Michael 's Blog

Let's get together and go for a walk in Preservation Park...

2007-08-23T23:48:34Z

Mary Wells - What's Easy For Two Is So Hard For One lyrics

WHAT'S SO EASY FOR TWO IS SO HARD FOR ONE Mary Wells Well well well well Let's get together and go for a walk in the park And while we're walking we can steal a little kiss in the dark I wanna walk with you (I wanna walk with you) I wanna talk with you (I wanna talk with you) But it's up you to say "Come on baby" If you don't hurry up I'll go crazy 'Cause a walk in the park all alone is just no fun CHORUS: What two can easily do, what two can easily do Is so hard to be done by one I'm sure that you know that I love you with all of my heart But a love that's true really takes two to start I wanna do my share (I wanna do my share) To show you that I care (to show you that I care) 'Cause a one-sided love will never do You gotta show me that you love me too 'Cause falling in love all alone is just no fun (chorus) One can build a love affair slowly Two can build a love affair fast One can make a love get started Two can make it last (instrumental) So come on and take me by the hand Lead me up to the preacher man Together we can do all the things that should be done (repeat chorus and fade) From: Collins Crapo Song lyrics | Mary Wells lyrics

You didn't know I could sing did you? ...

The San Francisco bay area is the best place for meeting your sweetheart.

Look into my crystal ball and what do you see?

2007-08-21T22:44:51Z

10 K and the burgeoning condo and residential market.....condos within blocks of each other....ahhhh...burgeoning tech industry ...mmmmmm........one stop place with everything about Oakland...

Since we are on this crime thing...May I digress? and then we can put this crime thing to rest...

2007-08-12T14:28:49Z

One of my customers who is now planning to reside and invest in Downtown Oakland and is a former resident of Detroit Michigan mentions that Downtown Detroit had and continues to have a bad reputation for crime. The city of Detroit is working no that image. But in the midst of this is a revitalization project of Detroit's beautiful water front.

So what's happening in Detroit now? You've heard the stories and read the facts : the so-called Murder capital of the country( 5.16 times more murders than other major cities) .

Admist all of that, the city's downtown area is thriving, it' coming along fast. Major theater chains such as the Fox are being revitalized, the riverfront is undergoing a massive redevelopment and the most important thing: PEOPLE ARE MOVING IN AND INVESTING AND PROPERTY IS APPRECIATING: People From the suburbs,downsizing and entrepreneurs... Sound familiar....

My point: the same is and will happen in Oakland because it's happening in Major Cities throughout the world. You need to get in on the ground level and in years your investment will pay off.

(The photo: Harbortown Condos facing the Detroit Waterfront)

My head is not in the sand. Admist revitalization is suffering... but better days are coming...

2007-08-12T03:35:45Z

A reality: There is crime in Oakland as with most cities. But I'm optimistic that the best in people shall overcome. I am encouraged today by an article I saw in the Contra Costa Times about Oakland's potential against the landscape of the crime. Last week was a pivotal point in the history of Oakland as a fine citizen of Oakland was killed.

Crime across the country

However, one must not overlook that across the country in many major urban centers crime exist; but major revitalization project exist in many downtown areas. I can remember when it was once said that Manhattan was not a safe place to be. But by many accounts it is still a city that has a vital energetic core and some say it's safer today than ever.

Hope for Oakland

The contra costa time listed some of the fantastic things going on in Oakland. It takes energy to make things happen, and I predict overtime that same positive energy will bring new life to Oakland. According to the article Oakland if full of artistic energy. And one of the most innovative programs started last week:

Innovation in the Arts

"The shuttles to Art Night program started last week. Starting as the typical workday ends, at 5 p.m., the shuttles will loop around 31 galleries and the Great Wall of Oakland"...and restaurants, bars and nightlife oriented businesses will extend their hours so people can have a full experience in the city.

Oakland needs your support.

Thank you!

Oakland Magazine

Oakland Unwrapped

Shuttle to the Arts Program

Jack London News

Jack London District Association

Port of Oakland

Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Oakland Police Department

North Lake Merrit Neighborhood Group

Salsa all over the place...Wed. Oakland City Center and Jack London Square this weekend...

2007-08-11T03:15:59Z

The Bay area : the most diverse area in the world. No where on the planet will you see a fusion of cultures and a mix of diverse people adapting and learning about each other's culture...It's Salsa this week, and Art shows in the same area of Oakland downtown within blocks of each other...

This weekend marks the first Annual Salsa Fair on Jack London Square. The salsa fashion is sure to be be eye opening and attract attention along with the staccato dance steps. The bay area has a wealth of salsa resources from dance clubs, lessons and more.

See you on August 11, 2007 at Jack London Square 10:00 to 6:00 for the Salsa Fair and at my office the same day for the Art Showing.

(Salsa dancing at lunchtime on Wednesday in Oakland City Center)

Art Show Saturday at our office in Jack London Square...

2007-08-09T08:49:34Z

Come on down and see the beautiful art work August 18 on Saturday. We'd love to meet our internet fans and also show you around the area.

Artists on Exhibit(Reception 6pm-8pm):

Teresa Brazen
Gabriela Hernandez Lepe
Alanna Spence

Click Here to the artist's blog

Don't take my word for it...Straight out of the horses mouth...Big Plans for Oakland !...

2007-08-07T23:50:57Z

Two Oakland High Profile core downtown hotels bought by a L.A. Investment group. CIM Group( which specializes in Urban areas such as San Diego, San Jose and Los Angeles) paid 66 Million for the Courtyard Hotel and for the downtonw Oakland Marriot Hotel. Major upgrades and new retail outlets are expected in the vicinity of the hotels.

Here are the reasons cited by the investors:

1) They see the potential for Downtown Oakland

2) They have a good feeling about what's happening in Oakland

3) There is untapped potential in Oakland

4) Business Leaders in Oakland welcome their presence

5) Market Analysis looks favorable on what other developers have done downtown

6) Very few new hotels are being built in the Oakland area which supports these two major hotels as focal points in downtown Oakland.

7) Hotel occupancy rates on the increase in recent years

8) Developers in the area are planning three new office buildings

and more. Read the full article here.

(Our Jack London Loft/Office 311 Oak Street Suite 116 Oakland California 94607 , 510-452-1927)

Can we talk? ...here are some tips for viewing and purchasing condos and lofts in Downtown Oakland...

2007-07-31T23:36:20Z

Here are some things to keep in mind when you buy condos and lofts in California. The marketing agent in many condominiums represent the fiduciary interest of the Seller. It's important for you to have an agent which represents your interests at the negotiation phase. And this phase starts surprisingly at the first visit as the marketing agent begins qualifying you and determining your needs. I think this is one of the most important reasons you need an agent with you on the first visit. You never know if the place you see will be the eventual living space you settle upon. If you find a place you like your emotional attachment can keep you from focusing objectively on the important purchasing facts.

To maximize the use of your agent for go sees; first, find the location you like ; conduct internet research on real estate websites such as Realtor.com and Zillow to get comparable prices. Once you have a definite price in mind and location, contact your agent and take them with you on your first visit.

Other Tips:

1) Don't go at it alone. An experienced agent can help you negotiate closing costs and other incentives.
2) If the purchase price is too good to be true it may not include upgrades.
3) Some of the better condominiums have extra services and amenities such as 24 hour concierge, fitness centers, libraries, underground parking, secured parking, fully equipped business centers.
4) Many amenities or perks(such as free home owner fee periods) are available to those purchasing with the preferred lenders
5) Most condos have two sets of preferred brokers: A Major bank lender(s) and a loan broker for people who need more flexible options.
6) Many units in a condominium sell out because of their location within the building(your agent can help you pick out the best units)
7) Try to view the space in spite of the staging and imagine if your furniture will fit in the space. Visit the unit(s) on a second day as the lighting affects the mood and highlights certain features.

Business Partners:Cynthia Kelsaw-Sales Associate, Bach Nguyen-Broker(in rear) and Michael Kelsaw(right) at Jack London Realty.

Read my lips: Invest in Downtown Oakland now.

2007-07-29T11:59:13Z

A few reasons which indicate more growth in Oakland. Get in now while the market is cool. Think long term. In about 3-5 years you'll be kicking yourself if you didn't invest in Oakland.

1) Grocery chains are venturing into the area.

2) Oakland's commercial space occupancy is on the rise.

3) Plans for retail options downtown are on the table.

4) Affordable day studios for Artists in the work ( 400 to 600 dollars/month).

5) New Oakland Cathedral in the works.

6) Class A offices 90% full and fueling the development of small business office development.

(photo courtesy of free foto.com)

Recent Update on Oakland's Condominiums and Loft growth.

2007-07-27T20:36:34Z

Former Mayor Jerry Brown initiated the 10K program during his term with the goal of bringing 10,000 new residents to downton Oakland. It is working. The growth has been phenomenal and more growth will occur. As in life,there are pains associated with growth. Some had predicted that the poor would be totally displaced. However, what has developed is a sound plan of mixed growth and a variety of housing identities. Unlike some other Urban Core areas under development, Oakland has managed to maintain its rich cultural blend of people and social institutions. There is a there there. The "there" is a mixture of cultural expression expressed through its restaurants, businesses and the arts.

As of May 2007,This is the state of development:

2274 units completed
2059 units under construction
2354 units with planning approval
3760 units in planning

For a more detailed analysis read the full report here.

Prime indicator of growth in downtown areas like Oakland and San Francisco

2007-07-25T01:12:38Z

Major Story Breaking! Keep your eye on this. Chinatowns are posed to become a hotbed of development activity. In downtown Oakland's epicenter(no pun intended) is a market called SWAN's which was recently purchased and developed by an Asian conglomerate. Oakland has a thriving China Town which thus far has about 3 major condo developments either sold out or under construction. Oakland's China Town is about 3 blocks from the area I've been speaking about. I'm telling you this will be a hot market soon. Here is the story.

Here's an interesting tidbit about the Bay Area and the potential for doing business.

2007-07-25T00:40:35Z

Just about every morning you'll find people at the Bay Area Rapid Train Station(called BART) giving out different freebies such as: new coffee drinks, candies, newspapers, gift cards etc. Why? The bay area is one of the hottest marketing test markets because of the diversity here in age, gender, race, nationality etc. To get a flavor for the different types of marketing groups, I often check out the Craigslist ETC. page which has a unique listing of marketing test study groups. You can often get a one time payment of 50.00 to 100.00 for participating in some type of quickie marketing survey and or study. Check it out for yourself here at Craigslist Etc. page.

And here is Johnelle Mancha, Proprietaire...Mignonne:You go girl!

2007-07-24T20:39:19Z

She's done such a wonderful job with this store. And I want you to meet her before we leave this corner...

The infamous chair at Mignonne...510-444-5288: Hurry before the chair is sold!

2007-07-24T20:34:08Z

There's something about this chair which drew me into the store...she has so many unique finds. The store is bright, fun and clean...You could stay there all afternoon.

Antique, second hand and vintage in Style by Mignonne...

2007-07-24T20:26:10Z

This store is right across the street from one of my office locations which I'll show you in a few. The proprietor who is there daily was gracious. I'll show a picture of her in my next post. But this store is so lovely; it brings back memories of the 50's and beyond. As your eyes dance over the merchandise memories flood the psyche. I hope you see something you like and will call Johnelle with your order at 510-444-5288, 1000 Jefferson Street, Oakland, CA 94607...Show her some love too...You'll meet her and the infamous chair by the front door in the blog above...

Another small colorful and sweet business thriving in Downtown Oakland ...

2007-07-24T20:06:09Z

On my tour of Oakland I was trying to find some businesses which were not restaurant related to share with my friends so you can continue to get a flavor of the area within blocks of the central location where many of the condominiums and loft are. I found one interesting shop with these wooden reptiles at the front door. I ventured in and met the owner: a young beautiful woman with her friend. They were chatting away and so gracious. They asked me to even take a picture of their bookstore on the upper level and made me feel at home. So this is a picture of the proprietor and her friend. The business owner is on the right. The store: Not so Common Scents, 515 9th St. Oakland CA 94607 510-238-9700. When in Oakland: show them some love.

Got my berries...and Now I'm going to sit down on the steps leading up to the door front of City Walk...Time for meditation and collection of thoughts...

2007-07-23T23:34:19Z

Beautiful sculptures leading up to the front door of City Walk...this is a serene place in the middle of the city....The Tao of Oakland.Stay Tuned...For now I want to thank all of you for your comments and for the most recent comment on how to boost my score(love ya) . Oakland is the way. Right now there is a pilgrimage of people from the outer areas of major cities to the inner cities particularly the downtown areas. Oakland is no different. It is vibrant! It is full of life! It is bright, colorful. And surprisingly now you can get good deals on real estate in preparation for the future. The dot com bomb! of 10 years ago left Oakland in a state where many people thought they would never be able to afford to live in the Bay Area. But as the market cools now is the time to buy in the down cycle. Real Estate goes in cycles; and I believe the downtown area of Oakland will pick up at gradually...I can't tell you that lots of people are still moving quietly from the suburbs: downsizing their life and young people are moving in to the lofts at the Apex of their creativity and youth. One of the most wealthy building owners from San Francisco: Walter Shorenstein has invested heavily in properties in the downtown area of Oakland. And that is just a beginning.... More to come...

You for

To Natalie, Pamela and Joan. Thanks for commenting and I've got a message coming for you and all my internet friends out there.

2007-07-23T23:24:42Z

As you can see I'm building the blog...I'm excited about Oakland and I'm excited about hearing from you. I'm getting my thoughts together for a soulful message on where I'm at with Oakland. Please continue to comment and I'll be posting a message to you...Let me think about this while I'm gathering my strawberries from the market....

Ok...stay with me: Mid Week Soul Entertainment in City Center...at noon FREE.Can I get a witness?

2007-07-23T23:09:55Z

The new Temptations performing in the beautiful City Center square right across from my office and within

walking distance to gorgeous condominiums and lofts....These guys sounded just like the temptations. And there wasn't a still person in the courtyard. People were moving with the music. And if you didn't know Oakland is known for the best weather in the United States. We'll take that.

More than food baby...we've got accessories, clothes, tote bags and you name it for at least 8 blocks all the way to china town....

2007-07-23T23:02:35Z

Check out these 5.00 totes....

Hungry? Some good shoppin...within walking distance to the office. Come on now!

2007-07-23T23:00:01Z

Ready for some more. This is what happens every Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm. No car needed; just a walk with your tote...gettin ready: here I come....Ok.. I heard of white eggs. But these beautiful purple ones are to die for. (And it's not even Easter time) But the mixtures of cultures in Oakland brings a lot of unique finds. I think these eggs represent fertility. The beginning of growth in Oakland.

Are you feelin this?

2007-07-23T22:53:40Z

I've got Preservation Park to the north of my office in City Walk....You've got to see this park fountain: talkin about Good Feng Shui...

Market Square Area living --blocks down from City Center

2007-07-23T22:42:14Z

Within Blocks of City Center(City Walk) where our new office will be located is the historic meat and vegetable market which also helps to sponsor a Farmer's market every Friday from 8:00am to 2:00 pm. We have an office called Market Square Realty in this area.

Where our new office will be located...this is the bones. More pictures to come.

2007-07-23T22:38:00Z

City Walk Oakland California

Welcome to the new hot Downtown Oakland California !

2007-07-23T21:47:47Z

We've all heard the derisive comments about Oakland: from "a poor man's San Francisco"...to "there is no there there" ...to" Why would you want to live there? there's so much crime..."

But there is a quiet revolution going on in Oakland, like most cities: especially in the Downtown Jack London Square District and the City Center District. I believe in it so much I have two Oakland office locations I work from and I'm in the midst of opening an office in the City Walk District of Oakland.

There are so many lofts and condominiums available. Here's a website which shows the multitude of new lofts and condominiums.

But the key to buying in this area is to get the advice and expertise from someone who knows the areas where the most growth is burgeoning.