Out The Glen Burke Story

Berkeley High School's presentation of the acclaimed documentary film "OUT. The Glenn Burke Story" produced and directed by 1978 BHS grad Doug Harris is coming this Wednesday, March 9.  The event includes 6:00 pm pre-screening reception, with film shown at 7:00 pm and discussion afterwards.

The event is a benefit for the Berkeley High Gay-Straight Alliance, Berkeley East Bay Track Club and Athletes United for Peace.  Purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/163368 for $5.

"OUT. The Glenn Burke Story" is a finalist for the 2011 GLAAD Award, and been submitted for a Bay Area/Northern California Emmy Award.

Glenn Burke was a 1970 graduate of Berkeley High School and is considered by many as one of the greatest athletes to come out of Berkeley.  He was the first openly gay player to compete in a major professional sport in the US. 

Filmmaker Doug Harris, a 1978 graduate of Berkeley High School and Executive Director for Athletes United for Peace will be presenting this highly acclaimed documentary.

GUMBO THROWDOWN This Saturday

Saturday March 5th
1pm-4pm,
Miss Pearl’s Jam House
One Broadway, Oakland CA  94607

 Miss Pearl's Jam House new executive chef, Mike Davis, has challenged local chefs to a gumbo throwdown known as Gumbostravaganza 2. Mike Davis, Serafin Cruz, and Victor Sosa (all from Miss Pearl’s) will compete against each other and against Dean Dupuis (Picán), Eddie Blyden (Henry’s), Lydia Walker (Bay Leaf Cafe), and Brandon Dubea (Angeline’s) for bragging rights on the Square. Entry to the event is free, gumbo samples are complimentary, and attendees are the judges! Here’s the icing: all ballots will be entered for a drawing for a free New Orleans eating extravaganza at Miss Pearl’s. (Source:  http:www.tablehopper.com)

Open Homes, Open Houses for 1/23/11

This weekend looks like its going to bring us perfect weather!  Lots of sun, perfect for home shopping. And if you are looking for a list of Open Houses or open homes in the East Bay for Sunday 1/23/2011 then you have to look no further.  Just CLICK HERE and if this link doesn't get you there simply go to my website, http://www.billfletcherhomes.com/ and click the Open Homes button on the left side of the page.  This week we have over 400 listings from Albany and Alamo to Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Walnut Creek. While you are on my website you might want to check out some of the other postings I have: market updates, East Bay Neighborhood videos and descriptions, special reports. Or you might want to check out my new map based search tool. Let me know if you need any help. and have a great weekend!
Bill
bill@billfletcherhomes.com

Open Houses for Sunday 1/16/2011 Now Posted

Its that time of the week you've been waiting for, when I post Open Homes for Sunday 1/16/2011 covering the entire East Bay and including Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, El Cerrito, Walnut Creek and more. As we end the holiday season the number of homes being actively marketed begins to increase. We have over 300 properties to look at compared to half of that 3 weeks ago. This is one of the greatest times ever to purchase a home. We have seen signs lately of the inevitable rise in rates. Economic news has been favorable and the extension of tax cuts should provide extra stimulous to the economy. The rising of rates will most likely bring many of the buyers who have been sitting on the fence back in to the market as they begin to think, and rightly so, that the worse is over and that as time goes on it will only become more difficult to purchase a property. Even if property values stagnate in the short term an increase in rates will decrease the individual's buying power.
Please Click Here to see the most complete lists of open houses in the East Bay for Sunday, January 16, 2011. And please remember to check back here often for real estate related news on a very local level.

Don't forget to ask if you need any assistance that is real estate related. I'm happy to help. email bill@billfletcherhomes.com

If you would liket to subscribe to my on line monthly newsletter please email me and put Newsletter Request in the subject line.

Energy Efficient Loans for FHA Home Buyers

EEMs or Energy Efficient Mortgages are FHA loans that allow borrowers to simply tack on an additional $8,000 for energy efficient home improvements (new windows, doors, furnaces, air conditioners, insulation, etc.).


These loans are quick and painless, but many people do not know about them.

I highly recommend seriously considering EEM loans for any FHA buyer in the process of purchasing a house that is over 20 years old. It is a very cheap and easy way to finance some very beneficial home improvements. These improvements will end up paying for themselves!
 
For more information about mortgages, buying or selling a home or property, home valuations, property searches, market updates and more please check my website http://www.billfletcherhomes.com/ or call (510)368-2854 or email me bill@billfletcherhomes.com.

East Bay Open Homes for Sunday, 1/09/2011, Now Posted!

Its that time of the week you've been waiting for, when I post  Open Homes for Sunday 1/9/2011 covering the entire East Bay and including Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, El Cerrito, Walnut Creek and more.  As we end the holiday season the number of homes being actively marketed begins to increase.  We have  over 300 properties to look at compared to half of that 2 weeks ago.  This is one of the greatest times ever to purchase a home.  We have seen signs lately of the inevitable rise in rates. Economic news has been favorable and the extension of tax cuts should provide extra stimulous to the economy.  The rising of rates will most likely bring many of the buyers who have been sitting on the fence back in to the market as they begin to think, and rightly so, that the worse is over and that as time goes on it will only become more difficult to purchase a property. Even if property values stagnate in the short term an increase in rates will decrease the individual's buying power.
Please CLICK HERE to see the most complete lists of open houses in the East Bay for Sunday, January 9, 2011. And please remember to check back here often for real estate related news on a very local level.  

DOn't forget to ask if you need any assistance that is real estate related.   I'm happy to help. email bill@billfletcherhomes.com

East Bay Real Estate Market Update

I have just posted statistics for many East Bay communities on my website.  Click Here to go directly to that page, or go to http://www.billfletcherhomes.com/ scroll down the left side to the tab that says"Market Update".  The posted figues are for many East Bay Neighborhoods such as Elmwood, Rockridge, Richmond Annex, Temescal, Thousand Oaks, Albany, El Cerrito and more. If you are planning on buying a home or selling a home in the East Bay you owe it to yourself to be as informed as possible.  The data I've posted is pretty specific to local areas.  It includes Median Sold Price, Median List price, Supply and Demand, Days on Market and months supply of inventory.  I post as much as I can and update as time allows.   The current charts graph the past 24 months and give a very good picture of market trends, highs and lows, etc. 

While you are on my website you might want to try the map based search feature.  It is new and easy to use. You can draw an area on a map and it will immediately show you every house that is for sale in that area.  You do not have to register to use my website, though you may if you wish.

Lastly, I send out a newsletter monthly which you are welcome to sign up for. But I need your email.  Just drop me a note requesting that you be put on my mail list and I promise not to spam you.

Oh, one more thing, please call me 510-368-2854, email me bill@billfletcherhomes.com or text me if you would like any real estate information, home valuation, comparative market analysis, or resources.