Thursday, December 6, 2012

Uptown Neighborhood in Oakland

When people outside of Oakland speak of Oakland they often speak of the highly touted “Oakland revival.” Well, they may not know it, but a big revival is going on right now near downtown, only we call it Uptown.

Uptown occupies the north end of downtown Oakland, between the city center and Grand Avenue along the diverging thoroughfares of Broadway and Telegraph. From the 1920s to the 1950s, this area was the main commercial district in Oakland, and you can tell by the impressive and well-preserved art deco buildings.

The best evidence of the Uptown revival is the nightlife, especially the newly renovated Fox Theatre and the venerable Paramount Theatre. Don’t miss smaller clubs like the eponymously named The Uptown or The Den. There is also a gourmet renaissance in the neighborhood, with hot spots Luka’s Tap Room and Café Van Kleef alongside longtime favorites like Pho 84. We could do a whole article just on great new restaurants! Uptown has become a nexus for the arts in the East Bay, with many art galleries and studios popping up in the district, such as The Crucible’s showroom and the Rock Paper Scissors Collective.
 
With so much to do, Uptown is also becoming a great place to call home. The neighborhood is dominated by several new condo projects, like The Uptown and the Broadway Grand. Don’t worry, there are normal things in the neighborhood, too, in addition to the hip nightclubs and restaurants. Whole Foods is nearby, there is even the wonderful Oakland Ice Center and Lake Merritt is just a few blocks away. And, commuting couldn’t be easier with the 19th Street BART station right there under your feet.

Now that Uptown has been unveiled and the world knows how vibrant Oakland can be, Uptown is the place to be!

Maxwell Park Neighborhood in Oakland

Maxwell Park Neighborhood in Oakland

Maxwell Park is one of the most architecturally diverse neighborhoods in Oakland. The community was created in the 1920s, just west of Mills College below Highway 580. The architecture is a charming mix of period bungalows and single-family homes with old world touches. But, there is a wide mix of architectural styles, thanks to developer John Maxwell’s mandate that the new homes “must bear the stamp of artistic individuality.” Additionally, thanks to the rolling hills, many of the homes have beautiful views of the bay.

Maxwell Park is also a very motivated and organized community, thanks to the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council. The group organizes beautification projects, neighborhood walks, the annual Day in the Park Festival. The helpful website also has everything you need to know about the neighborhood, along with great article about the history of Maxwell Park.

In addition to being so close to Mills College, Maxwell Park is also convenient to the Fruitvale, Laurel, and Glenview districts for great restaurants and shopping. AC Transit Line 14 will take you right to Fruitvale BART for easy commuting. And, if your commute takes you up in the air, Oakland Airport is just minutes away.

One of the more colorful parts of Maxwell Park history is the fact that martial arts superstar Bruce Lee called the neighborhood home for a couple of years in the 1960s. He lived on Monticello Avenue with his family and ran a martial arts school with his partner, where they developed the Jeet Kune Do style that made him famous.

Golden Gate District in Oakland

The Golden Gate District in North Oakland welcomes nearby neighbors from Berkeley and Emeryville with a shining example of the best this city has to offer. Anchored by the architecturally impressive Golden Gate Library, this Oakland neighborhood proudly shows off its eclectic diversity.
Stretched along San Pablo Avenue, connecting Emeryville and Berkeley, the Golden Gate District is full of classic Victorians, Craftsmans and bungalows from the early 1900s. Back then, the area was a town called Klinknerville, before becoming the town of Golden Gate, which was annexed by Oakland. And, the Golden Gate Library has stood impressively through all those changes. Originally established in 1899, the current branch was built back in 1918 with funding from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Its remarkable Georgian Revival style has drawn in readers and neighbors for nearly 100 years. The library is a true community center, offering many services and events and serving as a meeting place for the many residents of the neighborhood.

The San Pablo commercial area between 53rd Street and 67th Street is designated by colorful concrete pylons welcoming you to the Golden Gate District. The neighborhood’s diversity is reflected by longtime businesses like Amber Flooring alongside a variety of yoga and meditation studios. And, if you need your motorcycle worked on while getting a tattoo and gorging on all-you-can-eat waffles, then Godspeed is the place for you.

The Golden Gate District is a great location for commuters, with its easy access to highways 80, 580 and 24, plus close proximity to the MacArthur BART station. AC Transit Line 72 will whisk you up and down San Pablo Avenue. And, if you just need to get around Emeryville, then hop on the Emery-Go-Round.

As it continues to grow and evolve, the Golden Gate District certainly appears to have a golden future.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Ron Kriss, Broker at Lawton Associates

Ron Kriss is the Owner/Broker of Lawton Associates. He has been making a living in the real estate business for over 30 years. Since opening Lawton Associates in 1989, he has redeveloped more than 150 properties in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. This redevelopemnt history truly sets Ron apart from other brokers in the area. Ron has likely sold more of his redeveloped homes than most other agents have sold for their clients. Ron often says he has a “PhD in mistakes,” which he has accumulated over the years in the real estate and developement business. This knowlege of what to avoid, helps Ron deftly guide and advise his real estate clients, including helping them avoid costly mistakes in their transactions. Ron is very adept at navigating complex real estate transactions for both buyers and sellers. In any given year Ron and his team spend many hours assisting sellers in preparing, marketing, and listing their homes for sale. Most of Ron’s clients are referrals from past clients and neighbors.

Buyers Glossary

Below is an overview of the types of closing costs you may incur on your loan. Some are one-time fees (non-recurring closing costs or NRCCs) while others recur over the life of the loan. When you apply for your loan, you will receive a good faith estimate of settlement charges and a booklet explaining these costs in detail.
Loan Origination Fee
This fee covers the lender’s administrative costs in processing the loan. It is a one-time fee and is generally expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
Loan Discount
Often called “points”, a loan discount is a one-time charge used to adjust the yield on the loan to what market conditions demand. One point is equal to 1% of the loan amount.
Appraisal Fee
This is a one-time fee that pays for an “appraisal”, a statement of property value required on most loans. The appraisal is made by an independent fee appraiser.
Credit Report Fee
This one-time fee covers the cost of the credit report which is processed by an independent credit reporting agency.
Title and Escrow Fees
In addition to your title and escrow fees, there are two title policies – a buyer’s title policy (that protects the new homeowner) and a lender’s title policy (that protects the lender against loss due to a defect in the title). These are both one-time fees (non-recurring).
Miscellaneous Title Charges
The title company may charge fees for a title search, title examination, document preparation, notary fees, recording fees and a settlement of closing fee. These are all one-time charges.
Document Preparation Fee
There may be a separate, one-time fee that covers preparation of the final legal papers, including the note and deed of trust.
Prepaid Interest
Depending on the day of the month you loan closes, this charge may vary from a full month’s interest to just a few days’ interest. If your loan closes at the beginning of the month, you will probably have to pay the maximum amount. If your loan closes near the end of the month, you will only have to pay a few days’ interest.
Taxes & Hazard Insurance
Based on the month you close, property taxes will be prorated between you and the seller. You will also need to pay an entire year’s hazard insurance premium up-front (homeowner’s insurance). In addition, you may be required to put a certain amount for taxes and insurance into a special reserve account (impound account) held by the lender.

Contact:
Want to learn more about buying or selling a home in the East Bay Area, contact Lawton Associates, East Bay Real Estate Brokerage:

Ron Kriss, Broker
RonKriss@jps.net
(510) 547- 5970 ext 55
LawtonAssociates.com
3160 College Ave, Ste 201 | Berkeley, CA 94705
DRE #01417458

First Time Homebuyers

First Time Homebuyers
 
1. Initial Metting with an Agent
Determine needs and wants
Discuss timeline, financial qualifications, and market conditions
Sign up for email updates
2. Get Pre-Qualified by Lender
Obtain pre-qualification letter from a Mortgage Consultant
3. Property Tours
Mark Sundays as open house tour days. Check Sunday’s SF Chronicle for schedule.
Show you available homes that suit your needs and preferences
Fine-tune your “ideal home” qualifications
4. Once You Find A House
I. Do your homework - get and read the disclosures
II. Find out when offers are being accepted
III. Get a pre-qualification letter from your lender for this property and offer amount
IV. Write a personal letter expressing your interest
V. Write your offer. This will take 1-2 hours and will include signing disclosures and strategizing
VI. Deliver your earnest money deposit (This check will be held until there is a ratified contract)
5. Present The Offer
Your real estate agent will present your offer by highlighting the strengths of your offer and your strength as a buyer.
The sellers will accept the offer, counter your offer, or reject it
6. Counter Offer
I. The seller will either only counter your offfer or do a “mulitple” counter offer
II. Discuss the counter offer and how it relates to your goals and prepare a response
7. Escrow
When the offer has been accepted and signed by all parties, open escrow
Your earnest money will be deposited at this time
The escrow officer will order a Preliminary Title Report and send copies to your agent and lender
8. Loan Application
Submit a completed loan application with the lender of your choice and provide the lender with all the necessary documents
9. Contingency Period
The length of this period is determined when you write your offer
Schedule and attend your physical inspections
Lender will schedule the appraisal and loan approval
Remove all contingencies
10. Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Select an insurance company and discuss coverage
Give insurance agent information to escrow; they will need to order a copy of the policy for the new lender prior to escrow closing
11. Signing Documents at Title Company
I. Your lender will send the loan documents directly to your escrow company
II. The escrow officer will provide a Buyer’s Estimated Closing Statement that will itemize your costs and credits with an estimate of total monies due
III. At your “signing” appointment, you will need a current photo identification
IV. You will receive copies of title documents and lender documents
12. Down payment and Closing Funds
Bring a cashier’s check or wire funds to the title company several days prior to closing
13. Funding
The lender will send funds to the Title Company who will then disperse them to the appropriate parties
14. Close of Escrow
The deed will be recorded at the county recorder’s office by the title company (you will receive the orginal back from the county recorder in approximately 6 weeks)
Agent will coordinate the transfer of the keys with you
15. MOVE IN!!!

Want to learn more about buying or selling a home in these neighborhoods, contact Lawton Associates, East Bay Real Estate Brokerage

Ron Kriss, Broker
RonKriss@jps.net
(510) 547- 5970 ext 55
LawtonAssociates.com
3160 College Ave, Ste 201 | Berkeley, CA 94705
DRE #01417458


Why choose Lawton Associates as your real estate brokerage?

Lawton Associates:
Lawton Associates are just that - agents and brokers that are associated with the broker Ron Kriss. Each agent and broker runs their own business under direct supervision of Broker Ron Kriss. The agents and brokers at lawton associates represent buyers and sellers in all types of real estate transactions in the East Bay and beyond. Among this diversified group you will find a former attorney, a former writer, and a former electrical engineer. As different as each of them is, they are united in their dedication to their clients and customers. Each agent and broker that works at Lawton Associates has come to work there because they have very high ethical and service commitments to their clients and customers. You can know that if an agent or broker represents you in a real estate transaction you will be receiving the best representation that is available in the industry. Each member of the Lawton team has proven themselves to be at the top of their game, or they would not be at Lawton Associates. Many ask to join the team, but few make the cut.

Marketing:
Lawton Associates, Inc. brings together the traditional methods of Real Estate marketing, with the power of the Internet and unparalleled customer service to the sale of new Residential Projects like Temescal Place. Ron Kriss and Lou Lovotti are the founding partners of Lawton Associates, and are joined by the talents of the finest real estate agents in the East Bay. Together this dedicated team can help with almost any Real Estate need, from traditional residential real estate, income property, distressed properties and foreclosures, to land acquisition and development. Lawton Associates has been setting the standard in East Bay Real Estate for over 15 years and is ready to serve your needs in today’s ever-changing market place. Because of Lawton Associates’ in-depth market knowledge and commitment to quality service, this dynamic firm has grown more successful every year.

Ron Kriss:
Broker Ron is the broker/ owner of Lawton Associates. He has been active in real estate most of his adult life. He is lucky enough to both live and work in Rockridge and does most of his real estate business in Rockridge and the Oakland/Berkeley area's of the East Bay.

Contact:
Want to learn more about buying or selling a home in the East Bay Area, contact Lawton Associates, East Bay Real Estate Brokerage:

Ron Kriss, Broker
RonKriss@jps.net
(510) 547- 5970 ext 55
LawtonAssociates.com
3160 College Ave, Ste 201 | Berkeley, CA 94705
DRE #01417458

Piedmont Ave. District in Oakland, CA

Piedmont Avenue District

For those of you reading this who do not live in the East Bay, you should know up front that the Piedmont Avenue district is not part of the nearby City of Piedmont. They are close to each other, but worlds apart.
piedmont sign The Piedmont Avenue district is a lovely stretch up Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue from MacArthur Boulevard up past Pleasant Valley Avenue to the historic Mountain View Cemetery, bounded by Broadway to the north and Oakland Avenue to the south. But don’t worry; the cemetery is not the neighborhood’s main industry and employer. Ironically, that honor would probably go to the flagship Kaiser medical center, newly remodeled and modernized.

Shopping & Dining

Along the avenue is a beloved collection of shops and restaurants, many in the neighborhood for generations. While there almost any need to can be met retail-wise on this street, from bikes to babies and from yarn to yoga, there is a good number of stops for the reader in all of us. Longtime favorite Black Swan Books has many rare items, Spectator Books has something for everyone, and Dr. Comics and Mr. Games is heaven for comic book fans. And, don’t forget the great local branch library!
Would you be surprised that there are about 4 dozen places to eat in the neighborhood? Classics like Bay Wolf, Cato’s Ale House and Fenton’s Creamery (as seen in the Pixar animated hit Up!) continue to pack them in, along with hot newcomers Dopo for great Italian, Adesso for one of the best happy hours in the east bay, and Park Avenue Grill for a terrific burger and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
Or indulge your inner gourmet and go shopping at the venerable Piedmont Grocery and cook up your own fest at home.
Recreation is a kick in the Piedmont Avenue district. Believe it or not, the cemetery offers great architecture by Frederick Law Olmstead and Julia Morgan, plus excellent hiking opportunities and some of the best views of the bay you can find.
Go discover hidden Glen Echo Creek, peacefully hidden just on the other side of MacArthur, or wander the Oakland Morcom Rose Garden. Finally, catch a flick at the nearly 100-years-old Piedmont Theatre, featuring the newest independent and foreign films.

Transportation

BART

There are many choices of public transportation from this home. There is the popular Rockridge BART Station and the Macarthur BART Station, both offer parking and are situated on AC Transit Bus lines. Some local employers offer door to door shuttle service from these BART Station, like Lawerence Berkeley Labs, Alta Bates Hospital, and Kaiser Hospital.

Bicycle Boulevards

Berkeley, CA sports some of the best bicycling amenities anywhere in the U.S. They are called Bicycle Boulevards - and are essentially bicycle priority streets - where thru traffic is diverted from the neighborhood and traffic calming is plenty.

Bus

A.C. Transit has bus service on College Avenue, Broadway, Piedmont Avenue, and Telegraph Avenue just to name a few.

Car

You are close to the freeway (Highway 24, 13 and 580), so travel to all parts of the Bay Area is quick and easy. Downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, Emeryville, and Berkeley are all close and convenient.

Casual Carpooling

There are 2 different pick up points near by for casual carpooling to San Francisco. Carpool riders are dropped off at the Trans Bay Bus Terminal near the Financial District.

Schools

Click here for the map from the OUSD School-Finder

3939 Cerrito Ave. Piedmont Ave. District in Oakland, CA 94611 // Lawton Associates

New Listing: Rare Piedmont Avenue Loft


Piedmont Avenue is just 2 short blocks away and offers all the finest – Restaurants, shops, movies, cafes, book stores, and sunny places to walk, watch and work. Commuting is snap from here and of course there are gallons of coffee nearby!

MLS # 40597308

Features
  • 2 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms
  • Hardrock Maple & Concrete Floors
  • 2nd Bedroom Perfect for Home Office/Guest
  • Awesome Gourmet Kitchen
  • 3 Private Decks
  • Private One-Car Garage, Laundry
  • Great Architectural Detailing
  • Soaring Ceilings, Huge Industrial Windows
  • 1,208+/-sqft of Living Space o Natural Light & Views
  • Awesome Loft Master Suite
  • Garage Is Usable For Art Or ??
  • Glass Industrial Doors
  • “Walker’s Paradise” according to WalkScore This home scored an unbeatable 97 out of 100 Sell the cars – Ride BART and get a couple bikes!
  • Note: The locals ride the Kaiser shuttle back and forth to MacArthur BART Station