Real Estate Juice » Albany

Albany Swim Center Set To Open February 15th, 2012

Krista Miller — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:43:21 +0000

I went to register my daughter for kindergarten and while looking through the AUSD website I saw that the Albany Swim Center is finished, staffed, and ready for happy swimmers! February 15th will be the swim center’s grand opening, with the Albany High Swim Team and Aquatic Center staff geared up for the first dip. After that it will be open for the general public.

The new swim center includes an indoor and outdoor pool and will offer group and private swim lessons, open swim, lap swim, exercise classes.

Click here to scroll through the photo gallery from the Albany Patch: http://albany.patch.com/articles/photo-gallery-albany-pool-construction-updates#photo-8979463

Please Drive Slow on Marin: Tonight’s Vigil Brought Many but Some Cars Still Didn’t Slow Down

Krista Miller — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:13:12 +0000

Many of you have seen my facebook posts pertaining to a tragic accident that occurred Monday evening on the corner of Marin and Tulare at the Berkeley/Albany border. On Monday evening an 18 year old male, who was on his skateboard and not wearing a helmet, was struck by an oncoming car and died late this afternoon. Today, the Berkeley Police Department made a statement that the driver was not at fault.

Regardless of who was at fault, this intersection is a dangerous one. I should know, it is in my neighborhood and I cross at this crosswalk almost daily. In the past six months I alone have caused 2 minor fender benders, all because someone stopped, but the car behind them did not stop in time. This intersection is located on two blind curves, and at night it is nearly impossible to see who is crossing the street.

Tonight a vigil was held. For a few hours, the southeast corner of this intersection was lit with candles, flashlights, and tears. There had to be close to 75 people there by 8:30, most of them friends. Despite the lights and the large number of people, many cars did not slow down or stop for pedestrians crossing the street. I don’t think this was intentional, I just don’t think they were visible to the drivers.

Some have mentioned the need for more police handing out traffic tickets. Others have mentioned it is a non-issue since it is not listed as one of Berkeley’s dangerous intersection and there are others that are worse. Are you kidding? A kid was killed and something needs to happen! More lighting, flashing pedestrian lights…something! My husband and I spoke to the Berkeley Police about this intersection last September and they said “Bring it up with the City Council.” Seriously?

Do you know the dark spots in your neighborhood? Do you know alternate routes to use when driving? When crossing the street? Do you use a flashlight or clothing with reflectors at night? A life was taken much to early this week and I can guarantee that in my family, helmets will always be worn and flashlights will be used at night. Life is much to precious not to.

Whole Foods Plan for Albany is Moving Forward

Krista Miller — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:24:12 +0000

I am thrilled to report that, 4 years after its introduction, the plan to open a Whole Foods near University Village is making progress. This is great news considering the Oct. 2011 meeting was pretty intense and compromises could not be made. The project will also include a senior housing complex and a public art project.

Albany Market Snapshot

Krista Miller — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:01:34 +0000

Albany Market Snap Shot

The Albany market is getting hotter now that the New Year is underway. Based on current levels of supply and demand I don’t see the trend in price increasing much, if at all. I can’t believe that last month the Average Sales Price for Albany was in the mid-$350k range. But with a large amount of condo sales in the sub $350k range, and a sale above $1.1mil, Albany’s numbers are quite skewed.

Giddy Buyers

Krista Miller — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:08:32 +0000

Congratulations, Rob and Dani! I hope you enjoy your new home for years to come.

Albany Prices

Krista Miller — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:17:23 +0000

Albany prices are still on a downward trend. However if you look at the last 2 years prices start to go up around late January/February. In the market? Time to catch the bottom of the wave before it goes back up.

Is it Possible to Boost the East Bay’s Sustainable and Affordable Housing Stock?

Krista Miller — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:41:33 +0000

Here is an interesting article from the UC Berkeley News Center that came out a couple of weeks ago that talks about how in-law/secondary units could be a great way to help accommodate the projected population growth via dealing with infill development in communities throughout the region. They are currently looking into regulatory challenges, such as parking restrictions, but are hoping that this study will help mobilize the market for secondary units and lead the way to boost the East Bay affordable housing stock inventory.

http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/09/13/in-law-units-east-bay/

Dog Park in Albany?

Krista Miller — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:08:35 +0000

A dog park in Albany? They are one step closer to getting one!

I was talking with a colleague about the new pool that is coming to Albany High School, and that conversation led to another conversation about the new fence that will be installed at Memorial Park to separate the ballpark from the rest of the park. City Council just approved the addition of the fence so it sounds like dog-owners may get their play space before long.

Timbao Tropical Restaurant and Bar in Albany

Krista Miller — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:07:17 +0000

As I was walking to the gym, I saw that Club Montero’s in Albany was no more. New signs were going up that said “Timbao Tropical Restaurant and Bar.” Out front was a woman wearing a chef jacket. Turns out it was Cindy, their head chef.

Cindy said that the owner of Montero’s decided it was time for something new. Nope, wasn’t anything wrong with business. Nothing wrong with the food. Nothing wrong with the location. It was simply time for a change.

I think she said the owner was Juan, so for the purpose of this blog entry let’s call him that. Juan owns several restaurants in the area and thought it was time to add a little kick to the menu and nightlife that Club Montero’s was known for. The bar now features latin-inspired, tropical-infused drinks, the menu is full of more tapas-like creations, and the club will now feature salsa night for all levels.

I stopped by yesterday (Mother’s Day) and the place was quite busy. The restaurant was featuring a nice Mother’s Day menu that consisted of some of the old menu and some of the new.

I love supporting local restaurants so I look forward to giving this one a proper whirl.

Transfer Taxes for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

Krista Miller — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:59:30 +0000

Many cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties impose a point of sale ordinance on real property. The chart below will show which cities will impose a transfer tax.

Both Alameda County and Contra Costa County have a county transfer tax of $1.10/$1,000.

Example: If the sales price of a house in Berkeley is $500,000 then the seller can expect to pay $500 for the county transfer tax and both the buyer and seller can expect to split the city transfer tax of $7,500.