Michael's Blog

Hello blog readers,

This Saturday, May 23rd, I will be hosting an open house in the Lealand Heights area of San Leandro's Bay-o-Vista.

The home is a probate sale priced at $450,000.00.   I will be holding it open for Ernest, a Realtor in my Prudential California Realty office.

I asked Ernest if I can hold this open, because I love this neighborhood.  I'd really like to sell you one of these Lealand Heights homes.

Lealand Heights was built in the late 1930s and early 1940's by the Derry Bros. Co.    Homes by the Derry Brothers will be very well built and with lots of charm and character.  This home that I will be holding open as described by Ernest in the MLS

"Large, spacious older home with lots of original charm. Terrific bay views. Two fireplaces. Two bedrooms upstairs, one downstairs. Needs upgrades, and cosmetic work.  It's a nice house in a nice area"

Stop on by and say hello

1939, a year that stands out in the 1930s.  One of the best years ever for Hollywood Glamour and the Art Deco lifestyle.

Such movies as Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Destry Rides Again,  The Young Mr. Lincoln and Dark Victory.

Homes built in this era would reflect a 1939 Hollywood Glam Art-Deco feel to them.  If this is the type of home you are looking for these streets would be the places to look.

The Lebon tract, which includes Diehl and Fortuna Avenue appear to have been the hot spots within The Broadmoor during this period.  The Lebon tract was built by the Diehl Family as developers.

Across Dutton Avenue the New Broadmoor tract was begining with the Derry Bros., building the upper portions of Glen, Oakes and Begier as well as the newer section of Superior Avenue.  This area is part of Estudillo Estates although the tract name is actually "New Broadmoor".

 I'll have to do this series for Estudillo Estates  next.   I do have to admit I am having fun finding out what was built when and where.

Street Number

794  DOWLING BLVD

779  VICTORIA AVE

700  VICTORIA AVE

664  VICTORIA CT

650  VICTORIA CT

641  BROADMOOR BLVD

637  BROADMOOR BLVD

565  FORTUNA AVE

564  DIEHL AVE

557  FORTUNA AVE

543  FORTUNA AVE

537  FORTUNA AVE

517  DIEHL AVE

509  FORTUNA AVE

505  LEWIS AVE

501  DIEHL AVE

495  FORTUNA AVE

490  WARWICK AVE

485  FORTUNA AVE

477  FORTUNA AVE

474  DIEHL AVE

469  FORTUNA AVE

433  DIEHL AVE

383  WARWICK AVE

343  HOLLISTER CT

325  HOLLISTER CT

317  HOLLISTER CT

308  BROADMOOR BLVD

195  BROADMOOR BLVD

1023  VICTORIA AVE

1013  VICTORIA AVE

Here in my second posting of this series, I wanted to share with you the timeline of what homes were built when.

Here is a list of homes constructed in San Leandro's "The Broadmoor" neighborhood in the year 1926.   It looks like Alice and Helen Avenue was the hot construction zone during this year.  119 homes constructed during 1926 in this, our area.

Some contruction on Lewis, Diehl and Mitchell.  Superior Avenue is just starting to gear up.  West Broadmoor also has quite a bit of activity also.

104  CAMBRIDGE AVE

147  WARWICK AVE

189  EUCLID AVE

205 W BROADMOOR BLVD

215  BROADMOOR BLVD

217 W BROADMOOR BLVD

237 W BROADMOOR BLVD

259  CAMBRIDGE AVE

268  KENILWORTH AVE

271  BROADMOOR BLVD

279  CAMBRIDGE AVE

284 W BROADMOOR BLVD

301  BROADMOOR BLVD

305  HOLLISTER CT

313  BROADMOOR BLVD

314  KENILWORTH AVE

316  BROADMOOR BLVD

330  BROADMOOR BLVD

330  KENILWORTH AVE

338  HERMA CT

340  BREED AVE

344  BROADMOOR BLVD

345  BROADMOOR BLVD

351  KENILWORTH AVE

406  BREED AVE

411  SUPERIOR AVE

412 E MERLE CT

415 W MERLE CT

417  LEWIS AVE

420  MITCHELL AVE

423  SUPERIOR AVE

424  MITCHELL AVE

428  MITCHELL AVE

429  SUPERIOR AVE

431  LEWIS AVE

434  SUPERIOR AVE

436 W MERLE CT

438 E MERLE CT

439  SUPERIOR AVE

442  SUPERIOR AVE

449  SUPERIOR AVE

450  SUPERIOR AVE

451  MITCHELL AVE

455  SUPERIOR AVE

458  DIEHL AVE

458  SUPERIOR AVE

460  BREED AVE

463  SUPERIOR AVE

465  BEVERLY AVE

466  SUPERIOR AVE

474  SUPERIOR AVE

476  BREED AVE

482  WARWICK AVE

492  DOWLING BLVD

494  LEWIS AVE

512  KENILWORTH AVE

512  MITCHELL AVE

518  KENILWORTH AVE

520  LEWIS AVE

522  MITCHELL AVE

528  MITCHELL AVE

529  WARWICK AVE

532  SUPERIOR AVE

534  MITCHELL AVE

538  WARWICK AVE

539  LEWIS AVE

549  LEWIS AVE

555  LEWIS AVE

558  SUPERIOR AVE

564  MITCHELL AVE

568 E MERLE CT

570  MITCHELL AVE

599  EUCLID CT

698  BROADMOOR BLVD

735  DOWLING BLVD

791  VICTORIA AVE

80  CAMBRIDGE AVE

828  ALICE AVE

838  DOWLING BLVD

850  BROADMOOR BLVD

858  ALICE AVE

902  ALICE AVE

908  BROADMOOR BLVD

917  ALICE AVE

918  ALICE AVE

918  HELEN AVE

923  ALICE AVE

924  ALICE AVE

924  HELEN AVE

927  ALICE AVE

928  ALICE AVE

928  HELEN AVE

933  ALICE AVE

933  HELEN AVE

934  ALICE AVE

934  HELEN AVE

937  ALICE AVE

937  HELEN AVE

938  ALICE AVE

938  HELEN AVE

943  ALICE AVE

943  HELEN AVE

944  ALICE AVE

947  ALICE AVE

947  HELEN AVE

948  ALICE AVE

948  HELEN AVE

953  ALICE AVE

954  ALICE AVE

957  HELEN AVE

958  ALICE AVE

964  ALICE AVE

968  ALICE AVE

97  BROADMOOR BLVD

974  ALICE AVE

976  HELEN AVE

978  ALICE AVE

984  ALICE AVE

99  BROADMOOR BLVD

Always the historian, I have been just itching to find out what was built when and where within The Broadmoor.  I collected this information from Alameda County Public Records.

Starting with the homes in my area, Derry, Weaver and Derry's "Cherry City Tract".  As you can see, 1927 was the year for Superior Avenue being the hub of activity.  Streets such as Diehl and Lewis only having a few homes being constructed.

1927 is a great year for storybook style homes right smack in the middle of that design style's lifespan.

It shows you the difference between a tract of homes vs select custom home constrution

520  SUPERIOR AVE

580  SUPERIOR AVE

574  SUPERIOR AVE

544  SUPERIOR AVE

538  SUPERIOR AVE

583  SUPERIOR AVE

527  SUPERIOR AVE

543  SUPERIOR AVE

557  SUPERIOR AVE

537  SUPERIOR AVE

565  SUPERIOR AVE

521  SUPERIOR AVE

551  SUPERIOR AVE

418  SUPERIOR AVE

410  SUPERIOR AVE

482  SUPERIOR AVE

511  DIEHL AVE

495  DIEHL AVE

481  MITCHELL AVE

582  MITCHELL AVE

574  LEWIS AVE

963  HELEN AVE

969  HELEN AVE

964  DOWLING BLVD

914  DOWLING BLVD

970  DOWLING BLVD

938  DOWLING BLVD

930  DOWLING BLVD

981  DOWLING BLVD

983  ALICE AVE

973  ALICE AVE

1059  BROADMOOR BLVD

521 E MERLE CT

443 E MERLE CT

467 E MERLE CT

487 E MERLE CT

554  KENILWORTH AVE

578  KENILWORTH AVE

560  KENILWORTH AVE

566  KENILWORTH AVE

806  DOWLING BLVD

891  DOWLING BLVD

849  ALICE AVE

811  ALICE AVE

845  ALICE AVE

572  BEVERLY AVE

847  ALICE AVE

211  BEVERLY AVE

540  DOWLING BLVD

505  DOWLING BLVD

691  VICTORIA CT

104  BROADMOOR BLVD

196  CAMBRIDGE AVE

119  BROADMOOR BLVD

575  WARWICK AVE

356 W BROADMOOR BLVD

338 W BROADMOOR BLVD

350 W BROADMOOR BLVD

380 W BROADMOOR BLVD

374 W BROADMOOR BLVD

251 W BROADMOOR BLVD

576  MITCHELL AVE

592  LEWIS AVE

977  ALICE AVE

897  VICTORIA AVE

564  BROADMOOR BLVD

502  BEVERLY AVE

258 W BROADMOOR BLVD

526  SUPERIOR AVE

1071  BROADMOOR BLVD

490  SUPERIOR AVE

440  BEVERLY AVE

 

Hello Blog readers,

I have finally joined Linkedin professional contact network.  If you would like, please add me to your contact groups.

Please let me know that you know me from Activerain real estate network and Localism.com

Here is my link to my profile on that site.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgreenslade

 

Hi there blog readers,

Just to let you know that I have been elected to the board of The Broadmoor Neighborhood Association.  I hope that I can do my neighborhood justice as their representitive.  Being on the board of "The Broadmoor" is something I have wanted to do for a while.

Having lived in The Broadmoor all of my life I am happy to finally be on the board.   I am so proud of my wonderful neighborhood.

I have got to be The Broadmoor's greatest cheerleader.   It truely is a great place to live and I am so very proud of it.

If you are looking for the East Bay, consider San Leandro's "The Broadmoor" neighborhood.  Give me a call, because I would love to help you find a great home!

Well blog readers, sorry I have taken so long to post a new blog post.

Guess what

I have been busy helping clients.  I just finished with two closed escrows.  I was working with Tommy and Rachel finding them a nice ranch styled home in Hayward.  I was also working with Xiaodong and Faqiang getting them an investment property in Pittsburg.

I have been trying some new marketing.   On Sundays when all the house hunters are out looking for open houses, I have been placing my tent sign out at the corner of Bancroft & Dutton with large print printout reading "LIST OF LOCAL HOMES FOR SALE".   I then printout the MLS list for the area and supply them in an large envelope attached to the tent sign.  Home hunters have been very receptive of this house hunting tool.   If you're in the area on a Sunday, stop off at Zocalo Coffeehouse www.zocalocoffeehouse.com for a mocha or latte and then pick up one of my lists at the corner.  If you come across a property that you would like more information and would like to see in person, please give me a call at 510 334-7800

Two houses are available on Superior Avenue 565 and 666.  565 is a beautiful well kept storybook style tudor built by Derry, Weaver & Derry as part of the "Cherry City Tract".  666 is a fantastic corner lot 1940s art-deco home built by Derry Bros.  I'd love to sell one of these homes to you.

Lets go and find your dream house for you.

 

On Brokers tour today I ran across a home located at the corner of my street.

offered at $585,000.00

This home was built in 1939 as part of the Derry Bros. "NEW BROADMOOR" tract phase 1.  This home is a rare and wonderful ART DECO styled home.  This is a 2 bedroom and 1-1/2 bath home/

This home has some great details, wonderful large living room, a porthole window, corner window, art deco stair railings an original-but-updated-kitchen.  Great curb appeal here on this beauty. 

Ottavia Heppner of Deadrich is the listing agent.

I would love to represent you as the buyer for this Estudillo Estates gem.

Give me a call 510 334-7800 and I can arrange for a showing for you.  On a side note, I have been elected to serve on the Board of directors of THE BROADMOOR neighborhood association.

• city or town where property is located: Oakland California
• neighborhood where property is located: Trestle Glen
• price the property is currently listed at: $ 425,000
• homes in the same neighborhood are selling for: $ 460,000.00 to $563,000.00
• difference in value between this property and the comps: $ 35,000.00 to $138,000.00
• probate / short sale / R.E.O. / 1031 exchange / traditional:
• days on market 30

On visual inspection of this property I have noticed that the following repairs would make a difference.  Here is a list of suggested projects along with the estimated costs involved. Please consider the cost price estimates to be for supplies only.  These postings are for contractor investors or serious do-it-yourself homeowners.

What is most amazing about this property is it's size.....67,082 square foot lot in Trestle Glen.  Just imagine the possibilites here.  Subdivide?  Build new and sell other units?   Check with the city of course on what can be done but.....WOW  The last time a home sold with a large lot in the area (6/13/2005) was a 7,650 square foot lot and it went for $875,000.00....And it was really close to this property.  Imagine almost 9X the property.  Sure prices have changed in the last several years but, the economy of scale has not.  There is great potential here.   Give me a call and let's take a look at it together

 

1. project: Total rehab of house $125,000.00 min
2. project:
3. project:
4. project:
5. project:
6. project:
7. project:
8. project:
9. project:

For the property address and further information, please contact me at: 510 334-7800

I would like to help you take advantage of this opportunity / investment

On Saturday March 21st 2009, the City of Oakland California suffered a terrible loss.  Four Oakland Police officers were shot 3 of whom were killed and one still gravely wounded.

Officer Mark Dunakin was one of the officers that responded to my assistance when I was held up at gun point on February 16th 2009.

Here is my account of the robbery from an earlier blog posting.   http://activerain.com/blogsview/960447/Bringing-you-up-to-date-with-current-events

I am deeply saddend by the loss of this nice man who put himself on the line each day to make Oakland safer.

My heart goes out to his widow and his 3 children.  Out of my next commission check I will donate some money to the family.

Such a horrible thing.

_____________________________________________________

The Oakland Police Officers Association is in the process of setting up trust accounts for the families. Until those are set up anyone can mail checks to the Oakland Police Officers Association, 555 Fifth st., Oakland, CA 94607.

Be sure to note on check that it is for the families of the officers

_________________________________________________________ 

Here is a breakdown of homes available in our local towns. The data reflects today March 15th, 2009.  The data is broken down to the number of homes broken down into pricing catagories and the number of homes in each catagory. 

This number reflects condos, townhouses and detached single family homes.  This does not include the listing for duplexes and multiple family residences.

San Leandro MLS AREA: 3100

• under 199k =  37
• 200k - 299k = 60
• 300k - 399k = 57
• 400k - 499k = 30
• 500k - 599k = 15
• 600k - 699k = 7
• 700k - 799k = 0
• 800k - 899k = 2
• 900k - 999k = 0
• over 1M = 2

Oakland MLS AREA: 2600

• under 199k = 536
• 200k - 299k = 203
• 300k - 399k = 113
• 400k - 499k = 62
• 500k - 599k = 41
• 600k - 699k = 41
• 700k - 799k = 41
• 800k - 899k = 21
• 900k - 999k = 19 
• over 1M = 51

Hayward MLS AREA: 3400

• under 199k = 167 
• 200k - 299k = 226
• 300k - 399k = 90
• 400k - 499k = 54
• 500k - 599k = 21
• 600k - 699k = 31
• 700k - 799k = 10
• 800k - 899k = 11
• 900k - 999k = 4
• over 1M = 9

Alameda MLS AREA: 2900

• under 199k = 2 
• 200k - 299k = 16
• 300k - 399k = 8
• 400k - 499k = 23
• 500k - 599k = 23
• 600k - 699k = 17
• 700k - 799k = 14
• 800k - 899k = 8
• 900k - 999k = 4
• over 1M = 14

Berkeley MLS AREA: 2300

• under 199k = 1
• 200k - 299k = 6
• 300k - 399k = 14 
• 400k - 499k = 13
• 500k - 599k = 14
• 600k - 699k = 10
• 700k - 799k = 7
• 800k - 899k = 3
• 900k - 999k = 4
• over 1M = 20

Castro Valley MLS AREA: 3300

• under 199k = 0
• 200k - 299k = 13
• 300k - 399k = 25
• 400k - 499k = 31
• 500k - 599k = 25
• 600k - 699k = 23
• 700k - 799k = 18
• 800k - 899k = 16
• 900k - 999k = 10
• over 1M = 13

I love San Leandro

I am deeply saddened however by the destruction of the 1950s mid century modern "googie" style EBMUD office on Washington Boulevard in the Downtown area.

What a cool building this "was".  It had a precast concrete roof in a really interesting rolling wave pattern.

The water utility EBMUD gave up on selling the property and let the city tear down the building for a parking lot.  This parking lot would serve the shoppers for the downtown farmer's market on Wednesday evenings.

Why didn't someone on the city council or the library's historical committee speak up and save this crazy googie mid century modern building.

To me San Leandro is only content on knocking down everything that is not Mission Revival stucco and with a red tile roof.  I am not in favor of a fake hacienda look for Downtown San Leandro.

I would like to see a variety of styles downtown.  Let's see some modern contemporary.  Let's see some Art Deco.  Let's see some Victorian.  Let's see some craftsman.  Let's even have some funky roadside vernacular.

I should run for city council and help preserve some of what makes this city such a nice place to live.

 

Hello again blog readers,

I've seen some great opportunities come up in the coveted North area of San Leandro come on to the market in the last few weeks.

The economy has finally hit our area hard and we are seeing some real affordability here now.  If you are looking to shorten your commute or to get into Roosevelt Elementary School, now is the time to buy. 

If you see anything that catches your attention, please give me a call and we can talk about it.  Give me your email address and I will gladly forward you the complete listing.   Let's set a date for a tour of these homes.

The Broadmoor has some interesting opportunites.  Fortuna Avenue has a property listed for $299,900.00  Superior Avenue has a property at $349,950.00  Broadmoor Boulevard has two properties listed at $300,000 and $550,000.00  West Broadmoor Boulevard has two properties also listed at $229,000.00 and $349,988.00  Diehl Avenue has one listed at $254,900.00  Dowling Boulevard has one listed at $299,000.00   Herma Court has one for $349,000.00  East Merle Court has a home listed at $299,450.00

Some newer construction at Greenbrier Court and Cherry Park Square offer 3 bedroom and 2 baths and attached two car garages are being offered at $449,000.00 and $549,000.00

Bay-O-Vista has several homes available.  Two properties are availble on Astor Drive with the asking prices of $535,000.00 and $599,976.00   One property on Benedict Drive with the asking price of $405,000.00, It could use some work but, at $405,000.00 it gets you into the Bay-O-Vista neighborhood.  Graff Court has a listing for $839,000.00.  Lakeview Drive has a listing for $999,500.00   Marineview Drive has a property listed at $895,000.00   Montrose Drive has a property listed for $699,976.00  Vista Grand Drive has a property listed at $1,275,000.00

In the older part of Bay-O-Vista you have the Lealand Heights area, which has two listings.  One home on Parker Street is listed for $525,000.00.  One home on Sandelin Avenue is listed for $499,976.00

In Estudillo Estates we have the following opportunities. Begier Avenue has one home listed for $518,000.00  Bridge Road has two properties listed at $625,000.00 and $649,950.00  Oakes Boulevard has one listed at $430,000.00  Arbor Drive has one listed at $1,195,000.00

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.  Give me a call.   My phone nunber will appear somewhere on this blog page

     I am sorry that I haven't been supplying you with my regular blog content. I have been a little busy. and for several reasons. 

     The first reason is that I was robbed at gun-point while with a client.  We were looking at a property near Oakland's Castlemont High School.  We had just seen the small two bedroom ranch house and were in the backyard looking at the detached garage when five armed punks came down the driveway and ambushed us.  They stole from us our money, cell phones, wallets, my brand new GPS (worked so hard to get that).  The leader of this gang was next to me and he specifically asked the car keys.  With the keys, they then stole my mother's minivan and had keys to our homes.

     The criminals then ran back down the driveway and departed in the aforementioned minivan.  My client and I are very lucky to be alive.  Just three days after our robbery three men were shot on the same street and same block where we were robbed.

     I am just now limping back to real estate full speed.  I have decided to no longer do properties under a certain price range for your safety and mine.  Just between you and me, I am considering changing offices and working out of a Castro Valley based office.

     Secondly, I have been busy with clients.  I have teamed up with agent Michelle Lang and we have a nice ranch style home in Ashland in escrow.  I am excited about this as our clients are very nice first time home-buyers.  It's fun to share in their excitement. 

     We had been in escrow before but we were up against a big REO-mill agent who was really hard to work with.  We even had to consult our Prudential legal department over some of the things she and her bank client had done.  We finally canceled our side of the contract and asked to get the client's deposit returned. 

      That same bad agent would try to lecture us on "this is how REOs are done" in reference to her stalling tactics.  Well, that maybe how she does business, but it is not how real estate is done as a whole.  In the purchase agreement and joint escrow instructions "TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE" is one of the big clauses that state that we need to do everything in a very timely manner.  RPA-CA section 24

     We found a the replacement property that is in a better neighborhood, and in much better condition. So we are kind of glad that the other deal fell out of escrow.  It opened up a much better opportunity for our clients.

     I am here at the office today doing floor time.  The phone hasn't rang once, it's raining outside and the foot traffic past our "storefront" is way down.  So, I decided that I would catch you all up on the recent events and let you all know that I haven't forgotten you.

Pacita does some wonderful and informative blogs.  Here's something for Alameda that I want share with you.

Mike 510 334-7800

Yesterday I had the great opportunity to tour the Thorsen House near U.C. Berkeley in Berkeley, California. 

My client who happens to be a high ranking alumni member of the fraternity that owns the Thorsen House gave me a private tour of this beautiful Greene & Greene "Ultimate Bungalow".

Greene & Greene architects are the same architects that designed the world famous Gamble House in Pasadena California.

My client is getting his loan funded today and will be closing on his first home in Oakland's Montclair district tomorrow.

It was high time to take a break.  My client chose to work with me because of my passion for and knowledge of historic architecture.

I will be doing a full series of blog postings later, but I want to give you this web link now.  www.thorsenhouse.org to let you know that you can tour the home.  The website is also set up to take donations.

Clinker Brick and beam detail

 

Living room details

 

Front porch details

 

Front Door Art Glass

 

I would love to work with you too.  Give me a call

On KPIX 5 CBS television's "Around the House with Jan Yanihero", a glorified infomercial paid programming, they run a segment on Renewal by Anderson Windows.

Renewal by Anderson and their local contractor Homeworks offer high quality custom sized modern, energy efficient dual paned windows.

 Did you know that Homeworks has an excellent NO money down, NO payment, NO interest for one year plan (with approved credit)

Make your home more marketable before you put your home on the market.  Have the updated windows that your buyers are looking for.

Give your home that well maintained look and feel.  Imagine how sweet will it be when the homebuyer at the open house opens a window with ease.  (they do and will)

Home insectors and appraisers will also love your updated fully functional windows.

Check out their websites for further information.  They'll have windows for just about any style of home.  Check out their gallery.

http://www.renewalbyandersen.com/

http://www.homeworks.com/financing.html

 

Once you've got your home looking great give me a call and I will be more than happy to help you with your next steps in selling your home.  My information should appear somewhere on this blog page.

At today's sales meeting at the Montclair golf course we had a presentation from the guys at Metrocities Mortgage.

The topic of today's scheduled speakers was the new program from Fannie Mae, HomePath REO loans.  This promises to be an exciting program

Metrocities Mortgage our in house lender is one of the few lenders approved to offer Fannie Mae HomePath REO Loans. 

The HomePath REO Loan Program offers lower down payments and relaxed requirements.  What this means to the consumer is more homeshoppers can become homebuyers!

The key is the home must be a home owned by Fannie Mae.  To check the homes available please visit the website www.homepath.com  or www.reosearch.fanniemae.com/reosearch

You'll need a FICO score of 660 or above to qualify

• Only 3% down required on a primary residence property
• No mortgage insurance required
• No property appraisal required
• Only 10% down on 1-2 unit investment properties
• Get up to 6% in seller concessions on primary residence properties

Get pre-approved with my contact at Metrocities Mortgage;

Shane Wihlidal

3320 Grand Avenue. Oakland, Ca. 94610

Office: 510 834-2010 x 229

Cell: 925 395-3488

Fax: 866 597-0125

Swihlidal@metrocitiesmtg.com

 

Be sure to tell him that I told you about this program.  When you're ready to purchase that home give me a call.  My contact information should be somewhere handy on this blog page your viewing.

I am sorry to all my blog readers.  I have been busy working with clients.  When I am working with clients I want to give them my full attention.

I will be getting back into the blog swing of things soon.  I will be having closes on my escrows soon and I will be full of new Real Estate stories to share with you.

I also have to say that I made a great contact just recently from my blog (Thank you Christian for reading my blog).

I'll get back to my "Flip Files" feature, I have seen some fixer upper homes that would be great features for that blog topic.

My searches and historical research in to "Storybook style homes" will also resume.

I will be doing one of my historytours coming up soon also.  I will have lots of photos of our journey to share with you also.

Also.....Don't forget to enter the HGTV Dream House 2009 Contest.   www.hgtv.com

Stay tuned for great things to come.

Also. If you are looking for a home of character in the East Bay I would be more than happy to help you out.  Give me a call.  My contact information should be somewhere on the page where you found this blog posting.

Have a great day!

Just like the Governor of California says "I'll Be Back"

One of the advantages of being in an area for a long time. You get to remember buildings and businesses that are no longer in our towns.  Having grown up in the East Bay I remember the area sometimes the way it was.

I for some reason I was having a moment of nostalgia.  I was thinking about the chain of fast food burgers and chicken called RED BARN.

Castro Valley had one such outlet.  One of the other RED BARNs I remember was near my uncle's house in Newark.

It got me onto a google and wikipedia search to find out what happened to RED BARN.  I came across the following site.  The site below tells the story of the rise and fall of the company. (did you know that it was once part of the Motel6 company)

http://barnbuster.net

Apparently there were many RED BARNs all over the United States and parts of Canada.

Their buildings were very destinctive large barn shaped buildings.  The location in somecases downtown areas or in suburban strip malls added a bit of irony in architecture.

I have made a trip out to Castro Valley and photographed the RED BARN building.  The Castro Valley outlet has been since turned into the Hof Brau restaurant.

<Castro Valley RED BARN>

I will add photos of the Newark RED BARN in a few days.

<photo coming soon>