Allie Pembleton The Art Of Home

08/31/2026

These creative options can help you carve out private spots within your home's backyard.

Backyards are a wonderful space to bring together family and friends—if it feels private enough. Here are a few ways to add privacy to your garden and outdoor entertaining areas via pergolas, hedges, trees, and more.

08/28/2026

Want to improve your credit score before starting your homebuying journey? This guide offers tips that could allow you to keep your score from falling.

CNBC Select gets credit advice from a mortgage expert on what first-time future homeowners need to know to prepare before applying.

08/25/2026

Your credit score can impact your ability to get a mortgage, as well as your interest rate and terms. Here's how you can prepare for the home financing process.

They play an important role in your home purchase.

08/22/2026

A number of factors are causing price increases for HVAC system repairs and replacements.

New HVAC system costs are rising in 2026 as refrigerant rules, tariffs and labor shortages push prices higher. Here's what a replacement costs and why.

08/20/2026

If you're having a hard time choosing the best paint color for any room in your home, maybe these tips can help.

When you're looking to repaint a room, finding a perfect color that goes with your furniture, tile, or flooring can be a challenge. Learn how experts choose the perfect paint colors to go with everything you already have in your space.

08/17/2026

Take note from professional home stagers: Consider getting rid of personal items, extra furniture and more before photographing or showing your house.

Even a beautiful home can turn off buyers if it’s cluttered. One expert shares what they always remove before a showing to help you stage your home like a pro.

08/15/2026

One of my favorite stops in Berkeley's Elmwood District is Casa de Chocolates. 🍫🤎

I've been coming here for years, and every Valentine's Day this is where I buy chocolates for our clients.

What I love most is that it doesn't feel like an ordinary chocolate shop. Their chocolates are inspired by the Latin American origins of cacao, with flavors you don't often find elsewhere. Every visit feels like discovering something new.

The shop is full of personality, colorful artwork, beautiful displays, and handcrafted treats that make it almost impossible to leave with just one thing.

Have you been to Casa de Chocolates? What should I try next?

—
Allie Pembleton
The Art of Home | Artistic Vision. Market Precision.

Helping buyers and sellers understand what drives home values in Berkeley, Elmwood, Claremont, Rockridge, Thousand Oaks, North Berkeley, and the Gourmet District.

08/14/2026

Find out the top reasons that a home insurance claim may not be fulfilled -- and how you might be able to prevent issues with your own provider.

The five biggest home insurance groups didn’t pay out on more than 44% of claims resolved last year.

08/13/2026

PENDING IN ORINDA ✨🏡 | 233 Melody Lane

Referred to us just two weeks ago, they knew from our very first conversation what they were looking for: something serene, calm, and surrounded by verdant views.

Over two Sundays, we toured roughly five properties each day. There’s something powerful about seeing multiple homes back-to-back. It helps buyers quickly understand the inventory, compare what’s available, and, most importantly, crystallize what truly matters to them.

We made sure they had the most current market data and a realistic understanding of what each home was likely to sell for.

Then we found 233 Melody Lane.

They took a day to think it over. The next day, they knew. They were ready to make an offer.

And now, we’re PENDING! 🎉

This amazing couple currently lives in San Francisco and is looking forward to starting their next chapter in Orinda. We’re so excited for them and grateful to be part of the journey.

—
Allie Pembleton
Art of Home Realty | Artistic Vision. Market Precision.

Helping buyers and sellers understand what drives home values in Berkeley, Elmwood, Claremont, Rockridge, Thousand Oaks, North Berkeley, and the Gourmet District.