Weekend Fun in the East Bay! - 09/14/07 04:23 PM
We not only get to work in the incredible East Bay, but we also get to live and play here. So, I like to chime in with some fun things to do in the East Bay from time to time. This weekend, lets visit some Hollywood History right here in the East Bay.
Did you know that the silent film industry was based here in Fremont from 1913 to 1916? The area was called Niles back then, though. "Bronco Billy" Anderson and George Spoor, already silent film veterans, came to Niles in 1912 and ended up opening up the Niles Essanay Film … (0 comments)

Greenspan Weighs In - 09/13/07 03:25 PM
Throughout the mortgage industry mess of the last few months, I've been wondering what former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan has to say about all this.  For years and years, through Clinton and Bush, his word had been gold.  But I couldn't help thinking that some of the policies he put into place led to the current situation--of lenders giving to people who weren't qualified and consumers accepting loans they couldn't handle or couldn't understand.
Well, Greenspan weighs in today as part of an interview that will be airing on 60 Minutes this Sunday night.
The Associated Press reports....
"Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan … (4 comments)

More Berkeley Regulations - 09/12/07 03:36 PM

Nearly every town has its own unique real estate regulations to abide by, and last week I wrote about Berkeley's RECO--Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance--guidelines that require properties to be energy efficient. Well, there is more where that came from! What other issues do you need to be aware of when participating in a real estate transaction in Berkeley?Seismic Upgrades and Transfer Tax: The City of Berkeley has imposed a transfer tax equal to 1.5% of the sale price. But, the good news is, up to one third of the tax (0.5% of the sale price) may be rebated to pay for … (0 comments)

Great New Google/NAR Widget--Desktop Listings - 09/11/07 04:34 PM
I just discovered a useful new widget created by Google and the labs at Realtor.com.  It is an application that allows you to search and view listings quickly and easily from your desktop.  Click here to check it out.
 
I'm usually quite happy with Google products, and this one looks promising.  After you download it, click on Edit Settings and key in the zip code you would like to monitor, and other basic parameters.  You can view the listings as a quick list, a detailed list, or a slide show.
A tool like this is perfect for me.  Our brokerage doesn't just focus on … (7 comments)

Curb Appeal - 09/11/07 03:21 PM

A few years ago, no one ever seemed to talk about "curb appeal," but now it comes up all the time with my buyers and sellers. Thanks HGTV! In case you don't know, curb appeal is how appealing your home looks on the street. Does its appearance invite you in with a warm embrace, or would it be a perfect place to film a horror movie?Here are a few basic tips to help maintain your home's curb appeal:*Every time you mow your lawn, change the cutting direction. If you are showing your home, mow it in one direction, then once again … (0 comments)

Berkeley's RECO Guidelines: Save the Earth...and Money - 09/07/07 04:21 PM
 
Berkeley's RECO GuidelinesAs we all know, Berkeley is always ahead of the curve on many socio-political trends, especially on environmental issues. So, if you are selling a home in Berkeley, make sure you are in compliance with the City of Berkeley's RECO guidelines.RECO stands for Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance, and the guidelines apply to all homes and apartment buildings being sold or transferred. It is the seller's responsibility to get the property in compliance and provide proof to the city. For the full rundown on Berkeley's RECO requirements, please visit the RECO website.The compliance guidelines are fairly reasonable and will save … (3 comments)

The Coolest House on TV - 09/06/07 03:04 PM
Friends and colleagues know that I love reality shows, and I'm currently very into watching Big Brother. Not only do I love the drama, but, as a real estate agent, I love this house! Hmmm, I wonder what it would list for?
The house has an Alice in Wonderland theme that is very fun. There are small doors to fall through, oversized beds and furniture, and teacups and chessboards galore. It would be very cool if they opened the house up for fans to wander through once the season is over. Hmm, maybe I can hire CBS to do my staging … (4 comments)

New to Market--East Lake Lofts in Oakland - 09/05/07 03:12 PM
 
If you are in the market for a very cool loft in Oakland, well today is your lucky day. Our brokerage is just now bringing to market the East Lake Lofts near Lake Merritt in Oakland. If you are familiar with the popular Mutual Creamery lofts, these are similar in style and are just around the corner.These impressive brick and timber lofts feature large open floorplans and double-height ceilings, all with that cool industrial live/work loft look and feel. There is a wide variety of floorplans. The "West Wing" is a one-story brick-exterior building with soaring, arched rooflines. The second warehouse-type … (0 comments)

 

Mary Smartt--Smartt Moves with Mary Smartt

Berkeley, CA

More about me…

Lawton Associates / www.LawtonAssociates.com

Address: 3160 College Ave, Suite 201, Berkeley, CA, 94705

Office Phone: (510) 547-5970 x 57

Cell Phone: (510) 386-8636

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My thoughts, observations, and musings on the East Bay real estate market


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