Photo GalleryDelightful TudorLiving room with gas-burning fireplaceNearly floor to ceiling windowsDining room with archwayKitchen with breakfast nookBright breakfast nookKitchen and laundry roomBonus play areaMaster bedroom on first floorMaster bath on first floorBedroom 2 upstairsBath upstairsFoyer2-car garage and back yardClassic arched entryPavers on drivewayDeck and backyardLandscaped yardExtra spacious garage with paversDeck in fenced in yardDescriptionFabulous Tudor with the perennial favorite configuration of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, bonus room (play area) and 2-car garage. Located in the desirable East End, and literally just a couple of blocks around the corner to the beach, and near Alameda Town Centre.Wait, there's more!Long list of improvements to this already fabulous home, inc... 03/09/2011

ARE YOU READY? - YOU SHOULD BE! Are you Ready? You Should Be!  You should know how to do CPR and operate an AED( Automated Electrical Defibrillators).  Its not difficult and the knowledge that you might be able to save a life is very satisfying.  The Red Cross in Northern California is offering free CPR training on Saturday, March 12.  I realized it was time for me to renew my CPR certificate.  Our local school, Alameda Adult Education offers this class yearly. The training is provided by the American Red Cross and the instructor was Joanne Robinson.  The four hour class covered the basics of CPR and AED training using a practice dummy.     We learned to first evaluate the situation by observing the injured person and the area around that person. Our next step was to determine if the pe... 03/09/2011

Wild Turkeys on the Island of Alameda, California! Wild Turkeys on the Island of Alameda, California!  How could that be?  I have never seen a wild turkey in Alameda in the 38 years we have lived here.  After all we are an urban island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay.  According to Sibley's Field Guide to Western North American Birds, wild turkeys are common in woodlands.  There are no woodlands here, not even in our local parks.  What gives.   According to Wikipedia turkeys are agile flyers.  And I thought they couldn't fly.  So maybe they few across the estuary from the Oakland Hills.    Anyway, they are here. I first saw the birds across the street from my house in the East End of Alameda.  They appeared to be two females.  I was not the only curious person to follow them.  It... 03/05/2011

LinksVISUAL TOURPhoto GalleryTwo houses on one lotCottage walls of windowsCottage private patioCottage kitchenCottage Updated bathFront house first floor flatEat-in kitchen 1st floor flatPrivate patio - 1st floor flatUpstairs living area 1st unitUpstairs kitchen 1st unitUptairs kitchen 2nd unitUpstairs bath 1st unitUpstairs bath 2nd unitGardenFront porchLeaded glass window accentBasement storageCottage vaulted ceilingFenced in yard and patioDescriptionAmazing opportunity for investor or owner-occupant seeking multi-unit property in a fabulous neighborhood in sunny Alameda. Located just two blocks from Grand Avenue, this is a leisurely stroll to the beach.Front building is a Victorian-style building with three units: the first floor is a flat with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal living and d... 02/18/2011

The most common challenge faced by sellers and their listing agents revolve around price. Today, with all kinds of statistical information readily available for inclusion with a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), there should be little doubt as what the pricing strategy should be in the current market. Looking at my hometown of Alameda CA, I really like seeing the interactive statistics available on Trulia http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Alameda-California/market-trends/Our local MLS provides the ability to come up with charts that we can share with buyers and sellers who are interested in seeing the market trends. For example, here's what our market looks like the last three years MEDIAN SOLD PRICE The median sold price is still trending downwards although we did see a slight uptick i... 02/18/2011

Alameda Antiques By the Bay. Alameda, CA - Sunday February 6, 2011 This is my first blog.  I want to introduce you to the city where I live,  Alameda.  It's a city boasting beautiful Victorians, Craftsmans, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and mid-century homes.  It's a community with a diverse population and a small town feel.  It's a great place to call home.  Plus it's an island with beautiful views of the Bay, the Oakland Hills, San Francisco and The Bay Bridge.   There are lots of things to do in Alameda.  One of the popular events which are held on the first Sunday of every month is the Alameda Antiques by the Bay Faire at the old Naval Air Station, now called Alameda Point.  The Faire starts at 6 am and goes on until the dealers pack up at about 3 pm.   There are hundreds of vendors with ... 02/07/2011

Q: What items are NOT allowed in the garbage or recycle bins? A: Please contact Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste for instructions on how to get rid of items listed below as well as other toxic or poisonous materials. You may reach them at 800-606-6606 or www.Household-HazWaste.com. Below is a list of items which you MAY NOT place in any of your garbage or recycle bins as they are toxic and/or hazardous and require special attention. AcidsAdditivesAntifreezeAnt trapsAutomotive fluidsAutomotive partsBatteries (AAA, AA, C, D 9 volt)Batteries (rechargeable, ni-cd, lithium, automotive)BleachCaulkCausticsCement Construction & demolition debrisComputersComputer monitorsConcreteCouchesDirtElectronic wasteEpoxyFertilizersFluorescent bulbsFuelFurnitureGasolineGopher baitMattressesMercury ... 12/03/2010

I am working at Woodstock Homes Corporation, a housing cooperative in Alameda, California.  As an incentive to shareholders to attend the semi-annual shareholder meeting, the board of directors  held a raffle for the attendees.  Today I was writing a thank you letter to the Mariners Square Athletic Club, since they very generously donated a six month club membership for our raffle. I visited their website to find their mailing address, and I have to say I was very impressed with what I found there.  It looks like a wonderful club which offers over 80 classes per week. Many of the shareholders who live here have club memberships and I only hear nice things about the club. They also have a child care center which looks just amazing, and they have Alameda's only indoor swimming pool.  My f... 12/02/2010

Alameda CA residents are inclined to say that our market is "holding its own". But does it? Distressed properties were so rare that when we started seeing our share of short sales and foreclosures, it was a surprise to many long-term residents. Just how much has it changed? SOLD PROPERTIES Third Quarter 2007 through Third Quarter 2010 This shows the the sales activity among detached re-sale (not new) single-family homes that sold since the third quarter 2007 through third quarter 2010. Foreclosures (indicated by the diagonal lines in the bar) were 13% of total in the third quarterr 2010 compared to zero foreclosures the same time period in 2007.   FOR SALE Third Quarter 2007 through Third Quarter 2010 And how about what's for sale today? Are bank owned properties increasing in Alameda? ... 10/16/2010

Photo GalleryVictorian on spacious lotNice yard is like an orchardBonus rooms in finished basementUpstairsBonus rooms in finished basementUpstairsBathroom downstatirsSplit bath upstairsPersimmons in clustersApples, persimmons, citrusBack yardDescriptionHere's an opportunity to restore a Victorian to its previous beauty. Although it needs loving care, creativity and resourcefulness to make it shine again, there are some wonderful benefits. It's located on a nice, spacious lot with fruit-bearing trees. Apples and persimmons are ready for picking. There is a long driveway and covered carport for off-street parking for multiple vehicles. A large storage shed for your tools and more. BONUS ROOMS: More square footage than what public records show. When the owners bought this property decades ... 10/04/2010

Summit Solutions Team, the preminent REO wholesalers in the Bay Area is now blogging on Activerain.   Join us on September 25th for REO training.   Click HERE for more info.   In the last 24 months, Summit Solutions Team, Corp. turned over 800 REOs into owner-occupied homes. Learn the tricks of the trade with Lori Greymont. During this workshop sponsored by REIA NYC she’ll share the hard-earned lessons of the bulk REO marketplace. Register at SJREI.net You’ll learn— Best practices for setting up your REO business How to evaluate a property sight unseen The necessary presales preparation Effective sales techniques for challenged properties How to qualify an applicant the ins and outs of seller financing Exit strategies and contingency planning Plus all participants receive a copy of our ... 09/21/2010

Saturday the 17th, there's an Alameda Green Home Expo taking place at the Alameda Town Centre. The expo is free, and starts at 10 am, with talks on a number of great topics. I am honored to be included, and will be speaking on "Busting Green Home Myths." My talk is scheduled for 11:45 (or so). The Green Home Expo will showcase the latest environmentally friendly products, services, and technology used in the homebuilding and home improvement industries. There's an impressive list of nearly 50 vendors, including contractors, landscape designers and architects, plus vendors who sell organic food and plants, children's toys and clothing and furniture. And it will host speakers who will talk about green landscaping, building and home restoration, and lowering energy costs. For Berkeley resi... 07/16/2010

As Alameda residents, we've always prided ourselves on what we think: that Alameda is holding its own in terms of market values, and that we are not as severly affected as other neighboring cities in terms of short sales and foreclosures. Tracking short sales and foreclosures in Alameda, CA that have sold or closed escrow since January 1, 2010. 226 Total Sale 33 REO or bank-owned 22 Short sales       33 Foreclosures     Total distressed properties 54 homes or 24% of total during the 1st half of 2010 How does this track from previous years? In 2009, this is what it looked like Foreclosures and short sales January 1 - December 30, 2009. Looking at residential sales of condos, townhouses, duets and detached single family homes, here's the story: 427 homes sold in 2009 58 were REO (real est... 07/14/2010

What beautiful weather the San Francisco Bay Area has been awash in, these past few days.  The warm in Piedmont, CA and Oakland, CA have been tempered by a sleep inducing breeze off the Pacific Ocean, coming up through the Bay, across Emeryville, Oakland, and into Piedmont, finally hitting my window in the tranquil neighborhood of Redwood Heights.  It's been perfect walking weather and as I stroll with my standard poodle, aptly name Berkeley for his free spirit, I can't help but notice the beautiful details that make this neighborhood so special.  I thought I'd share a few of them with you, so you too can see why this overlooked neighborhood is but just one of the the gems that the East Bay real estate market has to offer, with 3 bedroom homes on quiet tree lined streets starting at les... 06/15/2010

SCAM ALERT! Received inquiry about one of my listings.  But red flags were popping up all over the place. When I researched the name, I was led to this site about scammers http://www.419scam.org/419people.htm RED FLAGS: CASH but needs 30 days to close? Out of country Email communications Viewed and accessed the property previously, but not using an agent? Japanese name, but talks about Chinese tradition Provided "passport" and "proof of funds". Address provided is for a property advertised for rent Here's the communique I and my wife have viewed and accessed the property properly located at 1533 Morton Street, Alameda CA 94501 and have also estimated $10,000.00USD as the earnest money deposit. Please you have to proceed in preparing a purchase contract agreement on the property listed a... 05/31/2010

Sellers, wondering how realtors earn your trust and confidence BEFORE we list your property for sale? My co-realtors are all abuzz. So many of us doing other things that buyers and sellers may not know about. So this may be a good time as any to relate what else we do, especially for out-of-town client.The following is a list, compiled from just a few of our various activities BEFORE we activate the listing. Tenants are moving out....so we attend the move out walk-through, take pictures, make observations about the condition of the property, get information about the tenant's forwarding address. If the property was rented through a property manager, then we work in conjunction with that property manager on the move-out list   Analyze the condition of the property. Make recommendations o... 05/03/2010

Honesty and integrity were considered very important by 98% of buyers surveyed im a recent NAR (National Association of REALTORS) survey, According to the NAR: Sellers largely want agents to price their home competitively, find a buyer, market the property and sell within a specific timeframe. Reputation was the most important factor in choosing an agent, cited by 36 percent of respondents, followed by trustworthiness at 21 percent.   Home buyers thought the most important services agents offer are helping find the right house, and negotiating sales terms and price. The most commonly cited benefits of using an agent are helping buyers understand the process, pointing out unnoticed features or faults, negotiating better contract terms, and providing a better list of service providers. Co... 04/21/2010

Moving to Alameda CA is a joyous occasion for many people who have discovered this wonderful island city. Many of my clients commute to San Francisco. When they couldn't afford to buy in the City, they decided to look to East Bay. It doesn't take them long to fall in love with our island that is so private and secure, yet so conveniently located for easy access to other cities.            And to find out more about Alameda, here's what Wikipedia says about our lovely island town of Alameda. There is a wonderful collection of vintage homes, ranging from beautiful Victorians, stately Tudors, charming Craftsman and many styles of bungalows. This is truly a history and architecture buff's paradise. Alameda has great climate, great schools, and believe it or not, a wonderful selection of re... 04/18/2010

OPEN HOUSE in Alameda CA. This home is brand new, uses green building principles, has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approximately 2000 sq ft. Open house every weekend. See www.AlamedaGREENHome.com for pictures, details and video. Because Alameda is such a small island, it is easy to visit a lot of the open houses every weekend. And in celebration of Earth Day on April 22, check out this wonderful NEW home that is Alameda's first and only GREEN home. See this fabulous home at 1533 Morton Street, Alameda CA every Sunday, 2-4 pm through end of April. Be in contract by April 30, 2010, and the home buyer can qualify for home buyer tax credits up to $18,000. HOME BUYER TAX CREDITS If the buyer is in contract by April 30, that buyer may qualify up to $18,000 in tax credits from Federal first time and... 04/18/2010

First quarter 2010.... how did we do in Alameda CA? A review of the activities in the last three years shows a flickering light, a beating heart, a shot of energy in terms of market activity. SOLD PROPERTIES 1st Quarter 2010 Comparing activities for each first quarter shows: 2007 - 100 sales 2008 - 50 sales 2009 - 65 sales 2010 - 76 sales --- YEAH! MEDIAN FOR SALE VS MEDIAN SOLD PRICE Median sold prices steadily declined, but shows an uptick in 2009.   WHAT KINDS OF SALES? Out of 228 homes that are active, pending and currently offered for sale since January 1, 2010 26 are bank owned 35 are short sales 27% of total are distressed properties --- that's a 7% increase from 2009. 04/01/2010