What Happens to an Escrow When Disaster Strikes?

It seems like natural disasters are in the news quite bit these days.  This article on the California Uniform Vendor and Purchaser Risk Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1662), helps answer questions about what happens if disaster strikes during escrow.  The Uniform Act is worth knowing about, as it may help put buyers at ease once all contingencies have been removed.

Firestorms: Basic Real Estate Legal Issues

Just Listed - 5400 Broadway Terrace #301, Oakland

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath corner unit is surrounded with windows, and fabulous design. Upon entering the building you immediately feel as though you have reached your very own oasis. With the sounds of the water features among the ferns and trees you immediately begin to unwind. Once you settle down and turn on some tunes, enjoy a glass of wine while watching the gorgeous views of the bay. Better yet, enjoy your beverage of choice on your private deck nestled in the trees.

The open layout features a great space for entertaining. A kitchen with designer finishes like Travertine floors, stainless steel appliances, glass backsplash, a customized kitchen bar with recessed lighting, makes this a perfect space for entertaining.

Ample closet space, in unit laundry, beautifully designed bathrooms make this unit a place you will want to call home! The building is secured and located conveniently to stores, restaurants and walking distance to BART. With a Walk Score of 88 it is defined as "Very Walkable," a location that can't be beat! Open this Sunday from 2-5pm. Listed at

$525,000K; HOA dues at $368.50 month; 1 secured parking space
Additional Information go to http://www.5400BroadwayTer.com
by Gina Odom, Realtor

Check out TOAST wine bar in Rockridge!

Several people have now told me that the new chef at TOAST in Oakland is off the hook - aka exceptional! Her food is "divine", "really good", "I'm going back", are just a few descriptions. Toast has always been one of my favorite places because of their incredible and consistent service and their ever changing wine menu. And, they are baby and dog friendly. What else could you want! Oh that's right, amazing food. Well, they now have that too. Check it out:  http://www.toastoakland.com/ And if you're a dog lover, they have a special evening set aside called the Dog Days of Summer. Super fun. 

By, Gina Odom

pic taken from insidescoopsf.sfgate.com

Go check out B-Side BBQ!

Here is reason #549 to LOVE the East Bay and especially OAKLAND - B Side BBQ! The food choices here are off the hook. Located in West Oakland (Yup, that's right in "the hood"),  Chef-Extraordinaire, Tanya Holland, who also owns Brown Sugar Kitchen has opened this cool, new joint. What style BBQ is it? Well, I don't know but it's good and it even impressed my hubby and he is from Texas. Of course, my daughter devoured the Mac-N-Cheese. Way to go West Oakland! Go check them out at 3303 San Pablo.

(*pic copied from Yelp) written by, Gina Odom

Sushi for the Realtor’s Soul: Thought-bites to get you through the day

The Gratitude ABCs—A Quick Cooldown

Buying and selling houses can be crazy-making!

Here’s a quick way not to flip your lid, so you can flip houses instead!

1. Think of something you are grateful for that begins with the letter A.

2. Take a deep breath and think: “I am grateful for [insert something that begins with “A”]. Exhale.

3. Repeat with every letter for as long as time allows. See if you can make it to “Z” but don’t worry if you can’t. 

Taking a deep breath and realizing how much there really is to be grateful for might give you the peace you need to move past your frustration and get on with your day.