Update On Lake Merritt ChangesHere is an update from Councilwoman, Pat Kerigan on the changes for Lake MerrittPlanning for Future Development around Lake MerrittCity planning staff has initiated a Zoning Study for the perimeter of Lake Merritt at the request of Councilmember Nancy Nadel (District 3) and me. The purpose of the study is to refine the existing development guidelines for the area around the Lake. General policy guidelines and concepts currently exist in the City's General Plan and Lake Merritt Master Plan, but more specificity would be helpful to make sure that future development enhances, rather than detracts from, the unique open space and recreational areas around Lake Merritt. We have sponsored two community meetings where participants have heard about the zoning tools ... 05/11/2007

UnWaste Your WorldUnWaste Your WorldIs your home filling up with unused monitors, computer systems, televisions,printers, etc. and you don't know what to do with them? Universal Waste Management is a state approved e-waste (electronic waster or "Tech-junk") collector/recycler. They hold public collection events, but you can also drop off your e-waste at their warehouse FREE OF CHARGE and they are there to unload your vehicle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm. For more information just go to http://www.unwaste.com/. 05/11/2007

I have seen many great Real Estate Agents on this website and others, I thought it would be good to share with you a couple of the key points of what makes a great Real Estate Agent, from my prospective, a Loan Officer.I had the priviledge of meeting with Dena Dorsey of Remax in Oakland, in Alameda County, California, mainly as a thank you for her referring me a client of hers who was looking into her options.  Dena had talked with the client about selling their home, they were going through a separation, and didn't really know how to handle the break up.  Dena met with the prospective client, and after going through the discussion of listing the property, thought it would be a good idea to also look into refinancing.  She gave them my information and we went through the options.  After... 05/11/2007

With daily headlines in the major newspapers alternating between a confirmed decline in the state market followed by statistics reporting a rise in median prices in many cities in the Bay Area, one can’t help but wonder what really is going on? Is it is good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell? Like the famous saying from former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil: “all politics is local” , the truth about the real estate market is very neighborhood specific. Even city-wide statistics don’t tell a very accurate picture. It’s the neighborhood. Sometimes even the block. For instance, we just had 673 Alcatraz Ave, near Shattuck Ave, on the Oakland/Berkeley border, listed for sale. It was a beautiful house, with a detached inlaw cottage, all in excellent condition. Our asking price was $629,... 04/16/2007

One of the realities of the Oakland real estate world is that when housing and economic activity declines, there are more homeowners who end up facing the foreclosure process. When appreciation is high for a sustained period, such as the Bay Area market from 2001-2005 people tend to be more aggressive and will go to great lengths to buy. In fact, lenders were going to great lengths to lend to those who maybe were not well qualified. In many of these cases, borrowers chose interest only loans with balloon payments and took out second, third and even fourth deeds of trust. Many of these buyers expected the market to continue the way it has, which would mean double digit appreciation for the foreseeable future. Of course we all witnessed the market come down in 2005, with appreciation comi... 04/11/2007

I know there's a big party in Oakland tonight!It's the 50th birthday bash of the Oakland Chapter of the Hells Angels!I know where the party is - Foothill Blvd and 40th Avenue in Oakland.I can bring my bike. I can bring my leathers too.  But as a sport tourer, I may just seem a little out of place.That, and I can't seem to find my invitation.Oh well, Happy Birthday Guys and Gals!   03/30/2007