Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
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. Ann’s Domingo, Berkeley
4. The Well 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!
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!
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.
Common Questions Asked By Home Buyers
Potential home buyers often have numerous questions as they navigate the process of purchasing a property. Here are some common questions asked by potential home buyers:
- Affordability: Buyers often want to know how much they can afford and what their mortgage options are. They may ask about loan pre-approval, down payment requirements, and estimated monthly payments.
- Neighborhood and Location: Buyers frequently inquire about the quality of the neighborhood, nearby amenities (schools, parks, shopping centers), safety, proximity to workplaces, and transportation options.
- Property Features: Buyers want to understand the specific features and condition of the property. They may ask about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, age of the home, recent renovations or upgrades, and potential maintenance issues.
- Pricing and Negotiation: Buyers often ask about the listing price, recent comparable sales, and strategies for making competitive offers. They may seek advice on negotiation tactics and factors that can influence the final purchase price.
- Financing and Mortgage Options: Buyers may have questions about different types of mortgages, interest rates, and the mortgage application process. They may inquire about the best lenders or seek recommendations for mortgage brokers.
- Home Inspection: Buyers commonly want to know about the importance of a home inspection and what it entails. They may ask about potential issues that could be discovered during the inspection and how to handle them.
- Property History and Disclosures: Buyers often inquire about the history of the property, including past ownership, renovations, or any known issues. They may also want to understand the seller’s disclosure obligations and what information they should expect to receive.
- Closing Process and Timelines: Buyers may ask about the overall timeline for closing on a property, including the steps involved and any potential delays or contingencies that could arise.
- Homeowners Association (HOA): If the property is part of an HOA, buyers may inquire about HOA fees, rules and regulations, and any special assessments or upcoming projects.
- Future Potential: Buyers may have questions about the potential for property value appreciation, the resale value, and any planned developments or infrastructure projects in the area.
These are just a few examples of the common questions that potential home buyers often ask. Each buyer’s situation and priorities may vary, so it’s important to address their specific concerns and provide relevant information to assist them in their decision-making process.
We are ready to assist you with your personal real estate goals.
Common Questions Asked by Home Sellers
Real estate clients who are interested in selling their property typically have various questions and concerns. Here are some common topics they may want to know about:
- Market Analysis: Clients often want to understand the current market conditions in their area, including recent sales prices, average days on market, and trends affecting property values.
- Pricing Strategy: Clients seek guidance on setting the right price for their property. They may want to know the fair market value, comparable sales in the neighborhood, and factors that can impact the listing price.
- Marketing Plan: Sellers want to know how their property will be marketed to attract potential buyers. They may inquire about online listings, professional photography, open houses, virtual tours, print advertising, and social media promotion.
- Repairs and Staging: Clients may ask about necessary repairs or improvements that can enhance the appeal of their property. They may also seek advice on staging, decluttering, or depersonalizing the home to make it more marketable.
- Timing and Timeline: Sellers often want to know how long it may take to sell their property and the best time to list it. They may inquire about seasonal market fluctuations and the average time properties stay on the market in their area.
- Negotiation and Offers: Clients may have questions about the negotiation process, including how to evaluate and respond to offers. They may want to understand contingencies, inspections, and potential counteroffers.
- Costs and Fees: Sellers often want to know about the costs associated with selling their property, such as real estate agent commissions, closing costs, and potential expenses related to repairs or staging.
- Legal and Documentation: Clients may have questions regarding the legal aspects of selling real estate, including required disclosures, contracts, and any local regulations or permits that may apply.
- Tax Implications: Sellers may seek information on the tax consequences of selling their property, such as capital gains taxes or tax exemptions that may be applicable in their situation.
- Moving and Relocation: Clients may inquire about resources for moving services, storage options, and assistance with the logistics of relocating to a new property.
These are just a few examples of the questions and concerns that real estate clients typically have when considering selling their property. Each client’s situation may vary, so it’s important to address their specific needs and provide personalized guidance throughout the selling process.
Interested in specifics for your home or move, just reach out. The DiMaggio Betta Group looks forward to speaking with you.
5 reasons a seller should stage
- We get one chance to make a good first impression, and selling a home is no different
- Photographs look better and will draw in more Buyers and provide more marketing opportunities
- The home will sell faster
- Buyers can visualize themselves in the home easier
- Staging is an expense, thus a tax write-off for the Seller
Allow us to help you prepare your home for market. Step Inside
When Asked About Real Estate Myths
Truth or Myth: I chose one common real estate myth, and here was my response.
MYTH: Home Buyers DO NOT need a Realtor
TRUTH: They do.
This is a myth for both home buyers and home sellers alike.
Let’s just review why a Buyer DOES in fact, NEED a Realtor when purchasing a home. Or, should certainly consider hiring a qualified Realtor.
Here are Top 5 Reasons To Partner with A Realtor for Success:
1. The Seller pays the commission so it would be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity to work with an expert.
2. Would you choose not to hire an attorney if you were being sued?
3. A Realtor will guide you every step of the way; they will counsel, offer advice, break down the process and dissuade you from potentially making a big wrong decision or many small mistakes.
4. An agent will connect you with a variety of professionals from service providers to reputable lenders and efficient escrow officers, to inspectors, insurance reps and more.
5. Your agent will provide insight and expertise and know what sorts of questions to ask the listing agent, service providers, lender, insurance agent, etc.
Avoid buying a home with latent issues, getting yourself into trouble and/or making a huge financial mistake. Working with a knowledgeable agent has big upside and not working with one may potentially cause you heartache, headaches and great financial loss.
To learn more contact the DiMaggio Betta Group.
Real Estate Conversations, New Year 2023
Home, Design, Lifestyle + Favorite Resources
Charity Highlight, January 2023!
With the holidays in the rear view mirror and we turn the corner into the Martin Luther King holiday we have gathered a few of our favorite resources to help you ease into 2023.
Last month we shared our favorite pet + house sitter to offer assistance to those traveling, and a few favorite caterers to help with all those parties. If you weren’t in need then but are looking for that information now and would like us to send you those resources or others simply reach out.
This month we share a few new favorite recommendations and a valentine charity event we’d like to invite you to.
We are always happy to share recommendations and provide referrals. Just let us know what you are seeking.
Clients, friends and colleagues, we look forward to connecting soon.
Happy 2023!
Debbi, Adam and Chase
By Appointment Only |
Opportunity Knocks, Duplex | 1729 Pleasant Valley, Oakland, Offered at $1,450,000
Real (Estate) Conversations |
Snippets, Stories, Education, Inspiration, Home, Design, Lifestyle
35 Craig Avenue, Piedmont, CA | SOLD!
Thank you to Peter Wagener ( First Republic Bank ) who helped the Buyers with their loan, last minute. Since Buyers do shop rates and switch mid deal, Buyers and their Agents MUST alert the Listing Agent ASAP as this is a change in the purchase contract originally agreed upon.
Thank you Peter for closing so quickly!
We appreciate you prompt, accurate, service oriented acumen; just the way agents and clients like it.
Real (Estate) Conversations |
SOLD! Rockridge
Realtors are often asked how the market is doing.
In December, the market seemed to have softened. We saw signs of this trend on the heels of Memorial Weekend. While some homes sat, others experienced multiple offers.
Does competition breed more offers?
If you ask a Realtor, most will say yes.
When a home is renovated and in beautiful condition, Buyers will compete; whether in a heated Sellers market or today’s market where not all homes are flying off the shelves. If a home is updated and move-in ready, Buyers will, in fact, still compete. Just like our Buyer who beat out multiple offers for 329 63rd Street.
In the 4th Quarter of 2022, this immaculate home, impeccably renovated with an ADU realized a significant jump in the offer price.
Congratulations to Adam who helped our client prevail.
We leave Buyers and Sellers with this message:
No matter current market conditions, a home pretty, prepared and priced right will sell.
COMING SOON |
Piedmont, Berkeley and Claremont Pines/Upper Rockridge
Claremont Pines | Oakland just off of Broadway Terrace | Exquisite Mediterranean on Expansive Corner Lot. Piedmont | Level In, Elegant and Surrounded by Lush Landscaping. Near Top-Rated Schools, Witter Field and Parks
688 Alvarado Road, Berkeley
Sweeping San Francisco Bay View Mid-Century
Location, style and impeccable design, this elegant Mid-Century boasts sweeping San Francisco Bay views sits on 2.5 lots with air rights and has been tastefully updated while keeping the original architectural design intact. Close to the Claremont Resort and Spa, the Elmwood District shops, cafes, shops and restaurants and just across the street from the Eucalyptus path.
This 3 en-suite bedroom with home office or guest room has private access from the service funicular. A 500+ bottle capacity, climate-controlled wine cellar completes this level.
The upper level showcases beautiful public rooms ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining and boasts two exterior terraces. Refinished hardwood floors from the living, dining room, the gourmet kitchen, breakfast room and the upper-level primary en suite. Dramatic living room features an Origami folded ceiling motif, copper accents with up-lighting. The dining room offers the same sparkling views of the Bay with sliding doors leading to the front terrace and a picture window which perfectly frames this magnificent scene. Adjacent to the kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless appliances, quartz & butcher block counters plus ample storage is a cozy sitting area with majestic views. Beautifully landscaped gardens with mature trees, two car garage with storage loft provides ample storage.
Offered at $2,950,000
688 Alvarado.com – Website Coming Soon
Monthly Highlights |
Each Month we will Highlight A Few of Our Favorite Places, Resources and Recommendations; we have so many! Please feel free to email us your favorites so we can feature them here, or on our social media pages. debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranICON.com
-
- Restaurants
- Travel Destinations
- Spas
- Day Trips
- Grocery and Specialty Stores
- Recipes, Businesses, Hiking Trail and More
The Dailey Method Barre + Cycle Fitness |
It’s time to get back on the saddle. What is your workout d’jour? Boxing, walking and riding the Peloton is what we are doing this cycle. Changing up your exercise routine is not only good for us mentally but for our bodies. Have you tried the Dailey Method? It is the fastest way to a strong, lean, sculpted body. The Dailey Method combines the best of Pilates, yoga, and barre fitness training. Classes are an ever-evolving mix of movements that offer benefits for every body. Subscribe to their home office newsletter and get 15% off a digital training program* of your choice, plus early access to motivating thigh-shaking and core strengthening programs.
Connect with The Dailey Method | https://thedaileymethod.com/
Tech Consultant | Meet Alfredo
“We are not just an IT Managed Services Provider.”
We are People Focused technology experts that love creating personalized solutions catered to fit your business needs. Leveraging technology to your advantage doesn’t need to be a mystery or big secret. With our Managed Services offering, let our team break down your network and systems infrastructure to identify the areas of strengths and pain points. We’ll find the solution that allows your business to focus on what you do, instead of the tech behind how you do it.
Connect with Alfredo Lopez | alfredo@altitudets.com
Travel Consultant | Sasha Charney
Real Estate always leads to meeting new people and making new friends.
A few years back I met Sasha at our open house and gave her and her husband a few recommendations for their home. In the fall we finally sat down for coffee at my favorite place, Terrace Cafe. It was so wonderful to learn more about her life and business. Sasha is so low key I had no idea how knowledgeable and connected she is in the travel industry.
We highly recommend you contact Sasha for your next trip or expedition, whether to Europe, Africa or a trip around the world.
My mother, daughter and I had the opportunity to visit London and Paris in November —
Three Generations. Me, B and my 83 year old Mom.
We thank Sasha for her assistance, expertise and connections.
Enlivened Travel
An Affiliate of Departure Lounge
Joyful Chef | Healing Cooking
After 12 years on the commercial side, Sarah has returned to her initial vision, healing through food by becoming a holistic chef. Over the past 3 years, Chef Sarah has fed many busy families, nurtured those with restrictive diets due to varying health conditions and goals, as well as nourishing brand-new mothers and their families. As the seasons’ turn, a level of excitement fuels the perfect meal plan for her clients, grocery shopping makes her feel like a girl in the candy shop and as she cooks up your delicious meals, she knows that she has made your life just a little bit easier. That is personal.
A Few Words | From Our Amazing Clients, Jackie and Derek
“OUTSTANDING SERVICE FROM THE DIMAGGIO and BETTA GROUP!”
We wanted to take a moment and compliment the outstanding service of the DiMaggio and Betta Group! My husband and I have worked with Debbi and Adam before and once again they were outstanding! There are a few things that really stand out when you work with them: ease of the entire process, timely responses, social media presence and anticipating your every need. As we navigated the sale of our Mother’s home, it was not easy by any means. First, we had to clear out the home, and Debbi, Adam and Chase assisted us with finding the help we needed to clear the home. Next, we began staging and preparing the home. Every step of the way they had a contact or vendor to make it easy.
Lastly, the sale, it was executed flawlessly from the open houses to fielding offers. DiMaggio & Betta Group ensured we got the absolute top offer and did not miss any detail during the entire process. Most of all, we appreciate the constant communication, prevalent posts to social media and how they anticipated our every need as the customer. They showed care, empathy and made us feel important as we went through the sale of a treasured family home!
Bravo to Debbi, Adam & Chase… if you wants a first class Agent and a flawless real estate experience they are your team!
Thanks, Jackie & Derek
(Adam, Chase and I are honored to have represented Derek and Jackie over the years with 3 separate transactions helping them to achieve their real estate goals.)
Unwrap Your Generosity | Eat, Sip, Mingle, Dance | for Good
Hill Branch, Valentine’s Dance, A Benefit for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland @ University Club Level, Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley from 6-10PM, Saturday, February 11, 2023
Purchase Your Tickets and Bring A Friend Hill Branch
Resources + Referrals | Realtor Network Connect
If you are seeking a home outside of the East Bay allow us to connect you with one of our Realtor partners so we can be sure that you, your colleagues or loved ones is provided with exceptional service, attention to detail and the utmost care, just as we provide to our own clients.
Thank you to our partner Realtors for assisting our clients in your area and we thank you for your referrals. We look forward to continued partnerships to best serve the needs of all our clients.
Thank you to our affiliate business partners
- BNI
- Haute Residence
- Luxury Real Estate
- Giveback Homes
Whatever you are in need of just reach out. Allow the DiMaggio Betta Group to be your number one resource for real estate, referrals and resources. We’ve got you covered.
Wishing you and yours a fantastic 2023!
Debbi, Adam and Chase
