The Voice of East Bay Living

Here is the latest scoop on the luxury market in the bay area... What does the term luxury really mean? It is not about money. The new definition is about freedom and being off the grid. People are tired of being tethered to their phones and computers. Luxury means more authenticity, not arrogance and status. They are interested in quality of life and wellness. They also want to enhance relationships with their families. They are less interested in driving Bentleys and SUVs and are more interested in attending events, like Burning Man. What are the home trends? Staging is very important to the millennials as they are a graphic generation with first impressions being very important. They want to feel a unique and personal experience in the home. They like to hear stories about the house that are heartfelt and personal. Social media including Facebook Instagram are becoming more and more popular as the primary form of communication. What do Buyers want? Buyers w...

Featuring floral arrangements by Ron Morgan, local artist and owner of Loot.

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

Sold in competition with seven buyers. Closed in ten days.  Another happy buyer!

My newest listing - Elegant Pied-a-Terre in the landmark Staten Art-Deco treasure, close to the shores of Lake Merritt. This light filled & spacious unit features large living room with fireplace, formal dining room, parquet floors, updated kitchen, high ceilings, panoramic views, in the heart of Uptown Oakland living. Open tomorrow Sunday 8/21 from 2:00-4:00PM. Email ssabine@grubbco.com for more information.

WOW- watch the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge & Mt. Tamalpais or BBQ in the private landscaped gardens. You can stretch out & relax in this gracious mid century contemporary -all level living, versatile spaces, updated kitchen, hardwood floors, close to AC transit, Tilden Park, Gourmet Ghetto & U.C. Campus. Open House on Sunday, Jul 17, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM If you are interesting in learning more about this listing or others in the area, please email Sheila Sabine at ssabine@grubbco.com

Over the past decade, wallpaper has had a huge resurgence around the world and with the comeback wallpaper and introduction of great modern wallpaper, it makes sense that a lot of these designers come from Brooklyn. Check out Flavor Paper located at 216 Pacific st. In Boerum Hill- it recently won the best show room award from Interior Design Magazine.

This past weekend, I went on a fabulous walking tour of the Elmwood district of Berkeley sponsored by my friends in the  Berkeley Rotary .  The neighborhood is full of beautiful craftsman homes that have been designed by many famous  architects including Walter Radcliffe, Julia Morgan, John Hudson Thomas, Albert Dodge Coplin, and James Plachek. One can view dormer Windows, Tudor roof lines, colonial revivals, Queen Anne and other residential styles from the period. In 1903, a streetcar ran along College Avenue.  In 1905, Alice Alta Bates started a hospital with eight beds on College Avenue and later the current campus of Alta Bates Hospital was founded. In 1906, the Elmwood district became popular after the San Francisco fire when a lot of people moved into the East Bay. In fact it became one of the fastest-growing areas in all of the US.  In 1907, the oldest commercial building of Elmwood was built at the corner of college and Ashby....

Just a hop skip and a jump from Hayward is the adorable town of Niles. It became famous between 1912 to 1916 where silent  films were made by Charlie Chaplin and Bronco  Billy. At one point this town was called the first Hollywood. This historic town is still a charming 5 Block long commercial district loaded with charming antique stores. It was placed on the map also by the Niles Canyon Railway, a unique passenger train that shuttles tourists between Niles  through the hills of Fremont on century old heritage railroad equipment. You can hop aboard this excursion train which makes this journey every Sunday. You won't regret visiting this charming corner of the world.

Sheila Sabine & Judith Glass Dining room centerpiece with beautiful, fresh flowers. Broadway Grand Courtyard Uptown Oakland- Broadway Grand at its best. Elegant 2 story townhome, stylish upgrades including acacia floors, ceiling fans, high-end windows covering spacious living room/dining area, large gourmet kit, 2 master suites, plus a main level BR/BA. Walk score 98. Close to restaurants, BART & theaters.

Fabulous jazz concert at The Sound Room with vocalist Jackie Ryan, featuring the music of the French composer Michel LeGrand. For more information about uptown Oakland and it's many amenities contact Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com

Did you know that  more than 4600 school children benefit each year from Berkeley symphony's music in the schools program? over 150 ensemble coaching sessions and master classes in the area middle schools 11 visits from the symphony concerts at elementary schools each fall 6 concerts each spring  providing young musicians an opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Berkeley symphony This year at the annual Music in the Schools Luncheon ,  Carolyn Doelling , my friend and client, was honored for her unwavering and dedicated service to help raise donations  to bring music to the schools. During her speech, Carolyn read the following quote: "Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the holes and feel beauty." -Maya Angelau? It is so important for all of our children to have a touch of beauty in their lives.  Learn more about  Music in the Schools . 

It is almost March and still the number of homes for sale is at an all time low all over the East Bay: This is good news for sellers who have houses on the market because they are receiving multiple offers and  top dollar for their precious commodity. This is bad news for buyers who may have written numerous offers without success. The statistics show that: YTD 2015 in a price range of $500,000 and above there were 187 closed escrows. YTD 2016 there are only 21 closed escrows. The main reasons for selling are death, divorce, re-location, scaling down or scaling up - Let’s hope the winds of March bring more homes. Want to know more about the market? Interested in buying or selling in the Bay Area? Email me at ssabine@grubbco.com

Sophisticated Mediterranean on three levels with tasteful decor throughout. Formal living & dining, Chefs kitchen with informal eating area, Upper level Elegant master suite with bay views, marble bath & Jacuzzi, plus room with private deck access, lower level with 3 BR, 2 BA, family room and separate entrance. Introducing 5922 Acacia Beautiful details... Fountain detail... Winding stairway... Want to know more about this and other beautiful listings in Upper Rockridge? Email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com

Open House on Sunday, January 24, 2016, 2:00-4:30pm Sophisticated all level urban retreat just minutes from Rockridge, Piedmont & Montclair. Formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, chef's kitchen, family room with fireplace, master suite, 4 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, private huge rear gardens, 2 car interior access garage. Garden Tour Sheila Sabine ssabine@grubbco.com

Aloha - Here is the latest condo market news from Honolulu: While spending the holidays with family, I visited the new Kaka'ako development - located in Honolulu.  This is a series  of 20 buildings each 39 stories high-described as an owner occupied residential community. (left: work in progress, right: completed luxury living) Each building features a children's play area, dog park, pools and gyms, film center, community garden, putting area, wine tasting center, guest quarters, art works from local artists, and storage areas for cyclists and surfers. And of course,wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.  Sounds great? These luxury units are not cheap - 2 bedroom,2 bath units start at $998,000 and 3 bedroom, 3 bath units start at $1,550,000. The project is being called the playground for the elite. Honolulu is beginning to look like New York City with skyscrapers and grid lock traffic.  Maybe it's time to move to Uptown Oakland !!

My visit to Royal Hawaiian Hotel with local real estate specialist, Pat Buckman.  Want to learn more Island Properties ? Email Pat at  admin@islandpropertieshawaii.com

This festive event occurs the first Saturday of December every year. Public viewing areas for the lighted display are located at Jack London Square and Wind River Park in Alameda. This year, I watching this gala parade from the Alameda ferry. The ferry ride was free for anyone who also brought a donation for Toys for Tots. This is a wonderful, family friendly event. Make sure to check it out! Want to know more about Oakland, Alameda, or other neighborhoods in the Bay Area? Email me at ssabine@grubbco.com

Explore Uptown Oakland : Broadway!

Lobby performance by Dougherty Valley High School Chamber Orchestra. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 @ 8:00 PM Oakland Symphony @ The Paramount Theatre LOST ROMANTICS Michael Morgan, Conductor Sponsored by The Grubb Company www.grubbco.com