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Reindeer Games? Here are Some Simple yet Fun Ideas for the Season

The holiday season is a time for connection, celebration, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for simple activities or creative ways to spend quality time together, here are some fun and meaningful ideas to make the most of the season with family and friends.

Holiday Movie Night
Turn your living room into a cozy theater and enjoy classic holiday movies with family and friends. Provide popcorn, hot cocoa, and festive snacks to set the mood. Consider creating a movie lineup with everyone’s favorites, from comedies like Elf to heartwarming classics like It’s a Wonderful Life.

Bake and Decorate Holiday Treats
Gather in the kitchen for an afternoon of baking cookies, cupcakes, or other holiday treats. Decorating sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles is a fun activity for all ages. Consider holding a “decorating contest” to add a competitive twist and crown the most creative cookie design.

Go on a Festive Light Tour
Explore your neighborhood or drive to a nearby area known for its spectacular holiday lights. Walking or driving through decorated streets can be a magical experience. Bring along thermoses of hot cider or cocoa and play holiday music to enhance the outing. Here are a few spots we know of in the East Bay.

Organize a Craft Night
Get creative with DIY holiday crafts. From making ornaments to creating personalized gift tags, crafting is a wonderful way to bond and create keepsakes. Set up a crafting station with all the necessary supplies, and consider making crafts that double as gifts for others.

Plan a Secret Santa or White Elephant Exchange
Add an element of surprise and laughter to your gift-giving traditions with a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange. Set a budget to keep it fun and lighthearted. Incorporate quirky or theme-based gift ideas to make the exchange even more entertaining.

Take a Nature Walk
Bundle up and enjoy the crisp winter air with a family walk in a local park or along a scenic trail. Use the opportunity to collect natural elements like pinecones or leaves for holiday decor. Plan your walk around sunset to enjoy the golden hour and maybe even some holiday lights on the way home.

Host a Game Night
Dust off board games, card games, or trivia sets and spend an evening laughing and competing with friends and family. Choose games that suit everyone’s interests and skill levels. Mix in holiday-themed games or trivia to keep the seasonal spirit alive.

Volunteer Together
Give back to your community by volunteering as a group. Whether it’s serving at a local food bank, donating gifts to a toy drive, or helping out at a shelter, sharing the spirit of giving can be a deeply fulfilling experience. Turn it into a tradition and involve younger family members to teach the importance of community.

Host a Holiday Brunch or Potluck
Gather friends and family for a festive meal. A potluck-style brunch or dinner can ease the burden of hosting and allow everyone to share their favorite dishes. Create a holiday-themed menu with items like gingerbread pancakes, cranberry salads, or spiced cider.

Write Holiday Cards Together
Spend an evening writing heartfelt holiday cards to friends, family, and neighbors. Add a personal touch with hand-drawn illustrations or calligraphy. Include a small token like a family photo or a packet of tea to make the cards extra special.

Build a Gingerbread House
Assemble and decorate gingerbread houses as a group activity. You can buy kits or go the extra mile and bake the pieces from scratch. Turn it into a friendly competition with awards!

Storytelling Night
Gather around the fireplace or a cozy living room to share favorite holiday memories, funny anecdotes, or even create new stories together. Use storytelling prompts or books to inspire creativity and laughter.

Plan a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt with holiday-themed clues and small prizes. This can be a fun indoor or outdoor activity for kids and adults alike. Incorporate local landmarks or holiday decorations into the hunt to make it more engaging.

The holiday season is about celebrating togetherness and making memories that last a lifetime. These simple and fun ideas can help you connect with your loved ones, whether through creativity, food, or shared experiences. Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to enjoy the time spent with those who matter most. Have an idea to include? Reach out!

Earthquake Preparedness: A Guide for the East Bay

Living in the East Bay comes with many advantages: beautiful scenery, vibrant communities, cultural diversity, and much more. As residents we also know that we face the real risk of experiencing earthquakes, and as they say, it’s not a question of if an earthquake will occur, but when. Being prepared can make a significant difference for you and your loved ones. And with all of the recent earthquake activity north of the Bay Area (Tsunami anyone?) this information might be helpful:

1. Understanding the Risk

The East Bay sits along the Hayward Fault, one of the most active faults in California. Scientists estimate a high probability of a significant earthquake occurring in this region within the next few decades. Understanding this risk underscores the importance of preparation, as even a moderate quake can cause considerable damage.

2. Create an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do before, during, and after an earthquake:

Discuss Safe Spots: Identify sturdy furniture or structural areas where you can "drop, cover, and hold on."
Communication Plan: Establish a way to contact family members if separated. Text messaging often works better than calls during emergencies.
Evacuation Routes: Know how to safely leave your home or building if necessary.
Meeting Point: Determine a safe place to reunite if you are not together when the earthquake strikes. Many communities designate locations like schools and local churches.

3. Assemble an Earthquake Kit

Your earthquake kit should contain enough supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Include:

Water: At least one gallon per person per day.
Food: Non-perishable items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits; remember pet food also!
First Aid Supplies: Bandages, antiseptic, prescription medications, and pain relievers.
Tools: Flashlights, batteries, a multi-tool, a whistle, and a manual can opener.
Hygiene Items: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and sanitary supplies.
Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and emergency contact information.
Miscellaneous: Items for infants, or anyone with special needs, medications, etc.

Store your kit in an easily accessible location and check it annually to replace expired items.

4. Secure Your Home

Minimize hazards and protect your property by taking the following steps:

Anchor Heavy Furniture: Secure bookshelves, cabinets, and large appliances to walls to prevent tipping.
Use Earthquake Straps: Secure TVs, computers, and other valuable items.
Install Latches: Add safety latches to cabinet doors to keep contents from spilling out.
Brace Water Heaters: Secure water heaters to wall studs to prevent movement and damage.
Check Foundations: Ensure your home’s foundation is reinforced and bolted.

5. Stay Informed

Knowledge is power during emergencies:

Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to local emergency alert systems like Nixle or ShakeAlert for real-time updates. Many Bay Area residents were confused by the recent Tsunami warning following a 7.0 earthquake further north. For detailed information when these occur, you may find this website helpful.
Learn First Aid: Take a basic first aid and CPR course to prepare for potential injuries.
Attend Community Drills: Participate in earthquake preparedness events to practice safety protocols and learn from experts.

6. Practice Earthquake Drills

Regular drills ensure everyone knows how to respond quickly and effectively. Remember the three key steps:

Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
Cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture or with your arms.
Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.

By practicing these steps at home, work, and school it helps to build muscle memory and reduce panic during an actual event.

7. Know What to Do During an Earthquake

When an earthquake strikes, stay calm and follow these guidelines:

Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall.
Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
In a Vehicle: Pull over to a safe spot, avoiding overpasses and bridges, and stay inside until the shaking stops.

8. Prepare for Aftershocks

Aftershocks are common and can cause additional damage. Treat them like the main quake and remain cautious. Inspect your home for structural issues, gas leaks, and other hazards before re-entering.

9. Additional Resources

While earthquakes are unpredictable, preparation fosters resilience. By taking proactive steps everyone can mitigate risks and protect what matters most. Preparation can save lives, reduce injuries, and minimize damage. Please share this guide with friends and neighbors to help create a safer, more resilient community for everyone. Questions? Suggestions? We would love to hear from you!

The East Bay is Lit Up! Where to See the Holiday Lights in 2024

December 21st brings the winter solstice; the longest night of the year. This occasion in the seasonal cycle is likely why twinkling lights are such a beloved part of winter celebrations around the world. Whether or not you observe a religious or cultural holiday during this time, everyone can delight in the simple joy and magic that lights bring to these long, dark evenings.

The East Bay has some incredible spots to see them. Here are some of our favorites:

Holiday Circle of Lights, Mountain View Cemetery, December 1-January 1
Mountain View Cemetery continues its tradition with its annual holiday light display. Lights are arranged around the welcoming fountain, beautifully reflected in the water. The seasonal array continues with whimsical characters, and much more. It’s a perfect place for all ages to spend an evening and entry is free.

Christmas Tree Lane, Thompson Avenue, Alameda, December 1-31
A neighborhood effort, the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue in Alameda is a holiday tradition in its 86th year. Every home on the block puts up a light display, with the evergreen trees in the median illuminated too. You’ll probably see several generations appreciating the sight and reminiscing on previous years. Santa may appear from time to time and also has a mailbox on standby!

LDS Temple on the Hill, Oakland, November 29-December 31
The beautiful light display that the church puts up every year is only one of many seasonal attractions — there will also be a Festival of Trees, musical performances and sing-alongs. You can enjoy it all for free (but will need tickets for some events) and can see the full schedule online, or just stop by at your convenience to take in the scene.

Lights on Fourth Street, Berkeley, November 4-January 1
Lights are far from the only attraction on Fourth Street in Berkeley — there will also be puppet shows, caroling, live music, and a number of workshops (like fused glass ornaments) and a hot cocoa bar. Snap a photo with Santa and Mrs Claus and drop off a new or gently used coat to benefit B.O.S.S. The lights bring people back year after year to walk along the shops, enjoy a good meal and purchase a holiday gift or two.

Carousel, and Steam Train at Tilden Park, Berkeley, weekends, December 6-January 5
There’s nothing like an antique merry-go-round (Tilden Park’s was built in 1911) and the vintage steam train, all decked out for the holidays. Bundle up and prepare for crowds for this magical holiday treat for the whole family to enjoy.

Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo , November 20-January 26
A magical lantern festival featuring hundreds of larger-than-life glowing animal lanterns. Visitors can explore themed displays, including a float down Africa's Nile River, farm visit, hike up the highest peaks, and even a dinosaur exhibit. The experience ends with a train ride through an Avian Odyssey, showcasing feathered friends from parrots to puffins all supporting the zoo's conservation effort.

Picardy Drive in Oakland
Since the Great Depression, a string of homes on Picardy Drive (locally known as Christmas Lane) have celebrated their connection and the neighborhood by linking their homes together with a chain of holiday lights. It’s a tradition so established and ingrained that a documentary was made about it. Neighbors will keep the chain lit until early January.

Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland, Oakland, December 14-30
A magical daytime holiday event that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. This festive celebration features Black Santa, holiday performances, Christmas trees, candle making, and storytelling. Visitors can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cider, festive music from around the world, and a visit from the Snow Queen.

Sundar Shadi Holiday Display, El Cerrito, December 15-26
This handmade, folk-art Christmas scene is a beloved local tradition that celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. This creation features a life-sized, hand-crafted depiction of Bethlehem, complete with three wise men, camels, sheep, and various other figures. The display is set up on a hillside lot at 7501 Moeser Lane and is illuminated each night from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM during the holiday season. It's a beautiful and unique way to celebrate the season, and it's been a cherished part of the community since 1949.

Widmer World in Pleasanton, December 1-31
It’s a bit of a drive, but if you want to see what it looks like when an individual family goes all-out for the holiday season, then you’ll have to make time for Widmer World. The Widmer family started scaling up their holiday decorations in 1980 and have been adding to the displays ever since. Moving to LED lights in 2000 gave them the ability to really turn it on. Today, their entire property (just under one acre) gets fully lit for the season.

During this season of long chilly nights, it’s always fun to take a cheery tour in the dark - it just might be magical! Do you have an especially festive neighborhood to share? Let us know.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you—our clients, colleagues, friends, and family. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey and trusting us with some of life’s most meaningful moments.
We understand that a home is more than just a place; it’s where memories are made, traditions are celebrated, and dreams take shape. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply seeking guidance, our connection with you goes beyond business—it’s a relationship built on trust, care, and a shared sense of community.
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and gratitude. Thank you for being a part of our story!

Give the gift of joy this holiday season

Every child deserves a little holiday magic - and you can help make that happen!

Red Oak has once again joined local businesses in the quest to make sure every child in the East Bay has a toy for Christmas. For 75+ years, over 627 million toys have been donated to children in need.

Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy to this worthy cause. Collection boxes are currently located at our Montclair, Berkeley, El Cerrito, and San Leandro offices until the end of day on December 10th. Our offices are open 9am-5:30pm M-F.

1575 Hopkins Street, Berkeley
7502 Fairmount Avenue, El Cerrito
6450 Moraga Avenue, Oakland
1031 MacArthur Boulevard, San Leandro

If you’d prefer to donate online, you can do so by choosing either a gift virtually or a monetary donation.

We hope you are inspired to give back, no matter the size of your donation.

Just like Toys for Tots, Red Oak deeply cares for its communities. That’s why we established Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charitable organization, to donate funds to organizations throughout the East Bay that aren’t receiving significant funding elsewhere. For every dollar you donate to ROOF from now through Giving Tuesday on December 3, Red Oak will match up to $5,000. One hundred percent of your tax-deductible contributions go to support your local East Bay neighbors. Support our local neighbors by donating to ROOF or reach out to us for more information.

The Basics: Helpful tips for first-time home buyers

Owning a home is a significant milestone. It offers stability, potential for wealth building, investment opportunities, and the freedom to customize your living space. Becoming a homeowner for the first time is exciting and brings new responsibilities. Here are some tips we hope you find helpful:

Maintenance

Owning a home means taking on the responsibility for its upkeep. Regular maintenance is key to preserving the value of your property and avoiding costly repairs.

Inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts seasonally. Clean gutters prevent water damage to the roof and the structure.
Change air filters regularly in your HVAC system and schedule annual check-ups for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Check for tight connections and plumbing leaks under sinks and around toilets. Fixing potential problems promptly will conserve water and may prevent significant damage.
Use fire-smart landscaping and keep bushes and trees well-trimmed to maintain a defensible space. Keep the area around the house clear of debris and fire hazards.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors frequently and replace batteries as needed. Keep fire extinguishers in accessible locations and maintained regularly.

Financial Considerations

Budget priorities will likely be front and center for new homeowners. Keep an eye on interest rates and check with your lender if you see a refinancing opportunity. Besides the mortgage payment, take some time to go over the items to include when allocating funds.

You may have encountered this during the buying process, but be sure to stay on top of your homeowners insurance, ensuring adequate coverage.
Homeownership can offer potential tax benefits. You may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on your federal income tax return. Consult a tax professional to understand how these deductions apply to your situation.
Understand your local property taxes and be sure to take advantage of the $7,000 Homeowners Exemption.
Consider home improvements that will increase your home's value and energy efficiency. Implement energy-saving measures like insulation, efficient appliances, and smart thermostats. You might also consider looking at solar options.
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund to take care of any unexpected repairs or maintenance costs.

Enjoy your new neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and stay informed by participating in community events and neighborhood groups.

Owning a home is a rewarding adventure! With thoughtful planning and ongoing attention, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy the benefits of owning your own home. Red Oak has extensive local knowledge and resources and would love to help you get settled, just reach out.

This Season, Help Support Our East Bay Communities

People throughout the East Bay are in need and your charitable contribution is more important than ever. The Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF), has raised and given over $1.5M to local nonprofits which provide services to the unhoused, and supports programs for women, children and teens, among others.

For every dollar you donate to ROOF from now through Giving Tuesday on December 3, Red Oak will match up to $5,000. One hundred percent of your tax-deductible contributions go to support your local East Bay neighbors.

Learn more and donate at www.redoak-roof.org.

Where to Trick or Treat in the East Bay

Often when families are new to the East Bay, finding the best spot to take the kids trick or treating may take a year or two. We’ve compiled a short list of tried and true spots that work especially well for young children. Happy Trick or Treating!

OAKLAND

Haddon Hill

This neighborhood of haunted-looking mansions just west of Lake Merritt is well known for its decorated front stoops, front yard cemeteries and more – a treat for kids of all ages on Halloween. In addition to the decorations, the majestic homes add to the intrigue of this area notorious for going all out on this haunted holiday. We’ve also heard the treats are just as good as the decor!

Trestle Glen

East of Lakeshore Avenue lies a long flat stretch along Trestle Glen Road where houses are close together, ideal for trick or treaters. Trestle Glen is famous for attracting families from all over the East Bay, so it can get crowded on Halloween, but it’s fun, festive and especially great for younger kids and families. Neighborhood parents have been known to have just as much fun socializing as their kids along this route.

PIEDMONT

Waldo Avenue (between Park Way & Blair)

It’s not the longest street in Piedmont, but it is certainly one of the most festive! This street is often a destination for Piedmont families along their trick or treating routes for the home decor alone. After picking up treats on Waldo, make your way down Blair to Dracena Avenue and you’ll be greeted by a street filled with hanging ghosts in the trees, a decades-long tradition for Dracena homeowners.

Ricardo Avenue

On the other side of Dracena Park is one of the most traditionally popular trick or treating spots in Piedmont – Ricardo Avenue. Homeowners and parents escorting their children up and down Ricardo have also been known to dress up, and the pumpkin carvings are traditionally terrific. Include the next two blocks over, York Drive and Manor Drive, and you’ve hit Piedmont’s widely-known Halloween “sweet spot”.

BERKELEY

Mariposa Avenue

This small tree-lined block becomes filled with ghosts, goblins, and superheroes running from home to home with overflowing bags of candy. Known for elaborate decorations, there’s even been a bouncy house adding to the fun in the past. The earlier you go, the easier it will be to find parking nearby.

Russell Street

Known for elaborately decorated graveyards, haunted houses and detailed pumpkin displays is Russell Street in the Elmwood neighborhood. The stretch from College Avenue through to the Claremont Hotel transforms into a popular Halloween destination for Berkeley families and kids from all over the East Bay. Take your youngest on the early side in order to avoid the larger crowds.

In addition to neighborhood trick or treating, many local towns sponsor trick or treating events during the day on Halloween. Be sure to check with your local merchants' association to see where and when these events occur. For starters, a few widely-known trick or treat events take place in Montclair, on Solano Avenue, Piedmont Avenue, Fourth Street and Alameda to name just a few. Be sure to also check out the numerous carnivals, parades, costume contests, and haunted houses as well; there are no shortages of Halloween activities throughout the East Bay.

Happy haunting and Happy Halloween!!

2024 Q3 Market Update

Fall is possibly the most magical season in the Inner East Bay (after the heatwaves, of course). The scent in the air changes, the kids are back in school… and the real estate market roars back to life.

New listings flood the market in the fall, and this year was no exception: in the one week after Labor Day, the number of new listings increased by more than 150%. This creates an unusual dynamic where, suddenly, buyers have many more properties to choose from. And with higher supply - and relatively unchanged demand - key metrics can change, and quickly.

As a result, homes listed in September are more likely to cancel than any other time of the year. We are seeing that trend reveal itself now, and it should likely continue through October and November. It may be particularly exacerbated this year since the Fed cut interest rates at the beginning of the month, but mortgage rates have changed little. Buyers may be waiting for further declines.

Given these factors, sellers and buyers face unique opportunities - and challenges - through the end of the year.

In many cases, sellers are facing higher levels of competition, so it is more important than ever for a home to look great and feel move-in ready for buyers. A critical marketing tool is the list price: It must be attractive to buyers, too. (As they say, there are no bad properties, only bad prices.)
Buyers have an increasing amount of power in the real estate transaction, with a high level of inventory to choose from. However, not all homes are made equal, and different buyers’ attention can cluster around the most attractive homes, in the most attractive areas, with the most attractive list prices. Given these dynamics, a buyer should work with their agent to find opportunities in this complex market. Opportunities are still out there!

Want more information? Red Oak’s 75+ page presentation on the current state of the market is very informative. It focuses on the Inner East Bay but includes data throughout the Bay Area. If you’d like a copy, please r each out.

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