1625 Shattuck Avenue., S. 101,
Berkeley, CA 94709
Direct Line: 510-982-4409
Email: diane@dianeverducci.com
February 2009: IN THIS NEWSLETTER
  • Happy Valentine's
  • Coming Soon
  • Resources for Buyers and Sellers
  • What is Happening in Real Estate
  • Kitchen Cabinets
  • Did You Know
  • Helpful Hints
  • Berkeley Theater
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.



COMING SOON!


On February 19th I will be showing a new listing I have in the Rockridge area of Oakland. This is a lovely traditional with a flexible floor plan. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and several plus rooms so can be used as an au pair area or an apartment. (Great for teenagers). This home has beautiful full curved windows in living room and dining room, a fairly new ipea deck showing views of San Francisco. Watch for more publicity or you can email me for the address - Open for the brokers tour February 19 and Sunday February 22 from 2-4:30. Asking $930,000.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN REAL ESTATE
Believe it or not, we are gearing up for an active spring. The open houses on Sunday are very well attended, in some areas over 100 groups go through. The brokers are back from their holidays and ready to put properties on the market and work with their buyers. The interest rate remains low so with sufficient down payment and good credit scores, sales are being made. This is also proving the time to obtain equity lines as the prime is next to 0 so the rates are less than 4%. Refinancing is still happening, it just takes some time.

Unfortunately the short sale is with us and probably for a while. It would be wonderful if these owners can get some assistance and soon. Now that the banks have stepped in and taken over the properties it is much easier for buyers to submit offers and get a rather quick response.
So far I have seen very few foreclosures in the Albany, Kensington, Berkeley and North Oakland areas.





Call me at 510-364-1500 or
Email me at diane@dianeverducci.com
RESOURCES FOR
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KITCHEN CABINETS
Kitchen cabinets are the first thing people notice in your kitchen and they can cost a lot if you have to replace them. So try this; if they just look a little outdated and they are still in good shape, simply by sanding and applying a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. Take everything out of the cabinets and scrub them with a cleaner. Lightly sand down the wax, veneer, polish or previous paint, and then fix any cracks or breaks with putty. Bush on primer paint and add any paint color. This can make a huge difference and not cost a bundle.

New hardware can also add flair to otherwise outdated cabinets. Knobs, pulls and hinges come in all shapes and sizes, including copper, iron, aged bronze, polished brass, glass, stainless steel and more. BUT, before purchasing any new hardware, carefully measure your existing hardware. Write down sizes and spaces between screws that will eliminate the need to drill new holes in the cabinets. (Definitely a "been there, done that")

DID YOU KNOW

Did you know - the top 5 renovating mistakes are: avoiding permits, setting an unrealistic budget, hiring the wrong contractor, taking on more than you can handle and overbuilding for your neighborhood.

HELPFUL HINTS

Wanting to recycle and don't know where or what items will be accepted - check out www.StopWaste.Org/recycle

BERKELEY THEATER


Betrayed. I saw this on Thursday and it was really great. Very moving to hear the stories from people of Iraq who were trying to help the Americans, thinking they would be helping their country too. All at great risk only to find out the Americans couldn’t/wouldn’t help them to be safe.
www.AuroraTheatre.org

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1625 Shattuck Avenue., S. 101, Berkeley, CA 94709
Diane@DianeVerducci.com | Direct: 510-982-4409

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This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another agent. Diane Verducci and Pacific Union believe all information to be reliable, but assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Third-party links are provided as a convenience. Diane Verducci and Pacific Union Real Estate does not control and are not responsible for any of these sites or their content.