Green House Real Estate

391 51st Street--New Listing Open Saturday and Sunday!

2008-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

391 51st Street, Oakland
www.391FiftyFirst.com

Visit this very sweet, and surprising craftsman this weekend!

Open House Saturday, August 30, from 1-5
Open House Sunday, August 31, from 1-5

391 51st Street--New Listing Coming Soon!

2008-08-23T08:37:00.002-07:00

Our 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Craftsman Cottage is in the best location, with a WalkScore of 75! We are located between College, Telegraph, and Piedmont Avenues. There are three libraries and at least ten amazing, local gourmet restaurants (sorry if I’m leaving someone out) plus some pretty hot fashion, within walking, peddling or wheeling distance from here!

We are located on a busy street, but with a fully enclosed, fenced yard, lovely deck and a mature apple tree, you still have a relaxed outdoor space to enjoy the late summer evenings.

Our Craftsman details are intact! Complete with stone hearth, built-in desk in the living room and hardwood floors throughout the home. The wood in our large formal dining room is beautiful! A generous built in will display your collection of (fill in the blank here) Ware.

The surprise here is the modern kitchen! There is a six burner, stainless gourmet gas range, large stainless refrigerator, a built in wine cooler, and a built in recycling solution.

There are newer carpets in the bedrooms and the baths are updated and modern. Just move in! Everything is looking great! Our first Open House is Saturday, August 30th from 1-5. We will also be open that Sunday from 1-5 as well. See you there!

Check Back--Photos Coming Soon!

Redwood Heights, Oakland "Just Sold!"

2008-08-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

The East Bay, Oakland, Berkeley Real Estate Market is alive and kicking! www.3748Virden.com
Sold in 11 Days on the market! For information on selling your Oakland, Berkeley home in record time call me!

Nicole
510.593.7501

Abundant Rockridge, Eclectic Temescal

2008-08-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

New Listing Coming Soon!

Our Walkscore is 75. Did you know that walkability is one of the top-rated features that new homebuyers are looking for?

Walkability of a neighborhood rates higher than views, new kitchens, and access to freeways in the minds of many buyers. This trend, when whittled down to its essence is really about location. Where neighborhoods have their own Chocolaterie, locally owned coffee shops, unique restaurants, parks, and organic food markets, there are likely to be young families, decent schools and interesting people as neighbors.

In Rockridge and Temescal this culture has been carefully cultivated and nurtured. Ten years ago the landscape of 51st and Telegraph was unrecognizable as it looks today. It served as a thoroughfare to the highways 580, 24 and 80. The idea of stopping to enjoy a lemon bar and coffee on that corner would have been unheard of.

These two neighborhoods, once distinct, have merged to create a zone of vibrancy and abundance. The Sunday Farmer’s Market at 51st and Claremont at the DMV is thriving and offers seasonal, locally grown food, including a Bake Sale Betty’s bake stand. Artistically generous, the neighbors form alliances to create the ongoing community they want to live in!

Have you Visted Queen on Grand Avenue in Oakland?

2008-08-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Fun, surprising home decor
with professional
in home design
consultation available!

3338 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California
Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-4
Monday: by appointment, Sunday: closed

It IS Easy Being Green!

2008-08-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

ASSEMBLYWOMAN LONI HANCOCK, in collaboration with the Alameda County Green Business Program and the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, invites you to attend:

It IS Easy Being Green!

An Informational Session About the Process for Becoming a

Certified Green Business in Alameda County

There are many benefits to becoming a Certified Green Business; improving business practices through energy and water conservation, pollution prevention and minimizing waste not only saves money, attracts new customers and creates better working conditions, but also contributes to healthier communities and preserves our natural resources.

Please join Assemblywoman Loni Hancock* and the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Alameda County Green Business Program, to learn about what the required steps are for certification, hear from businesses who have already been through the process and learn about funding opportunities available to assist with “greening” your business.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2008

THE GREENLINING INSTITUTE

1918 UNIVERSITY AVENUE

BERKELEY

11:00 – 12:30 P.M.

PLEASE R.S.V.P. BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH!

To R.S.V.P. please contact:

Melissa Male

Office of Assemblywoman Loni Hancock

(510) 559 – 1406 | Melissa.Male@asm.ca.gov

*Assemblywoman Loni Hancock’s District Office is Proud to be the FIRST Assembly District Office in California to be Certified as a Green Business!

Old Oakland Hotel Gets new Life in the Fruitvale

2008-07-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

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

Oakland, CA Home Sellers

2008-07-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

A Well Priced Listing is a Listing That Sells!

I just had my first open house with my new listing on Virden Avenue in the Redwood Heights neighborhood of Oakland. Of course it is much too early to know, but the sellers of this property did their homework and we had an open conversation about the market.

Even though the home is clean, clear and practically new, the sellers took the approach that the market is the market and priced according to recent sales and the trend of the neighborhood. I was busy from 1:00pm when I opened the home until 5:10pm when the last buyers left the property to call their agent and go home to think about it.

I have to hand it to the sellers because I think their strategy really worked. Make the property as attractive as possible and then price it as sharply as possible! For more information about Virden Avenue check out the property website!

www.3748Virden.com

Verdant Virden! Coming Soon to Redwood Heights, Oakland!

2008-07-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

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

#3 Stanton Court

2008-07-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Just a few more pictures of #3 Stanton Court

2008-07-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Special Orinda Home! #3 Stanton Court

2008-07-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon by the pool, at my Orinda open house.

Something about today, something about the weather. I was reminded of summers growing up, the heat, the lush greenery and that pool I was so tempted by. This house has something for everybody.

When I describe the kitchen as a gourmet cook's kitchen, you really have to see it to get it. The space is compact, but efficient. There are two Meile dishwashers, a large Wolfe Range with a six burner cooktop, a separate Wolfe oven, and warming oven, plus microwave. The cabinetry and tile work are all custom and lovely. The flow from kitchen to dining room is easy, creating a formal dining room that actually gets used daily.

There is a deck off the kitchen and living room with steps down to the garden, for meals alfresco. This makes meal clean ups a breeze, and when the chilly Orinda winds come up at sunset there is a pot bellied stove in the rumpus room. This home is designed for living with luxury and comfort in every room!

Conservation is like Sunscreen

2008-07-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

Berkeley and Oakland Bay Friendly Gardens are Drought Tolerant

2008-07-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Create Habitats in Your Own Backyard

Gas prices being what they are, we are staying a bit closer to home this summer. It gives us an opportunity to fine tune our gardens for current drought conditions and provide viable habitat for an amazing variety of critters, from butterflys to hummingbirds.

There are so many great books to choose from about Bay Area micro-climates, and East Bay Mud has an excellent one, called Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates.
Order the book!
It is time to consider getting rid of the lawn altogether and East Bay nurseries offer great alternatives grasses, like Red Fescue, Pacific Dune Sedge, Foothill Needle Grass and Berkeley Sedge. Ground covers like Silver Carpet, Thyme and White Clover are also good alternatives.

We are so fortunate to have amazing resources in our area, staffed by knowledgeable, experienced gardeners with more than one drought under their belt.

Try these great sources!

Berkeley Horticultural Nursery
1310 McGee Avenue
Berkeley, CA
510.526.4704

Broadway Terrace
4340 Clarewood Drive
Oakland, CA
510.658.3729

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

2008-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

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!

Selling Your Oakland/Berkeley Home--Tip #1

2008-07-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Seller Error #1:

Not Taking Seriously "What Buyer's Look For"

When buyers look at a property, they are looking for a home, NOT a house. Emotions play a vital role in a buyer’s decision-making process. They look for a "feeling," not a two bedroom home. If you want to sell your home, give the buyer that feeling that they are “home.”

Sensory factors that impact a buyer's decisions are smells, color, clutter, and personal effects.

The home you live in is completely different from the one you sell.
But it’s easier than you think!

Here are a few tried and true tips for showcasing your home for sale:

1. The first impression is the decision maker for a buyer. Be sure to work with a Realtor that knows what Buyer's are looking for. Look at other homes on the market. How does your's compare? What is the landscaping like? Are there stains in the driveway? Is it cluttered? Remember, the buyer is seeking the appearance of a well-maintained property. Give it to them!

2. How is your exterior paint and trim, even the color - is it chipping, fading, out of style for two decades? Does the roof look healthy? What is the first thing you notice as you approach your home?

3. Tour your own home. Concentrate on the impression of your senses: smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Walk through each and every room while focusing on these senses. Be sure to keep an eye and nose ready for flooring and carpet stains and odors.

4. De-Clutter. If it’s not essential, put it away. Pack up the extras. Your home should appear fresh and orderly. The buyer needs to imagine moving in. The garage also needs to be clean and neat.

5. Hire a professional cleaning company to clean your home. You’ll be assured a faster sale, and a better selling price for your home.

6. Pets can often be the anti-sale. Make sure that they cannot be seen or smelled by the buyer. Take the pet out of the house when the buyer is there, and take extra care to remove the pet’s odor. Remember, you’re accustomed to it, but it is very present to the buyer who is nitpicking for their future home.

7. A bright, well-lit room is a must for buyers. Open all blinds and curtains and turn on all lights.

8. Turn off all appliances and noise-makers such as the television, the radio, and anything that will distract the buyer’s attention from your home.

Great Home Near Great Oakland School!

2008-07-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

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!

Mid-Century Modern Berkeley View Home

2008-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

This Berkeley home is a totally intact Mid-Century Modern.

Color, pop, fixtures, it's all here! The bathroom comes in a cool aqua blue. The kitchen is a fab limey-yellow. The space saving, fridge was ultra cool for the the day, in three compartments above the counter-tops. This home includes an avocado washer and dryer, (not guaranteed to be energy efficient.)

More Modern Berkeley, CA Homes

2008-07-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Lovely, Modern, Berkeley, CA, Canyon View Home

2008-07-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

This incredible remodel on The Alameda in Berkeley. This post is mostly just to show you some incredible pictures... Just want you to see! If you would like to take a look at this lovely home you can email me to nicole@greenhouserealestate.net!

Indulge me with a few more Oakland Mid-Century Modern Homes for sale!

2008-06-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just want to post a few more pictures here....

For more information on Mid-Century Modern Homes for sale in Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley, email me or call me direct. It is a specialty finding these gems among the rough!

Oakland Mid-Century LOVE!

2008-06-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's so fun to come across relatively untouched Mid-Century Modern homes, and there are just not THAT many in Oakland Real Estate to begin with. There are a few gem neighborhoods where the homes have had only one or two owners and you can find all the cool fixtures and design details that a true modernist looks for.

I've got some fun pix of this home on Rhoda. The weather was cloudy so they didn't come out quite as nice as they could have...but you get the idea!

Piedmont CA Shingled Craftman on Lovely Tree Lined Street

2008-06-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Once again I have house envy!

You have to see this lovely Craftsman Architecture on Piedmont's tree lined streets! Historical references in the fixtures and finishes are complete through the home.

This home has an over-sized attic converted to a wonderful playroom. Additional details are a wonderful built in cabinets in the dining room and bedrooms.

Piedmont Shingled, Craftsman Home, in the Arts and Crafts Style

2008-06-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Every so often, a home stands out the most beautiful home I've found. Here's one! This Piedmont, CA home rests on a treelined street and was lovingly restored in the Craftsman style, by a family for themselves. The results are in the details like Carrara marble and historical fixtures in the kitchen and baths.

It's two-story Craftsman home with a large open kitchen and four bedrooms upstairs. The details and the community does factor into the price of the home but the effect is extraordinary!

Homebuyer's Handbook for Berkeley and Oakland

2008-06-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

HOME BUYER’S HANDBOOK

Arm yourself with information!
My first job as your REALTOR is to educate you on the process of buying your home. I have prepared this packet to help explain the entire process from your loan pre-approval, to making an offer, acceptance of your offer, property inspections and contingency removal and finally to closing escrow and handing over your new house keys.

It’s all about you!
I will create an experience of home buying that is fun, joyful, and as stress-free as possible. Your transaction should feel seamless, from our first meeting, to the closing of your escrow. It is my job to support you in achieving your goals, without rushing you or making you feel pressed. At the same time, if I think you are missing out on something, I will let you know in the most specific way possible, and arm you with comparable sales and statistics to help you make your decision.

What’s next for you?
I commit to listening and finding you the right home, at the right price for your budget, with the best possible terms. I am your advocate!

Click Here for Free Homebuyer's Handbook BuyersHandbook.PDF