Expertise

Pastries display from the Cheeseboard on Shattuck Ave in Berkeley, CA.

Culinary Delights of the East Bay

The East Bay offers an incredible array of culinary delights, from international cuisines to local favorites. Whether you crave Mediterranean, Thai, deep-dish pizza, or the best bagels, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss iconic spots like Burma Superstar and Chez Panisse, or explore unique venues like Cafe Ohlone, which showcases Native American cuisine.

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Hidden Gems of the East Bay

Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of the East Bay. From charming small towns to unique parks and quirky shops, there’s a lot to explore. Whether it’s scenic views, offbeat attractions, or local history, there’s something special waiting to be discovered.

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What Does HOI Mean in Real Estate?

HOI, or Housing Opportunity Index, measures the percentage of homes in an area affordable to the median-income family, crucial for assessing housing accessibility. Understanding HOI guides decisions for buyers, investors, and policymakers, offering a clear snapshot of housing affordability.

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Who Orders the Inspection When Buying a Home?

In the homebuying process, the buyer typically orders and pays for a home inspection after the offer is accepted. Sellers in the inner San Francisco Bay Area often opt for a pre-listing inspection to address issues before listing. Buyers can negotiate a contingency to conduct their inspections.

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construction site scene in yellow on blue-green background with overlay text: prepaid cost.

What are Prepaid Costs When Buying a Home?

Prepaid costs, or ‘prepaids,’ in real estate refer to expenses paid in advance at the time of closing, including homeowners insurance premiums, property taxes, mortgage interest, and escrow account funding. It’s essential to distinguish prepaids from the down payment.

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What is RAL in Real Estate?

In the evolving landscape of real estate, specialized segments like Residential Assisted Living, play a crucial role. Residential Assisted Living is now commonly referred to as “senior housing” or simply “assisted living”. Most elders will face a decision of where to live in their later years.

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A disappearing pixelated-man attempts to approach home on desolate landscape with sun bearing down on him.

What is Scarcity in Real Estate?

Like any market, real estate is subject to the laws of supply and demand. But what role does scarcity play in this dynamic? In this article, we’ll explore how scarcity affects real estate prices and what it means for buyers and sellers.

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Woman pointing to the abbreviation "CTG" on purple background.

What Does CTG Mean in Real Estate?

CTG, or ‘contingent,’ in real estate signifies that a property has an accepted offer, but specific conditions or contingencies must be met, such as securing financing or selling an existing home, before the sale can proceed.

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Woman looking at her laptop with hand on chin, pondering the overlay text: what's COE.

What is COE in Real Estate?

COE, or Close of Escrow, is a critical term in real estate, signifying the official transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer upon meeting all contract terms and completing financial transactions.

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