So you want to buy a house? The process may seem daunting, but the truth is that when you have clarity on how to achieve your goals, achieving them no longer seems like an insurmountable task.

Today’s blog breaks down the home buying process into simple steps to help you plan and execute it.

Home Buying Process

october 2nd

The Homebuying Process

So you want to buy a house? The process may seem daunting, but the truth is that when you have clarity on how to achieve your goals, achieving them no longer seems like an insurmountable task.

Today’s blog breaks down the home buying process into simple steps to help you plan and execute it.

Before solidifying your plan there are a few things you may want to consider.

Will you be financing or are you buying all cash? This makes a difference in the process.
If you need or want a loan, you will want to sit down with a mortgage lender to get pre approved and go over the different types of mortgage available to you.
You do not need to buy a home at the maximum amount you have been pre approved for, consider what your mortgage payments will be and the lifestyle you want to have.

Steps to buying a home:

Representation

Once you have your pre approval, you will want to meet with real estate agents and hire a buyer’s agent to represent you. Hiring a buyer’s agent costs you nothing and you want someone in your corner to help you with the process.

Priority List

It is important to have realistic expectations when buying a property. We all have a wishlist, but we may not get all of the things on our list, that is why it’s important to have a priority’s list. What features must the house have for you to buy it? What are attributes that would be nice to have, but you can live without? It’s important for you to tell your real estate agent what matters to you so they can find homes for you with those features.

Find Your Home

Once you have sat down with your real estate agent they will create an online search that will send you emails with properties that match your criteria. You can see the properties with your agent or go to the open house. The most important thing to remember is that in a seller’s market there are more buyers than properties available. Therefore you should look at the list of homes and see the ones you like best first.

Submit an offer

Once you find the home you like, have your agent write up an offer. At the stage you

want to lean in on the expertise of your agent and consider the price, and terms that

they think will best help you get the property under contract. Their knowledge of

comparable sales, negotiations and relationships with agents is an asset to you, and

is essential during the offer process.

Offers will have one of 3 results. The offer will be accepted, rejected or countered. If

your offer is accepted then you move on to the next step. If it’s rejected your agent

can find out why it’s rejected and you can try to renegotiate or move on. If your offer

is countered, have your agent negotiate on your behalf until you arrive at terms that

both you and the seller agree on.

Once your Offer is accepted and you are Under Contract

This is when the ticking clock begins. You have deadlines that you have to meet or

you will need to extend which could have an impact on your closing date.

You want your real estate agent to schedule a home inspection as soon as possible,

even though you are given an allotted time, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.

Once you get the home inspection report back you may want to negotiate with the

seller depending on what items come up.

Purchase and Sale

Once you are happy with the negotiations after the home inspection you move on to the purchase and sale agreement. At this stage the mortgage lender will work with you to apply for the actual loan of the property. They will need financial documents from you to submit the loan to underwriting and a home appraisal will be conducted before the loan is approved. Once the home is approved you are ready for closing.

Closing

Once the loan is approved, everyone typically comes to the signing table to sign the contracts, the final payments are made and you will receive your keys.

Note that buying a home requires a team. It typically consists of you, the buyer, your real estate agent, your mortgage lender and your attorney. Other notable people in this process are home inspectors, and home insurance representatives.

If you have any questions on this process feel free to contact our team!

You can read more about Simone’s process and schedule and send her a message by clicking on this link.

Simone Koga 9/28/23 Simone Koga 9/28/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Raise a glass to good times and the vibrant Oakland community. Cheers to Oaktoberfest!

Here are some highlights to look forward to.

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

SEPTEMBER 29- october 5

Raise a glass to good times and the vibrant Oakland community. Cheers to Oaktoberfest!

Here are some highlights to look forward to.

Friday 09/29

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11am Alameda County Fair GOODTIMES RV SHOW GENERAL PARKING

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

3pm Oakland Public Library Science In September

5pm Oakland Museum of California FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA WITH ESOTÉRICA TROPICAL

5pm Visit Oakland Oktoberfest with Live Music by Polkagiest West

5pm FunCheap “Alameda Point” Filipino Night Market

5pm FunCheap “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

5pm FunCheap “Planktoberfest” German Festival at Jack London Square (Oakland)

6pm Chabot Space & Science Center FULL MOON HIKE & SIP

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7:05pm Alameda County Fair PIRATES OF EMERSON GENERAL PARKING

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

7:30pm Eventbrite Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

8pm Eventbrite The Walkmen at Fox Theater - Oakland

9pm The Mercury News ALL JAMMIES, NO WHAMMIES with MILES MEDINA, RCADE, AUX CORD & ANYOOWOPS

9pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

9:45pm Eventbrite Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

Saturday 09/30

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am Visit Oakland Grand Lake Farmers Market

9:30am Oakland Public Library Hoover Branch Feasibility Study Elementary and Middle School Workshops

10am Alameda County Fair GOODTIMES RV SHOW GENERAL PARKING

10am Eventbrite HARAJUKU! The Bay's Cutest Marketplace

10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime

11am Oakland Public Library Family Time

11am The Mercury News 8th Annual Black-Eyed Pea Festival

11am Eventbrite Oaktoberfest in the Dimond 2023

11am Drake’s Brewing OAKTOBERFEST

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

12pm Eventbrite Hella Plants Market Oakland !!!

2pm Fourth Street DANCE! LAVAY SMITH & HER RED HOT SKILLET LICKERS

2pm Eventbrite TOWN VIBEZ OAKLAND DAY PARTY

2pm Oakland Public Library Celebrating MFEI’s 50th Anniversary -Curator’s Talk and Tour

3pm Oakland Public Library Teen Game Day @ 81st Ave // Dia de Juegos para Adolescentes

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7pm 510families Movies in the Park | Lightyear

7pm 510families Movies in the Park: Disney Nature – Wings of Life

7:05pm Alameda County Fair PIRATES OF EMERSON GENERAL PARKING

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm The Mercury News African Sabar Dance Party

10pm The Mercury News PANGEA SOUND! 2 YEAR ANV TOUR w/ Falcons + More

Sunday 10/01

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am Montclair Village Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

10am Alameda County Fair GOODTIMES RV SHOW GENERAL PARKING

10am Oakland Zoo Little Vets

10am Eventbrite Oaktoberfest in the Dimond 2023

10am Oakland Zoo Boo at the Zoo

11am Drake’s Brewing OAKTOBERFEST

11am The Mercury News Universal Drumming Series

11am Oakland Museum of California FIRST SUNDAYS

1pm Eventbrite Join us every Sunday for our Signature Brunch

2:30pm Eventbrite Skate the Town: Kickoff Event

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

3pm 510families Fish Feeding Viewing

3pm Eventbrite From Pain to Purpose: Healing through Gospel Featuring Fred Hammond

8pm Visit Oakland BITE ME: Live Comedy, Cheap Drinks, Free Prizes at the Blind Tiger

9pm Eventbrite Jush Sundays! Drag Cabaret hosted by Jasmine Masters

Monday 10/02

All day Oakland Public Library Sister Love: Celebrating the Women of the Black Panther Party

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

10am Oakland Zoo Boo at the Zoo

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education

7pm FunCheap 1/2 Off Oysters + Monday Night HellaFunny Comedy Show (Oakland)

Tuesday 10/03

All day Oakland Public Library Dr. Marcus Foster: Making Oakland Schools Work

10am Oakland Zoo Boo at the Zoo

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

12pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Series

1pm The Mercury News Great Art on Screen Presents: TITIAN: THE EMPIRE OF COLOR

3pm Berkeley Public Library Halloween Crafternoons @Claremont

4pm Oakland Public Library Family Game Night @ 81st Ave // Noche De Juegos en Familia

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Film Club @West: Train to Busan

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Loud in the Library: Queeraoke @Central TR

6pm Drake’s Brewing TRIVIA NIGHT AT DRAKE’S DEALERSHIP

6:15pm Oakland Public Library Tending Your Grief: Group Counseling

Wednesday 10/04

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

10am Oakland Zoo Boo at the Zoo

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11am Oakland Public Library Chair Yoga

12pm Oakland Museum of California SPECIAL EDITION GALLERY ACTIVATION HOURS

12pm Oakland Museum of California GALLERY ACTIVATION HOURS

4pm Oakland Public Library City Team Food Giveaway

5pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Chamber Mixer

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Movie Night @Claremont

6pm Oakland Public Library Father Circle

6pm Drake’s Brewing TRIVIA NIGHT AT DRAKE’S BARREL HOUSE

Thursday 10/05

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

10am The Good Life Stress Busters!

10am Oakland Zoo Boo at the Zoo

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

11am Oakland Museum of California MEMBER PREVIEW: POR EL PUEBLO: THE LEGACY AND INFLUENCE OF MALAQUÍAS MONTOYA

2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema

5:30pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Leadership Oakland Orientation

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Family Game Night @West

6:30pm Berkeley Public Library Pajama Story Time @North

7pm Montclair Village Montclair Neighborhood Council /Montclair Organized Neighborhood Leaders Monthly Public Meeting

7pm The Mercury News Celebrating Fil-Am History Month with The Sampaguitas and Friends

8pm Eventbrite Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

Simone Koga 9/25/23 Simone Koga 9/25/23

Simone Spotlight | Ways to Support Cancer Awareness

It only takes one person to make a difference. One kindness. One selfless act. You can be the beacon of hope in someone else’s life. During October spread Breast Cancer Awareness and support the millions of people being affected by this terrible disease!

Ways to Support Cancer Awareness

SEPTEMBER 25th

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign to increase awareness and promote regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects both men and women and is among the most common cancers. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Next year, new breast cancer diagnoses are expected to number more than 200,000 for women and more than 2,000 for men.

Early detection provides the best chance of successful treatment and cure. Over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to screening, detection, and treatment advances.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Early detection is key. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helps low-income, uninsured, and under-served women gain access to lifesaving screening services for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. This program provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap tests for participants as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal. Women aged 40 and above should talk to their doctors about when and how often to get a mammogram. To find free and low-cost screenings near you, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use their interactive map.

What steps can you take to improve your chances of staying breast cancer free?

There are many steps you and your loved ones can take to improve your chances of staying healthy:

Conduct monthly self-exams. In addition to medical screenings, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and many medical professionals recommend a monthly self-exam. To learn how to do a breast self-exam, check out this self-exam guide offered by NationalBreastCancer.org.
Quit smoking. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), smoking is a significant risk factor for breast and many other types of cancer. Non-smokers are at lower risk than smokers regardless of your age or how long you have been a smoker.
Exercise more. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also lower your risk factors.

How Can you create breast cancer awareness?

Spread the news: mammograms save lives

Remind your loved ones to get regular mammograms. These breast screenings detect issues early, when they’re easiest to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, while those 55 and older can switch to every 2 years or continue yearly screenings. Women at higher risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms before age 45.

Raise awareness about risk factors

Be in the know. According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors that increase your chances of breast cancer include obesity, lack of physical activity, drinking alcohol, family history of breast cancer, hormone therapy after menopause, and the presence of other breast conditions.

Share survivor stories

Honor and tell the stories of women who have fought and survived breast cancer. Have you or a family member fought this disease? Inspire others by writing a column in your local newspaper, sharing inspiring stories on Facebook or adding a photo of your Hope Journey on the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s webpage.

Become an ambassador

Sign up to be a Community Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Spread awareness and hope in your local community.

Push local, state and federal legislators to fund breast cancer research and awareness programs. Consider becoming a Policy Advocate for Susan G. Komen.

Take part in national, regional and local fundraising events

These events raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Volunteer for, participate in or donate to a local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure or American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Support Memorial Health System’s annual celebration of “Super Survivors” at its Be Aware Women’s Fair.

Can’t find an event? Start your own fundraiser, with help from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Raise awareness of helpful resources, care services and support groups

Many local entities – everything from hospitals to churches to employee groups – offer resources and support for women fighting breast cancer. Spread the word about their presence.

Even small actions help

Post and share information about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Most Importantly

Be there. Give unending love and support to friends and family members living with breast cancer. And not just this month, but every day of the year.

Want to donate?

If you would like to take action, you could make a donation to one of the following organizations:

National Breast Cancer Foundation

National Breast Cancer Coalition

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Breast Cancer Foundation

National Breast Center Foundation

Simone Koga 9/21/23 Simone Koga 9/21/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Join us under the stars for a magical evening with Matilda at Movies in the Park!

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below.

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

SEPTEMBER 22- SEPTEMBER 28

Join us under the stars for a magical evening with Matilda at Movies in the Park!

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below.

Friday 09/22

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am Oakland Chamber of Commerce Inside Oakland with the Honorable Carroll Fife

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

12pm Visit Oakland 7th Street’s Secret Sauce: Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

3pm Oakland Public Library Science In September

5pm FunCheap “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

5pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

5pm Oakland Museum of California FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA LA MEZCLA PRESENTS CONVIVENCIA

6:40pm Visit Oakland Athletics vs. Tigers

7pm Visit Oakland Latin Night

7pm 510families Dive-In Movie: Finding Nemo (RSVP)

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7:15pm 510families Movies in the Park: Matilda

7:15pm 510families Movies in the Park: The War with Grandpa

7:30pm Eventbrite Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

9pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

Saturday 09/23

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am Oakland Museum of California CREEK TO BAY DAY: BEAUTIFY SAUSAL CREEK

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9am Visit Oakland Grand Lake Farmers Market

9:30am Oakland Zoo ZooKids

10am 510families Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10am Fourth Street END OF SUMMER SIDEWALK SALE & HEAD WEST MARKETPLACE 2023

10:30am 510families Outdoor Family Storytime

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

11am Oakland Public Library Family Time

1pm Oakland Museum of California GALLERY ACTIVATION HOURS

2pm Eventbrite Wine Tasting at Côte West - Oakland's Favorite Winery!

3pm Eventbrite Afrobeats Block Party

3pm 510families Fish Feeding Viewing

5pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

5pm 510families Roller Disco Party

7pm Jack London Square "FORGET ME NOT" ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS EVENT

7pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy (7p + 9p Shows)

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm Visit Oakland B:L:E:N:D - Acoustic Oakland Concert Series

8:30pm Visit Oakland Nuthouse at The Golden Squirrel: A Weekly No-Cover Comedy Cabaret

9pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

10pm Eventbrite TrapSoul Saturday @ First Edition

Sunday 09/24

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

8am 510families Mare Island PedalFest: Lap of the Shipyard

9am Montclair Village Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

10am 510families Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

10am Eventbrite Yoga at Almanac Beer Co.

10am Oakland Zoo Little Vets

10am Visit Oakland Weekly Farmers Markets

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

11am Visit Oakland Jack London Square Farmers Market

11am Visit Oakland Oakland Temescal Tastes

11am 510families Piedmont Harvest Festival

1pm Eventbrite Sunday BLISS Season Closer w/ TONY TOUCH (Funkbox)

1pm Visit Oakland Walk, Wine and Dine

1pm Eventbrite Join us every Sunday for our Signature Brunch

1:07pm Visit Oakland Athletics vs. Tigers

2pm Eventbrite Wine Tasting at Côte West - Oakland's Favorite Winery!

6pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland “HellaSecret” Comedy Show (Sunday)

Monday 09/25

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7pm FunCheap 1/2 Off Oysters + Monday Night HellaFunny Comedy Show (Oakland)

Tuesday 09/26

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

10am Berkeley Public Library Gentle Yoga @North

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

11am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

4pm Oakland Public Library Family Game Night @ 81st Ave // Noche De Juegos en Familia

8:30pm FunCheap $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose

Wednesday 09/27

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

12pm Visit Oakland 30 Minute: Virtual Wellness Wednesday Workshops

12:30pm The Good Life Mind, Body & Spirit: Leukemia & Lymphoma Prevention & Care

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Movie Night @Claremont

5:30pm Visit Oakland Stags' Leap Wine Dinner at Lake Chalet

6:30pm Drake’s Brewing PINKY’S PAINTING PARTY

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7pm 510families Fall Concert Series: Vibes at The Veranda

7pm FunCheap Comedy & Wings Night + “Wing Wednesday” $10 Specials (Oakland)

8pm Visit Oakland Jazz Wednesdays

Thursday 09/28

All day Jack London Square BEE'S KNEES WEEK 2023

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9am Oakland Zoo Healthy Living Festival

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

11am Jack London Square MEMORY PUZZLE DRIVE

2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema

3:30pm Oakland Public Library Seed Saving Workshop

6pm Drake’s Brewing KING TRIVIA

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

Simone Koga 9/18/23 Simone Koga 9/18/23

Simone Spotlight | What it costs to Sell a Home in the East Bay

In today’s blog, we go over the six categories of expenses when selling your home and specifically which costs are handled by the seller, in that way, you can get an idea of how much it could cost to sell your home.

What it costs to Sell a Home in the East Bay

SEPTEMBER 18th

In today’s blog, we provide an outline of the seller closing costs in California.

These costs can be broken down into six categories:

Real estate commissions
Escrow fees
Title insurance
County transfer taxes
City transfer taxes
Miscellaneous items

Some of these closing costs are based on the county and city you live in.

California real estate commission

When you sell your home, you’ll pay a commission to your agent and the buyer’s agent. These will be a chunk of your closing costs.

The average total commission most home sellers pay in California is five to six percent of the final selling price (sometimes less for higher-priced homes).

However real estate commissions are negotiable, you may decide to pay a lower real estate commission by hiring a:

Discount brokerage
Flat fee company
Selling without a Realtor
Negotiating lower real estate commissions

Note that when paying a lower commission you may sacrifice one or more of these from your agent:

Service
Experience
Marketing
Negotiating
Looking out for your best interests

As a seller it is in your best interest to hire a great agent, that should be a priority and not who will work for the lowest commission. Ultimately, you get what you pay for.

Escrow fees In California

Depending on which county you’re in, you may or may not have to pay this. Each county has a preset “standard” for determining if the buyer or seller pays for this. In Alameda the Buyer pays this cost, not the Seller.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects the buyer from a financial loss due to defects on the title. An example of this is someone claiming ownership of the property after it is sold.

Unlike escrow fees, there isn’t a set calculation to determine the cost of title insurance.

We’ve found that title companies in California usually charge around the same price. To get an idea of what this is, take the sale price and multiply it by .00225.

You can use this free calculator.

The Buyer not Seller pays for this cost.

California transfer tax

Part of the closing costs for a seller in California is city and county transfer taxes. These are also referred to as “documentary transfer taxes”.

County transfer taxes

Every county in California has a transfer tax.

The cost of the county transfer tax in California is $1.10 for every $1,000 of the sale price, except for San Francisco County.

In Alameda, the Seller pays the Transfer Tax, not the Buyer.

Miscellaneous Fees

You might see several miscellaneous fees itemized on your settlement statement.

Some of these include the following:

Recording fee
Notary fee
HOA fee (if the property has an HOA)
Any reports and/or inspections (including home inspection fees) that are not paid upfront

These aren’t necessarily costs, but they are itemized with your closing costs on your final settlement statement.

To Recap: How much are seller closing costs in California?

Real estate commissions = 5% (can be higher or lower)
Escrow fees = $2.00 for every $1,000 of the final sale price + $250
Title insurance = sale price x .00225%
County transfer tax = $1.10 for every $1,000 of the final sale price
City transfer tax = the costs depend on the city you live in
Miscellaneous items = varies for each transaction

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the Simone Koga Group.

Simone Koga 9/14/23 Simone Koga 9/14/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of fluffy butts and adorable wiggles at Corgi Con Bay Area 2023!

Here's the list of fun local events in the Eastbay!

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

SEPTEMBER 15- SEPTEMBER 21

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of fluffy butts and adorable wiggles at Corgi Con Bay Area 2023!

Here's the list of fun local events in the Eastbay!

Friday 09/15

8am Piedmont Center for the Arts 2023 USA Weightlifting North American Open Series II

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

1pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ KING

3pm Oakland Public Library Science In September

5pm Oakland Museum of California FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA WITH STEWIE G. & COASTAL POMO DANCERS

6pm Black Cultural Zone SALSA ‘N’ SKATE

6:30pm Eventbrite Open Mic: The Poetry Lounge

6:30 510families Starlight Movies in the Park: Top Gun: Maverick

6:40pm Visit Oakland Athletics vs. Padres (Latin Music Fireworks Show)

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7:30pm Eventbrite Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

7:30pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland LIVE

7:30pm The Mercury News Ed Sheeran: - Tour

Saturday 09/16

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea

8am Alameda County Fair 2023 USA Weightlifting North American Open Series II

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9:30am Oakland Zoo ZooKids

10am The Mercury News La Flor: A Night of Cumbia, Reggaeton & Anthems

10am Alameda County Fair CORGI CON TICKETS

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10am FunCheap “Corgi Con” Bay Area 2023 (Alameda County Fairgrounds)

12pm Oakland Public Library A Tour of AAMLO

1pm Oakland Museum of California GALLERY ACTIVATION HOURS

1pm Berkeley Public Library Cool Season Planting @North

1pm Berkeley Public Library Herencia Guantanamera Haiti @West

2pm Berkeley Public Library A Rising Tide a look at Homelessness in Alameda County, Ca @THPS South Branch

3pm Oakland Public Library Teen Game Day @ 81st Ave // Dia de Juegos para Adolescentes

3pm Oakland Public Library Seed Saving Workshop

4pm Eventbrite TrapSoul Saturday - Outdoor Summer Block Party

5pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

6pm Oakland Museum of California GOOD MEDICINE: A NIGHT OF LIVE NATIVE STAND-UP

7pm Eventbrite Through the Looking Glass: An Evening with SPELLLING & Friends

7pm Visit Oakland A Night In with OACC: Games. Bites. Drinks. Friends.

7pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy (7p + 9p Shows)

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm The Mercury News ALAMEDA LANDING TO HOST FREE SHOWING OF ‘MATILDA’

Sunday 09/17

8am Piedmont Center for the Arts 2023 USA Weightlifting North American Open Series II

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9am Montclair Village Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

10am Oakland Zoo Little Vets

11am Jack London Square WEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET

11am Eventbrite AfroComicCon / Art & Soul Oakland 2023

12pm The Mercury News Alameda's 6th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ

1pm Oakland Museum of California VIBRATIONS OF AWESOMENESS: FILMS & FASHION

1pm Eventbrite Join us every Sunday for our Signature Brunch

Monday 09/18

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education

7pm FunCheap 1/2 Off Oysters + Monday Night HellaFunny Comedy Show (Oakland)

Tuesday 09/19

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

10am Berkeley Public Library Gentle Yoga @North

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

4pm Oakland Public Library Family Game Night @ 81st Ave // Noche De Juegos en Familia

5:30pm Oakland Public Library Walk the Lake

6pm Drake’s Brewing TRIVIA NIGHT AT DRAKE’S DEALERSHIP

8:30pm FunCheap $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose

Wednesday 09/20

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

6pm Drake’s Brewing TRIVIA NIGHT AT DRAKE’S BARREL HOUSE

7pm FunCheap Comedy & Wings Night + “Wing Wednesday” $10 Specials (Oakland)

Thursday 09/21

9am Jack London Square LITTLE FREE PUZZLE LIBRARY

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema

6pm Chabot Space & Science Center SPACE SPRAY PAINT & SIP: SUPERNOVA

6pm Berkeley Public Library Family Movie Night @North

6:30pm Eventbrite The Oaklandside Culture Makers

7pm Funcheap FREE: “Thirsty Thursday” Oakland Comedy Night w/ All-Night $5 Drink Specials

Simone Koga 9/11/23 Simone Koga 9/11/23

Market Report | September 2023

Check out this month’s market report for the latest data, real estate statistics, numbers and trends in the East Bay.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Simone Koga Group, we are happy to answer any of your questions!

Market Report | September 2023

The Simone Koga Group

Simone Koga Group

Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 | www.SimoneKoga.com
M: 415.706.1586
@ThatEastBayLife
Simone@SimoneKoga.com

Statistics are generalities, essentially summaries of widely disparate data generated by dozens, hundreds or thousands of unique, individual sales occurring within different time periods. They are best seen not as precise measurements, but as broad, comparative indicators, with reasonable margins of error. Anomalous fluctuations in statistics are not uncommon, especially in smaller, expensive market segments. Last period data should be considered estimates that may change with late-reported data. Different analytics programs sometimes define statistics - such as "active listings," "days on market," and "months supply of inventory" - differently: what is most meaningful are not specific calculations but the trends they illustrate. Most listing and sales data derives from the local or regional multi-listing service (MLS) of the area specified in the analysis, but not all listings or sales are reported to MLS and these won't be reflected in the data. "Homes" signifies real-property, single-household housing units: houses, condos, co-ops, townhouses, duets and TICs (but not mobile homes), as applicable to each market. City/town names refer specifically to the named cities and towns, or their MLS areas, unless otherwise delineated. Multi­county metro areas will be specified as such. Data from sources deemed reliable, but may contain errors and subject to revision. All numbers to be considered approximate.

Many aspects of value cannot be adequately reflected in median and average statistics: curb appeal, age, condition, amenities, views, lot size, quality of outdoor space, "bonus" rooms, additional parking, quality of location within the neighborhood, and so on. How any of these statistics apply to any particular home is unknown without a specific comparative market analysis.

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Simone Koga 9/11/23 Simone Koga 9/11/23

Simone Spotlight | Preparing to Plant Your Fall Garden

Fall starts Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, the same day as the Autumn Equinox. This is a great time to start getting your garden ready for the colder months.

This Monday’s blog goes over a list of what to do to prepare your garden and what to plant in the September, October, November, and December months.

Preparing to Plant Your Fall Garden

SEPTEMBER 11th

Fall starts Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, the same day as the Autumn Equinox. This is a great time to start getting your garden ready for the colder months. Here is a list of what to do to prepare your garden and what to plant in the September, October, November, and December months.

1. Shop for Bulbs

Although it won’t be time to plant bulbs until late-October through mid-December, you’ll want to order your bulbs this month to avoid missing out on the best ones that often sell out. In many Northern California climates, some bulbs such as tulips may need to be chilled. You can chill bulbs by putting them in a refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks before planting or order pre-cooled bulbs. While you’re waiting to plant, store your bulbs in a cool, dark location that doesn’t have moisture.

2. Prepare for Fall Planting

If you haven’t started planting yet and your soil needs more nutrients, prepare your planting beds by adding compost or ready-to-use soil amendment. Spread the amendment over your existing soil at a depth of 1 to 3 inches. If you’ve been adding compost consistently throughout the year, just top dress around plants. It’s also a good idea to loosen compacted soil using a broad fork. This technique preserves the plant roots and soil biology while breaking up compacted soil (allowing air and water to penetrate further into the soil).

3. Plant New Garden Beds

September through the end of fall is the best time to plant perennials, shrubs, and trees. Fall’s conditions provide plants with the ideal growing environment—cooler, but still warm temperatures and extra moisture from rain. It’s especially important to get flowering shrubs such as lilacs, camellias, rhododendrons, viburnums, hydrangeas, and roses off to a good start, so they should be planted in September.

Some of the best trees to plant include patio trees such as Japanese maples, crape myrtles, dogwoods, maples, redbuds, and magnolias. California natives should be planted this month and you can continue through the fall. For ideas on which natives to plant visit the California Native Plant Society for more information. As you’re thinking about fall planting, a good place to get ideas or to see the mature size of plants you like is at botanic gardens.

4. Divide Hostas

If your hostas are overgrown for their space, you just want more around your garden, or they’re beginning to look crowded (which results in the center of the plant dying), then this is the time to divide them. In most regions in Northern California, September is a good time to divide hostas. To divide them, dig up the entire plant with a clean garden shovel or spade, trying to keep as many roots as possible intact. Place the plant and root ball on a tarp near the hole. Separate clumps and replant around your garden. Be sure to water new plants well. Learn more about growing and caring for hostas.

5. Continue Planting Cool-Season Crops

Once you’ve removed your summer crops, refresh beds with fertilizer and a fresh layer of compost. Fill your garden beds with cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, kale, peas, and carrots. You can also plant lettuce, mesclun, spinach, beet, and cauliflower.

6. Plant or Refresh Your Lawn

If you are looking to add a lawn to your garden, then September is your month. In more coastal climates, early in the month is ideal. In gardens that are farther inland, you can wait until late in the month once the temperatures cool. If you need more information on planting a lawn visit Toro's YardCare website which explains the different methods. To refresh an existing lawn consider dethatching manually with a specialized thatching rake or a motorized dethatcher. It’s also a good time to aerate lawns and fertilize using either a granular fertilizer or compost.

7. Plant Garlic

Homegrown, freshly eaten garlic has especially good flavor. Try growing one of the many varieties of garlic available to add a special flair to your dishes next summer . Order garlic bulbs from suppliers and divide the bulbs into individual cloves to plant them. Plant the cloves in well-draining, rich to medium soil at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches.

8. Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are packed with nutrients and make nice additions to salads and garnishes. A small greenhouse, hoop house, or cold frame are all great spots to grow microgreens as they do better when they are grown under controlled or more consistent conditions. They also need constant watering.

9. Plant Now

Stagger plantings of early, mid- and late varieties of camellias and you can have flowers from November through April (or even May!) If the temperatures are still high, plants where they are protected from bright light or leaves may be scalded by the sun.

Providing year-round interest, crape myrtles are very resilient, love the sun, and are extremely heat tolerant. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container. Stake if needed and water thoroughly after planting.

Plant shrub roses in a sunny to lightly shaded site with fertile, well-draining soil that stays evenly moist for best results. You can also plant in a container, make sure the pot is at least 15 to 20 inches in diameter and 18 to 24 inches deep, with adequate drainage.

Simone Koga 9/7/23 Simone Koga 9/7/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Create lifelong memories in nature with the ones you love.

#FamilyNatureAdventures

Here's the list of fun local events in the Eastbay!

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

SEPTEMBER 08- SEPTEMBER 14

Create lifelong memories in nature with the ones you love.

#FamilyNatureAdventures

Here's the list of fun local events in the Eastbay!

Friday 09/08

All day FunCheap “Save the Bay” Bay Day Challenge on the SF Bay Trail (Sept. 8 – Oct. 7)

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

3pm Eventbrite FoodieLand - San Jose

3pm Visit Oakland Taylor Jay Happy Shopping Hour

3:30pm Oakland Public Library Science In September

4pm The Mercury News Tap Takeover Fridays at Tipsy Putt East Bay

5pm The Mercury News CORONATION 45 - TWISTED MASQUERADE

5pm Oakland Museum of California FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA WITH GAMBIZI & DOS FOUR

5pm Eventbrite Food Pop-Up by Cat Allen w/ Filipino Food

5:45pm 510families Movie & Music Under the Stars: Shrek

6:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

6:30pm Visit Oakland Connecting the Work: American Born Chinese Episode Screening

7pm 510families Movie Under the Stars: Super Mario Bros

7pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland’s HellaSecret Comedy & Cocktails (2023)

7:30pm 510families Movies in the Park: Vivo

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

7:30pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland LIVE

Saturday 09/09

2am Berkeley Public Library Ukulele Blues - Intro to Ukulele pt. 3

9am Visit Oakland Grand Lake Farmers Market

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10am Drake’s Brewing 7TH ANNUAL BATTLESTAR CLASSIC

10am The Mercury News Battlestar Classic 7

10:30am Chabot Space & Science Center FAMILY NATURE ADVENTURES

12pm FunCheap Oakland’s Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll Family Fest 2023

12pm Drake’s Brewing YAPPY HOUR

1pm Oakland Museum of California GALLERY ACTIVATION HOURS

2pm Eventbrite We The Medicine - Bi-Weekly World Meditation

2pm Visit Oakland Outdoor Wine Tasting

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

6:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

7pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy (7p + 9p Shows)

7pm 510families Montclair Outdoor Cinema: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm Visit Oakland B:L:E:N:D - Acoustic Oakland Concert Series

8:30pm Visit Oakland Nuthouse at The Golden Squirrel: A Weekly No-Cover Comedy Cabaret

Sunday 09/10

10am Oakland Zoo Little Vets

11am Jack London Square WEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET

11am Visit Oakland Oakland Temescal Tastes

11am The Mercury News Universal Drumming Series

11am The Mercury News Sunday FUNDday at Tipsy Putt East Bay with Move For Hunger

12pm The Mercury News Drag Yourself to Brunch at the Alameda Comedy Club

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

3pm Eventbrite "Come Meet A Black Person" Anti-Racism Virtual Series

4pm Eventbrite SUNDAZE OAKLAND

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland “HellaSecret” Comedy Show

Monday 09/11

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

3pm FunCheap 19th Annual “9/11 Truth Film Festival” at Grand Lake Theater (Oakland)

5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education

7pm FunCheap 1/2 Off Oysters + Monday Night HellaFunny Comedy Show (Oakland)

Tuesday 09/12

10am Berkeley Public Library Gentle Yoga @North

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

4pm Oakland Public Library Family Game Night @ 81st Ave // Noche De Juegos en Familia

Wednesday 09/13

All Day The Mercury News Berkeley Dance Project 2022: Two films exploring the intersection of dance and technology

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North

11am Eventbrite BAY AREA In Person (IP) Diversity Career Fair 9/13/2023

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

2pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Arts and Crafts

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Playdate in the Park @West

4pm The Mercury News College Night at Tipsy Putt

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Movie Night @Claremont

6pm Drake’s Brewing GATHER STUDIO & EVENTS: FALL WREATH WORKSHOP

7pm FunCheap Comedy & Wings Night + “Wing Wednesday” $10 Specials (Oakland)

7:30pm Drake’s Brewing BARNFLIX: REMEMBER THE TITANS

8pm The Mercury News Nuthouse at the Golden Squirrel

8pm Visit Oakland Jazz Wednesdays

Thursday 09/14

8am Alameda County Fair 2023 USA Weightlifting North American Open Series II

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

11:30am Oakland Public Library Community Connections

11:30am Oakland Public Library Insight Housing

1pm The Mercury News Free Big Screen Classics

2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

6pm The Mercury News Instant Band Night 22: WILD

6pm Drake’s Brewing KING TRIVIA

7pm FunCheap FREE: “Thirsty Thursday” Oakland Comedy Night w/ All-Night $5 Drink Specials

7pm FunCheap East Bay Outdoor Summer Comedy Festival 2023 (Live at Bay Street)

8pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland LIVE

11pm Eventbrite Lover's Paradise

Simone Koga 9/5/23 Simone Koga 9/5/23

Simone Spotlight | The East Bay Pumpkin Patches

It’s that time of year again! Pumpkin fun in all its splendor. Pumpkin picking, carving, hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pie and so much more!

Get ready for the fall season with our updated list of pumpkin patches in the East Bay.

PUMPKIN PATCH BLOG

Are you ready for
Pumpkin Season?

Here is a list of the East Bay Pumpkin Patches.

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch

Get all of your fall decorations and Jack-O-Latern kit at Piedmont Ave. They have 15 varieties of pumpkins, corn stalks, gourds, straw and straw bales. They have great Halloween decorations for your home. Shop for fall and enjoy their Haunted House while you are there. 

Location: 4414 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA
Dates: Sept. 4th - Oct 31st. | Halloween Store
Sept. 15th - Oct. 31st | Pumpkin Patch
Hours: 9 am - 3pm | Halloween Store & 9 am - 8 pm | Pumpkin Patch
Click here for the website.

Westbrae Nursery 
Mini Patch

A sweet autumnal corner dedicated to pumpkins and hay throughout October. It is a darling photo opp and a place to shop local for pumpkins. No frills; pick up your gardening supplies and other plants there.

Location: 1272 Gilman Street in Berkeley
Dates: Oct. 1 - Oct. 31st
Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm
Click here for the website.

Pick of the Patch

Operates several locations in the East Bay that open in late September: Concord, San Lorenzo, Richmond, Fremont, and Antioch. They feature inflatable parks for kids ages 2 - 12, paint ball ranges and more. 

Dates: Mid Sept. - Oct. 31st
Hours: Open until 9 pm or 10 pm depending on the date.
Click here for the website.

Classic Pumpkin Patch

The Rowell Ranch Rodeo is a great place to take the kids and browse for pumpkins. They also have multi story super slides, pony rides, teacups, train rides and a swing carousel. The rides cost extra. 

Location: 9711 Dublin Canyon Rd., Castro Valley, CA
Dates: Opens Sept. - Oct. 31st
Hours: M - F: 2 pm - 8 pm, Sat. & Sun.: 10 am - 8 pm
Click here for the website.

Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch

Looking for the perfect autumn adventure? The Speer Family Pumpkin Patch has activities for the whole family to enjoy. They have assorted slides, jump houses, carousel, petting zoo and much more!

Location: 2453 Hancock St., Alameda, CA
Dates: Opens Sept. 29th
Hours: 10 am - 9 pm
Click here for the website.

G&M Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

G & M Farms has a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Extra features like hayrides, pedal carts, a cow train, bouncy pillows, and pony rides are only available on weekends.

Location: 487 East Airway Boulevard, Livermore
Dates: Wednesday - Sunday - Sept. 30th - Oct. 31st
Hours: Hours vary per day
Click here for the website.

Smith Family Farm

Smith Family Farm is old school with a country fair vibe and is open for October harvest activities. Guests can pick their own pumpkin and then enjoy a corn maze, a butterfly habitat with frogs and caterpillars, and a picnic area. Bring your own wagon.

Location: 4350 Sellers Avenue, Knightsen
Dates: Sept. 30th - Oct. 31st
Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Click here for the website.

The Simone Koga Group

Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 | www.SimoneKoga.com
M: 415.706.1586
@ThatEastBayLife
Simone@SimoneKoga.com

Simone Koga 8/31/23 Simone Koga 8/31/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Don't miss out on the Lavagem procession's timeless tradition, where streets are washed with flowers and water, embodying renewal and solidarity.

Here's the list of fun local events in the Eastbay!

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

SEPTEMBER 01- SEPTEMBER 07

Don't miss out on the Lavagem procession's timeless tradition, where streets are washed with flowers and water, embodying renewal and solidarity.

Here's the list of fun local events in the Eastbay!

Friday 09/01

All day Drake’s Brewing FIRST FRIDAY AT THE BARN

9:40am The Mercury News Kindergym-Fall Sessions

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

12pm The Mercury News RUTH TABANCAY: (UN)NATURAL ORDER

12pm The Mercury News Jo Ann Biagini: Botanical Imaginary

12pm The Mercury News 2023 Juried Exhibition: Within Sight or From Imagination

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

5pm FunCheap 2023 Official “Hiero Day” Festival Kick-off Party (Oakland)

5pm FunCheap “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

5pm Visit Oakland First Friday Street Festival

5pm FunCheap FIRST FRIDAY

5pm Visit Oakland Black Cultural Zone: Fo'show Friday

6pm FunCheap Redwood City Music on the Square 2023

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland’s HellaSecret Comedy & Cocktails (2023)

6pm Chabot Space & Science Center FIRST FRIDAYS: STELLAR ENDING, DEATH OF STARS

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

Saturday 09/02

All day Alameda County Fair 157th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea

10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime

12pm Oakland Public Library A Tour of AAMLO

12pm Eventbrite The Fifth Annual Afrobeats at the Lake

1pm Oakland Museum of California GALLERY ACTIVATION HOUR

2pm Visit Oakland Outdoor Wine Tasting

2pm FunCheap 2023 “Hiero on the Runway” Fashion Show (Oakland)

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

3pm Eventbrite Toasted Life Labor Day Weekend Block Party

4pm FunCheap “Faeries of the Moonlight” Berkeley’s Summer Musical Theatre in the Park

5pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy (6p + 8p Shows)

7pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland LIVE

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8:30pm Visit Oakland Nuthouse at The Golden Squirrel: A Weekly No-Cover Comedy Cabaret

9pm The Mercury News Rhythm & Perreo: Reggaeton, R&B and Hip Hop (OtebNSolrac)

Sunday 09/03

9am Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

9am FunCheap Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile (Labor Day Weekend 2023)

11am Jack London Square WEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET

11am The Mercury News SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem Festival 2023

1pm Eventbrite Join us every Sunday for our Signature Brunch

2pm Eventbrite CREAM OF BEAT OAKLAND DAY PARTY - LABOR DAY WEEKEND EDITION

2pm The Mercury News Live Music in the Cellar! at Dashe Cellars

2pm Eventbrite Salsa by the Bay Sundays Summer Concert Series ft. Local Bands

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

6:30pm Eventbrite International Labour day wkd.

7pm Eventbrite Stand-Up Comedy at Nido's Backyard In Jack London Sq.

Monday 09/04

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

11am Visit Oakland Hiero Day 2023

2pm Eventbrite Bay Area Labor Day Yacht Groove: Afrobeats Cruise

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

6pm FunCheap “Faeries of the Moonlight” Berkeley’s Summer Musical Theatre in the Park (Labor Day)

7pm Eventbrite Oakland HellaFunny Comedy Show + 1/2 Off Oyster Night

Tuesday 09/05

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

12pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Series

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

6:45pm Drake’s Brewing SUNSET YOGA SESSIONS

Wednesday 09/06

9:40am The Mercury News Kindergym-Fall Sessions

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Movie Night @Claremont

4pm Oakland Public Library City Team Food Giveaway

6pm City of Oakland Personal Emergency Preparedness [PEP] Class

7pm Eventbrite "Comedy & Wings" Wednesday Nights / Oakland

8pm The Mercury News Nuthouse at the Golden Squirrel

Thursday 09/07

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

9:40am The Mercury News Kindergym-Fall Sessions

10am The Good Life Stress Busters!

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Night at “Golden State Lounge” (6pm Show)

7pm Montclair Village Montclair Neighborhood Council /Montclair Organized Neighborhood Leaders Monthly Public Meeting

8pm Comedy Oakland 47th Annual San Francisco International Comedy Competition

8pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland LIVE

Simone Koga 8/28/23 Simone Koga 8/28/23

Simone Spotlight | The Home Buying Process

So you want to buy a house? The process may seem daunting, but the truth is that when you have clarity on how to achieve your home-buying goal, achieving it no longer seems like an insurmountable task.

In today’s blog, we break down the homebuying process into simple steps that will help you make a plan and execute it.

The Home Buying Process

AUGUST 28th

The Homebuying Process

In today’s blog, we break down the homebuying process into simple steps that will help you make a plan and execute it.

Before solidifying your plan there are a few things you may want to consider.

Will you be financing or are you buying all cash? This makes a difference in the process.
If you need or want a loan, you will want to sit down with a mortgage lender to get pre approved and go over the different types of mortgage available to you.
You do not need to buy a home at the maximum amount you have been pre-approved for, consider what your mortgage payments will be and the lifestyle you want to have.

Steps to buying a home:

Representation

Once you have your pre-approval, you will want to meet with real estate agents and hire a buyer’s agent to represent you. Hiring a buyer’s agent costs you nothing and you want someone in your corner to help you with the process.

Priority List

It is important to have realistic expectations when buying a property. We all have a wishlist, but we may not get all of the things on our list, that is why it’s essential to have a priority’s list. What features must the house have for you to buy it? What are attributes that would be nice to have, but you can live without? It’s vital for you to tell your real estate agent what matters to you so they can find homes for you with those features.

Find Your Home

Once you have sat down with your real estate agent they will create an online search that will send you emails with properties that match your criteria. You can see the properties with your agent or go to the open house. The most important thing to remember is that in a seller’s market, there are more buyers than properties available. Therefore you should look at the list of homes and see the ones you like best first.

Submit an offer

Once you find the home you like, have your agent write up an offer. At the stage you

want to lean in on the expertise of your agent and consider the price, and terms that

they think will best help you get the property under contract. Their knowledge of

comparable sales, negotiations and relationships with agents is an asset to you, and

is essential during the offer process.

Offers will have one of 3 results. The offer will be accepted, rejected or countered. If

your offer is accepted then you move on to the next step. If it’s rejected your agent

can find out why it’s rejected and you can try to renegotiate or move on. If your offer

is countered, have your agent negotiate on your behalf until you arrive at terms that

both you and the seller agree on.

Under Contract

This is when the ticking clock begins. You have deadlines that you have to meet or

you will need to extend which could have an impact on your closing date.

You want your real estate agent to schedule a home inspection as soon as possible,

even though you are given an allotted time, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.

Once you get the home inspection report back you may want to negotiate with the

seller depending on what items come up.

Purchase and Sale

Once you are happy with the negotiations after the home inspection you move on to the purchase and sale agreement. At this stage, the mortgage lender will work with you to apply for the actual loan of the property. They will need financial documents from you to submit the loan to underwriting and a home appraisal will be conducted before the loan is approved. Once the home is approved you are ready for closing.

Closing

Once the loan is approved, everyone typically comes to the signing table to sign the contracts, the final payments are made and you will receive your keys.

Note that buying a home requires a team. It typically consists of you, the buyer, your real estate agent, your mortgage lender, and your attorney. Other notable people in this process are home inspectors and home insurance representatives.

If you have any questions on this process feel free to contact our team!

Simone Koga 8/24/23 Simone Koga 8/24/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Vegan Street Fair is coming to the East Bay in 2023!

Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the best vegan street food The Bay has to offer!

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below ⬇️

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

AUGUST 25- AUGUST 31

Vegan Street Fair is coming to the East Bay in 2023!

Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the best vegan street food The Bay has to offer!

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below ⬇️

Friday 08/25

8am Alameda County Fair GOODGUYS 36TH WEST COAST NATIONALS GENERAL PARKING

9am Oakland Chamber of Commerce Inside Oakland with the Honorable Treva Reid

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

12pm The Mercury News RUTH TABANCAY: (UN)NATURAL ORDER

12pm The Mercury News Jo Ann Biagini: Botanical Imaginary

12pm The Mercury News 2023 Juried Exhibition: Within Sight or From Imagination

12pm Drake’s Brewing DRAKE’S ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

2pm Berkeley Public Library Summer Movies @ THPS

2:30pm Oakland Public Library Plutocracy: Political Repression in the U.S.A.

3pm Berkeley Public Library Meet Officer Kajahna Futch, Community Liaison for BPD

5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA: Beatmakers and Aerosol Artists Unite

5:30pm The Mercury News Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill to Host a Codigo Tequila Paired Dinner

6pm Chabot Space & Science Center SUNSET SCIENCE: STARS ACROSS CULTURES FT NATIVE SKIES STAR STORIES

6:30pm 510families Starlight Movies in the Park: Space Jam: A New Legacy

7pm The Mercury News JACK LONDON SQUARE TO HOST FREE MUSIC PERFORMANCE BY ‘PURE ECSTASY’

7:30pm 510families Summer Movie Series: Encanto

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

7:30pm Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

8pm 510families Movies in the Park: Strange World

8pm 510families Summer Movies in the Park: Encanto

8pm FunCheap Berkeley’s Summer Outdoor Movie Night: “Strange World”

9:45pm Comedy Oakland Live Standup Comedy Show

Saturday 08/26

All Day FunCheap Oakland & East Bay Summer “Beer Book” (2-for-1 Beers)

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea

8am Alameda County Fair GOODGUYS 36TH WEST COAST NATIONALS GENERAL PARKING

10am The Mercury News Puppet Fair 2023

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10am Berkeley Public Library Little Explorers' Petting Zoo @North (Registration Required)

10am Berkeley Public Library Community Focus Group - Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch

11am Eventbrite Vegan Street Fair Oakland 2023 - Premium Passes & Perks

11am Oakland Public Library Proving Ownership: Title Clearing & Its Importance in Disaster Preparedness

12pm Drake’s Brewing DRAKE’S ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

1pm BLACK CULTURAL ZONE PRESENTS GREEN SPACES ARE GREEN PLACES “BLACK AUGUST” CELEBRATION

1pm Oakland Museum of California Gallery Activation Hour

2pm Oakland Public Library Black American Strip Quilts and Their West African Textile Roots

3pm Eventbrite TrapSoul Saturday - Outdoor Summer Block Party

3pm Oakland Public Library Black August Film Series presented by Black Cultural Zone

5pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

7:45pm 510families Movies in the Park | Turning Red

8pm Visit Oakland B:L:E:N:D - Acoustic Oakland Concert Series

10pm The Mercury News Desmadre: Reggaeton, Dembow, Moobahton, Corridos, Latin Dance, Y Mas

Sunday 08/27

8am Alameda County Fair GOODGUYS 36TH WEST COAST NATIONALS GENERAL PARKING

9am Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

10am FunCheap Oakland Chinatown 34th StreetFest

11am Jack London Square WEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET

12pm The Mercury News Drag Yourself to Brunch at the Alameda Comedy Club

12pm Drake’s Brewing DRAKE’S ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

1pm Eventbrite Jack Daniels x SoOakland Presents: SoOakland 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

4pm Eventbrite SUNDAZE OAKLAND

4pm Eventbrite OFFICIAL Darryl Reed's 4th Annual Ultimate White Day Party Escape

7pm Visit Oakland Sam Smith at the Oakland Arena

Monday 08/28

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

10am Oakland Public Library Free AARP Smart Driver™ Course

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

Tuesday 08/29

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

Wednesday 08/30

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11:30am Oakland Chamber of Commerce OMCC Board Meeting

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

5pm Berkeley Public Library Flirting with Disaster @Claremont

5:30pm The Mercury News Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill Hosts Rombauer Vineyards Paired Wine Dinner

6pm Oakland Public Library Folkland Book Club Featuring Books from Small Press Distribution

8pm The Mercury News Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Triple Rock Brewery

Thursday 08/31

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

9:40am The Mercury News Kindergym-Fall Sessions

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Loud in the Library: Queeraoke

6pm The Mercury News The Revivalists & Band of Horses & The Heavy Heavy

7pm Visit Oakland LXGIT Performance

Simone Koga 8/21/23 Simone Koga 8/21/23

Simone Spotlight | Ways to Celebrate Labor Day in the East Bay

Celebrate your holiday weekend and Labor Day with these great events in the East Bay! 💃🏽 💃🏽 💃🏽

Ways to Celebrate Labor Day in the East Bay

AUGUST 21st

LABOR DAY WEEKEND BRUNCH & DAY PARTY!

Indulge in delicious brunch bites while vibing to the hottest trap music. Our talented DJs will keep the energy high, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a trap music enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect.

Gather your friends and dance the day away. Our spacious venue provides ample room to groove and mingle. Don't forget to dress to impress, as this event is all about style and swag.

Tickets are limited, so make sure to secure yours now. Get ready for an epic day filled with good vibes, great music, and a whole lot of fun. Don't miss out on this Brunch & DAY PARTY!

Date & Time | Saturday, September 2 · 2 - 8pm PDT

Location | TEASE SOUTHERN KITCHEN OAKLAND 5319 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAY Oakland, CA

Cost | $25-$75

Get tix

Sobre Mesa Labor Day Rooftop Take Over

Come celebrate the end of summer at the sexiest rooftop in the East Bay! Join us at 17th & Broadway rooftop lounge on Sunday, September 3rd during Labor Day weekend! Sobre Mesa is once again bringing you the sexy vibes, cocktails and delicious food to make this an epic rooftop party!

Ticket price includes an open bar featuring Hornitos, Tres Generaciones and more, and food stations with summertime bites curated by Top Chef season 18's Chef Nelson German. DCisChillin and Emmelle will be spinning hip hop, reggaeton, funk and R&B jams and you'll be able to enjoy both the indoor lounge and the outdoor rooftop with the best view.

Enjoy a game of pool, shuffleboard, fire pits, and the best roof top view of the Bay Area while sipping on our craft cocktails. Come celebrate Labor Day with us!

* Must be 21 or over

* Open Bar

* Food Stations open from 3-6pm

* Free sampling: Tres Generaciones Frozen Ice Bar will be open from 4-6pm

* Vegetarian options will be available. Non alcoholic drinks will be available.

* Sales are final and non-refundable. No exceptions. Transfers are acceptable.

Date & Time | Sunday, September 3 · 3 - 7pm PDT

Location | 17th & Broadway Apartments 447 17th Street Oakland, CA

Cost | $85

Get tix

CREAM OF BEAT OAKLAND DAY PARTY - LABOR DAY WEEKEND EDITION

Personal Touch Entertainment, The Pirate DJs & True SF Present...

THE LEGEND CONTINUES!!! The Pirate DJs serve up another meal... We're gonna party like we used to back in the day! Featuring Music by Pirate DJs, MIND MOTION * IVAN * DARK MONEY. With Special Guest DJs SCOTTY FOX * POS RED * FUZE * H HOLLA * CHRIS DOPE * TAY ROCK (ATL)

Date & Time | Sunday, September 3 · 2 - 8pm PDT

Location | For The Culture 701 Clay Street Oakland, CA

Cost | $20 - $100

Get tix

Bay Area Labor Day Yacht Groove: Afrobeats Cruise

Get ready for an unforgettable Labor Day celebration at the Bay Area Labor Day Yacht Groove: Afrobeats Cruise! Join us on Monday, September 4, 2023, at 2:00 PM PDT, as we set sail from the picturesque location at 2394 Mariner Square Drive #STE B, Alameda, CA 94501.

Immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats music while cruising along the stunning Bay Area coastline. Dance the day away, surrounded by breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere. Our expert DJs will keep the party going with the hottest Afrobeats tracks, ensuring non-stop grooves throughout the event.

Whether you're a seasoned Afrobeats enthusiast or simply looking for a fun-filled Labor Day experience, this event is perfect for you. Gather your friends and come aboard for an afternoon of music, dancing, and good vibes. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate Labor Day in style!

Please note that this event is in-person, and tickets are limited. So, book your spot early to secure your place on the Bay Area Labor Day Yacht Groove: Afrobeats Cruise. We can't wait to see you there!

Date & Time | Monday, September 4 · 2 - 6pm PDT

Location | LUXE Cruises and Events 2394 Mariner Square Drive #STE B Alameda, CA

Cost | $50 - $65

Get Tix

Simone Koga 8/17/23 Simone Koga 8/17/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Get ready for these fascinating new laser shows, laser and light demos, beer, wine, and the evening's featured themed cocktail!! 🤩

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below.

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

AUGUST 18- AUGUST 24

Get ready for these fascinating new laser shows, laser and light demos, beer, wine, and the evening's featured themed cocktail!! 🤩

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below.

Friday 08/18

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11:30am Visit Oakland Left Bank Brasserie Oakland Celebrates Taste of Provence Wine & Food Week

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

4pm Berkeley Public Library Music Performance by Chris Waltz & Tina Digesti @Central

5pm Oakland Museum of California FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA: HIP HOP MEETS JAZZ

5pm Black Cultural Zone SALSA ‘N’ SKATE

5pm The Mercury News Red Tomato Pizza House Who's That? weekly comedy series

5:30pm The Mercury News Musical Park Shabbat

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland’s HellaSecret Comedy & Cocktails (2023)

6pm Chabot Space & Science Center HIKE & SIP WITH SPECIAL GUEST MICHAEL CHARNOFSKY, EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT NATURALIST

7pm Drake’s Brewing FRIDAY NIGHT MARKETS 2023

7pm Visit Oakland Live Music Series - Jazzaholics at Jack London Square

7pm Jack London Square LIVE MUSIC SERIES - JAZZAHOLICS

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

7:30pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland Live

8pm 510families Summer Movies in the Park: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

8pm 510families Movies in the Park: Turning Red

9:45pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland Live - Friday August 18, 2023 Late Show

Saturday 08/19

All day Jack London Square 2023 TASTE OF PROVENCE WINE AND FOOD WEEK

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea

9am The Mercury News High on Flavor! A Unique Coffee and Cannabis Pairing Experience

10am Berkeley Public Library Repitles, Amphibians, and You @North *NEW TIME*

10am Berkeley Public Library East Bay Vivarium @West *NEW TIME

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

10am Eventbrite Black Liberation Walking Tour

10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime

12pm Oakland Public Library A Tour of AAMLO

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

1pm Eventbrite 626 Night Market Mini @ Great Mall Milpitas (Summer 2023)

2pm Oakland Public Library Black August Film Series presented by Black Cultural Zone

2pm The Mercury News Return of the Funk Festival

2pm Visit Oakland Outdoor Wine Tasting

3pm Eventbrite Praise Fest

3pm The Mercury News A Bohemian Summer Celebration with Fleetwood Macrame

4pm FunCheap “Faeries of the Moonlight” Berkeley’s Summer Musical Theatre in the Park

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy

6:07pm 510families Star Wars Drone Show vs. Baltimore Oreoles

7pm 510families Montclair Outdoor Cinema: Dungeons & Dragons

7pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland Live

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center LASER AFTER HOURS: QUEENS OF POP

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm 510families Movie Nights: Shrek 2

8:30pm Visit Oakland Nuthouse at The Golden Squirrel: A Weekly No-Cover Comedy Cabaret

9:20pm The Mercury News Comedy Oakland Live - Saturday August 19, 2023 Late Show

9:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center LASER AFTER HOURS: QUEENS OF POP

Sunday 08/20

All day Jack London Square 2023 TASTE OF PROVENCE WINE AND FOOD WEEK

9am Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

10am Visit Oakland Weekly Farmers Markets

10am Oakland Zoo Clear the Shelters Pet Adoption Day at the Zoo

11am The Mercury News JACK LONDON SQUARE INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO ITS WEEKLY FARMER’S MARKET

11:30am Visit Oakland Left Bank Brasserie Oakland Celebrates Taste of Provence Wine & Food Week

1pm The Mercury News The Cali Fest

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

4pm Visit Oakland Sunset Sundays: Soulful & Eclectic Concerts on the Oakland Waterfront

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland “HellaSecret” Comedy Show

8pm Chabot Space & Science Center FIRST GLANCE: MEMBER TELESCOPE VIEWING

Monday 08/21

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

10am Eventbrite What's Cooking, Oakland? The Future of Commercial Kitchens

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

7pm FunCheap 1/2 Off Oysters + Monday Night HellaFunny Comedy Show (Oakland)

Tuesday 08/22

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

3pm Visit Oakland Discount AfterZOOns at the Oakland Zoo

4pm Oakland Public Library Family Game Night @ 81st Ave // Noche De Juegos en Familia

7pm Eventbrite Taco Tuesgay

7pm FunCheap Oakland’s New Stand-up Comedy Pop-Up w/ HellaFunny (Summer 2023)

7pm Drake’s Brewing SUNSET YOGA SESSIONS

8pm FunCheap Tuesday Trivia Night at Nigh Heron (Oakland)

8:30pm FunCheap $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose

Wednesday 08/23

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

12pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce New Member Orientation

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

7pm FunCheap Comedy & Wings Night + “Wing Wednesday” $10 Specials (Oakland)

8pm The Mercury News Nuthouse at the Golden Squirrel

Thursday 08/24

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

2pm Oakland Public Library Africa: An Art Exhibition by the African American Quilters Guild of Oakland

3pm Oakland Zoo Discount AfterZOOns

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Night at “Golden State Lounge” (6pm Show)

6pm Drake’s Brewing KING TRIVIA

Simone Koga 8/15/23 Simone Koga 8/15/23

Fire Emergency Plan Checklist Blog

To prepare for fire season here are tips, checklists, contact numbers and much more for you and your family to customize a plan for your family’s safety!

Fire Checklist Blog

Are you Prepared for 
Fire Season?

SAFETY FIRST: DISASTER PLANNING 101

Northern California is no stranger to natural disasters. When you live at the foot of nature, you’re bound to get in its way a time or two. Evacuation orders have become so commonplace, it’s easy to get a bit complacent in the routine – especially when you typically return to find things just as you left them. 

If your “plan” is more or less, “slippers by the bed, La Croix in the fridge, and a flashlight somewhere, I think” – you may be interested to learn that the average government response time to a major emergency is 72 hours. That means, for 72 hours, you’re essentially on your own. It might be time to flesh out that plan a bit.

We’ve put together customizable checklists for simple yet effective disaster planning, as well as a comprehensive Emergency Kit guide that can be accessed here. 

Don’t be daunted if you feel woefully unprepared; just take it one step at a time. These recommendations are intended to empower you toward positive preparedness and peace of mind.

MAKE A PLAN:
Select your “emergency buddies” – a small group of friends and loved ones you’ll meet up with in the event of an emergency. Decide on a public meeting spot like a park or major landmark.
Practice escape routes, evaluating each for ease of access.
Keep a flashlight next to your bed, along with rubber-soled slippers or a pair of shoes.

SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME:
Locate your gas shut-off valve – you will want to act fast after an earthquake, so hang a wrench nearby if possible and make sure you know how to use it.
Secure large furniture, mirrors, and frames to the wall.
Learn about defensible space zones and implement them in your yard.

PROTECT YOUR FINANCES:
Closely examine your insurance paperwork to determine the full scope of coverage.

GET INVOLVED:
Join your Community Emergency Response Team to learn basic disaster response techniques and find out who amongst your neighbors is equipped to help.
Sign up for local emergency text alerts.
Visit https://oaklandfiresafecouncil.org/programs/ for emergency preparedness education and real-time information.

EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLISTS YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE OR WHEN A DISASTER MIGHT STRIKE, SO KEEP ONE KIT IN YOUR HOME AND ANOTHER IN YOUR CAR.

HOME EMERGENCY KIT:
Food: Forego the granola bars in favor of something more lasting like freeze-dried food, canned items, or MREs (Meals Ready to Eat.) Tea and coffee are always a good idea – throw in some Dripkit Pour Over packets for a just-add-water caffeine buzz you’ll actually enjoy.

Kitchenware: Can opener, utensils (this is where sporks really shine), plates, bowls, dual-burner stove – anything you need to prepare and consume the food you packed.

Water: A case of Sparkletts won’t quite cut it if you’re stranded for a week. You’ll want at least a gallon per person per day, not including cooking or bathing. Food-safe water barrels hold up to 55-gallons and have a shelf life of five years.

First-Aid Kit: Think beyond band-aids and look for one equipped to stop bleeding and control serious trauma, like Adventure Medical’s Trauma Pak with QuikClot.

Clothing: Pack comfortable clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy shoes, a durable jacket, multiple pairs of socks, and underwear.

Hygiene: Stock up on wipes for hand cleaning and waterless showers. Duplicate your dopp kit basics, and don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Other easy to miss essentials include deodorant, sunscreen, liquid and bar soap, feminine products, hair accessories, a nail file, and clippers.

Sanitation: You may find yourself without working plumbing. Invest in a portable toilet and toilet waste bags – and don’t forget the two-ply. Highly recommended extra: Bio-Blue Toilet Deodorant.

Sleep Stuff: At minimum, you’ll want a sleeping bag and plenty of blankets, but you may want to add a tent and air mattress, just in case. An eye mask and ear plugs may help the Zzzs come a bit quicker.

Technical Supplies: Work gloves, paracord (military spec rope), waterproof safety matches, gorilla tape, tarps, clear plastic sheeting, multi-tool pocket-knife – basically the suburban garage starter kit. Father really does know best.

Fire Extinguishers: Keep one near every room, if possible, along with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Search & Rescue Tools: A basic whistle can be a huge lifesaver. You should also keep recent photos of family members or housemates in sealed Ziploc bags in case anyone gets separated. Explore all-weather notebooks and pens to leave waterproof messages that won’t run or turn to mush. An ax and folding saw might seem a bit heavy-handed, but you’ll be glad to have them if you need to clear trees.

Lighting: You’ll likely need more than just the flashlight beside your bed. Put a couple more flashlights with rechargeable batteries in your kit along with a headlamp and emergency candles.

Communication: Long-range walkie-talkies are a great alternative when cell towers are down or overloaded – just make sure to charge their batteries somewhat regularly. 

Power: It’s stressful enough keeping your phone charged on a normal day. Fortunately, portable chargers have come a long way. For max power, select a solar or gas-powered generator – the latter can even keep a mini fridge running. Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are good to have on-hand as well.

Personal Items: Remember your first overseas trip without your parents? Everything your mom put in your carry-on goes in this kit, or at least upload it to the Cloud – copies of your passport, birth certificate, insurance policies, medication information, proof-of-address, an extra set of keys, and at least one hundred dollars in cash. (ATMs might be out of commission for a while.)

Entertainment: Cards, board games, Mad Libs, coloring books, the Great American Novel – anything that can serve as a fun distraction from a very stressful reality. 

EStorage: Stow your kit in a water-resistant plastic storage container, preferably in the yard outside your home in case the structure collapses. Include gallon size Ziploc bags and mesh storage sacks to keep loose items dry, organized, and easy to take on the go.

EMERGENCY CAR KIT:
Food & Water: 6 flameless MREs and two gallons of water are the recommended minimum for two people. If you typically travel with more passengers, adjust the amount accordingly.

Mask: We’ve all become well-acquainted with these lately. For your emergency kit, look for an N95 or similar particulate respirator to prevent dust and debris from entering your lungs.

Survival Blanket: Mylar blankets help you retain your body heat, providing exceptional warmth – especially if you have to sleep in your car or outside overnight.

Technical Supplies: Keep an escape hammer and knife in your door pocket in case you need to break the window and/or cut your seatbelt. Basic supplies like a tarp, duct tape, and pocket-knife can go in the trunk with the rest of your kit.

First Aid Kit: You’ll want a well-organized first aid kit with supplies for a variety of injuries, such as bleeding, blisters, fractures, sprains, and open wounds.

Search & Rescue Tools: Light sticks are great for signaling and marking locations; throw in an emergency poncho in case you have to wait for assistance in the rain. All-weather tactical notebooks and pens let you leave waterproof messages that repel sweat, grease, and mud.

Local Emergency Numbers

Simone Koga Group

Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 | www.SimoneKoga.com
M: 415.706.1586
@ThatEastBayLife
Simone@SimoneKoga.com

Statistics are generalities, essentially summaries of widely disparate data generated by dozens, hundreds or thousands of unique, individual sales occurring within different time periods. They are best seen not as precise measurements, but as broad, comparative indicators, with reasonable margins of error. Anomalous fluctuations in statistics are not uncommon, especially in smaller, expensive market segments. Last period data should be considered estimates that may change with late-reported data. Different analytics programs sometimes define statistics - such as "active listings," "days on market," and "months supply of inventory" - differently: what is most meaningful are not specific calculations but the trends they illustrate. Most listing and sales data derives from the local or regional multi-listing service (MLS) of the area specified in the analysis, but not all listings or sales are reported to MLS and these won't be reflected in the data. "Homes" signifies real-property, single-household housing units: houses, condos, co-ops, townhouses, duets and TICs (but not mobile homes), as applicable to each market. City/town names refer specifically to the named cities and towns, or their MLS areas, unless otherwise delineated. Multi­county metro areas will be specified as such. Data from sources deemed reliable, but may contain errors and subject to revision. All numbers to be considered approximate.

Many aspects of value cannot be adequately reflected in median and average statistics: curb appeal, age, condition, amenities, views, lot size, quality of outdoor space, "bonus" rooms, additional parking, quality of location within the neighborhood, and so on. How any of these statistics apply to any particular home is unknown without a specific comparative market analysis.

Simone Koga 8/14/23 Simone Koga 8/14/23

Simone Spotlight | Fireproofing Your Home

This Monday’s blog focuses on measures you can take to protect your home. Remember that no home can be completely fireproof, especially in extreme wildfire conditions. However, implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of your home being impacted by a fire and improve your chances of successfully defending it if a fire does occur.

Fireproofing Your Home

Aug 14th

Fireproofing your home involves a combination of preventative measures and preparedness strategies. Here are some effective ways to fireproof your home:

Create Defensible Space:
- Clear flammable vegetation and debris from around your property, creating a buffer zone that reduces the risk of a fire spreading to your home.
- Maintain a distance between trees, shrubs, and other vegetation and your home's exterior.
Roof and Gutters:
- Choose fire-resistant roofing materials like metal, clay, or asphalt shingles treated with fire-retardant chemicals.
- Regularly clean your roof and gutters to remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris that could ignite during a fire.
Siding and Walls:
- Opt for non-combustible or fire-resistant siding materials, such as stucco, brick, or cement board.
- Use metal mesh screens to cover vents, chimneys, and other openings to prevent embers from entering your home.
Windows and Doors:
- Install tempered glass windows that are less likely to shatter in intense heat.
- Consider using fire-resistant shutters or drapes to provide an additional layer of protection.
Landscaping and Plants:
- Choose fire-resistant plants that are less likely to ignite, and maintain them properly.
- Keep lawns well-watered and mowed to reduce dry vegetation that could fuel fires.
Fire-Resistant Fencing:
- If you have a fence, consider using metal or non-combustible materials, and create a gap between the fence and any flammable vegetation.
Fire-Resistant Building Materials:
- Use fire-resistant materials for decks, patios, and other outdoor structures.
- Consider adding spark arresters to chimneys to prevent sparks from escaping and igniting nearby materials.
Eaves and Overhangs:
- Install non-combustible soffits and eaves to prevent embers from getting trapped and igniting your home.
Emergency Water Supply:
- Maintain a water source on your property, such as a well, pond, or swimming pool, that can be used by firefighters during a wildfire.
Home Safety Measures:

Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the attic and basement.
Create a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and meeting points.
Have fire extinguishers readily available and ensure family members know how to use them.

Regular Maintenance:
- Regularly inspect and maintain all fireproofing measures to ensure their effectiveness over time.
Community Efforts:
- Participate in local fire prevention and community awareness programs.
- Work with neighbors to create a defensible space and address fire hazards collectively.

Remember that no home can be completely fireproof, especially in extreme wildfire conditions. However, implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of your home being impacted by a fire and improve your chances of successfully defending it if a fire does occur.

Simone Koga 8/10/23 Simone Koga 8/10/23

East Bay Weekly Events

Satisfy your cravings, don’t count the calories! Take some time to attend the FoodieLand Night Market event and have some mouthwatering moments.

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below.

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

AUGUST 11- AUGUST 17

Satisfy your cravings, don’t count the calories! Take some time to attend the FoodieLand Night Market event and have some mouthwatering moments.

The East Bay Weekly Events are listed below.

Friday 08/11

8am City of Oakland Community Emergency Response Team Training - 2023.4 3-Day Accelerated Delivery

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Bilingual Baby Bounce (Spanish/Español) @West

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11am FunCheap “Pay-What-You-Can” Taco Day at SF’s Tato

12pm The Mercury News Celebrating Everett and Jones Barbeque’s 50-Year Legacy

1pm The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Stretch/Strength

2pm Berkeley Public Library Summer Movies @ THPS

3pm Eventbrite FoodieLand Night Market - Berkeley

4pm 510families Blankets & Blockbusters: Lightyear

4pm The Mercury News Tap Takeover Fridays at Tipsy Putt East Bay

5pm FunCheap Sunset Fridays at San Francisco Zoo

5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA: A Celebration of Hip Hop Culture

5pm The Mercury News Red Tomato Pizza House Who's That? weekly comedy series

5pm Eventbrite Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid

7pm FunCheap “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Show (SF)

7pm FunCheap SF’s Summer Beer & Comedy Festival 2023 (Speakeasy Brewery)

7pm Jack London Square LIVE MUSIC SERIES - MIRAGE BAND

7pm Eventbrite Dark Leather: Circus Show & Art Party

7pm Eventbrite HellaSecret Speakeasy Comedy & Cocktail Night : Oakland / 2023

7:30pm Comedy Oakland Live - August 2023

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm Chabot Space & Science Center NATIVE SKIES STAR STORIES

8:15pm 510families Movies in the Park: Turning Red

9pm FunCheap Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s 2023 “Free Movies on the Beach”

9:45pm Comedy Oakland Live - August 2023

10pm FunCheap Secret Summer Guest List: Cobb’s Free Comedy Late Night

Saturday 08/12

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Jelly Jam Time presents The Muffin Man @THPS

10:30am Chabot Space & Science Center FAMILY NATURE ADVENTURES

11am The Mercury News Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival

11am The Mercury News 22nd Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival

11am Berkeley Public Library Screenprinting with Raine Robichaud @West

11am Oakland Public Library Club de Lectura en Español / Spanish Book Club

11am Oakland Public Library Hoover Branch Library Feasibility Study Community Vision Workshop

11am FunCheap SF’s Pistahan 2023 at Yerba Buena Gardens

11am Drake’s Brewing LAUREL STREETFAIR WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

11:30am Oakland Public Library Hip Hop Film Matinee Marathon

12pm Eventbrite In Memoriam Victorian Oddities Market

1pm Eventbrite AfroSocial Brunch (R&B x Afrobeats)

1pm Oakland Museum of California GALLERY ACTIVATION HOUR

2pm Eventbrite Black Panther Party Legacy City Tour

2pm FunCheap SF’s Valencia Street Saturday Block Parties

2pm Eventbrite Wine Tasting at Côte West - Oakland's Favorite Winery!

2pm Eventbrite BATTLE OF THE BAY X

2pm Black Cultural Zone Soledad Brother: A TributeTo George Jackson

2pm Black Cultural Zone BLACK AUGUST (Revolutionary And Radical Acts of Service)

7pm Comedy Oakland Live - August 2023

7pm FunCheap SF’s HellaDesi Comedy Night

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS

8pm 510families Ardenwood Historic Farm Movie Night: Lightyear

8:30pm Visit Oakland Nuthouse at The Golden Squirrel: A Weekly No-Cover Comedy Cabaret

9pm Eventbrite Energy 2nd & 4th Saturdays For The Culture Oakland

10pm Eventbrite SILENT PARTY OAKLAND "TRAP, R&B AND AFRO-BEATS"

11:45pm Chabot Space & Science Center PERSEID METEOR SHOWER

Sunday 08/13

9am Montclair Village Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market

11am FunCheap “Lindy in the Park” Swing Dance Party (Golden Gate Park)

11am Jack London Square WEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET

11am Eventbrite Family Winemakers August Tasting

1pm Eventbrite Join us every Sunday for our Signature Brunch

1pm FunCheap Golden Gate Park Sunday Roller Disco Party (SF)

1pm Alameda County Fair Gran Jaripeo Y Baile

3pm Black Cultural Zone SHOP & SKATE AT LIBERATION PARK

4pm Visit Oakland Sunset Sundays: Soulful & Eclectic Concerts on the Oakland Waterfront

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland “HellaSecret” Comedy Show

7pm Eventbrite Stand-Up Comedy at Nido's Backyard In Jack London Sq.

8pm Eventbrite Butter OAK

9pm Eventbrite Jush Sundays! Drag Cabaret hosted by Jasmine Masters

Monday 08/14

9am The Good Life Mindful Mondays with Iya Kemi

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Moves and Grooves

11:30am Jack London Square 2023 TASTE OF PROVENCE WINE AND FOOD WEEK

3pm Visit Oakland Discount AfterZOOns at the Oakland Zoo

7pm FunCheap 1/2 Off Oysters + Monday Night HellaFunny Comedy Show (Oakland)

Tuesday 08/15

10am Berkeley Public Library Need Medical Care? @West

10am Alameda County Fair CTBA Horse Auction

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Pilates

11:30am Jack London Square 2023 TASTE OF PROVENCE WINE AND FOOD WEEK

1:30pm Berkeley Public Library Drop-in Lego Build @West

3pm Visit Oakland Discount AfterZOOns at the Oakland Zoo

5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Research Talks: Popping the Science Bubble @Central

6pm Oakland Public Library Proving Ownership: Title Clearing & Its Importance in Disaster Preparedness

6pm Drake’s Brewing TRIVIA NIGHT AT DRAKE’S DEALERSHIP

6:30pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Book Club

7pm The Mercury News Comedy Soup at NIDO's Backyard

8pm FunCheap FREE TIX: HellaFunny’s Brand New North Beach Comedy Blast (Opening Night)

8:30pm FunCheap $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose

Wednesday 08/16

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Barbershop Talk

10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

11am The Good Life Let's Get Moving - Cardio/Strength

11:30am Jack London Square 2023 TASTE OF PROVENCE WINE AND FOOD WEEK

1:30pm Berkeley Public Library Death Cafe @West

3pm Visit Oakland Discount AfterZOOns at the Oakland Zoo

5:30pm Oakland Public Library Public Presentation: Hoover Branch Feasibility Study

6pm Berkeley Public Library CraftLab: DIY Light Up Cards

6pm Visit Oakland Jazz Wednesdays

6pm Drake’s Brewing TRIVIA NIGHT AT DRAKE’S BARREL HOUSE

7pm FunCheap Comedy & Wings Night + “Wing Wednesday” $10 Specials (Oakland)

8pm The Mercury News Nuthouse at the Golden Squirrel

8pm FunCheap “HellaSecret” SF Outdoor Comedy Night & Secret Beer Garden (Marina)

Thursday 08/17

9am The Good Life Brothas Building Brothas - Let's Get Movin' Brothas

11am The Good Life Let's Get Cooking

11:30am Jack London Square 2023 TASTE OF PROVENCE WINE AND FOOD WEEK

3pm Visit Oakland Discount AfterZOOns at the Oakland Zoo

4pm Eventbrite Bar Car at Embarcadero Center

6pm FunCheap FREE: Oakland Comedy Night at “Golden State Lounge”

6pm FunCheap Free “Movies on the Square” Puss in Boots + Whitney Houston (Redwood City)

7pm Eventbrite Thursday Happy Hour Cocktail Bay Cruise Buy ONE ticked

7pm FunCheap “Puff Puff Laugh” SF’s Cannabis Lounge Comedy Show

Simone Koga 8/10/23 Simone Koga 8/10/23

August 2023 | Market Report

Check out the latest market data for the East Bay!

We love to keep our local community informed on the latest market trends, data and real estate stats. 🏡🏡🏡

AUGUST 2023 | MARKET REPORT

The Simone Koga Group

Simone Koga Group

Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 | www.SimoneKoga.com
M: 415.706.1586
@ThatEastBayLife
Simone@SimoneKoga.com

Statistics are generalities, essentially summaries of widely disparate data generated by dozens, hundreds or thousands of unique, individual sales occurring within different time periods. They are best seen not as precise measurements, but as broad, comparative indicators, with reasonable margins of error. Anomalous fluctuations in statistics are not uncommon, especially in smaller, expensive market segments. Last period data should be considered estimates that may change with late-reported data. Different analytics programs sometimes define statistics - such as "active listings," "days on market," and "months supply of inventory" - differently: what is most meaningful are not specific calculations but the trends they illustrate. Most listing and sales data derives from the local or regional multi-listing service (MLS) of the area specified in the analysis, but not all listings or sales are reported to MLS and these won't be reflected in the data. "Homes" signifies real-property, single-household housing units: houses, condos, co-ops, townhouses, duets and TICs (but not mobile homes), as applicable to each market. City/town names refer specifically to the named cities and towns, or their MLS areas, unless otherwise delineated. Multi­county metro areas will be specified as such. Data from sources deemed reliable, but may contain errors and subject to revision. All numbers to be considered approximate.

Many aspects of value cannot be adequately reflected in median and average statistics: curb appeal, age, condition, amenities, views, lot size, quality of outdoor space, "bonus" rooms, additional parking, quality of location within the neighborhood, and so on. How any of these statistics apply to any particular home is unknown without a specific comparative market analysis.