Catherine Stern-Red Oak Realty

10/05/2024

This is a sweet one!

09/28/2024

This is the last weekend of the show of my art at the Peninsula JCC. I will take down the show Monday morning. If you haven't seen it, it is open to the public during operation hours!

08/31/2024

Today, I'll be hosting 406 Vista Heights, in the El Cerrito hills. I made fresh chocolate cookies for you! The view of the Canyon is beautiful. Apparently last week a hawk perched on the deck railing while scanning for lunch. Please pop up and join me from 2-4:

This Residential listing has 2 Beds, 2 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath. Schedule a showing for 406 Vista Heights Rd in El Cerrito, CA.. MLS ID 41070446

08/18/2024

Yes, there are big changes, but one thing hasn't changed and that's the reality that buyers have always paid the commission. In the listing contract between the seller and the listing agent/broker, a commission was agreed upon and out of that, the buyer's agent/broker was paid (4 entities divided the commission). What's missing from that description is that properties were priced with the commission included so buyers didn't look it in the face, it was built-in, but it was always there. The money, that the seller paid their listing agent, and by agreement in the listing contract, came from the total price paid by the buyer.

Now, that there are no more 'commissions' the word is 'concessions'. Buyer's will now have to engage in a conversation about how we will need to be paid and will need to understand that what looked like days, weeks, months and sometimes years of 'free' service with no contractual agreement has changed. Unlike laywers and hairdressers, who are paid at the time of service or contractually, buyer's agents have traditionally depended on loyalty in hopes of eventually getting paid when their client's are successful and buy a property.

The NYTimes article below addresses the changes that are now law across the country.

As a Realtor with Red Oak Realty, I appreciate our incredible management team, who have worked for months to educate and prepare us for these changes.

If you have questions, please get in touch with me and I'll do my best to clarify the new state of real estate transacting. 01325681

Changes in how real estate commissions are advertised and paid went into effect this weekend. Buyers and even some agents aren’t sure what they mean.

08/06/2024

I saw this house last week during the broker tour. It's beautiful and perfect for house concerts. If you're looking, I'd love to help you make it yours. 01325681

Kensington's Music House, designed by Beverley Thorne, who also created Dave Brubeck's cantilevered Oakland home, is on the market for $1.6 million.

07/21/2024

Dear friends, I'm going to spend some time this week working for someone who is deeply involved in voter turn out in Michegan. If you have time to join me at her home in Berkeley gleaning data bases and writing postcards, please let me know. This one needs us to all help as much as we can.

07/17/2024

The reception for my art is tomorrow from 5:30-7. I would love to see you there!

Art Exhibit "Magical Thinking: Superstitions & Other Persistent Notions" features works from more than 20 contemporary artists.

07/09/2024

For the past few months I worked on new art for a show at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center in Foster City. There will be a reception Thursday July 18th at 5:30. I'd love it if you could be there! If you can please let me know so I can give them an idea of how many people to expect.

I've included work that I'd already created and I made more than a dozen new pieces based on the idea of Loving Kindness. For me, the flowers represent kindness, and in the image below, the hands are also a container.

You're invited!

05/22/2024

This is such a great opportunity for someone to get into the market and live in an exceptional, lovingly updated Craftsman home and benefit from the income of 2 one bedroom rental units currently bringing in $40,000 yr. Right near schools, close to shopping and on a quiet street with long term neighbors!

Don't miss it! Call me for the new asking price.

This Residential listing has 3 Beds, 2 Full Baths. Schedule a showing for 1431 Derby St in Berkeley, CA.. MLS ID 41055506

04/27/2024

1431 Derby St., an exceptional 1400+ sq. Ft 3 bedroom, 2 bath Craftsman homw with a gorgeous 3 yr. old kitchen will be open 2-4 today and tomorrow.

In addition, there is a second building with 2 one bedroom, rented apartments.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6PiA7svcWJ/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

04/24/2024

Wow! This is beautiful and a great value! It's a 3 bedroom with 2 beautiful full bathrooms, a gorgeous kitchen, high ceilings, AND a separate building with 2 rented units bringing in income to help support the home, PLUS a big backyard on a quiet Berkeley St! What's not to love?
It will be open from 2-4 Saturday and Sunday.

This Residential listing has 5 Beds, 4 Full Baths. Schedule a showing for 1431 Derby St in Berkeley, CA.. MLS ID 41055506

04/14/2024

It was a surprisingly quiet open house yesterday. Perhaps it's this raw weather that has me wishing I could just stay home, that kept people away? Those that came were super impressed!!! I'll be there again today from 2-4!

https://www.redoakrealty.com/1431DerbySt?fbclid=IwAR2UWKCx37Tzrl4RPyrFLzncCtowdwMAWKbn_3UpVQ4T9dqnrOh-yuE-OwE

This Residential listing has 5 Beds, 4 Full Baths. Schedule a showing for 1431 Derby St in Berkeley, CA.. MLS ID 41055506