Old Oakland Hotel Gets new Life in the Fruitvale

Do you ever see an old building in contemporary surroundings and wonder..."Just what is the story with the building? And how did it come to be there?"

I stumbled upon this explanation of The old Fairlawn Hotel building in the Fruitvale that I have been driving by for several years. This is the exact story of neighborhood revitalization that we love!

Fairlawn Hotel

Verdant Virden! Coming Soon to Redwood Heights, Oakland!

Coming Soon, Verdant Virden!
Relax on the patio with a view of your own private orchards. The large terraced lot features lemons, apples, avocados, apricots, blueberries, pears and roses!

This home was totally rebuilt from scratch 11 years ago. All work was permitted, and done by licensed contractors, including the legal in-law unit, using Green technology whenever possible. The hardwood floors are salvaged recycled hardwood.


Eco-clean and green!
Salvaged hardwood flooring
Heath Ceramic floors in in-law unit.
Low Voc paints
Organic gardens
Newer Energy Star HVAC system
Cat 5 wiring throughout the home
Updated baths

Just a few more pictures of #3 Stanton Court

Conservation is like Sunscreen

I've been thinking about Ecology in that way that we considered it in the 1970's when I was a kid. The word has a retro-tree hugging feel these days, but actually just means "the study of the environment."

When I think about Ecology though, I think about saving things for the future. In this way, I think of conservation in the same way I think about sunscreen. I am 43 years old, not ancient, but the number is not a "young" number. I have been using sunscreen regularly my entire life and specifically on my face every day since I was 25 or so. I have saved my skin for the future, my future. It hasn’t been a hardship on me not to "waste" my skin.

I look at environmental conservation the same way. I LOVE to swim in a clear, cold lake. When I was a kid we sailed up to Princess Louisa Inlet in Canada. There is a lake there that inspired my mom to skinny dip. I haven't been back, but I like to think it is still pristine. I hope it is.

We also sailed to the South Pacific. For a year, my family and me were in the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, Tahaiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora and finally Hawaii. We didn't have an outboard engine on our Avon dingy then. When we anchored out in the bay, we rowed to shore in every weather and sea condition.

We carried our own water in 25-gallon jugs and poured it into tanks on the boat. A few times during the trip we were able to use a hose at a dock, but mostly just us and the rowing. When I think about water and wasting it, I have to consider whether I would want to row it against an incoming tide in a dingy with five people and 100 gallons of water. It just makes sense to save it~

Look for my new listing coming soon!

www.3748virden.com

Selling in a Buyer's Market for Berkeley and Oakland--Tip #2

Seller's Error #2:

Listing Price Too High!

Listing your home for more than it is worth will most likely result in a sale price far below what you would have received if you correctly priced you home in the first place. Overpriced homes are missed by buyers until the price is reduced because buyers shop by price range. There may be a perception by buyers that your listing is stale. Stale listings can develop a stigma, for absolutely no reason!

Realtors prefer showing properly priced homes and may use your home to close buyers on another lower priced listing.

Keeping in mind that 96 percent of all homes are sold by Realtors. Attracting Realtors to your home is important.

Longer list times also cost you more mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and the carrying costs associated home ownership. Not to mention added stress!

Sellers are responsible for setting the price and price determines market time. Overpricing will increase the length of time it takes to sell your home.

Partnering with the right Realtor will get your home sold!

Great Home Near Great Oakland School!

I don't use the "Charm" word lightly. It's so overused in real estate. But truly, come on over! This place is charming! The home is light and bright, with lovely hardwood floors and Spanish tile. The breakfast nook looks out onto the green backyard. And this home even has a second backyard with a wonderful tree house! You'll LOVE it!

See you at 2:00! If you can't make it today, email me for a private showing!

More Modern Berkeley, CA Homes

Every Detail

of this Berkeley Home was refinished, polished or replaced with a long lasting sustainable material. The home has private decks and indoor/outdoor space bringing the hillside views into your kitchen and living spaces.