Real Estate Juice » Kensington

Days On Market, Last 2 Years: Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond and Oakland

Krista Miller — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:10:47 +0000

Let’s take a look at what the average days on market has done over the last two years in each of our neighborhoods. Percentages are from Jan/07 vs. Jan/09.

Albany, down 66%
Jan 2007 24
Jan 2008 43
Jan 2009 8

Berkeley, all, down 7%
Jan 2007 45
Jan 2008 43
Jan 2009 42

Berkeley Hills, up 7%
Jan 2007 14
Jan 2008 58
Jan 2009 15

El Cerrito, up 100%
Jan 2007 25
Jan 2008 44
Jan 2009 50

Kensington, up 60%
Jan 2007 44
Jan 2008 5
Jan 2009 70

Oakland, all, up 10%
Jan 2007 46
Jan 2008 53
Jan 2009 64

Richmond, all, up 15%
Jan 2007 52
Jan 2008 77
Jan 2009 60

Richmond Annex, down 21%
Jan 2007 66
Jan 2008 182
Jan 2009 53

Several factors can severely skew the days on market (DOM) statistics. The first, and biggest, is the level of inventory. If inventory is low and the quality of the homes is poor, then you will have a higher DOM (which is why Jan/08 in the Annex was so high). Then there is quality regardless of inventory: high quality = quick sales, no matter the economy. This is the reason the East Bay is desirable. The other factor is the media and the economy. What are the headlines saying? Was there a wave of crime during that particular month? How many loans reset that month? This all affects sales, which direclty affects DOM.

Contra Costa County Homeowner Repair Loans

Krista Miller — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:26:44 +0000

Did you know that there are programs out there to help low-income homeowners fix up their homes? In Contra Costa County there is a program called the Neighborhood Preservation Program which is operated by the CCC Building Inspection Department.

The program, created in 1975, makes loans to very-low and low-income homeowners to help fix up homes, making safer, more comfortable environments.

The type of work that can be done includes:

Improved disabled accessibility
Painting, inside and out
Plumbing/heating/electrical repairs
Reroofing
Security
Termite/Dry Rot Repair
Other work

There are two types of loans available: 1) 3% interest loans, with affordable monthly payments, payable in 15 years and 2) 0% interest loans with no monthly payment and reviewed every 5 years depending on income.

The maximum loan amount is $40,000 and the money is supplied through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant fund.

For more information, including who decides what gets fixed and who does the work, call the county at (925) 335-1137.

Explore A Neighborhood

Krista Miller — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:00:04 +0000

Frontdoor.com has a really groovy interactive map for checking out what is available in a particular zip code. Just pop in your zip code and using the nav bar on the right, find schools, cafes and more.

Way cool!

http://www.frontdoor.com/Explore-The-Neighborhood/

Fabulous homes on tour today, Albany, Kensington and El Cerrito

Krista Miller — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Not much on tour today, but I did come across some very sweet treats.

1022 Evelyn, Albany

Originally listed for $599,500, this house has a SUPER new price, $535,000. 2beds, 1bath, beautiful hardwood floors. Albany schools, walk to Solano. I don’t think it will last at this price.

7302 Gladys, El Cerrito

This super cute, 3bed home is fully updated with bay views and a master suite with bath. I think the agent mentioned that it will be open this weekend, with offers on the following Tuesday. This house is a really great value, and in a great neighborhood. $519,000.

415 Santa Fe, KensingtonThis charming 2bed house is located near Kensignton Circle, where El Cerrito, Albany, Kensington and Berkeley meet. Walk to Kensington Pub, Semifreddis, Trader Joes and BART. $599,000. No pictures are available at this time.