I Know What I Did Last Summer

I love winter. I say it all the time. My friends think I'm nuts; I live in California, don't I? I should want the palm trees, sand, beaches... That's all fine, but I prefer a cool mossy fern grove on the shady side of a mountain. Northern California isn't the classic place to find palm trees and warm sandy beaches anyway; it's cold here right now and I could use a space heater next to me and the computer. Normally I'd say this cold makes me a little happy; bring on the rain etc. Right now though, I'd like a day of hot weather; just a day, then it can go back to cold and wet again. Yes, reading my last post might make me sound indecisive. So what? Here's a bit of what we should all be doing right now:

Water Water Everywhere

This time of year, with rain on the horizon, I start thinking about water; how much I use and how I can cut back. I want to share some useful information with as many people as I can reach, so read on:

Maybe you've always wondered how well you are conserving water at home? Order this self-survey kit from the East Bay Municipal Utility District and see what steps you can take to improve your habits and systems at home and work. Then, allow EBMUD to shower gifts upon you! They will give you free faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, and other water-saving devices and information, just because you cared enough to participate in the survey and needed some new equipment. Lucky you.

It's Raining Money, Hallelujeh!

I say it all the time to my clients, but I want to make sure I pass the information along here too: The East Bay Municipal Utility District will pay you, yes I said pay you to upgrade your old, ineffiencient, water and energy-wasting appliances and systems.

They operate a rebate system where you may receive several hundred dollars for changing out your toilets, clothes washer and even landscaping, and replacing them with models or systems that incorporate water conserving elements. Go to their website now and read about how you can reduce your water use and maybe even your utility bill!

By the way, EBMUD is an amazing resource in other ways: they offer free water-saving devices like low flow shower heads and faucet aerators, just because you ask! Are you a teacher, or would you like your child's school to incorporate conservation education into their curriculum? Visit this page to learn about the classroom materials and school garden programs they offer.

I could go on, and I will (but later!), about everything you can find on the EBMUD site that will make your conservation efforts at home easier and your utility bills a little smaller. I hope you learn that when you take a few simple steps to actively conserve our natural resources, you feel good about it, and pass the information along to friends and colleagues.

Huh? -And the New Headlines

Please forgive the lunatic ravings in my last post, below. I'll admit it; it was a slow real estate day and I let my mind wander a little too far from my desk. By the way that was not, I repeat not, a photo of my desk. The owner of that desk (if we can call that paper mountain a desk) shall remain nameless.

Word on the street is "now is a good time to buy real estate." Heard it before? You probably have, if you have been at all interested in San Francisco Bay Area real estate for the past ten years or so, because we have been repeating this mantra since 1998 as prices have risen exponentially.

Wish you had bought property five years ago? I know, I know; back then you thought the real estate market was a bubble waiting to burst so you didn't buy. But it didn't burst then, did it? It just got more expensive and the house you thought was already overpriced five years ago increased even further in value while you sat on the fence. You should have believed your agent five years ago when she said "buy now before it gets worse". I also know that's a hard line to swallow when you are talking about a purchase of several hundred thousand dollars, so I do not blame.

Well, listen now, people! The market is easing up for buyers and if ever there was a slightly comfortable window of opportunity, this winter will be it. No, you will not get to buy a house in Berkeley at 2002 prices. That bubble is evidently made of steal. You will, however, be able to experience a more balanced market as a buyer where you may have more negotiating power with certain properties where there weren't multiple offers as the seller had hoped. You may find a house you want that has been on the market for an entire month or more (gasp!), whose owner is waiting for someone to bring them a reasonable offer. Contrast that idea with five years ago when almost every house around here sold within 3 weeks with multiple offers, and buyers had to write offers on many many homes before they were lucky enough to have one accepted. If you are really looking for a great deal, consider that in perfectly charming neighborhoods in Richmond, El Cerrito and Oakland there are homes offered at prices well below last year's averages. Think of this, then ask yourself if it's still very important to remain undecided. -Then call me and I will find you a house.

Dada Blogga

The traditional real estate office floor plan is cruciform. The agents face east to the rising sun. The nave (Latin for "ship") is where the agents sit. There may also be seating areas in the transepts. The buyers are seated in the chancel. In some offices, the pulpit and lectern are often transposed, and a single file cabinet (sometimes placed in the middle) serves as a location for both reading and preaching.

Several of the relics in this exhibit come from open houses or real estate-supported relic workshops and were used in sales applications. Some icons were painted by non-professional village painters and were executed on wooden boards or homespun cloth. These types of relics were an integral part of village home life and had mechanical functions that were performed in the home and the community, thus playing a significant role in the lives of villagers. For example, a newborn would receive a lockbox as a gift, newlyweds were blessed with lockboxes, and lockboxes were placed in the coffins of the deceased. People prayed to lockboxes before a long journey or during a difficult time in life.

Ceci n'est pas mon bureau

Coming Soon

Hooray! The Spice of Life Festival in North Berkeley is scheduled for Sunday October 14th. What is the Spice of Life Festival, you ask? Come closer and I will tell; this is a new little street fair North Berkeley folks put on to highlight the coolness of the neighborhood. There are stages for live music and dance featuring local performers (ever heard the Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble? Awesome). There will be craft booths with locally made items, and food, oh the food! We don't call this the Gourmet Ghetto for nothing. General merrymaking in the streets is part of the deal so if you like a celebration for the sake of celebrating any old thing (a great neighborhood is a fine excuse) come see why I need to tell everyone about it.

It takes place along Shattuck Ave between Virginia and Rose streets, which is coincidentally where my Coldwell Banker office is (we're at Shattuck and Vine). Stop in and say hello!

Mortgage Maestro Strikes Again

Kenny Leather, Princeton Capital loan consultant extraordinaire, explains the mysteries of the mortgage universe and sets the record straight on the current climate for buyers and sellers. As always, he is happy to answer your questions if you contact him independently.

Bobbie:
So, we spoke a few weeks ago as the media was reporting a frenzy of changes in the mortgage industry. We all wondered how the tightening of guidelines for borrowers would affect the buyer's ability to get loans and the seller's ability to sell to qualified buyers (see previous interview). What has changed in the past few weeks now that the dust has settled? What is the current situation?

Kenny:
"Alot has changed since we talked last. The restriction of guidelines has stabilized (that sounds like "fedspeak") and in fact, rates have even come down. Next year we'll see 1.7 million homeowners who have the 5 year or 3 year fixed rate loans adjust for the first time to a higher interest rate. The good news is that rates have come down, so people who have these riskier loans can refinance into a more stable 30 year fixed. In fact, 30 year fixed conforming loans ($417k or lower) are in the low 6% range."

Bobbie:
The feds just lowered interest rates yesterday; how will this impact the situation?

Kenny:
"They lowered the federal funds rate by .5% which translates into lower credit cards, car loans, and home equity lines of credit. If on Monday your equity line interest rate was 9%, today it’ll be 8.5%."

Bobbie:
Does this affect buyers?

Kenny:
"Yes, for two reasons: the first is obvious: equity lines of credit have lower interest rates so buyers can possibly qualify for a higher loan amount. Second, a half point drop in the federal funds rate and the discount rate shows that the federal reserve is serious about getting the economy moving forward, which is very positive for mortgage interest rates. I personally think that this is a great time to buy because not only do we have lower interest rates, but it’s a buyer’s market."

Bobbie:
A good combination!

Kenny:
"That’s my point!"

Bobbie:
How does the lowering of the rate affect sellers?

Kenny:
“Lower interest rates means buyers will qualify for more”

Bobbie:
We hear PMI is going to make a comeback and that it will soon be common again as it was years ago.

Kenny:
“PMI is mortgage insurance that is required on loans with less than 20% down payment. Typically it is a benefit to the lender but is paid by the buyer, and if you make more than $110K there is absolutely no interest deduction for these payments. With that said, the industry has utilized a second mortgage in place of mortgage insurance to make up the difference between the down payment and the 80% first mortgage.”

Bobbie:
And that’s no longer the case?

Kenny:
"One of the biggest changes in the past two months is mortgage banks’ willingness to lend on a second mortgage -which means the only thing left is PMI for people who are putting no money down, to less than 10% down in most cases."

Bobbie:
Any last thoughts?

Kenny:
"Absolutely. Things in this industry are not really as grim as people think. Our guidelines are back to where they were five years ago, and rates are still historically low. Not only is it a good time to buy, but it’s also a great time to refinance, especially if you have a five year or three year fixed that’s about to change in the next several months."

Catching Up

Ok, even realtors take vacations sometimes. I've been away, but I've returned and wonder how the world is viewing the change in the mortgage industry, now that it has had a few weeks to sink in. I'll be talking again with Kenny Leather, from Princeton Capital to see if he can give us some more of his crucial insight. Have questions for him? Email me with your innermost secret mortgage mysteries, and I will do my best to sweet-talk Kenny into sorting it all out for you.

Coldwell Banker Weekly Market Watch

August 19, 2007

Larry Klapow, Coldwell Banker Northern California President says:

This will be a brief report due to a holiday week and the fact that I was on vacation.

Media reports regarding the condition of the mortgage industry continue to have a confounding effect on buyers. Some potential buyers aren’t even attempting to qualify for loans for fear of rejection, or because they are simply confused by what the media is reporting and think that loans don’t exist any more.

The reality is that credit tightening has only affected a very, very small percentage of buyers. The fact is that they could be missing a good buying opportunity by waiting, or not trying to qualify.

Savvy buyers are recognizing that working with a solid, well-capitalized multi-source lender, such as our partner Princeton Capital, allows them to remain educated and helps them to enjoy a successful real estate transaction. This remains a great time to buy a home, and working under the guidance and expertise of a top-notch lender provides the buyer with the chance to leverage the many opportunities now available.

In areas of the East Bay and North Bay, sellers are beginning to lower their listing prices meaning that there are bargains to be had. In other areas, multiple offer situations and tighter inventory render it absolutely crucial for buyers to be working with a strong, solid lender.

Traditionally, this is vacation time. The kids are getting ready to go back to school, and things slow down a bit in the housing market. While our offices witnessed a slight dip in activity overall, many were surprised to see that our more than 500 open homes were well attended by potential buyers.

San Francisco and much of the Peninsula continue to enjoy multiple offer situations and homes that are selling for as much as 20 and 30 percent over asking. Inventory levels do continue to impact both areas, however an influx of fresh homes after the Labor Day weekend should help mitigate their tight inventory situation.

Buyers have more leverage right now than they have in years. Armed with good credit, a Coldwell Banker sales associate, and an expert multi-source lender like Princeton Capital, right now is the ideal time to consult with the experts, and buy that dream home.

Have a great week!

From the Mouth of the Money Man: Interview Part 2

"...guidelines have been changing daily, and banks have been closing weekly."

How does it affect current sellers?

"If a seller is reviewing an offer with a buyer’s pre-approval, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from not only the realtor, but also a loan consultant. As for the buyers, they should call me (chuckles) to get a pre-approval. Sellers should always have the offers with a pre-approval double checked, especially if the offer is less than 10% down.”

Why is that?

“Because many programs that require less than 10% down payment that are no-income qualifying have disappeared in the last month.”

And what is a no income qualifier?

“A no income qualifier is when the lender doesn’t require income verifications such as w2’s, pay stubs or full tax returns.”

Why is it important for buyers to be pre-approved prior to writing an offer?

“Lender approval means a true pre-approval, not a “pre-qualification”. “Pre-qualified” means nothing has been verified, “lender approved” means income and assets have been verified and the loan is pre-approved, the only condition is to find the house and have it appraised.”

Should buyers be afraid to be buying in a market like this?

“Absolutely not. Conforming loans (under $417K) are aggressively priced, and current values are perfect for buyers."

From the Money Expert

This is an interview I'll be publishing in two parts: look for the second half later this week!

My guest is Kenny Leather, Princeton Capital Loan Consultant. I hope he can clear up some issues we are all wondering about...

There's been a lot of recent news about changes in the mortgage industry, for instance qualifying standards for certain loans are tightening. Let's talk about how the following groups will be affected by some of these changes:

How does it affect buyers looking for a home?

"Tightening of underwriting criteria is going to affect some buyers. Buyers will have to have more money for a down payment in order to get into a house. With that said, zero down payment programs are available, but the guidelines are much tighter than in the past few years."

How does it affect buyers already in contract?

"If you are in contract, always check to make sure your pre-approval is still good, because guidelines have been changing daily, and banks have been closing weekly."

How does it affect current sellers?

"If a seller is reviewing an offer with a buyer's pre-approval, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from not only the realtor, but also a loan consultant. As for the buyers, they should call me (chuckles) to get a pre-approval. Sellers should always have the offers with a pre-approval double checked, especially if the offer is less than 10% down."

Why is that?

"Because many programs that require less than 10% down payment that are no-income qualifying have disappeared in the last month."

More of this interview to come... Stay tuned!

Interested in learning how Kenny and I can help you buy or sell real estate? We will be happy to hear from you!

Our Coldwell Banker President has this to say:

Coldwell Banker Weekly Market Watch

It has been an interesting week! The market reacted to the tightening of credit in the mortgage industry and the resulting stricter qualification criteria. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly review and understand the financing qualifications and terms for each potential home buyer. In order for any transaction to be closed successfully, buyers will require a real estate professional that is fully informed, knowledgeable and able to provide expert guidance as it relates to the financing aspects of the transaction. It is also important to ensure that buyers are working with a well-capitalized, established lender such as our partner, Princeton Capital.

In the Bay Area, the start of August shows numerous bright spots in what is traditionally a slower month for real estate sales. Many areas have seen an increase in activity as sellers have adjusted their pricing, and for qualified buyers this remains an excellent opportunity to invest in some great real estate deals. Working with an experienced Realtor® remains the savviest means for buyers and sellers to navigate the muddy mortgage waters. As one Sebastopol agent succinctly put it, “they need us more than ever.”

In Sonoma County open houses were well attended and there are reports of a few multiple offer situations. In general the market is holding steady with inventory continuing to build slowly. The Marin market remains mixed. The high end continues to outperform the lower priced properties. Mill Valley and Corte Madera are well into seller market territory for well priced and attractive properties. San Rafael and Novato are indicating more of a balanced to buyers market this past week. The East Bay markets remain stable from last week with price reductions showing good results on existing inventory. The Fremont, Livermore and Tri Valley areas are showing inventory building. The high end is performing well and well priced properties are needing aprox. 60 to 90 days to see offers.

For sellers, pay close attention to the intended financing as offers come in. For buyers, there are still a lot of options for financing and some excellent deals out there if you do your homework. Now more than ever, having a well educated agent is the essential first step in the process.

A Weekly Update from My Boss

Here's what Larry Klapow of Coldwell Banker has to say:

Coldwell Banker Weekly Market Watch

July 29, 2007

An island of good news appeared this week in a sea of negative media regarding weakness in the housing market. The National Association of Realtors' pending home sales index jumped five percent to 102.4 in June.

The index was created to be a more forward-looking snapshot on home sales than NAR's existing home sales report, which charts sales at the time of closing. The pending home sales index tracks when a sales agreement is signed, generally a month or two ahead of closing. The nationwide report is good news in that it indicates that home sales could see an increase in coming months.

In the Peninsula and San Francisco markets, the tighter inventory levels are creating pent-up demand among potential buyers. In Palo Alto, multiple offers on one property went up to 26. Another transaction closed in less than one week for a $16 million property. In San Francisco, a home in the West Portal area listed for $999,000 and received eight offers.

Considering that our more than 500 homes held open last week saw a surprising amount of traffic in most areas, it could be that those buyers who are unable to move into to the City or the Peninsula communities are starting to look in areas with more available inventory and a wider selection. In the Tri-Valley area, higher inventory is starting to level off while pending sales have remained relatively steady. Walnut Creek notes an increase in the number of entry level and mid-range priced homes sold. A small Richmond home and a Berkeley property each received nine offers.

In the mortgage arena, the media continues to hammer us with bad news. Since when is needing documentation, a decent credit score and perhaps a down payment a bad thing? The lenders are attempting to get back to where we once were and clean up years of sloppy practices. This is not a liquidity crisis that the media would like to make it out to be. The fact is that the fundamentals of the housing market are still strong. Interest rates are still low and we have a decent economy and job market. The stock market took a haircut last week but is still very strong when you look at the whole year. In the upscale sector there continues to be great demand. For the starter and median price ranges, the market and buyers are going to need to adjust to new lending standards. If you are a seller in this sector now, get the price right the first time or reduce if needed because we will be dealing with media shock and an adjustment period for a while.

Survey Highlights from the California Association of Realtors

2007 Internet Versus Traditional Buyers Survey:

Housing market conditions are rapidly changing in the past couple years and are affecting the behavior of buyers. Earlier this year, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® conducted the annual Internet Versus Traditional Buyers Survey, which describes these changes in consumer behaviors driven in part by the slowdown in the demand of housing, as well as by the influence that the Internet has on the real estate marketplace.

Home buyers are more concerned about the direction of the housing market, are more cautious about their home buying process, and are spending more time doing research on their own before making a purchase. They spent more time considering buying and investigating homes before contacting an agent, and they spent more time previewing homes with their agent.

Many home buyers preferred the dynamic online experience that the Internet offers over the static paper experience that print advertisements offer. Only 12 percent of all home buyers looked at newspaper/magazine ads to search for a home, while more than seven of ten home buyers used the Internet as a significant part of the home buying and selection process.

The share of Internet buyers has grown from 28 percent in 2000 to 72 percent in 2007, while the share of traditional buyers declined from 72 percent in 2000 to 28 percent in 2007. Growth in the use of the Internet in the home buying and selection process has been accelerated by the growth in broadband use. The two percentage point increase from 2006 to 2007, however, was the smallest increase since the inception of this study.

The Internet played a more important role in the home buying process for younger generation groups. Three of five Gen X home buyers considered the Internet a vital tool in their home buying and selection process, compared to two of five Baby Boomers. Perhaps more noteworthy, no one in the age group of 55 and over said the Internet was significant to their process of home buying.

Despite the adjustment in behavior and attitude brought on by the change in market conditions, home buyers continued to rely on real estate agents to carry them through the process of home buying. Consistent with past years' results, nine of ten home buyers hired an agent to assist them through the home sales transaction.

With buyers being more concerned about housing market conditions, and more cautious about their home purchase, they expected quicker and more frequent communication from their agent. When asked how important the agent's response time was in their decision on the selection process, almost three quarters of all home buyers considered the agent's response time either a "very important" or an "extremely important" factor in their decision-making process.

When selecting their agents, both first-time buyers and repeat buyers considered their agent's responsiveness the most important factor, followed by their agent's aggressiveness. With the housing market slowing down, buyers also grew more price-conscious during the agent selection process, when compared to 2006.

Home buyers are expecting more from their agent: faster response time, more effective communication, more aggressive negotiation skills, and simply more "VALUE". REALTORS® who understand these changes in consumer behavior and adapt accordingly will be able to deliver their service to their clients with a maximized level of satisfaction, and be able to establish a long-term relationship with their clients.

Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto on YouTube

Berkeley may be known for its political activism, historically significant architecture and year-round gorgeous weather, but I've always felt the world should also know about our serious foodie leanings.

I've discovered a little gem on YouTube that proves someone else feels the same way. We are now on the YouTube map with a short video all about the excellent restaurants just outside my office door. Dangerously close, I say. We all know about Alice Waters' revolutionary kitchen at Chez Panisse, but consider as an alternative a slice of pizza from the Cheese Board Collective. Best enjoyed on the grass median in the middle of the road in front of the collective, this is the true food of the gods and a real North Berkeley neighborhood experience.

We Want Richmond View!

Just a quick note about what's happening in Richmond View this week: the home at 1826 Ralston Ave is receiving 7 offers today. Is the market cooling off? Not there. This property gained alot of attention in the past few weeks because it was a classic mid-century design in need of easy updating, and everyone loves a moderately priced easy fixer.

How to explain other moderatly priced properties in easy move-in condition lingering on the market? This is where the market feels unpredictable.

Realtor News

**This just in from the California Assoiciation of Realtors**

FED TO ESTABLISH NEW OVERSIGHT PANEL OF SUBPRIME LENDERS

The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) announced July 17 the launch of a new pilot program aimed at strengthening federal and state oversight of subprime mortgage lender practices, as well as the brokers who originate these loans.

The collaborative state/federal program, slated to begin in 2008, will include oversight from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of Thrift Supervision, The Federal Trade Commission, and state agencies represented by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators.

According to the FRB, the oversight committee members will conduct regular, targeted compliance reviews of selected non-depository lenders with significant subprime mortgage operations, share information with one another about their reviews and investigations, and make joint recommendations for corrections.

True Love!

I attended a wedding reception yesterday and today I'm feeling all warm and lovey-dovey because of it. This party was held outdoors at Kennedy Grove in Contra Costa County. Pretty pretty pretty! It was part potluck picnic, part catered lunch, plus there was croquet and petanque to keep us entertained.

I'm thinking about other ideal places one could get married, celebrate a marriage, or propose a marriage outdoors around the East Bay... so many! Stuck for ideas? Here are few:

Wildcat Canyon (anywhere on a hiking trail would be a sweet proposal moment)
Berkeley Marina (all-purpose group picnic facilities with a view of S.F. Bay, hotel for out-of-town guests)
The Brazilian Room at Tilden Park (big lawn, a little fancy; a popular wedding spot)
Temescal Beach House (at the lake!)

Any other ideas for us? Feel free to contribute yours!

Hungry?

Well, our own vegetable gardens may not be producing anything edible yet (I should only speak for myself here), but fortunately someone has been thoughtful enough to grow some food for us so we don't starve, and it's out there at a local farmer's market, ready for our frying pans. Really, there is no good reason to buy a flavorless, mealy tomato from a giant food mart when you can find a place to buy fresh, locally grown food any day of the week, close to home. Besides fresh veggies, you will often find a variety of other goodies: hot prepped meals, local artisans & live entertainment; call a friend and make a date! -And just when I thought I'd have to compile the list of resources myself, I discovered this list, from SF Gate, an online version of The San Francisco Chronicle. Use this list to find a farmer's market near you.

Anyway, Back to Real Estate Updates

Another bit of weekly wisdom from our Coldwell Banker President:

Perhaps the long Memorial Day weekend gave both buyers and sellers the opportunity to reconsider their standoff positions. Sellers are starting to price realistically, and buyers are starting to write more reasonable offers, as evidenced by the fact that sales activity increased significantly during the week in most areas.

We held almost 400 homes open during the week and, while the lower-than-normal attendance level was anticipated, the conference rooms of most offices were busily engaged in negotiation and the closing of deals.

Still, the Bay Area market continues to be predictably unpredictable. In most areas, it is neighborhoods, schools, locations and streets that are generating the interest and buyer activity more so than the actual homes themselves. Berkeley, Oakland and El Cerrito saw multiple offers on homes in all price points. The Mission San Jose area of Fremont saw 10 offers on a listing that sold for 10% over list price. In San Francisco, two properties in the Sunset district received 11 and 22 offers respectively. An open house held over the holiday weekend by our Livermore office had 80 people through and sold with multiple offers after being on the market for six days. In Kentwood, a $3.95 million listing closed for $5 million after nine offers. Condition, price and presentation are, of course, crucial to a timely sale, however they are less important in highly desirable areas, or if the buyer perceives value.

In most areas we are still dealing with a split market. The high end is performing quite well while the first time home price ranges prove to be more challenging. You have heard it many times before but it is up to price and condition. Your property needs to be the best price in it’s class and show well also. Buyers in the entry level price range are definitely bargain shopping. As the old saying goes, if you want the property to sell fast, make it easy to buy. Instead of just using price reductions, you may want to look at offering other terms like closing cost assistance to make the property more attractive to buyers. As we start to move toward summer and schools let out, it will be interesting to see if this brings more buyers to the market. The economy looks strong and a recent report shows unemployment at very low levels. It takes jobs and increasing wages to keep prices moving up over time. The California affordability index sits at 25%, up from a recent 14%. This is due to price decreases in outlying areas but good news none the less.

Of the offices reporting, listing inventory remained steady for 16, increased for five and decreased for eight. Sales activity remained steady for 9 offices. It increased for 13 offices, and decreased in only seven.

Larry Klapow
President
San Francisco Bay Area

WOOO HOOO! It's finished! The biggest thing I've knitted so far. This blanket will be donated to the WoodyWoof Project at the California Pacific Medical Center for the pediatric unit. I have a short attention span when it comes to crafts, and this thing took about a month to make so I am ready to let it go, if you catch my drift. Crocheting all those quickie Easter peeps spoiled me for fast projects, but still this blanket was really satisfying to knit. The next big project my friend Susie has decided I need to conquer: a knitted log cabin. Oddly, through the Mason-Dixon knitting site I coincidentally found a seven year-old lad who has the same dream (really!). What does this say about my knitting aspirations? I must contact his mother...

Calgon Take Me Away!

Have spring fever; will (dream of) travel... Tired of working when it seems like everyone else is on an extended Palm Springs sabatical? This is a real estate agent's busiest time of the year so I'm making hay while the sun shines, but people, just look at this weather! I know I can't be the only one who dreams of taking a wee vacation from my home and staying somewhere else in the same town, just overnight if nesessary... so look what I have for you dreamers! Bed and Breakfast sources for the weary. This list will also come in handy for those of you locals with visiting family or friends who would be more comfortable in their own temporary nest.

Go Green

I need to share this article from Coldwell Banker's pres:

‘Green House’ Movement Catching On With
Home Buyers and Sellers in Northern California

By Larry Klapow, President of Coldwell Banker Northern California

Environmentally friendly, energy efficient homes have been around for years, but until recently, these “green” homes have amounted to little more than a niche market in real estate. Now, some 37 years after we celebrated the first Earth Day, there are signs that the green movement is finally making inroads into the mainstream housing market.

One of the reasons green building and remodeling techniques are catching on, experts say, is that developers and homeowners have discovered that there are financial advantages to going green, in addition to the benefits of helping to protect the environment.

What makes a home “green?” According to the National Association of Realtors, the term “green building” refers to construction or remodeling practices that increase a home’s performance and enhance the health and experience of those who live in it. Among other things, a green home saves energy and water, reduces material use, minimizes waste, uses low-impact materials, and makes the building healthier.

A recent survey by Green Builder Media revealed that a growing number of homebuyers want to purchase environmentally friendly, green-built homes and are willing to pay a premium to do so.

The survey of 250 residential builders across the United States reported that 80 percent of their buyers said they preferred to purchase homes that incorporate sustainable or energy-efficient features. Of those buyers, half said they would be willing to pay 11-25 percent more for green-built homes. In health-conscious Northern California, those numbers may be even higher.

Not surprisingly, developers are responding to the demand. About 96 percent of the homebuilders surveyed reported that they intend to incorporate more green building materials and processes into their business in 2007.

“This shift in behavior and purchasing patterns confirms just how significant the green building movement is,” said Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media. “Builders are buying green products because they feel it’s important to both the environment and their businesses.”

Existing homeowners are also discovering that home makeovers that incorporate green techniques can make their properties stand out from the crowd, commanding higher prices in this market.

If you are thinking about going green, the following tips from NAR can help you make the most of your “green house” makeover:
1) Maximize natural daylight and passive ventilation. Daylight makes a dramatic difference. In addition to making you feel better, daylighting can cut down on electric bills. Well-placed operable windows circulate fresh air throughout your home.
2) Choose deconstruction and construction site recycling. The demolition debris from a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel equals four years of curbside recycling for the average household. Minimize the impact of your project by keeping reusable and recyclable materials out of the landfill, which will save costs, too.
3) Weatherize your home. Adding insulation and new, energy efficient windows to an older home not only saves money in fuel costs, it improves comfort year-round.
4) Buy energy-efficient kitchen appliances, furnace and water heater. All appliances with an “Energy Star” rating are a good choice. Many of these energy-efficient products qualify for a federal tax credit. Check with your tax advisor for more information.
5) Choose water-efficient fixtures. Toilet flushing, showers and faucets account for 60 percent of all indoor water use. Installing efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads can save a typical household up to $200 annually in water and energy bills.
6) Use solvent free or low-emission paint. Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint will make painting a healthier experience by minimizing the chemical fumes in your home. 7) Choose formaldehyde-free products. You may not realize it, but formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen, is commonly found in some carpet, cabinetry, insulation and other building products. Consider installing a hard surface floor instead of carpet, or install a green-rated carpet.
8) Buy used, recycled, certified or re-graded wood products. Certified wood products are cut from sustainably managed forests. A growing number of stores are carrying these products, and they will have a seal that helps identify them.
9) Harvest your rainwater for irrigation and toilet flushing. A well-designed rainwater harvesting system that captures rainwater from rooftops for use in irrigation and toilet flushing can cut annual water consumption by up to 50 percent.
10) Landscape using native and drought-tolerant plants. Native plants are naturally adapted to our environment, so they require minimal care and watering and provide valuable habitat for birds and wildlife.

Improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of your home will not only help our fragile environment, but also increase the value of your number one asset – and save you some green in the process.

Charity Knitting Justifies My Addiction

Hear me out, people; I have something important to say. I've just learned to knit and I can't seem to stop. Fellow knitters reading this post will nod their heads silently in recognition of my new obsession with this pseudo-domestic skill. I am looking for excuses to knit anything (refer to wooly kitten box, pictured) and I tend to bring it up in conversation more often than non-knitters care to tolerate.

This precious world of ours runs on volunteer support. Yes, your financial contributions are crucial to the smoother operation of any charitable organization, but spend some of your valuable time too, and watch what happens to your already big heart: it fills up with warm fuzzy love, and the feeling is good. A client recently told me about some non-profits that accept knitted donations for various causes around the world, so now I can knit as often as I want and know that someone actually benefits from my addiction. I have compiled a brief list here for local (San Francisco Bay Area) organizations that we can knit for:

Thank you Katie, for leading me to the WoodyWoof Project. I am now halfway finished with a blanket that will be given to a child in need of some homespun comfort in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or to a child or teenager with long hospitalizations and chronic illnesses at California Pacific Medical Center. By the way, WoodyWoof is the name of a visiting therapy dog owned by the woman who started this volunteer project.

Knitting Pals is an organization that collects handknit chemo caps for children and adults with cancer throughout the Bay Area.

Afghans for Angels is an organization "made up completely of volunteers who make and deliver baby blankets to local hospitals to give to parents who have suffered the loss of their infant through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death." They are headquartered in Iowa, but they invite you to start a chapter in your area and will help you get started.

Animal Shelters everywhere are in desperate need of donations of all sorts, so consider giving a blanket you have made that would make an animal more comfy and at ease, and therefore more adoptable. This is a link to a San Francisco shelter, but it is safe to assume that any animal shelter will happily accept your handknit blanket.

Now, get your needles clicking and make me proud.

Things Domestic

These days, when I'm not working, I'm browsing Flickr. I can't help it. This is the photo sharing website with the best search engine and least hassle for the casual I'm-not-giving-you-my-information-just-to-use-the-site visitor. I just learned to knit, so my visits begin with a search for others like me. If I'm not careful, I find myself caught up in someone's cat photo collection or worse, the 339 photos available for viewing if I search "Spring House Cleaning". I've warned you, but now you have to check it out, don't you?

Oh Those Kids!

Where have I been? Doing my taxes.

But, inspired by Marcia's post asking about five fun things to do with her grandchildren in Berkeley, I think it's time to get out and see some sights. If I had kids to tote around, I'd take them here:

Berkeley Marina's Kite Festival
It happens around the same time each summer; windy or not, and everyone and their grandmother goes. There are kite-making workshops for kids of all ages, competitions to watch, amazing kites to oggle, grass upon which you may picnic... It appears as if the website for this year's event is not up yet, but here's a link to the 2006 announcement for the basics.

Lawrence Hall of Science
No one gets bored here, and look at that view of the San Francisco Bay! You'll be calling me to buy a house in the hills after a visit here. But go first for the planetarium at this amazing facility.

Chabot Space & Science Center
Ok, it's not Berkeley but it's another planetarium choice nearby. There are science movies and lightshows produced for people of all ages, but many are especially for young children.

Oakland Zoo
Another local favorite to take your kids to. Earth Day festivities are happening there April 15th, so maybe I ought to check it out just before I mail my taxes in...

University of California's Botanical Gardens
A nice easy stroll through the Berkeley Hills near Strawberry Canyon. This will tire out the kids so they take a nice looong nap in the afternoon while you play with the stuff you bought at the botanical gardens' store.

Strawberry Canyon Public Pool
Ok, since I named two non-Berkeley spots and Ms. Marcia wanted five; here's another one for you to consider after you've checked out the Botanical Gardens, in the same neighborhood. There's a lap pool and lots of pool space reserved for play. Last I visited, there was a kiddie splash pool too.

Frank Oz Puppeteered Here

Fairyland is a dreamer's dream come true.
http://www.fairyland.org/
"Create, imagine, play and learn" is their motto, and they have been encouraging us all; children and adults, to do this since 1950. Children’s Fairyland, near Lake Merritt in Oakland, is the ideal place for a kids birthday party, but did you know they also run summer camps, children's theater and offer volunteer opportunities? When you visit, DO NOT miss the puppet show!

Berkeley Path Wanderers Unite!

The Berkeley Path Wanderers Association is here for you.
http://www.berkeleypaths.org/
Who doesn't like wandering through the hills fantasizing about living in one of those beautiful historic homes that line the Berkeley Hills paths? Well, now you've found a legitimate organization to support your ramblings.

Use their website to find self-guided tours, first Wednesday groups, and updates on other events relating to the Berkeley Hills paths. Get to know our local architectural history by roaming the paths that criss-cross through classic North Berkeley neighborhoods and parks. Tell me, where is your favorite path?

Berkeley History & Architecture Lecture Series

Begining this month and continuing through the fall is a four-lecture series on "the early history and development of Berkeley, and the styles that contribute to its rich architectural heritage" according to the Berkeley Association of Realtors, who is sponsoring the event.

Thursday March 29th:
Berkeley, Her Land and Her Gift of Early Neighborhoods
An illustrated discussion of the natural landscape before development, and pre-1906 neighborhood culture.
May 31st:
Beyond the Bungalow
July 26th
Arts & Crafts Houses in the East Bay: Why They're More Art than Craft
September 27th
Bungalows: The Ultimate Arts & Crafts Home

The lectures will be held at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St, in Berkeley, and cost $15 for BAR or Hillside Club members, $20 for the general public. Proceeds benefit the association's Youth Arts & Education Fund, which provides grants to local school programs.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

This is the debut of my East Bay Real Estate blog and I invite you to return often for new info and possibly juicy gossip. There will be feedback each week from my experience on the real estate broker's tours, updates about the local real estate market and fun events around town. Watch for more!
Last week's favorite home I found on the Berkeley Broker's tour: 580 Wildcat Canyon Rd. If I lived here I'd need to find a way to work more from home because I'd never want to leave the amazing views I found at every enormous window. Open mezzanine level with a warm wood stove, nice open floor plan for parties (oh, and the hot tub...). Who says the East Bay real estate market has cooled? It received three offers. If you need more info contact me by leaving a comment.

What to Do, Where

For dog lovers in Richmond:
Point Isabel
www.pido.org
The largest off leash dog park in the U.S.! Waterfront view of SF, picnic tables, snack bar, professional or do-it-yourself bath for your muddy dog, birdwatching, frisbee action... YOUR DOG WILL THANK YOU.

For homeowners everywhere:
The Building Education Center
www.bldgeductr.org
The best resource for do-it-yourselfers: they offer classes and seminars (some free!) on every aspect of property maintenance and remodels; they even offer classes on how to talk to contractors and what you need to know before you begin the project.

For art lovers in El Cerrito: The El Cerrito Art Association
http://www.el-cerrito.org/recreation/art_association.html
Art in El Cerrito? Absolutely.

For walkers in Oakland: Free Oakland Walking Tours
http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/cmo/walkingTours/default.html
Downtown walks or classic old Oakland neighborhoods, waterfront scenes, etc.

For foodies in Berkeley: Epicurious Gardens
http://epicuriousgarden.com
The newest place to satisfy a craving in North Berkeley's gourmet ghetto.