Berkeley

Oct
03

Is it Possible to Boost the East Bay’s Sustainable and Affordable Housing Stock?

Posted In: Alameda County, Albany, Berkeley, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito, First Time Home Buyers, General Real Estate News, Oakland
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Here is an interesting article from the UC Berkeley News Center that came out a couple of weeks ago that talks about how in-law/secondary units could be a great way to help accommodate the projected population growth via dealing with infill development in communities throughout the region.  They are currently looking into regulatory challenges, such as parking restrictions, but are hoping that this [...]
Jun
27

Mr. Mopps in Berkeley isn’t going anywhere

Posted In: Berkeley, Community, Fun for Kids
I received a sweet call last weekend from Devin McDonald, the new owner of Mr. Mopps in Berkeley.  The call was in response to a post I did awhile back about the store closing.  Seems people keep walking in there saying “aren’t you closing?”  Well, they aren’t!  And I am truly thrilled that they aren’t.  You see, there aren’t a [...]
Jun
02

Off the Grid Makes Berkeley Debut

Posted In: Berkeley, Food and Dining, Good Eats
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Last night was the debut of the East Bay Off the Grid,  a mobile food truck extravaganza that debuted at the corner of Shattuck and Rose, in the same spot as the Farmer’s Market. As many of you know I am a food truck junkie (I follow many of them on Facebook) so this was an evening I have been [...]
Jun
03

Transfer Taxes for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

Posted In: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, For Buyers, For Sellers, Oakland, Richmond, Taxes
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Many cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties impose a point of sale ordinance on real property.  The chart below will show which cities will impose a transfer tax.  Both Alameda County and Contra Costa County have a county transfer tax of $1.10/$1,000. Example: If the sales price of a house in Berkeley is $500,000 then the seller can expect to pay $500 for [...]
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

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 [...]