Green House Real Estate

Crocker Highlands Open House~~Open House Sunday July 12th 2-4:30

2009-07-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Crocker Highlands Traditional

Classic three bedroom, two bath traditional home, circa 1923, in desirable Crocker neighborhood.

This home features many period details with timeless architecture and a wonderful floor plan. Located near the Lakeshore Shopping District, local elementary school and public transit.

Listed for $849,000

Try Turquoise

2009-07-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Try Turquoise

Turquoise is turning up more and more often as the perfect pop color in interior design. The thing about using turquoise or any fashion color as an accent is that when you tire of the shade, you just paint over or get new throw pillows.

Below are a couple of applications of this pop color in an otherwise understated interior color story.

Updated Piedmont Traditional Home

2009-06-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Updated Piedmont Traditional

Delicious is how I’d describe this Piedmont Traditional. Located on one of the most coveted streets in all of Piedmont, this home is luxe, as only a fashion Diva understands luxe!

Details like rich, luxurious materials, animal print rugs, silver leaf ceilings, nature stencils, and the mix of high and low, with smidgen of kitsch, create a warm family feel. The kitchen is open, over-sized, light and lovely!

But the piece de resistance, is a dressing room designed for a Diva. With a shoe wall, separate built in closets, even a mannequin to display your favorite couture.

This home is not on the MLS but is available through The GRUBB Company, by appointment.

New Construction with Green Features in Rockridge

2009-06-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

All New Construction in Central Rockridge

Don't miss this very rare opportunity! This just-completed home, with Craftsman styling on the outside and modern design on the inside, features top-of-the-line fixtures and high-efficiency systems. Located in one of the most coveted Bay Area communities, the home is only one and one-half blocks from College Avenue, with shops, restaurants and BART, close by.

• Architectural, light-filled design which features high ceilings, modern open floorplan, tall glass-paneled doors and custom windows

• Green amenities include electric solar panels, end-grain wood flooring, tankless water heater, extra insulation, two high-efficiency furnaces and composite countertops

• Spacious master bedroom suite with hill views and exquisite spa-like bath including timed radiant floor heating, automatic skylight and steam shower

• Extra-large eat-in kitchen features the lastest deluxe energy-efficient European appliances, expansive counterspace and pantry storage

• Artesan-quality tilework - custom lighting - upstairs laundry room - large closets and storage

• Colorful drought resistant landscaping with automatic irrigation system in front and back gardens adding year-round beauty

• Near BART, freeways, UC, regional parks and the exciting shops and restaurants on College, Claremont and Piedmont Avenues

Solar Trash Compacting In The Fruitvale

2009-06-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

In the revitalized Fruitvale District; where the La Farrine sits across the street from Farmer Joe’s, in front of the Peets Coffee, there is a solar trash can that generates its own power to compact the trash. I love to see the City setting this example, serving as a reminder every time we see it, to reduce and reuse.

East Bay Architecture

2009-06-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

We are lucky to have the diversity of architecture right here in the East Bay. Right now there are designer homes for sale by John Hudson Thomas, Julia Morgan, and Walter Ratcliff. These homes are juxtaposed with Green, modern homes, including a LEED Platinum new construction home, a straw bale house in the Rockridge, built after the fire and a LEED Platinum remodel of a craftsman cottage, created by and for the Founder of LEED. The Piedmont Julia Morgan is like a living museum. Previous owners have carefully preserved it for future generations.

What is interesting, is when you get talking to Green Builders, like Chris Avant from Canyon Construction www.canyonconstruction.com, they will tell you that green building is really just quality building, using the best construction methods, eliminating construction waste and applying the best materials, using methods that will last. The bells and whistles add the pop, but when you get down to the building itself, it wouldn’t make sense in today’s world to build them any other way.

That is very much the way Julia thought, and her homes have stood the test of time, making them, the original green homes.

Dwell Magazine Modern

2009-06-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

This Crocker Highland home has been remade in the shape of Dwell Magazine and Metropolitan Home.

It’s a craftsman traditional on the outside, with some interesting pops of color, but inside the home is sleek, modern and eclectic.

The clients have an amazing sense of color. Bright orange, turquoise and red, combined with metals like copper and silver give the home a warm feel, despite sharp corners. What wraps you up are details like dangly, antique light fixtures, juxtaposed with bright color and lovely materials.

This home is not on the MLS, but is available through The GRUBB Company, by appointment.

Goats in the East Bay Hills Doing Their Work

2009-06-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

There is a green job described as “Goat Herder.” And herding those goats all over the fire-prone hills of the East Bay is quite a project. Last week goats were spotted off of Tunnel Road in the hills. By Monday, goats were mowing the grass, near the freeway entrance off of Park Boulevard. Yesterday afternoon they had traveled to the hills above Head Royce School, and were happily munching away on the dry brown grass in the brisk breeze near sunset.

Marshmallows Have Applications For Real Estate

2009-06-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Don't Eat the Marshmallow!

Do you remember the Emotional Intelligence hype from the early 1990's? Well my broker brought the Marshmallow study back to my attention yesterday at our office meeting, and I have to ask myself, "Am I a Marshmallow eater?"

Check out the video and see for yourself!

HUD Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs

2009-06-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

HUD: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs (re-published from REALTOR.com)

FHA-approved lenders received the go-ahead to develop bridge-loan products that enable first-time buyers to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront, according to eagerly awaited guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on so-called home buyer tax credit loans that was released today.

Under the guidance, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.

The loans can't be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent, senior HUD officials told reporters on a conference call Friday morning.

Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home significantly but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent down-payment.

In addition, some state housing finance agencies have developed their own tax credit bridge loan programs, so buyers in states whose HFAs offer such programs can monetize the tax credit upfront to cover all or part of their down-payment. These programs are separate from what HUD announced today.

The first-time home-buyer tax credit was enacted last year--and improved upon earlier this year--to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven't owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.

Looking for a Deal? Make sure you are prepared with a mortgage pre-approval

2009-06-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Buyers are asking me whether a pre-approval is really necessary and what information they need to gather together to get pre-approved. For buyers ready to get into this active spring market the answer to the first question is Yes! Yes! Yes!

And to the second, the paperwork involved in getting a loan approval has grown, as the loan climate has tightened. It's not really more than a full doc loan ever was, but people that applied for their last mortgage in the early 2000's may have had the experienced that not as much was required. Don't take it personally!

Here's what you need:

· Copy of driver’s licenses.

· Last two pay-stubs.

· 2007 & 2008 W-2’s.

· 2007 & 2008 Federal tax returns with all schedules.

· Last two monthly statements, or the most recent quarterly statement, for your savings, brokerage, and retirement accounts. (Including all pages.)

Berkeley Open Home~~Sunday, May 31st 2-4:30

2009-05-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

6919 Bristol Drive, Hiller Highlands

A stunning five bedroom, four bath comtemporary built in 2002 with beautiful light-filled, open living spaces. Located in a luxurious Hillside neighborhood behind the Claremont Hotel with easy access to all major freeways and transportations.

Straw Bale HomeOakland, CAGreenest Building Material

2009-05-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Oakland's Only Straw Bale House

This one of a kind home is coming on the market for the first time in the Rockridge District of Oakland. Straw Bales are inherently green, as straw is an agricultural waste product. Straw can be reinforced and strengthened to create a quiet, warm (or temperate) house that is long lasting and strong.

This home is a gorgeous oasis, uniquely designed to capture light and space to create an incredible space to call home.

GreenCity Lofts~~Just Reduced!

2009-05-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Celebrated Green Building Project~~Just Reduced

This Below Market Unit has special City financing and great interest rates through the City of Emeryville and had been reduced to $179,000.

To find out about Below Market Units check the City of Emeryville website. To view the unit call me at 510.593.7501

Summer's Here and It's Time to Wear White.... No, I mean check the sunscreen!

2009-05-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Check the Expiration Date on Those Sunscreen Containers

My friends say, "The sun's just hotter. I can't stay out as long as I did when I was a kid." Me neither! And as a fair skinned girl, I've always been cautious. The active ingredients in sunscreens lose potency after an "undetermined" period of time. Don't test this on your own skin!

It's time to throw out last year's bottles, invest in new and check the labels on what you are buying. The label should have UVA and UVB protection. The most effective sunscreens offer a physical and well as chemical block. The physical block is the "white stuff" that doesn't rub in. It's not anyone's favorite part of sunscreen, but if you or your kids, or anyone you care about, spends time outside in the middle of the day, sunscreen should be a grooming habit like brushing teeth and hair. Build a lifelong sunscreen habit!

Memorial Day Post

2009-05-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Lafayette Community Iraq War Memorial

First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit

2009-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Who Qualifies?

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?

The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home—the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income—single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Montclair Modern ~~ Open House, Sunday~May 3rd~2:4:30

2009-05-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

6430 Girvin Drive
Open Sunday 2:00-4:30
Room to grow, near top scoring Montclair Schools!

Green Certified Homes~~What are they worth?

2009-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Like any early adapter, people are paying more for their Green Certified homes than your average run of the mill resale home. The new gadgets, like solar panels and underground catchments for rain water storage just cost more because they aren't part of "regular" homes.

Think about the I-Phone. People that waited in line for their new phone at around $400, when only three months later it was reduced to $300, without fanfare. As an early adopter in green home technology, the sooner we all embrace living "greener," the sooner pricing will come in line.

I work closely with a builder, Chris Avant, Canyon Construction, who has recently completed two LEED Platinum remodels, one here in Oakland, and the other in Moraga, where his corporate office is housed. Avant worked with the founder of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,) David Gottfried and his wife Sara to create one of the greenest homes in America, right here in Rockridge. David and Sara wanted to capture their greywater in order to re-use it for landscape watering, they installed solar panels and even created a home office for David in the backyard to make their green home a reality, they had to downsize and learned even more about the value of good design.

David and Sara have the resources to showcase their environmental stewardship in their home, but what about other people? More and more, Green Building is quality building, using the most durable materials, that won't have to be replaced, having the most energy efficient appliances and sealing up a home against the effects of weather, keeping cold air out, and warm air in. Green homes are healthy homes, places where indoor air quality is not adversely effected by inexpensive (smelly) carpets or noxious paint fumes.

The past of Green Home Design in California, has been predominately taken on by the wealthy, and it is a thrill to see it filtering down to ordinary folk.

Wondering about the resale value of your green improvements?

In Seattle, Washington where existing data for green home resale value has been tracked for 2008, on average the green single family home was 16.7% of total sales. The green home was 25% smaller and sold for 4% higher value in 18% less time... but the catch here is that dollars per square foot, the green home outperformed the non-green home by 37% in dollars per square foot. Now that is something to consider!

GreenCity Lofts~~Just Listed!

2009-04-09T13:32:00.001-07:00

Celebrated Green Multi-Family Housing Development
Studio Unit $199,000

Green building features radiant heating
No VOC paints
Recycled building materials
FSC Certified wood
Secure Entry

Association of Realtors~~Renting vs. Buying in 2009

2009-04-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

According to research by the National Association of Realtors, 2009 might be the most affordable year to buy a home in decades. I am working with several buyers looking for homes in the $250,000 to $350,000 range and there are Berkeley and Bay Area homes to look at. They need some work, but buyers are realizing their long held ambitions of home ownership!

Open the PDF
rent_vs_buy_analysis_03-2009.pdf

Green City Lofts Coming Soon!

2009-04-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Green Building practices promote construction of buildings that are healthier for the occupants and healthier for the environment. The policy of GreenCity Lofts, LLC is to establish sustainability as a priority and further demonstrate our commitment to the environment.

Sustainable or “green” building practices can reduce the tremendous impact that building design, construction and maintenance has on both people and nature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Center for Sustainable Development, buildings consume 40% of the world's total energy, 25% of its wood harvest and 16% of its water. Energy and material consumption in buildings can contribute significantly to global climate change.

Sustainable building practices go beyond energy and water conservation to incorporate environmentally sensitive site planning, resource efficient building materials and superior indoor environmental quality.

Exploring The Elmwood, Berkeley

2009-03-14T21:57:00.001-07:00

Check out the activities and community involvement at
Lululemon Athletica!

Run with them on Wednesday afternoon!

Magnolias in Bloom, Rockridge, CA

2009-03-14T21:52:00.001-07:00

East Bay Leed Certified Barn Renovation, Moraga, CA

2009-03-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Long before I was in real estate and before I understood what I now consider the horrible loss of ancient buildings, I have dreamed of renovating an old barn for my home.

My idea was an open living space with a stone hearth built into the center of it. Unstructured rooms would mean that the kitchen flowed into the family/dining room and the bedrooms I had planned, would be in lofts on either end of the building, joined by long halls that connected the lofts on each side, overlooking the living space. Lining the halls I planned built in bookshelves and a cozy chair for curling up with a good book. The loss in privacy, I calculated, would be more than be made up for with by creativity the open space would allow.

Since then, I have read about the alarming rate at which these dilapidated buildings have been struck down in favor of something new, that doesn't need retrofitting. The New York Times article I Googled today, said, "No farm, no barn," and unfortunately that seems to be the case. Where farms have made way for development, the old outbuildings have been struck from the landscape. I am still hoping to do my barn renovation, but I am crossing my fingers that there will be a barn left to renovate.

A colleague of mine Chris Avant from Canyon Construction has done just this type of renovation with the Moraga Barn, in Moraga California, built in 1914. Having the distinction of being the oldest building in Moraga, it served as a train station, an hotel and a bar. Today it is the headquarters of Canyon Construction and through the renovation it was planned and designed to achieve LEED Platinum Rating.

The Moraga Barn uses renewable energy, salvaged materials, offerers state of the art water efficiency, provides heating and cooling efficiency, and features low and no VOC products in the interior to improve indoor air quality for it's end users. With it's original footprint, The Barn looks much the same as it had when it was new, but provides another generation of users an ideal work and play space. The owner, Chris Avant, has plans to house a wine bar in the ground floor with his offices upstairs.

For more information about Canyon Construction visit their Website.