I grew up in Southern California, where Trader Joe’s got its start. That’s how a 1982 Trader Joe’s flyer ended up in the glove box of one of our family cars. Finding this treasure inspired me to write a Trader Joe’s history book analyzing how what used to be “health foods” and “ethnic foods” you…
How hot was Walnut Creek in September 2022? Ask the seller of a fixer upper priced at more than $1 million. (And ask me if you’re interested in such a home.) Redfin ranked Walnut Creek at the top of its “Top 10 Most Competitive Cities in California” in September 22. And 7 of the top…
Is that low house price for real? (“It’s in my budget!”) Berkeley and Oakland house hunters are all too familiar with house listings at prices that seem too good to be true. They often are! The East Bay has a long-time tradition of pricing homes for sale low to attract attention and drive the selling…
California home buyers have a few excellent programs to help you buy a home and offset the costs of building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — a backyard cottage for family and income. The California Downpayment Resource Directory is a great place to see what you and the property you’re interested in might qualify for….
States all across America have legalized home-based “cottage food” businesses that allow making and selling food from home — the perfect way to offset a mortgage and have the freedom and flexibility to work at home. In 2022, California revisited the law and made serious improvements, allowing gross income, before expenses, of $75,000-$150,000 depending on…
Home Price Data in neighborhoods near the Whole Foods that opened in December 2021 in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood The 94609 zip code includes the Temescal area around 51st and Telegraph. The 94618 includes Lower Rockridge and other parts of Rockridge I will pull new numbers every few months to see how the median estimated…
The choices: A. No landlord rulesB. Peace of mind and securityC. Investment and building equityD. Decorating/home design After many many years as I renter, I finally bought a home. Since then, I’ve gone through buying, owning, maintaining, paying for two East Bay homes, the first which I regretted. Although at the time, it seemingly met…
Julia Child gave us excuses to cook with vermouth. How could I resist following her recipe for living with abandon? Within hours of choosing “Rule #1: Live With Abandon,” I prepared to savor the challenge Karen Karbo put forth to bloggers to celebrate the release of her book Julia Child Rules: Lessons on Savoring Life….