The Voice of East Bay Living

Before: After:

When you are working with a client who is getting a loan to purchase a house – here are some things you should pay attention to: If there is an addendum, towards the end of the transaction, which addresses the change in the purchase price or credits – it can take three or four business days for the underwriters to go back and re- submit the entire package. Make sure to check that your clients are in town when they sign all of their loan papers. Lenders will not accept docusigned documents. If they are out of the country, they will need a specific power of attorney and this has to be approved by the lender. In addition, they will need to visit the local Foreign embassy or counsel to get their papers notarized. Lenders will do a final credit search prior to funding the loan for the buyers. Make sure your buyers don't pay for a last-minute honeymoon or car purchase with their credit cards. Also any gift money given by family members has to be seasoned in an account for at least tw...

Homestead - one of my favorite East Bay Restaurant. I continue to give five out of five stars – Sabine rating - to Homestead Restaurant at 4029 Piedmont Avenue. This exceptionally fine restaurant offers high-quality seasoned food – an exhibition kitchen including a wood-fired hearth, home-made butter and farm to table ingredients .The owners, Fred and Elizabeth Sassen, are seasoned and highly trained young chefs. They love what they do and their delicious menu is consistently creative and satisfying. For more posts on the Bay Area food scene.

A brief history of Montclair Swim Club - a beautiful, private swim club in the Montclair Hills. (just minutes away from Montclair Village and The Grubb Company's Montclair office) Read more posts about:  Montclair Village Oakland Thinking about buying/selling in Oakland? Email me at ssabine@grubbco.com

"Walk in the Wild" - annual fundraiser for the Oakland Zoo  Want to learn more about fun events in Oakland? Email me at ssabine@grubbco.com

Mulberry's Home is a lovely new home furnishing store on Piedmont Ave., at the location of the old Piedmont Ave branch of the Oakland library.  Recently, I visited the store and spoke with Chad Olcott, the owner of Mulberry's Home. Chad speaks about the inspiration behind his store:

Dried palm leaf is a wonderful addition to any arrangement. It has a great texture, can be spray painted (as shown in the picture), and will last forever! For more blog posts about Design .