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Buying in Kensington and Oakland What do I need to know about buying a home in Kensington? Kensington is an unincorporated city and located in Contra Costa County. Kensington does not have any transfer tax and its property base is a little less than the surrounding communities. Students residing in some parts of El Cerrito also may attend the Grammar school in Kensington. The Stege Sanitary District requires the sanitary sewer lateral be replaced prior to close of escrow. A certificate of Compliance should be obtained, however with a payment of $50, an extension may be requested for 6 months of the date of close of escrow. Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve - prior to close of escrow, a shutoff valve must be installed at the gas metre, work required to be performed with a plumbing permit. What do I need to know about buying a home in Oakland? Oakland Transfer Tax    Calculated at $15.00 per thousand of Sales Price. Typically shared 50/50. ** A new ordinance (effective July 2007) will provide a portion of the transfer tax be rebated to a buyer if seismic work is performed with permits. Report of Residential Building Record (3 - R Report) Oakland Housing code requires a Seller of property (other than a single family home) to obtain a 3-R Report for the Buyer that describes work performed by permits or violations that may be recorded against the property. 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. Thanks for your time. Diane Verducci, CRS, SRES