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For years, accessory dwelling units—ADUs—have been one of the few ways Berkeley homeowners could expand their homes without dramatically altering the character of a neighborhood. Backyard cottages, garage conversions, and lower-level units have allowed families to...
Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 15 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward the year ahead, understanding...
When I help clients buy, sell, or renovate a home, one of the steps I often recommend is reviewing the property’s Berkeley permit history. Knowing what work has been legally permitted and inspected for safety compliance can make a huge difference in understanding a...
Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports. Even more concerning, about one in four...
California’s real estate market is constantly evolving, shaped by new laws, environmental challenges, and a shifting insurance landscape. One of the most significant changes taking effect this year impacts how sellers disclose wildfire risks to potential buyers. As of...
In an era of accelerating climate change, few California cities are as vulnerable to wildfire as Berkeley. Nestled at the base of the East Bay Hills, with dense vegetation, historic homes, and narrow, winding roads, the city faces mounting risks from wind-driven...
Berkeley has long stood at the forefront of progressive environmental policy, and nowhere is that more evident than in the city’s approach to building emissions. In 2015, the city launched the Building Emissions Saving Ordinance—commonly known as BESO—as part of a...
When you buy a home, you want to be sure that you have clear ownership of the property. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Title problems can arise that threaten your ownership, and title insurance is designed to protect you from those problems. In this...