Volume 148 – Science Fiction?
What’s New?
My husband, Cliff, delights in poking fun at me at every opportunity and he’s certainly earned the right. Ever since The Perspective came along, I have been using my own unedited forum to even the score. (Luckily, we both have thick skins.) Cliff’s usually writing much more intellectual Supreme Court Briefs (which for the record, ain’t so brief!) so imagine my surprise and delight when I received the following email from him last week. (I’m still stunned that he found time to pen this Sci-fi “lead-in,” but has yet to find the time to fold the laundry! Hmmm . . . there I go again.)
Juls:
I have noted, as have your readers, the pattern to your Perspective: generally speaking, an observation about life (yours, mine or the kids) followed by a transition into how the observation relates to Real Estate and so I have the beginning of your next Perspective, here you go:
As the Killian Star Cruisers closed in upon them, the captain thought about how much simpler it had been when all they had to contend with were the Drivellian slave traders of Rigellan IV. Sure the Drivellians were tough fighters, but they didn’t have a lethal death ray; much less one that could immobilize an entire lunar colony!
Still, the Earthlings were not without their defenses. After all the new Comark Shield System (CSS) had worked perfectly in all its tests. This would be the big one though – women and children, ready for transport to the outer colonies – were depending on it. If the shield could turn the death ray into a harmless light particle beam, they would all be safe, and not only would the Killians be rendered harmless for years to come, but the energy derived from the particle beam could actually power the colony!
Of course, energy efficiency is something which is not just the province of Star Defenders, but important to the purchase of a home as well. (FILL IN REAL ESTATE SECTION). Ok Cliff, here I go . . .
“Energy efficiency” has been front and foremost in the news and in home design for the past several years. It’s caught on in a BIG way in our liberal, collective, California psyches - and so it should. In fact, it’s the rare buyer who isn’t adding up the costs of new windows and insulated attics as they consider older homes these days and wondering if there is a discount to be had??? Uh, there isn’t. (Mind you, the single-paned glass in Notre Dame has been virtually intact for almost 900 years and its windows haven’t clouded up as our energy efficient, modern, double-paned windows tend to do within a mere 15-20 years!)
Dual-paned windows, attic insulation, recirculating water systems, wrapped heating ducts, etc, etc, etc; they’re all important in terms of maintaining a home’s efficiency and in keeping utility costs in check. AND they’re good for the environment to boot – so why not just install them, especially if you’ll be undertaking a remodel anyway?
A) Because these upgrades still tend to be more expensive than their older less costly counter parts. A tankless water heater will run you considerably more than the old-fashioned 50-gallon water heater currently sitting in your basement. It can takes serious “green” to live “green” (the $160,000 price tag for the electric Tesla is no joke!) or to quote Kermit the Frog, “It’s not so easy being green.”
B) The buying public isn’t yet willing to pay you more for your “smart” home - no matter how smart it is! Sure, they love the idea that the property can practically run itself, and the fact that they can positively impact their “carbon footprint” for the good of mankind certainly provides bonus points, but neither of these factors typically sway value-oriented buyers when it comes to writing the BIG check (buyer’s are still looking for the deal)! If you have installed solar panels on your roof, good for you, but don’t expect to be reimbursed for this upgrade when you go to sell your home. It just isn’t part of the calculation – yet! (Sexy kitchen and bathroom remodels typically reap big dividends; less exciting solar panels do not. which makes “green upgrades” less smart from a seller’s point of view – not from an environmentalist’s!)
C) The good of the colony tends to take a back seat to the needs of the individual. (Unless you’re my “zero-carbon footprint” sainted sister Karen who grows her own vegetables, shops at a co-op grocery, raises egg-laying ducks, knits her own sweaters, drives a corn oil car, hunts for mushrooms in the woods and produces more solar power than her household consumes . . . , you are probably negatively impacting the environment – even with your best efforts.) The cold hard truth is that there are still far fewer choices in “green” options than in the rest of the color spectrum. Individual expression tends to be significantly curtailed when limited to those few choices that are more “environmentally friendly” (and let’s face it, raising ducks isn’t that easy within the city limits). Quack!
Still, cookie cutter choices or not (have I mentioned the Prius yet?) I’m not ready to concede that the good fight is over and I’ll be the first to cheer you on for following your conscience – not your checkbook in undertaking improvements more beneficial to all. If nothing else, living “green” is highly admirable.
And the good news is that energy efficiency is still in its infancy so we have much to look forward to in terms of accessibility, affordability and style. Here’s the 411, when “green options” become as economically feasible as the much cheaper red, white and blue choices with which we are already familiar and more accustomed to (in other words, when the Tesla costs the same as the Prius) I believe the Killians will give up their supreme fight for power and live peacefully alongside the rest of us mere mortals.
And that’s NOT just Science Fiction . . . (How’d I do Cliff?)
BTW – If anyone else would like to submit a “lead-in,” be my guest. I really enjoyed the challenge. I’ll treat any takers (authors) to lattes and scones at Mulberry’s – whether or not I use your story (literary privilege).
What’s Coming?
Having waxed philosophically (or is that sophomorically?) about green vs. blue, I have to state that if there’s an exception to the rule, it’s Oakland’s “Margarido House” which truly has no comparison. Don’t miss your opportunity to view this exciting and innovative home . . .
Hope Broderick has listed the award winning “Margarido House” at 5950 Margarido Drive in Upper Rockridge. The first LEED-H Platinum “green” certified home in Northern California, this 5bdrm/5bth home boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen with high-end efficiency appliances, spa-like bathrooms, sustainable level gardens, au-pair suite and stunning panoramic views. Located just 5 blocks from upscale College Avenue and minutes to top-rated schools. NEW PRICE: $3,950,000. Open Sunday, August 8, 2-4:30pm. www.5950margarido.com
If you appreciate cohesive Mid-Century design, crave wonderful interior light, covet privacy, require great indoor/outdoor flow for entertaining, and value one of the best locations in all of Piedmont, then don’t miss 33 Sotelo Avenue. Set among mature oaks, this 4bdrm/4bth level-in home with classic central courtyard, near Hampton field, overlooks a gorgeous wooded grove and offers a peek-of-the-city view! List price: $1,899,000. Open Saturday and Sunday 1:30-4:30pm. www.33soteloave.com
(I haven’t mentioned every special home – just a few of my favorites! For a more complete guide, please feel free to email me at jgardner@grubbco.com or better yet, give me a call 510 326-0840!)
What’s Pending?
Gene Boomer’s panoramic view home listing at 5389 Hilltop Crescent in Rockridge, quickly went into contract this week and in Piedmont; 143 Hagar Avenue, is now in contract as are; 2 Estrella Way, 6 Abbot Avenue, 2426 Pala Avenue, 131 Highland Avenue, 160 Estates Drive and last but certainly not least, the wonderful home at 360 Magnolia Avenue.
Did you bid on any of them?
What’s Fun!
Save the date for the unveiling of the new Frank C. Haven’s Elementary School here in Piedmont. Designed and built by Piedmont’s own Mark Becker and Andy Ball (with LOTS of man – and woman - power provided by WEBCOR and other willing talent about town) the school is set to be finished on time and ready to open in September! How great is that? (Pretty great!)
Spearheaded by dozens of nameless, selfless parents and community members alike, this brand new state-of-the-art learning institution defines what sets our special community apart (education!) and it’s been exciting to watch the new school evolve so quickly and so beautifully. Haven’s is certain to be the cherry on top of what is already a fabulous close-knit community. I’m so grateful to count myself among you all. Many thanks to all who made this possible for our kids. Let’s celebrate their Herculean efforts!
Join in the celebration!
When: Sunday, August 29 Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Where: 323 Highland Avenue
Sponsored by the Piedmont Educational Foundation and the Haven’s Parents Club! (I’ll be in Tahoe next week so you’re on your own. I’ll be checking email however, so if the right house comes along . . . don’t hesitate to call and definitely utilize www.grubbco.com .
See you in two weeks!)