5 Helpful tips when buying a couch for your new home  1. Measure the size of your room.  If your room is small pick a neutral color use dark colors as an accent on pillows and lamp bases  2. Book an appointment with a Furniture consultant at any local furniture shop. You may have to pay $100, but it will be well worth your time  3. Take-home swatches of fabric and look at them in your space. If your room is formal, velvet would be a good choice but if your style is more casual, and Belgian linen would be lovely.  4. Consider the arm height of the couch. Will you be laying on the couch watching TV? If so, is the arm too high? Thick couch arms take up valuable real estate in a small space.  5. Not all couches are in stock at the stores. Make certain to check if there will be an 8 to 10 we... 01/18/2019

What's your creative storage solution?  Wine bags aren't just for wine bags these days. House remodels mean you tend accumulate caulk for the shower, caulk for the baseboard caulking, for the sink, etc..... who would have thought that a wine bag makes the perfect holder for all your caulking needs.So now that I shared mine, please share yours. How do you reuse or upcycle?One of my favorite local places to shop when Im looking for a creative solution is Creative Reuse on Telegraph Ave in Oakland, Ca. It's a great place for teachers and artists alike.      The bay area continues to be a popular place to call home.If you are ready to search for your next property, or are looking for your home value, visit: www.searchalleastbayhomes.comClick here for the monthly market reports!  01/17/2019

Preparation is the key to success to homeownership  Some people think I am selling houses, but in reality, the “behind the scenes” always has a lot of moving parts. Especially when the clients live out of town. I love this testimonial from my client. Having the time to clean up any paperwork from the city records, or title company in advance can save a lot of headaches in the future.  “Elisa – is the go to Realtor for us. We called the office where she worked and right away knew Elisa was the perfect Realtor for us. She worked tirelessly to assist us in a most difficult time. She is Business Savvy, Intelligent, Great Sense of Humor, and has the know how to get your house out there on the market and sold. She worked our issues overcame them and never stopped never looked back once they w... 01/16/2019

Landlord Horror Stories Though you may be disappointed and feel misled, we're not actually going to focus on landlord horror stories here. Instead, we are going to talk about the nuances of getting home financing on the purchase of an investment property which, if done improperly, can certainly take on the stuff of nightmares.  If you're thinking of making the leap into rental property ownership and becoming a landlord yourself, there are some things you need to know about how the mortgage industry will treat your loan application.  And this treatment could be quite different from your previous experience with financing your primary residence. Let's review the basics.  A residential investment property is a dwelling that contains between one and four units.  Any greater number of units ... 01/15/2019

Sausage and Beer is a match made in heaven Oakland I am sure everyone still has the holiday hangover. You indulged yourself for the past 2 months, stuffed yourself up with all the food, drinks, shopping... and now left you wondering, what just happened?  Me and my husband felt like we still haven't gotten over the holiday vibe. So we went into this exciting restaurant hunting last night in search for the best food, wine and beer in the city.  Rosamunde Sausage Grill serves all kinds of sausages- from Bratwurst, to Italian, to chicken, lamb and more! They offer the finest beers there is in Oakland.They have a wallpaper that I find really funny: And the trivia night draws a big crowd:  Location: DOWNTOWN OAKLANDSwan's Marketplace 911 Washington, Oakland CA 94607 Sun-Tues 11a-10p | Wed-Sat... 01/14/2019

New Laws Affecting Property Owners in Oakland,CAJUST CAUSE RESTRICTIONS/EVICTION DEFENSES There are a number of new laws effecting our local housing market which were promoted and passed on November 6, 2018 ballot. These laws will affect homeowners, investors who are buying and selling homes across the East Bay. Each day for the next nine days, I will post information about one of the local measure that was passed and reference the city it refers to as well as when it will go into effect. Some new laws being as early as January 1, 2019. OAKLAND JUST CAUSE RESTRICTIONS/EVICTION DEFENSES – Effective 10 Days after Vote is Certified Removes 2 and 3-unit owner-occupied exemption from Just Cause ordinance Grants city council new authority to add eviction defenses, making it harder for owners ... 01/09/2019

New Laws Affecting Property Owners in Oakland,CAVACANT PROPERTY TAX  There are a number of new laws effecting our local housing market which were promoted and passed on November 6, 2018 ballot. These laws will affect homeowners, investors who are buying and selling homes across the East Bay. Each day for the next nine days, I will post information about one of the local measure that was passed and reference the city it refers to as well as when it will go into effect. Some new laws being as early as January 1, 2019. OAKLAND VACANT PROPERTY TAX – Will take effect some time after 2020 Imposes a parcel tax for properties in use less than 50 days during a calendar year Residential homes: $6,000 per parcel Non-residential & Undeveloped: $6,000 per parcel Condominium or duplex: $3,000 per vac... 01/07/2019

Rising Rates Mean You Have to Make More Money to buy the Same House!  As an example provided by the California Association of Realtors, here is your hot tip of the day. Buy a home before interest rates rise, versus waiting for your employer to give you a raise because you have to make tens of thousands more dollars more per year to qualify for the same loan amount as the rates go up. It’s time to see where life will take you. I would love to be part of your life and help navigate you through the process of buying a home. Either call me direct at 510-919-5741, or sign up online at www.searchalleastbayhomes.com to view homes and I will call you after you have viewed a few properties. Let’s meet and put a plan in place for 2019. 01/06/2019

Make no Mistake about it, Rising Rates Will Hit Pocketbooks Hard!  Take a look at how much your monthly mortgage changes for the same house as the rate goes up. Let’s meet and put a plan in place for 2019. As an example provided by the California Association of Realtors, using the Median Price of $595,000 and a 20% down payment, at 4.5% your monthly mortgage is $2419, not including property taxes and home insurance. That same home at 6.5% your monthly mortgage is $3017, not including property taxes and home insurance. A difference well over $500/mo! It’s time to see where life will take you. I would love to be part of your life and help navigate you through the process of buying a home. Either call me direct at 510-919-5741, or sign up online at www.searchalleastbayhomes.com to view hom... 01/05/2019

Things to do in Oakland January 7 2019 Visit the Pottery Barn Warehouse Sale in Alameda If you are planning on redecorating your home this New Year and is looking for great deals, affordable furniture pieces with good quality, you can visit Pottery Barn's Warehouse Sale located at 1680 Viking St. Alameda, CA 94501.  I just visited the store last weekend and found these gems:     What's even better is they offer up to 75% off on furniture, rugs and more from their family of brands! Visit them today!       The bay area continues to be a popular place to call home.If you are ready to search for your next property, or are looking for your home value, visit: www.searchalleastbayhomes.comClick here for the monthly market reports! 01/04/2019

Things to do in Oakland January 5 2019 ZooLights: Oakland Zoo9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, CA 94605Neighborhood: Oakland Hillswww.oaklandzoo.org This one will truly be a memorable New Year's celebration with the kids! Explore Oakland Hills in a festively-lit Gondolas and be amazed at the Bay Area skyline! This New Year 2019, they've added a Winter Wonderland attraction with snowfalls featuring Santa Claus, Music in Motion Laser light shows, twinkling Holiday lights, Candy-cane themed Adventure rides! The kids will truly love this!Event InfoDates:12/7/2018, 12/8/2018, 12/9/2018, 12/10/2018, 12/11/2018, 12/12/2018, 12/13/2018, 12/14/2018, 12/15/2018, 12/16/2018, 12/17/2018, 12/18/2018, 12/19/2018, 12/20/2018, 12/21/2018, 12/22/2018, 12/23/2018, 12/26/2018, 12/27/2018, 12/28/2018, 12/29/20... 01/03/2019

Things to do in Oakland January 1-6 2019 Old Oakland Holiday Ice Rink 806 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607Neighborhood: Old Oaklandoaklandcentral.comOakland Central is excited to bring you an outdoor Holiday Ice Skating Rink. Located on the corner of 9th and Washington, one of Oaklands most iconic neighborhoods. Let's celebrate the New Year on ice!Event InfoDates: December 14, 2018 - January 6, 2019Recurrence: Recurring dailyLocation: 9th and Washington in Old OaklandAddress: 806 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607Time: M-Th 11am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pmPrice: $13 general admission, $5 skate rental, $8 skating aids    The bay area continues to be a popular place to call home.If you are ready to search for your next property, or are looking for your home value, visit:www.searchalleastbayhomes... 01/02/2019

City Transfer Tax Changes in Alameda and Contra Costa CountiesEffective January 1, 2019  Yes, you read that right: City transfer tax changes are effective as of January 1, 2019. It is going to be a lot more expensive on the “buy in” for homes over a million dollars in Oakland, Richmond and Berkeley.Even though the city of Hayward’s city transfer tax has doubled to $8.50 per thousand, it is still a lot less than other nearby areas.   ALAMEDA COUNTY City of Berkeley, Measure P: City transfer tax has been increased from 1.5% = $15.00 per $1,000.00 to 2.5% = $25.00 per $1,000.00 for property sales and transfers over $1.5 million for ten years, adjusted annually to capture the top approximately 33% of transfers over $1.5 million.  City of Oakland, Measure X:City transfer tax is now based on ... 01/01/2019

Oakland Tours and Experiences Travel is something we all look forward to every year. Some say that it's an indulgent expense, when money spent on travel could have gone towards your home loan or "building for your future". It's not about counting the places or countries you've been to, or ticking off every item on your bucket list, but it's all about the experience, fond memories, interaction with new people, which impacts you as a person. Personally I love to travel, and when I can’t, I look for the “staycation”, which to me means doing something local either on my own, or with family and friends. I can’t say I have done all of the ideas below, but they are on my list!    Velocipede ToursImagine a rolling pedal party on a 14 passenger bicycle complete with custom sound system and beer.... 12/30/2018

Oakland Berkeley Association (OBAR) Down Payment Assistance GrantUp to $5,000 for first-time homebuyers! The Oakland Berkeley association has a grant for first time home buyers. The criteria to qualify for the grant is below. If you think you are a candidate, please reach out to Elisa Uribe at e.uribe@ggsir.com  or call 510-919-5741 for the required form.  OBAR’s Closing Cost Grant Criteria:● Buyer must be a "first‐time buyer," meaning that they can't have owned a home for at least 3 or more years.● Except in cases of extenuating circumstances, Buyer must move into the property within 60 days of closing and then must occupy the property for at least 1 year.● Property must be no more than two units.● Buyer income must be no more than 120% Area Median Income (AMI). This is based on HUD cr... 12/24/2018

Jack London Square at night If you happen to be in Oakland this holiday season, it's a must to go and see Jack London Square especially at night. Filled with festive lights, activities, shops, restaurants to choose from, which I'm sure the whole family will surely love.  If you've missed the Jack London Square Tree Lighting Ceremony last November 30th, you can still enjoy the many restaurants nearby. I happen to stop by and try this newest Thai Restaurant called  Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine --->https://activerain.com/blogsview/5300862/a-taste-of-thailand-in-jack-london-square  Dining here is truly an experience. It's trendy, lively atmosphere is a plus especially if you're with friends/family. This will definitely be on my top go to for dinner. The food is superb and they really serv... 12/22/2018

GGSIR Holiday Party 2018 - Event Highlights  The Golden Gate Sotheby’s Holiday Party was at the Four Seasons again this year.   Although the weather was not nice enough to enjoy the outdoor patio like the year before, the event was flawless, with a sit down luncheon and a great band. There was no shortage of good company nor dancing. You might notice me 13 seconds into the video, and again, 1m10sec., 1min18sec., and the best is 1min33sec...the sly smile is because I was photo bombing the Napa office. Ah, you only live once right, so you might as well work hard and play hard.   The takeaway is if you need a Realtor and I am not a good match, I am bound to know one within my network of stellar agents either within my company, or through my social media connections.    Happy Holidays!!!   ... 12/20/2018

Guide for Gifting Art Birthdays, weddings, Anniversaries, Christmas… meaningful celebrations that when marked by a gift are made more special. In order to find the perfect present, the key is to avoid the “generic” or “boring”. With research and careful planning, an artwork will make an unexpected and wonderful gift that will last a lifetime.  Gifting the Art ExperienceGIFTS FOR GROUPS Oakland Art Murmur (OAM) is a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen Oakland’s diverse visual arts communities by providing the public access to art, resources, programming, and experiences. They offer unique art experiences for family, friends, corporate teams. I’m sure you will enjoy the activities offered and this will be an unforgettable experience. MURAL MAKING Guided by one of Oakland’s top... 12/20/2018

Ramen Haven in Oakland California Oakland,CA was dubbed as an affordable alternative to San Francisco, or even as the Brooklyn of California. Being one of the country's most ethnically diverse cities -- The East Bay Area is now becoming very popular with its diverse offerings of food especially with millenials due to the trendy concept and affordability. This is probably one of the best restaurants I've been to last week (and will definitely be a favorite spot every weekend) - Ramen Shop Oakland.   When you enter the restaurant, you will immediately feel the asian vibe. It's like when California meets Japan. A lot of delicious greens, vegetables, sashimi, shoyu ramen with beef brisket and braised short ribs, Duck shoyo, vegetable, and butter miso ramen.  Come and try it out today!   MON... 12/18/2018

Holiday Parties Can Be Full of Surprises  Holiday Parties are happening everywhere! It's so nice to know that it's that time of the year again when at the moment you stepped into the office, everyone just smiles at you, you see Holiday decorations everywhere, smells of pies in the pantry, and everyone just has this festive feeling and end of the year excitement.  We just recently held our company Holiday Party yesterday and it was such an awesome event. We all had a quality team bonding experience. I even ran into an old friend which was great as I haven't seen this person for years, and had a very good conversation like there's no tomorrow. I even met new ones who were mutual connections and we bonded over appetizers as we learned we both loved Tapenade! Isn't that great?  We also didn... 12/14/2018