1711 Virginia Update

Were you wondering what it sold for? The seller listed this property for $700,000 and with today's very strong seller's market, we received twelve offers. For reference, four of the offers received were over $800,000, several of them were all cash, and in the end the seller accepted a very strong one for $825,000.

Are you a buyer in this market? Contact me for more information about how to be successful in this environment.

Are you a seller in this market? Contact me to learn how I can get these results for you too!

1711 Virginia Street is Now Available

Were you waiting for this? Well, here it is. Gloriously remodeled with many new and upgraded systems, and ready for you to write an offer. Please come visit our open house Sunday 11/18 and 11/25 from 2-4pm or call me for more information.

Link to more photos and info here:

 1711 Virginia St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Sunday Streets is Coming!

Ever imagined what it would be like if Shattuck Avenue was closed to traffic and we could all walk or bike about freely? Now is your chance to experience such a dream: Berkeley's very own Sunday Streets is happening this Sunday.

That's right, on October 14th 2012 from 11-4pm, our kindly city officials have agreed to keep Shattuck Avenue between Haste and Rose closed to through traffic, and allow us pedestrians to walk around like we own the place. That's over fifteen blocks of car-free bliss! Come visit the North Shattuck area and get free stuff from vendor booths (yes of course my Coldwell Banker office will be handing out tiny adorable frisbees, since you ask), participate in fun free activities, and meet some neighbors. 

Notice how they made the hours convenient for people shopping for homes? You can still visit Sunday Streets in the morning and go to open houses in the afternoon- Berkeley thinks of everything.

 

Bay Breezes Waiting for You

For those of you living in the San Francisco Bay Area, you no doubt heard about the fire that shut down service for thousands of BART users last week. The interruption to trans bay services left people scrambling for alternative routes and modes for getting to work. It wasn't pretty: freeways backed up immediately, buses scrambled to add extra carriages, and communities all around the bay were affected.

Those lucky enough to get themselves to a ferry likely found the smoothest solution. I imagine how my life would be different if I could take a ferry to work every day; how clear the air in my lungs would feel, how clear my thoughts might be... 

If you've never tried the ferry as an alternative to driving or BART, consider Oakland's Jack London Square to the Ferry Building in SF for a weekend farmer's market as your maiden voyage.  

And, lest you be caught without a backup plan the next time there's a major BART outage, use this in advance: Transit 511. It's a handy tool for planning your commute or a special one-time outing. It will help you find the best routes using bus, BART, ferry, shuttle, etc. It even has useful information and tools for bikes, ride share and parking. Check it out! 

Relax- Earth Day is Saturday So You Won't Miss Any Open Houses

That's right- it may be officially recognized on a different day elsewhere, but here in Berkeley we do things differently. This year's Earth Day celebration will take place this Saturday, April 21st at Civic Center Park in downtown Berkeley. Technically it was not arranged for Saturday so that you could still make it to open houses on Sunday, but the happy coincidence is not lost on me...

There will be live music, dance performances, green product demos, craft booths and food. Click here for more details.

What About That Energy Efficiency Requirement?

More news from the California Association of Realtors:

C.A.R. sponsors AB1711, energy retrofits bill

For release:
February 16, 2012

C.A.R. sponsors bill to ensure government-required energy improvements cover their costs

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16) – In a continuing effort to reduce consumers’ costs associated with purchasing a home, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is sponsoring Assembly Bill 1711, which will clearly define what constitutes an energy efficiency retrofit that would “unreasonably or unnecessarily” affect a home purchase.

Recently enacted legislation requires the California Energy Commission (CEC) to pursue energy conservation in a way that does not “unreasonably or unnecessarily” affect the real estate sales process. However, the lack of a clear definition of “unreasonably or unnecessarily” fails to provide sensible limits on the programs that can be imposed on home buyers by the CEC.

The CEC is currently evaluating implementation strategies focusing on programs requiring installation of energy saving improvements at the time a home is purchased. Such programs, for example, can require home purchasers to pay for improvements that will never pay for themselves over the lifetime of the improvement. Additionally, the CEC is considering requirements that could add thousands of dollars to the up-front cost of a home.

Assembly Bill 1711 (Galgiani, D-Tracy), will prohibit the state from creating a program that requires home buyers to pay out of pocket for energy improvements at the time a home is purchased or that would prevent a home buyer from closing escrow on time. The measure also requires that the costs of mandated improvements be recoverable over the lifetime of the improvement.

Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 160,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Some California Association of Realtors News

From Feb 2:

California REALTORS® applaud Obama’s proposal to help troubled homeowners

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 2) – The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) applauds President Obama’s proposal to help millions of underwater homeowners who are current on their mortgage to refinance.

“We are pleased that President Obama understands that a recovery in the housing market is essential to a recovery in the nation’s economy,” said C.A.R. President LeFrancis Arnold. “Allowing homeowners whose homes are not backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to refinance could benefit additional homeowners who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments and help thousands of California families who are paying far above the current rate.”

President Obama’s proposal would help eligible, underwater homeowners who are current on their mortgage payments to refinance or modify their loan into safer, more affordable mortgages and take advantage of historically low interest rates. Under the plan, California households could save more than $3,000 a year, which could potentially have a positive impact on consumer spending.

The president’s plan also included a Federal Housing Finance Administration pilot program to transition Real Estate Owned (REO) properties into rental housing. While C.A.R. recognizes that this plan may be beneficial in markets where REO inventory is high, the Association opposes its implementation in California, given low inventory and high demand, even in the state’s hardest hit areas.

Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 160,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Homey Things to Do When You Aren't Shopping for a Home...

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know, I know; it's been a while since I've posted but I resolve to be here more often, I promise.

Here's a short list of things to do on Saturdays, because I know you are busy at open houses on Sundays... Not busy with open houses on Sundays? Call me and I will show you some properties myself.

MAKE CHEESE
Yes, you don't need huge kitchen skills to make a quickie ricotta at home. Follow this link and let me know how it turns out! By the way, you can substitute white vinegar for the lemon juice in his recipe.

LEARN TO KNIT
Come on, everyone's doing it; learn what the cool kids are so excited about. Here's a good link to a basic video to get you started. I also find that www.knittinghelp.com is a great site for continuing education.

TEACH YOUR DOG (AND YOURSELF) A USEFUL SKILL
Your dog wants to hang out with you. Your dog wants to go places with you. Walking your dog on a loose leash is more fun for both of you, and this skill makes it possible to carry a grocery bag and hold the leash at the same time. Imagine that! Here's how.

Have any ideas for my next list of homey things to do when you aren't shopping for a home? Email me.

Maybeck Marvels

As a follow-up to my last post about the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association's events calendar, I want to mention that Mark Wilson's upcoming lecture on September 24th ought to be exciting. Mark visited my office yesterday and gave us realtors the low down on his gorgeous new book about the architect Bernard Maybeck, and shared some gossippy tidbits about our beloved local genius. GO!

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association's Fall Schedule

Not sure how to use your free time when you aren't house hunting? The "Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association" (BAHA) offers a great schedule of events in the area with lectures, walks and slide shows about local architecture and all things homey. Check it out!

535 Pierce has sold!

Ok, it's here at last: 535 Pierce St. Unit 5106 is ready and on the market. It's gorgeous, I say, and if you are in the market for a super clean Albany condo, do not miss it. Here's a link for more information on my website.

The Mysterious Narcissus

Are your bulbs blooming? In Berkeley the daffodils are in full swing. Did you know this family of bulbs needs special consideration in cut arrangements? Learn a few tips here at eHow.

Coming soon- Albany condo

Look for this Pierce St. condo in mid-March. It's a 2 bed/2 bath ground floor unit with Pergo floors and lots of light.

I said it was coming...

Elegant North Berkeley Condominium

This super perfect unit is ready for open houses beginning with Broker's tour this Thursday 7/15 9:30am-noon. Open the following two Sundays 7/18 and 7/25 2-4pm.

More info on my website

Come visit, and tell your condo-hunting friends and family their search is over. Buy it, even.

Condo Coming Soon- Early July!

This is a lovely one bedroom unit in North Berkeley; close to campus, good food, downtown and public transit. Give us a moment to paint, refinish, stage and kiss it for good luck, then I'll post a nice photo and more info.

First Time Buyer's Tax Credit Extended!

If you read the last post, you might be wondering whether the credit will still exist beyond this month. This is what the National Association of Realtors has to report:

"As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010".
  

To learn more about whether you and the property qualify for the credit, visit NAR's site.

First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit

The federal government is providing a first time home buyer credit of up to $8,000 for the purchase of a principal residence by qualified purchasers who acquire their home in 2009. However, that program is scheduled to end as of December 1, 2009. Although other incentive programs were extended beyond the originally scheduled termination date, there is no indication at this time that the first time home buyer credit will be extended beyond its originally scheduled termination date.

To qualify for the credit, the first time home buyer must close escrow on or before November 30th 2009 and meet other eligibility requirements. Because your agent cannot promise or guarantee that you will be able to take advantage of any particular tax credit or other incentive program, it's important that you do some homework to learn whether it will apply to you. I have a handy fact sheet about these eligibility reqs- feel free to email me if you want a copy. There is also a website where you can learn more.

This Week in Coldwell Banker Real Estate

From our Coldwell Banker president:

Berkeley/East Bay offices report that we were inundated with multiple offers this week and large turnouts at open houses. 75% of our deals this week saw multiple offers, any number from 2-8 on seller owned and 12-18 on bank owned. Cash is still king on many deals because of increasing anxiety about appraisals.

Castro Valley: we are seeing cash offers everywhere and one agent reports that she has been outbid from the last five offers she has written by all cash deals. The number of multiples in the low range markets has been in the range of 10-60 offers, to give you an idea as to the inventory shortage we are facing here in our micromarket. Agents are waiting for banks to release more REOs. One thing is certain, we are definitely a recovering market.

The Danville office reported the activity level is good but we need more inventory. Lots of buyers are jumping off the fence.

In Fremont the listing inventory is reducing.

The Livermore office reports: Our pending sales are up in the office and the overall market in the Tri-Valley area remains strong. Multiple offers are still the rage below $500,000.

The Pleasanton office reports homes under $450K are moving very fast with multiple offers.

Move to a New House (or Move the House to You)

This man moved a house around the corner from me, and is currently lifting one in north Berkeley so the homeowner can build a wine cellar in the basement.