An autumn market update for Berkeley, CA - 11/20/09 07:16 PM
Since August there's been a tangible sense that the market was getting stronger, and not just in the immediate Berkeley area. Buyers who had the financial means to buy decided, finally, to get off the fence. Properties that had been sitting for some time went into contract as a result. We also began to see significantly more all-cash sales, and in higher price ranges. Two of the properties for which I had buyers recently had competition from all-cash buyers at the $1.0 - 1.4M range.
So far this year only one of my buyers has been fortunate enough to get their … (3 comments)

El Cerrito homeowners: think twice before you do work without permits! - 11/18/09 07:50 PM
Today I heard yet another story that sent chills down my spine! Like the previous story heard about a week ago, this one involved an El Cerrito property that had recently sold. The new owners had taken out permits for some work that they wished to do on their new home. When the job, a small one in this case, was completed, the inspector was very interested in visiting the property. Once there, the inspector asked to see other parts of the home that had not been modified. Long story shorter, the new buyers were fined for all previous work that had … (0 comments)

Expanded Home Buyer benefits in the new Tax Credit Law - 11/18/09 07:02 PM
Nov 9th, 2009
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that both extended the tax credit for First-time buyers, and expanded the program to allow some current homeowners to participate, if they soon purchase a replacement home. Because of widespread incidents of fraud, purchasers must now attach documentation proving they actually bought a qualifying home to qualify for the credit.
Additionally the income guidelines have been increased: now a single taxpayer can qualify if they earn up to $125,000 and up to $225,000 for … (3 comments)

 
Arlene Baxter, Berkeley CA & environs, Listing/Buying agent, Historic to Green, 2012 REALTOR of the Year, Berkeley Association (Red Oak Realty) Rainmaker_large

Arlene Baxter, Berkeley CA & environs, Listing/Buying agent, Historic to Green

2012 REALTOR of the Year, Berkeley Association

Berkeley, CA

More about me…

Red Oak Realty

Address: @GreenBungalows on Twitter, Berkeley, CA, 94707

Cell Phone: (510) 717-1799

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Arlene Baxter's musings on the state of real estate in Berkeley, CA and its neighboring communities, and the joys and pleasures of this area that inspire so many fine folks to want to live here. In-depth East Bay real estate market updates, restaurant reviews, architectural appreciation and garden gandering!


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