Jun
30

Analysis of Current MLS Inventory

Posted In: Local Market Statistics
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These numbers include single family residences, condos, townhouses and duets.  The first number represents activity via Foreclosure Radar, a site which tracks the status on properties that are either heading into default, in default, or foreclosed; the second number is the level of inventory on the MLS.  Data is as of June 1, 2009.                                            FR         MLS El Sobrante & Pinole        [...]
Jun
27

Fourth of July Happenings

Posted In: Berkeley, Community, El Cerrito, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids, Oakland
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EL CERRITO El Cerrito hosts the 11th Annual WorldOne Festival featuring live reggae, dub and world music. On Saturday from 10am to 6pm there is a family festival with games for children, food, arts and crafts as well as live entertainment on two stages, Circus Imagination will amaze young children with an interactive animal-free circus show and Carnival Rides.  This [...]
Jun
26

4707 El Centro Avenue, Oakland Open Sunday 6/28 2-4:30

Posted In: Listings, Oakland
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  Wow!  Check out this new listing at 4707 El Centro Avenue in Oakland.  This 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath home radiates light throughout.  With 1550 square feet of living space this home features a large, formal dining room, a bright kitchen with tile countertops and breakfast nook, and a warm living room, ready for relaxing.  The house also features thermal-paned windows, hardwood [...]
Jun
26

The Cerrito in El Cerrito and The Parkway in Oakland Expected to Reopen

Posted In: Community, El Cerrito, Oakland
A reader tuned me in to this article posted at SFGate on 6/18- looks like The Cerrito and Parkway will reopen! (06-18) 18:55 PDT — Beer, pizza and “Rocky Horror” drag shows are likely to light up the East Bay movie landscape once more, as two shuttered theaters approach resurrection. The Cerrito Theater in El Cerrito and its former sister theater, the [...]
Jun
25

This Just in From the Federal Reserve

Posted In: Mortgage & Finance
This just in from the Federal Reserve, compliments of Chet Gohd, owner of RPM Mortgage in Berkeley.  Here is what Chet has to say: The Federal Reserve concluded their meeting today with leaving interest rates unchanged and offering a few remarks about their view of the current status of our economy. Recent economic reports have offered positive signs in that [...]
Jun
23

California Running Out of California New Home Tax Credit

Posted In: For Buyers, New Home Sales, Taxes
A boon for new homebuyers, scheduled to last through next March, will be out of money long before that. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Time is running out for California residents wanting to take advantage of a $10,000 tax credit. The state set aside $100 million to help home buyers purchasing newly built homes, hoping to jump start the moribund residential-construction [...]
Jun
18

May is in… Housing Update

Posted In: Local Market Statistics
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In the East Bay, Alameda County’s median value was $289,197 – up 3.3 percent over March, but down 39.0 percent since April 2008. The Contra Costa County median home sale value in April 2009 was $225,500 – up 2.3 percent over March, but 43.0 since April 2008. Due to foreclosure-related short sales, in April Contra Costa County continued to post [...]
Jun
15

Just In…California Foreclosure Moratorium News

Posted In: Foreclosures & Short Sales, Mortgage & Finance
Effective today banks in California cannot foreclose a mortgage without either renegotiating the loan or giving the homeowner three months notice.  This is a good thing because it will encourage lenders to either cut rates or rewrite loans to affordable levels, which may allow many Californian’s to keep their homes.  Lenders will have to demonstrate that they have tried to [...]
Jun
11

Historic Maybeck Back On

Posted In: Architecture, Berkeley
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This beautiful and historic home located on Derby in Berkeley is once again available for purchase.  After going temporarily going off of the market this extraordinary home has slipped back on the market.  I remember seeing this home a couple of years back (or perhaps it was only last year that I saw it?) and what stuck out was the [...]