Back	Next - Buying a Home in Oakland, Kensington

What do I need to know about buying / selling a home in Berkeley? RECO - Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance This is a point of sale ordinance, requiring Seller or Buyer to take responsibility for compliance. Should Buyer assume responsibility, Buyer would have one year to complete. Responsibility can only be passed once if work has not been done. Compliance is having the ceiling insulated, hot water pipes wrapped, water heater wrapped, low flow devices for shower, faucets or fixtures, weather-strip exterior doors, damper in chimney, replace incandescent lights with lower watt, and sel-insulate furnace ducts. Berkeley Transfer Tax    Calculated at $15.00 per thousand of sales price. Typically shared 50/50. Portion can be rebated to Buyer or Seller for seismic retrofitting. Work must be completed within one year of purchase and verified by permit for work. No extensions permitted. Funds are held in escrow. Berkeley Rent Control Ordinance regulates rights and duties of property owners and tenants. Questions should be directed to Rent Board for individual property status or registration. What do I need to know about buying / selling a home in Albany? Albany Transfer Tax    Calculated at $8.50 per thousand of Sales Price. Typically shared 50/50. Sewer Line repair/replacement City requires video of lateral sewer line to check for roots, cracks, etc. City determines if line should be repaired or replaced. Some insurance companies will cover costs. Typically Seller's responsibility. Disclosure regarding location of creeks. The City has recently published notice to homeowners regarding their responsibilities to maintain and preserve creeks. What do I need to know about buying or selling property in El Cerrito? City of El Cerrito has a map which identifies different areas within the city limits as being more susceptible to ground movement or landslides. The city may require soils reports or further investigation prior to any structural changes to a property There are some locations within El Cerrito that will permit, provided there is space available, children to attend the Kensington grammar school. The above information is highlights of ordinances and does not fully explain requirements or responsibilities of parties. If you would like more information, please contact me at my office or email me at diane@dianeverducci.com I hope this has been helpful. Please call with any questions or comments. Diane Verducci, CRS, SRES