The Voice of East Bay Living

If an offer has an appraisal contingency, it is taking longer to get this contingency removed. Our experts say to expect at least 15 days. Reasons:  a lot of refinances due to the low interest rates 1/3 as many appraisers now as opposed to 7 years ago. Mantra of the day - Patience and remember, these days everything is appraising for the value of the offer price. Want to learn more about the home purchase process? Email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com

395 Hampton Road, Piedmont - list price $8,385,000 Designed by Albert Farr in the 1926, this elaborate Mediterranean is one of the best known Piedmont residences in the era of City of Millionaires - This exquisite estate effortlessly blends luxury with historical grandeur - 7 bedrooms, 9.5 baths, 10,418 sq.ft of living.  664 Haddon Road, Oakland - list price $1,850,000 Original Kaiser Mansion, built in 1924 by William Schirmer, in the Italian Renaissance Revival style -  4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, solarium, bonus rooms, au-pair quarters, and much more - just minutes away from the shores of Lake Merritt.  5917 Canning, Oakland - Rockridge/Temescal - major fixer - JUST SOLD for one million dollars This 2,568 sq. Ft. legal duplex exemplifies the term " needs TLC" big time! It's value lies in its location which is within walking distance to BART, coffee houses, restaurants, and shopping... a house  a block away which was also a major fixer recently sold for

After a brief retreat - Grand Fare at 3265 Grand Ave. near Lake Merritt is open once again and better than ever - Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner - tasty menu with a Parisian atmosphere - for sure a five thumbs up review. 

Every year Berkeley Rotary dedicates a redwood tree in the International Peace Grove at Inspiration Point to a person or organization for their efforts to achieve world peace. The  grove was established on the site of the former Nike missile location for the defense of the Bay Area. In 1955, the Grove was given to Berkeley Rotary and 100 redwood trees were planted. This year the award was given to George Mitchell who worked tirelessly to establish peace in Northern Ireland and the Middle East.  The celebration was an Irish theme complete with Irish stew and fiddlers. Be sure and take a hike to the grove.  Want to learn more about the Berkeley Rotary and how you can be involved? Email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com

Step into the architectural digest of Piedmont at 117 Sheridan Avenue,  the Crown Jewel of Piedmont - this high style masterpiece with magnificent g ardens, listed for a robust price of $7,250,000-price, includes 4 plus bedrooms, 3 baths, a solarium, library, finished attic and top quality details- and a full them of butlers (only kidding) 2828 Helen St. West Oakland - in the edgy and artsy side of the East Bay this industrial warehouse has been transformed into a bold and urban chic home with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and lush private gardens with fountain- list price $995,000 - located across the street from City Slicker Gardens, a community garden with high yield crops, playground and greenhouse.  Stay tuned for more of Sheila's weekly picks! Want to learn more about these listings and more, email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com

A stroll on Lake Merritt is just a short elevator ride away! Want to learn more about Bellevue Staten luxury condos? Email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com.

115 Alpine Terrace  A Mark Becker masterpiece -luxury residence in Upper Rockridge  list price $4,750,000 540 Gravatt 2016 Idea House -sophisticated craftsman- eco friendly - Sunset magazine sponsor  list price $2,795,000 16 Emery Lane  One of 8 private homes designed by Mark Becker -Upper Rockridge  list price $2,100,000 Want to learn more about these listings and others in the Bay Area,  email Sheila ssabine@grubbco.com

Everyone's treated like rockstar at the Bellevue Staten! Want to learn more about Bellevue Staten luxury condos? Email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com.