Geoff Hoyle’s GEEZER

Gaia Building:  Marsh Berkeley, Berkeley, California

The one-and-only Geoff Hoyle is moving his hit solo show GEEZER to the Marsh Berkeley this Saturday evening.  It is hard to believe that this superbly physical comedian is getting older, yet he ages before our very eyes, in his newest smash hit, GEEZER.  

Although the decline of life is the focal point of GEEZER, Geoff Hoyle manages to turn this inevitable downer, into a laugh-out-loud comedy performance.  The hysterically entertaining show will take you on the life journey of a young Englishman, who transitions into an old “Geezer”.  

From the growth of hair where you don’t want it, to the necessity of taking multiple medications, Geoff Hoyle will have you in stitches, enacting the pitfalls of growing old.  GEEZER will take you on a warp-speed ride through the obstacles of aging, in a fashion that will keep you laughing until it hurts.

Geoff Hoyle authored the unfolding story by means of personal experience.  And with the direction and development influence of David Ford, GEEZER results in one of the most hilarious performances you will ever see.  Hoyle may be convincing on stage as an old man, however he still maintains the moves and tenacity of an actor in his prime.  Even though the comedy show is about mortality, Geoff Hoyle ensures that GEEZER, is full of life.

Admission prices for this must-attend event range from $30.00 to $35.00 per person.  To purchase your tickets in advance, please click here.

Geoff Hoyle is moving to the Marsh this Saturday evening with his outrageous comedy show, GEEZER.  Join me in indulging in one of the most unforgettable comedian performances that you will ever see.  Growing old has its pitfalls, but we can all laugh about it this Saturday night.

Saturday February 1^st

5:00PM Showtime

Doors will open at 4:30PM

For more information regarding this event, please click here.

Saraya and Simon Motley
Pacific Union and Christie’s International Real Estate
Serving Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
510.459.4338/direct . 925.385.8503/direct
925.403.7802/eFax
saraya@eastbayhouse.com
www.eastbayhouse.com
CalBRE License #01265873   

Photo courtesy of Charles Haynes/Flickr.com

OAKLAND LEADS COUNTRY IN SHORTEST MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET

As figures in Pacific Union’s Q4 2013 quarterly real estate report demonstrate, buyers in our East Bay region contended with several factors in the final month of 2013, including a pronounced lack of inventory and above-list average sales prices. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors underscores just how hot the East Bay market is, with the Oakland metro area leading the U.S. in shortest days on market. 

In December, Oakland homes for sale stayed on the market an average of 48 days, eight days fewer than the No. 2 metro area on the list. Five of the regions in the top 10 are in California, including San Jose and San Francisco. 

Year-over-year prices grew a healthy 24.9 percent in Oakland — the ninth-largest increase in the nation. Of the 10 metro areas in the country with the biggest yearly price gains, seven are located in California.

Article courtesy of PacificUnion.com

Saraya and Simon Motley
Pacific Union and Christie’s International Real Estate
Serving Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
510.459.4338/direct . 925.385.8503/direct
925.403.7802/eFax
saraya@eastbayhouse.com
www.eastbayhouse.com
CalBRE License #01265873 

Image Courtesy of H Sanchez/Flickr.com

Peking Acrobats

Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, California 

If you and your family are looking to take in a spellbinding performance this weekend, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to see the Peking Acrobats, live.  Since their Western debut in 1986, the acrobats have been redefining the audience perceptions of traditional Chinese acrobatics.

The Peking Acrobats have taken their talents to a whole new level.  Defying gravity, the acrobats display amazing acts of contortion, perform daring maneuvers atop layers of chairs, and are experts in precision tumbling and gymnastics.  They push the envelope of human flexibility and control.  Their astonishing juggling routine and balancing acts will have you on the edge of your seat.

The company’s performers are not born with these acrobatic gifts.  They have individually trained rigorously at the top acrobatic schools in China. It takes many years of practice before these astounding performers are prepared to take the stage.  The Peking Acrobats have earned the right to claim being the top acrobatic act in the World.  They have been featured on numerous television shows, and have appeared on multiple celebrity-studded television specials.

The acrobats are accompanied by live musicians, skillfully playing traditional Chinese instruments.  High-tech special effects and mesmerizing choreography are blended, making this a more of a theatrical performance, than an acrobatic routine.

If tight-wire walking, trick-cycling, and fire juggling are on your list of items to see this weekend, come out to Zellerbach Hall to take in the performance of your lifetime.  The Peking Acrobats are prepared to captivate you and your family with their gripping acrobatic performance.

Saturday January 25^th, 2:00PM. Purchase tickets here.

Saturday January 25^th, 8:00PM. Purchase tickets here.

Sunday January 26^th, 3:00PM. Purchase tickets here.

For more information regarding the Peking Acrobats event, please click here.

Saraya and Simon Motley
Pacific Union and Christie’s International Real Estate
Serving Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
510.459.4338/direct . 925.385.8503/direct
925.403.7802/eFax
saraya@eastbayhouse.com
www.eastbayhouse.com
CalBRE License #01265873  

Photo courtesy of Percy/Flickr.com

Home Loan Rules Are Changing: Introducing the Qualified Mortgage

Homebuyers may face new challenges when applying for a home loan this year, the result of tough new rules from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

The new rules, which took effect Jan. 10, require borrowers to show more proof that they can actually afford the mortgage they are applying for.

Mortgage lenders must ensure that borrowers can afford their loans over the long term, and applicants’ income, assets, savings, and debt will be more closely scrutinized. Borrowers who meet the ability-to-repay requirements will be eligible for a “qualified mortgage” (QM).

QM loans must meet at least some of the following guidelines: They cannot contain risky features, such as terms that exceed 30 years or interest-only payments; carry more than 3 percent in upfront points and fees for loans above $100,000; or push a borrowers’ total debt above 43 percent of their monthly income unless the loan qualifies to be backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration, or a small lender.

One the bright side, the CFPB estimates that 92 percent of mortgages currently meet QM requirements.

Also, lenders can still issue loans outside the QM guidelines, although they have less protection against future lawsuits from non-QM borrowers.

Mortgage rates and rule changes have made plenty of headlines in recent months, as the gradual rise in rates in 2013, together with proposed rule changes by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, promises to reshape our real estate markets in 2014. Meanwhile, the CFPB is pursuing another mortgage-related initiative: asking for help identifying the most confusing elements of mortgage closings.

Homebuyers confused by the changing state of mortgages today can get answers to their questions from qualified real estate and mortgage professionals, including experts at Pacific Union’s mortgage partner, Mortgage Services Professionals.

"We knew these qualified mortgage rules were coming, and we took a proactive stance,” says Jonathan Pass, president of Mortgage Services Professionals. ”We secured both QM and non-QM investors, so we can service all our clients’ needs.”

For a private consultation, or help with securing a mortgage, give Mortgage Services Professionals a call at 925-743-3525.

Article courtesy of PacificUnion.com

Saraya and Simon Motley
Pacific Union and Christie’s International Real Estate
Serving Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
510.459.4338/direct . 925.385.8503/direct
925.403.7802/eFax
saraya@eastbayhouse.com
www.eastbayhouse.com
CalBRE License #01265873  

(Image: Flickr/401(K)2012)                                                                     

LASERIUM

Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, California

November of 2013 marked the 40^th anniversary of the enormously popular LASERIUM.  This Sunday you and your family can visit the Chabot Space and Science Center to see what is behind the cosmic laser light show that has packed houses, and sold out shows for over 40 years.

Bring the entire family and immerse yourselves in the darkness of the planetarium.  Hold on tight because the show is about to begin.  The most electrifying and captivating laser light show you have ever experienced will be set to the beats of rock icons including Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and more.  The stunning light show will keep you absolutely mesmerized.

LASERIUM is a spectacle that literally draws you into the light.  The visual effects, technology, and artistry behind the presentation brings the dome of Chabot’s Space and Science Center to life.  The highest quality pioneers of special effects and laser entertainment are the creators of the LASERIUM experience.

Admission for this spectacular laser light and music show range from $10.00 for Chabot members, to $12.00 for show only tickets, to $22.00 for general admission.  Along with your general admission ticket, you acquire an all-day pass to the Science Center.  To purchase your tickets online, please click here.

Without question, you cannot miss the LASERIUM laser light and music show!  It is an on the edge of your seat family experience. Do not pass on the opportunity to partake in this unique event.  See you there!

Sunday January 19^th

4:15PM

For more information regarding this very special event, please click here. 

Saraya and Simon Motley

Pacific Union and Christie’s International Real Estate
Serving Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
510.459.4338/direct . 925.385.8503/direct
925.403.7802/eFax
saraya@eastbayhouse.com
www.eastbayhouse.com
CalBRE License #01265873  

Photo courtesy of hyruwen/deviantart.com