Blog Posts
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires remind us of the importance of safe and permanent housing for protecting one’s health. In response to COVID-19, the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) and Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) partnered with Abode Services and the State of California to implement Project Roomkey. Project Roomkey provides our unsheltered neighbors with isolation housing to recover from COVID-19 and safe housing for high-risk populations to help prevent them from contracting the virus.
These partners have now taken on Governor Newsom’s 100 Day Challenge Initiative to address homelessness and are looking for property owners and landlords to help residents leaving Project Roomkey find permanent housing. The Alameda County 100 Day Challenge Initiative aims to disrupt the cycle of homelessness by placing our unsheltered neighbors exiting Project Roomkey into permanent housing. more...
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Climate change continues to impact our community dramatically, with California’s annual fire season lasting longer and setting new records nearly every year. Wildfire smoke poses a number of public health concerns, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with underlying heart and lung illnesses.
Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke:
As the wildfires continue to affect the air quality in Alameda County, the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) reminds residents of the following guidelines to help protect their health from wildfire smoke: more...
The global pandemic known as COVID-19 has dramatically disrupted the ways we handle business, interact with others, and who we allow in our homes. With that said, it is easily understood why many homeowners and homebuyers believe that this is not the most suitable time for selling or purchasing a new property. However, home sellers sitting on the sidelines might be passing up the opportunity to make large amounts of profits on their property. While homebuyers who assume they can't schedule home tours right now might be forfeiting their chance to snag their dreams.
To help you separate the truths from the half-truths from the utter falsehoods that might be filling your social media feeds, here are five common myths about real estate during the Coronavirus pandemic—debunked: more...
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Martin Grube, FEMA - 44263 - Mold Remediation Awareness, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons
Overview:
During the humid summer months, mold can be an unwanted guest. Taking the steps to prevent mold before it can grow out of control is essential. We’re already partway through the summer, but there are things we can do and change to protect our home from mold damage. Stopping mold before it starts, or even in its beginning stages, before it has the chance to grow, will help prevent a greater problem down the road.
Some mold can also be identified by smell. In general, the smell of mold is unpleasant and smells like something is moist in the room. Some people compare it to the smell of wet socks, or rotten wood or paper. When mold eats, grows, and multiplies, it releases Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOC). There are many of these compounds, or chemicals, that are released as mold grows, but some of the most common have smells that are pungent and musty. Their scent is also described as earthy or meaty, likened to the smell following rain. Others have an acetone-like, or camphor-like odor, with some described as herbaceous, nutty, or fatty. Another MVOC releases an alcohol fermentation smell. more...
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Congrats on investing in a new home! Now you may be wondering how do you increase its worth? One way to increase the value is by building equity. Equity is the market value of your home or property, minus your outstanding mortgage debt. Building equity is one of the most important financial benefits of ownership.
If you live in a market where home values are rising, your home may increase with the rising demand, and your equity will increase without doing anything. On the other hand, you can work on growing your home’s value by decreasing the amount you owe and increasing the value of your property. more...
We are proud to announce this well-loved and cared for craftsman home in San Jose is now SOLD! 1547 Hallbrook Drive was on the market for the first time in almost 50 years, with only two previous owners!
Within a week, 1547 Hallbrook Drive received an all-cash offer and moved into Escrow. Just like the owners of this home, we are confident that Darryl can make your home buying or selling experience swift and seamless. more...
07/14/2020
Renters were particularly optimistic about home buying, according to the latest Fannie Mae survey
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After diving to nearly the lowest level in its history in April, an index measuring consumer viewpoint in the housing market bounced back significantly in June. Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose 5% for the week and were a remarkable 33% higher than a year ago.
Renters were particularly optimistic about home buying, and it shows.
Home price gains continue to accelerate, so low mortgage rates are giving buyers much-needed help. The share of consumers who think it’s a great time to buy a home increased from 52% to 61% month to month, according to the Fannie Mae survey, while fewer Americans believe it was the wrong time to buy. Renters drove much of that improvement. more...
07/02/2020
5 Ways to Maximize Your Outdoor Space
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With Alameda, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties stuck in phase 2 of California's 4-stage re-opening plan, many inner Bay Area residents are feeling the physical and mental burden that is added by social distancing and sheltering-in-place.
Keeping that in mind, if you have a patio, a deck, or just a small patch of grass in your backyard, this is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space. The following tips will help you create the backyard environment you'll love. more...
07/02/2020
The 7-Day Declutter Challenge
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Spring and summer cleaning do not need to be an unwanted series of tasks. If you’ve added decluttering to your list of spring cleaning tasks, this seven-day challenge will get your home tidy and organized in no time—and with little to no added stress. These manageable steps should not take up too much of your day and will assist you with bringing a feeling of tranquillity and harmony into your home.
Monday: Living and Dining Rooms
Start by cleaning drawers and cabinets.
Remove any trash or unused items.
Repurpose or donate any items that are not being used.
Tuesday: Kitchen
Donate or sell any appliances you barely use.
Trash expired items from the refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets.
Donate unopened food.
Wednesday: Bedrooms and Closets
Donate any items that no longer fit.
Donate items you haven’t worn in the past year.
Organize toys and books, and then donate any that are rarely used.
Thursday: Bathrooms
Dispose of any expired makeup or toiletries.
Reduce any beauty items to only those used regularly.
Friday: Office/desk space
Organize and sort any papers you need to keep.
Shred and recycle any papers you do not need.
Donate old books you have already read to the local library or school.
Saturday: Storage Areas
Donate or sell any furniture or household items you are not using.
Store all seasonal items and holiday decorations in clearly labeled bins out of the way.
Sunday: Garage and Car
Dispose of broken items or items that no longer work.
Donate any items you don’t use.
Clean out the car, removing any items that do not belong there.
more...
We are glad to announce this beautiful single-family home in Oakland has officially been SOLD!
Darryl worked hard to finalize this sale after safely working with the owners throughout Oakland's shelter-in-place. A direct result of this is finalizing a sale of 13% above asking price! more...