Rockridge



How Graphs Can Help Buyers


Often times people know what they want, but have no idea what it costs. I would love to live in Upper Rockridge for $600,000, but I know that is not feasible.

A client came to me looking to buy a home in three specific neighborhoods – Rockridge, Claremont and Crocker Highlands.

He came to me with no real knowledge of the market or what these neighborhoods typically sell for. So as a way to help familiarize him with the market and the prices that these neighborhoods typically command, I had these graphs made for him. After he reviewed them, he was able to determine if these neighborhoods would in fact fit in his budget.

Below are some samples of the graphs I prepared for him: (Elmwood, Crocker Highlands, Claremont 1st quarter 2008 – April  2011)

Average Sale Price

Average Days on Market

Quantity of Solds


Rockridge Affordable? Yep!


Last week I voted 401 Avon my favorite house from Broker’s Tour.  With a much smaller house in Temescal selling for over $700,000, this house is priced right.  401 Avon is a huge 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom at 1694 square feet, (according to the MLS) has great upgrades and light.  Henry Mather Green and Charles Sumner Greene were influential of the craftsman era.  (Mather and Green combined arts and crafts with inspiration from China and Japan.)  Giving a nod to its Japanese influence, the seller of this property added shoji screens.   This property is listed with Leonard Carrillo of Red Oak Realty.
Love the Wedgewood Stove.

Love the Wedgewood stove.

401 Avon in Rockrige, so clean and calm.

401 Avon in Rockrige, so clean and calm.


Fab Rockridge Redo!


350 Forest Street in the Rockridge district of Oakland was my favorite house on Broker’s Tour last week.  This glorious craftsman, has the detailed you want in a vintage home, box-beam ceilings in the dinging room, built-in’s and pillars, silky smooth hardwood floors, wood windows, but it has a modern edge with upgrades galore, including scrumptious kitchen and bathroom remodels.  This house is listed with my friend and colleague Stefanie Parrott for $989,000.  Oh, did I mention that you can sell your car if you buy this pad?  You are a block away from Rockridge BART as well as a block away from Market Hall on College Avenue.

forest07

forest08

forest10

forest19


Temescal Outing, Oakland


A few weeks back I was invited to the Spring Serrahna fashion show that was being held at Tanjia’s restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland.  I have to admit I had never heard of this Moroccan eatery, but I was down for something new.  From the humble exterior one would never know how grand the interior is.  As I entered into the shadowy candle-lit dining room, I was amazed by the tented room draped with rich fabrics.  It was as if I walked into a scene of a novel.  I was taken to a dining table about the height of my living room  coffee table and was seated on a leather pillow.  The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed and I was entertained by fantastic Moroccan music and models who were showcasing the clothes of Andrea Serrahn.  I had an scrumptious order of lamb brochette with spices that permeated through the meat.  Just when I thought my entertainment was over, I was charmed by belly dancing.  I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and the best part, was the 10 minute drive from Tanjia to my bed.  Serrahna is a Rockridge clothing boutique that features contemporary clothing made from India textiles and are made for REAL women.  (I love how Andrea had her clients showcase her designs!)  serrahna.com and tanjias.com

 

In the heart of Temescal is Tanjia Restaurant

In the heart of Temescal is Tanjia Restaurant, photo by Deidre

 

Asha Stokes is showcasing clothes by Andrea Serrahn

Asha Stokes is showcasing clothes by Andrea Serrahn

Asha Stokes is showcasing designs by Andrea Serrahn, photo by Deidre

Asha Stokes is showcasing designs by Andrea Serrahn, photo by Deidre