Mar
26

Mr. Mopps, Beloved Berkeley Toy Store, Is Closing

Posted In: Berkeley, Community, For the Heck of It, Fun for Kids
This morning a friend gave me some disturbing news: after 40 years of community support and business, Mr. Mopps, the beloved community toy store, is closing.  I have dear memories of going into Mr. Mopps.  The staff there was always so friendly.  I specifically remember this one time when I went in with a 2 year old little boy, looking for a lunchbox for [...]
Mar
25

HGTV’s “My First Place” is Looking for First Time Homebuyers in the Bay Area

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News
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I was just contacted by HGTV’s “My First Place” to see if there are any first time homebuyers out there interested in a unique opportunity.  Here is the 411: BUYING YOUR FIRST PLACE? Then HGTV is looking for you! MY FIRST PLACE, HGTV’s hit series, is coming back for an eighth season and we’re looking for first-time homebuyers (and their [...]
Mar
25

Thursdays Pick

Posted In: Berkeley, General Real Estate News, Listings
Just finished up tour a little while ago.  My pick of the litter is this gorgeous remodel in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood of Berkeley.  Located at 806 Contra Costa, the remodel was done by local designer and stager SCOUT and is listed by Prudential California Realty.  The house has 4 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths with stunning views of both the [...]
Mar
24

Bank of America Makes a Huge Move : Principal Forgiveness

Posted In: For Sellers, Foreclosures & Short Sales, General Real Estate News, Mortgage & Finance
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Bank of America announced today that it will introduce “principal forgiveness” program designed to help some troubled mortgage borrowers relief from the possibility of foreclosure.  The program will look to reduce loan balances of qualifying distressed homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages or subprime loans in an effort to make their payments more affordable.  The homeowners must be at least 60 [...]
Mar
02

So Much for the Move-Up Tax Credit

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures & Short Sales, General Real Estate News, Taxes
There is so much mixed feelings about the market right now.  In the Berkeley and surrounding areas, one street is seeing multiple offers and the next isn’t.  The number of foreclosures has gone down drastically, although most buyers think there are buckets of bank-owned homes ready to come on the market.  I don’t think this is the case. No wonder buyers and [...]