This Mid-Century Home in Oakland, Ca. Has Life!

The keys are exchanged and the torch is passed.

I have had the great opportunity to work with many clients over the years and match them with houses that fit their personalities. Recently, my client Jorg came to me with a few items on his property wish list:

1. A home walking distance to shops
   
2. A property with a spectacular view
   
3. An older home with character
4. An Oakland home

Shortly into our home search we found the perfect house in the Upper Rockridge District of Oakland. Mr. and Mrs. Dondero purchased this piece of land in the early 1940's, but because of World War II they were unable to break ground for sometime. After 20 oak trees were removed from the lot, the Dondero's discovered that the house had a panoramic view. After discovering the breath taking San Francisco, Berkeley and downtown Oakland views, the house was designed to bring the view into almost every room. Being a prominent stone builder in San Francisco, Mr. Dondero integrated a variety of stone from various prestigious San Francisco buildings into his home. The walls are Venetian plaster, (Venetian plaster is a mixture of gypsum, sand and lime or mix of aged slaked lime, ground marble dust, and pigment. This mixture is usually tinted or colored before it is applied with a spatula or trowel.) Because the color is in the mixture, one can simply sand the walls when they are dirty or scuffed instead of painting them. After 59 years the walls are in fantastic condition.

This Oakland home has a distinct mid-century modern flare, on a level lot with courtyard and terraced backyard, immense rooms, floor to ceiling windows, stacked flagstone fireplace and more.

Well designed and constructed, most of the features and finishes are original and in pristine condition. Over the years there were a few enhancements, the stove that needed replacement was replaced with a Jenn-Air range complete with an oversized stainless steel hood, and the old absestos roof that saved this home from destruction during the Oakland Hills fire of 1991 was replaced with a composite tile roof, then topped with solar panels. At the close of escrow Jorg and I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Dondero as he gave us the guided tour of his masterpiece. Mr. Dondero remembered every nuance, every step and it was with pride and honor that he handed Jorg the keys.

Espaller is a horticultural technique of training trees, by pruning and grafting them to grow into this flat angular design. Popular in Europe fruit trees can grow in courtyards or against fences, yield fruit without taking up much space. I think this old world technique is stunning. Mr. Dondero says this lemon tree has been here for years.

The wooden cut-out panels that cover the windows that flank the front door have hinges and locks and open easily to clean the windows. The wooden angles remind me of a Greek key pattern.

Mr. Dondero is telling Jorg all of his secrets to maintaining the backyard and drains

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Suspend Foreclosures for Homeowners

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have directed their network of providers to suspend foreclosures and evictions proceedings from November 26th, 2008 thru January 9, 2009. The Streamlined Modification Program is scheduled for December 15th allowing delinquent borrowers who qualify to re-negotiate the terms of their loans to lower payments to no more than 38% of borrowers gross income.

Eligibility is determined by several factors: Homeowners must be 90 days or more late in their mortgage payments, owe at least 90% of their home's current value, live in the home on which the mortgage was taken and have not filed for bankruptcy.

For more information, click here.

Historic Oakland Craftsman Home in the Grand Lake District of Oakland

The other week, I visited 990 Vermont Street in the Grand Lake District of Oakland.  As I walked up the front steps and was greeted by the over sized front porch, I felt an immediate sense of comfort.  The inviting diamond latticed window panes, the rustic hardwood floors and  substantial rooms make this property feel like the perfect place to live, relax and entertain.  I learned that Ms. Dorothy Buckley owned this property for nearly 60 years, and it is evident that this house was well preserved. 990 Vermont is perfect for someone looking for original craftsman woodwork and a great walking neighborhood. (This property needs foundation help.  Many people fear foundation replacement, but you can live in a house while replacing the foundation. Contact me with your foundation questions. I purchased a home that needed major foundation work, and I have helped many homebuyers purchase homes with foundation problems. I have great resources and a list of reputable foundation professionals for the Oakland-Berkeley area and I am happy to share.) This home is currently listed with Valva Realty and I would be happy to schedule a showing.

Bay Area Weekend!

This Saturday I plan to attend the Bi-Rite Creamery Chocolate Bar Launch Party at Charles Chocolates in Emeryville.

Cost: FREE

Time: 1-5 pm- Location: Charles Chocolates Chocolate Bar 6529 Hollis St. Emeryville, CA 94608Contact: 510-652-4412 ext. 311 or events@charleschocolates.comTickets: Please RSVP to guarantee admission at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/47291

This Sunday enjoy Cornucopia: A Black Pine Circle Arts and Crafts Festival in West Berkeley

West Berkeley’s only Arts & Crafts Festival, unites residents, artists, and independent businesses in a celebration of qualities and values that make West Berkeley thrive. corn•u•co•pia brings together a multitude of entertainment, art activities, art and food vendors, and neighbors that represent the diversity and abundance of talent and ingenuity of this neighborhood. There is unity in diversity and nothing demonstrates this more than corn•u•co•pia.

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - 2016 7th Street and on the 7th Street block between Addison St. and University Ave.

For more information click here.

Creative Oakland Parents Make a Difference for Oakland Public Schools

(click on the picture to enlarge.)
Over the weekend, Redwood Heights Elementary School had their annual Harvest for Learning School Auction. This highly successful event is entirely organized and hosted by Redwood Heights Elementary School parents and it raised over $50,000 for the school. This event takes months of careful planning and I am happy to be a part of the auction committee.

This past October, Crocker Highland's Elementary School PTA hosted the Shades of Green Home Tour, showcasing the beautiful 1920's homes in Crocker Highland with a Green Garden Expo. (Click Here for more information on Shades of Green.) All of the proceeds went to Crocker Highland's Elementary School. This Wednesday Messy Monkey Arts presents, (with the help of Peralta parents) an art show at Swarm Gallery to benefit Peralta Elementary School. Click Here for more information.
Despite all of the negative media coverage, Oakland Public School District has great schools with great families.

Sold with Skill, Oakland, Ca.

This year I had the pleasure of helping Patri prepare and sell her beloved home in the Redwood Heights community of Oakland.
The three pictures below show the progression of the before and after.





Below is the note that Patri sent me after we successfully sold her home.

Dear Deidre, 
I wanted to  take a minute out of my busy schedule to thank you for all of your help in selling my home.  I really appreciated all of your creativity.  You had great ideas in the preparation and marketing of my home.  You undersood how much the house meant to my son and I, and took great care to showcase the special qualities that meant so much to us.  You were sensitive to my needs and had my interest at  heart.  Selling a home can be scary, especially in our current market, and it was great to have you oversee the entire process, and be available for all my questions.  From the start you were right there, with honest answers, and great support. It was good to count on your unpressured help.
 
I would absolutely use you again!  I would be happy to serve as a reference to anyone who is considering using your services.
 
Thanks again, 
Patri

Picture of the Day - Oakland, California

Pictured above is a can of Campbell's Alphabet Soup, also known as Theo.  Theo is the very happy and adorable cousin of two Redwood Heights students, Eli and Josh.  Theo is dancing to the music of the school band during the Redwood Heights Halloween Parade.

Sad To See Businesses Go

I took this photo as the vertical sign from this vintage establishment was being removed.

This was the home of Walter Bennett Camera on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland. It is sad to see that after over 55 years in business this boutique camera store closed its doors. Understandably people were opting to purchase their cameras online or at larger electronic stores to save a few bucks. I admit, the last camera that I purchased was at a big electronic store in Emeryville as I wanted to purchase a camera at a cheaper price and with an extended warranty. The fact is we take these small businesses for granted; we walk pass them while they are in business and then we realize how much we miss them when they are gone.

Two years ago my family needed passport pictures and we got immediate service at Walter Bennett Camera. 

This holiday purchase unique gifts from smaller, independent stores. Email me if you would like to receive my holiday newsletter with great discounts on Oakland and Berkeley businesses.