In Oakland? Buying A Home In Berkeley?

This photo is from the California Online Archives. Oak trees at Mosswood Park in Oakland
When you buy a home you buy a piece of the street and a part of the city.


Growing up and still living in Oakland, I often run into people I know. I can see the distress on folks faces as they ask me how business is. You can't avoid all of media coverage regarding the declining real estate market. One would think that the entire real estate market has collapsed. Oddly enough my pressure-free, no nonsense approach to real estate has paid off and 2008 was a great year for my clients and I. Last month Red Oak Realty awarded me a Managers Award for 2008.

So let's just look at real estate in Oakland and Berkeley.
Since January 1st 2009, 326 residential properties have sold! (The first 47 days of this year)
Compare this to 345 properties sold between the same time period in 2004
390 properties sold between the same time period in 2005
361 properties sold between the same time period in 2006
332 properties sold between the same time period in 2007
Only 186 properties sold between the same time period in 2008 - the start of one of our worst real estate years.
To make this short, buyers back.

In Berkeley the average home price for properties that sold since January 2009 are as followed: average list price was $624,990 and the average sold price was $612,637. Sellers are getting 98% of their asking price on average.
In Oakland as a whole, the average home price for properties that have sold since January 2009 are as followed: the average list price was $ 79,464 and the average sold price was $84,599.
When I searched for homes in select neighborhoods of Oakland, Rockridge, Redwood Heights, Montclair, Grand Lake, Glenview, Lincoln Heights and Upper Rockridge the numbers went up drastically. The average list price was $601,102 and the average sold price was $582,941, seller are getting 97 percent of their asking price. (these statistics include condos and homes of all sizes.)

So what does this all mean? Well with 743 homes currently pending, (in contract to close escrow) in Oakland and 51 homes currently pending in Berkeley, buyers are feeling like now is a great time to buy a home in Oakland and Berkeley. There are experts that say the market will drop another 8-10% in the next year as unemployment increases and more mortgage interest rates adjust, but if you are trying to "time" the real estate market perfectly, you could miss the bottom and find yourself in a market that has increased in value. Berkeley median home price actually increase by 2% for the fourth quarter in 2008.

Consider this:

• It looks like Congress will increase the first time home buyers credit to $8,000 from $7,500. What more, this credit will not have to be paid back!
• As stocks seem more and more volatile and the health of major companies are uncertain, real estate historically proves to be a sound investment for long term wealth.
• With the Bay Areas ideal weather, are very close commute to San Francisco and UC Berkeley in our backyard, the Bay Area will always be highly desired.
• If you are now in a position to buy a home, buy the absolute best location you can afford. Work with a reputable local Realtor who is in touch with the Oakland and Berkeley neighborhoods and understands the subtle nuances that can make a difference in future resell value.

Shop Oakland on a Budget - Issues Magazine Shop

Proprietor Noella

Here is a snapshot that I took of the cool paintings by Olivia Allums on the wall of Issues last December.

Okay, I know I am urging you to get out and support your local businesses of Oakland and Berkeley and here is one more shop to put on your to-do list. Issues Magazine Shop at 20 Glen Avenue off of Piedmont Avenue in Oakland is an ultra cool magazine-media shop featuring magazines from all over the globe. Issues - 510-652-5700

So if you need a pick me up without spending the entire contents of your wallet, stop by Issues for a French Vogue or Atomic Ranch Magazine.

Every time I stop by, proprietor Noella always has a smile on her face. Last December Issues had a special art exhibit featuring Olivia Allums. Issues commissioned Olivia to paint historic signs of Oakland businesses. I arrived at the gala about 45 minutes after it started and found that most of the 30 collection were already sold. Olivia has been requested to make a second edition of these works. I already have put my name on the waiting list for painting of Giant Burgers. (Back in the day, this burger joint had a cult following.)

Support Your Local Farmer's Markets!

This is one of my favorite vegetables, Broccolini sauted with garlic and olive oil.

Photo by Deidre

Today, I did my usual Sunday morning drill, stop by the Montclair Village Peet's Coffee, pick up my soy latte and head to the Montclair Village Farmer's Market. (Open Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm on La Salle between Mountain and Medau.) The market was a bit empty today, but the farmers were out with their freshly picked harvest. Today I left with a bag of broccolini, cilantro, sweet red peppers and garlic.

I just finished making a cilantro pesto:
1 bunch of fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic
1 sweet red pepper
1/4 of a red onion
1/4 cup olive oil
salt to taste

blend in the blender until smooth

This potent mixture is a great addition to your freezer. Freeze this mixture in an ice cube tray and add sparingly to soups, rice, chili, or anything that you want to give a big boost of south of the border flavor.

You have to buy a big bag of broccollini while it is available. Simply wash and sauté with olive oil and a few cloves of crushed garlic. Cook until the broccolini turns bright green, (3-5 minutes only - look at the photo of the broccolini above) and add salt.

Enjoy!

Oakland's Best Tuna Sandwich

Sandwich extraordinaire Jeff, a Genova staple.

I have been patronizing Genova Deli for two decades. This deli with a cult following use to be located in a small hole in the wall location on Telegraph Avenue in what is now called the Temescal district of Oakland. Of course at that time there was no Temescal District with Pizzaiolo, Dona Thomas or Bakesale Betty and more. Folks would drive out of there way and stand in long lines to get a Genova sandwich. About 10 years or so ago, Genova moved to its present and large location just down the street,(from its former location) 5095 Telegraph Ave. (510-652-7401)

Every week I head over to Genova to get my beloved tuna sandwich complete with all of the trimmings. This is the best tuna sandwich in town! I love their tuna topped with the crunch of the sliced pickles and iceberg lettuce,(no micro greens!), the spice of the peppercinis and their signature vinaigrette. Come here when you are craving a great sandwich from a true Italian deli.

Montclair, (Oakland) Real Estate

This photo is of a home that was for lease last year in Montclair. The house is constructed from an old water vessel.

Montclair is a coveted neighborhood locally known for having an "in the country" style of living. With its charming village, walking trails and proximity to both nature and highways into San Francisco, downtown Oakland and Walnut Creek, its no wonder why it is one of the prime places to live in the city of Oakland. After reviewing the recently sold properties in the area, the price per square foot, the days the properties were on the market and the overall condition of the homes in the vicinty, I can honestly tell you that there is no true formula to determining value. But here goes my opinion anyway…

There are about 5 areas of Montclair, that consist of the following:
The Piedmont side of Montclair which include homes west of highway 13 and border the upscale city of Piedmont.
The Piedmont Pines area, with homes between the streets of Ascot and Shepherd Canyon.
The area off of Thornhill within walking distance to Montclair's Villiage and commonly known as the Fernwood area
The area whose homes stud the streets between Thornhill and Broadway Terrace, (above the highway 13) sometimes referred to as "Broadway Terrace".
And finally, neighborhoods simply called Montclair.

Montclair is architecturally diverse, boasting homes built in the 1920's and 30's, as well as mid-century modern homes which were built in the 70's, 80's, 90's on. Montclair has the most eclectic variety of styles in Oakland- tudors, mid centuries, cottages and ski chalets! The one caveat to Montclair is its unfortunate proximity to the Hayward fault line which runs adjacent to Highway 13.

The properties that always seem to move quickly and sell high usually have level lay-outs, abundant privacy and some yard and garden/outdoor area. Last summer I was house hunting for one young couple in particular who desired a home in Montclair. I spent a lot of time there and learned there were several homes that were on the market for over 80 days that fit most of their criteria in regards to bedrooms (3), bathrooms (at least 2) and square footage (1,700+), but unfortunately, not one of these houses felt like home. One Thursday during the broker's tour that takes place there every week from 10am to 1pm, I viewed one particular home off of Shepherd Canyon. I knew immediately, after simply stepping through the front door, that this was a house they would want to see IMMEDIATELY. I called them from the entryway and scheduled an appointment that night...Long story short, in a market that had been languishing, there were three offers on this home. It stood out from the rest and every buyer knew it. But within one week we made it to the end and were the winning offer. (Surprisingly we were not the highest offer, but that's another story. Feel free to email me to find out the reasons why.) So here is the skinny on why this house was so desirable.. It had a private backyard, only about 10 stairs to the front door, it was not perched on a cliff, (Many homes in Montclair are very vertical and sit on a pier foundation system.) the layout was nearly level with very large rooms and a kitchen facing the backyard and opened to a patio. Additionally this house was well maintained, all of the improvements were made for the previous owners enjoyment, (not hastily made for re-sale purposes.) Buyers look for quality and they can not be fooled by just a slick coat of fresh paint. Most importantly, it was priced right!

Here are a few recent addresses of homes that sold quickly in Montclair Village because they were priced correctly at just under the market value, (pricing a home over market value, even as little as 5% can cost a seller 5-10% of their final selling price). 6725 Sims was on the market for 10 days before it went pending, listed at $694,900 and sold for $695,000. 40 Neva Court was listed at $1,150,000 and sold for $1,241,000 and it was on the market for 15 days before it went pending. Both of these homes were vacant when listed, so potential buyers had the ability to view the homes easily. Both were also staged, painted and void of the sellers personal effect, which also tend to work in the seller's advantage.

I apologize that I can't provide you with a magic formula on how to buy a home in Montclair. But, let me leave you with this…I have spoken to many home buyers who have been relocated from urban areas and have said, "If I am going to move to Oakland it has got to be Montclair, I enjoy the eculyptus in the air and feeling that only Montclair has. You'd never know you were in a city!" The question I always ask my buyer clients is "How does this home make you feel?" and then "Will this house fit your life style needs for the next 5-10 years, or more?"

So as you look at your Montclair home and contemplate whether to sell, don't try to guess it's value, and if you drive past a Montclair home, and try to guess if you can indeed afford to buy there, remember to call me, a local Realtor, who knows Montclair and loves it just as much as you do!


I love that this home appears to be a mid-century home with clean lines and that it is adjacent to the Montclair Village walking trail.

Oakland Artist Worth a Look

Oakland Potter, Whitney Smith

As a child, I always knew that I like nice things. I didn't always know how to articulate my likes and dislikes, but I was always drawn to quality. When I was in my early twenties, I managed an Il Fornaio Panetteria in Marin and met local artist, Sylvia Verange. Very soon Sylvia and I were friends and the next thing I knew I was purchasing art from her on lay-away.

I think I was first drawn to art as an apartment dweller. I could beautify my apartment without investing money into a property that I didn't own. When it was time to move, I could pack up my beautiful objects!

Last December I stumbled upon Oakland potter, Whitney Smith. As I walked into Whitney's Oakland studio I was immediately taken with the fresh and unpretentious works of art. Influenced by Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts and with a floral design background, Whitney has fresh designs anchored with an Old World feel. Whitney says she likes the look and feel of old things and antiques. She tries to emulate the craftmanship of an earlier time.

Check out Whitney's website, www.whitneysmithpottery.com and add a piece of fine pottery to your art collection.





This pomegranate vase is beautiful, affordable and a great Valentine's gift. (You can order this on Whitney's website.)

Marzano Restaurant in Oakland

Marzano's is a neighborhood pizzeria features salads, appetizers, thin crust pizza, a few seasonal entrees, weekend brunch, soft serve house-made gelato and  a full bar.

A few years back I admired a beautiful Mediterranean building on Park Boulevard in Oakland. The State Farm insurance office that had occupied this building vacated and as I drove past this vacant building daily, I wished that a cool business would negotiate a lease and set up shop here.

Last December John Hurley of Garibaldi Restaurant and his partners opened Marzano Restaurant in this fabulous space.  Eager to sample the offerings I visited Marzano right away, and to be truthful there were a few flaws.  Being that I managed restaurants for nearly 15 years, I knew that many restaurants need a few weeks be able to run as a well oiled machine. Since that initial visit, I enjoyed Saturday brunch and a Wednesday night dinner.  With both meals I had fantastic service and scrumptious food. I am so happy to have a beautiful and delicious neighborhood restaurant close to home! 

Proprietor John Hurley and Diana Parker

Marzano Restaurant

4214 Park Boulevard

Oakland, Ca. 94602

510-531-4500

marzanorestaurant.com