The Voice of East Bay Living

  What's going on in the East Bay market – what do you get for $1 million--- The typical Albany home (a two bedroom one bath bungalow with a small yard) is worth almost $1 million. The highest sales price in Albany this year which broke records was for over $2.4 million dollars with the average median sales price in 2017 being $983,000. The median sales price in Berkeley is $1,160,000- for a typical 3 bedroom, one bath bungalow near Sacramento Street. The flatlands of  Berkeley are becoming more popular than the homes in the Hills. Proximity to amenities is a significant price driver. People want to be  close to transportation,  coffee shops, biking and walking.  The median sales price in Piedmont is just under $2 million. The highest sale in Piedmont was in 2004 for $8.8 million. Many people are not moving because they cannot find a place to go and or they do not want to pay capital gains when they sell  because their homes...

Following steps with Albany, the Berkeley  sewer lateral  ordinance is making a good change for buyers and sellers. Previously if the sewer was not in compliance  at close of escrow, the buyer or seller had to leave a bond for $4,500 with EBMUD, as a guarantee that the work would get done withing 6 months. The new ordinance is waiving the $4,500 deposit in favor of a signed contract with a reputable sewer company to do the work after the close of escrow (within the six month time frame).  It is expected that Piedmont and Berkeley will follow in the steps of Berkeley's new decision.  Also the mandatory RECO ( Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance ) may soon become voluntary instead of required at close of escrow. The city may offer homeowners rebates and incentives to participate in energy efficient upgrades. Visit GlassSabine.com

Do you want to take a walk in a very special place 20 minutes away? Eastshore State Park is a remarkable walking trail extending 8.5 miles along the East  Bay shoreline from the Bay Bridge to Richmond.  It includes 1,854 acres of uplands and tidelands along the waterfronts of Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany and Richmond. Pedestrian and bike trails run almost the entire length of the park providing lovely panoramic views of the Bay. It is a wonderful getaway so close to home.