Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

Anyone can come join in on the fun and run in these two great upcoming events in Novato to raise money for charity and the local community. I hope to see you out there at one or both of these events!

MARIN MOONLIGHT RUN - 5K/10K on September 25th 7:45pm Start Time

This run will take place under the full moon at the Hamilton Marsh.  You can register online at www.urbancoyoteracing.com  All you need to bring is a flashlight or headlamp and the glow sticks will be provided.  The is an all age event and super fun for families and singles alike.  What a great way to raise some money for our community.  Proceeds will go to the Novato Youth Financial Assistance Program in partnership with City of Novato.  The cost is 5k/$40 and 10k/$50. There are volunteer opportunities for those who wish to help out and run for free...just go on the website for more info.  See the course map below.

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Congratulations to our buyer that just closed escrow on a great condo in Oakland's Jingletown area for the awesome value of $300,000!

This 1 bedroom (plus den) condo was built in 2005 and is 806 square feet. It features a nicely appointed kitchen, spacious closets and a balcony overlooking this hip, artsy neighborhood that is part of Oakland's Fruitvale District.

The location is only 1 block from the Oakland Estuary and the Bay Trail, and just minutes from BART as well as shopping in Fruitvale and Alameda.

If you're looking to purchase your next home here in Oakland, please don't hesitate to reach out anytime. We'd love...

Loans for first-time buyers tend to be more restrictive, especially in the realm of Jumbo financing. Down payment requirements and credit scores are expected to be higher and overall loan sizes are generally scaled down. Here is a loan program to get around these limitations and the financing terms are highly competitive. Financing is offered on a range of products (30-year fixed, 5 and 7-year fixed ARMS) and is structured with an 80% first mortgage and a 5% second for down payments as low as 15% on loans to $1.5 Million. (This supports a purchase price just shy of $1,765,000.) 5% equity lines are offered with favorable margins as well as 30-year fixed second mortgages. Pricing is highly competitive and the program is quite well-suited to the needs of first-time buyers or those with limited down payment funds.

• OK for first-time buyers.
• 720 minimum credit score. (Most Jumbos...

I'm excited to present my newest listing, a spacious contemporary home located at 247 Elizabeth Way in San Rafael.

Located in the desirable Forbes / Fairhill area of San Rafael, 247 Elizabeth Way is a light-filled 4BR / 3.5 BA custom built home which is not to be missed by discerning home buyers.    This spacious (3,354 sq ft per tax records) home has a fabulous open floor plan and features:

• 4 bedrooms including 2 master suites (one on the mail level)
• 2 large living / family rooms with fireplaces and soaring vaulted ceilings
• Remodeled kitchen with contemporary cabinetry, a custom wine cabinet, Heath ceramic tile and Cesarstone...

Matt and I receive daily inquiries from people living in San Francisco who are starting to consider purchasing across the Bay in Oakland.  Some potential buyers have a mix of curiosity and nervousness when considering Oakland and they count on us to share our candid feedback about their needs, circumstances, and the types of properties that fit their wish lists. Matt and I live in and love Oakland so we're always sharing about our experiences.

Something for Everyone in Oakland 

Recently, Dwell just featured 5 Modern Homes in Oakland on their blog. We loved the slideshow and showcase of eco-friendly materials, the charm of the updated Victorian, and the aesthetic of the...

Congratulations to our buyers that just closed escrow on a great loft at 1201 Pine St., #132 in West Oakland for $460,000!

This 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo is on the 1st and 2nd floors and faces a lush courtyard area. Built in 2009, it still looks like a brand new home! The lower level features an open layout and patio, and the upper level features a huge master suite with an office area.

This unit is located in the Pacific Cannery Lofts, a great community located in the hip West...

Are you an Oakland resident that wants to learn more about all the varied neighborhoods in our city? Or perhaps you're considering a move to Oakland and want to familiarize yourself with the area?

Be sure to check out the walking tours hosted by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. These tours are held throughout the summer and are each focused on a specific part of Oakland. Tours range from $10-$25 in cost, and are designed to be as manageable as possible and to avoid steep hills.

There are three remaining tours for this summer, which are as follows:

Saturday, August 29^th at 10 AM - Laurel District Tour: This tour explores the Laurel District and it's history as the center of Oakland's dairy industry. 

Sunday, August 30^th...

Part II - Real Estate 2015

Get ready for  Part #2 of the Real Estate Saga of 2015.  The curtain rises right after Labor Day. We see the same pattern every year.  Although real estate is changing hands all year round, there is always an increase in number of listings and closings between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.  So for all of you who are waiting for an increase in inventory, stay tuned. There are better times ahead!

One would assume that it would be prime time to sell/buy in the summer since kids are out of school, the weather is great (= gardens show beautifully), people are off work and thus have more time... but no. It seems like the drop in activity has to do with peoples' vacation schedules. Everyone needs time OFF.

People always ask me: "When is the best time to sell"?  My answer would be spring and fall. Anytime early spring until mid July is great and that is what I would refer to as "part I". Usually homes sell for...