Albany, Berkeley and Oakland CA Broker's Tour

It's Thursday morning and time to fire up the Prius and head out on Broker's Tour in El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley and parts of Oakland.  The broker's tour is the day we real estate agents get in the car and preview the homes that have been recently listed on the market in the East Bay Oakland Berkeley Area.  On Mondays we tour Piedmont and most all of Oakland with the exception of the hill areas.   The inventory is low so I only view 12 houses today, unlike the spring and summer where there might be 20 houses on my list.  Of todays homes the following stand out:  152 Carmel Ave in El Cerito priced at $639,000 for a 3/2 plus bonus room.  Of course it isn't Albany or Berkeley but it is a great neighborhood within easy walking distance to BART, Solano Ave and El Cerrito Plaza and the house has a nice warmth.  The Berkeley listing that caught my eye and that of most other agents was the storybook cottage on 2320 Carleton for $425,000 .  YES, it needs work but what charm and it is next to the 'meadow' area in Berkeley where the neighbors have removed their fences and share the open space.  Most first time buyers are in this price range so the folks looking in Berkeley will be drooling!  It has tremendous potential.  The best before an after story was at 1027 Aileen St. $419,000 in Oakland.  Previously a bank owned property that sold for $180,000 this past August, it closed escrow the first of September.  The transformation over the past two months is amazing.  The investment group that does these flips have beautiful finished projects that truly add value to the the neighborhoods.  Not much in the Oakland Hills other than a great view home at 1865 Manzanita that just had a price adjustment down to $929,000 - I love an awesome view which this home has.  Tour is over - time to call client and discuss the new listings.