Crocker Highlands Home Tour scheduled for October 7th

Oakland - 1 Lakeside Drive #1210 - $525,000 Can by You Panoramic Lake and Hills View!!!

2009-03-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Oakland, CA 94612 - You enjoy panoramic lake and hills views from every room! Glass walls and spacious living is just the beginning of the luxury you will find in this unit. Do you like to cook? Bring out your inner gourmet with a beautiful kitchen and dining area! The Essex is a 270-unit condominium complex with five-star amenities. You will have access to 24/7 concierge and security, club house, barbeque area, fitness center, business center with conference room, computer and internet access and secured parking. If you work hard all day, you are going to love coming home to relax!! Unwind in the heated infinity pool or just sit back and relax in the Jacuzzi. You can enjoy these amenities on the elevated garden terrace overlooking Lake Merrit and the Oakland Hills. Does this make you want to see more? Take Virtual Tour Here!! Come visit us on the web at www.DaveAndCarla.com or give us a call!!
Buy this home from us and receive up to $10,000.00 in Cash Rewards as a closing thank you from the sellers,call for details. If you need to sell a home before you buy, our trade-up program may be perfect for you! Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.GuaranteedToSell.com Contact us at (888) 627-4399 for details and conditions on these exclusive Buyer Protection Services only available through the Dave and Carla Higgins Team!

Oakland - 1555 Lakeside Drive #24- Listing at Just $ 385,000 With a $10,000 Thank You!!!

2009-03-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Oakland, CA 94612 - Yes, you read that right!! Not only is this Spacious Luxury Unit beautiful and listed at a fabulous price of $385,000, but it comes with a $10,000 Cash Reward as a closing thank you from the sellers!! The Lakeside Regency Plaza was built in 1968 by Michael Marx who interned with Frank Lloyd Wright. His influence can be seen in the floor- to- ceiling expanse of glass that marries the outdoors with the indoors. You will enjoy the beauty of Oakland as it surrounds you. If you make this home yours, you will have life at your doorstep! The Lakeside Regency Plaza has fronting along the western shores of Lake Merrit alongside the the Scottish Rite Temple. Within walking distance you will find everything you need from government and downtown offices to Chinatown and Whole Foods stores. Need more? We’ve got more!!! You will find the Oakland Museum, the Oakland Public Library, Laney College and the Paramount Theater are within walking distance, as well as three Bay Area Rapid Transit stations! If you like to bring your social events a little closer to home you can! A courtyard pavilion on the mezzanine level is available to you for social affairs and other gatherings. You will also have the comfort and convenience of 24-hour door service and secured parking. This could be the Luxury Unit you have been dreaming of!!

But wait, there is more!!! You can take a Virtual Tour Here!!
Don’t forget the $10,000 thank you, just contact us for the details and provisions! Also if you need to sell a home before you buy, our trade-up program may be perfect for you! Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.GuaranteedToSell.com Contact us at (888) 627-4399 for details and conditions on these exclusive Buyer Protection Services only available through the Dave and Carla Higgins Team!

Oakland - 1343 Barrows Road- 1926 Tudor Style for a Fashionable Price -$649,000!!!

2009-03-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Oakland, CA 94610 - Another Fabulous Find listed by Dave and Carla Higgins!! Does it sound too good to be true? Take Virtual Tour Here!! This 1926 Tudor style home boasts four bedrooms and two baths. The Great Room upstairs could be converted to a large Master Bedroom with lots of style! Enjoy stately formal Living and Dining rooms where friends can gather. Need a quiet retreat? Create your own hideaway in the study complete with a balcony view. Beautiful hardwoods and a cozy fireplace complete the perfect setting for a relaxing evening after a long day at work. A rooftop deck looks out over magical gardens with a secluded spa. This unique and stately home is on a quiet secluded street. It is close to shopping and schools with public transportation nearby. If you would like to make this house your home, come visit us on the web at www.DaveAndCarla.com or give us a call!!
There is more!!!
Buy this home from us and receive up to $10,000.00 in Cash Rewards as a closing thank you from the sellers. If you need to sell a home before you buy, our trade-up program may be perfect for you! Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.GuaranteedToSell.com Contact us at (888) 627-4399 for details and conditions on these exclusive Buyer Protection Services only available through the Dave and Carla Higgins Team!

3262 Louise Street, Oakland - Amazing Value at Give Away Price! $329,000.00

2008-11-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

Sold for over $620K just 2.5 yrs ago! Now being sold as a pre-approved bank short sale!
SEE THE TOUR HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back on Market and price slashed WAY below market value! Fabulous two year old 3 story condo, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. Loads of stunning designer finishes, a gorgeous open living space with bamboo floors, 2 zone radiant heat, chef’s kitchen w/ butcher block and granite counters, new stainless steel appliances. Light filled great room with 11 ft ceilings, wainscoting, crown molding, a detailed fireplace with ceramic surround, has French doors that open onto the patio. The spacious master bedroom is adjoined by a huge master bath, dual sinks, Jacuzzi tub, with sep stall shower and ceramic floors. Laundry rm on the upper level that will fit a front loading washer/dryer. Plus room, skylights, 2 car garage. Buy this property from us and receive up to $10,000.00 in Cash Rewards as well as receive our guarantee that if you are not 100% satisfied with your home after the first 18 months, we'll buy it back or sell it for free! Contact us at (888) 627-4399 for details and conditions on these exclusive Buyer Protection Services only available through the Dave and Carla Higgins Team!

Now Listed - 607 Brooklyn Avenue, Oakland CA

2008-10-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

607 Brooklyn Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606

Priced at $749,000.00

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.GuaranteedToSell.com

Grand Craftsman positioned just a block from Lake Merritt in the wonderful Haddon Hill area of Oakland. Immaculately maintained period home with Lake Merritt and Downtown Oakland Views. This property offers a Rustic Sun-porch off the second level of the home, Large friendly kitchen with warm wood slider doors onto a level grassy private backyard and deck, formal living room which breaths natural light and a formal dining room with built-ins. This home also has a large basement with dedicated laundry room and large bonus room and closet. You Can Take A Virtual Tour Here! The current owners have put significant time and money into structural upgrades to the home including drain systems and foundation piers (the stuff that costs a lot and you can’t see!) The owners are also very green conscious and have recently repainted the whole interior of the house with low VOC paints. This is a rare find ideally located in one of the friendliest areas in Oakland (just a ½ block from great Pizza and Coffee). Did we mention that we will guarantee your 100% satisfaction when you buy this home? Check out the details here!

Now Listed - 6019 Arlington Blvd, Richmond, CA 94805

2008-07-31T00:26:00.000-07:00

6019 Arlington Blvd, Richmond, CA 94805
Priced at $749,000.00

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.guaranteedtosell.com

or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

Coming soon and offered by Dave and Carla Higgins: www.daveandcarla.com This fabulous Victorian Period Home sits proudly in the hills along the border of El Cerrito and on the wonderful Arlington Blvd. Massive in scale the home has undergone fabulous upgrades as well as been meticulously maintained by the owners of over 40 years! Stunning Bay Views are offered from the property and the lower level of the home has a complete in-law unit which could easily lend this home to being used as a duplex (as it shows itself on public records). TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR HERE Years ago the current owners converted the power to one meter and decided to solely use the house in its entirety for themselves, but the meters could be switched back if the new owner(s) so chose. The backyard of the property offers a lush and mature Northern California garden (complete with trails and paths). Large decks and patios make the home great for entertaining and the current owners have completed massive foundation improvements, drainage systems and pest clearance. Get all the open house and showing information here at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/

1101 66th Street Oakland, CA 94608

2008-07-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

1101 66th Street,Oakland, CA 94608

Price on request, or visit our website
www.DaveAndCarla.com

This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!*

For more information go to http://www.guaranteedtosell.com/

This two-level condo is being offered by Dave Higgins and all details as well as fabulous virtual tour can be viewed at www.DaveAndCarla.com. This was the builder’s premier show piece model and comes with all the upgrades that the builder was offering. Built-in surround sound, premium chef's kitchen with gourmet appliances and stone counters, fabulous hardwoods in the main common areas, vaulted ceilings, custom blinds and drapes, the list goes on and on! The lower level of the home has a great bedroom or office area with full bath and entrance to the attached two car garage. As an added perk the seller is leaving ALL the wonderful furniture and decor that you see here in the pictures. Contact us directly for more details at (510) 595-7699 or email us at info@daveandcarla.com

(Virtual Tour Here)

Get all the open house and showing information here at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/ or go to http://www.daveandcarla.com/for further details. Posted by Dave and Carla Higgins

Fabulous New Listing 2220 Arrowhead Drive, Oakland, CA 94611

2008-07-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

2220 Arrowhead Drive,

Oakland, CA 94611

Priced at $1,249,000

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to
www.guaranteedtosell.com
or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

Stunning New Contemporary Tucked In To The Montclair Hills (See Pictures Here)! Brilliant cathedral ceilings, deluxe chef's open kitchen, arched formal living room, and fabulous multi-level floor plan. (Virtual Tour Here) The home also features a luxurious au-pair in the lower level of the house which has direct access in from the street and also doubles wonderfully as a home office, rumpus area or exercise room. Built by A Legendary Engineer (for himself!), this two year NEW home offers simplistic opulence around every corner! Glistening hardwood floors radiate the brilliant natural light which flows from the overly abundant windows offered throughout this entire house (walk the home with the lights off and you will be astounded). Towering ceilings and open floor plan make the space perfect for entertaining while a formal living room on one end of the house balances out the open family room on the opposite side. In the master bedroom you will find a luxurious bath area with oversized walk in shower and soaking tub offering a marvelous view out over the wooded canyon (views also await you from most every room in the home). Complete privacy is found in this truly unique, design rich home. The main bedrooms are all up and the master bedroom suite also features a separate terrace for evening wine or morning coffee. Get all the open house and showing information here at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/ or go to http://www.daveandcarla.com/ for further details. Posted by Dave and Carla Higgins

New Price - 565 Bellevue Avenue #1205, Oakland, CA 94610

2008-07-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

565 Bellevue Ave. #1205

Oakland, CA 94611

Priced at $299,000

24 MONTH SATISFACTION GUARANTEE ON THIS PROPERTY -IF YOUR NOT 100% SATISFIED, WE'LL BUY IT BACK!

(Details Here)*

Awesome Opportunity to buy a below market value luxury view condo (Virtual Tour Here) - $30K BELOW BPO (Broker Price Opinion)! Break into one of the most prestigious buildings in the area. Fabulous 12th floor unit in the esteemed Park Bellevue Luxury Tower. Positioned adjacent to the hottest retail districts. Large vista windows offering commanding views of Oakland and the hills beyond. The building has a 24 hr doorman, a 6th floor pool and work out facility and common areas. (Pictures Here) Seller must liquidate this property, get all the open house and showing information here at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/ or go to http://www.daveandcarla.com/ for further details.

Coming Soon - 3517 Oleander Avenue, Alameda, CA 94502

2008-07-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

3517 Oleander Avenue, Alameda, CA 94502
Priced at $499,000

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.guaranteedtosell.com
or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

Coming soon and offered by Dave and Carla Higgins: www.daveandcarla.com Stunning two level townhouse with attached oversized two car garage in the heart of fabulous Alameda (see more pictures)! Vaulted ceilings, open floorplan, cozy fireplace, updated kitchen with family room, private patio and garden viewed through walls of glass in several rooms. Upper level with large light filled master bedroom suite, upper office or entertainment area and two additional (sizable) bedrooms. Rarely available model with fabulous floorplan! This one will not last.. *condition apply Get all the open house and showing information here at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/

MAP THIS HOME HERE

Coming Soon - 6019 Arlington Blvd, Richmond, CA 94805

2008-07-09T00:56:00.000-07:00

6019 Arlington Blvd, Richmond, CA 94805

Priced at $749,000.00

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to www.guaranteedtosell.com

or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

Coming soon and offered by Dave and Carla Higgins: www.DaveAndCarla.com This fabulous Victorian Period Home sits proudly in the hills along the border of El Cerrito and on the wonderful Arlington Blvd. Massive in scale the home has undergone fabulous upgrades as well as been meticulously maintained by the owners of over 40 years! Stunning Bay Views are offered from the property and the lower level of the home has a complete in-law unit which could easily lend this home to being used as a duplex (as it shows itself on public records). Years ago the current owners converted the power to one meter and decided to solely use the house in its entirety for themselves, but the meters could be switched back if the new owner(s) so chose. The backyard of the property offers a lush and mature Northern California garden (complete with trails and paths). Large decks and patios make the home great for entertaining and the current owners have completed massive foundation improvements, drainage systems and pest clearance. Get all the open house and showing information here at www.HouseOpenEveryDay.com

MAP THIS HOME HERE

Just Listed - 838 E.15th Street, Oakland, CA 94606

2008-07-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

838 E. 15th Street, Oakland, CA 94606

$350,000.00

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to
www.guaranteedtosell.com
or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

Priced $25K under BPO (Brokers Price Opinion) Lovely & comfortable two level home just blocks from Lake Merritt at the price of a condo! Great kitchen, bonus room off upper master bedroom, utility/shop area under house. Hardwood floors, Large windows and a great floor plan. In total this home has approximately 1880 sq ft of living space as well as four bedrooms and two bathrooms. An additional plus room can be found off the upstairs master bedroom! Get all the open house and showing information here at www.HouseOpenEveryDay.com or go to www.DaveAndCarla.com for further details.

MAP THIS PROPERTY HERE

New Listing, 2659 Miramar Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94549

2008-07-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

2659 Miramar Avenue,

Castro Valley, CA 94546

$575,000

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!* For more information go to

www.guaranteedtosell.com

or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

Priced $75K below BPO (Broker Price Opinion). HUD-RBID HOME Lovely, Spacious 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in a wonderful area of Castro Valley. Located on Cul-De-Sac this home has a private fenced backyard, cozy den & family room as well as an enourmous finished basement with bathroom. Air conditioning will keep you cool during the hot summer nights and the wonderful fenced and private backyard is wonderful for entertaining. (SEE MORE PICTURES HERE)Priced to Sell! To find out more about the RBID process or RBID homes just click this RBID Home Center link. This One Won't Last! Showing times for this great home can be seen at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/ .

www.DaveAndCarla.com

MAP THIS HOME HERE

Just Listed - 22975 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94541

2008-07-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

22975 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94541 Priced at $349,000.00

Buy This Home and We'll Buy Yours, GUARANTEED!*
For more information go to www.guaranteedtosell.com
or call 1-800-613-9630 ID # 1072

$30K Below BPO (Broker Price Opinion)! Here is the fantastic opportunity to take advantage of this amazing downturned market! The unfortunate seller of this home bought the property in 2006 as a complete fixer. At that time is was listed for sale for $350,000.00 and sold in just 13 days in multiple offers for $430,000.00 (WOW). The owner then went through the entire house and completely remodeled (take the tour here) it but by then the market had turned! Their loss is your gain! This completely remodeled Home Now Has A New Large Open Chefs Kitchen, New Hall & Master Baths, New Windows, New Carpet, Walls & Paint. Big Master Bedroom w/2 Closets, Huge Level Fenced Backyard. As a Bonus The Seller Is Offering A $5K Landscaping Credit And You Get to Pick the Landscape! Hurry This One Won't Last! Showing times for this great home can be seen at http://www.houseopeneveryday.com/ .

MAP THIS HOME HERE

*some conditions apply

Raise The Value Of Your Home

2007-12-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

Home Improvement Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home
Buying a home may be a dream, but the initial purchase is only the introduction to that dream. There's always something about your house that could be a little better, a little closer to perfect. Now, with a little planning, you can bring your home closer to your dream of perfection.
Reasoning Your Redo
Many home improvement projects begin with someone in the household saying, "Wouldn't it be nice ...?" What follows may be a wish for a remodeled kitchen or a room addition with space to accommodate every family member's needs. However, reality usually intrudes upon this daydream: There's only so much money and so much space. The trick is turning your dreams into reality. Start by evaluating your needs. Most homeowners consider home improvements for one of these reasons.
You need to update the out-of-date. If your kitchen still sports appliances and decor from decades past, now may be the time to make it current.
You need to replace fixtures or appliances. Sometimes a home improvement project grows out of an immediate need to replace broken or inefficient fixtures. If the sink, tub or toilet has to be replaced, many people take the opportunity to refurbish the entire bathroom.
You're selling your home. You want to be sure you'll get top dollar from the sale of your home, and that may be the rallying cry for some home improvement projects.
You're staying put. You thought about moving, but now you realize that improving your present home is a better option.
Your family has grown and you need more space.
Improving to Move or Improving to Stay
You need to evaluate your plans carefully if you're improving your home to put it on the market. Cutting corners could hurt rather than help your prospects, but you don't want to go overboard either. Potential buyers may not want to pay for the extras you have included, such as a hot tub or pool. It's best to keep changes simple.
Also keep in mind that people viewing your house may not share your tastes and therefore won't necessarily appreciate the time and effort you put into finding just the right shade of green paint for the walls.
Improving to sell is easier if you mentally put yourself on the other side of the proverbial fence: What is important to the home buyer? Here's a list of remodeling projects that buyers are likely to find valuable:
Adding or remodeling a bath
Improving the kitchen
Adding a new room
Landscaping
Adding a bedroom
Adding or enclosing a garage
If you're remodeling in order to stay in your home, you still need to avoid over improving it. You'll probably sell someday, and even if your house is the best on the block, you may have a hard time convincing buyers to pay extra for the things you found so important. Keep the value of other homes in the area in mind whenever you consider improvements. Your home's value should be no more than 20% above the average. That means a $10,000 kitchen improvement project might be a better idea than a $10,000 hot tub, especially if no other homes in your area have hot tubs.
Home Maintenance
Unfortunately, some home improvement projects get started because something is broken. A leaky plumbing fixture may be the first step to a major bath remodeling. After all, if the tub has to be replaced, why not do the whole room?
While that's certainly one reason to remodel, you'll generally want to avoid basing your home improvement projects on immediate need. Proper maintenance will help to minimize problems. Go over every part of your home at least once a year. Check out the roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, etc. As soon as you notice a problem, fix it. Early attention to repairs will help you avoid a larger expense later on. Remember maintenance does not add to the value of your home. Repairs, generally, are not improvements but necessities.
Hiring Help
Let's face it, home projects can be expensive. You may be tempted to tackle them yourself as a way to save money. For small projects, that may be a smart move. You don't have to wait for someone else to fit your house into their schedule, and you can take pride in doing the work yourself. Unless you're particularly handy, however, large home improvement projects are better left to the pros. If you're remodeling the kitchen, ask yourself if you can handle the plumbing, electrical and carpentry work. And don't forget that you need to finish it all quickly, because in the meantime you'll be without a kitchen and eating out can be costly. Keep in mind, do-it-yourself jobs generally take more time and you're responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and inspections.
Hiring people who have experience can save you money and time, too. For example, these professionals can help you get a custom look using stock products, and that can be a significant savings. Getting something done right--the first time--will give you value that lasts for years.
Word-of-mouth is a good way to start looking for home improvement specialists. Check with friends, business associates and neighbors for recommendations. Always ask for at least three references - and check them out. Check, too, with your local chapter of the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce. You can find the number in the community services section of your telephone book. Make sure everyone is in agreement about design, schedule and budget. Get the details down in writing in a signed contract. You'd also be wise to check on professional certifications and licenses, where required, and insist that any contractors you hire are fully insured and bonded. Contact your town or city Building Department for information. In particular, make sure contractors carry workers' compensation insurance so that if any workers are injured on the job, you won't be held liable. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificates. Also make sure that you or the contractor secure any necessary permits before beginning the work. Contact your local Planning and Zoning Commission for information.
Here's a quick overview of some of the pros you may work with in remodeling your home:
Architect: These professionals design homes or additions from the foundation to the roof. If you're planning structural changes--adding or taking out walls, for example--or anticipate a complex design, you'll probably want an architect. You may pay an hourly fee or a flat fee. Be sure to get an estimate of the total cost: It can take 80 hours or more to draw up plans for a major remodeling project.
Contractor: This person oversees the nuts-and-bolts aspects of your home improvement project, such as hiring and supervising workers, getting permits, making sure inspections are done as needed and providing insurance for work crews. You may wish to get proposals from one or more reputable contractors, based on specific details of your project. Be sure each contractor bids on exactly the same plan for comparison purposes. Once you've chosen a contractor, make sure your contract specifies that you will pay in several stages. It's customary to pay one third when the contract is signed so that the contractor can buy supplies. The number and timing of other payments depends on the size of the job, but do not make final payment until all work is successfully completed, inspected and approved.
Interior Designers: These specialists offer advice on furnishings, wall coverings, colors, styles and more. They can help save you time (by narrowing down selections) and money (from the professional discounts they might receive). When meeting with an interior designer, be sure to talk about your personal style and preferences. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, or you may negotiate a flat fee of perhaps 25% of the total project cost.
Financing Repairs
Depending on the scope of your home improvement plans, finding funding may be a project itself. If the project is small, you may be able to save for it from your regular household budget. For larger projects, you'll probably need to borrow money. If you participate in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan at work, you may be able to get a short-term loan from your account. To find out if this option is available to you and to learn about any tax implications, talk to your benefits administrator. Another possibility is borrowing against the cash value of your life insurance policy. If you're interested in finding out more about this type of loan, talk to your life insurance agent.
To take out other types of home improvement loans, head to your local bank, savings and loan, or credit union. Compare interest rates, repayment options and penalties from lending institutions before deciding on one of the following options:
Second mortgage: This is a loan against the equity in your home. It is, in essence, an additional mortgage. Typically, financial institutions will let you borrow up to 80 percent of the appraised value of your home, minus the balance on your original mortgage. For example, if your home is appraised at $100,000 and your current mortgage balance is $70,000, you may be able to borrow $10,000 by way of a second mortgage. You may also incur all the fees normally associated with a mortgage - closing costs, title insurance and processing fees. Talk to your tax advisor about whether the interest on a second mortgage may be tax-deductible.
Refinancing: This involves paying off your old loan and taking out a new mortgage on your home. To refinance, generally you'll need to have equity in your home, a solid credit rating and a steady income. You'll incur all the closing costs that go along with getting a new mortgage, so unless you're doing extensive remodeling and can get a mortgage interest rate at least two points less than you're currently paying, this type of loan may not be for you.
Home Equity Line of Credit: Like a second mortgage, a home equity loan lets you tap up to about 80 percent of the appraised value of your home, minus your current mortgage balance. Since it's set up as a line of credit, you won't be charged interest until you make a withdrawal, but you will have to pay closing costs. You can make withdrawals gradually as you start paying contractors and suppliers. The interest rate charged is usually variable and may be based on the outstanding balance. Make sure you understand the terms of the loan. If, for example, your loan stipulates that you need to pay interest only for the life of the loan, you'll have to pay back the full amount borrowed at the end of the loan period or you could lose your home. The interest on home equity loans may be deductible; talk to your tax advisor.
Unsecured Loan: Although the interest rates charged are often higher and you generally will not be able to get a tax deduction for the interest paid, the costs of obtaining an unsecured loan are usually lower. The relative ease of obtaining this type of loan makes it popular for small projects costing $10,000 or less. The lender will evaluate your application based on credit history and income.
Be House Smart:You'll be happiest with the outcome of a home improvement project if you plan carefully and do your homework. Armed with the information in this pamphlet and a realistic idea of your needs and budget, you'll find your home getting closer to your dream of perfection.

For more information go to http://www.oaklandhomefinder.com/

Inexpensives Ways to Remodel Your Bathroom

2007-11-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

Alternatives to Retiling the Bathroom Are you stuck with baby blue or sea green bathroom tiles? Removing and replacing tile is one option but it's also expensive and tedious. If finances do not permit full renovations or you do not want to spend money on something that is in fine condition, there are two primary alternatives - cover it up or camouflage the color.

Bathroom tile that was once fashionable in the 1960's and 1970's may now be offensive to you, meaning something needs to change. A color wheel serves as an easy to use aid to help you lessen the color intensity of your offending bathroom tile.
Let's start with a brief lesson on the color wheel theory. All colors fit in a designated order around the color wheel. A color's position will provide you with needed information about which colors clash or compliment another. Colors opposite each other will visually intensify each other. Adjacent colors, on the other hand, will blend with each other, creating harmony and deemphasizing a single color's intensity.
In order to tone down your bathroom tile color, keep color wheel principles in mind. Select colors adjacent to the tile color for towels, shower curtains, paint, and other accessories. This will allow the tile color to harmonize with its surroundings rather than letting it jump out at you.
For example, try using warm yellows, olives, or tans with avocado green tile rather than reds and purples. The tile will be less noticeable and offending. The easiest way to see if colors create harmony or increase havoc would be to acquire paint sample cards and fabric swatches. This will enable you to try different color combinations with the tile. Trying these different combinations will help you understand color theory more clearly.
You may also want to think about replacing one or a few of the following items: flooring, vanity, countertops, and/or fixtures. You may not be able to afford all of those items but even replacing just one of them would create an instant style update. For more information checkout our website at http://www.daveandcarla.com/

To Sell A Home Fast, Price It Correctly

2007-11-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

Why It Is So Important That Your Home Is Correctly Priced and Marketed Properly
"...you need to be beware of agents who set the list price on homes at unrealistically high levels simply to get listings..."
While many agents may promise to sell your home for the money you want, the reality of the real estate market today is that this simply doesn't always happen. The fact of the matter is, the majority of homes sell for a price which falls short of what sellers may have been lead to believe.
There are two factors at play here. On the one hand, you need to be beware of agents who set the list price on homes at unrealistically high levels simply to get listings. This is really unfair because it can set homeowners up for disappointment and failure.
On the other hand, you have homes that are priced correctly, but are marketed ineffectively. Without a proper marketing program in place to ensure a home is exposed to the highest number of qualified buyers, many homesellers feel forced to accept a lower offer.
There's nothing worse to a homeseller than to have their home sit unsold for many months because of improper pricing and/or marketing techniques. Needless to say, either of these situations is highly frustrating to any homeseller. But more than that, it can be financially crushing if you're counting on the full proceeds of the sale of your home to fulfill some other obligation.
To prevent this scenario when selling your home here are some points to consider before choosing the agent you want to represent you.
Deciding Upon an Agent
A good agent knows the market and has information on past sales, current listings, a marketing plan, and will provide their background and references. Evaluate each candidate carefully on the basis of their experience and qualifications.
Are they pricing your home correctly?
Home prices are determined by the marketplace not by your emotional attachment or by what you feel your home is worth. You should work closely with an agent who will suggest establishing a realistic price for your home. They will help you to objectively compare the price, features and condition of all similar homes in both your neighborhood and other similar ones which have sold in recent months. It is also important to be familiar with the terms of each potential sale. Terms are often as important as price in today's market.
Do they set themselves apart from the others by offering innovative marketing plans to sell your home fast and for top dollar?
Will they set up an aggressive marketing program to ensure your home is exposed to hundreds of qualified buyers? How much money does this agent spend in advertising the homes s/he lists versus other agents. In what media do they advertise, (newspaper, magazine, TV. etc.) Do they use a 24 hour hotline, "For Sale" signs, lock boxes, a Tour of Homes program, and Talking House signs and transmitters? What does this agent know about the effectiveness of one medium over the other? For More Information go to our other website at http://www.daveandcarla.com/

New Listing Open Sunday 10/28/07 , 2007 Manzanita Drive, Oakland, CA

2007-10-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

This fabulous Jeff Armstrong built home offers walls of glass looking toward S.F. and the Bay. Oakland Real Estate at its best, it offers a fabulous open floor plan with gleaming bamboo floors, spectacular entertainer’s kitchen with granite slab counters and stainless appliances, vaulted exposed beam ceilings and designer lighting! Au pair with private entrance, full bath and kitchen grace the lower two levels of this house making it perfect for multiple lifestyles. This house has a clear pest report and has been meticulously maintained. Take a virtual tour of 2007 Manzanita by clicking this link!

2007 Manzanita Drive, Oakland is truly a dream, this home is a delight and a must see here in the East Bay! For full details on this home feel free to click here! Great Montclair Home! If you would like to use our free Oakand & East Bay MLS Home Search or get free real estate reports on buying a home please visit our website Dave and Carla's Website !

Protecting Your Home From Natural Disasters

2007-10-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, So in the Bay Area Everyone always talks about "when is the Big Earthquake going to strike.......
Here is an article on protecting your home Before Disaster Strikes
Fires . . . hurricanes. . . floods . . . earthquakes . . . tornadoes.... Natural or other disasters can strike suddenly, at any time, and anywhere. Your first priority, of course, would be to protect your family and your property. But it's also important to protect against the financial consequences of a disaster. A disaster can damage or destroy your property, force you to temporarily live somewhere else, cut the flow of wages and other income, or ruin valuable financial records.
Listed here are some simple, common-sense steps you can take now. Before you take any actions, however, you should be sure you have involved your family or friends whenever possible in decision making and planning. You also may want the assistance of an advisor, such as a Certified Financial Planner, insurance agent, or similar financial professional.
The important thing is to begin planning now, before the unexpected becomes a harsh reality.
Protect your property
One of the first things to do is find out what disasters could strike where you live----fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado, for example. The following steps can help you avoid or reduce substantially the potential physical destruction to your property if you were to be hit with a disaster. These steps can reduce your insurance costs, too. For example, you could:
Install smoke detectors to warn of an apartment or home fire.
Elevate utilities to upper floor or attic.
Clear surrounding brush to protect your home against wildfires.
Anchor your house to the foundation, and anchor the roof to the main frame.
Secure objects that could fall and cause damage in an earthquake, such as a bookcase or hot water heater.
Install hurricane shutters on windows, and prepare plywood covers for glass doors.
Cover windows, turn off utilities, or move possessions to a safer location if you have adequate warning of something like a hurricane or flood.
If your home is in a high risk flood area, on a fault line, or threatened by coastal erosion, consider relocating.
Have your house inspected by a building inspector or architect to find out what structural improvements could prevent or reduce major damage from disasters.
If you haven't yet bought a house, you might take construction type into account. Frame houses tend to withstand some disasters, while brick homes hold up better in others.
If you're not sure where to start, you could contact your local fire department. Fire departments will often make house calls to evaluate your property and make suggestions on how to improve safety. In earthquake-prone areas, the local utility can be called upon to come to your location and show you how and where to shut off gas lines or how to elevate utilities to get them above a possible flood.
Conduct a household inventory
Inventory your household possessions by making a list of everything you own. If disaster strikes, this list could:
Help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or destroyed.
Make it more likely you'll receive a fast, fair payment from your insurance company for your losses.
Provide documentation for tax deductions you claim for your losses.
To conduct a thorough home inventory:
Record the location of the originals of all important financial and family documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, wills, deeds, tax returns, insurance policies, and stock and bond certificates. Keep the originals in a safe place and store copies elsewhere. You'll need accessible records for tax and insurance purposes.
Make a visual or written record of your possessions. If you don't own a camera or videotaping equipment (and can't borrow or rent it), buy an inventory booklet and fill it out, or make a simple list on notebook paper. Ask your insurance agent if he or she can provide one.
Go from room to room. Describe each item, when you bought it, and how much it cost. If you're photographing or videotaping, have someone open closet doors and hold up items.
Record model and serial numbers.
Include less expensive items, such as bath towels and clothes. Their costs add up if you have to replace them.
Be sure you include items in your attic, basement, and garage.
Note the quality of building materials, particularly for such furnishings as oak doors or expensive plumbing fixtures.
Photograph the exterior of your home. Include the landscaping---that big tree in the front yard may not be insurable, but it does increase the value of your property for tax purposes. Make special note of any improvements, such as a patio, fencing, or outbuildings.
Photograph cars, boats, and recreational vehicles.
Make copies of receipts and canceled checks for more valuable items.
Get professional appraisals of jewelry, collectibles, artwork, or other items that are difficult to value. Update the appraisals every two to three years.
Update your inventory list annually.
Sound like too much work? Computer software programs designed for such purposes can make the task much easier. These programs are readily available in local computer stores.
Most important, once you have completed your inventory, leave a copy with relatives or friends, or in a safe deposit box. Don't leave your only copy at home, where it might be destroyed.
Buy insurance
Even with adequate time to prepare for a disaster, you still may suffer significant, unavoidable damage to your property. That's when insurance for renters or homeowners can be a big help. Yet, many people affected by recent disasters have been underinsured-or worse-not insured at all. Homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods and some other major disasters. Make sure you buy the insurance you need to protect against the perils you face.
If you own a home:
Buy, at a minimum, full replacement or replacement cost coverage. This means the structure can be replaced up to the limits specified in the policy.
Investigate buying a guaranteed replacement cost policy. When and where available, these policies can pay to rebuild your house, including improvements, at today's prices, regardless of the limits of the policy.
Have your home periodically reappraised to be sure the policy reflects the real replacement cost.
Update the policy to include any home improvements, such as basement refinishing. Annual automatic increases may not be enough to cover these.
Buy a policy that covers the replacement cost of your possessions. Standard coverage only pays for the actual cash value (replacement cost discounted for age or use).
Be very clear about what the policy will and will not cover, and how the deductibles work (the part you pay before the policy pays).
Check government operated insurance pools if you find it difficult to obtain private coverage because of a recent disaster. Premiums often run higher than market rates, but this is better than no coverage.
Use your home inventory list to check that your policy's coverage matches the value of your possessions.
If you rent:
If you are renting, consider locating outside a high risk flood area or away from a fault line.
Buy renter's insurance, which pays for damaged, destroyed, or stolen personal property. Your landlord's insurance won't cover damage to or loss of your possessions. Also, consider special coverage like flood insurance for your belongings.
Be clear about what a policy will cover. Some policies cover more than others. For example, will the policy pay for living expenses if you have to live somewhere else temporarily, or for damage from sewer backup?
Comparison shop for the best coverage at the best price. Other than government flood insurance, policies vary from company to company. Policies in most areas are very affordable. Start with the company that insures your car. Discounts are often available if you carry more than one policy with a company.
If you are moving:
Select a home in an area not on a fault line, in a flood area, or at risk from costal erosion.
Consider special coverage
Insurance for renters and homeowners won't cover certain types of losses. Ask your insurance agent or financial planner about special or additional coverage for the following:
Floods- Homeowner policies don't cover damage from flooding. Call your current insurance company or agent first about getting coverage.
Earthquakes- Premiums typically are high, and deductibles may range from 5% to 20% of the policy's coverage. Still, such coverage may be better than no coverage. (Earthquake coverage for the contents of a home usually is separate.)
Home offices- Some policies automatically extend coverage to computer equipment and a few other items of business property. Talk to your agent to determine what items would or would not be covered. If necessary, you could buy additional business coverage at a modest cost. Or it may be better to buy a separate small business policy, which would also provide more coverage.
Building codes- Ask your agent about additional insurance to cover the costs of meeting new, stricter building codes. Frequently, after a disaster people get shocked with rebuilding costs that are much higher because building codes have changed. All current codes must be met when rebuilding. Consider additional structural improvements that provide more protection.
Other potential problems- This would include problems such as underground mines (located beneath your property) sewer backup, or mudslides.
Big-ticket items- Purchase additional coverage for specific jewelry, collectibles, artwork, furs, or other big-ticket items.
Where to keep cash
After a disaster, you may need cash for the first few days, or even several weeks. Income may stop if you can't work. To help stay solvent, consider the following:
Keep a small amount of cash or traveler's checks at home in a place where you can get at it quickly in case of a sudden evacuation. A disaster can shut down local ATMs and banks. The money should be in small denominations for easier use.
Set aside money in an emergency fund. That can be tough to do on a tight budget, but it can be well worth the effort. The fund can be very helpful, not only in a disaster, but in other financial crises, such as during unemployment or when unexpected expenses like legal fees arise.
Keep your emergency funds in a safe, easily accessible account, such as a passbook savings account or a money market account.
Keep some funds outside the local area, since the disaster that affects you could also affect your local financial institutions. A mutual fund money market account in another city is one option to consider.
Keep your credit cards paid off. You may have to draw on them to tide you over.
Use an evacuation box
Buy a lockable, durable "evacuation box" to grab in the event of an emergency. Even a cardboard box would do. Put important papers into the box in sealed, waterproof plastic bags. Store the box in your home where you can get to it easily. Keep this box with you at all times, don't leave it in your unattended car.
The box should be large enough to carry:
A small amount of traveler's checks or cash and a few rolls of quarters.
Negatives for irreplaceable personal photographs, protected in plastic sleeves.
A list of emergency contacts that includes doctors, financial advisors, clergy, reputable repair contractors, and family members who live outside your area.
Copies of important prescriptions for medicines and eyeglasses, and copies of children's immunization records.
Health, dental, or prescription insurance cards or information.
Copies of your auto, flood, renter's, or homeowners insurance policies (or at least policy numbers) and a list of insurance company telephone numbers.
Copies of other important financial and family records (or at least a list of their locations). These would include deeds, titles, wills, a letter of instructions, birth and marriage certificates, passports, relevant employee benefits documents, the first two pages of the previous year's income tax returns, etc. Originals, other than wills, should be kept in a safe deposit box or at another location.
Backups of computerized financial records.
A list of bank account, loan, credit card, driver's license, investment account (brokerage and mutual funds), and Social Security numbers.
Safe deposit box key.
Rent a safe deposit box
Safe deposit boxes are invaluable for protecting originals of important papers. If you don't have a safe deposit box, keep copies in your evacuation box or with family or friends. Original documents to store in a safe deposit box include:
Deeds, titles, and other ownership records for your home, autos, RVs, boats, etc.
Birth certificates and naturalization papers.
Marriage license/divorce papers and child custody papers.
Passports and military/veteran papers.
Appraisals of expensive jewelry and heirlooms.
Certificates for stocks, bonds, and other investments.
Trust agreements.
Living wills, powers of attorney, and health care powers of attorney.
Insurance policies (copies are sufficient).
Home improvement records.
Household inventory documentation.
Generally, originals of wills should not be kept in a safe deposit box since the box may be sealed temporarily after death. Keep originals of wills with your local registrar of wills or your attorney.
Deciding on a safe and convenient location is an issue. You may want to consider renting a safe deposit box in a bank far enough away from your home so it is not likely to be affected by the same disaster that strikes your home (for instance, bank vaults have been flooded). Keep the key to the safe deposit box in your evacuation box.
Home safes and fire boxes
Safes and fire boxes can be convenient places to store important papers. However, some disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes, could destroy your home. Usually, it's better to store original papers in a safe deposit box or at another location well away from your home.
If you have time...
Some disasters, such as tornadoes or earthquakes, strike with little or no warning. Others, such as floods or hurricanes, may allow some time to prepare. If there is enough time, you could take the following actions:
Decide what household items you would put on a very short priority list. For example, imagine you could take only one suitcase or pack a single carload. What would you take? Involve the whole family in this discussion. Take jewelry and other small valuables.
Take irreplaceable heirlooms, mementos, and photos.
Don't bother with replaceable items such as televisions, furniture, computers, and clothing (except what you need to wear for a few days).
Be sure, however, to take a battery-powered radio and spare batteries so you can stay informed.
Take important papers and computer disks if you have a home business.
Whew! These are a lot of ideas. You may not be able to do everything that is suggested---that's OK. Do what you can. Taking even limited action now will go a long way toward preparing you financially before a disaster strikes.
Checkout our website http://www.daveandcarla.com/

Recent Mortgage Loan Changes

2007-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

5 Things You Must Know about Recent Mortgage Loan Changes
"....Insider Secrets that can make owning your Dream Home possible..."
Increased Ability To Finance Your Closing Costs
You can now finance up to 100% of your closing costs thanks to recent changes in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines, compared to the old limit of 57%. This is very good news for the first time home buyer who typically has less cash available at the time of closing.
Increased FHA Limits
There FHA loan amount maximums have increased, which is particularly helpful for people living in high cost housing markets. FHA 's mortgage limit is now tied to local housing costs. The limit is now 95% of the median home price, or 75% of the Fannie Mae maximum loan amount, which ever is lower. This is another avenue for the first time home buyer to achieve the dream of home ownership.
Increased Accessibility to Down Payment Assistance Programs
With the rapid increase in home prices over recent years, more and more people are having the dream of home ownership ripped from their hands. Typically one had to go through a rigorous process to qualify for a down payment assistance program. Today, there are now programs which have very little hassle. Ask your mortgage broker if they have access to such options.
Rapid Loan Approval
One of the latest innovations in the mortgage industry is the advent of computerized loan approval. These programs provide both rapid loan approval and more uniform loan approval practices. This type of approval is done by scoring a borrower's credit worthiness which quantifies the risk they will default on the loan. Does your mortgage broker use such a program?
Affordable Mortgages Which Don't Verify Income
These loans are perfect for those people who are self employed, real estate investors, retired persons and anyone who doesn’t want to have to prove their income. It is essential to have a good credit score in order to qualify for non income verified loan.

New Listing, 301 Capricorn Ave. Open Sunday 10/07 2-4:30

2007-10-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Oakland Real Estate at its finest!
Tucked into the Montclair Hill's and just minutes from the Village or Hwy 13 you'll find this fabulous oasis. 301 Capricorn Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611 Open floor plan with glowing wide-plank hardwood floors and a kitchen afar with concrete counters greet you as you walk in the door. A new exotic hardwood deck sits just off the family room and is perfect for entertaining. The upstairs area has three bedrooms and a bath, while the lower level offers another bathroom and bedroom with exit to the back. Behind the house sits a fabulous level fenced yard and as you walk around the house you are continuously surprised by secret gardens and magical play areas. A cozy fireplace sits in the middle of the family room adjacent to a fifth bed (or plus) room. 301 Capricorn Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611 is truly a dream, this home is a delight and a must see here in the East Bay! For full details on this home feel free to click here! Great Montclair Home! If you would like to use our free Oakand & East Bay MLS Home Search or get free real estate reports on buying a home please visit our website Dave and Carla's Website !

Just Listed! 5 Highland Blvd, Kensington - Open Sunday 10/07 2-4:30pm

2007-10-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

5 Highland Blvd offers wonderful walls of glass with Bay views from almost every room! Warm, glowing hardwood floors throughout, Master Suite w/updated bathroom and office/nursery room, Open kitchen w/granite slab counter tops, lower area perfect as in-law or au-pair with separate laundry, kitchen, bath and entrance, spectacular back patio with custom flagstone surface area and pond w/waterfall, massive lot which allows the opportunity to build a second house behind! Truly a must see and rare opportunity. Brought to you by Realtors Dave and Carla Higgins . Learn more about Dave and Carla's exciting real estate programs including the East Bay Guaranteed Sale Program where you can move up to this house and have Dave and Carla buy yours! Lastly - Dave and Carla are the only realtors in the area that will offer their buyers 100% satisfaction on their home purchase! Find out more about Dave and Carla's Real Estate Buyers Protection Plan here!

Inaugural Crocker Highlands Shades of Green Home Tour This Weekend!

2007-10-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy an exclusive opportunity to view eight very special Homes and Gardens in the charming, tree-lined Crocker Highlands Neighborhood of Oakland. The self-guided walking tour takes place on Sunday, October 7, 2007 from 10 AM to 5 PM.
This year's showcase will display the broad range of architectural styles that are the hallmark of this historic neighborhood, while also celebrating the diverse design approaches that homeowners have brought to the task of both modernizing and preserving homes that were built in the 1920s. This is a tour about education and inspiration.
In addition to the tour, there will be a Green Design Expo held on the school grounds highlighting eco-friendly construction and landscaping techniques and giving the public access to professionals knowledgeable about sustainable products and design. Al fresco dining will be available throughout the day.
This event is a PTA fundraiser for the benefit of Crocker Highlands Elementary, one of Oakland’s most diverse and successful schools. All proceeds will fund student enrichment programs. The tax-deductible admission tickets are $40 before October 7 and $45 at the door. Purchase your tickets online anytime prior to the tour. Tickets will also be available at select local merchants starting August 15th.For further questions, or if you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact us at shadesofgreen@crockerschool.org or 510-325-0950.

Dave and Carla aren't Bragging - They're Applying for a Job

2007-10-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Carla and I were preparing for a listing presentation with a seller in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland who has a large two bedroom, two bathroom condo with Lake Views. In preparation for the meeting we pulled all activity for the area back to April 1st to get an up to date history of the local activity. We were shocked to see that there were 16 properties of roughly the same size that had been on the market during that time period but only three had sold or were pending out of all 16. The rest of the units were either cancelled, withdrawn or were still active without a sale. What was even more surprising to us was that all of the sold or pending units were our listings! That’s right, every one of them!

When we started to see the market softening in this segment, Carla and I started sharpening our pencils and brainstorming on ways that we could continue to successfully sell our clients properties. We have added several amazing programs and guarantees to our portfolio geared toward bringing more home buyers to our real estate listings then that of our competitors. Our overall marketing is over the top and the exposure we give our clients is a given so we don’t want to get into that discussion now, but the following information is newer and worth mentioning in case you were not aware of just how dedicated we are to this business.

The first program is our new East Bay Buyers Protection Plan in which we offer our buyers an 18 month 100% satisfaction guarantee on their home purchase here in the East Bay or we will buy the property back or sell it for free!

Next is our new East Bay Cash Rewards Incentive in which we can offer the buyer or the seller of our listings up to $10,000.00 back in form of a cash reward (we are the only area realtors with this program to offer). This is a great tool for not only a great cash reward to compensate for the commissions paid out by the seller of a property but it can also be used to help bring a buyer and seller together in more of a win-win situation should the sales price be an issue or a negotiation item pop up during the escrow which could end up impacting the actual sale.

Dave and Carla’s Guaranteed Sale Program is our most exciting offering out of the three discussed in this note! We now offer to buy the house from a buyer if they buy one of Dave and Carla's real estate listings! In this market this can be huge since so many buyers who already own are caught in the real estate catch 22 of not wanting to sell before they buy (wondering where they will move to or whether or not they will be able to find something else they like) and being worried about buying before they sell and then having a hard time selling and being stuck with to homes and mortgages!

Obviously all of our programs have some conditions attached to protect us from those who may want to take advantage of us rather then the programs, to learn more about our guarantees or if you know someone looking to make a move in the future please call us directly at (510) 595-7699 or log onto one of our websites, http://www.daveandcarla.com/ or http://www.oaklandhomefinder.com/ for details!

Common Money Mistakes to Avoid

2007-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Common Mistakes Made With Money and How to Avoid Them
Everybody makes mistakes with their money. The important thing is to keep them to a minimum. And one of the best ways to accomplish that is to learn from the mistakes of others. Here is our list of the top mistakes people make with their money, and what you can do to avoid these mistakes in the first place.
1. Buying items you don't need...and paying extra for them in interest.
Every time you have an urge to do a little "impulse buying" and you use your credit card but you don't pay in full by the due date, you could be paying interest on that purchase for months or years to come. Spending money for something you really don't need can be a big waste of your money. But you can make the matter worse, a lot worse, by putting the purchase on a credit card and paying monthly interest charges.
Research major purchases and comparison shop before you buy. Ask yourself if you really need the item. Even better, wait a day or two, or just a few hours, to think things over rather than making a quick and costly decision you may come to regret.
There are good reasons to pay for major purchases with a credit card, such as extra protections if you have problems with the items. But if you charge a purchase with a credit card instead of paying by cash, check or debit card (which automatically deducts the money from your bank account), be smart about how you repay. For example, take advantage of offers of "zero-percent interest" on credit card purchases for a certain number of months (but understand when and how interest charges could begin).
And, pay the entire balance on your credit card or as much as you can to avoid or minimize interest charges, which can add up significantly.
If you pay only the minimum amount due on your credit card, you may end up paying more in interest charges than what the item cost you to begin with. Example: If you pay only the minimum payment due on a $1,000 computer, let's say it's about $20 a month, your total cost at an Annual Percentage Rate of more than 18 percent can be close to $3,000, and it will take you nearly 19 years to pay it off.
2. Getting too deeply in debt.
Being able to borrow allows us to buy clothes or computers, take a vacation or purchase a home or a car. But taking on too much debt can be a problem, and each year millions of adults of all ages find themselves struggling to pay their loans, credit cards and other bills.
3. Learn to be a good money manager.
Recognize the warning signs of a serious debt problem. These may include borrowing money to make payments on loans you already have, deliberately paying bills late, and putting off doctor visits or other important activities because you think you don't have enough money.
If you believe you're experiencing debt overload, take corrective measures. For example, try to pay off your highest interest-rate loans (usually your credit cards) as soon as possible, even if you have higher balances on other loans. For new purchases, instead of using your credit card, try paying with cash, a check or a debit card.
There are also reliable credit counselors you can turn to for help at little or no cost. Unfortunately, you also need to be aware that there are scams masquerading as 'credit repair clinics' and other companies, such as 'debt consolidators,' that may charge big fees for unfulfilled promises or services you can perform on your own.
4. Paying bills late or otherwise tarnishing your reputation.
Companies called credit bureaus prepare credit reports for use by lenders, employers, insurance companies, landlords and others who need to know someone's financial reliability, based largely on each person's track record paying bills and debts. Credit bureaus, lenders and other companies also produce "credit scores" that attempt to summarize and evaluate a person's credit record using a point system.
While one or two late payments on your loans or other regular commitments (such as rent or phone bills) over a long period may not seriously damage your credit record, making a habit of it will count against you. Over time you could be charged a higher interest rate on your credit card or a loan that you really want and need. You could be turned down for a job or an apartment. It could cost you extra when you apply for auto insurance. Your credit record will also be damaged by a bankruptcy filing or a court order to pay money as a result of a lawsuit.
So, pay your monthly bills on time. Also, periodically review your credit reports from to make sure their information accurately reflects the accounts you have.
5. Having too many credit cards.
Two to four cards (including any from department stores, oil companies and other retailers) is the right number for most adults. Why not more cards?
The more credit cards you carry, the more inclined you may be to use them for costly impulse buying. In addition, each card you own — even the ones you don't use — represents money that you could borrow up to the card's spending limit. If you apply for new credit you will be seen as someone who, in theory, could get much deeper in debt and you may only qualify for a smaller or costlier loan.
Also be aware that card companies aggressively market their products on college campuses, at concerts, ball games or other events often attended by young adults. Their offers may seem tempting and even harmless — perhaps a free T-shirt or Frisbee, or 10 percent off your first purchase if you just fill out an application for a new card — but you've got to consider the possible consequences we've just described. Don't sign up for a credit card just to get a great-looking T-shirt. You may be better off buying that shirt at the store for $14.95 and saving yourself the potential costs and troubles from that extra card.
6. Not watching your expenses.
It's very easy to overspend in some areas and take away from other priorities, including your long-term savings. Our suggestion is to try any system — ranging from a computer-based budget program to hand-written notes — that will help you keep track of your spending each month and enable you to set and stick to limits you consider appropriate. A budget doesn't have to be complicated, intimidating or painful — just something that works for you in getting a handle on your spending.
7. Not saving for your future.
We know it can be tough to scrape together enough money to pay for a place to live, a car and other expenses each month. But experts say it's also important for young people to save money for their long-term goals, too, including perhaps buying a home, owning a business or saving for your retirement (even though it may be 40 or 50 years away).
Start by "paying yourself first." That means even before you pay your bills each month you should put money into savings for your future. Often the simplest way is to arrange with your bank or employer to automatically transfer a certain amount each month to a savings account or to purchase a Savings Bond or an investment, such as a mutual fund that buys stocks and bonds.
Even if you start with just $25 or $50 a month you'll be significantly closer to your goal. The important thing is to start saving as early as you can — even saving for your retirement when that seems light-years away — so you can benefit from the effect of compound interest. Compound interest refers to when an investment earns interest, and later that combined amount earns more interest, and on and on until a much larger sum of money is the result after many years.
Banking institutions pay interest on savings accounts that they offer. However, bank deposits aren't the only way to make your money grow. Investments, which include stocks, bonds and mutual funds, can be attractive alternatives to bank deposits because they often provide a higher rate of return over long periods, but remember that there is the potential for a temporary or permanent loss in value.
8. Paying too much in fees.
Whenever possible, use your own financial institution's automated teller machines or the ATMs owned by financial institutions that don't charge fees to non-customers. You can pay $1 to $4 in fees if you get cash from an ATM that isn't owned by your financial institution or isn't part of an ATM "network" that your bank belongs to.
Try not to "bounce" checks — that is, writing checks for more money than you have in your account, which can trigger fees from your financial institution (about $15 to $30 for each check) and from merchants. The best precaution is to keep your checkbook up to date and closely monitor your balance, which is easier to do with online and telephone banking. Remember to record your debit card transactions from ATMs and merchants so that you will be sure to have enough money in your account when those withdrawals are processed by you bank.
Financial institutions also offer "overdraft protection" services that can help you avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of having a check returned to a merchant. But be careful before signing up because these programs come with their own costs. Whenever possible, use your own financial institution's automated teller machines or the ATMs owned by institutions that don't charge fees to non-customers.
Pay off your credit card balance each month, if possible, so you can avoid or minimize interest charges. Also send in your payment on time to avoid additional fees. If you don't expect to pay your credit card bill in full most months, consider using a card with a low interest rate and a generous "grace period" (the number of days before the card company starts charging you interest on new purchases).
9. Not taking responsibility for your finances.
Do a little comparison shopping to find accounts that match your needs at the right cost. Be sure to review your bills and bank statements as soon as possible after they arrive or monitor your accounts periodically online or by telephone. You want to make sure there are no errors, unauthorized charges or indications that a thief is using your identity to commit fraud.
Keep copies of any contracts or other documents that describe your bank accounts, so you can refer to them in a dispute. Also remember that the quickest way to fix a problem usually is to work directly with your bank or other service provider.

Save Thousands When You Buy

2007-09-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Homebuyers: How To Save Thousands of Dollars When You Buy
"When you analyze those successful homebuyers who have the experience to purchase the home they want for thousands of dollars below a seller’s asking price, some common denominators emerge."
If you’re like most homebuyers, you have two primary considerations in mind when you start looking for a home. First, you want to find a home that perfectly meets your needs and desires, and secondly, you want to purchase this home for the lowest possible price.
When you analyze those successful homebuyers who have been able to purchase the home they want for thousands of dollars below a seller’s asking price, some common denominators emerge. Although your agents negotiating skills are important, there are three additional key factors that must come into play long before you ever submit an offer.
These Steps Will Help You Save Thousands When You Buy a Home
Make sure you know what you want . . . As simple as this sounds, many home buyers don't have a firm idea in their heads before they go out searching for a home. In fact, when you go shopping for a place to live, there are actually two homes competing for your attention: the one that meets your needs, and the one that fulfills your desires. Obviously, your goal is to find one home that does both. But in the real world, this situation doesn't always occur.
When you're looking at homes, you'll find that you fall in love with one or another home for entirely different reasons. Is it better to buy the 4 bedroom home with room for your family to grow, or the one with the big eat in kitchen that romances you with thoughts of big weekend family brunches? What's more important: a big backyard, or proximity to your child's school? Far too often people buy a home for the wrong reasons, and then regret their decision when the home doesn't meet their needs.
Don't shop with stars in your eyes: satisfy your needs first. If you're lucky, you'll find a home that does this and also fulfills your desires. The important thing is to understand the difference before you get caught up in the excitement of looking.
Find out if your agent offers a “Buyer Profile System” or "Househunting Service", which takes the guesswork out of finding just the right home that matches your needs. This type of program will cross-match your criteria with ALL available homes on the market and supply you with printed information on an ongoing basis. A program like this helps homeowners take off their rose colored glasses and, affordably, move into the home of their dreams.
To help you develop your homebuying strategy, use this form:
What do I absolutely NEED in my next home:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
What would I absolutely LOVE in my next home:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
How Sellers Set Their Asking Price
For you to understand how much to offer for a home you’re interested in, it’s important for you to know how sellers price their homes. Here are 4 common strategies you’ll start to recognize when you begin to view homes:
1. Clearly Overpriced:
Every seller wants to realize the most amount of money they can for their home, and real estate agents know this. If more than one agent is competing for your listing, an easy way to win the battle is to over inflate the value of your home. This is done far too often, with many homes that are priced 10- 20% over their true market value.
This is not in your best interest, because in most cases the market won't be fooled. As a result, your home could languish on the market for months, leaving you with a couple of important drawbacks:
your home is likely to be labelled as a "troubled" house by other agents, leading to a lower than fair market price when an offer is finally made
you have been greatly inconvenienced with having to constantly have your home in "showing" condition . . . for nothing. These homes often expire off the market, forcing you to go through the listing process all over again.
2. Somewhat Overpriced:
About 3/4 of the homes on the market are 5-10% overpriced. These homes will also sit on the market longer than they should. There is usually one of two factors at play here: either you believe in your heart that your home is really worth this much despite what the market has indicated (after all, there's a lot of emotion caught up in this issue), OR you've left some room for negotiating. Either way, this strategy will cost you both in terms of time on the market and ultimate price received
3. Priced Correctly at Market Value
Some sellers understand that real estate is part of the capitalistic system of supply and demand and will carefully and realistically price their homes based on a thorough analysis of other homes on the market. These competitively priced homes usually sell within a reasonable time frame and very close to the asking price.
4. Priced Below the Fair Market Value
Some sellers are motivated by a quick sale. These homes attract multiple offers and sell fast - usually in a few days - at, or above, the asking price. Be cautious that the agent suggesting this method is doing so with your best interest in mind.

Coming Soon - Kensington Home For Sale

2007-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Kensington Home For Sale Coming Soon! Kensington CA Real Estate at its best! 5 Highland Blvd offers wonderful walls of glass with Bay views from almost every room! Warm, glowing hardwood floors throughout, Master Suite w/updated bathroom and office/nursery room, Open kitchen w/granite slab counter tops, lower area perfect as in-law or au-pair with separate laundry, kitchen, bath and entrance, spectacular back patio with custom flagstone surface area and pond w/waterfall, massive lot which allows the opportunity to build a second house behind! Truly a must see and rare opportunity. Brought to you by Realtors Dave and Carla Higgins . Learn more about Dave and Carla's exciting real estate programs including the East Bay Guaranteed Sale Program where you can move up to this house and have Dave and Carla buy yours! Lastly - Dave and Carla are the only realtors in the area that will offer their buyers 100% satisfaction on their home purchase! Find out more about Dave and Carla's Real Estate Buyers Protection Plan here!

Coming Soon - New Listing - Montclair Oasis with four bedrooms!

2007-09-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

Oakland Real Estate at its finest!

Tucked into the Montclair Hill's and just minutes from the Village or Hwy 13 you'll find this fabulous oasis. 301 Capricorn Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611 Open floor plan with glowing wide-plank hardwood floors and a kitchen afar with concrete counters greet you as you walk in the door. A new exotic hardwood deck sits just off the family room and is perfect for entertaining. The upstairs area has three bedrooms and a bath, while the lower level offers another bathroom and bedroom with exit to the back. Behind the house sits a fabulous level fenced yard and as you walk around the house you are continuously surprised by secret gardens and magical play areas. A cozy fireplace sits in the middle of the family room adjacent to a fifth bed (or plus) room. 301 Capricorn Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611 is truly a dream, this home is a delight and a must see here in the East Bay! For full details on this home feel free to click here! Great Montclair Home! If you would like to use our free Oakand & East Bay MLS Home Search or get free real estate reports on buying a home please visit our website Dave and Carla's Website !

Buyers Market? Should a Seller Sell or Wait?

2007-09-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

We have been getting numerous calls from sellers in the greater Oakland, Berkeley and East Bay market area telling us that they are considering the sale of their home but are wondering if now is a good time to sell with current market conditions favoring the buyer at this time. We have been highly focused on this issue for several months now and do our best to always communicate with industry leaders both locally and nationally to help us better understand the broader implications of this East Bay market change. We also believe It is our responsibility to make sure that we don't suggest strategies that are short term reactionary responses to local market changes based on worry or fear. We recently had a lengthy conversation with one of the top local East Bay real estate appraisers who is fully versed on market activity in Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito, Alameda as well as many other near by communities. In a nut shell when we asked him what he saw in the market place he responded by saying that "the less expensive the property was, the harder it was to sell." He went on to say that properties in the upper end neighborhoods approaching the million dollar range or greater were still selling with shorter market times and often selling in multiple offers and for over asking. This phenomenon is also continuing in the hot neighborhoods around solid and fun retail streets. Upper Rockridge, Trestle Glen, Crocker Highlands, Piedmont, Berkeley Hills and Alameda still have a market that favors sellers when the home is marketed and priced correctly. One program that we are exclusively offering to all of our buyers who make offers on our listings is a buyers protection plan aimed at easing the fears of buyers and helping them pull the trigger on a home purchase. With this program, if the buyer is not 100% satisfied with the purchase of their home in the first 18 months, we offer to buy it back or sell it for free 'BUYERS PROTECTION PLAN' Regarding the question of when is a good time to sell is, our response is this, if you plan on selling one way or another in the next five years then we believe you should sell now. The last down real estate cycle lasted approximately seven years with the following pattern: The first three years were market decline where homes continued to loose value, the next three years the market was basically flat and the general public had a distaste for real estate and the last year showed a mild pick-up in the market signaling the change toward a sellers market again. We are currently in the second year of this cycle so if you do not want to sell now you should be prepared for a possible continued loss in equity and understand your options should the market prophecies of the last down cycle repeat themselves. Things to understand are as follows; How much equity do you have in the property and can you sell without taking an actual loss? Do you have a pre-payment penalty attached to your loan and if so when does it expire? Do you own a home in one of the still hot neighborhoods or are you in one of the less fortunate. If you would like more information regarding these questions, thoughts as well as other real estate tips and support click this link and we are happy to help! Great Real Estate Information!

As always - Thanks for reading and may you have a prosperous real estate experience!

Dave and Carla Higgins
(888) 627-4399
info@DaveAndCarla.com
http://www.daveandcarla.com/
http://www.oaklandhomefinder.com/

Keller Williams Realty

Fix Your Home Protect Your Investment

2007-09-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

We have some Clients in Montclair who wanted tips on fixing up their home. Here is a great article on this subject
Fixing Up Your Home: Protect Your Housing Investment
Your home is an investment in living as well as in savings. If neglected, it will pay no dividends. If properly maintained and improved, it will pay a high yield in comfort and usefulness for your family and in avoidance of costly repair bills. Home improvements also tend to raise neighborhood standards and, as a result, property values. From an economic standpoint, home improvements mean higher employment, increased markets for materials and home products--and therefore a more flourishing community.
If You Do It Yourself
If you are handy with tools and have the experience, you can save money by doing many jobs yourself. But unless you are skilled in wiring, plumbing, installing heat systems, and cutting through walls, you should rely on professionals for such work.
When you buy the required materials, it pays not to skimp. Good materials are not necessarily the most expensive. What you need are products that look good, are easy to maintain, and last a long time. Buy only from reliable dealers.
If You Use a Contractor
If you plan to use the services of a dealer or contractor, take care to choose one with a reputation for honesty and good workmanship. There are several ways to check on a contractor:
Consult your local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, or Local Consumer Protection Agency.
Talk with people for whom he has done work.
Ask your lender about him, if you plan to finance the project with a loan.
Check his place of business to see that he is not a fly-by-night operator.
Find out, if you can, how he rates with known building-product distributors and wholesale suppliers.
Ask friends and relatives for names of firms that they could recommend.
Compare Contractor Offers
Before deciding on a contractor, you may want to get bids from two or three different firms. Make sure that each bid is based on the same specifications and the same grade of materials. If these bids vary widely, find out why.
Many contractors offer package plans that cover the whole transaction. Under such a plan the contractor provides all materials used, takes care of all work involved, and arranges for your loan.
Your contractor can make the loan application for you, but you are the one who must repay the loan, so you should see that the work is done correctly.
Understand What You Sign
The contract that both you and the contractor sign should state clearly the type and extent of improvements to be made and the materials to be used. Before you sign, get the contractor to spell out for you in exact terms:
How much the entire job will cost you.
How much interest you will pay on the loan.
How much you will pay in service charges.
How many payments you must make to pay off the loan, and how much each of these payments will be.
After the entire job is finished in the manner set forth in your contract, you sign a completion certificate. By signing this paper you certify that you approve the work and materials and you authorize the lender to pay the contractor the money you borrowed.
Beware of Fraud
Most dealers and contractors conscientiously try to give their customers service equivalent to the full value of their money. Unfortunately, home improvement rackets do exist. Here are a few common sense rules to follow:
Read and understand every word of any contract or other paper before you sign it.
Never sign a contract with anyone who makes fantastic promises. Reputable dealers are not running give-away businesses.
Avoid wild bargains. The best bargain is a good job.
Never consolidate existing loans through a home improvement contractor.
Do not let salespeople high-pressure you into signing up to buy their materials or services.
Be wary of salespeople who try to scare you into signing for repairs that they say are urgent. Seek the advice of an expert as to how urgent such repairs are. High-pressure and scare tactics are often the mark of a phony deal.
Avoid salespeople who offer you trial purchases or some form of bonus, such as cash, for allowing them to use your house as a model for any purpose. Such offers are well-known gimmicks of swindlers.
Never sign a completion certificate until all the work called for in the contract has been completed to your satisfaction. Be careful not to sign a completion certificate along with a sales order.
Proceed cautiously when the lender or contractor demands a lien on your property.

adversity

2007-09-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Adversity – or Opportunity?

A dear friend of ours just informed us that he has just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer and he is terrified. Dave & I tried to be as comforting and supportive as we could but alas found ourselves stumbling over our tongues. Then we thought about the power of words to comfort and inspire, and we put together some of our favorite quotes about overcoming adversity – for our friend, and for you:
Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.
– William A. Ward

The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter.
– Author Unknown

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, “Why did this happen to me?” unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.
– Author Unknown

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming it.
– Helen Keller

A bend in the road is not the end of the road...unless you fail to make the turn.
– Author Unknown

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
– Henry Ford

And finally this, from Winston Churchill: If you're going through hell, keep going.

Remove Stains From Your Hardwood Floors

2007-09-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

A Lot of homes in Crocker Highlands, Piedmont, Berkeley and the Greater East Bay Area are older and have some less than steller wood floors. If you have stains on your wood floors here are some tips to help bring back the luster.

Remove Stains from Your Hardwood FloorTired of looking down at your hardwood floor and seeing stains that have been left behind by some accident? Removing stains from your hardwood floor is probably not as difficult as you first may think, but the process will require time. The results and saved money are worth the effort. The following seven steps will guide you through this process.
STEP 1Sand the stain away. You will want to use a vibrating-type sander, such as a palm sander. DO NOT use a belt sander. Their power will ruin your floor before you realize it. Begin with medium (100-grit) sandpaper, and end with fine (150-grit) sandpaper to smooth.
STEP 2After the stain is sanded away, vacuum the dust and wipe the area with a dampened cloth. If you’re using an oil-based satin, dampen the cloth with mineral spirits. If you’re using a latex stain, dampen the cloth with water.
STEP 3Now, find a stain that matches the rest of the floor. To do this, choose two or three cans of stain that appear to be close to your floor color and start mixing them to try and find the right color. Make sure you document the amount of stain you added to each mix for future reference. Do not mix oil-based stains with latex stains.
STEP 4Test the different mixes on a piece of sanded, unstained wood that matches the wood of your floor. While the stain is still wet, check to see if you found a match. The wet stain will allow you to see what the stain will look like when it has been coated with polyurethane.
STEP 5If the color does not match, try mixing in a lighter or darker stain.
STEP 6When you find the right color, stain the floor.
STEP 7After the stain is dry, polyurethane the floor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Life Lessons

2007-09-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

What Can You Learn From Geese?

One of Kylie and Lola’s favorite things to do is to go to Lake Merritt, near our home, and feed the geese.

From all of our times feeding the geese Dave and I noticed there’s power in a gaggle of geese that you just don’t find in a lone goose. For example:

Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates lift for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if one goose flew alone.

Lesson: Those who share a common direction and sense of unity can get where they’re going quicker and easier because they’re drawing strength from each other.

Fact: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

Lesson: Stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go; be willing to accept their help and give help to others.

Fact: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. People, like geese, are interdependent on each other.

Fact: Geese look after each other. If one gets sick or wounded, two geese follow it down to protect and feed it until it either recovers or dies.

Lesson: Stand by each other in difficult times as well as in good times.

And when you hear those geese honking? They’re offering encouragement to their leader, something everyone – not just leaders – needs!

The Cost of Being A Parent

2007-09-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

We were recently reading an article that discussed the “Costs – and Rewards – of Being a Parent”.Studies show that a middle-income family will spend $160,140 to raisea child to 18 years old. Is it worth it? How do children stack up as a"return on investment"?$160,140 translates into $8,896 a year, $741 a month, $171 a week, $24a day, $1 an hour. Then we thought about Kylie and Lola and about what we get for $1 an hour?Well, for $1 an hour, you never have to grow up, because:You get to frame rainbows and hearts, and get handprints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
You get to finger-paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek , and never stop believing in Santa Claus.You have an excuse to keep reading the adventures of “ Piglet and Pooh”,watching cartoons, going to silly movies, and wishing on stars.
What else do your get for your $1 an hour?Glimpses of magic every day.Giggles under the covers every night.More love than your heart can hold. A hand to hold, usually covered with jam.A partner for blowing bubbles,flying kites, building sandcastles, andskipping down the sidewalk in the pouring rain. You get someone to laugh yourself silly with no matter what the boss said that day.
For $1 an hour, you get to be a hero:Just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, or taking thetraining wheels off the bike.You get a front row seat to history to witness the first step, first. You get to be immortal. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice,communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.In the eyes of a child, you are all-knowing and all-powerful.You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.Sounds like the best $1 you can spend!

Oakland,CA MLS market statistics

2007-09-10T15:48:00.001-07:00

Oakland MLS Market Statistics
Comparison of July 2006 - July 2007
Active 1567 1401
Status to Pendg 279 228
Status to Sold 290 267
Avg Days on Mkt 40 58
High Price $5mill $3.2mill
Low $200K $175K
Avg List Price $630K $610K
Avg. Sold $579K $587K

Oakland,CA MLS market statistics

2007-09-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Things To Know Before You Buy

2007-08-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Mortgage Regulations
Have Changed . . .
Mortgage regulations have
changed significantly over the last
few years, making your options
wider than ever. Subtle changes in
the way you approach mortgage
shopping, and even small differences
in the way you structure
your mortgage, can cost or save
you literally thousands of dollars
and years of expense.
Things You
Must Know Before
Obtaining a Mortgage
Before you commit your hard
earned dollars to monthly mortgage
payments, consider these 6 issues.
Effective consideration of these
important areas can make your payments
work much harder for you.
❶ You can, and should, get
preapproved for a mortgage before
you go looking for a home.
Preapproval is easy, and can give you
complete peace-of-mind when shopping
for your home. Your local lending institution
can provide you with written preapproval
for you at no cost and no obligation,
and it can all be done quite easily
over-the-phone. More than just a verbal
approval from your lending institution, a
written preapproval is as good as money
in the bank. It entails a completed credit
application, and a certificate which guarantees
you a mortgage to the specified
level when you find the home you’re looking
for.
❷ Know what monthly dollar
amount you feel comfortable committing
to.
When you discuss mortgage preapproval
with your lending institution, find out what
level you qualify for, but also pre-assess for
yourself what monthly dollar amount you
feel comfortable committing to. Your situation
may give you a preapproval amount
that is higher (or lower) than the amount of
money you would want to pay out each
month. By working back and forth with
your lending institution to determine what
this monthly amount is, and what value of
home this translates into at today’s rates,
you won’t waste time looking at homes that
are not in your price range.
❸ You should be thinking about
your long term goals, and expected
situation, to determine the type of
mortgage that will best suit your
needs.
There are a number of questions you should
be asking yourself before you commit to a
certain type of mortgage. How long do you
think you will own this home? What direction
are interest rates going in, and how
quickly? Is your income expected to change
(up or down) in the near term, impacting
how much money you can afford to pay to
your mortgage? The answers to these and
other questions will help you determine the
most appropriate mortgage you should be
seeking
“Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small
differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally
thousands of dollars and years of expense.”
cont’d
Get the Right Information
Whether you are about to buy
your first home, or are planning to
make a move to your next home, it
is critical that you inform yourself
about the factors involved.
Industry research has revealed
that there are 6 common mistakes
that most homebuyers make in
mortgage shopping that can have a
significant impact on the outcome
of this critical negotiation. If
handled correctly, these issues
could result in a mortgage that will
cost you less over a shorter period
of time.

Selling Your Home in a Buyer's Market

2007-08-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Real Estate Market
Has Changed . . .
Remember not so long ago, when you
could make your fortune in real
estate. It was nothing then to buy a
home, wait a short while, and then sell it
at a tidy profit.
And then do it all over again.
Well, as you probably know, times have
changed. As good as the market is right
now, home prices are still below what
they were at their peak. Buyers are far
more discriminating, and a large
percentage of the homes listed for sale
never sell. It’s more critical than ever to
learn what you need to know to avoid
costly seller mistakes in order to sell your
home fast and for the most amount of
money.
The System
to Get Your Home Sold
Fast and For Top Dollar
Selling your home is one of the most
important steps in your life. This 9 step
system will give you the tools you need
to maximize your profits, maintain
control, and reduce the stress that comes
with the home-selling process:
❶ Know why you’re selling, and
keep it to yourself.
The reasons behind your decision to sell affect
everything from setting a price to deciding how
much time and money to invest in getting your
home ready for sale. What’s more important to
you: the money you walk away with, the length
of time your property is on the market or both?
Different goals will dictate different strategies.
However, don’t reveal your motivation to anyone
else or they may use it against you at the
negotiating table. When asked, simply say that
your housing needs have changed.
❷ Do your homework before
setting a price.
Settling on an offering price shouldn’t be done
lightly. Once you’ve set your price, you’ve told
buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay
for your home, but pricing too high is as
dangerous as pricing too low. Remember that the
average buyer is looking at 15-20 homes at the
same time they are considering yours. This
means that they have a basis of comparison, and
if your home doesn’t compare favorably with
others in the price range you’ve set, you won’t
be taken seriously by prospects or agents. As a
result, your home will sit on the market for a
long time and, knowing this, new buyers on the
market will think there must be something
wrong with your home.
❸ More homework.
(In fact, your agent should do this for you). Find
out what homes in your own and similar
neighborhoods have sold for in the past 6-12
months, and research what current homes are
listed for. That’s certainly how prospective buyers
will assess the worth of your home.
❹ Find a good real estate agent to
represent your needs.
Nearly three-quarters of homeowners claim that
they wouldn’t use the same realtor who sold
their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to
poor communication which results in not enough
feedback, lower pricing and strained relations.
❺ Maximize your home’s sales
potential.
Each year, corporate North America spends
billions on product and packaging design.
Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish
to ignore this when selling your home.
You may not be able to change your home’s
location or floor plan, but you can do a lot to
improve its appearance. The look and feel of
your home generates a greater emotional
response than any other factor. Before showings
clean like you’ve never cleaned before. Pick up,
The 7 Deadly Mistakes
Most Homesellers Make
Failing to analyze why they are selling.
➁ Not preparing their home for the
buyer’s eye.
➂ Pricing their homes incorrectly.
➃ Selling too hard during showings.
➄ Signing a long-term listing agreement
without a written performance
guarantee.
➅ Making it difficult for buyers to get
information on their homes.
➆ Failing to obtain a pre-approved
mortgage for one’s next home.
“Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale don’t
sell the first time. It’s more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid
costly seller mistakes in order to sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.”

How To Stop Paying Rent

2007-08-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

Don’t Pay Another
Cent in Rent
To Your Landlord . .
It’s a dream we all have - to own our
own home and stop paying rent. But
if you’re like most renters, you feel
trapped within the walls of a house or
apartment that doesn’t feel like
yours. How could it when you’re not
even permitted to bang in a nail or
two without a hassle. You feel like
you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with
no way of rising up out of it and owning
your own home.
Little Known Facts
That Can Help You
Buy Your First Home
The problem that most renters face
isn’t your ability to meet a monthly
payment. Goodness knows that you
must meet this monthly obligation
every 30 days already. The problem is
accumulating enough capital to make a
downpayment on something more permanent.
But saving for this lump sum
doesn’t have to be as difficult as you
might think. Consider the following 6
important points:
❶ You can buy a home with much
less down than you think.
There are some local or federal government
programs (such as 1st time
buyer programs) to help people get
into the housing market. You can qualify
as a first time buyer even if your
spouse has owned a home before as
long as your name was not registered.
Ensure your real estate agent is
informed and knowledgeable in this
important area and can offer programs
to help you with your options.
❷ You may be able to get your
lender to help you with your down
payment and closing costs.
Even if you do not have enough cash for
a down-payment, if you are debt-free,
and own an asset free and clear (such as
a car for example), your lending institution
may be able to lend you the downpayment
for your home by securing it
against this asset.
❸ You may be able to find a seller to
help you buy and finance your
home.
Some sellers may be willing to hold a
second mortgage for you as a “seller
take-back”. In this case, the seller
becomes your lending institution.
Instead of paying this seller a lump-sum
full amount for his or her home, you
would pay monthly mortgage installments.
❹ You may be able to create a cash
down payment without actually
going into debt.
By borrowing money for certain investments
to a specified level, you may be
able to generate a significant tax refund
for yourself that you can use as a downpayment.
While the money borrowed
for these investments is technically a
loan, the monthly amount paid can be
small, and the money invested in both
home and investment will be yours in
the end.
“If you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or
apartment that doesn’t feel like yours .”
Don’t Feel Trapped Anymore
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve
been renting, or how insurmountable
your financial situation may seem.
The truth is, there are some little
known facts that can help you get
over the hump, and transfer your status
from renter to homeowner. With
this information, you will begin to
see how you really can:
• save for a downpayment
• stop lining your landlord’s
pockets, and
• stop wasting thousands of dollars
on rent.

Random Thoughts

2007-08-20T19:11:00.001-07:00

Random Thoughts
"Unless a man undertakes more than he can possibly can do, he will never do all that he can"
-Henry Drummond

"Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down"
-Unknown
"The greater the difficulty the more glory in the surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempest"
-Epicteus
"Great things are not done by impluse, but by a series of small things brought together"
-Vincent Van

Buyers Market

2007-08-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

There are many deals to be had in the market right now. Rates are still somewhat decent if you look at the situation from a historical perspective and many buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting to get back in. Unfortunately for many, they will likely get locked out of the market when they decide the time is right due to interest rates being too high, or because the type of loan programs they were hoping to use to buy (such a zero down) are no longer being offered by many lenders.
Short sales are abundant in the market now and you have an opportunity to go after these properties and possible achieve significant savings on many of them.
I guess our question would be what you think a deal is and what you are expecting as well as looking for (price, area, house type, etc.)?

CROCKER HIGHLANDS HOME TOUR OCTOBER 7th

2007-08-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

SHADE'S OF GREEN TOURWe are pleased to announce a brand new event that will be taking placein one of Oakland's most charming neighborhoods on Sunday, October7th, 2007 from 10am to 5pm: the inaugural Shades of Green Home &Garden Tour and Green Design Expo for the benefit of Crocker HighlandsElementary school. The event will be advertised widely in the East Bayand San Francisco media, and posters promoting Shades of Green willsoon be seen on shopping streets throughout Oakland and Berkeley.Tickets for this event are already available online atwww.crockerschool.org/shadesofgreen, and will be in select storesstarting August 15th.The tour itself will consist of eight lovely properties in CrockerHighlands, and will be accompanied by a Green Design Expo held on theschool grounds highlighting eco-friendly construction and landscapingtechniques and giving the public access to professionals knowledgeableabout sustainable products and design.The Shades of Green Annual Tour represents a novel attempt to linkexcellence in public education to the promotion of eco-consciousremodeling projects throughout the East Bay community.If you have any questions regarding the Tour or the Green Design Expo,or if you would like to support the event by advertising your businessin the Tourbook that all ticket-holders will receive, please contactus at shadesofgreen@crockerschool.org or 510-325-0950.Thank you for your continued support of our great Oakland publicschool – we hope to see you on the tour! The Shades of Green Committee, Crocker Highlands PTA

Getting Out Of Debt

2007-08-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Are You Over Your Head In Debt?
A recent report compiled by financial experts says that one in four – or 30 million – working American adults “is suffering serious financial distress.” The report took data from 11 major business-sponsored surveys and 10 academic research studies. The report indicates that those people are experiencing “overwhelming levels of financial distress.”

The study also indicates that many people who are experiencing financial distress are living paycheck to paycheck. These people are worried about their retirement, and insecure about being able to adequately manage their personal finances. Many have given up hope that they will ever be able to catch up.

Forty to 50% of those who report they are financially distressed also say that their worries are negatively impacting their health; they have trouble maintaining their relationships; they lead socially limited lives; and their job productivity has fallen. Eighty percent of those workers said that they spend some part of their workday dealing with financial issues instead of focusing on their work.

Financially distressed individuals are not necessarily low-income earners. Financial stress can also be attributed to amounts of consumer debt and lifestyle (also known as living beyond your means). The report made four recommendations for financially distressed people:

1. Spend less than you earn. You need to live below your means, pay off debt and start saving.

2. Get a plan. This means you need to plan ahead – and determine the difference between needs and wants. Be practical and realistic.

3. Determine your best options for relieving your financial distress. For instance, ask yourself how you can cut back on expenses, increase your income, pay down debt, obtain reasonable loans to pay off high-interest creditors, and/or seek professional help from credit managers or attorneys if necessary.

4. Check to see if your workplace offers any financial education programs. If they do, sign up.

Happy Clients Getting Settled in Redwood Heights Home

2007-08-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Phillip and Shanna Go from Skeptical – to Satisfied

Here’s a quick note to let you know how we can help you or anyone you might refer to us.

Phillip and Shanna needed a larger home, wanted to be in a great School District, with more bedrooms and a bigger backyard. They had three young children, two dogs, and not enough space for their family to grow. However, the bitter memories of their last home buying experience still remained, so Phillip and Shanna hesitated to work with another Realtor. They even discussed trying to sell their home and purchase another using an online service to avoid a repeat of their last situation.

We helped Shanna’s aunt downsize from her house to a condo, and she suggested they talk to us. They were somewhat skeptical when we met for our Initial Consultation, until we explained that we were consultants, not salespeople, and more interested in building relationships than making a sale. As Shanna and Phillip grew more comfortable, they shared their thoughts about their goals and dreams. We started house hunting and three weeks later, Shanna and Phillip purchased a four-bedroom home with a huge backyard for $28,000 less than asking price. We are honored to say they’ve since referred two friends to us!

Dave and Carla, Your Real Estate Consultants For Life
510-595-7699
P.S. Ask Us About Our New Buyer and Seller Guarantees Where You Can Receive Up To $20,000 in CASH REWARDS. 510-595-7699

Oakland's Montclair Library Accepting School Supplies to Help Kids Get Ready for School

2007-08-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Helping Others Get Ready to Start School
Beyond being ready to take notes and work hard, Project Ready to Learn strives to make sure every student feels accepted and that they belong on the first day of school. Project Ready to Learn is a community drive collecting new school supplies and cash to help children in need. This project helped more than 3,000 children last year, and this year the hope is to increase the aid to thousands more throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.It’s very easy to help. Buy as many of the suggested supplies as you want and drop them off between August 1 and August 17 at one of the many collection sites listed below. You can also write a check and mail it to The Oakland Tribune.ANG Newspapers is part of the drive and is providing places for you to drop off these very essential school supplies. These locations include:
The Oakland Tribune, 7677 Oakport St., Suite 950, OaklandLincoln Child Center Campus, 4368 Lincoln Ave The Montclair Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd.
Donations in Alameda County will go to Tools 4 School, an umbrella project that joins the efforts of 15 agencies that work with children living in poverty. Lincoln Child Center is another organization helping with the school supply project in Alameda County.
Backpacks will be packed with supplies for kids in kindergarten through high school, with each age group needing its own specific items. Elementary school children will need items such as wide-ruled notebooks, colored pencils, crayons, etc. Middle school students will also need items such as a protractor or compass, a simple calculator and a dictionary. High school students need binders and scientific calculators for upper division math and science classes. Students of all ages need pens, pencils and, of course, backpacks. One important caveat: No bright red or bright blue backpacks, as they are often recognized as gang colors. For a complete list of requested items and more details of this program, please go here.
If your child needs a backpack or you know someone who does, please call Tools 4 School at (510) 485-7103 in Alameda County, and VESTIA in Contra Costa Count at (925)335-2190.

Need a New Mattress for better Quality Sleep

2007-08-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

With the Fast Paced life in the Oakland/ Berkeley/East Bay Area sleep is more important than ever... The Question is are you getting a good quality sleep as well as the suggested 8 hours of sleep..
If Not Maybe your mattress is to blame?

Do You Need a New Mattress?
After a long day at work, you come home and try to figure out finances for the future. How in the world are you going to cover all your regular expenses as well as the expenses of both selling your current home and buying your dream home? Your eyes, mind, and body are screaming for sleep. The moment has finally arrived. You can now crawl into bed. The mattress seems to suck you in because you’ve slept on it for so long, and at least, you rest.
Morning came all to fast. At the sound of the alarm clock, you jump out of bed to stop the annoying noise. As you stretch, you begin to feel the results of sleeping on your twelve-year-old mattress. Your back aches. Your shoulders are tight. You actually feel more tired then when you went to sleep the night before.
Perhaps it’s time you invest in a new mattress. You may be thinking, “Getting a new mattress sounds great, but I can’t afford one right now. There are enough expenses right now.” Well, finances may be tight but take a moment to think about your health. Why Should I Invest in a New Mattress? Have you thought about how important a good mattress is for your overall wellbeing? You use your mattress everyday. In fact, you spend one-third of your life sleeping on that surface? Your mattress is supposed to realign your neck and back from the stresses of the day. Is your mattress performing that duty?
Take a realistic look at your mattress. Can you see the outline of your body on your mattress? Does your mattress sage more than an inch and a half anywhere? Is your mattress over 8-10 years old? Can you feel the coils in your mattress when you lay down? Are their coils popping out? Is your mattress heavier than when you bought it? That may sound like a strange question, but did you know that your mattress gains a pound each year from the accumulation of dead skin cells, dust mites, and other disgusting elements? And worse yet, all of these elements are common allergens.
Now, how about your body? Has your body changed from age, an accident, a dislocated disk, or significant weight loss/gain? Most of these body changes will affect the kind of mattress that your body needs. Do you wake up more tired than when you went to sleep? That question alone could very well indicate that you need to invest in a new mattress. How Do I Choose A Mattress?The following steps will help you make a wise choice for your specific health needs.
1. Choose Your Mattress Size. You may desire a king, but perhaps you may not be able to afford it or be able to fit it into your bedroom. The following chart will give you the universal measurements.
Twin/Single
39” x 75”
Double
54” x 75”
Queen
60” x 80”
Olympic Queen
66” x 80”
California Queen
60” x 84”
King
60” x 78”
2. Choose Your Comfort Level. Use a scale to measure of 1-10 to measure the softness and hardness of each mattress. One is very soft (no support) and ten is rock hard (not comfortable). The categories of comfort are as follows: extra firm, traditional firm, cushiony, plush. But don’t stop there. Try foam, pillow-top, water, adjustable, and air mattresses. Figure out what type of surface you like, and then determine if that surface will meet your health needs (back support especially). Usually the higher the lie across the mattress and let your feet hang off. Lay down fully on the number of coils and the thicker the padding, the better the mattress quality. Unfortunately, the pillow top mattresses that are “in” right now tend to leave body impressions and even sage much more quickly than other mattress types.
3. Lay Down on Your Mattress. Spend at least 15 minutes lying down on the mattress from head to toe in your normal sleeping position. Don’t just sit on the edge and dangle your feet. You may feel awkward laying fully down on various mattresses in the store, but you will be amazed at how your body will either accept or reject the mattress for you. Listen to your body after those 15 minutes. Do you have trouble getting comfortable? If your shoulders, hips, or lower back begin to feel uncomfortable, the mattress may be too hard or soft for you.
4. Inquire About the Coil Count. The coil count for a quality mattress should start at 300 for a full mattress, 375 for a queen, and 450 for a king. The higher number of stronger coils usually equals a higher quality mattress.
5. Buy a New Box Spring Too. You may be trying to save a few pennies by simply getting a top mattress and using your “in-good-condition box spring” at home. Do not cut yourself short. You will actually cut the life of your mattress in half by skimping on the box spring. The two are made to work together.
6. Buy From a Reputable Store. Talk with people who have recently purchased mattresses. Where did they buy their mattress? Where they satisfied with the store’s policy? Call the better bureaus office and ask for a few suggestions in where to start.
7. Make Sure the Company has an Exchange Policy. Do not buy from a store that will not let you exchange the mattress for another model if you are not completely satisfied. Many mattress stores have a policy that enables you to exchange the mattress within 60 days. Remember how important this sleeping surface is for your health.
8. Understand the Warranty. Most companies offer a 10-year warranty, but check the proration. The proration is the percentage of the original purchase price that the mattress manufacturer will refund if your mattress is defective. Some companies reduce the amount that they will cover by each year you own the mattress.
9. Consider Your Price Range. A basic queen set will range from $500 to $700 dollars. A better quality will cost $700 – $900. Top quality mattress sets start at around $1,000.
10. Never pay full price. You can often receive 10 to 20 perfect off the quoted price. And if you spend more than 500 dollars, they should throw in a frame and free delivery.
11. Talk With Those Who Have Gone Before. Talk with friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you can find. What are their suggestions about what kind of bed to buy? See if you can find other people with similar health issues to see what has or has not worked for them. Ask your doctor for recommendations on what would suit your needs.
12. Make Sure Consider Your Significant Other. Take your significant other’s needs into consideration. Do you like to spread out? Make sure you get a big bed. Does your significant other move a lot which wakes you up at night? Make sure you get a shock absorbent mattress. Do they have bad allergies? There are beds that cater to those needs.
Buying a new mattress should take you awhile. This is a big decision and a large investment that should last you about ten years. But don’t stress. Simple consider the 12 suggestions above and you will be well on your way to making a wise choose.

Laundry Rooms

2007-08-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Although not something you see a lot in Oakland or Berkeley due to our abundance of unique older homes... But as a whole people are looking for more useable laundry spaces.

Laundry Rooms are a New $tatus Symbol
In the new homes, the washers and dryers are no longer stuck in the dark basement corner of the house. Homeowners are demanding more of their laundry rooms than ever before. Why? Well, most American families throw 8-10 loads of laundry in the washer per week. Plus, on average 20 million women and 10 million men spend hundreds of hours each year washing and drying clothes. These are the people that want their laundry rooms to be practical, organized, large enough to accommodate day-to-day needs, and well decorated. Laundry rooms are actually becoming the newest status symbol, seeing as some laundry rooms are worth more than $30,000.
Many families are actually making the laundry rooms into the messy chore, craft, sewing, and even gardening project rooms. The laundry rooms are in need of more than the typical cabinet, washer, and dryer. People want a folding station. They are now looking for DryAire drying cabinets, where sweaters and delicates can dry in a couple of hours rather than a couple of days. They want the SinkSpa, which is a jetted sink where hand-washables are washed by water jets. They desire ironing stations: including an adjustable board, place to store the hot iron, and automatic shutoff controls.
Now, perhaps you are simply looking for ideas to spice up your own laundry room. Maybe you’re trying to figure out ways to make your rental property a winner. Or, perhaps you’re getting your home into selling shape. Whatever your goal, the following will help you figure out ideas in how to make the laundry room pleasurably livable.
Before you start making all these plans to upgrade. Sit down in the laundry room for at least 15 minutes and really take some time to figure out your needs. What annoyances do you run into right now in the laundry room? Do you have any spot to hang clothes when it rains? Do you struggle to get the clothes from the washer into the dryer? Do you really need a utility sink? Do you tend not to iron because you have no place for the ironing board that is easy to get to? Does the room need a more cheerful paint color? Does the floor need to be replaced?1. Obtain a Practical Washing Machine. Some washers have a finger faucet under the rim, allowing you to easily wash detergent off your hands. Other washers feature “reminder chimes,” signaling you that the clothes are done. A few of the newest washing machines have some very practical features: a quick-wash cycle that enables you to wash the shirt you need for the party in record time, a virtually noiseless direct-drive washing system, a delay-wash feature that starts the washer up to 19 hours after you load it, and a steady-spin feature that keeps the washer spinning, even if the load is unbalanced. 2. Install Cabinetry. Before you install anything, sit in the laundry room and figure out your current needs. Do you need open shelving units or cabinets with doors? Do you need spaces for various laundry baskets? Where can all of the detergents, spot removers, and dryer sheets be easily reached? Will you add a countertop to fold clothes?3. Storage. An alternative to cabinetry is to Install Wire shelving. The wire shelving is strong, durable, easy to install, fits to your needs, and doesn’t rust easily. 4. Ironing Station. Either set up an ironing board station or install a built-in ironing board. Both set-ups should have a permanent spot for the hot iron. 5. Laundry Sorting Baskets. Use laundry-sorting bins to organize your laundry by color and cycle. If you desire your family to follow your new system, make sure the laundry bins are clearly marked, such as “darks, delicates, towels, whites, dry cleaning, cold wash” etc. The more you organize, the more time you have to do other things.6. Easily Accessible. If you are remodeling or building your home, make sure that your laundry room is easily accessible from the main activity areas of the house. 7. Windows. Install another window or two in your dark and dreary laundry room. Many people like their laundry windows to overlook the backyard play areas. Bay windows with a ledge not only take the “laundry room” feel away from the room but also provide a usable ledge for folded laundry and baskets. 8. Change the Lighting. Change your one-light in the center of your ceiling to attractive track lighting. 9. Hanging Space. Many clothes require drip-drying, so either hang a rod or two near the floor drain or hang string from one side of the room to the either. Whichever way you choose, make sure that it is practical and out of the way. When using hangers, choose the plastic ones rather than the metal ones, as they tangle less and do not rust. If you have wire shelving, you can also easily hanging clothes from those. You could also place a rod next to the dryer that is equipped with plastic hangers to immediately hang items when they come out of the dryer. 10. Usable Space. Rolling carts are a practical addition to the laundry room. You can slip a thin one between the washer and the dryer, which can hold the detergent, stain stick, bleach, dryer sheets, etc. This keeps deep space usable and practical. 11. Small “Catch-all” Basket. Get a small basket to put next to the washer to keep items that are still in the pockets such as lipstick, money, receipts, etc.12. Trashcan. Make sure that at trashcan is nearby to unload the lint tray, throw away used dryer sheets, and wrappers found in pockets

First Time Home Buyer Tips

2007-08-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ten Tips For First-Time Buyers
Each year more than 40 percent of all homes are purchased by first-time buyers according to the National Association of Realtors, a percentage which should offer some comfort if you're about to buy a first home. Others have done it, others are doing it, and you can too.
But like most things, there are ways to make the process easier. Here in capsule form, are 10 baseline strategies to make that first purchase a good experience.
Think credit. Poor credit will make you a bigger risk in lender eyes -- and more risk means higher rates and steeper monthly mortgage costs. Make a point of paying credit card bills, auto loans, rent, and other payments on time, all the time, and in full.
Consider taxes. When you buy a home mortgage interest and property taxes are generally deductible from income taxes. This means while monthly housing costs may be larger when you own than when you rent, what you save in taxes can make up some or all of the difference. For details, speak with a tax professional.
Know the broker's role. Real estate brokers are at the center of most property transactions. It's important for you to know what a broker does, who is represented, and how the brokerage system works.
Consider what location will work best for you. Look at your needs, the needs of household members, and your preferences in terms of commuting, shopping, recreation, and other factors that are important to you.
Plan on getting a home inspection as part of any offer you make. A professional inspection can help you understand the condition of the property and the repair bills you are likely to face in the next few years.
Look into the financing process as soon as possible. Get pre-approved so that you generally know how much you can borrow, what you can afford, and so owners will see you as a serious buyer.
Save. You'll need money for a down payment, closing costs, moving, and other expenses. Put off trips and luxuries until after you're in your new home.
Examine the different financial options which are open to you -- consider FHA, VA, and state-backed loan programs which require little down and have liberal qualification standards.
Look for gifts and grants. According to the National Association of Realtors, 22 percent of all first time buyers receive gifts from relatives and friends. Some companies offer grants and other incentives to employees who are buying a first home. Community groups may also have programs and financing in place for first-time buyers, while the federal government has established special programs for teachers and police officers.
Start now, take your time, and ask as many questions as you like. Being a first-time home buyer is challenging, but millions of people do it each year -- and you can too.
Have questions? I'm here to help, and I can provide the information and materials you need. Contact me today.

Refinance Mistakes

2007-08-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Mistakes Refinance Shoppers Make
"...you want to be deciding to refinance for the right reasons, with both eyes open..."
Make Sure of Your New Interest Rate
Make sure that you save enough to justify the process of refinancing. It is best to decrease your interest rate by at least .75% to 1%. For example, this will save you about $100.00 a month on a $150,000.00 mortgage.
Know Your Closing Costs Up Front
By law, closing costs must be disclosed within 3 days of the loan application, however, there are different approaches to calculating them. Closing costs are initially estimated until the details of your specific loan are clear. It is wise to use a worst case scenario and be pleasantly surprised.
Be Sure You Fully Understand Your Reason(s) For Refinancing
Some refinance simply to reduce their interest rate. You should be aware that simply reducing your interest rate is not always to your advantage, so make sure that the gains from your rate reduction more than cover the related fees. There are, however, other legitimate reasons to refinance that may not be related to interest rates. Some are debt consolidation, home improvements, or a major purchase. Some of these choices may offer other financial or personal advantages, such as taking cash out to buy a car. In this example, you may be able to deduct your interest payments on your tax return. Always consult an accountant or tax attorney before making these types of decisions.
Beware of "APR" Advertising
"APR" stands for Annual Percentage Rate. Some mortgage brokers use "APR" teaser rates to get your attention, however, they may actually end up costing you more. Such rates are often derived by using a 30 year mortgage coupled with an accelerated payment plan. Most lenders allow you to select such a plan, if you choose. Know your actual interest rate that you will be paying when comparing mortgages.
Should I Consider an Adjustable Rate?
Adjustable rate mortgages or "ARM’s," can be very helpful in assisting people into the housing market. They can help minimize your monthly payment, however, in the long run they can cost you more money if additional refinancing occurs.
Beware of the Quality of Service Provided
You want your refinance to be accomplished with as little hassle and in the shortest period of time. Ask your mortgage broker details of their service plan and performance guarantees.
Not All Mortgage Brokers are Created Equally
Be sure to ask your mortgage broker about all their available loan products, terms and rates. A subtle difference can save or cost you thousands.

Amazing Home Search Engine

2007-08-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.daveandcarla.com/vip_buyer.asp

Check out our premium Buyer Search Engine.
This includes Forclosures, Bank Owned Properties, Properties that have recently have taken a price reduction and all listings from all Greater East Bay Real Estate Offices.

Moving Up To A Larger Home

2007-08-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

We recently had some clients that we helped sell their home in the Lakeshore Area of Oakland to purchase a home on the Bay Farm area of Alameda. We coached them throughout the process of what to and more importantly what not to do.

6 Mistakes To Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home
".....you have to sell your present home at exactly the right time in order to avoid either the financial burden of owning two homes or, just as bad, the dilemma of having no place to live during the gap between closings...."
Unlike the experience of buying a first home, when you’re looking to move-up, and already own a home, there are certain factors that can complicate the situation. It’s very important for you to consider these issues before you list your home for sale.
Not only is there the issue of financing to consider, but you also have to sell your present home at exactly the right time in order to avoid either the financial burden of owning two homes or, just as bad, the dilemma of having no place to live during the gap between closings.
Six Strategies
In this report, we outline the six most common mistakes homeowners make when moving to a larger home. Knowledge of these six mistakes, and the strategies to overcome them, will help you make informed choices before you put your existing home on the market.
1. Rose-colored glasses
Most of us dream of improving our lifestyle and moving to a larger home. The problem is that there's sometimes a discrepancy between our hearts and our bank accounts. You drive by a home that you fall in love with only to find that it's already sold or that it’s more than what you are willing to pay. Most homeowners get caught in this hit or miss strategy of house hunting when there's a much easier way of going about the process. For example, find out if your agent offers a Buyer Profile System or House-hunting Service, which takes the guesswork away and helps to put you in the home of your dreams. This type of program will cross-match your criteria with ALL available homes on the market and supply you with printed information on an on-going basis. A program like this helps homeowners take off their rose-colored glasses and, affordably, move into the home of their dreams.
2. Failing to make necessary improvements
If you want to get the best price for the home you're selling, there will certainly be things you can do to enhance it in a prospective buyer's eyes. These fix-ups don't necessarily have to be expensive. But even if you do have to make a minor investment, it will often come back to you ten-fold in the price you are able to get when you sell. It's very important that these improvements be made before you put your home on the market. If cash is tight, investigate an equity loan that you can repay on closing.
3. Not selling first
You should plan to sell before you buy. This way you will not find yourself at a disadvantage at the negotiating table, feeling pressured to accept an offer that is below-market value because you have to meet a purchase deadline. If you've already sold your home, you can buy your next one with no strings attached. If you do get a tempting offer on your home but haven't made significant headway on finding your next home, you might want to put in a contingency clause in the sale contract which gives you a reasonable time to find a home to buy. If the market is slow and you find your home is not selling as quickly as you anticipated, another option could be renting your home and putting it up on the market later - particularly if you are selling a smaller, starter home. You'll have to investigate the tax rules if you choose this latter option. Better still, find a way to eliminate this situation altogether by getting your agent to guarantee the sale of your present home (see point number 5 below).
4. Failing to get a pre-approved mortgage
Pre-approval is a very simple process that many homeowners fail to take advantage of. While it doesn't cost or obligate you to anything, pre-approval gives you a significant advantage when you put an offer on the home you want to purchase because you know exactly how much house you can afford, and you already have the green light from your lending institution. With a pre-approved mortgage, your offer will be viewed far more favorably by a seller - sometimes even if it's a little lower than another offer that's contingent on financing. Don't fail to take this important step.
5. Getting caught in the Real Estate Catch 22
Your biggest dilemma when buying and selling is deciding which to do first. Point number 3 above advises you to sell first. However there are ways to eliminate this dilemma altogether. Some agents offer a Guaranteed Sale Trade-Up Program that actually takes the problem away from you entirely by guaranteeing the sale of your present home before you take possession of your next one. If you find a home you wish to purchase and have not sold your current home yet, they will buy your home from you themselves so you can make your move free of stress and worry.
6. Failing to coordinate closings
With two major transactions to coordinate together with all the people involved such as mortgage experts, appraisers, lawyers, loan officers, title company representatives, home inspectors or pest inspectors the chances of mix-ups and miscommunication go up dramatically. To avoid a logistical nightmare ensure you work closely with your agent.

How to Reduce Crime in Your Neighborhood

2007-08-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that comes up on a buyer's list of requirements regardless if they are looking in Berkeley, Albany, Oakland and or Piedmont is that they want a safe neighborhood.
Here is an article about making helping make sure your neighborhood can be even safer.
How To Reduce Crime In Your Neighborhood
While we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime is on the increase in North America, and throughout the world. The number of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is growing at an alarming rate. Now you, as a resident, working with neighbors can help reduce the crime rate.
How? By organizing and/or joining a neighborhood program in which you and your neighbors get together to learn how to protect yourselves, your family, your home and your property. Working together, you can get the criminals off your block and out of your area.
There's safety in numbers and power through working with a group. You'll get to know your neighbors better, and working with them you can reduce crime, develop a more united community, provide an avenue of communications between police and citizens, establish on-going crime prevention techniques in your neighborhood, and renew citizen interest in community activity.
"Citizens Safety Projects" are set up to help you do this. It is a joint effort between private citizens and local police. Such programs have been started all over. Maybe one already exists in your community.
These organizations don't require frequent meetings (once a month or so). They don't ask anyone to take personal risks to prevent crime. They leave the responsibility for catching criminals where it belongs - with the police. This is NOT a "vigilante" group:
These groups gather citizens together to learn crime prevention from local authorities. You cooperate with your neighbors to report suspicious activities in the neighborhood, to keep an eye on homes when the resident is away, and to keep everyone in the area mindful of the standard precautions for property and self that should always be taken. Criminals avoid neighborhoods where such groups exist.
Through cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, some of the things you will learn - and all free - are:
What to do in an emergency.
How to best identify a suspicious person.
How to identify a vehicle being used in a suspected criminal activity.
Signs to watch out for before entering a house or apartment that may be in the process of being burglarized.
What to do in case of injury.
What to do about suspicious people loitering on your street.
How to identify stolen merchandise.
How to recognize auto theft in progress.
How to protect your house or apartment.
How to recognize a burglary in progress.
How to protect yourself and family - and much more.
It's easy to get your group started. All you have to do is contact your neighbors and arrange a date, place and time for the first meeting. Hold the meetings at your home or that of a neighbor. Try to plan a time that is convenient to most of your neighbors - preferably in the evening.
Then call your local police department. They will be happy to give your group informal lectures, free literature - and in many instances, window stickers and ID cards. Remember, police officers can't be everywhere. Your cooperation with them is for the benefit of you, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood.

Nice Letter From a Client

2007-07-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know how we can help anyone you might refer to us.

Blythe and Chris bought their first home seven years ago. Since then they’d added two daughters to their family, and that once-spacious home was feeling very cramped. They wanted to move into a larger home, but believed the only way they could afford it was if Chris worked a second job. They hated the idea of Chris being gone even more and seemed resigned to staying put.

What Blythe and Chris didn’t know was how much the value of their current home had increased. We were able to get them a full-price offer on their home and help them move into a larger home, still within their budget — and without Chris taking on a second job. A week after closing Chris called and said, “I didn’t realize how much Blythe hated my being gone so much. I think you saved my marriage!”
Dave & Carla Higgins, Your Real Estate Consultants For Lifewww.DaveAndCarla.com, 510-595-7699
PS: Do you know a growing family that’s ready for a larger home but not sure they can afford it? Please give us their name and we’ll contact them. Thanks!

Saving Money

2007-07-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, We hear it from First-Time Buyers all the time "I would love to buy that home in Oakland's wonderful neighborhood of Rockridge but I need to save more money for my down payment.
Saving for a down payment can be a bit more complicated but here are some tips to help along with the process.
Money
Saving money might be as easy as saying “CFL” the next time you purchase light bulbs.

“CFL” stands for “compact fluorescent lamp,” but it’s actually a light bulb that operates differently from a regular, or incandescent light bulb. Regular bulbs create light by heating a filament inside the bulb; the heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light you see. A CFL contains a gas that produces invisible ultraviolet (UV) light when the gas is “excited” by electricity. The UV light hits the white coating inside the
fluorescent bulb and the coating changes it into light you can see.

Now, don’t confuse a CFL with those overhead fluorescent tube lights in your office or dentist’s waiting room. CFLs are light bulbs made in different sizes and shapes to fit in standard household light sockets such as table lamps, ceiling fixtures and backyard lights. What isn’t standard is the performance of various CFLs; according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Web site, you should look for ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs because they’ve been tested to meet stringent performance criteria established by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

So, how does an ENERGY STAR CFL save you money?

· It uses at least two-thirds less energy than a regular bulb to provide the same amount of light, and can save $30 or more in energy costs over the bulb’s lifetime.
· It lasts up to 10 times longer.
· It generates 70% less heat than a regular light bulb, which can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.

Need another reason to say “CFL”? If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR CFL, we’d save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.

The Internet has a wealth of information about CFLs; a good place to start is by going to http://energystar.custhelp.com and doing a search for CFL. In Canada, visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar and click the “Switch and Save” icon.

Preparing Your Kids For A Move

2007-07-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Wehad some clients moving from Kensington to Piedmont and they were very concerned about making the move as stress freeon their children. We found this article and passed it on to them and thought you might find this useful as well.
Prepare Your Kids For Moving
Moving from house to house, city-to-city, state-to-state, or even country-to-country is stressful on everyone, especially children. Each year, about 13 million children relocate, and most of these kids struggle with the transition. Think about it: the parents are extra busy, meaning the children are receiving less attention. Their entire world is about to change, and they may loss all of their friends, their comfortable daily routine, part of their identity, and everything familiar. Did they even get a say as to whether or not you should move? Maybe they are now going to have to miss their championship soccer game or their long-awaited prom. Are you separating them from their boyfriend or girlfriend? If the move is accompanied by either a divorce or death, then the child will struggle to transition all the more. Here are some basic steps to help your child transition.1. EXPLAIN & LISTEN: Even though you as a parent are being pulled in all different directions, one of your top priorities needs to be your children. No matter what the age of your child, you will have to devote special time and energy into helping them with this moving transition. The first step to helping your child transition is very logical – take time to both explain the move thoroughly and listen to your child thoroughly. Make sure you answer all their questions. Be receptive to both positive and negative reactions. Remember that just because this move may benefit them, all they see are the losses. Allow your child to hurt. 2. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: I’m not talking about the child – but YOU! You need to keep a positive attitude around your children throughout the entire transition period. You may be stressed. You may not even like the fact that you are moving. However, for the benefit of your child, keep a positive attitude about the situation. During this transition, your moods and attitudes will communicate one of two things: uncertainty and insecurity, or assurance, confidence and hope. 3. INVOLVE YOUR CHILD: If you’re just moving across town, make sure you take your child to visit. Explain which room will be theirs. Ask them which color they would like their room; this will help the child take ownership and feel like a part of the decision process. On moving day, give your child a badge that states their responsibility, such as “pet control” or “beverage go-getter.” Advice for Children Under the Age of 6Children under the age of six may be the easiest to move since they have limited capacity to understand what is going on. They will still need guidance. The following steps will help the ease the transition process for your youngster.
Keep your explanations clear and simple.
Talk about the move every night when the time to move gets relatively near. Try using a story to explain the move. Tell the story at bedtime. Tell the story on the way to the grocery store. Then while the move is happening, refer back to the story you told. Ask them what happened in the story. But remember be honest. Help your child understand that they will not be seeing their friends and babysitters very much anymore. This will enable your child to say the necessary goodbyes.
When you are packing your child’s toys, make sure that you explain that they are just putting them away. If your children have a vivid imagination, tell them that their toys are sleeping for a little while.
Familiarize them with the new house. If your home is nearby and you take your toddler to see the house, grab a few toys for the ride. Leave the toys at the new house. If you go again, do the same thing. If the house is far away, get a few pictures to show them. Explain where their swing set will go.
Consider keeping the child’s old furniture for at least a few months for it may provide a sense of comfort and familiarity amongst the ciaos.
Do not try to potty train or switch a child from a crib to a bed during this major transition period.
If you can, on moving day, have the child either go to preschool, stay with a babysitting, or at least have a family member come and entertain your child. This will relieve you to answer countless questions and run tons of errands.
If there is something that your child has wanted for awhile, wait until after the move. This will give your child something to look forward too.
Make sure that you leave out a few toys for your child to play with as the house is being packed, or you will be trying to answer endless questions while entertaining your child.
Once you get to your new house, unpack the toys first and get their room situated as quickly as possible.
Advice for Moving with Elementary-Age ChildrenChildren who have to change their home and school all at once need serious time and energy throughout the transition. To this day, the debate, whether it’s better to change schools during the summer or during the mid-point of the year, is still not solved. So no matter which time frame you choose, make sure you talk over all the details with the school your child’s leaving and the school your child’s joining to eliminate any glitches that would further complicate the move for your child. Gather any information from the school your child’s leaving that the school your child will be attending may need, such as report cards, birth certificates, medical records, transcripts, and test scores.
During the move, give the elementary age child two disposable cameras and tell them to be in charge of taking pictures. Designate one of the cameras for the moving out and saying goodbye process. Designate the other camera for the moving into the new house and meeting the new neighbors. Advice for Moving with TeensTeens struggle the most, out of all the ages, with moving. In fact, many will out rightly rebel against the move. Do not get angry or discouraged yet. Put yourself in their shoes: they probably invested a significant amount of time and energy into their friend groups, job, and girlfriend/boyfriend. And depending on when you choose to move, they may miss playing a varsity sport their senior year, acting in an upcoming play, or participating in the marching band. Parents often make the mistake of making their teen feel that their concerns, fears, and objections are invalid and unimportant. You obviously do not want to communicate this to your teen! Allow your teen to be angry. Ask yourself a few questions: did I make this decision without their opinion? Did I make my child feel like their opinion didn’t matter? What is my child losing? When you talk with your teen, make sure you are not trying to calm their fears and objections with blanket assurances like we will have a bigger house, you will go to a better school, and dad will be making more money. You will make your teen feel unheard. If your teen is extremely upset about missing an event, make the necessary sacrifice in order to get them back for that event. Maybe they could finish out the school year by living with a friend. Are you willing to consider that? Allow yourself to compromise. No Matter What the Age
Always take time to say good-bye. Walk through the house when it is empty and then around the yard. Say goodbye. Allow you and your children to cry.
Have a fresh pair of clothes for everyone moving in a designated and easy to reach bag. That way, if you spill something, get drenched in the rain, or airsick on the plane, you do not have to suffer.
Advice for After the Move
As stated earlier, get your child’s room in order.
Maintain a regular schedule of eating meals together
Try and keep the same bedtime routines.
Take walks around the new neighborhood with your child.

Why It Is Important To Price Correctly

2007-07-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

We all know how hard it is to hear that you need to list your home at a lower price than you had hoped for.The truth of the matter is that we are in a declining market (Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Alameda all over the Bay Area) with interest rates starting to rise so timing is not on our side.
Reasons to Price Correctly
TIME Chances are your home will sell at its fair market value. Pricing it correctly at the outset simply increases the likelihood for getting the most money in the shortest time with the fewest hassles.
COMPETITION Buyers educate themselves by viewing homes on the market. They know what a good price is. If your home is not priced competitively in value with those they have seen, it won’t sell. Buyers typically look at home within a $10-25K price range. If your home is not priced within the correct range, it very likely will not be exposed to its potential or targeted buyers.
REPUTATION Overpricing causes most homes to remain on the market too long. Buyers, aware of a long exposure period, are often hesitant to make an offer because they fear "something is wrong" with the house. Often homes that are on the market for a long time eventually sell for less than their fair market value. This is another poor strategy.

INCONVENIENCE If overpricing keeps your home from selling promptly, you can end up owning two homes - the one you've already purchased and the one you're trying to sell. This can prove costly and worrisome, as well as inconvenient.

Just Listed in Adams Point/Oakland

2007-07-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

407 Orange, Oakland, CA 94610 (Adams Point)
$399,000.00

Stunning Adams Point Condo
Condo
Beds: 2
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 1331
More details
Home Tools
Send more info on this property
Photo tour of the property
Calculate mortgage payment
Virtual tour of the property
Open house schedule
Map Tools
Locate on a map
Locate Near By:
Day Care
Elementary School
Hospital
High School
Restaurant
Shopping Mall
Other GO
Eat-in kitchen
Fireplace
Security system
Patio/deck
Balcony
Underground parking
Close to shopping
Near highway/freeway
Public transportation access
Near schools
Photo Gallery:

Property Details:Stunning corner unit condo in move-in condition enjoys spaciousness, a beautiful interior. Conveniently located in Adams Point, in a well maintained, secure building, benefits from residing next to the greenbelt. Wonderful appointments, including a large dining room, living room, with a handsome, wood burning fireplace for romantic interludes, an inviting master bedroom suite with plenty of room for storage, an updated kitchen, perfect for entertaining guests, and a cozy deck to enjoy the outdoors. For more indoor enjoyment there are dual pane Anderson windows. All this and more, only a short distance from Lake Merritt, theatres, bistros and shops.

Life Changing Books That We Recommend

2007-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Life Changing Books That We Recommend
You Can Change YOUR Paradigm Today!
Have A More Fulfilling Life, Begin Reading These Life Changing Books Today!
Every now and then a book comes along that can change your life for the better.

We want you to know about just that kind of book.
We dream big and want all of our clients, associates and employees to have a more fulfilling life.
That is why we want to share with you select books that can help you achieve that.
Here are the latest “must read” books:
The Prayer Of Jabez - Bruce Wilkinson
The Dream Giver - Bruce Wilkinson
The Purpose - Driven Life - Rick Warren
The Travelers Gift - Andy Andrews
Good to Great - Jim Collins
Choosing To Cheat - Andy Stanley
How Good Is Good Enough - Andy Stanley
Visioning - Andy Stanley
The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership - John C. Maxwell
The 8th Habit - Stephen Covey
Thinking for a Change - John C. Maxwell
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

If you have a recommendation for a life changing book that may help others achieve a more fulfilling life -

What to do When Your Home Doesn't Sell

2007-07-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

How to Sell a House that Didn't Sell
Why Most Homes Listed for Sale Don't Sell and What to Do About It
If your home has just come off the market and hasn't sold, don't be discouraged. The reason your home did not sell may have nothing to do with your home or the market. In reality, your home may have been one of the more desirable properties for sale.
So Why Didn't Your Home Sell?
Last year almost half of the homes listed for sale never sold at all, and many sellers found that there was a tremendous amount a homeowner needed to be educated on to sell their home for top dollar in the shortest time period.
Don't risk making the wrong choices and losing both time and money on your investment. Before you hire a real estate agent, know the right questions to ask to save you time and money.
Industry experts have prepared a free special report called "How to Sell a House that Didn't Sell" which educates you on the issues involved.
Order this report NOW to make sure your home sells the next time you list it for sale
go to http://www.daveandcarla.com/ to order this report or call us at 510-595-7699

Sold In The Grand Lake Area

2007-07-17T21:32:00.001-07:00

525 MANDANA BLVD #402OAKLAND, CA 94610 PENDING
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Stunning rooftop penthouse with pano views of Lake Merritt! Chic new kitchen w/stainless appliances and handsome granite, large living area w/fireplace, office, stunning master w/remodeled bath. Rooftop patio, 2nd view deck, keyed elevator, adjacent to Grand & Lakeshore retail 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bath(s) 1,810 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40269005 $699,000

What You Think about You Bring About

2007-07-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met anyone who always has EVERYTHING going wrong with them? Health issues, Relationship issues, Financial issues... Etc??? Whenever you mention anything they always find the negative slant.... Ok, so maybe it is best to not hang around negative people like that but sometimes they are family members and you have no choice.... On the flip side, have you ever met anyone that no matter what their circumstances they always find a positive way to look at their situation?? What is the difference between these two people? The way they choose to look at things in their lives
Isn't it amazing how our thoughts create our own reality?? I have been thinking a lot about this lately.... We can have negative things happen to us but it truly is our choice on how to react to the actions that happen to us....I have been trying to focus almost soley on positive thoughts for that last couple months and guess what??? I can't remember the last time I had more fun.... have more energy and enjoy my beautiful children, Kylie 3 and Lola 1 and really have been enjoy real estate more as well...
Anyway, all it takes is focusing on the positive in life as opposed to the negative that comes into my life... It takes some practice but I wish I had practiced this more earlier in my life.

Mortgage Approval Can Be Quick

2007-07-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

We recently had some clients that were interested in a home in the Haddon Hill Section of Oakland. They had just started their search but fell inlove with this home immediately. They had to work quick to get pre-approved as there were other people also interested in making offers on the property as well.
24 Hour Loan Approval: 6 Questions Answered
"... the Mortgage Application Process Has Changed, Get the Inside Track .."
Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.
Get the Right Information Whether you are about to buy your first home (Berkeley,Oakland,Albany,Alameda?) or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you be informed about the factors involved.
Recent changes in the way in which mortgage loans are approved now makes it possible to get your loan approved very rapidly. Why go through the long, outdated process if you don’t have to? "24 Hour Loan Approval: 6 Questions Answered" will provide you with an understanding of the process and benefits of rapid mortgage loan approval.
How Does It Work?
It used to be that all mortgages were put through the long process of manual approval. Today there is a process of computerized approval which can be done very quickly. The benefit is not wondering for weeks whether your loan is approved. You are also able to close on your home more quickly and with less hassle.
Does Everyone Qualify?
Everyone qualifies to go through the computerized process, but not every person will get approved. In some cases your loan will be "referred" to the manual underwriting process. Even in these cases it’s helpful, as it provides valuable insight.
What Is Required To Get Started?
As soon as you have completed the application process your loan can proceed to the approval stage. An answer comes back as to whether the mortgage loan is approved or not. If your loan isn’t approved, your broker can work with you to make changes that may help you gain approval through the computerized process.
Are There Other Uses Of This Technology?
Yes, there are! Probably the best example of these uses is the ability to get pre-approved for your home purchase in this same short time frame.
What Are The Benefits?
One of the leading reasons that real estate transactions fail to close is that the mortgage loan runs into difficulty after the final loan commitment date. Learning about potential problems early allows more time to resolve them. Why risk your hard earned money and time finding the property? Use a mortgage broker who has this ability.
How Soon Will I Be Able To Close My Mortgage?
If your mortgage loan is approved through this process, it is possible to close very quickly. Ask your mortgage broker to assess your unique situation and provide you with your specific timeline.

New Listing in Oakland

2007-07-13T15:11:00.001-07:00

3262 Louise Street, Oakland, CA 94608 (Oakland)
$625,000.00

Stunning Free Standing Condo - 3 Levels
Condo
Beds: 3
Baths: 3
Sq. Ft.: 1764
More details

Home Tools
Send more info on this property
Photo tour of the property
Calculate mortgage payment
Virtual tour of the property
Open house schedule
Map Tools
Locate on a map
Locate Near By:
Day Care
Elementary School
Hospital
High School
Restaurant
Shopping Mall
Other GO
Close to shopping
Near highway/freeway
Public transportation access
In-suite laundry
Eat-in kitchen
Fireplace
Ceramic tiles flooring
Security system
Walk-in closet
Ceiling fans
Balcony
Patio/deck
2-car garage
Photo Gallery:

Chef's Kitchen

Open Space, 11 ft ceilings

French doors to enclosed terra

Master Bedroom

Balcony

Freestanding 3 story condo
Property Details:Fabulous two year old 3 story condo, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. Loads of stunning designer finishes, a gorgeous open living space with bamboo floors, 2 zone radiant heat, chef’s kitchen w/ butcher block and granite counters, new stainless steel appliances. Light filled great room with 11 ft ceilings, wainscoting, crown molding, a detailed fireplace with ceramic surround, has French doors that open onto the patio. The spacious master bedroom is adjoined by a huge master bath, dual sinks, Jacuzzi tub, with sep stall shower and ceramic floors. Laundry rm comes w/ front loading washer/dryer. Plus room, skylights, 2 car garage.

El Cerrito Charmer PENDING!

2007-07-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

920 NORVELL STEL CERRITO, CA 94530
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Spectacular & gracefully remodeled to the highest standards. Smoothly rounded corners, coffered cieling, arches, and custom built-ins. Unique river stone fireplace, beautifully remodeled eat-in kitchen, sunny private rear yard and attached garage. 2 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 891 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40281119
$599,000

Client Testimonials

2007-07-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

We received these....
Always nice to hear nice reviews

We cannot speak highly enough of our realtor Amy Loughran !!! She is an Alameda Mom of twin boys, has wonderful friendly demeanor, smart, and honest(in a sea of shark types-a rare find). She has been in the bay area for over 15 years and knows all the different neighborhoods. (She drove us around everywhere and was able to tell us about countless neighborhoods and schools-we moved here from Seattle.She is always calm and professional in tough negotiations. She is the one to call to get it done (510)295-9633, Amy's cell phone. She is terrific! mailto:amygorman@alamedanet.net

I read the most recent recommendation for Dave and Carla Higgins (daveandcarla.com) and had to chime in. Their expertise was invaluable when we moved this summer. Our old home, which only a year ago had languished on the market for over two months with no offers before we gave up and took it off the market, sold for asking price in just two weeks thanks to Dave and Carla's aggressive marketing strategy. If this wasn't impressive enough, their shrewd skills of negotiation resulted not only in buying our wonderful new house for asking price, but also getting $25K back from the sellers to finish the section one work. They also were quite helpful in referring us to reputable contractors to complete the necessary work before moving in. Dave and Carla were great to work with: very personable and energetic, and we would recommend them to any friend looking for a top-notch real estate sales team. Deirdre

Tips On Hiring A Financial Planner

2007-07-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

We had a couple clients 1 in Rockridge and 1 in Adams point in Oakland that recently asked us for advice on hiring a financial planner.
Here is an article that we found that gives tips on this.
10 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Financial Planner
These questions will help you interview and evaluate several financial planners to find the one that’s right for you. You will want to select a competent, qualified professional with whom you feel comfortable, one whose business style suits your financial planning needs. An interview checklist has been included for your convenience.
1. What experience do you have?
Find out how long the planner has been in practice and the number and types of companies with which she has been associated. Ask the planner to briefly describe her work experience and how it relates to her current practice. Choose a financial planner who has a minimum of three years experience counseling individuals on their financial needs.
2. What are your qualifications?
The term "financial planner" is used by many financial professionals. Ask the planner what qualifies him to offer financial planning advice and whether he holds a financial planning designation such as the Certified Financial Planner mark. Look for a planner who has proven experience in financial planning topics such as insurance, tax planning, investments, estate planning or retirement planning. Determine what steps the planner takes to stay current with changes and developments in the financial planning field. If the planner holds a financial planning designation, check on his background with the CFP Board or other relevant professional organizations.
3. What services do you offer?
The services a financial planner offers depend on a number of factors including credentials, licenses and areas of expertise. Financial planners cannot sell insurance or securities products such as mutual funds or stocks without the proper licenses, or give investment advice unless registered with state or Federal authorities. Some planners offer financial planning advice on a range of topics but do not sell financial products. Others may provide advice only in specific areas such as estate planning or on tax matters.
4. What is your approach to financial planning?
Ask the financial planner about the type of clients and financial situations she typically likes to work with. Some planners prefer to develop one plan by bringing together all of your financial goals. Others provide advice on specific areas, as needed. Make sure the planner’s viewpoint on investing is not too cautious or overly aggressive for you. Some planners require you to have a certain net worth before offering services. Find out if the planner will carry out the financial recommendations developed for you or refer you to others who will do so.
5. Will you be the only person working with me?
The financial planner may work with you himself or have others in the office assist him. You may want to meet everyone who will be working with you. If the planner works with professionals outside his own practice (such as attorneys, insurance agents or tax specialists) to develop or carry out financial planning recommendations, get a list of their names to check on their backgrounds.
6. How will I pay for your services?
As part of your financial planning agreement, the financial planner should clearly tell you in writing how she will be paid for the services to be provided. Planners can be paid in several ways:
a salary paid by the company for which the planner works. The planner’s employer receives payment from you or others, either in fees or commissions, in order to pay the planner’s salary.
fees based on an hourly rate, a flat rate, or on a percentage of your assets and/or income.
commissions paid by a third party from the products sold to you to carry out the financial planning recommendations. Commissions are usually a percentage of the amount you invest in a product.
a combination of fees and commissions whereby fees are charged for the amount of work done to develop financial planning recommendations and commissions are received from any products sold. In addition, some planners may offset some portion of the fees you pay if they receive commissions for carrying out their recommendations.
7. How much do you typically charge?
While the amount you pay the planner will depend on your particular needs, the financial planner should be able to provide you with an estimate of possible costs based on the work to be performed. Such costs would include the planner’s hourly rates or flat fees or the percentage he would receive as commission on products you may purchase as part of the financial planning recommendations.
8. Could anyone besides me benefit from your recommendations?
Some business relationships or partnerships that a planner has could affect her professional judgment while working with you, inhibiting the planner from acting in your best interest. Ask the planner to provide you with a description of her conflicts of interest in writing. For example, financial planners who sell insurance policies, securities or mutual funds have a business relationship with the companies that provide these financial products. The planner may also have relationships or partnerships that should be disclosed to you, such as business she receives for referring you to an insurance agent, accountant or attorney for implementation of planning suggestions.
9. Have you ever been publicly disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions in your professional career?
Several government and professional regulatory organizations, keep records on the disciplinary history of financial planners and advisers. Ask what organizations the planner is regulated by, and contact these groups to conduct a background check.
10. Can I have it in writing?
Ask the planner to provide you with a written agreement that details the services that will be provided. Keep this document in your files for future reference.

How your Credit Affects Homeowners Insurance

2007-07-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

We have gotten a few calls from clients about Homeowners Insurance since we added our last Blog on it.
Here is an article that we found on how your credit rating can affect your Homeowners Insurance policy.

How Your Credit Affects Your Homeowners Insurance
If you've researched or gone through the process of getting a home loan, you know how important it is to have a good credit history. But did you know insurance companies also use your credit habits in determining whether they'll provide you with insurance and how much you'll pay?
Insurance companies have traditionally used many factors in determining how much of a risk you are to get into an accident or incur losses resulting in claims.
For example, insurers will look at your driving record and how long you've been driving when you seek auto insurance. Likewise, when you apply for homeowners insurance, they'll look at the age, size, and construction of your home.
Through the years insurers have found a person's credit information to be a highly accurate predictor of risk, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a non-profit organization supported by the property and casualty insurance business.
While insurers look at the same factors as lenders, they weigh each factor differently.
"The biggest difference is that insurance risk scores look for stability, but credit risk scores look for a reliable pattern," Craig Watts, a spokesperson for Fair, Isaac, and Co., whose insurance risk scores are used by about 300 insurers nationwide, told www.insure.com.
Insurance companies typically weigh the factors as follows, according to FIC:
30 percent: How much you owe. This typically evaluates how many accounts you have, how many have balances, and how much is owed on existing loans.
15 percent: Length of credit history. Usually the longer your credit history, the better your score on this section.
10 percent: New credit. If you've opened a lot of new accounts in a short period of time, your score will be lower. The system also takes into account how long it's been since you've opened an account. And if you had a bumpy period followed by a strong payment history, it will be considered favorably.
35 percent: Payment history. You'll score high here if you make your payments on time and you don't have any bankruptcies, foreclosures, liens, or the like. If you have made late payments in the past, your score will reflect how frequently you were late and how late you were - in the eyes of insurance companies 90 days is viewed as much riskier than 60 days.
10 percent: Types of credit. This will factor in your credit mix - retail accounts, installment loans, credit cards, finance companies, etc.
"Insurance scores are also more interested in how regularly you pay than in how much you already owe," Watts said.
Credit scoring is usually an advantage for those who have stellar credit histories because it can mean lower rates. It can also be advantageous to those who have a good history but may have filed claims in the past.
If you have a wobbly credit history, you can work on cleaning it up by:
Requesting a copy of your report and making sure it's accurate.
Keeping your balances low.
Paying off your debt.
Making payments on time.
Refraining from opening new accounts.
Re-establishing credit if you've had problems in the past - but do so responsibly.
Contacting a legitimate credit counselor, like Consumer Credit Counseling Services.
Knowing that closing an account doesn't wipe it from your credit history.
And if your credit score has bumped up your insurance rates or if you're looking for ways to reduce how much you pay for homeowners insurance, you can begin by shopping around and comparing rates. You can also lower your premiums by raising your deductible amounts. Written by Michele Dawson

New Listing!

2007-07-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

771 KINGSTON AVE #401OAKLAND, CA 94611
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Sophisticated Piedmont Ave Condo. New hardwood floors thru-out the main areas and bedrooms, chef's kit with granite slab c tops, solid cherry cabs & Italian ceramic tile floors. 2 updated baths with tumbled marble floors and new vanities, wired for sound in LR. Great city view. Open Sun 8th.2-4:30 2 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms 1,214 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40281112
$519,000

Extra Cost Home Buying Cost to Be Aware Of

2007-07-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here in the Greater East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Albany, Alameda, Kensington, El Cerrito) Housing prices can be steep enough without additional cost to consider so these additional cost when you are considering making a home purchase.

13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home
"The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home."
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you're not informed and prepared.
Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments, while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly commitment. Not all of these costs will apply in every situation, however it's better to know about them ahead of time so you can budget properly.
Remember, buying a home is a major milestone. Whether it's your first, second or tenth home, there are many important details to address, during the process. The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home.
Read through the following checklist to make sure you're budgeting properly for your next move.
1. Appraisal Fee
Your lending institution may request an appraisal of the property which would be your responsibility to pay for. Appraisals can vary in price from approximately $175 -$ 300.
2. Property Taxes
Depending on your down payment, your lending institution may decide to include your property taxes in your monthly mortgage payments. If your property taxes are not added to your monthly payments, your lending institution may require annual proof that your taxes have been paid.
3. Survey Fee
When the home you purchase is a resale (vs. a new home), your lending institution may ask for an updated property survey. The cost for this survey can vary between $700- $1,000.
4. Property Insurance
Home insurance covers the replacement value of your home (structure and contents). Your lending institution will request proof that you are insured as it protects their investment on the loan.
5. Service Charges
Any new utility that services your hook up, such as telephone or cable, may require an installation fee.
6. Legal Fees
Even the simplest of home purchases should have a lawyer involved to review all paperwork. Shop around, as rates vary greatly depending on the complexity of the issues and the experience of the lawyer.
7. Mortgage Loan Insurance Fee
Depending upon the equity in your home, some mortgages require mortgage loan insurance. This type of insurance will cost you between 0.5% -3.5% of the total amount of the mortgage. Usually payments are made monthly in addition to your mortgage and tax payment.
8. Mortgage Brokers Fee
A mortgage broker is entitled to charge you a fee in order to source a lender and organize the financing. However, it pays to shop around because many mortgage brokers will provide their services free to you by having the lending institution absorb the cost.
9. Moving Costs
The cost for a professional mover can cost you in the range of:
$50-$100/hour for a van and 3 movers, and
10-20% higher during peak demand seasons.
10. Maintenance Fees
Condos charge monthly fees for common area maintenance such as grounds keeping and carpet cleaning in hallways. Costs will vary depending on the building.
11. Water Quality and Quantity Certification
If the home you purchased is serviced by a well, you should consider having your water checked by your local experts. Depending upon where you live, determines whether or not a fee is charged, to certify the quantity and quality of the water.
12. Local Improvements
If the town you live in has made local improvements (such as the addition of sewers or sidewalks), this could impact a property’s taxes by thousands of dollars.
13. Land Transfer Tax
This tax is applied whenever property changes hands and the amount that is applied can vary.

Free Oakland Band Concerts Every Sunday Thru August 5th

2007-07-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

July 15 (and every Sun afternoon through Aug 5): Free Annual Oakland Municipal Band Concert – Lakeside Park Bandstand
Come out and enjoy the Annual Oakland Municipal Band Concert at the Lakeside Park Bandstand, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Bring beach chair and picnic, and hear jazz, contemporary, pop, big band, international, classical, marches and show tunes.
Come on out to hear the great music!

Oakland City Council Passes Plastic Bag Ban

2007-07-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Oakland City Council Passes Ban on Plastic Bags at Point of Sale
Last week I voted with a majority of the City Council to ban the use of plastic carry-out bags at grocery stores and other retail stores which gross more than $1million a year. The ban takes effect in January 2008 and specifically exempts restaurants. Plastic bags will still be OK for take-out food, since it there isn’t another ready alternative to keep liquids from leaking out of food containers. The new ordinance does not affect the plastic bags used to hold vegetables and fruit in the produce sections.
I think the plastic bag ban is a good first step to changing consumer behavior away from one-use disposable plastic, which is causing major environmental problems. Re-usable canvas bags will be sold in grocery stores, and the City will be promoting their use for carrying home groceries. That is already the norm in many countries, but it will definitely require a change of mind and habit for us in America where convenience is king. I am now keeping three canvas bags in my car so they’re handy if I decide to stop at the store. It takes awhile to change our habits, but remembering to bring the canvas or string bags is not that hard once you’ve done it a few times. Paper bags will also still be available in stores, but reusable bags are the real goal. The manufacture of paper bags also has negative environmental consequences, but at least they are compostable, unlike plastic.
One of the key reasons for banning the plastic bags is that they are not recyclable as a practical matter, despite what it might say on the bag. Several recycling companies testified that even if you take your plastic bag back to the store, it is highly unlikely that it will actually be recycled. Though the bags look alike, there are many different “recipes” for making the plastic so they cannot be combined to recycle in the same way. They just get put in the landfill or end up blowing around and ending up in waterways where they choke wildlife. One biologist testified that there is now a higher volume of plastic bags in the ocean than of zoo-plankton.
The plastic bag ban ordinance will take us one step closer to achieving the City’s zero waste goal. To date the City has taken major strides in expanding and improving recycling and composting services. We can easily recycle garden clippings, kitchen scraps, glass, aluminum, newspapers, magazines, cardboard and other paper products, and certain plastic containers. Now that so much can be recycled, my household garbage consists mainly of plastic packaging. That’s a big step forward in the last few years. So, I hope you’ll join me in trying to reduce plastic waste by taking your own bags with you when you shop for food.

What is and isn't covered on homeowners insurance

2007-07-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an article that we found helpful on knowing what is covered on your homeowners insurance policy.
What Your Homeowners Insurance Does, Doesn't Cover
A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover what you think it does -- not flood or earthquake damage, not stolen or damaged vehicles on your property, not a break in the water service or sewage line and not termites moving in nor pets stolen away.
Many homeowners are under the mistaken impression that a standard homeowners policy provides more insurance protection than it does and that could mean large unexpected out of pocket expenses -- when you can least afford them.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), an organization of state insurance regulators, found that 33 percent of U.S. heads of household still hold the false belief that flood damage is covered by a standard homeowners policy -- despite extensive post-Hurricane Katrina news coverage of scores of homeowners with claims turned down because they didn't have the required flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
"Many homeowners learned the hard way that their insurance policies did not provide flood protection," said Walter Bell, NAIC President and Alabama Insurance Commissioner. "As we enter the 2007 hurricane season, we strongly encourage consumers in flood-prone areas to check whether they are properly covered."
That's not all.
NAIC also found:
Sixty-eight percent who think vehicles such as cars, boats and motorcycles stolen from or damaged on their property are covered, could get run over by unexpected costs.
Fifty-one percent who think damages from a break in the water line on their property supplying water to their home are covered will be swamped in bills which they, not the insurance company, will have to pay.
Thirty-seven percent who think damages due to a break in the sewer line on their property that connects to their municipal sewer system are covered are making a really foul mistake.
About one in three who believe damages from earthquakes, mold, termites or other infestation are covered, could wind up crawling with bills.
Twenty-two percent who think pets stolen from or injured on their property are covered, should get more dogged about the truth.
Perhaps worse of all the NAIC survey revealed that 24 percent of respondents indicated their policies insured their homes for the actual cash value, while 64 percent said their policies covered the replacement cost. Another 12 percent said they did not know which type of coverage -- actual cash value or replacement cost -- they purchased.
Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents after depreciation. Replacement cost coverage, the better option, will cover the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.
NAIC's InsureUOnline website offers the following tips:
Add insurance coverage as you enhance the value of your home, and acquire expensive possessions, such as furniture, computers, stereos and televisions and other electronics. Keep in mind computers and other high-end electronics may require special coverage.
Alert your insurance company when making any major home improvements that cost $5,000 or more. Update your homeowners insurance policy to reflect the new enhancements and prevent being underinsured.
Maintain your property by clearing clutter and other dangerous conditions to reduce the potential for liability suits. In many states, you could be held legally responsible for the actions of anyone who drinks in your home and then has an accident in your house or after leaving it. Your policy should protect you against lawsuits due to these types of liability issues.
Backyard items, such as a trampoline, pool, hot tub or spa may require you to increase your liability coverage through an umbrella policy.
As you acquire more valuables -- jewelry, family heirlooms, antiques, art -- consider purchasing an additional "floater" or "rider" to your policy to cover these special items. They're typically not covered by a basic homeowners or renters policy.
It's a good idea to make an inventory of all of your personal property, along with a photograph or video of each room. Also, save your receipts for major items and keep them in a safe place away from your house or apartment so you'll have them if you need to file a claim and substantiate value. Written by Broderick Perkins

Is Our Drinking Water Safe

2007-07-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Is the Water You Drink Safe?
North America has one of the safest water supplies in the world. Oakland and Berkeley rate high on National water rating test as well..... However, national statistics don't tell you specifically about the quality and safety of the water coming out of your tap. That's because drinking water quality varies from place to place, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn and the treatment it receives.
What contaminants may be found in drinking water?
There is no such thing as naturally pure water. In nature, all water contains some impurities. As water flows in streams, sits in lakes, and filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground, it dissolves or absorbs the substances that it touches. Some of these substances are harmless. In fact, some people prefer mineral water precisely because minerals give it an appealing taste. However, at certain levels minerals, just like man-made chemicals, are considered contaminants that can make water unpalatable or even unsafe. Some contaminants come from erosion of natural rock formations. Other contaminants are substances discharged from factories, applied to farmlands, or used by consumers in their homes and yards. Sources of contaminants might be in your neighborhood or might be many miles away. Your local water quality report tells which contaminants are in your drinking water, the levels at which they were found, and the actual or likely source of each contaminant. Some ground water systems have established wellhead protection programs to prevent substances from contaminating their wells. Similarly, some surface water systems protect the watershed around their reservoir to prevent contamination.
Where does drinking water come from?
A clean, constant supply of drinking water is essential to every community. People in large cities frequently drink water that comes from surface water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Sometimes these sources are close to the community. Other times, drinking water suppliers get their water from sources many miles away. In either case, when you think about where your drinking water comes from, it's important to consider not just the part of the river or lake that you can see, but the entire watershed. The watershed is the land area over which water flows into the river, lake, or reservoir. In rural areas, people are more likely to drink ground water that was pumped from a well. These wells tap into aquifers--the natural reservoirs under the earth's surface--that may be only a few miles wide, or may span the borders of many regions. As with surface water, it is important to remember that activities many miles away from you may affect the quality of ground water.
How is drinking water treated?
When a water supplier takes untreated water from a river or reservoir, the water often contains dirt and tiny pieces of leaves and other organic matter, as well as trace amounts of certain contaminants. When it gets to the treatment plant, water suppliers often add chemicals called coagulants to the water. These act on the water as it flows very slowly through tanks so that the dirt and other contaminants form clumps that settle to the bottom. Usually, this water then flows through a filter for removal of the smallest contaminants like viruses and Giardia. Ground water is naturally filtered as it passes through layers of the earth into underground reservoirs known as aquifers. Water that suppliers pump from wells generally contains less organic material than surface water and may not need to go through any or all of the treatments described in the previous paragraph. The quality of the water will depend on local conditions. The most common drinking water treatment, considered by many to be one of the most important scientific advances of the 20th century, is disinfection. Most water suppliers add chlorine or another disinfectant to kill bacteria and other germs. Water suppliers use other treatments as needed, according to the quality of their source water. For example, systems whose water is contaminated with organic chemicals can treat their water with activated carbon, which absorbs or attracts the chemicals dissolved in the water.
What are the health effects of contaminants in drinking water?
The contaminants fall into two groups according to the health effects that they cause. Your water supplier will alert you through the media, mail, or other means if there is a potential acute or chronic health effect from compounds in the drinking water. You may want to contact the supplier for additional information specific to your area. Acute effects occur within hours or days of the time that a person consumes a contaminant. People can suffer acute health effects from almost any contaminant if they are exposed to extraordinarily high levels (as in the case of a spill). In drinking water, microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, are the contaminants with the greatest chance of reaching levels high enough to cause acute health effects. Most people's bodies can fight off these microbial contaminants the way they fight off germs, and these acute contaminants typically don't have permanent effects. Nonetheless, when high enough levels occur, they can make people ill, and can be dangerous or deadly for a person whose immune system is already weak due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, steroid use, or another reason. Chronic effects occur after people consume a contaminant at levels over safety standards for many years. The drinking water contaminants that can have chronic effects are chemicals (such as disinfection by-products, solvents, and pesticides), radionuclides (such as radium), and minerals (such as arsenic). Examples of the chronic effects of drinking water contaminants are cancer, liver or kidney problems, or reproductive difficulties.
How can I help protect drinking water?
Using the new information that is now available about drinking water, citizens can both be aware of the challenges of keeping drinking water safe and take an active role in protecting drinking water. There are lots of ways that individuals can get involved. Some people will help clean up the watershed that is the source of their community's water. Other people might get involved in wellhead protection activities to prevent the contamination of the ground water source that provides water to their community. These people will be able to make use of the information that local authorities and water systems are gathering as they assess their sources of water.
Other people will want to attend public meetings to ensure that the community's need for safe drinking water is considered in making decisions about land use. And all consumers can do their part to conserve water and to dispose properly of household chemicals.

Tips to Make Your Life More Fullfilling

2007-06-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

As busy parents of a baby (Lola) and a Toddler (Kylie) as well as running our own business with live our lives by list.
Here is a fun list that we found that do our best to practice in our own lives. We hope that you find it as useful as we do.
Love. Perhaps the most important. Fall in love, if you aren't already. If you have, fall in love with your partner all over again. Abandon caution and let your heart be broken. Or love family members, friends, anyone -- it doesn't have to be romantic love. Love all of humanity, one person at a time.
Get outside. Don't let yourself be shut indoors. Go out when it's raining. Walk on the beach. Hike through the woods. Swim in a freezing lake. Bask in the sun. Play sports, or walk barefoot through grass. Pay close attention to nature.
Savor food. Don't just eat your food, but really enjoy it. Feel the texture, the bursts of flavors. Savor every bite. If you limit your intake of sweets, it will make the small treats you give yourself (berries or dark chocolate are my favorites) even more enjoyable. And when you do have them, really, really savor them. Slowly.
Create a morning ritual. Wake early and greet the day. Watch the sun rise. Out loud, tell yourself that you will not waste this day, which is a gift. You will be compassionate to your fellow human beings, and live every moment to its fullest. Stretch or meditate or exercise as part of your ritual. Enjoy some coffee.
Take chances. We often live our lives too cautiously, worried about what might go wrong. Be bold, risk it all. Quit your job and go to business for yourself (plan it out first!), or go up to that girl you've liked for a long time and ask her out. What do you have to lose?
Follow excitement. Try to find the things in life that excite you, and then go after them. Make life one exciting adventure after another (with perhaps some quiet times in between).
Find your passion. Similar to the above tip, this one asks you to find your calling. Make your living by doing the thing you love to do. First, think about what you really love to do. There may be many things. Find out how you can make a living doing it. It may be difficult, but you only live once.
Get out of your cubicle. Do you sit all day in front of computer, shuffling papers and taking phone calls and chatting on the Internet? Don't waste your days like this. Break free from the cubicle environment, and do your work on a laptop, in a coffee shop, or on a boat, or in a log cabin. This may require a change of jobs, or becoming a freelancer. It's worth it.
Turn off the TV. How many hours will we waste away in front of the boob tube? How many hours do we have to live? Do the math, then unplug the TV. Only plug it back in when you have a DVD of a movie you love. Otherwise, keep it off and find other stuff to do. Don't know what to do? Read further.
Pull away from Internet. You're reading something on the Internet right now. And, with the exception of this article, it is just more wasting away of your precious time. You cannot get these minutes back. Unplug the Internet, then get out of your office or house. Right now! And go and do something.
Travel. Sure, you want to travel some day. When you have vacation time, or when you're older. Well, what are you waiting for? Find a way to take a trip, if not this month, then sometime soon. You may need to sell your car or stop your cable bill and stop eating out to do it, but make it happen. You are too young to not see the world. If need be, find a way to make a living by freelancing, then work while you travel. Only work an hour or two a day. Don't check email but once a week. Then use the rest of the time to see the world.
Rediscover what's important. Take an hour and make a list of everything that's important to you. Add to it everything that you want to do in life. Now cut that list down to 4-5 things. Just the most important things in your life. This is your core list. This is what matters. Focus your life on these things. Make time for them.
Eliminate everything else. What's going on in your life that's not on that short list? All that stuff is wasting your time, pulling your attention from what's important. As much as possible, simplify your life by eliminating the stuff that's not on your short list, or minimizing it.
Exercise. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Eventually try running. Or do some push ups and crunches. Or swim or bike or row. Or go for a hike. Whatever you do, get active, and you'll love it. And life will be more alive.
Be positive. Learn to recognize the negative thoughts you have. These are the self-doubts, the criticisms of others, the complaints, the reasons you can't do something. Then stop yourself when you have these thoughts, and replace them with positive thoughts. Solutions. You can do this!
Open your heart. Is your heart a closed bundle of scar tissue? Learn to open it, have it ready to receive love, to give love unconditionally. If you have a problem with this, talk to someone about it. And practice makes perfect.
Kiss in the rain. Seize the moment and be romantic. Raining outside? Grab your lover and give her a passionate kiss. Driving home? Stop the car and pick some wildflowers. Send her a love note. Dress sexy for him.
Face your fears. What are you most afraid of? What is holding you back? Whatever it is, recognize it, and face it. Do what you are most afraid of. Afraid of heights? Go to the tallest building, and look down over the edge. Only by facing our fears can we be free of them.
When you suffer, suffer. Life isn't all about fun and games. Suffering is an inevitable part of life. We lose our jobs. We lose our lovers. We lose our pets. We get physically injured or sick. A loved one becomes sick. A parent dies. Learn to feel the pain intensely, and really grieve. This is a part of life -- really feel the pain. And when you're done, move on, and find joy.
Slow down. Life moves along at such a rapid pace these days. It's not healthy, and it's not conducive to living. Practice doing everything slowly -- everything, from eating to walking to driving to working to reading. Enjoy what you do. Learn to move at a snail's pace.
Touch humanity. Get out of your house and manicured neighborhoods, and find those who live in worse conditions. Meet them, talk to them, understand them. Live among them. Be one of them. Give up your materialistic lifestyle.
Volunteer. Help at homeless soup kitchens. Learn compassion, and learn to help ease the suffering of others. Help the sick, those with disabilities, those who are dying.
Play with children. Children, more than anyone else, know how to live. They experience everything in the moment, fully. When they get hurt, they really cry. When they play, they really have fun. Learn from them, instead of thinking you know so much more than them. Play with them, and learn to be joyful like them.
Talk to old people. There is no one wiser, more experienced, more learned, than those who have lived through life. They can tell you amazing stories. Give you advice on making a marriage last or staying out of debt. Tell you about their regrets, so you can learn from them and avoid the same mistakes. They are the wisdom of our society -- take advantage of their existence while they're still around.
Learn new skills. Constantly improve yourself instead of standing still -- not because you're so imperfect now, but because it is gratifying and satisfying. You should accept yourself as you are, and learn to love who you are, but still try to improve -- if only because the process of improvement is life itself.
Find spirituality. For some, this means finding God or Jesus or Allah or Buddha. For others, this means becoming in tune with the spirits of our ancestors, or with nature. For still others, this just means an inner energy. Whatever spirituality means for you, rediscover it, and its power.
Take mini-retirements. Don't leave the joy of retirement until you are too old to enjoy it. Do it now, while you're young. It makes working that much more worth it. Find ways to take a year off every few years. Save up, sell your home, your possessions, and travel. Live simply, but live, without having to work. Enjoy life, then go back to work and save up enough money to do it again in a couple of years.
Do nothing. Despite the tip above that we should find excitement, there is value in doing nothing as well. Not doing nothing as in reading, or taking a nap, or watching TV, or meditating. Doing nothing as in sitting there, doing nothing. Just learning to be still, in silence, to hear our inner voice, to be in tune with life. Do this daily if possible.
Stop playing video games. They might be fun, but they can take up way too much time. If you spend a lot of time playing online games, or computer solitaire, or Wii or Gameboy or whatever, consider going a week without it. Then find something else to do, outside.
Watch sunsets, daily. One of the most beautiful times of day. Make it a daily ritual to find a good spot to watch the sunset, perhaps having a light dinner while you do so.
Stop reading magazines. They're basically crap. And they waste your time and money. Cancel your subscriptions and walk past them at the news stands. If you have to read something, read a trashy novel or even better, read Dumb Little Man once a day and be done.
Break out from ruts. Do you do things the same way every day? Change it up. Try something new. Take a different route to work. Start your day out differently. Approach work from a new angle. Look at things from new perspectives.
Stop watching the news. It's depressing and useless. If you're a news junky, this may be difficult. I haven't watch TV news or read a newspaper regularly in about two years. It hasn't hurt me a bit. Anything important, my mom tells me about.
Laugh till you cry. Laughing is one of the best ways to live. Tell jokes and laugh your head off. Watch an awesome comedy. Learn to laugh at anything. Roll on the ground laughing. You'll love it.
Lose control. Not only control over yourself, but control over others. It's a bad habit to try to control others -- it will only lead to stress and unhappiness for yourself and those you try to control. Let others live, and live for yourself. And lose control of yourself now and then too.
Cry. Men, especially, tend to hold in our tears, but crying is an amazing release. Cry at sad movies. Cry at a funeral. Cry when you are hurt, or when somebody you love is hurt. It releases these emotions and allows us to cleanse ourselves.
Make an awesome dessert. I like to make warm, soft chocolate cake. But even berries dipped in chocolate, or crepes with ice cream and fruit, or fresh apple pie, or homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies, are great. This isn't an every day thing, but an occasional treat thing. But it's wonderful.
Try something new, every week. Ask yourself: "What new thing shall I try this week?" Then be sure to do it. You don't have to learn a new language in one week, but seek new experiences. Give it a try. You might decide you want to keep it in your life.
Be in the moment. Instead of thinking about things you need to do, or things that have happened to you, or worrying or planning or regretting, think about what you are doing, right now. What is around you? What smells and sounds and sights and feelings are you experiencing? Learn to do this as much as possible through meditation, but also through bringing your focus back to the present as much as you can in everything you do.

Fun Bay Area Statistics

2007-06-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

1936- Year the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Opened
280,000- The daily average number of vehicles that use the Bay Bridge
1972-The Year BART-Headquartered in Oakland but connecting Oakland to Rockridge,Downtown Berkeley,San Leandro, El Cerrito,etc-Began Operating and carried its first passengers.
80-The Maximum Speed reached in miles per hour, reached by Bart trains.

Sales Data From California Association of Realtors

2007-06-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Calif. median home price - May 07: $591,180 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region May 07:Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,325,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region May 07:High Desert $313,550 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter 07:25 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 6/21:30-yr. fixed: 6.69%; Fees/points: 0.5%15-yr. fixed: 6.37%; Fees/points: 0.5%1-yr. adjustable: 5.66%; Fees/points: 0.7%(Source: Freddie Mac)

Buying a Home From a Builder

2007-06-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

When shopping for your home, you’ll discover that most homes on the market are resales. Yet, one out of four homebuyers purchases a new home. Should you be thinking about buying a new house, here are some points to consider before you visit your first model home:
1) Get in touch with your agent and do your homework. Determine the size of your downpayment, then work out a monthly debt load so you can determine a comfortable price range.
2) Get the facts about your builder. Before making a final decision, it is wise to check out the reputation and financial strength of the builder. Get “spec sheets” on home features and details on lot availability and delivery of your home.
3) Be sure to take advantage of builder incentives that offer free upgrades or credit off the sale price of the home. When looking at options or upgrades, keep in mind that the less expensive the base price of the house is, the more you can add without fear of overpricing it for the neighbourhood. Remember however, that you can add a deck, finished basement or landscaping later and sometimes for less money.
4) Often buyers don’t realize that there may be room for negotiating price, upgrades or options. Builders may also offer discounts or special financing to help close a sale. Make sure you or your agent ask those questions.
5) Make sure the contract you sign with the builder works in your favor! Ensure you are protected by having safeguards written into the agreement, such as - details of any upgrades, 30-day advance notice of any change to the closing date, allowing you access to the construction site to check on progress, etc.
5) Consider hiring a reputable home inspector—just because the house is new, doesn’t mean it is perfect. Create a builder “punchlist” from your inspector’s findings; this way you can be sure that any problems are addressed before closing.
Finally, some builders have newly-constructed homes available for immediate delivery. An immediate delivery home is an advantageous way to purchase a home if you need to move in quickly, or need a physical space to walk through before you sign a contract.

Pool Safety For Kids

2007-06-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Some Clients of ours recently came to us looking for a homes that have swimming pools. You don't tend to see a lot of homes in Oakland, Berkeley,Piedmont, Albany, Emeryville,Alameda (Greater East Bay areas) with pools but we thought with summer here it was a good idea to add a blog about pool safety with kids.
A backyard swimming pool can be a child’s ultimate playground during the summer months, but it can also be very dangerous if not monitored properly. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help minimize the risk of a child "accidentally" falling into the family pool.
Make sure to set down definite pool rules covering its use. Also consider talking with babysitters about pool safety, supervision and drowning prevention.
Do not allow children to play in the pool area. Remove all toys and any other objects that could attract your child. Children who would not normally go near a pool because of fear may not even think about the water if they are in pursuit of a favorite toy.
Keep lifesaving equipment, such as a pole, life preserver and rope, in the pool area. Hang them from the fence so people won’t trip on them.
Have a phone handy to the pool area. Do not answer the phone while your children are in the pool; use it only to call 911 should a problem occur.
Ensure that any doors from the house to the pool area are kept locked. Lock doggie doors as well—small children can easily fit in the small opening of a doggie door.
Have adult supervisors learn CPR, and refresh their skills every year.
Keep in mind that having a pool can make you popular with neighborhood friends of your children. Signage about the pool, with "pool rules" is a good idea and make it clear that If rules are not followed, they will not be allowed to use the pool.

Is Buying a Manufactured Home A Good Idea??

2007-06-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Recently a Client of ours that lives near Lake Merritt in Oakland asked us questions about the advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a mobile home for her father.
Her Father currently lives in Contra Costa County and wanted to relocate to Alameda County in the general areas of Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda or San Leandro....
Here is a good article that we found and passed onto her to help her and her father make a more educated decision.

Before You Buy a Manufactured Home
by Janet Wickell
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels. Some manufactured homes look like the houses you see in a traditional neighborhood--they don't all resemble a traditional single or doublewide "trailer." There are important considerations you should make before you decide to buy a manufactured home.
Can You Put it on the Land?
Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before you buy land for a manufactured home.
We're Looking for Growing Equity
One reason most of us want to own a home instead of rent one is for its investment potential. And since we often don't live in the same house for enough years to pay down the balance very far, we depend on the rising cost of real estate to increase our equity, the portion of the home's value that we get back to buy another home when we sell.
Sponsored Links
Custom Manufactured HomesGuaranteed Lowest Price on new homes, Don't believe us look here!www.qwhomes.com
\n\u003cp\>\u003ca title\u003d\"Leased Land & No Perm Foundation OK New or Used, Refi, Cash Out, Const\" href\u003d\"http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?sa\u003dl&ai\u003dBGuJtARqARsrqLpHqiASO0tW6Do_kliPv9rzdAsCNtwGQ2M0BEAIYAiCopfcBKAg4AFDT87bx_f____8BYMn2-IbIo6AZmAG606wQoAGF19j7A6oBE3ByaW1lZGlhX2hvbWVidXlpbmeyARRob21lYnV5aW5nLmFib3V0LmNvbcgBAdoBRGh0dHA6Ly9ob21lYnV5aW5nLmFib3V0LmNvbS9vZC9tYW51ZmFjdHVyZWRob21lcy9iYi9tYW51ZmFjdHVyZWQuaHRtgAIBqAMBuAMB6AMd6APSA_UDAgAAAA&num\u003d2&adurl\u003dhttp://www.acc-funding.com&client\u003dca-primedia-premium_js\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cspan\>Manufactured/Mobile Loans\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\>Leased Land & No Perm Foundation OK New or Used, Refi, Cash Out, Const\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>www.acc-funding.com\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/p\>\n\n\u003cp\>\u003ca title\u003d\"Find homes in your area. Dealer & Community listings.\" href\u003d\"http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?sa\u003dl&ai\u003dB-lS0ARqARsrqLpHqiASO0tW6DrPfrRaHktCaAsCNtwHA3h8QAxgDIKil9wEoCDgAULTS1Y3-_____wFgyfb4hsijoBmYAbrTrBCgAcX28f4DqgETcHJpbWVkaWFfaG9tZWJ1eWluZ7IBFGhvbWVidXlpbmcuYWJvdXQuY29tyAEB2gFEaHR0cDovL2hvbWVidXlpbmcuYWJvdXQuY29tL29kL21hbnVmYWN0dXJlZGhvbWVzL2JiL21hbnVmYWN0dXJlZC5odG2AAgGoAwG4AwHoAx3oA9ID9QMCAAAA&num\u003d3&adurl\u003dhttp://www.manufacturedhomesource.com/%3Fsource%3Dgoogle&client\u003dca-primedia-premium_js\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cspan\>Manufactured Homes\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\>Find homes in your area. Dealer & Community listings.\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>www.manufacturedhomesource.com\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/p\>\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>You Might not Get it with a Manufactured Home\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>In general, manufactured homes decrease in value. That's not true for every type of manufactured home or in every instance, but it is true overall. Even your land could decrease in value if it is surrounded by other manufactured homes that are decreasing in value. Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about the resale value of manufactured homes in the area before you buy. A real estate agent can help you find that information.\n",1]
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Manufactured/Mobile LoansLeased Land & No Perm Foundation OK New or Used, Refi, Cash Out, Constwww.acc-funding.com
Manufactured HomesFind homes in your area. Dealer & Community listings.www.manufacturedhomesource.com
You Might not Get it with a Manufactured Home
In general, manufactured homes decrease in value. That's not true for every type of manufactured home or in every instance, but it is true overall. Even your land could decrease in value if it is surrounded by other manufactured homes that are decreasing in value. Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about the resale value of manufactured homes in the area before you buy. A real estate agent can help you find that information.
\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>Land-Home Packages\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>We see many people who opt into land-home packages, installment financing options that are are set up by the retailers who sell manufactured homes. The packages include the house, the land, and all work needed to get the home ready for occupancy.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>But Hold on Before You Sign\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>Land-home packages are fairly easy to get approved for, even if you have credit blemishes, but the interest rates can be high. Many people are making higher payments for a manufactured home than they would have made for a traditional or modular home--and those structures are nearly always a better investment. Explore your choices before you assume that you cannot buy a traditional home. You might be surprised at the financing options that are available.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>Is it on a Permanent Foundation?\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>Some lenders will not finance a manufactured home if it is not on a permanent foundation. The dealer will get if financed for you either way, but if you are putting the home on land you own, make sure it's on a permanent foundation. Why should you care? Because if it isn't, and you decide to sell, it will turn off some buyers and limit the number of lenders they can choose from. That means the home will be on the market longer.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>Other Considerations\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>There are other questions you should ask before you buy a manufactured home. Is it built to handle the climate at its destination? What type of warranty does the manufacturer provide? Does the dealer help resolve warranty problems? How long has the manufacturer been building homes? What can they tell you about the home's structural components? Ask as many questions as possible to help you feel comfortable with the purchase and the manufacturer before you say yes to the sale.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cp\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://homebuying.about.com/gi/pages/mcopyrt.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#0073bf\"\>Important disclaimer information about this About site.",1]
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Land-Home Packages
We see many people who opt into land-home packages, installment financing options that are are set up by the retailers who sell manufactured homes. The packages include the house, the land, and all work needed to get the home ready for occupancy.
But Hold on Before You Sign
Land-home packages are fairly easy to get approved for, even if you have credit blemishes, but the interest rates can be high. Many people are making higher payments for a manufactured home than they would have made for a traditional or modular home--and those structures are nearly always a better investment. Explore your choices before you assume that you cannot buy a traditional home. You might be surprised at the financing options that are available.
Is it on a Permanent Foundation?
Some lenders will not finance a manufactured home if it is not on a permanent foundation. The dealer will get if financed for you either way, but if you are putting the home on land you own, make sure it's on a permanent foundation. Why should you care? Because if it isn't, and you decide to sell, it will turn off some buyers and limit the number of lenders they can choose from. That means the home will be on the market longer.
Other Considerations
There are other questions you should ask before you buy a manufactured home. Is it built to handle the climate at its destination? What type of warranty does the manufacturer provide? Does the dealer help resolve warranty problems? How long has the manufacturer been building homes? What can they tell you about the home's structural components? Ask as many questions as possible to help you feel comfortable with the purchase and the manufacturer before you say yes to the sale.

Creating a Garden Oasis

2007-06-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

The mild breezes of spring remind us that its time to start cultivating our garden plans. By starting now, you can devote more time to the development of refined and detailed garden blueprints and avoid the mad rush in the summer.
Start by spending time gazing out at your garden. How does it look?
Picture the garden through the eyes of a bird. Is there any shelter available to protect them from cold winter winds or predators? How about food and water? Do any of the existing shrubs or trees still hold seed or berries? The answers to these questions will help you put together a garden plan.
Examine what the garden currently holds and consider how it meets the needs of wildlife. All wildlife species require food, water, shelter, and space. Be sure to consider these factors when deciding what you will be adding to your garden. A good plan, devised while you have some time for serious consideration, will allow you to create a garden that is beautiful, less work, and attractive to colourful creatures which add a dynamic enchantment to your finished haven.

Moving With Pets

2007-06-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Moving is hard on everyone involved—even your beloved pets! While pets may not understand *what* is going on, they can sense the stress that the people around them are experiencing. So what can you do to reduce the amount of stress that your pets are going to be under during this unsettling time?
Packing:
Keep your pet’s daily routine as close to normal as possible. Allow them extended access to their toys, dishes and bed by packing their belongings last. It might also be advisable to leave a couple of empty packing boxes on the floor for them to explore—reducing the fear of these strange new objects. There are Great Dog Parks throughout Oakland,Piedmont, Berkeley, San Leandro,Albany and Kensington.... Exercise is also good for the pet owner so get out there...
Moving Day:
If at all possible, it is best to remove your pets from the house before you start moving your possessions. All of the commotion, and doors being left open for people to walk in and out freely, are an invitation for a scared, confused pet to be lost.
If your pets must remain in the house while you are moving your possessions out, make sure they are safely tucked away in a room with a door. Surround them with their toys and dishes and bedding to ease their anxiety. Bring these same items with you in the car when driving to your new home—that way they are easily accessible when you arrive.
New home sweet home:
Before letting your pet loose in their new backyard, do a quick safety check. Make sure the fence is in good repair with no holes or spaces for him to wiggle through or beneath. It might also be wise to check any existing gardens for plants that could be poisonous if consumed.
Providing consistency for your pet is important, so set up your pet’s things in those spots where you intend on keeping them.
Special tips for small pets:
Although smaller pets are much easier to move, make sure their journey is a safe one by securing them into an appropriately sized pet carrier before loading them into the car. Placing a light cloth over their cage will help to keep them quiet and calm during the car ride.
And of course, no matter what the size of your pet, never leave them unattended in a vehicle.

Oakland,Berkeley, East Bay Buyers You Need To Know These Mortgage Tips

2007-06-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

It Doesn't matter if you are Buying a home in Piedmont, Oakland, Albany you need to know these mortgage tips.
11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage
"...avoid disappointment and SAVE thousands by taking a few minutes to acquaint yourself with these potential mistakes.."
Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.
Get the Right Information - Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you be informed about the factors involved.
Everyday people have their mortgage loan turned down because of one or more of these mistakes. By taking these few minutes to acquaint yourself with the "11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying For A Mortgage" you can save thousands on your mortgage.

Just Listed!!

2007-06-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

567 OAKLAND AVE #205OAKLAND, CA 94611
Fabulous unit on best side of bulding! Quiet locale, partial bay view from deck, large common living area with open kitchen (upgraded appliances). Pet friendly and close to Piedmon Ave, bus lines, hwy access, Bay Bridge, etc. Seller offering credit for new carpet when you move in! Open Sunday 6/17 1 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 720 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40276052
$299,000 More Details

New Listing!!

2007-06-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

0 CLEMENS RDOAKLAND, CA 94608
Great Oakmore lot with plans for 3 bed/3bath house w/2 car garage and additional basement area. Preliminary permits w/City done, Survey done, Soils & Engineering Reports done! Great opportunity to build in established neighborhood! 0.12 Acres 5,113 ft2 Listing # 40274830
$350,000

Just Listed!!

2007-06-09T16:48:00.001-07:00

424 ORANGE ST #101OAKLAND, CA 94610
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Sweet Adams Point condo with spacious private patio! Updated appliances and mixture of laminate wood floors and carpet. Secured parking, pet friendly and more! Close to public trasportation, hwy access, bay bridge, Lake Merritt & Farmers Market. Open Sunday 2-4:30 1 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 608 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40274156
$269,000

Pending

2007-06-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

6176 OCEAN VIEW DROAKLAND, CA 94618 PENDING
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This sophisticated three-plus bedroom, two and one-half bath 1996 Mediterranean offers a rarely found mix of fabulous open space, cathedral ceilings and sense of loft living. Walls of glass allow a wealth of natural light which radiates though the common spaces of the home. The living room is on its own exclusive level with French doors to the back deck and offering an artisan crafted adobe fireplace to frame the room. A wonderful plus room is located at the top of the house turret that acts perfectly as a home office, study or play room. The North East exposure off the back of the house gives you a peak of Berkeley and provides wonderful mid-morning light.3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath(s) 2,198 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40261838 $1,180,000
View a Photo Tour!

Just Listed

2007-06-09T16:38:00.001-07:00

Featured Properties
920 NORVELL STEL CERRITO, CA 94530
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Spectacular & gracefully remodeled to the highest standards. Smoothly rounded corners, coffered ceiling, arches, and custom built-ins. Unique river stone fireplace, beautifully remodeled eat-in kitchen, sunny private rear yard and an attached garage. Open this Sunday June 10th 2-4:30pm (A Must See) 2 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 1,204 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40271036
$675,000

Keeping Your Home Cool Naturally

2007-06-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Top>>
Cooling Your Home Naturally
Keeping cool indoors when it is hot outdoors is a problem. The sun beating down on our homes causes indoor temperatures to rise to uncomfortable levels. Air conditioning provides some relief. But the initial costs of installing an air conditioner and the electricity costs to run it can be high. In addition, conventional air conditioners use refrigerants made of chlorine compounds, suspected contributors to the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming. But there are alternatives to air conditioning. This information provides some common sense suggestions and low-cost retrofit options to help you "keep your cool"- and save electricity.
Staying Cool
An alternative way to maintain a cool house or reduce air conditioning use is natural (or passive) cooling. Passive cooling uses non-mechanical methods to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
The most effective method to cool your home is to keep the heat from building up in the first place. The primary source of heat buildup (i.e., gain) is sunlight absorbed by your house through the roof, walls, and windows. Secondary sources are heat-generating appliances in the home and air leakage. Specific methods to prevent heat gain include reflecting heat (i.e., sunlight) away from your house, blocking the heat, removing built up heat, and reducing or eliminating heat generating sources in your home.
Reflecting Heat Away
The most effective method to cool your home is to keep the heat from building up in the first place. Dull, dark colored home exteriors absorb 70% to 90% of the radiant energy from the sun that strikes the home's surfaces. Some of this absorbed energy is then transferred into your home by way of conduction, resulting in heat gain. In contrast, light-colored surfaces effectively reflect most of the heat away from your home.
Installing a radiant barrier
Radiant barriers are easy to install. It does not matter which way the shiny surface faces - up or down. But you must install it on the underside of your roof - not horizontally over the ceiling, and the barrier must face an airspace.
For your own comfort while in the attic, install the radiant barrier on a cool, cloudy day. Use plywood walk boards or wooden planks over the ceiling joists for support. Caution: Do not step between the ceiling joists, or you may fall through the ceiling.
Staple the foil to the bottom or side of the rafters, draping it from rafter to rafter. Do not worry about a tight fit or small tears in the fabric; radiant transfer is not affected by air movement. The staples should be no more than 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) apart to prevent air circulation from loosening or detaching the radiant barrier. Use a caulking gun to apply a thin bead of construction adhesive to the rafters along the seams of the foil barrier. This will make the installation permanent.
Roofs
About a third of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through the roof. This is hard to control with traditional roofing materials. For example, unlike most light colored surfaces, even white asphalt and fiberglass shingles absorb 70% of the solar radiation. One good solution is to apply a reflective coating to your existing roof. Two standard roofing coatings are available at your local hardware store or lumberyard. They have both waterproof and reflective properties and are marketed primarily for mobile homes and recreational vehicles. One coating is white latex that you can apply over many common roofing materials, such as asphalt and fiberglass shingles, tar paper, and metal.
A second coating is asphalt based and contains glass fibers and aluminum particles. You can apply it to most metal and asphalt roofs. Because it has a tacky surface, it attracts dust, which reduces its reflective somewhat.
Another way to reflect heat is to install a radiant barrier on the underside of your roof. A radiant barrier is simply a sheet of aluminum foil with a paper backing. When installed correctly, a radiant barrier can reduce heat gains through your ceiling by about 25%. (see box for information on installing a radiant barrier.)
Radiant-barrier materials cost between $0.13 per square foot ($1.44 per square meter) for a single-layer product with a kraft-paper backing and $0.30 per square foot ($3.33 per square meter) for a vented multiflora product with a fiber-reinforced backing. The latter product doubles as insulation.
Walls
Wall color is not as important as roof color, but does affect heat gain somewhat. White exterior walls absorb less heat than dark walls, and light, bright walls increase the longevity of siding, particularly on the east, west, and south sides of the house.
Windows
Roughly 40% of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through windows. Reflective window coatings are one way to reflect heat away from your home. These coatings are plastic sheets treated with dyes or thin layers of metal. Besides keeping your house cooler, these reflective coatings cut glare and reduce fading of furniture, draperies, and carpeting.
Two main types of coatings include sun-control films and combination films. Sun-control films are best for warmer climates because they can reflect as much as 80% of the incoming sunlight. Many of these films are tinted, however, and tend to reduce light transmission as much as they reduce heat, thereby darkening the room.
Combination films allow some light into a room but they also let some heat in and prevent interior heat from escaping. These films are best for climates that have both hot and cold seasons. Investigate the different film options carefully to select the film that best meets your needs. Note: do not place reflective coatings on south facing windows if you want to take advantage of heat gain during the winter. The coatings are applied to the interior surface of the window. Although you can apply the films yourself, it is a good idea to have a professional install the coatings, particularly if you have several large windows. This will ensure a more durable installation and a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Blocking the Heat
Two excellent methods to block heat are insulation and shading. Insulation helps keep your home comfortable and saves money on mechanical cooling systems such as air conditioners and electric fans. Shading devices block the sun's rays and absorb or reflect the solar heat.
Insulation
Weatherization measures - such as insulating, weather stripping, and caulking - help seal and protect your house against the summer heat in addition to keeping out the winter cold. The attic is a good place to start insulating because it is a major source of heat gain. Adequately insulating the attic protects the upper floors of a house. Recommended attic insulation levels depend on where you live and the type of heating system you use. For most climates, you want a minimum of R-30. In climates with extremely cold winters, you may want as much as R-49.
Wall insulation is not as important for cooling as attic insulation because outdoor temperatures are not as hot as attic temperatures. Also, floor insulation has little or no effect on cooling.
Although unintentional infiltration of outside air is not a major contributor to inside temperature, it is still a good idea to keep it out. Outside air can infiltrate your home around poorly sealed doors, windows, electrical outlets, and through openings in foundations and exterior walls. Thorough caulking and weather stripping will control most of these air leaks.
Shading
Shading your home can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 20°f (11°c). Effective shading can be provided by trees and other vegetation and exterior or interior shades.
Landscaping
Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to shade your home and block the sun. A well placed tree, bush, or vine can deliver effective shade and add to the aesthetic value of your property. When designing your landscaping, use plants native to your area that survive with minimal care. Trees that lose their leaves in the fall (i.e., deciduous) help cut cooling energy costs the most. When selectively placed around a house, they provide excellent protection from the summer sun and permit winter sunlight to reach and warm your house. The height, growth rate, branch spread, and shape are all factors to consider in choosing a tree. Vines are a quick way to provide shading and cooling. Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a house. Ask your local nursery which vine is best suited to your climate and needs.
Besides providing shade, trees and vines create a cool microclimate that dramatically reduces the temperature (by as much as (9°f [5°c]) in the surrounding area. During photosynthesis, large amounts of water vapor escape through the leaves, cooling the passing air. and the generally dark and coarse leaves absorb solar radiation. You might also consider low ground cover such as grass, small plants, and bushes. A grass-covered lawn is usually 10°f (6°c) cooler than bare ground in the summer. If you are in an arid or semiarid climate, consider native ground covers that require little water.
Planning Your Planting
Placement of vegetation is important when landscaping your home. The following are suggestions to help you gain the most from vegetation.
Plant trees on the northeast-southeast and the northwest-southwest sides of your house. Unless you live in a climate where it is hot year round, do not plant trees directly to the south. Even the bare branches of mature deciduous trees can significantly reduce the amount of sun reaching your house in the winter.
Plant trees and shrubs so they can direct breezes. Do not place a dense line of evergreen trees where they will block the flow of cool air around or through them.
Set trellises away from your house to allow air to circulate and keep the vines from attaching to your house's facade and damaging its exterior. Placing vegetation too close to your house can trap heat and make the air around your house even warmer.
Do not plant trees or large bushes where their roots can damage septic tanks, sewer lines, underground wires, or your house's foundation.
Make sure the plants you choose can withstand local weather extremes.
Shading Devices
Both exterior and interior shades control heat gain. Exterior shades are generally more effective than interior shades because they block sunlight before it enters windows. When deciding which devices to use and where to use them, consider whether you are willing to open and close them daily or just put them up for the hottest season. You also want to know how they will affect ventilation.
Exterior shading devices include awnings, lovers, shutters, rolling shutters and shades, and solar screens. Awnings are very effective because the block direct sunlight. They are usually made of fabric or metal and are attached above the window and extend down and out. A properly installed awning can reduce heat gain up to 65% on southern windows and 77% on eastern windows. A light colored awning does double duty by also reflecting sunlight.
Maintaining a gap between the top of the awning and the side of the house helps vent accumulated heat from under a solid- surface awning. If you live in a climate with cold winters, you will want to remove awnings for winter storage, or by retractable ones, to take advantage of winter heat gain.
The amount of drop (how far down the awing comes) depends on which side of your house the window is on. An east or west window needs a drop of 65% to 75% of the window height. A south-facing window only needs a drop of 45% to 60% for the same amount of shade. A pleasing angle to the eye for mounting and awning is 45°. Make sure the awning does not project into the path of foot traffic unless it is at least 6 feet 8 inches (2 meters) from the ground.
One disadvantage of awnings is that they can block views, particularly on the east and west sides. However, slatted awnings do allow limited viewing through the top parts of windows.
Louvers are attractive because their adjustable slats control the level of sunlight slats control the level of sunlight entering your home and, depending on the design, can be adjusted from inside or outside your house. The slats can be vertical or horizontal. Louvers remain fixed and are attached to the exteriors of window frames.
Shutters are movable wooden or metal covering that, when closed, keep sunlight out. Shutters are either solid or slatted with fixed or adjustable slats. Besides reducing heat gain, they can provide privacy and security. Some shutters help insulate windows when it is cold outside.
Rolling shutters have a series of horizontal slats that run down along a track. Rolling shades use a fabric. These are the most expensive shading options, but the work well and can provide security. Many exterior rolling shutters or shades can be conveniently controlled from the inside. One disadvantage is that when fully extended, the block all light.
Solar screens resemble standard window screens except they keep direct sunlight from entering the window, cut glare, and block light without blocking the view or elimination air flow. They also provide privacy by restricting the view of the interior from outside your house. Solar screens come in a variety of colors and screening materials to compliment any home. Although do-it-yourself kits are available, these screens will not last as long as professionally built screens.
Although interior shading is not as effective as exterior shading, it is worthwhile if none of the previously mentioned techniques are possible. There are several ways to block the sun's heat from inside your house.
Draperies and curtains made of tightly woven, light-colored, opaque fabrics reflect more of the sun's rays than they let through. The tighter the curtain is against the wall around the window, the better it will prevent heat gain. Two layers of draperies improve the effectiveness of the draperies' insulation when it is either hot or cold outside.
Venetian blinds, although not as effective as draperies, can be adjusted to let in some light and air while reflecting the sun's heat. Some newer blinds are coated with reflective finishes. To be effective, the reflective surfaces must face the outdoors. Some interior cellular (honeycombed) shades also come with reflective mylar coatings. But they block natural light and restrict air flow.
Opaque roller shades are effective when fully drawn but also block light and restrict air flow.
Removing Built-Up Heat
Nothing feels better on a hot day than a cool breeze. Encouraging cool air to enter your house forces warm air out, keeping your house comfortably cool. However, this strategy only works when the inside temperature is higher than the outside temperature.
Natural ventilation maintains indoor temperatures close to outdoor temperatures close to outdoor temperatures and helps remove heat from your home. But only ventilated during the coolest parts of the day or night, and seal off your house from the hot sun and air during the hottest parts of the day. The climate you live in determines the best ventilation strategy. In areas with cool nights and very hot days, let the night air in to cool your house. By the time the interior heats up, and the outside air should be cooler and can be allowed indoors.
In climates with day time breezes, open windows on the side from where the breeze is coming and on the opposite side of the house. Keep interior doors open to encourage whole house ventilation. If your location lacks consistent breezes, create them by opening the windows at the lowest and highest points in your house. This natural "thermo siphoning," or "chimney," effect can be taken a step further by adding a clerestory or a vented skylight.
In hot, humid climates where temperature swings between day and night are mall, ventilate when humidity is not excessive. Ventilating your attic greatly reduces the amount of accumulated heat, which eventually works its way into the main part of your house. Ventilated attics are about 30°f (16°c) cooler than unventilated attics. Properly sized and placed louvers and roof vents help prevent moisture buildup and overheating in your attic.
Reducing Heat-Generating Sources
Often-overlooked sources of interior heat gain are lights and household appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, and dryers. Because most of the energy that incandescent lamps use is given off as heat, use them only when necessary. Take advantage of daylight to illuminate your house, and consider switching to compact fluorescent lamps. These use about 75% less energy than incandescent lamps, and emit 90% less heat for the same amount of light.
New, energy efficient appliances generate less heat and use less energy.
Many household appliances generate a lot of heat. When possible, use them in the morning or late evening when you can better tolerate the extra heat. Consider cooking on an outside barbecue grill or use a microwave oven, which does not generate as much heat and uses less energy than a gas or electric range.
Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and water heaters also generate large amounts of heat and humidity. To gain the most benefit, seal off your laundry room and water heater from the rest of the house.
New, energy efficient appliances generate less heat and use less energy. When it is time to purchase new appliances, make sure the are energy efficient. All refrigerators, dishwashers, and dryers display an energy guide label indicating the annual estimated cost for operating the appliance or a standardized energy efficiency ratio. Compare appliances and buy the most efficient models for your needs.
Saving Energy
Using any or all of these strategies will help keep you cool. Even if you use air conditioning, many of these strategies, may not be enough. Sometimes you need to supplement natural cooling with mechanical devices. Fans and evaporative coolers can supplement your cooling strategies and cost less to install and run than air conditioners.
Ceiling fans make you feel cooler. Their effect is equivalent to lowering the air temperature by about 4°f (2°c). Evaporative coolers use about one-fourth the energy of conventional air conditioners.
Many utility companies offer rebates and other cost incentives when you purchase or install energy saving products, such as insulation and energy efficient lighting and appliances. Contact your local utility company to see what it offers in the way of incentives.
Cooling Strategies Checklist
cooling strategies to consider :
lighten roof and exterior wall color
replace/coat roof with bright white or shiny material
install a radiant barrier
add reflective coatings to windows
insulate attic and walls
caulk and weather strip to seal air leaks
add shade trees, bushes, or vines
add exterior awnings and shades
add interior drapes and shades
ventilate attic
increase natural ventilation
isolate heat-generating appliances
replace heat-generating appliances
replace light bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent's

Protecting Your Home From Fire and Cabon Monoxide

2007-06-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Protecting Your Home from Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Safety & You
Everyone wants to live in a safe and worry free environment with their families, spouse, and children. However, most people are closer to a disaster waiting to happen than they think. Safety may not be an issue that comes to mind as you go about your daily routine. You may feel safe. Yet, lurking in your home are dangers that can take lives and destroy property.
Fire Facts
Thousands of people die from fire every year. Most residential fire deaths occur because of inhalation of toxic gas, rather than contact with the flames. The tragedy is that many of these deaths could be prevented by taking a few precautions.
General Fire Prevention Tips
Do not plug too many appliances into an electrical outlet.
Make sure that combustibles are not too close to heaters, stoves and fireplaces.
Never smoke in bed, or leave a burning cigarette in an ashtray.
Do not use damaged or frayed electrical cords or extension cords.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Teach your children about the dangers of playing with fire.
Never use extension cords with heating or air conditioning equipment.
Purchase smoke alarms and fire extinguishers for each floor of your home.
Have an Emergency Escape Plan! Practice it frequently!
Develop an emergency exit plan and an alternate exit plan. The most obvious way out may be blocked by fire. A window will usually be the second way out of a bedroom. Make sure that screens or storm windows can be easily removed. If you live in a two story home, you should have an escape ladder for each occupied bedroom. Escape ladders are available for purchase, and they can easily be stored under a bed or in a closet.
Establish a meeting place outside your home to be sure everyone has escaped. Every family member should participate in practicing escape drills at least two times per year.
In the event of fire, do not stop to get dressed or gather valuables. Seconds count - do not search for the family pet.
Teach your family that in a fire they must stay low to the floor to avoid smoke and intense heat. Passageways may be completely filled with dense smoke, so everyone should practice exiting on their hands and knees while blindfolded.
Train family members to feel a closed door before exiting. If the door is warm, open it slowly, and close it quickly if heat or smoke rushes in.
Establish a rule that once you're out, you never re-enter under any circumstances. As soon as two people have reached the meeting place, one should call 911 from a neighbor's house.
Smoke Alarms
Through education and media campaigns, most people now realize the importance of smoke alarms, and most homes in North America have them.
Recommendations:
Purchase a smoke alarm for every floor of your home, and read the instructions on how to use it and where to position it.
Smoke alarms should be placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or six to twelve inches below the ceiling on the wall.
Local codes may require additional alarms. Check with your fire department or building code official.
Locate smoke alarms away from air vents.
Test your alarms regularly to ensure that they still work.
If you have a battery powered alarm, change the battery every six months when you change your clocks.
For maximum protection, install BOTH ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms in the home for the optimum detection of fast flaming fires and slow smoldering fires.
Fire Extinguishers
To guard against small fires or to keep a small fire from developing into a big one, every home should be equipped with a fire extinguisher. Because almost all fires are small at first, they might be contained if a fire extinguisher is handy and used properly. You should take care, however, to select the right kind of fire extinguisher, because there are different ones for different kinds of fires. Install fire extinguishers on every level of the home and include the kitchen, basement and garage.
Selecting a Fire Extinguisher
Extinguishers are classified according to the class of fire for which they are suitable. The four classes of fires are A, B, C, D:
Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are common in typical commercial and home settings.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers and other oil-based products. Class B fires often spread rapidly. Unless they are properly suppressed, they can re-flash after the flames have been extinguished.
Class C fires involve energized equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery or appliances. They can be caused by a spark, a power surge, or a short circuit and typically occur in locations that may be difficult to see or reach.
Class D fires involve combustible metals.
A typical home or office fire extinguisher should have an ABC rating.
Carbon Monoxide
One of the greatest threats to your safety is the quality of air within your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a subtle yet dangerous threat because the gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
Each year, hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Thousands of other people suffer the effects of the gas without realizing it. Because CO symptoms mimic the flu and other common illnesses, CO poisoning can be easily missed during a routine medical examination.
CO is produced when any fuel does not burn completely because of insufficient oxygen. Mild exposure to CO gives most people a slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue ("flu-like" symptoms) followed by a throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, and fast heart rate. If the entire family becomes ill after a few hours in the home, and feels better when they leave the home, carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected.
Possible sources of CO include:
Furnace or boiler
Gas or fuel-oil water heater
Gas or wood fireplace
Gas kitchen range
Plugged, rusted, disconnected, or defective chimneys or vents
Back drafting of combustion gases into the home
Automobiles in attached garages
Certain clues can indicate a carbon monoxide problem. Check to see if you have any of the following:
Rusting or streaking on chimney or vent
Loose or missing furnace panel
Soot on venting or appliances
Loose or disconnected venting
Debris or soot falling from chimney
Moisture on interior side of windows
CO can be produced and spill into your home without any of the preceding clues present. Heating appliances that appear to be operating correctly can still be sources of CO. Burning charcoal or wood produces CO that can spill into the home. Gasoline engines, when first started, produce large amounts of CO. Autos in attached garages are often sources of CO.
How To Protect Yourself
To avoid CO exposure in the home, it is important to:
Make sure heating appliances are installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure chimneys and vents draw all gases out of the home.
Have the heating system, chimney and vents inspected and serviced annually by a qualified heating contractor.
Never use charcoal grills indoors.
Never heat your home with a gas kitchen range.
Always use a kitchen range hood, vented to the outdoors, when cooking on a gas range.
Never warm-up or run vehicles or other gasoline engines in garages or indoors.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every residence with fuel burning appliances be equipped with at least one CO alarm. For added protection, place one on every level of the home. Read and follow manufacturers' instructions.
If your alarm indicates high levels of carbon monoxide in your home:
Immediately move outdoors to fresh air and do a head count
Call your emergency services
Do not re-enter the home until emergency service responders have arrived, aired out the house, and determined it is safe to re-enter
Correct the problem before starting the heating appliances
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds again, repeat the above steps. Do not ignore alarms.
Fires are traumatizing and frightening, as is a carbon monoxide incident. It is essential to fully recognize the hazards of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning and to take preventative action. A regular home inspection, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and an emergency exit plan will help you and your family live more safely.

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Plastic Bag Ban Proposed

2007-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Public Works Committee Considers Proposed Ban on Plastic Bags Ordinance on June 26
Ever wondered about the life cycle of the plastic bag that you get at grocery stores? Globally, the production of over a trillion single-use disposable plastic bags used each year requires over 12 million barrels of oil. Of that trillion, Californians use up 19 billion of those bags each year, and throw away 600 per second.The bags can cause severe problems for cities like Oakland as well as natural habitats. Many marine animals have perished through entanglement and ingestion caused by the plastic bags. Littered plastic bags are carried by storm water and wind into City storm drains that can lead to ecosystems like Lake Merritt, Oakland’s creeks, the estuary and into the Bay.On June 26, the Public Works Committee will hear the item regarding the ordinance banning the use of petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastic bags. Because I believe we need to move toward oil independence and be good caretakers of our environment, I will be supporting this ordinance. The item will be heard between 12:30 pm and 2 pm. If you wish to speak on this item, please check back after June 16 here and fill out a time card here, or just before the beginning of the meeting itself. Note, the item # must be referenced on your speaker’s card.
The ordinance has three components. First, to address the negative environmental impacts of single-use plastic bags, this Ordinance would ban the use of petroleum-based non-biodegradable carry-out plastic bags at affected retail establishments. Click here for the staff report. Produce bags which are provided for in the fruit, vegetables or deli section are not affected. Second, to promote consumer awareness of environmentally friendly practices, the Ordinance encourages affected retail establishments to educate their customers regarding the use of reusable bags. Finally, the Ordinance allows the use of paper bags as an alternative to plastic bags and encourages a 5-cent surcharge on paper bags. The ordinance further stipulates that the paper for single-use paper bags must come from environmentally preferable sources, must be 100% recyclable, and must contain a minimum of 40% recycled content.

June 9th Free Learn To Row Day

2007-06-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

June 9: Free - Learn to Row Day at the Jack London Aquatic Center
Take advantage of this free opportunity to work virtually every muscle in your body. From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero. Every half-hour participants will leave from the dock on the training barge (capacity of 12) and receive an introduction to sweep-oar rowing. Meanwhile, on land, participants will be instructed in how to use professional rowing machines. World class championship rowers DeDe Birch and Peggy Johnston are slated to coach. Participants do not need to know how to swim. Everyone will be fitted for personal flotation devices and will be required to sign a waiver on site. Call (510) 208-6067 for more information.

Park Blvd Clean Up Come Out and Help!!

2007-06-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

June 16: Park Blvd & E. 18th St Area Clean-up
Meet at 9 am at FM Smith Recreation Center, 1969 Park Blvd – 9 am. Join District 2 staff, Assistant City Administrator, OPD and other City staff for two concentrated hours of picking up litter and cleaning along neighborhood streets.

Free Workshop For Bay Area Arts Active Parents

2007-06-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

June 8-10: Free Workshop for Arts Active Parents
Oakland Youth Arts Festival June 8-10Arts Learning in Oakland Schools... Made Visible!Performances and Outdoor Visual Art Gallery all weekend
Friday, June 8, 6-8 p.m.Opening Reception & Speakers
Saturday, June 99:30-11:30 a.m. -- Arts Active Parent Workshop (Lecture Hall)11 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Free admission to all Museum Galleries, Drumming, Live Mural Making, Local videos!
Sunday, June 10, 12-4 p.m. -- Family Day in the Art Studio: Young Students Teach Parents, more
BE PART OF THE FESTIVAL STAFF!VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for setting up every day Friday through Sunday, and breaking down on Monday.VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to be trained as greeters, festival guides, and docents.If you are interested in volunteering at the Oakland Youth Arts Festival, please contact Carolyn S. Carr at carolyn@ousdarts.org or 510.384.5742 and let her know what days and times you are available.

Oakland Family Activities

2007-06-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

June 9: Oakland Family Fun Day — Free admission for Oakland residents to the Oakland Zoo, Oakland Museum, Chabot Space & Science Center, and Fairyland
Explore the African safari or the Milky Way Galaxy, jump aboard a pirate ship or enjoy the scenic beauty of Yosemite without leaving Oakland. What sounds like a tall tale will be a fun adventure during the first-ever Oakland Family Fun Day, when Oakland residents are offered free admission to four of the City’s premier family-oriented cultural treasures. Imagine kicking off summer by hanging out with chimpanzees at the Oakland Zoo, star gazing at Chabot Space & Science Center, reliving storybook tales at Children’s Fairyland, and tracking the changing images of Yosemite National Park at the Oakland Museum of California. Hosted by Mayor Ron Dellums and the City of Oakland. Click here for details

AVAILABLE

2007-05-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

6176 Ocean View Drive, Oakland, CA 94618 (Upper Rockridge)
$1,180,000.00

Stunning Upper Rockridge Mediterranean
Single Family Home
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 2198
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ID #40261838
Den/study room
Fireplace
Forced air heating
Gas heating
Hardwood flooring
Security system
Walk-in closet
2-car garage
Patio/deck
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Property Details:This sophisticated three-plus bedroom, two and one-half bath 1996 Mediterranean offers a rarely found mix of fabulous open space, cathedral ceilings and sense of loft living. Walls of glass allow a wealth of natural light which radiates though the common spaces of the home. The living room is on its own exclusive level with French doors to the back deck and offering an artisan crafted adobe fireplace to frame the room. A wonderful plus room (perfect as a forth bedroom or home office) is located at the top of the house turret. The North East exposure off the back of the house gives you a peak of Berkeley and provides wonderful mid-morning light.

COMING SOON!!

2007-05-26T14:13:00.001-07:00

To Be Announced, El Cerrito, CA 94530 (El Cerrito)
$675,000.00

Beautifully Remodeled Showcase Home!
Single Family Home
Beds: 2
Baths: 1
Sq. Ft.: 1204
Lot Size: 4000 sq. ft.

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Property Details:Coming Soon! This spectacular home has been gracefully remodeled to the finest standards. Smoothly rounded corners, coffered ceiling, arches, and custom built-ins. Unique river stone fireplace, huge and beautifully appointed eat-in kitchen, sunny enclosed rear yard with sprinkler system and attached garage. Move in condition and truly a must see home.

PENDING!!!

2007-05-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

5946 Harbor View Avenue, San Pablo, CA (San Pablo)
$600,000.00
Pending

Panoramic Bay Views in the Hills
Single Family Home
Beds: 4
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 2338
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Property Details:Immaculate custom cedar home with panoramic Views of the Bay, San Francisco, Golden Gate, Mt. Tam & more! New hardwood floors through the upper level, walls of glass & open kitchen with granite counter tops make this home ideal for entertaining. Over sized master bedroom suite with balcony, huge lower rumpus/family rooms, three additional bedrooms & a total of 2.5 baths are offered. Large two car garage with additional storage is located below & the home sits one block from the entrance to wonderful Alvarado Park!

NEW LISTING

2007-05-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

525 Mandana Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94610 (Grand-Lake)
$699,000.00

Roof Top Penthouse with Panoramic Views
Condo
Beds: 2
Baths: 2
Sq. Ft.: 1810
Lot Size: 0 sq. ft.
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Remodeled Kitchen

Glass Enclosed Dining Area

Rooftop Patio

Open Floor Plan

Remodeled Master Bath

Resurfaced Exterior
Property Details:This Stunning rooftop penthouse offers over 1800 square feet of living space and panoramic views of Lake Merritt! A chic new kitchen featuring stainless appliances and handsome granite counter tops is easy to fall in love with and leads you into a large living area with gas fireplace and balcony. The suite also features an additional lake view office, romantic glass enclosed dining room with city and lake views and a master bedroom suite with remodeled bathroom. A large rooftop patio is perfect for sipping morning coffee or enjoying fabulous evening sunsets at days end! The suite shares the roof with only one other penthouse and both have additional rooftop storage rooms and an exclusive common laundry! The property is just one block to both Grand & Lakeshore retail areas with fabulous shops, restaurants, theatres and fun!

PENDING!!

2007-05-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

300 Capricorn Avenue, Oakland, Oakland, CA 94611 (Montclair)
$700,000.00
Pending

Private Oasis in the Montclair Hills
Single Family Home
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.5
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Property Details:Lovely, Private Montclair Home w/extra lot included! Wonderful skylights and picture windows random pegged hdwd flrs and a cozy kitchen. Exposed beams, open floorplan, views of the Oaklnd Hills large deck and separate private patio. Detached office-cottage w/1/2 bath is a bonus!

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe

2007-05-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Important Tips To Keep Your Home Safe
It's much more than a physical structure. It's the place where memories are made, where dreams are shared, where lives are lived. And many of your home's contents--the video of your baby's first steps, grandmother's brooch or old family photos, for instance--simply cannot be replaced. That's why it makes good sense to do everything you can to protect your home from fire and theft.
Preventing Fires
Most fires are preventable. First, let's look at the top causes of home fires.
Cooking fires. Cooking fires pose a serious hazard. Always stay near the stove when cooking. Avoid wearing loose sleeves while cooking; they can be ignited by a burner or a grease splatter. You'll also want to keep curtains and other flammable materials well away from the range or oven. And never put water on a grease fire, which can cause the hot grease to splatter, burning you or spreading the fire. Instead, smother it with a lid or another pan, then turn off the burner. Leave the lid in place until it has cooled off completely.
Portable and space-heating equipment. Wood-burning, kerosene, propane and electric heaters can ignite draperies, clothing and other flammable items. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment. Shut off a heater before you leave the room or go to bed. When you purchase a heater, make sure it's been tested and approved by a reputable organization.
Careless smoking. Cigarettes are the leading cause of fire deaths. Never smoke in bed or in a place where you may fall asleep. Also, use deep ashtrays so a lit cigarette won't roll out and fall onto rugs or furniture. It's also a good idea to run water over an ashtray before emptying it into the trash. A smoldering cigarette butt could set the trash on fire.
Electrical wiring. You can't see wires hidden inside walls and ceilings, but there are some warning signs of electrical problems. If lights dim or flicker, fuses blow frequently or sparks shoot from receptacles when items are plugged in or unplugged, consult an electrician. Faulty electrical cords can also spark a fire or cause an electrical shock. Never run cords under rugs or heavy furniture. Pressure can crack insulation and break the wires. Don't overload outlets.
Children with matches. Children playing with matches or lighters are the leading cause of fire deaths for children 5 and under. Keep these items up high, preferably in a locked cabinet, out of the sight and reach of small children. Teach older ones how to handle matches responsibly.
Holiday hazards. Decorations and candles are a special concern during the holidays. If you buy a live Christmas tree, choose a fresh one and water it daily. With an artificial tree, make sure it's made of flame-retardant materials. Keep candles well away from anything that can burn and blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Fireworks also deserve special mention. They endanger life, limb and property. Avoid amateurs who set off fireworks. Instead, attend public displays conducted by trained pyrotechnicians. Even sparklers are hazardous; they burn at 1200 F.
There are some other simple, common sense precautions you can take to decrease your chances of a home fire:
Never store or use gasoline in the home. Gasoline is a motor fuel only. Keep small quantities in an approved container designed to store gasoline, and store outside, preferably in a locked, detached shed. Wipe up spills immediately and never refuel motors near heat sources, sparks or cigarettes.
Don't overload electrical receptacles.
Don't use light bulbs with greater wattages than a fixture can handle.
Don't let combustible materials such as newspapers and rags pile up in basements and garages.
Leave plenty of air space around appliances and television sets; they can overheat and catch fire.
Use outdoor gas and charcoal grills with caution. Keep them away from structures, particularly when in use. Never add materials to the fire.
Fireplace Safety
If your home has one or more fireplaces, special precautions can help to keep home fires burning safely:
Never burn charcoal or use a hibachi in your fireplace. Both produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Protect against sparks by enclosing a fireplace's opening with glass doors or a sturdy screen.
Never close the flue while a fire is still smoldering. Carbon monoxide could build up.
Never use gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start a fire. Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood. For extra safety, light fires with long-stemmed matches.
Have your fireplace and chimney inspected annually. They should be properly vented and free of blockages. Have them cleaned as needed.
Protect the top of your chimney with a guard that keeps out birds and small animals and keeps in sparks that could ignite your roof.
Keep flammables such as newspapers, magazines, rugs and carpeting well away from the fireplace.
Remove holiday decorations from the fireplace and mantle before building a fire to avoid having the decorations ignite.
Teach children to stay back from the fireplace.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
If Fire Breaks Out
Smoke detectors greatly increase the likelihood you'll survive a fire. Place at least one on each floor of your home and outside each sleeping area. Install detectors inside bedrooms for added protection. Mount detectors on the ceiling, at least 4 inches away from the wall. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries once a year. To help you remember, plan to install new batteries on an annual event, such as the Fourth of July. Replace smoke detectors after 10 years.
If a fire does break out, take immediate action. Smoke and flames spread rapidly. Get out of the house right away, then call the fire department from a neighbor's house or a cellular phone. Fumes overcome most victims long before flames reach them. Use your safest exit. If you must escape through smoke, get down and crawl low under the smoke, keeping your head about 12-24 inches off the floor.
If you haven't gotten around to conducting a family fire drill, now's the time to do it. And visit your local hardware store or home center to invest in a few fire extinguishers. Extinguishers are classified according to the type of fire they will put out, and you'll find the classification displayed on an extinguisher. A Class ABC extinguisher is multi-purpose and works well against any small, self-contained fire. Keep one in the kitchen, extras in the basement or garage. Contact your fire department to ask about training. Don't attempt to fight a fire unless you know you have the right extinguisher to handle that type of fire, and be sure to keep your back to a safe exit.
Fire Safety Checklist
Take this quick quiz to help you assess your family's fire safety plan:
Do you follow the fire prevention practices outlined above? Pay special attention to safety tips on cooking, smoking, use of heating equipment, proper storage of flammables and precautions regarding children and matches.
Are your smoke detectors working? There should be at least one on every floor of your home. Test each detector monthly, and replace batteries annually.
Do you hold regular fire drills? Several times a year, have your family practice exiting your home safely and quickly in the event of an emergency. Designate a meeting place for all family members to gather once they are out of the house.
Have you taught your children to "stop, drop and roll"? In the event their clothing catches fire, kids (and adults) should stop, drop to the floor, cover their faces and roll over and over or back and forth to put out the fire. Keep rolling until the fire goes out.
Have you planned an alternate escape route? It's important to have at least two escape routes from each room in your home, often a door and a window. Practice using them now to be sure you could get out in an emergency.
Can you safely exit from the second floor? A chain ladder or other easily accessible ladder can help you escape from the upper stories of your home in the event of a fire.
Do you know how to use your fire extinguishers? Know where your fire extinguishers are kept, and read the instructions for use before you need them.
Do you know the phone number for your local fire department and the location of the nearest phone outside your house? In case of fire, always evacuate your home first, then call for help from a cellular or other nearby phone.
Preventing Theft
Every year, burglars hit more than five million households, stealing more than $4 billion worth of property. Determined thieves can break into just about any home, but you can take steps to make entry a lot more difficult for them.
Invest in a quality door. Door security begins not with a good lock but with the door itself and the frame it fits into. Weak door assemblies can be broken with a single kick, popped open with a jimmy bar or even pried out-frame and all-from the wall. Strong exterior doors have solid, not hollow, cores; doors that are sheathed in metal are even better.
Install deadbolts. Deadbolt locks provide the best protection for the least amount of money. Ordinary spring-operated locks can be defeated with a credit card. Intruders can't slip a deadbolt lock because it has a solid metal bar that fits into the door jamb. To be effective, a deadbolt lock should have at least a one-inch throw (meaning the metal bolt extends at least an inch past the edge of the door). Doors with glass panes present a special security problem because a thief can break the pane, reach inside and unlock the door. If local laws permit, the solution is a double-cylinder lock-one that must be opened with a key from inside as well as out. But don't defeat the purpose by getting into the habit of leaving the key in the lock on the inside. To exit quickly in case of a fire, keep the key near the door but in a spot that can't be reached from outside. You might want to hang it on a nail near the floor where you can find it easily if fire breaks out.
Don't forget windows. Windows and sliding glass doors also should be secured. Look for locks specifically made for different window styles at your local hardware store or home center. You also can secure a sliding glass door with a broomstick or piece of 1" x 2" lumber laid in the door track when the door is closed.
Light up. Outside flood lighting reduces your risk of burglary by highlighting the exterior of your home at night. You can choose from lights that remain on all night or motion-sensitive lights that come on only when someone approaches your home. Motion-sensitive lights save energy and could catch a would-be thief by surprise. Timers on inside as well as outside lights give the impression that someone is home, even if you're on vacation, out to dinner or visiting the neighbors.
Sounding an Alarm
For greater peace of mind, consider investing in a professionally installed alarm system. Alarm systems come in many shapes and sizes, at prices that range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many installers also charge monthly monitoring fees, which should be taken into account when you shop for a system. A home alarm system includes some combination of the following components:
Perimeter sensors. These consist of photo cells or magnetic contacts on doors and windows that sound an alarm when an intruder tries to get inside. Perimeter sensors are mounted on two points, such as the door jamb and the door itself. Photo cell sensors are activated when something passes through a beam of light projected between the two points, while magnetic sensors are activated when contact is broken between the two magnetized points.
Heat and motion sensors. You can use heat and motion detectors to protect specific spaces in or outside your home-a bedroom hallway, for instance, or your backyard. Heat detectors respond to body temperatures. Motion sensors detect movement.
Glass break detectors. These devices recognize the sound of breaking glass. They activate the alarm when they sense breaking glass in a window or door.
Keypad. One or more keypads allow you to turn the system on and off.
Audible alarm. A piercing alarm alerts neighbors and the police. And it lets the burglar know he's been detected, meaning he'll probably leave your house in a hurry.
Keep in mind that false alarms can be a problem. In addition to annoying the neighbors and taking the police away from real emergencies, some communities now assess fines for excessive false alarms. The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association reports that nearly 80 percent of false alarms are caused by user error. Steps to prevent false alarms include regular system maintenance and ensuring that whoever has a key to your house also knows the codes to activate and deactivate your system. Local police are a good source of information and recommendations regarding security systems. They work with the security services in your area and can tell you what types of break-ins are most common in your community.
After you've determined which alarm system is best for you, ask your insurance agent, family or friends for referrals. Get written quotes from at least three companies. Before you obtain an alarm system, investigate a security service's reputation and how long it has been in business. Also ask about warranties and what they cover.
Insuring Against Loss
Homeowners or renters insurance provides money to replace possessions after a fire or theft. Remember to keep a good inventory of your property, including serial numbers. A quick way to do this is with snapshots or a camcorder. Store your inventory in a safe-deposit box or other location outside your home, and update it every year.
While you're making an inventory of your valuables, consider engraving them with your name. This makes it easier to trace the goods back to you if they're stolen. Many local police departments will loan etching tools.
Most insurers recommend that you insure your property at replacement cost. This reimburses you for what it would cost to replace items today, instead of paying only for their current, depreciated value. You'll pay a little more in premiums for this extra peace of mind, so shop around for the best policy and the best price. Consider only reputable companies and agents. Get at least three quotes. Some companies provide lower rates if you have more than one type of coverage with them, such as auto and home. Review your insurance coverage annually.