The Knoll Spring House Tour and Reception

The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association announces its 37th annyal Spring House Tour and Reception.

THE KNOLL, Where Claremont and Elmwood meet.  Featuring houses by Henry H. Gutterson, Edward Seely, George T. Plowman & John Hudson Thomas, Williams & Wastell, Joseph Coward, F.E. Allen, and Louis Engler.

Sunday May 6th from 1pm – 5pm.

Call 510-841-2242 or visit www.berkeleyheritage.com.

New Listing: 2227 7th Street, Berkeley

Beautiful dining room with original details

Bill McDowell and Tracy Sichterman just listed this sweet 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Oceanview district of Berkeley.  Less ornate than their Victorian predecessors, Edwardian style homes suite our modern aesthetic. Circa 1908, this spacious home boasts the original details we love (wainscoting, plate rails, built-ins) without feeling fussy or dark.

4th Street shops and restaurants, public transportation, and San Pablo Avenue shops are nearby.

Offered at $585,000!

New Listing: 828 Norvell St., El Cerrito

Bright and cheerful living room

Rebecca Nemeth says this about her fab-u-lous El Cerrito listing: “Easy living in this clean and charming 2 bed, 1 bath cottage on a large lot surrounded by greenery. Spacious, sun-filled, private backyard ready for your garden, play space, workshop, etc. Many updates. Quiet block close to Stockton St. shops, near EC pool & community center, 6 blocks from BART.”

Listed at $349,000!!!!  Great house, great price!

Coming Soon in Upper Rockridge

I have a sweet new listing coming on the market next week on Mendocino @ Lawton in Upper Rockridge.  Stay tuned for more details.

5 Obscure Real Estate Laws

The March/April edition of Realtor Magazine (yes, I read this, but don’t expect you to!) featured an article that I found to be quite entertaining and wanted to share it with you.
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1.  In an attempt to stem the problem of unwanted manure left in front of residential properties and businesses, Watertown NY is considering a law requiring horses to wear diapers.

2.  Residents of Illinois (excluding Chicago) are now permitted to pain their trees purple in order to keep trespassers off their property.

3.  Hedges that encroach on sidewalks must be kept trimmed in Plattsburgh, NY.  The new law allows the city to trim overgrown hedges and bill property owners.  Similar laws in Lockport, NY and Harlingen, TX allow the town to mow residents lawns when grass grows over one foot.

4.  Toy ranches in Pitkin County, CO, are no longer considered agricultural properties.  A property is considered a toy ranch if the property around the house is used for grazing but the house itself isn’t integral to the ranching operation.

5.  Home owners in South Carolina who want to recycle copper pipes must obtain a permit from their local sheriff’s office.  The goal is to curb illegal stripping of copper for cash sale to recyclers.

Here is a link to the original article, including sources for each law: http://realtormag.realtor.org/law-and-ethics/feature/article/2012/03/5-obscure-real-estate-laws