Archive for the ‘Alameda County: Berkeley, Oakland’ Category
September 30, 2008
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about several Oakland properties north of me that have been inching closer in price to the amount I paid for my house two years ago. I lamented that I would have done well to wait out the housing bubble: had I done so, I likely could have scored a larger house in a more valuable neighborhood. One of the properties, 1267 Bates Rd., was puzzling since it’s price ($529,000) did not seem to match its location (the coveted Trestle Glen). Readers Rbehs and Optionarm pointed out respectively:
I believe Bates is under large powerlines
and
In the street view for Bates, if you angle the view upwards you can see the large powerstructure
Sure enough, checking out the Google street view for the Bates home, you can see a humongous transformer in the backyard. Ahhh…Nothing like Redfin readers to give you the lowdown on real estate. This prompted several other cool readers (hi Art, David, Jackie and Adam!) to discuss the perils of having a huge hunk of power structure hovering over you: loud humming, definitely not eye candy and possible adverse health effects from EMFs (electromagnetic fields). Thanks dear readers! Not only did you educate me on yet one more item to be aware of when purchasing a house, you got me investigating EMF’s (for this thirtysomething, I hitherto only knew EMF as the band that sang the catchy “Unbelievable”, you know, that song that was played at proms and clubs across the US in the ’90’s?) Interestingly, I couldn’t find much that has been written about EMFs after 2002 when the California Environmental Health Investigations Branch was commissioned to do a study on their alleged health hazards. (See California EMF Program and their Short Fact Sheet on EMF ).
The World Health Organization (WHO) website also has a pretty comprehensive and user friendly overview of EMF’s. What sturck me most was one of their tables comparing acceptable exposure limits. They note that 5,000 V/m (volts per meter) is the highest acceptable “public exposure” while 10,000 V/m is the highest “occupational exposure”. Ok. Fine. So just know what you’re getting into if you work in a field where you’ll have high occupational exposure, right? Not so fast. You should also be aware of possible high exposure if your home is close (under?!?) a power transformer, since “powerline exposure beneath large power lines” is estimated to be around 10,000 V/m (compare this to only 100 V/m exposure for homes not near power structures). Of course, this brings me to the Trestle Glen homes. How much will you be exposed to under those big suckers? While much of the research has not found conclusive evidence of the health risks they pose, WHO states:
There is no doubt that short-term exposure to very high levels of electromagnetic fields can be harmful to health. Current public concern focuses on possible long-term health effects caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below those required to trigger acute biological responses.
and
Despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health.
However, the 2002 California study found:
an association between leukemia and…high magnetic field exposure such as living very near a powerline…
All of this sheds some light on why some of these Trestle Glen homes might be having a hard time selling (on top of our already disastrous market). But what do you say? Would you think twice about living under a power transformer? Let me know your thoughts, and again, a big shout out to everyone who brought my attention to transformers and EMFs in the first place!
More links discussing EMFs:
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health
US Department of Labor OSHA ELF Radiation Hazard Locations and Solutions
Wi-Fi As A Health Hazard
Electric Power Research Institute
September 30, 2008
There has been a rush of new listings on the Berkeley market this past couple of weeks. On one day alone I counted 11 newly listed homes in my Redfin update email.
My assumption is that people are getting their houses out there before the winter sets in. The economic meltdown will also be playing a part — if you’ve lost your job or a huge slice of your pension has been wiped off the slate, downsizing on your home and stashing some cash under your mattress sounds like a good idea right now.
It will be of some comfort to home sellers to know that, at least over the past month or so, prices are holding their own in the city. Check out Bob Blumberg’s monthly sales report for August and look closely at the “list price versus sales price” percentages — a majority are comfortably close to 100%, with many in excess of that.
The tables below show two weeks’ worth of homes sold in Berkeley in September (weeks ending 21 and 28).
Let’s look at how these homes fared in terms of ticket versus closing price:
10% UP: 699 Hilldale Avenue, a 2/1 1930s home with inner courtyard and partial views, sold for $810,000 on a list price of $735,000.
2% DOWN: 3122 Eton Avenue (pictured right), a brown-shingle duplex with 2+/1 upstairs and 3/1 down and a two-car garage, sold for $1,170,000 on a list price of $1,198,000.
8% UP: 76 Plaza Drive, a 1961 3-bed one-level in a pricey neighborhood, sold for $1,285,000 on a list price of $1,195,000
SPOT ON: 1481 Campus Drive, a 3/2 mid-century “livable light fixer” in the north Berkeley hills, did take almost a year to sell, but it went for $750,000 on a list price of $749,000.
12% DOWN: 1531 Oregon Street, a 3/2, 1,294 sq ft home, sold for $350,000 on an asking price of $399,000.
3% DOWN: 1357 Northside, a 3-bed home unfortunately associated with a heartbreaking family murder, perhaps understandably, sold for $599,000 on a list price of $620,000.
September 28, 2008
Reading Tracy Taylor’s A Building So Beautiful It Has to Bode Well for Oakland prompted me to write about several properties I see on my way home from work. If you take Oakland’s 14th Avenue exit off of 580 W and drive south (down 14th), you’ll pass Highland Hopsital on your right and then a curious scene will emerge on the hill to your left: a bunch of falling real estate. Literally. Three homes on Wallace St. in Oakland’s San Antonio District are cracked and sliding off the hill. Uninhabited for a number of years now, the three homes had to be abandoned by their owners due to foundations damaged by moving down the slope. However, according to an inside source, though several investigations were done to determine the cause of the houses’ movement, engineers have not been able to figure out just what has caused this unfortuante (and heartbreaking for the owners and neighbors) situation. From what I hear, the city is finally agreeing to pick up the tab to demolish the homes (since the homeowners’ insurance has not covered it). Yet with Dellums’ recent call to trim the city’s budget due to the deficit, could this promise be in jeopardy?
Pictured below is a side view of one of the properties that shows the tilt downward:
September 25, 2008
Somehow I have managed not to see Oakland’s new Cathedral of Christ the Light in the flesh, or in photographs, until today when I dropped in to Curbed SF.
I am literally awe-struck. This is one very, very beautiful building.
Designed by international architects Skidmore Owings & Merrill, the cathedral, which is in a prime spot on the edge of Lake Merritt, is being consecrated today. I can’t help but think that this gorgeous building will be good news for Oakland — and I don’t just mean in terms of the gospel of St John.
[Photos credit: Inhabitat.]
September 24, 2008
There’s an exciting new home for sale in Berkeley folks. And here’s what it looks like:
You won’t find any further visual clues on the listing either. It should be a feast for the eyes when it opens to the public, though: a mid-century modern designed by the distinguished Ratcliff architectural practice, set on 36,000 sq ft of wooded land on Panoramic Way. Price: $1,795,000 ($619/sq ft).
Update:Redfin’s tech-savvy Bahn thought to scroll around a little on the Google image above and came up with this — a tantalizing glimpse of the house:
September 24, 2008
Back in May, Redfin readers said loud and clear that they opposed Congress’ bailing out homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages.
“If I can’t pay my rent I don’t get to keep my apartment and nobody is going to bail me out. Why should I be forced to pay their mortgage?” asked Greg.
Well, now it appears that Congress is going to bail out the financial institutions that made these dire mistakes in the first place. Or rather, we, the taxpayers, are going to do so. The country’s financial survival is at stake, we are told, so in this case, is it necessary? Folks on angryrenter.com don’t think so; they say it’s welfare for Wall Street.
Readers (among them David, dg, morgan and sb) have argued in the past that if buyers facing foreclosure aren’t punished, they might feel they can do it again with impunity (”moral hazard.”) Does this apply to the financial institutions? Or is there no choice in order to keep world financial markets alive? (Photo: digitalshay on flickr.)
September 23, 2008
There’s something about the Northbrae neighborhood that makes me think I’m in Berkeley’s heartland. It could be the way homeowners wear their politics on their sleeves with banners for their local councilors or favored presidential candidate scattered liberally among the begonias; or the high number of Prius sightings; or the block parties one stumbles across — or maybe just the hotch potch of people, architectural styles and income levels all living seemingly happily under the same sun. Very Berkeley.
In any event for some reason there are a lot of fresh Northbrae listings this week — and they all come in at under $600/sq ft.
1829 Monterey Avenue (above, left and right), a 3/2 stucco traditional, looks good on the outside and has some nice original features. But the layout is unorthodox, with a master bedroom and tiny bathroom making up the entire second floor. There’s a garage/studio conversion and a pleasant back yard. Price: $995,000 ($565/sq ft).
What 1024 Sierra Street (above) lacks somewhat in charm, it makes up for in space. This 6-bedroom house (one of which at least has great views) also has an enormous family room below ground. Price: $1,100,000 ($396/sq ft).
The 2/1 Craftsman bungalow at 1168 Colusa (above left) will make the perfect starter home for someone. It needs some TLC, having not been on the market for 60 years, but there is definitely something to work with, not least a private garden presided over by a magnificent persimmon tree just waiting for the touch of a green-thumbed visionary. Price: $699,000 ($573/sq ft). While 1438 Edith Street (above right) will suit someone who relishes garage space. Two (one double) come with this 2++/1 house on a mini-hill which also has a large bonus room under its eaves. Price: $749,000 ($597/sq ft).
1225 Monterey Avenue (above) a 2/1 traditional bungalow built in 1921, is close to the wonderful Monterey Market and boasts a lovely open-plan kitchen which gives onto a particularly lush garden. Price: $719,500 ($566/sq ft).
Finally, a mystery. While on my Northbrae stroll I snapped a picture of this incredibly sweet-looking powder-blue house (right) that is also for sale. Trouble is I can’t remember which street I was on and cannot find a listing that matches. Any clues readers?
September 21, 2008
Last week’s meltdown of the financial markets is going to change the world as we know it. As fellow blogger Brenda Keener said in a post yesterday, some are speculating that global markets are in a state of collapse that rivals that of the Great Depression of 1929.
A friend of mine went to her bank (Washington Mutual) Friday and discovered a line of people waiting to withdraw their money going out the door and snaking around the block. Talk about your Great Depression. Is it time to show the film clip from “It’s a Wonderful Life” when Jimmy Stewart, playing a banker, explains to a mob trying to withdraw their money, “I don’t have your money in a safe. It’s in Joe’s house, and Bob’s house….”
I agree with Brenda that the U.S. economy is not going to collapse, and with MDAccount, who doesn’t think unemployment will be anywhere near the 25 percent it was in the first depression. (It’s around 7 percent in California now.) That said, things are going to be less than comfortable for a while. What can we do to ride it out as best we can?
Some excellent tips: Frequent commenter Brendan said in response to an earlier post, ” Read the rest of this entry »
September 20, 2008
Three years this summer; that’s how long I have lived in Berkeley. So, as the chillier autumnal air creeps over me’ windowsill, I see no more fitting way to mark this anniversary than with a round-up of what — in no particular order — makes this city so special.
1. UC Berkeley (above right) All university cities are to some extent defined by their colleges. Berkeley happens to have a first-class one to boot. And while we may not be supping with Nobel Prize winners on a regular basis, we, the unassociated, benefit with a vibrant student culture; intellectual pickings day and night; and the general air of a place where wise thoughts are being thought at all times.
2. Tilden Regional Park (above left): Inspiration Point, doggy paradise, walking, cycling and hiking trails, great big gulps of gorgeous Eucalyptus scented air, and views to die for. On your doorstep.
3. Alice Waters: You may only eat at Chez Panisse once in a blue moon, but its owner’s influence, in the Bay Area and across the world, cannot be underestimated. Whether this daughter of Berkeley is transforming our kids’ school lunches or urging us to slow down, it’s all good.
4. Adventure Playground at the Berkeley Marina: This extraordinary place has to be seen to be believed. Equipped with real hammers, nails, saws and paintbrushes, children as young as seven, largely left to their own devices, build the playground of their dreams (rather than have it imposed on them by risk-averse adults). They say the inspiration was found in Europe, but I’ve never seen anything like this there.
5. Berkeley Bowl: No apologies for another foodie entry — it’s one of the reasons we love to live (and nosh) here. This verging on anarchic market is nothing short of superb. The freshest, most delicious produce, much of it local, a huge range of deli goods and great prices ensure it’s frequented by gourmets of all shades — whether home cooks, renowned food connoisseurs or top chefs. And now we’re getting a second one.
6. Moe’s Books: The tragedy is that I can only list this literary institution, the city having bid farewell to several great book stores in the past few years, most notably the much lamented Cody’s. Moe’s has been around since the heyday of the beatniks. Let’s hope it has many more birthdays to celebrate.
7. Berkeley High School (above left): How encouraging that another educational establishment makes the grade. Parents have been known to lie about their place of residence and beg, borrow or steal to secure an out-of-district transfer for their munchkin to attend this highly respected school — which ranks a more than respectable 286th out of 1,300 in America’s Top High Schools list.
8. Tree huggers: OK, so you may not want to spend your days suspended from a giant oak tree growing increasingly smelly. But aren’t you glad there are still people out there willing to suffer for a cause and stand up to The Man occasionally on your behalf? They are inevitably Berkeleyians.
9. Berkeley Repertory Theater: Consistently high standard of productions in an intimate setting. And once in a while they get to show Broadway how it’s done.
10. Peet’s Coffee (above right): Alright already, I know it’s a foodie one again, but surely coffee deserves its own category. And this really is excellent coffee. The stores are always inviting, even if you do have to form an orderly queue for your morning brew, and it’s the one thing Bay Area expats invariably say they miss the most. (Good thing they can order it online.)
That’s it. I fully expect people to disagree with some of my choices and look forward to hearing what theirs would be — if they are inclined to share.
[Photo credits: Tilden -- www.flickr.com/photos/maplebed; UC -- www.berkeley.edu; Berkeley High -- http://bhs.berkeleyschools.org/; Peet's -- /www.peets.com]
Update: Just spotted this rather OTT column on Berkeley Bowl, published in the LA Times today. Hat-tip Eater SF.
September 18, 2008
I bought my Oakland house near the height of the housing bubble, circa 2006. Since then, I’ve watched with chagrin as housing prices drop like bombs all around. Still, many of the homes I’ve seen take the steepest dives have been in dire need of repair, homes that should never have gone for above $400k max, even during an overpriced housing market. So it’s given me some comfort to know that while my home price has dropped (got the assessor’s statement over the summer, wow) homes that I viewed as a “step-above” mine still had not dropped to the price I paid for my tidy craftsman bungalow (the sweet 1913 home my inspector said was solid and incredibly well-maintained). Well, today I start crying into my beer, ‘cuz I’ve found some homes that are in more desirable neighborhoods than mine and are approaching (or are at) the price I paid two years ago. Wail. Here they are:
1267 Bates Rd. is described as a “bright, sunny and cheerful” 1920’s Mediterranean in the Trestle Glen neighborhood. Priced at $529,000 it’s the lowest listing I’ve seen for Trestle Glen. Nearby properties have sold in at least the $600-$700k range; once you cross over Holman Rd. on the map you’re getting into million dollar listings.
1131 Excelsior Ave. pictured above is a 3bd/1ba 1667 SF home in lower Crocker Highlands close to the 580 freeway. It’s been reduced from $550,000 to an even $500,000 and has been on Redfin for 119 days. The property style is listed as “traditional” and I’m not sure what that means: from the picture it looks like a house you’d find in the French countryside, replete with a sloping roof that you could easily imagined thatched. Just for added flair, it has a row of impeccably trimmed lollipop tree-bushes in front. The fact that it’s been on the market for almost 4 months is odd; anyone know the story?
Finally we have 8888 Skyline Boulevard , a 2bd/2ba A-frame that will be auctioned off “to the highest bidder” on October 9th at 12pm. It’s minimum price is $449,000. While there are no photos (and I could not find any while googling either, so please let me know if you find some) it is described as having an in-law unit that rents for $850/month. So will it come with the renter? That’ll do nicely for the mortgage payment if so.
