Happy February.
And to those who celebrate: belated Valentine's, Mardi Gras, and Gung Hay Fat Choy. It's the Year of the Fire Horse - known for intensity, rapid transformation, and independent action. Let's hope no one in Washington Googles that.
Skeleton in the closet
The photo at the bottom is of me and my kid, Blaise, with an actual (fake) skeleton I found in my attic closet. Before you call TMZ: I added a pull-down ladder, laid plywood to make the space usable, and discovered a literal skeleton in the closet. Real estate metaphor? Too easy.
Corporate vs. Independent
While we agents work our magic in the East Bay, Red Oak Realty's CEO, Vanessa Bergmark, keeps her finger on the pulse of the national and international Real Estate market. In last week's sales meeting, she briefed us on a battle brewing on the national stage. The short story? Capitalism remains alive and well, in and out of the White House.
Publicly traded brokerages are pushing "exclusive off-market" listings. Translation: keep it in-house, collect both sides of the commission, tell a nice story about exclusivity.
Sometimes off-market makes sense. Most often, however, it limits exposure - and price.
My last two listings sold to out-of-area agents for 20%+ over competing offers. Maximum exposure still equals maximum leverage.
That's the difference between corporate consolidation and independent fiduciary duty. Did I mention that Red Oak is one of the last independent brokerages in the East Bay?
Sold Story: 6227 Wood Drive
5 offers. $1,750,000.
- We didn't strip the soul from it.
- We improved strategically.
- We didn't fix every 1958 design choice.
- We highlighted the bones, edited the noise, and stopped before starting to decorate for someone else.
- Smart prep. Targeted updates. Big buyer pool. (We had over 200 parties tour the house.)
If you're thinking of selling, let's build a plan that protects your bottom line - not a conglomerate's.
Need Prep Money?
Red Oak Concierge (through Notable) can front up to $50K for home prep and be repaid through escrow. Easy. See if you qualify here.
2026 in 90 Seconds
Earlier this month, I attended a panel hosted by Brady Thomas at LaSalle Mortgage. Here are some Cliff notes:
- Turnkey still commands a premium. Buyers are paying for certainty.
- Walkable is gold. Retirees want coffee, not car keys.
- Starter neighborhoods rebound. West Oakland will come back, fueled by AI spillover from San Francisco.
- Co-housing is intentional. Young engineers want community, not isolation.
- Expats to Europe continue. You can probably guess why.
- Covid hangover has worn off: Sellers are done waiting for 2020 prices to rebound.
With Gratitude,
Marissa
P.S. Follow me on Instagram, if nothing else, you'll laugh
Red Oak Opportunity Foundation Red Oak’s Nonprofit Roof Donates $127,000 to East Bay Organizations
For over 40 years the Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF), Red Oak's nonprofit organization, has raised over $1.7 million through contributions from Red Oak agents, staff, family, clients, vendors, and friends. These funds are donated directly back into the communities we serve. When you buy or sell a home with Red Oak, a portion of that transaction likely benefits your own neighborhood.
This past December, ROOF proudly distributed $127,000 to 28 East Bay nonprofit organizations. These organizations, selected by colleagues, provide services including housing, food, clothing, education, the arts, research, nature, youth programs and more. ROOF's mission is to ensure funds directly support those in need within the local community. These are the organizations ROOF supported with 2025 funds:
The Oakland Literacy Coalition ensures every Oakland child learns and loves to read through the Oakland Reads campaign focused on third-grade reading achievement. Through family literacy nights, book distribution, and educator professional development, the coalition unites Oakland families, schools, and community partners.
Rising Sun Center for Opportunity builds career pathways for economic equity and climate resilience through workforce development. Their Climate Careers program employs youth ages 15-24 to perform no-cost energy and water audits, while Opportunity Build provides apprenticeship training for union construction trades with hands-on skills and wraparound support.
Berkeley Path Wanderers Association preserves, restores, and creates Berkeley's 136 public paths and walkways built in the early 1900s. This volunteer-led organization offers free guided walks, builds and repairs pathways, and maintains historic pedestrian corridors that serve as garden corridors and evacuation routes.
Destiny Arts Center inspires social change through movement-based arts education, serving over 2,600 youth annually at 50+ sites across Oakland and the East Bay. Founded in 1988, Destiny offers financially accessible dance, martial arts, and theater programs for ages 3-18, uplifting youth voices and fighting systemic racism.
Established in 1955, Intertribal Friendship House is one of the nation's first urban American Indian community centers, serving as a cultural homeland for Bay Area Native people. Through pow wow dance, drumming, beading classes, and cultural events, IFH fosters belonging and cultural continuity for the multi-tribal Native community.
West Oakland Punks with Lunch provides harm reduction services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization distributes approximately 150 weekly lunches along with syringe access services, Narcan training, hygiene packs, and basic necessities through mobile outreach, operating with unconditional compassion and destigmatization.
Park Place Refuge provides mobile shower and laundry services to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the East Bay. Through regular street outreach, this nonprofit offers free showers, laundry services, and resources, helping individuals maintain health and dignity while working toward housing stability.
Town Bizness brings necessities to Oakland's unhoused population—food, shelter, clothing, toiletries—while treating each person with respect. Founded by Signe Nielsen, who experienced homelessness herself, the organization provides material support and connections to transitional housing and rehabilitation services.
MOYO Institute Inc. offers heart-centered educational experiences fostering inner peace, health, and wellbeing. Based in Oakland, the organization has provided free workshops for African American women navigating cancer for four years through their Love Letters to Our Bodies program, supporting nearly 100 women.
The Mosaic Project unites children of diverse backgrounds through immersive week-long experiences in the Santa Cruz mountains. Since 2000, the organization has served nearly 76,000 children through programs focused on celebrating diversity, developing empathy, teaching conflict resolution, and building connections across differences.
Building Futures helps Alameda County women, children, and families become safely housed through emergency shelters, transitional housing, and wraparound services. Operating as a Housing First agency since 2007, the organization provides 55 emergency shelter beds, 20 domestic violence safe house beds, and supportive housing.
Running for a Better Oakland mobilizes the Oakland running community to support local nonprofits. Through organized group runs and partnerships, this grassroots initiative brings together runners passionate about fitness and community service, supporting youth programs, environmental initiatives, and addressing homelessness.
Tiny Village Spirit (Richmond Tiny House Village) operates Richmond's tiny house village, providing dignified transitional housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The community-driven approach offers secure tiny homes with utilities, case management, life skills training, and resources to help transition to permanent housing.
Richmond Promise, Inc. builds a college-going culture throughout Richmond through scholarships and supportive programming. Launched in 2016, Richmond Promise provides renewable $1,500 annual scholarships for up to six years along with college access programming, success coaching, and campus peer networks.
The Berkeley Baby Book Project (The BBBP) promotes early literacy by providing free new books and resources to families with young children. Through distributions at clinics, community centers, and events, plus parent education about reading aloud, the organization helps lay the foundation for lifelong literacy.
Luna Dance & Creativity uses dance and creative movement to empower individuals across the lifespan. From early childhood programs to intergenerational classes, Luna Dance creates inclusive spaces where participants explore self-expression and connect through movement, making the arts accessible to everyone.
Us4Us Bay Area mobilizes community members through direct mutual aid, emergency response, and grassroots organizing. This volunteer-driven organization coordinates resource sharing, provides emergency assistance, and builds networks that strengthen community resilience based on principles of solidarity and collective care.
Jack McGoverns Coats' Disease Foundation supports families affected by Coats' disease—a rare eye condition causing abnormal retinal blood vessel development. The foundation connects families, funds research, raises awareness, and advocates for improved care through support groups and educational materials.
The James Morehouse Project supports LGBTQ+ youth in the East Bay through advocacy, community building, and direct services. Through drop-in programs, peer support, leadership development, and mental health resources, the organization creates safe spaces where LGBTQ+ young people can access affirming care and support.
The Rotary Club of Richmond's Bikes for Kids program provides bicycles, helmets, and bike safety education to Richmond youth. Each year, Rotary members refurbish donated bikes and distribute them to hundreds of children, promoting healthy activity, independence, and joy.
Richmond Police Activities League (PAL) builds positive relationships between youth and law enforcement through sports, recreation, and mentorship. Operating programs including basketball, boxing, and academic support, PAL provides structured activities where young people develop skills and form connections with officers and mentors.
Alameda County Community Food Bank alleviates hunger by providing nutritious food and nutrition education while advocating for policy change. Founded in 1985, the food bank distributes food for 300 million meals annually through 400+ partner agencies, with farm-fresh produce comprising over half.
Young People's Symphony Orchestra provides exceptional musical education and performance opportunities for talented young musicians, fostering artistic excellence and lifelong love of music. Through tiered orchestras, YPSO offers training including rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances at prestigious venues.
MISSSEY, Inc. provides trauma-informed services, advocacy, and support to commercially sexually exploited and trafficked girls and young women. Through case management, mental health services, housing assistance, and peer mentorship, MISSSEY helps survivors heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.
YES Nature to Neighborhoods engages young people in environmental stewardship, urban greening, and green jobs training. Through paid employment, youth gain experience in habitat restoration, urban agriculture, and environmental education while developing job skills and making tangible neighborhood improvements.
Dandelion Kitchen provides community meals, food access programming, and culinary training in Richmond. Through community dinners, food distributions, and youth culinary training, the organization addresses food insecurity while fostering community and creating food industry employment pathways.
Habitot Children's Museum provides hands-on, play-based learning for children ages 0-5 and families in Berkeley. Through interactive exhibits, art activities, and programs, Habitot creates environments where young children learn through play, offering accessible programming including free admission days.
Women's Daytime Drop-In Center provides a safe space where women experiencing homelessness can rest and access resources. Through hot meals, showers, laundry, case management, housing assistance, and mental health support, the center offers comprehensive services with dignity and low-barrier access.
If you would like to donate, or learn more about ROOF, reach out.
Market Update
East Bay Home Sales: January 2026 Snapshot
The East Bay opened 2026 with 301 single-family home sales — up 3% from January 2025 — while the regional median price held steady at $880,000. Beneath that calm surface, city-level results varied sharply. Lamorinda led all markets with a 125% surge in sales volume and an 8% price gain to $2,100,000. Berkeley posted the strongest overbid performance, with homes selling 20% above list price on average. Alameda combined a 27% volume jump with a 14% price gain to $1,287,500. Oakland, representing a third of all sales, saw both volume and prices soften slightly. Piedmont's 36% price drop reflects its tiny four-sale sample more than any true trend. The clear takeaway: the East Bay remains resilient, but your zip code matters enormously.
FMZ Loan
Mortarge Update
Mortgage rates have quietly drifted to three-year lows. Freddie Mac's latest weekly survey puts the 30-year fixed at 6.09%, down nearly 80 basis points from just a year ago. Some lender marketplaces are quoting closer to 5.85% for well-qualified borrowers a territory we haven't seen since early 2023.
The catalyst has been inflation. January's CPI came in at 2.4% annually, with core inflation at 2.5% the lowest core reading since spring 2021. Shelter costs, which have been the stubbornest piece of the inflation puzzle, finally showed meaningful deceleration, rising just 0.2% for the month. That's the kind of movement bond markets reward, and Treasury yields dropped accordingly.
The Fed remains on hold after three rate cuts in late 2025, and most watchers don't expect another move until at least June. But here's the thing: mortgage rates don't need the Fed to cut again to stay favorable. If inflation continues cooling and Treasury keeps normalizing, rates have room to improve further on their own.
What does this mean for the East Bay market? For buyers, affordability has measurably improved — monthly payments on a median-priced home are meaningfully lower than six months ago. For homeowners who purchased or refinanced when rates were in the high 6s or 7s — particularly in 2023 or 2024 — it's worth running the numbers on a refinance. The math may surprise you.
If you have any questions about this, please contact Faramarz Moeen-Ziai at FMZ Loans - [email protected] or 415.377.1147.
Home Hacks
Your Water Bill Could Be Smaller - If You Know Where to Look
East Bay homeowners leave hundreds of dollars on the table every year by overlooking rebate programs offered by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). While most people know to swap out an old showerhead, EBMUD's offerings go considerably further.
The district's lawn replacement rebate pays homeowners up to $2 per square foot to convert thirsty grass to drought-tolerant landscaping — a meaningful check for anyone tackling a full front yard. Pair that with rebates on drip irrigation conversion kits and smart weather-based irrigation controllers, and the savings compound quickly, both upfront and on your monthly bill.
Inside the home, EBMUD offers rebates on high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets that most homeowners simply don't know exist. A qualifying washer can earn you up to $200 back.
The lesser-known gem, though, is the free water use survey EBMUD offers to residential customers. A specialist visits your property, identifies waste, and recommends the exact rebates you qualify for — essentially a free money-finding service.
Programs and amounts do shift seasonally, so the smartest move is a quick visit to ebmud.com/rebates before starting any home project
Local Business Highlight
Roses on Adeline
Roses on Adeline is a great new addition to the Oakland-Berkeley Adeline corridor, right in the middle of a lively food scene. It's an ideal spot for small get-togethers, with a welcoming vibe and thoughtfully crafted, creative cocktails. The menu features fresh, seasonal small plates with elevated bar food influences pulling from Mediterranean and Asian flavors—and the smash burger is an absolute must. Open late on weekends, Roses also shines during Happy Hour with solid food and drink offerings. Recently opened by Rose, the space is run by a friendly, professional staff who bring genuine warmth to the experience. If you're in the area, this place should definitely be on your list.
3218 Adeline Street, Berkeley | Follow on Instagram @rosesonadeline
