Green House Real Estate

Homebuyer Credit Gets New Life

2009-10-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Homebuyer Credit Gets New Life

Key lawmakers in the Senate have tentatively agreed to extend the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and also offer a new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years.

Home buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010, and close before July 1. House Democrats have expressed concern about the cost of the tax credit for the government, and allegations of abuse have resulted in an IRS probe of the program.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Corey Boles and John D. McKinnon (10/29/09)

Crocker Highlands Open Houses ~~ Open 2-4:30

2009-10-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Darling Crocker Highlands home has great colors, random plank hardwood floors, beamed living room ceiling and remodeled kitchen with marble counters and stainless steel appliances.Two light-filled bedrooms overlook the rear garden w/patio and play area.A beautifully updated bath w/stone and jetted tub.

Visit from 2-4:30, Sunday, October 25th, 2009

My Website

Montclair Modern Open House, Sunday October 18th, 2009

2009-10-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

5964 Merriewood ~~ Ideal Montclair location

View this large, four bedroom, three and one half bath home. Close to the Montclair Village, transit and local, high quality public schools.
Open Sunday 2-4:30

Piedmont Avenue Open House 2-4:30

2009-10-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

71 Ronada Avenue has a walkscore of 78.

Located near Piedmont Avenue shops and restaurants, this home has charm, period details and light.
Open Sunday, October 4th, 2-4:30pm

Case Schiller Study Indicates the Housing Market has Turned

2009-09-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Housing analyst William Wheaton from MIT says, "don't let the train go by... you are close enough to the bottom that you don't want to wait. Find the right house and buy it!"

Berkeley BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)

2009-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Berkeley Bus Rapid Transit

I attended the neighborhood comment meeting with the City and Neighborhood activists last week about the "neighborhood preferred alternative," for AC Transit's proposed Rapid Trasit system.

The service sounds incredible and because I am a "Green" I support ways to get more ridership and better access to transit. The problem is how to accomodate a new system in a town the is already full to the brim, with busses, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians (in no particular order.)

This conversation has been going on far a decade, but the process appears to be in imminent danger of moving forward. If you are a stakeholder and have thought, I recommend that you jump in to the conversation. Arm yourself with ammunition at the website.

Berkeley Gives Rebates to Switch Out Energy Guzzling Appliances

2009-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Berkeley Gives Rebates to Switch Out Energy Guzzling Appliances

Berkeley City Council has approved rebates beginning in July for landlords and homeowners to trade inefficient appliances for new energy saving ones. The grants coincide with the city's Climate Action Plan, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. (There are already rebates in place through P.G.E. for these improvements.)

There fund for the rebates comes from a $1,000,000 grant for the U.S. Department of Energy and will also be used for building improvements like sealing doors and windows, adding insulation and fixing old heaters. These upgrades are predicted to save upwards of $180,000 per year on energy bills across the city.

Love Your Berkeley Neighborhorhood? ~~ Get Involved!

2009-09-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 24, 7:00 PM, the Willard NA is coordinating a meeting along with the Le Conte, Claremont-Elmwood, Halcyon and Bateman neighborhoods at the Willard Middle School Cafetorium to discuss the “Locally Preferred Alternative” (LPA) for AC Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proposal.

The BRT is AC Transit’s plan to improve bus service by providing dedicated bus lanes on a route stretching from San Leandro to Berkeley. In our neighborhoods, this will entail (among other things) replacing two auto lanes on Telegraph Avenue with bus-only lanes.

The City has come up with a "Locally Preferred Alternative" and wants input as to the bus route, where the stops are, and to hear neighborhood concerns and suggestions for implementation of the BRT. At the end of this process, the City may decide not to implement the BRT at all. This meeting, however, is designed to answer the question --"if this BRT is to be implemented, what do you think of this plan to do it?"

We are currently preparing a list of questions for the City staff so that they can be answered in advance. If you have a question, please send it to me at georgebeier@hotmail.com. We will also try to collate any comments you have regarding the plan (for, against, suggestions, etc.) provided they are brief. :)

This is an important meeting about a controversial topic. Please come and participate. For our part, we’ll try hard to make sure every voice gets heard.

For more information about the LPA, please see this link on the City’s website:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=43568

See you on the 24^th!

White House May Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit

2009-09-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

White House may extend homebuyer tax credit

Published: September 16, 2009 2:14 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) —

The White House is considering extending an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Spokesman Robert Gibbs says the administration's economic team is evaluating the tax credit's impact on new home sales and will make a recommendation to the president.

The federal tax credit covers up to 10 percent of the home price, or up to $8,000, for first-time buyers. Home sales must be complete by the end of November. The tax break is credited with helping the number of U.S. home sales rise slowly. Builders and real estate agents say that trend could be reversed if the credit isn't extended.

Montclair Tudor ~~ It's all Charm!

2009-09-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

152 Glenwood Glade

This historic Tudor style home, is from the historic part of Montclair, first developed as summer homes for wealthy San Franciscans. The rear of the property borders the Temescal creek and the grounds are lush and green with Redwoods in the front yard.

Come to see the all-out charm in this half-timbered beauty with beamed ceilings, leaded glass windows, clinker brick fireplace.* There is a large detached studio/office above 2 car garage, playhouse and hot tub.

Open Sunday, September 20th, 2009 2~~4:30

Clinker Bricks Definition~~Originally discarded because they were discolored or distorted, around 1920 clinker bricks were re-discovered by Craftsmen architects to be usable, distinctive, and charming in architectural detailing. The name "clinker brick" comes from the sound that they would make when banged together, being heavier than regular bricks.

First Time Home Buyers Complain of Lack of Choice

2009-09-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

We really are VERY short of inventory, particularly in Berkeley in the $550K-$850K range. If you are considering trading up during this buyer's market, your present home may be in the sweet spot of the market right now.

There are tons of first time buyers out there, attempting to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit and unable to do so due to lack of inventory.

DJ Grubb is predicting a strong fall market, and with the pent up demand that I have described, your home is sure to be desirable. If you would like a market analysis done for your home, contact me, and I would be happy to present it.

WalkScore Adds Value in New Study

2009-09-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have been using WalkScore to advertise my listings since I first learned about it a year and a half ago. Intuitively, I knew that higher walking scores would add value to property, particularly if the property was located near transit hubs, but this is the first study to demonstrate dollars for scores. The study indicates that for some metropolitan areas, one point of walking score can equate to up to $3,000 in value.

CEOs For Cities Report:

First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit Ends December 31st, 2009

2009-09-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of my clients reported back to me about his tax credit results. Needless to say, the stimulus package is working for him!

"By the way, I got the $8,000 first time homebuyer credit. You can elect to apply the credit to either your 2008 or 2009 tax return, and although my 2009 AGI will be too high, my 2008 AGI was much lower. So I filed an amendment to my 2008 return and qualified for the max credit. I just got a letter from the IRS saying to expect a check within the next 2 weeks."
and then... "I actually got the check (with interest no less)"

To find out more about the first time buyer's tax credit check the IRS site.

Tax Credit info:

There's a link to the form 5405 near the top of this page (notice item C on the form).

The last paragraph on this page mentions the 2008 option and has a link to more info.

Rehab Loans on Fixers Available in Berkeley

2009-09-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Purchase and Rehab All in One FHA Loan!

Your clients love the house. Except for the leaky pipes. Or the holes in the wall. Or maybe the kitchen is too small. For the house that's almost perfect, we have the perfect solution. Our Renovation Mortgage, a mortgage and home improvement loan all in one.

Remodel the kitchen or bath
Replace a leaky roof
Update electrical wiring, plumbing, or heating systems
Put in new flooring, carpeting, or tiling
Plus much more!

This program offers the unique features that make FHA loans excellent financing solutions in today's market.

Purchase or refinance
FHA adown payment (3.5%)
Flexible credit qualifying

Trust a 203k specialist to handle this complex mortgage!

Brad Stoddard from Prospect Mortgage reminded me of a great FHA Loan product that is available for rehab projects. The interest rates are somewhat higher, but at fixer prices, it can be worth it to secure the property and then refinance after the work has been completed.

Brad Stoddard (510) 316-7495 brad.stoddard@prospectmtg.com

Rockridge Kitchen Tour ~~ Sunday, September 20th

2009-08-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this year's Rockridge Kitchen tour, Sunday, September 20th.

This event is for charity and is always really fun. This year, in particular, is exciting for me because for the first time, there is a LEED Platinum Kitchen (and home, The Margarido House) featured on the tour.

You will love it!

Order tickets online at Acteva.com.

East Bay Sunday Open Home Guide~~August 23, 2009

2009-08-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

936 Paramount
Crocker Highlands, Oakland 94611
Open House from 2-4:30

East Bay~~Sunday Open Home Guide
8-23-09_SOH.pdf

GreenCity Lofts~~Just Reduced to $149,000

2009-08-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Below Market Unit Through the City of Emeryville

Celebrated GreenCity Lofts, studio unit just reduced to $149,000.
To view, contact your agent or me.

Below Market Info PDF

BelowMarketUnits

Berkeley Hearts the Dailey Method!

2009-08-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

Longer and Leaner

I attended the inaugural workout at the Berkeley Dailey Method located on Ashby @ College. LuluLemon and Method Co-Owners Kerry Corcoran and Susan Willrich sponsored a complimentary evening event at Lulu, followed by wine tasting across the street at The Wine Shop. The studio officially opened the next day with coffee and bagels, (because Dailey Method girls can still eat bagels with cream cheese.)

I have a regular Bikram practice going, so I was surprised at how difficult the program was. Kerry seemed to find every muscle not in use at Bikram, and tire it out! But I have to say, they promised me longer and leaner, and in a couple of weeks, I noticed firmer abs, and slimmer hips. I've been singing their praises all over town. The workout is fast, energetic, and never boring! The instructors are interested in helping their clients achieve their goals. Stop in and talk to the Dailey Method staff to get more information.

Dailey Method

East Bay Farmer's Markets~~Have You Met Your Farmer?

2009-08-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

Do You Know What's in Season Now?

This Farmer's Market guide is so handy! Two pages to print and put on your fridge from Edible East Bay, a wonderful local foodie magazine. Check the Summer issue out, with Local Gourmand, Hugh Groman.

FarmersMarketsGuide.pdf

Crocker Highlands Traditional~~Open Sunday 2-4:30

2009-08-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Crocker Highlands Traditional

Lovely three bedroom/three bath home, located near Crocker Elementary, Lakeshore Avenue shops, Peets coffee, Lakeshore Farmer's Market, Highway 580 and transportation.

Berkeley Foodies~~Summer Farmer's Market Tour

2009-08-04T11:45:00.001-07:00

Summer Farmer's Market Tour

I've mentioned Jamie Living in previous posts, but I was inspired to bring her to your attention again after reading Michael Pollen's NY Times article regarding, cooking shows and (gasp...) "The end of cooking."

Michael is not so pessimistic about the state of the nation's kitchens as all that, but he does theorize that so many cooking shows and competitive cooking shows at that, allow us to "take a load off," sit on the couch and get our cooking fix by watching rather than doing. This in turn, reminded me of an old poem of mine, which ends,

I have come to know what women in my family have always known,
about cooking and it's restorative power.

Jamie is knowledable about food and thoughtful about the environment. She really gets the connection between, mind, body, health and planet!

but I digress...

You can join Jamie at her~~Summer Farmer's Market Tour in Berkeley.

Where: Berkeley Farmer's Market at the corner of Center Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in downtown Berkeley
When: Saturday, August 8 at 10:30 am Admission: $20

Jamie asks~~
Do you know you should shop at the Farmer's Market but just don't know what to buy? Not sure what questions to ask or what farmer to buy from? If so, join us for the inside scoop on how to navigate the Farmer's Market! Enjoy the fresh smells and tastes of summer while learning all you need to know to become and Farmer's Market "regular."

Space is limited so click below and sign up today! If you have any questions, simply email jamiegd@jamieliving.com or call 510-393-0437. See you there!

Pro-Studio~~Montclair Canyon View Home For Sale

2009-07-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous Montclair Contemporary for Sale

There is a peace that can be found only in the Montclair Hills on a sunny afternoon, where the only sound is the rustle of deer, and birds calling out their territory. Nestled in these hills is an incredible opportunity to live and work in a gorgeous, yet casual, contemporary home.

I really love this place! The seller is a professional music producer and had the studio built specially for him when he decided to close his San Francisco recording studio and work from home.

The home features a formal living room with fireplace, a dining room that opens to a terrace with views, and stylish kitchen/family room combination. The master bedroom suite is serene with it's own desk and canyon views and offer a lovely, spa-like bath.

This home has lots of bonus spaces as well, a spacious entryway, a great office, and a large laundry room area and mud-room. To view this incredible home, call or email. You'll love it!

Craislist Posting

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.