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Sunday Brunch In The East Bay, Oakland + Berkeley, CA
Where do you Weekend Brunch? Here are 5 local spots that have been around for years. — Share your favorites.
1. Grand Lake Kitchen
2. Montclair Egg Shop
3. Rick + Ann’s Domingo, Berkeley
4. Shakewell on Lakeshore
5. Bette’s Oceanview Diner, 4th St, Berkeley- and there is no ocean view.
Design Inspiration at Home
Let me cut to the chase and share with your my top 5 home furnishing shops and styles.
BR Home | Banana Republic Home Store
Homenature | Shop.
Restoration Hardware | AKA RH Home
ROVE Concepts | Shop.
Serena + Lilly | Start Surfing.
If you would like other home and design suggestions, please reach out.
Enjoy!
East Coast West Coast, Left Coast Right Coast
East Coast West Coast, Left Coast Right Coast Not all real estate markets or the way we transact business the same.
Oftentimes we meet up with Buyers who have not transacted in California and have questions and concerns about the absence of a real estate attorney.
On the West Coast, Real Estate Attorneys bring value when something in the contract is vague and could be interpreted in different ways. While we don’t use attorneys to draft or negotiate our contracts (which East Coast agents do), from time to time we bring on an attorney if there is a dispute regarding interpretation of the clause.
1. When are attorneys hired?
In California we will use a real estate attorney when an agent or clients is being sued or want to sue for a real estate-related matter. Or when arbitration and mediation fails.
Buyers and Sellers absolutely should consult an attorney in a variety of circumstances. For example, in a landlord-tenant disupte, we advise calling a “Qualified California Real Estate Attorney.”
Depending on where you are transacting, attorneys are used more or less. For instance, on the East Coast, attorneys draft all real estate contracts, on the West Coast, agents draft their own real estate contracts.
Landlord-tenant disputes require an experienced real estate attorney; further, attorney’s have niches on each side. We will also consult a qualified California Real Estate attorney for non-disclosure disputes.
If you are on the West Coast (where I practice real estate), and have a client purchasing a new or used home, the agent will draft the contract. If there is a legal question, however, we will consult an attorney, otherwise there isn’t a need for a real estate attorney.
2. In the case of a lawsuit:
If you are suing or being sued, you absolutely should bring in a real estate attorney. I had a situation in which I did not want the client to close because the extensive remodel had not yet been completed. Our clients insisted we close and that they would handle the finish work with the sellers directly.
Our client ended up paying another contractor to finish the work, and then sued the seller to reimburse the cost of that work. The seller refused, and countersued and then brought us into the suit, the buyer’s agents. We all hired our own real estate attorney to maneuver us through the process.
In the same way, if you are being sued, use an attorney, if you are buying a home, use a Realtor. Each are experts in their fields.
3. What are the risks of participating in any of these scenarios without a real estate attorney?
The risks of not using an attorney–in the situations where you really ought to–could be very costly, financially and mentally, while extremely time consuming and exhausting! We definitely rely on the counsel of professionals – they advise you. Home purchases are emotional and the price is high, so you need the right attorney to guide you.
4. Who are good candidates for hiring a real estate attorney and why/when? We have trusted attorneys for specific areas; such as landlord-tenant disputes, real estate disputes, boundary disputes. and disclosure disputes.
5. What do real estate attorneys typically charge (either as a flat fee or by the hour)? Attorneys charge hourly but sometimes it can be a flat fee. A closing could be a flat fee, like in New York.
6. How can a reader best find and choose a real estate attorney? Use your agent as your guide! They love helping you!
We provide referrals all day long. Don’t go it alone.
It is imperative to hire an expert in the field you are seeking advice or counsel. The cost to not use an expert can be insurmountable not to mention draining. We are busy enough doing what we do as Realtors, parents, business people, and the like, we cannot be an expert in every field.
Why White Works
Sellers Often Ask, Why White? Here’s a few reasons why we love white.
* Resale Value. Preferred color choice of Buyers
* Makes the space feel larger
* Easy to imagine oneself living in the home
* Looks clean and streamlined
* Fits every style
* Elegant and classic
* Buyers Are More Attracted To White Kitchen Cabinets As Well As White Walls
* White reflects light to make a room look brighter
* White color is associated with calm and serene. The purest of all colors, the white, holds clarity, freshness, simplicity and being organized in its traits. People who love white color are often seen to be calm, balanced, fearless, optimist, independent and have a strong opinion.
* Photographing the Home. It may be best to let your walls act as a supporting element and often white is a great choice
* Color is a personal
* Buyers can better imagine their own things filling the space
Our home has white walls, but we have lots of pink furniture and pink artwork. The white walls allows more flexibility. The next color palette I’m considering is white and tan: a more neutral look.
Connect with The DiMaggio Betta Group, Corcoran Icon Properties
Mastering the Art of Patience: Thriving In Today’s Real Estate Market as a Seller
Not all homes fit all. In this market Sellers must remain patient.
Buyers are more picky than ever, they aren’t in a rush, rates are up, and they are more thoughtful of the home they choose to invest in.
There’s more due diligence occurring before an offer is made.
Remaining patient is key, just ask a few of our recent clients who waded through the last year with their homes on the market, some, for months. But they did eventually sell and they did not change agents due to fluctuating market conditions due to local and national events.
Here are top 3 Things A Seller Should Understand In A Changing Market:
Teamwork and Collaboration: Cooperation between listing and selling agents is helpful, as is the teamwork between a listing agent and their client. Everyone has the same goal in mind, so being kind towards one another only helps to lessen the stress of a financially significant decision.
Open Communication: Open communication is quite important in any transaction. Speaking on the phone rather than through a text or email can be crucial to making a deal happen. What you learn in a live conversation only helps to clarify what may show up differently or negatively in an email or text. The tone of what is being relayed is significant.
Proper Preparation: Sellers need to understand that Buyers make a snap decision based on what they see online to whether they are going to preview a home in person or skip it, so a Seller must properly prepare their home for market. To prepare a home for market, painting and staging are first and foremost. Each home is at various stages at being ready for market, for a complete list please refer to a recent video blog which discusses what we did to one home.
We thank our patient clients who stood by us, as we stood by them as well, during this changing and evolving real estate market. Read a few testimonials.
For a complimentary personal audit of your home please reach out.
coffee and conversation
Where Do You Meet for Coffee?
Here a few favorites and some new ones in the queue.
Cafenated Coffee Co • Corner of College Ave and Ashby • the Elmwood
Terrace Gifts & Coffee • Next to Village Market and the Terrance Nursery on Broadway Terrace @ Clarewood • Upper Rockridge
And a few more places to meet, sip and socialize below, after this quick read:
Oakland and Berkeley, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, have vibrant and diverse coffee cultures that reflect the unique character of these communities. Keep in mind that details might have evolved since then, but here’s an overview of the coffee culture in Oakland and Berkeley:
Oakland Coffee Culture: Oakland’s coffee culture is known for its creativity, diversity, and community-oriented atmosphere. The city has a rich history of social activism and cultural diversity, and these influences are often reflected in its coffee scene. Some key aspects of Oakland’s coffee culture include:
- Local Roasters: Oakland is home to several renowned local coffee roasters, each with its own distinct character and approach to sourcing and roasting beans. These roasters often prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
- Community Focus: Many coffee shops in Oakland emphasize community engagement and social responsibility. Some shops actively support local artists, host events, and contribute to charitable causes.
- Artistic Expression: The city’s creative spirit is evident in its coffee shops, where you may find a blend of art, music, and culture. Some coffee shops serve as galleries for local artists to showcase their work.
- Diversity: Oakland’s diverse population is reflected in its coffee offerings, with shops often featuring a variety of international coffee styles, flavors, and brewing methods.
Berkeley Coffee Culture: Berkeley, located just north of Oakland, is famous for its academic institutions, progressive values, and historical significance in the counterculture movement. Its coffee culture is influenced by these factors and offers its own unique characteristics:
- Academic Atmosphere: With the presence of the University of California, Berkeley, the city’s coffee shops often have an intellectual and scholarly ambiance. You might find students and scholars engaged in discussions or studying.
- Alternative and Sustainable: Berkeley has a history of environmental consciousness and social activism. Many coffee shops prioritize organic and sustainable products, and some even offer fair-trade and locally sourced options.
- Innovation: Like the city itself, Berkeley’s coffee culture can be innovative and experimental. You may encounter shops that offer unique brewing methods, coffee blends, or specialty drinks.
- Cultural Diversity: Berkeley’s diverse population contributes to a rich variety of coffee options, from traditional to international styles. You might find cafes offering a range of flavors and preparations.
Both Oakland and Berkeley have a “third place” culture, emphasizing the role of coffee shops as spaces for social interaction, relaxation, and creative expression. These communities often value inclusivity, sustainability, and a sense of belonging, which contribute to the distinctive coffee cultures you can experience in these two cities.
OAKLAND
Actual Cafe • 6334 San Pablo Avenue • Golden Gate
Awaken Cafe • 1429 Broadway • Downtown
Blue Bottle Coffee • 300 Webster Street • Jack London
Bicycle Coffee Company • 364 2nd Street • Jack London
Cole Coffee • 307 63rd Street • Fairview Park
Coloso Coffee • 1715 Webster Street • Downtown
City Lights Cafe • 2121 Harrison Street • Lake Merritt
Equator Coffee & Tea • 175 Bay Place • Adams Point
Farley’s East • 33 Grand Avenue • Uptown
Fig & Poe • 396 11th Street • Downtown
Highwire Coffee Roasters • 5655 College Avenue • Rockridge
Modern Coffee • 411 13th Street / 381 19th Street • Civic Center / Uptown
Philz Coffee • 6310 College Avenue • Fairview Park
Red Bay Coffee • 2327 Broadway • Uptown
Subrosa Coffee • 4008 Martin Luther King Jr. Way • Longfellow
Tertulia • 1951 Telegraph • Uptown
The Cro Cafe • 470 49th Street • Temescal
Timeless Coffee • 4252 Piedmont Avenue • North Oakland
Trouble • 1545 Willow Street • West Oakland
BERKELEY
1951 Coffee Shop • 2410 Channing Way • Downtown
Alchemy Collective Cafe • 1741 Alcatraz Avenue • Bushrod
Allegro Coffee Roasters • 1025 Gilman Street • Westbrae
Algorithm Coffee • 1122 University Avenue • West Berkeley
Artis Coffee Roasters • 1717 4th Street • Northwest Berkeley Babette • 2155 Center Street • Downtown
Bartavelle • 1603 San Pablo Avenue • West Berkeley
Blue Bottle Coffee • 2118 Shattuck Avenue • Downtown
Catahoula Coffee • 2080 4th Street • West Berkeley
Cafe Strada • 2300 College Avenue • South Side
Cafe Trieste • 2500 San Pablo Avenue • West Berkeley
CoRo Coffee Room • 2324 Fifth Street • West Berkeley
Fellini Coffee Bar • 1401 University Avenue • West Berkeley
Gold Leaf Cafe • 1947 Martin Luther King Jr. Way • Downtown
Guerilla Cafe • 1620 Shattuck Avenue • North Berkeley
Philz Coffee • 1313 9th Street Ste 110 • Westbrae
Rasa Coffee • 3140 Martin Luther King Jr. Way • South Berkeley
Raxakoul Coffee & Cheese • 1578 Hopkins Street • Berkeley Hills
Romeo’s Coffee • 2499 Telegraph Avenue • South Side
Souvenir Coffee • 3084 Claremont Avenue • Claremont
Victory Point Cafe • 1797 Shattuck Avenue • Gourmet Ghetto
Should you be interested in other recommendations, resources and/or referrals, please reach out. Adam, Chase and I are happy to guide you. We look forward to speaking with you.
East Bay Bites Before 3PM
Bites b43 – Follow my entire Live Local Series on Instagram @DiMaggioAndBetta
Where you might find me if I decide to take a lunch break or meet up with a client, colleague or friend. And what I eat.
.+ Terrace Cafe ( BLT!)
+ Crepevine (Nutella & Strawberries )
+ Summer Kitchen (Chinese Chicken Salad)
+Casa Barotti (Pepperoni or Sausage, Spicy
+Yellow Door (Chinese Chicken Salad)
Share your favorites. I’ve tagged each establishment.
Enjoy!
The Fabulous Variety of Architectural Styles in the SF Bay Area
Architectural Styles In And Around the Bay Area, Range from Modern to Traditional and Everything In Between
By Summer Intern, Adhi Bornstein
The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its diverse and vibrant medley of architectural landscape. From historic Victorian homes to sleek modern designs, the region contains architectural styles that are reflective of the region’s rich history, cultural diversity, and progressive spirit. Throughout this blog post, we will delve into the most common architectural styles found within the San Francisco Bay Area, highlighting their unique characteristics and significance.
Victorian
The Victorian era has left an unforgettable mark on the architectural fabric of the Bay Area. Victorian homes contain ornate details, vibrant color, steep pitched roofs, and are iconic landmarks throughout the region. Most notable is the “San Francisco Victorian”, characterized by the iconics Painted ladies row houses with intricate woodwork and colorful facades. This style is a testament to the city’s historical cast and oers a charming glimpse into the 19th century architectural aesthetics.
Spanish Revival ( like my family home in Piedmont )
The Spanish Revival style emerged in the early 20th century, influenced heavily by Spanish colonial architecture. Known for their stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and decorative accents like arched windows and wrought-iron details, these buildings exude a sense of Mediterranean elegance. Many homes and public publids in the Bay Area, such as the Berkeley City Club, embrace this architectural style infusing a touch of Old World charm into the region’s architectural tapestry.
Craftsman
Craftsman styles homes, popular during the early 20th century, emphasize fine craftsmanship and natural materials. These homes often feature low-pitched roofs, front porches, exposed rafters, and use of wood and stone elements. The craftsman style blend harmoniously with the Bay Area’s natural surroundings and can be seen in many neighborhoods, particularly in cities like Berkeley and Oakland.
Mid-Century Modern ( SOLD, DiMaggio Betta Group, Berkeley, CA )
The Mid-Century Modern movement gained prominence in the post World War 2 era, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and a seamless integration with nature. Architects like Joseph Eichler created modernist homes, characterized by open floor plans, large windows, flat roods and a focus on indoor-outdoor living. The Bay Area boasts several neighborhoods with these iconic homes, such as the Eichler homes in Palo Alto and Marin County, showing the region’s embrace of contemporary design.
Contemporary
As the Bay Area evolves, so does its architectural landscape. Contemporary styles blend innovative design with sustainability and environmental considerations. Many new structures feature sleek lines, extensive use of glass, energy-efficient features, and green roofs. Architects and designers in the area continue to push boundaries, creating unique and visually striking buildings that redefined the skyline of cities like San Francisco and Oakland.
Overall, the San Francisco Bay Area is a treasure trove of architectural styles that reflect its history, cultural density, and progressive mindset. From the picturesque Victorian homes that evoke a bygone era to the sleek lines of contemporary designs, the region’s architectural landscape is a testament to the evolving tastes and aspirations of its residents. Exploring the various architectural styles in the Bay Area is not only a visual delight but also a journey through time and a celebration of the region’s rich heritages.
Whether you appreciate the intricate details of Victorian homes, the timeless elegance of Spanish Revival or the innovative spirit of contemporary design, the architectural styles in the San Francisco Bay Area offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, present, and future.
Gearing Up To Buy A Home: Key Factors That Go Into Writing An Offer
The following outlines the necessary elements of an offer to buy a house, helping you navigate this process with confidence and increase your chances of a successful purchase. Don’t get overwhelmed, just ask a lot of questions — now matter how small the question we can help.
Adam, Chase and I work as a team to make this experience as seamless as possible. Please connect us with your lender, if you are not working with one of our current partners, so we can position you for success when the time comes to present your offer. We will also refer insurance agents so when we enter into escrow you can obtain loan insurance for your new home.
The Offer:
- Purchase Price: The purchase price is the most critical element of your offer. It represents the amount you are willing to pay for the property. Determine a fair market value by considering comparable sales in the area. Depending on the number of offers being made comps will become irrelevant if you wish to beat out the competition. We will discuss appraisal and loan contingencies when contemplating the offer price
- Earnest Money Deposit: An earnest money deposit demonstrates your commitment to the purchase. It is a sum of money, typically 3% of the purchase price, held in escrow. Should the offer be accepted, this deposit is applied towards the down payment and closing costs. To insure confidence in the seller and seller’s agent we like to have funds wired within 24 hours, as per the default clause in the contract you have 3 days to wire funds to escrow which is to the title company who is the neutral 3rd party and takes instructions from both the sellers and buyers agents.
- Financing Contingency: Including a financing contingency protects you in case you are unable to secure a mortgage loan. This contingency specifies a timeframe within which you must obtain a loan approval. If financing falls through within the agreed-upon timeframe, you can withdraw from the transaction without losing your earnest money deposit. However, it is typical that a buyer in our competitive area, you may want to waive this contingency. This is one of the reasons we need to speak with your lender ahead of writing an offer. He/she will provide confidence in your ability to obtain financing and if he/she thinks you need this contingency or not. We can then share our confidence with the listing agent providing them a reason to take our offer over any others.
- Appraisal Contingency: Lender will lend up to 80% of the value of the home. If the home does not appraise a buyer will have to make up the difference in their down payment if there was not an appraisal contingency in the offer. We will discuss this each time we write an offer. If we are in agreement that the value is there a buyer will consider waiving this contingency. 90+% of our offers are non contingent.
- Inspection Contingency: Disclosures and Reports are typically provided ahead of time so this contingency (in our market) is typically waived in order to be competitive. On the contrary, in the LA area, agents/sellers do not provide inspections and/or disclosures ahead of time so there can be a renegotiation of price and credits. I prefer our area standards to theirs.
- Contingencies: Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the purchase to proceed. Common contingencies include a satisfactory home inspection, appraisal, and the sale of your current home if applicable. Clearly outline any contingencies you require, along with specific deadlines for completing them.
- Inclusions and Exclusions: Specify any items that you expect to be included in the sale, such as appliances, fixtures, or furniture. Conversely, outline any items you explicitly want to exclude. Being clear about inclusions and exclusions helps avoid misunderstandings during the negotiation and closing process.
- Home Inspection: Include a provision for a professional home inspection. This contingency allows you to hire a qualified inspector to assess the condition of the property. If significant issues are discovered, you can negotiate repairs, credits, or even withdraw from the offer, depending on the agreed-upon terms.
- Disclosures and Reports: Disclosures and reports are typically provided by the seller and their agent ahead of time —including property history, inspections, repairs, and any known issues. Review these documents thoroughly. Be sure to request the disclosure link for ANY property you are, or may be interested in, together we will be able to follow offer dates and obtain new information as it is made available.
- Closing Date and Timeline: Specify the desired closing date in your offer. This is the date when the ownership of the property will be transferred to you. Consider factors such as your financing timeline, the seller’s availability, and any other pertinent factors that may impact the closing date. A typical closing date is 21-30 days.
Interested in school information, local restaurants, cafes or activities? Need a doctor or dentist recommendation? We have you covered. We are also happy to make introductions to others who may help with school decisions, plus a myriad of other needs you may have as you target your search and settle into your new community. We are very connected and have a resource for anything you may need.
DiMaggio Betta Group
Debbi DiMaggio 510.414.6777 | Adam Betta 510.414.1250 | Chase Betta 510.418.3667
RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand and America’s Best Lists Name The DiMaggio Betta Group
DiMaggio Betta Group | Realtors for the Generations
- 35+ Years of Experience
- Top 1.5% of Real Estate Professionals in the U.S.
- 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals
Corcoran Icon Properties congratulates DiMaggio Betta Group named among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals in the U.S. 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals
We are honored to be selected among the 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, which includes the highest-producing real estate agents in the country. Those ranked are among the top 1.5% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the United States. It’s a true honor to be one of them.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our colleagues at Corcoran, our clients, service providers, staff, family and friends for your continued support. We are here to help and navigate you through the real estate process so you too can achieve your real estate goals; and after 35 years we continue to be passionate about what we have the privilege of doing each and everyday.
