FALL SEASON OF MIRACLES - 10/31/11 11:37 PM
 
FALL SEASON OF MIRACLES
 
 
 
Almost a year ago, on November 7th, 2010 my husband was asked by his doctor to have a scan of his heart taken.  My husband had experienced shortness of breath and his doctor wanted to be sure he was OK.  There appeared to be some blockage of a vein and he was asked to have another test.
 
A few days later we went to the hospital were my husband had a heart catherization which showed a cardiac vein and coronary artery completely blocked.  He was then whisked immediately into the OR to … (29 comments)

MY REAL ESTATE ELEVATOR SPEECH - 10/31/11 07:45 PM
MY REAL ESTATE ELEVATOR SPEECH


Buying or selling real estate in Alameda can be a difficult proposition.  If you are a buyer you may be quivering in fear about whether you will qualify for a loan. Or whether you can find the right home in the area you want in your price range. 
 
If you are a seller you may have nightmares wondering if your home will sell for what you want. 

Don’t be afraid.  I am here to help you.

Buyers, I will assist you in finding a lender who will … (3 comments)

ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT THIRD QUARTER 2011 - 10/28/11 06:33 PM
 
 
ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT THIRD QUARTER 2011
 
 The third quarter statistics for detached, single family homes in for Alameda. 
 

 
Many people think of Alameda as a bedroom community.  And essentially we are.  We have many charming vintage homes, tree lined street, tranquil neighborhoods and a wonderful sense of community.  Those who search Alameda for homes in the past are now finding they can find larger homes in their price range.
 
  

 
Third quarter stats show that one and two bedroom homes sold in Alameda were 19% of the market.  The average sales price … (4 comments)

ALAMEDA POLICE DEPARTMENT TAKING BACK DRUGS - 10/28/11 06:12 PM
 
 
ALAMEDA POLICE DEPARTMENT TAKING BACK DRUGS
 
No, they are not going into another business to add to their coffers.  They are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA) as a collection point for Alamedans to drop off prescription drugs.  Residents are asked to bring their unwanted and expired drugs to the Alameda Police Department at 1555 Oak Street on Saturday October 29 from 10 am to 2 pm.
When my Mom was in her 80's she was taking all sorts of drugs which she never completely used.  Some of them were heavy duty drugs.  When she passed away, we … (0 comments)

HALLOWEEN COMES TO ALAMEDA - 10/28/11 12:39 PM

HALLOWEEN COMES TO ALAMEDA
 
 As we approach Halloween, more and more houses are being decorated for the Trick or Treaters.  Below are three of those home you may want to drive by.  There are other scary decorated homes on the 2600 block of Central Avenue and the 3000 block of Central Avenue.  Be sure to see the house on the corner of Clay and Broadway for a huge Halloween display.
 

 
HAUNTED HOUSE AT THE CORNER OF SAN JOSE AND WILLOW
 

HALLOWEEN WESTERN HOUSE ON SANTA CLARA AVENUE BETWEEN WILLOW AND CHESTNUT



… (7 comments)

GOOGLE CLOUD PRINTING WITH KODAK - 10/28/11 12:18 AM
 
GOOGLE CLOUD PRINTING WITH KODAK
 
Puerto Rico is a favorite destination of my family when we visit the Caribbean.  So much history, beautiful beaches and fun things to do.  It is a great place to relax.
 
However, when I listed a home in Alameda  for a probate sale in which the seller was an executor of a will who happened to live in Puerto Rico, problems were created because of where he lived.  The sale occurred many years ago. My client was in California when we signed the listing agreement and he provided keys to the house and … (3 comments)

COMMON BUYERS' MISCONCEPTIONS - 10/26/11 11:37 PM

COMMON BUYERS' MISCONCEPTIONS
 
Buyers have many misconceptions about Real Estate and the buying process. 

Buyers hear on the news and on the internet that we are in a buyer's market.  They think they can buy anything for a song and get every amenity's they ask for.  Depending on where they live, that may not be the case.  Many markets have improved and some are on a spectacular recovery.  In some markets there are bidding war on very desirable properties.
Buyers thing that they must pay their agent's commission.  A commission is not paid until the property is … (9 comments)

MISCONCEPTIONS BUYERS HAVE ABOUT MORTGAGE BROKERS - 10/26/11 10:48 PM
 
MISCONCEPTIONS BUYERS HAVE ABOUT MORTGAGE BROKERS
 
My customers are pretty sophisticated and have a vast understanding of the real estate current market.  They spend a lot of time on the net reading blogs and articles about real estate, about the current market and new homes for sale.  Occasionally, they will tell me about a property new on the market before I know about it.  Luckily for these clients, prices are lower than they have been in many years and rates may be at all time lows.  They see the advantage of buying a home now.
 
They think they … (5 comments)

A PICKY BUYER OR A PRUDENT BUYER? - 10/26/11 12:46 AM
 
A PICKY BUYER OR A PRUDENT BUYER?
 
I am assisting a long time friend and client with her search for a condo or townhouse.  She is very definite about one thing.  Price.  Price is her most important consideration.  Since she is buying the unit for a family member she doesn't care about amenities, condition and size.  Although she would like the unit to be in very good condition and would like to have a 2 bedroom unit, those criteria are not as important to her as price.
She might be classified as picky but I don't think … (10 comments)

NO FENCE SITTERS ALLOWED - 10/26/11 12:20 AM

NO FENCE SITTERS ALLOWED
 
A buyer whom I am helping find a condo has been equivocating about whether to buy now or wait.  We have looked at many condos which meet the criteria she wanted in a unit.  I have been showing her property for 1 and a half years, off and on.  Each time we meet, after a two or three month interval, she tells me she is ready to purchase now.  And each time something prevents her from making an offer.  First it was location.  She was not satisfied with the areas in which we were look. 
… (4 comments)

INVESTORS NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY INCOME PROPERTY - 10/25/11 11:42 PM
 
INVESTORS NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY INCOME PROPERTY
 
An interesting fact, in this Topsy Turvy market we are in, is that rental prices are rising but rental properties have not recovered from the market slump.  An investor, in Alameda or in most cities, can still find an apartment building, duplex or triplex far below values. 
 
It is amazing to me that investment properties have not experienced an upswing in prices.  In view of the fact that in most cities, apartment rentals are becoming scarce and prices for those apartment rentals are going up, you would think … (9 comments)

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING IN ALAMEDA - 10/25/11 10:50 PM
 
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING IN ALAMEDA
 

 
The Alameda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training is being offered again beginning October 25, 2011 at the Alameda Fire training classroom at 431 Stardust Place, Alameda.
 
CERT class have been offered in Alameda since 2002.  About 560 Alamedans have been trained in disaster preparedness since that time.  The training is free and open to anyone 18 years or older who lives or works in Alameda.
 
There are five classes which include:
 
Personal Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Disaster Medical 1 and 2(two classes) Fire Suppression/Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness … (0 comments)

FIVE REASONS TO BUY A HOME NOW - 10/25/11 10:45 PM

FIVE REASONS TO BUY A HOME NOW
 
Buying a home now is a scary proposition now.  Buyers worry about many things, most notably, will they be paying too much.  Will prices continue to decline?  Will rates go up?  Can they qualify for a loan
 

 
Buyers here are 5 reasons buy now! 
 
1.  First and foremost, renting is not an easy proposition now.  Rental rates have increased and, in some areas where there is little or no inventory, will continue to go up.  The laws of supply and demand are at work.  Many of … (4 comments)

L0OKS TO DIE FOR IN ALAMEDA - 10/23/11 11:50 PM
 
LOOKS TO DIE FOR IN ALAMEDA
 
The Antiques by the Bay Vintage Fashion Faire featured wonderful fashions from Victorian time to the present.  Everything from women's, clothing,  men's clothing, couture fashions, jewelry, accessories, textiles, fine linens and much more.
 
Some of the most charming styles were men's fashions with snappy hats, wide ties and cool vintage suits.
 
Vintage rhinestone, beads, pearls, celluloid bracelets and pins were an eye catching splash of color.   Felt , fur and beaded hats were arranged at rakish angles, wide brimmed sun hats,  cloche felt hats, gloves, jewelry boxes and other accessories were … (13 comments)

CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT AND BERKELEY QUAKES - 10/21/11 12:03 AM

CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT AND BERKELEY QUAKES
Today was the California ShakeOut.  This is a day where we are asked to "Duck, Cover and Hold" to practice what we should do when the big one hits. According to the California ShakeOut website, 8.6 million people participated in the drill.  That happened at 10:20 am this morning and went very well. 
Then at a little after 2PM there was a 4.0 quake 2 miles ESE of Berkeley and 5.1 miles deep.  Mother Nature wasn't through with us.  We were surprised with a second quake at 8:16pm.  According to the USGS the quake was … (8 comments)

ALAMEDA FORECLOSURE REPORT - 10/19/11 10:31 PM
 

ALAMEDA FORECLOSURE REPORT SEPTEMBER 2011
 

 
Alameda is a small island community on the San Francisco Bay with charming neighborhoods, beautiful Victorians and other architectural gems, a low key life style, good schools, many parks and of course the beach.   
 

According to Foreclosure Radar, notices of defaults in the City of Alameda are down 32% from August 2011 filings.  A Notice of Default filing is the first step in the foreclosure process.  When the Notice of Trustee Sale is filed the date and time of an auction is set.  The notice of … (2 comments)

ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT - 10/19/11 01:04 AM
 
ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT


ALAMEDA SHORELINE AT DUSK
Alameda is an island jewel on San Francisco Bay.  Its tree-lined streets, vintage homes, great neighborhood schools and thriving retail districts make it a wonderful place to live, work and play.  Surrounded by the San Francisco Bay, Alameda is blessed with fair weather, gentle bay breezes and incredible access to miles of shoreline.  Every Alameda neighborhood offers it's own unique style and character. 

A GRACEFUL GOLD COAST VICTORIAN

 A FABULOUS FERNSIDE MEDITERRANEAN

In September 2010 it took 5.5 months to sell a home.  Now that time is … (0 comments)

ALAMEDA WALKS - A TOUR OF MASTICK AND FITCH TRACTS - 10/18/11 12:55 AM

A TOUR OF MASTICK AND FITCH TRACTS

The Alameda Walks group took a tour of Central Alameda in in an area which was once owned by the Mastick and the Fitch families.


DENNIS EVANOSKY & ERIC KOS WERE OUR GUIDES


WE STARTED THE TOUR AT THE MASTISK SENIOR CENTER, ONCE AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


ORIGINAL HOME OF THE MASTICK FAMILY NOW BEING REMODELED

The Mastick Station, built in 1864, was one of the original five stations on the San Francisco & Alameda Railroad.  It was named for Edwin B. Mastick a San Francisco … (4 comments)

CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THIS BIRD IS? - 10/17/11 11:38 PM

CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THIS BIRD IS?
 
I was taking pictures Sunday of a housing development I will be blogging about when I saw this bird.  I think it is a gull, but I was too far away to identify it.  And I am a lousy gull identifier.  If you know what it is, please let me know.
 

DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?
 
When I am on picture safari of houses, I always see some interesting birds.  I love Alameda if only for the interesting birds I see. But there are lots of other … (15 comments)

LIVE @ THE LIBRARY 2011 CONCERT SERIES IN ALAMEDA - 10/17/11 10:59 PM
 
LIVE @ THE LIBRARY  2011 CONCERT SERIES IN ALAMEDA
 
Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill will perform at the Alameda Library on Saturday, October 22 at 8 pm at 1550 Oak Street in Alameda.

 



The second concert will feature Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill."Wesla is a gifted performer who breathes life into the exquisite body of Broadway tunes, movie songs and Hit Parade numbers known collectively as the Great American Songbook. Mike is musical director for his wife, Wesla, and is resident piano play...er and sidekick on Sedge Thomson's weekly public radio show, West Coast … (2 comments)

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN AN AGENT GIVES YOU A REPAIR LIST A MILE LONG - 10/17/11 06:26 PM

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN AN AGENT GIVES YOU A REPAIR LIST A MILE LONG 
 
It's day 17 and the contingency time for inspections is done.  You have called the selling agent repeatedly during the 17 days to find out about the results of any inspections.  The house is vacant and the selling agent has scheduled inspections without telling you, the listing agent, when they occurred and what type of inspection were performed. 
 
In the CAR Purchase Agreement, the default time for inspections to occur is 17 days.  On day 17 the selling agent calls and tells you … (3 comments)

ALAMEDA POINT VINTAGE FASHION FAIRE - 10/15/11 07:11 PM

 
ALAMEDA POINT VINTAGE FASHION FAIRE
Find your fashion style at the two day Vintage Fashion Faire at Alameda Point on October 21 and 22 .  The Faire will be held at the "O" Club at the Alameda Point, 641 West Red Line Ave., Alameda.  




October  21 and 22 ** Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire Its a sensational vintage fashion sale with over 50 booths displaying women's and men's clothing, couture, jewelry, accessories, textiles, fine linens and much more.
Special Preview on Friday Night, October 21 starts at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., admission is … (6 comments)

ALAMEDA NAMED ONE OF THE 100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - 10/15/11 02:21 AM

ALAMEDA NAMED ONE OF THE 100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Once again the City of Alameda has been names one of the 100 best communities for young people in the country by the America's Promise Alliance. 
The America’s Promise Alliance has become the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of young people under the auspices of founding Chairman General Colin Powell and current Chair Alma Powell.  The program is dedicated to curbing high school dropouts.
According to the America's Promise Alliance the community of Alameda has implemented a program called Let’s Move Alameda, a six-week summer physical … (12 comments)

Goldilocks & The Three Bears-Writing The Best Offer For Your New Home - 10/13/11 02:15 PM
********
Cindy Jones' blog about writting offer that will be accepted.  She uses the three bears analogy to show why the too low and too high offers won't be accepted.  Her advice is write a "just right" offer if you want your offer accepted.  Good advice Cindy.
***********
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (CJ Realty Group, Inc.):
In Northern Virginia the competition for listings is strong.Not as crazy as the height of the market but in many cases listings will bring multiple offers. For Northern Virginia buyers that means working closely with a buyer’s agent to craft the … (2 comments)

ALAMEDA WALKS - MASTICK & FITCH ARCHITECTURAL TOUR - 10/12/11 12:54 AM

ALAMEDA WALKS - MASTICK & FITCH ARCHITECTURAL TOUR

The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS, a program started in 2003 which meets three Saturdays a month during the summer and fall.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.
 
Alameda Walks group will meet at the Mastick Senior Center at 1155 Santa Clara Avenue  on October 15 at 9am.  Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos will be … (6 comments)

YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? - 10/10/11 11:07 PM
 
 
 
YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?
 
You want me to do what?   No way.  I can't give it up.  I've had it for 6 years.  It is my lifeline to homes,  Then common sense prevailed and I realized if I didn't give up my Supra key I would not get a new, cool eKey.  So I reluctantly slid my Supra key over to the clerk, signed the board's paperwork and left with my shinny new eKey.  No turning back now.
 

 
Here's what my new EKey can do:
 
When I tap the eKey icon on … (24 comments)

When you need to write a real estate marketing message and can't get started - 10/08/11 07:49 PM
 
 
Marte writes such a sensible and effective blog about the actual process of writing a blog.  She offers a step by step instructions and a lot more.  This should be basic training for all of us, especially newbies. Bookmark it and go back to it often.  Good stuff.




Via Marte Cliff (Marte Cliff Copywriting):
When you need to write a real estate marketing message and can't get started...
You have an idea for a real estate marketing letter or perhaps a new web page for your site. It rumbles around in your head; you visualize plenty of … (10 comments)

ALAMEDA WALKS - PARK STREET HISTORICAL BUSINESS DISTRICT - 10/07/11 10:37 PM

ALAMEDA WALKS - PARK STREET HISTORICAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
 
The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS, a program started in 2003 which meets three Saturdays a month during the summer and fall.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.
 
Alameda Walks - Park Street Historical Business District walk group will meet at the at the corner of Central and Oak Street on October 8 at 9am.  … (8 comments)

ALAMEDA CLASSIC CAR SHOW - 10/07/11 12:19 AM

ALAMEDA CLASSIC CAR SHOW
 
ALAMEDA CLASSIC CAR SHOW  The 18th Annual Alameda Classic Car Show will WOW the crowd with cool vintage cars on October 8th on Park Street in Alameda.  There will be over 400 show cars including classics, hot rods, antique cars, muscle cars, roadsters and vintage classic trucks.

 A FINE T-BIRD AT LAST YEARS CAR SHOW
 

 VINTAGE YELLOW CAR
 

Food booths galore as well as music, will be available at the Marketplace's parking lot on Park Street and Buena Vista Avenue.  And if that is not enough, there are plenty of … (2 comments)

WHAT'S WITH THIS WEATHER? - 10/06/11 11:40 PM

WHAT'S WITH THIS WEATHER? 

As this native born Californian would say it been a most unusual year.  We have a Mediterranean climate which Wikipedia describes as follows: "Mediterranean climate is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters." Here in Alameda we average about 15" - 18" of rain a year which usually occurs in the winter. Our winters are mild, that means no snow.  Spring and summer are both mild, we usually have only a few very hot days.
 
Last year, the Pineapple Express descended on California in Dec. 2010, producing flooding … (9 comments)

THE THIRD WAVE: Look Who's Going Into Foreclosure NOW!!! - 10/06/11 02:08 PM
 
In her blog, Paula Hathaway paints a bleak picture for the housing market.  She described the third wave of foreclosures effecting middle and and upper middle class homeowners.  Her blog is eye-opening.  We must pay attention to finding of the Congressional hearing on the the results of TARP.   Our industry is facing some serious challenges.
Via Paula I Hathaway, SVP (Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate):
THE THIRD WAVE: Look who is going into foreclosure NOW!!!
There is going to be a Congressional hearing in the next day or so to evaluate the results of TARP on financial institutions and on the housing … (5 comments)

ALAMEDA LEGACY HOME TOUR SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 - 10/03/11 12:07 AM
 
ALAMEDA LEGACY HOME TOUR SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
 
ALAMEDA LEGACY HOME TOUR  The legacy Home tour on September 25 was a hit.  Even light rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of attendees.
 
The tour featured seven homes highlighting a mix of historical periods and architectural styles.  Six of those homes are shown. 
 

 
THE WEBSTER HOUSE
 
The "Webster House" built in 1854, the oldest home in Alameda was one of the homes featured.  It was recently sold and the new owners are in the midst of remodeling the home.  It is the only Gothic Revival home in … (15 comments)

ALAMEDA ANTIQUES BY THE BAY - STAGER'S HEAVEN - 10/02/11 07:01 PM

ALAMEDA ANTIQUES BY THE BAY
 
ALAMEDA ANTIQUES BY THE BAY   This morning I attended the monthly Alameda Antiques by the Bay fair.  The weather was marvelous, the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves and there were so many interesting booths to see.  It was great fun. 
 

CELLULOID JEWELRY
 
There were several booths with Halloween stuff and costumes and the usual vendors with jewelry, tools, furniture, decorative items, and of course many food booths.  I especially like the creme brulee and cannoli cart.  In the interest of investigative journalism, I was forced to try the creme brulee.  … (0 comments)

ALAMEDA SHORELINE - COOL BIRDS - 10/01/11 11:23 PM

ALAMEDA SHORELINE - COOL BIRDS
 
ALAMEDA SHORELINE - COOL BIRDS  Today as I walked along the Alameda Shoreline with the Alameda Walks group I spotted two cool looking birds.  At least I think they are cool and maybe you will too after you see them.
 
The Black Oystercatcher's most distinguishing characteristic is its orange-red bill.  You can spot the oystercatcher it a mile away because of its bill.  The bill serves a purposed.  It is flattened and can wedge between rocks to pry mollusk shells open.  They also use the bill to siphon worms and crabs out of … (7 comments)

 
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Evelyn Kennedy, Alameda Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Alameda, CA

More about me…

Gallagher & Lindsey, Alameda, California

Address: Alameda, Oakland, Emeryville, San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Alameda, CA, 94501

Office Phone: (510) 748-1120

Cell Phone: (510) 504-5612

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