Spanish Deco Home in Oakmore Highlands, Oakland, CA

Mediterranean inspired homes often have strong influences from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Portugal, North Africa and Italy. Mediterranean homes built in North America in the first half of the 20th century often have ideas from native Americans and European settlers and this style of architecture is also known as Spanish Eclectic. Some of the characteristics of this style includes, low-pitched roofs, red roof tiles, little or no overhanging eaves, (an eave is the edge of the roof. Eaves usually project out the side of the house.) and stucco siding.

1925 Oak Crest Drive is my favorite home from Monday's Brokers Tour. This Spanish Eclectic home has the earthy texture of its Mediterranean influence combined with the modern edge of art deco design. This stately home gives off a calm and relaxing vibe when you enter the door. I can imagine this home through the various seasons. Enjoying the warm breeze on a hot summers night with the numerous windows opened, or sitting in front of the angular plastered fireplace warming up to a crackling fire on a chilly winters night. Features that I adore are the iron scroll work detail along the rear exterior of the house, the clean lines of the stairway banister, the vintage light fixtures throughout the house and the etched vintage shower door in the bathroom.

This home will speak to a person who is yearning for a larger home with with tranquil views of San Francisco and the Oakland Hills. Someone who wants modern convenience of a solid surface kitchen counter tops and high efficiency appliances accompanied with every 1938 detail still in tack. This home is located in the Oakmore Highland neighborhood of Oakland a community of well manicured homes built between the 1930's and 1950's. Oakmore Highland's is located just below highway 13 between Lincoln and Park Blvd.

This house is currently listed with Coldwell Banker for $1,099,000 and the photos are courtesy of Bonnie Ross.

Photo of the Day - Vintage Cars in Lincoln Square Parking Lot, Oakland

Vincent Brice and Miles Joyner admire the vintage cars in Lincoln Square parking lot, (Oakland Hills) as they sip on milkshakes from Sparky's.

Picture of the Day - Oakland, California

Tuesday morning I was driving along Skyline Boulevard in the Oakland Hills and I was struck by the view.  Oakland is such a beautiful city and one of the highlights is the view of the Bay and San Francisco.  Tuesday we had thick fog that covered most of the city, but on Skyline Boulevard, I was above it all.  Look at the blanket of fog!

Oakland Artist Carrie Lederer

Oakland is such a culturally rich city. On a daily basis, I come in contact with creative people. Carrie Lederer creates vibrant pieces of art depicting the origin or life. Carrie says, "Looking closely at these two worlds—a garden and the universe—I can see that my work conveys the order beneath the confusion found in both."

I love her intricate detail and color palette. Visit Carrie's website, http://www.carrielederer.com/

Mystical 1924 Home in Upper Rockridge, Oakland

Currently I am in search of the perfect home for my buyer clients who are relocating to Oakland. Although this home is not a good match for my clients needs; I was and am intrigued by this mystical home. This 1924 traditional home has an old world quality,that makes you wish you could see this home at its birth. The walls, casings,and vintage door knobs are in pristine condition. The grand staircase and turned wood railing lead to a large landing perfect for a library. The views of Downtown Oakland and San Francisco are fantastic and the since this home escaped the 1991 Oakland Hill Fire, the terraced backyard is studded with mature landscaping.

This four bedroom,2 bathroom home is available for the first time in 51 years,and it appears that the owner loved his home for many years.Listed for $999,000. This home is captivating, email me if you want a tour.

Cheers!

This home is listed with Tim Gullinksen, and the photos are courtesy of Tim.

Quality Homes Wanted in Oakland and Berkeley

Over the last week, I have been house hunting for my buyer clients in both Oakland and Berkeley. Buyers are looking for houses in the best locations that will hold their value throughout any real estate market, (with sensible floor plans). Because most sellers are holding off on selling as they are waiting for a better real estate market, quality inventory is low. Buyers are still out there hoping to take advantage of the real estate market slow down and folks are getting frustrated by the selection.

The people who are choosing to sell their homes are homeowners who want to move up. They realize that they will not get as much money for their home, but they also know that they will not spend as much on the larger home. (Depending on the area)

Other homeowners are selling their homes due to divorce, job relocation, empty- nesters who want to downsize and death. (People who have lived in a home for decades until they died).

There is a great deal of inventory in the transitional neighborhoos at low price points, but for folks who want to purchase a home with a price tag of $550K-$800K you have company. I am seeing multiple bids placed on 3 bedroom houses in prime locations that will hold their values. The exception is when a house is over priced to begin with as these houses sit on the market until the price drops.

Overall, the Oakland and Berkeley real estate market will continue to be a strong market for real estate, as we are close San Francisco and we have the best weather and sense of community!

1928 Traditional Home in the Berkeley Hills

Yesterday I was on Broker's Tour looking at the newest listings to hit the Oakland and Berkeley real estate market. (Hunting for new properties for my buyer clients).  As I approached 689 Alvarado Road, I was calmed by the tree lined street and I was excited to see this home that escaped the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley Hill Fire.

689 Alvarado is a grand property that is on amazing grounds. Set back from the street, the walk way to the entry is a lush garden full of mature trees. I am posting this home, as it has un-touched 1920's character and charm. This home embraces the outdoors, the views and all that we hold dear about living in Berkeley and Oakland. If this were my personal residence, I could imagine planning an intimate wedding for my daughter on the dreamy grounds (when she grows up).

This house is currently listed with Grubb Co. and the photos are coutesy of Dana Cohen. (Thanks Dana!)

Mid-Century Modern Rancher in the Oakland Hills

Three years ago, my dear friend purchased a 1963 ranch home in the Oakland Hills. The house was structurally sound, had plenty of room for her expanding family and was a cosmetic "fixer".

There is so much to like about this home, the built-in dressers in the master bedroom, the wall hung vintage toilets, the floor to ceiling windows and the courtyard in the center of the house. (The house is shaped like a U).

Almost immediately after her family moved in, plans were drawn to transform this rancher. Walls were taken down so the kitchen and family rooms formed a great room. An extra door was cut into the family room to bring more indoor-outdoor access. The carpet was removed and hardwood floors were installed. (This home was built without hardwood floors in the living room, dining room and family room.) Texture and depth was added with a slate fireplace surround in the family room, maple and cherry wood cabinetry in the kitchen and warm and earthy paint colors warmed the walls.

This California rancher is full of life! I call this an artistic, cozy, mid-century modern.

1959 Montclair (Oakland, CA) Home...For a Lifetime

I was touched by the story of this home. A couple built this home in 1959, raised their 7 children here and lived here until their death. A house for a lifetime nearly 50 years! (By the way, when we talk about needing space... they raised 7 children in a three bedroom house, those were the days!) The backyard is extra large as these owners and their neighbor, (some years back) purchased the rear vacant lot and sub-divided it, so each family could have a wonderful garden.

With floor to ceiling windows, some San Francisco views and all level living, this home could be yours for a lifetime. This home is listed with Red Oak Realty and photos are courtesy of Arthur White. Home offered at $799,000.

Mid Century Modern Remix

2 Marsh Place located on the Piedmont Side of Montclair, (Montclair west of highway 13) is a stunning 1962 show stopper. With floor to ceiling windows, views of San Francisco and level play areas, this is truly a special property. The home has been extensively updated with modern finishes, but the mid-century character still shines through. A home that boasts pride and perfection, there are no tacky shortcuts. As I toured this house, I said to myself, "I would live here!" What is the cost of this Montclair Mid-Century Modern? This home is listed at $1,595,000. Photos are courtesy of Hugh Robertson of Maison Nouveau, (Thanks Hugh!)

Mid-Century in North Berkeley

This 1952 ranch house in North Berkeley was my favorite home from last Thursday's Broker's Tour. (Broker's Tour for the East Bay is every Monday and Thursday; the tour is for Brokers and Realtors view new listings for their clients.) This home is sunny with spacious rooms and great outdoors spaces. The kitchen is clean and cheery, I can almost imagine a homemaker preparing banana and vanilla wafer pudding on the counter while a school girl completes her homework in the breakfast nook during the 1950's.

This mid-century home is located in one Berkeley's best neighborhoods on Virginia Street. A few blocks about Shattuck on a tree lined street, walking or biking distance to Chez Pannise, Peet's Coffee, Andronico's Grocery and Elephant Pharmacy and more. This 1600+ square foot 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is listed by Pacific Union for $775,000. Photos are courtesy of Jack McPhail.

I am happy to schedule an appointment for a private showing of this property.

Landscaping Anyone?

Okay, I get it! Times are tough, water is scarce, and gardens are evaporating. As I walk my neighborhood I am seeing the relics of landscaped front yards. If you are thinking of digging up the dead sod, here is some inspiration. EBMUD has a few rebates, click here to view. Additionally more and more Oakland and Berkeley homeowners are choosing shrubs and foliage other than grass.

This home is in the Redwood Heights District of Oakland. I love the texture that is created by the variety of colors and foliage. This front yard was designed to thrive with little water.

Grand Dame in Crocker Highlands

This grand house was my favorite new listing from yesterday's Broker's Tour. What's not to like about this grand dame? With beamed ceilings, handsome woodwork, natural light, oversized rooms and stately entry, this John Hudson Thomas, 1912 home in picturesque Crocker Highlands is an entertainers dream.

This home is currently listed with Pacific Union and photos are courtesy of Teri Carlisle. List Price, $2,350,000 (6 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms) This property is being shown by appointment, email me for an appointment.

Oakland Photographer Christina Hernandez

I love meeting people and mingling. This is one of the reasons I do so well as an Oakland Realtor. My kids hate it when we are in Montclair Village or on Lakeshore Avenue, as I am always seeing people I know. Of course when I see someone I know whether it is from Skyline High School,(the high school I attended.) or an Open House, I have to stop and say hello.

Christina Hernandez is a fantastic photographer that I have met at Redwood Heights Elementary School. The school in which both of our children attend. For twelve years Christina was a photographer for the S. F Chronicle. Now Christina is a freelance photographer doing her magic for families and national magazines. To help get us through "hump day", Christina has sent me this wonderful picture, entitled Happiness!

Here's to a wonderful Wednesday and check out Christina's websites, click here! (editoral website)

http://www.kocihernandez.com/ (fine art website)

http://www.kristinimage.com/ (weddings and portraits)

House Envy! This 1936 Crocker Highland, (In Oakland) Traditional is Calling My Name.

The year was 1936:

• Franklin Roosevelt is re-elected for a second term.
• Max Schmeling knocks out Joe Lewis in the 12th round at Yankee Stadium.
• The Olympics were in Berlin Germany and Jesse Owens won the 100m dash.
• The first superhero to wear a skin tight costume and mask, The Phantom makes his first appearance in US Newspapers.
• And 950 Park Lane was built!

This classic Crocker Highland home is calling my name. With its handsome original woodwork, stunning staircase with scrolled railing, vintage stove, extra large rooms, and fantastic layout, I am envious of the person who will call this place home. 950 Park Lane is a home in need of system upgrades, but with a little sweat, vision and money; this house will be a masterpiece.

If I were to buy this home for myself, I would polish it back to its glory day of 1936, keeping every bit of its original charm. I would study the style of the 1930's and I would implement that era with a few modern and energy efficient upgrades.

This beautiful Oakland home was my favorite house from yesterday's Broker's Tour.

This home is currently listed with Tarpoff and Talbert and the photos are courtesy of Pat and Anet. I am happy to schedule a private showing of this wonderful home.

Mid- Century Treehouse in Berkeley

Labor Day is over, school is in; look for more new listings to hit the real estate market this September and October.

This was my favorite house from last week's broker's tour. Being that my children are older and a big backyard is not necessary for me now, I really like the idea of having a private deck in the front of the house and a deck with views off of the living room. This Reece Clark house was well designed, as the kitchen is very close to the extra large front deck, making entertaining and barbecuing easy. The living room has a beautiful raised ceiling with beams and there are fantastic views from almost every room. This house made me feel like I was in a luxurious tree house! Built in 1962, this mid-century home in Berkeley is in an ideal location; if you lived here you could walk to Peet's Coffee, Rick and Ann's restaurant, Red Bird boutique and Vessel boutique. This home is 148 Stonewall Road in Berkeley and it is currently listed with Grubb Co. Photos are courtesy of Carolyn Jones.

Live in Art

Whether it is a beautiful kitchen, the sculpture of tree branches, or a painting, I love art! Recently, I held an art gala at one of my recent listings in the Redwood Heights district of Oakland, featuring the art of Hope Meredith. As we staged the beautiful 1941 bungalow preparing it for the market, we hung Hope's original art in every room. Once everything was polished, and the fresh flowers were in place, it was time for an open house/art gala. Both neighbors, friends, and perspective homebuyers mingled while enjoying wine, snacks, the house and art. Viewing art in the ambiance of a home is quite unique and special, and I am happy to announce Hope sold 6 pieces from her collection. This is what Hope said about the experience, "Deidre created an art opening within an open house- what a great way to showcase both, the house and the artwork! I never saw anyone do this before. I hope it's an idea that catches on! "You might remember me marketing this home, I advertised it as Javier's House located at 3318 Jordan Road; it successfully SOLD! To view this recently sold property go to, www.3318Jordan.com.

Festivals and Street Fairs, The East Bay is Bubbling with Culture!

Being that I am a lifelong resident, I can't imagine living anywhere else. I admit, the Bay Area is all I know, but I really enjoy the culture here! It is funny, when I drive to cities just outside the Oakland-Berkeley area, I can feel the difference almost immediately. I think we have more artists and environmentally conscience citizens here who breed a different way of life. Speaking of culture here are few local upcoming events! Labor Day Weekend is Oakland's Art and Soul Festival. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and kids under 12 and Seniors are FREE. Enjoy live music from artists like Lenny Williams, Stephanie Mills and Bobby Hutchenson. For more information go to www.artandsouloakland.com

On September 7th go hear Pete Escovedo, Vincent Herring and Earth Jazz Agents, and more at Montclair Village's Jazz and Wine Festival. Admission is FREE! For more information go to www.montclairjazzandwine.org . On Sunday September 14th go to the East Bay's largest street festival, the 34th Annual Solano Stroll. This FREE event focuses on local artist and businesses. For more information go to, www.solanoavenueassn.org.

The Cupcake is Back!

One day I was on my way to a movie at the AMC movie theatre on Bay Street in Emeryville, and I decided to skip the Red Vines from the concession stand and try a cookie from Teacake Bake Shop across the street. I made a great choice!

I don't know if I should be promoting this business, as the treats  here could be addictive!  You can buy freshly baked cookies and cupcakes made with fresh ingredients, baked all throughout the day. With choices like chocolate cookies with no nuts and pink velvet cupcakes, it can seem as if every option is calling your name. If you read this blog and put Teacake's on your to-do list, try to go on a Thursday, as the cookie of the day is a Pecan Praline. Unbelievable! Besides flavorful moist cookies, you have to love the pink and chocolate brown shop that is as clean as a whistle.   A platter of cupcakes is a great alternative to birthday cakes, my daughter Nia asked for a box of pink velvet cupcakes for her birthday. With no forks or plates needed, I plan on ordering cupcakes for my next party. Visit Teacakes at, www.TeacakeBakeShop,com. Cookies are $2 each and cupcakes are $3; oh, if you decide to try a sampler bag of 4 day old cookies the cost is $7.

If you are having a craving for treat and you are in North Berkeley, stop by Love At First Bite.   Located in Walnut Square in the Gourmet Ghetto. All I can say is try the PB Affair cupcake, a chocolate cupcake with REAL peanut butter frosting.

Visit online at, www.loveatfirstbitebakery.com.