About Arlene

Arlene is an unusual agent: someone who combines true expertise about current market conditions, with deep knowledge of architecture and construction, while providing guidance to her clients that is highly customized to their goals. It’s both high-tech and high-touch!

The amazing diversity of cultural activities, the natural beauty and exceptional architecture, make this an area to be passionate about – and Arlene is! She considers this area the ideal setting to satisfy the physical and emotional self! Ask Arlene for her very personalized tour of Berkeley and Oakland markets and restaurants, bookstores and other favorite places!

Arlene has represented buyers and sellers of homes and income properties throughout the East Bay, from modest bungalows to multi-million dollar estates, condos to historic landmarks. Regardless of the property, the highest priority for Arlene is that her clients feel listened to and well cared for. She strives to see the real estate transaction through her clients’ eyes. She has a special passion for homes in the styles of the Arts & Crafts movement: bungalows, brownshingles and Prairie homes. The proud owner of a 1911 Julia Morgan home, Arlene is intimately acquainted with the issues facing both buyers and sellers of older properties. She is part of a group of local A&C afficianados who are actively involved with the revival of the Arts & Crafts movement and its aesthetics. She will happily share her expertise of period style and details, and is able to refer her clients to local tradespeople and artisans for period-appropriate fixtures, furnishings and renovations. She is proud to have represented homes designed by some of the finest East Bay architects, including Julia Morgan, John Hudson Thomas, Henry Gutterson, Walter Ratcliff and others.

Arlene has been representing buyers and sellers of East Bay properties for more than 28 years. Arlene regularly serves clients in Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito, Oakland, Piedmont and Alameda, and occasionally ventures into other surrounding communities at her clients’ request. She cares deeply about her clients’ success as well as their experience of buying or selling their home. There is an amazing diversity of cultural activities, natural beauty and exceptional architecture here in the East Bay, making this an area to be passionate about – and Arlene is! She considers this area the ideal setting to satisfy the physical and emotional self! Ask Arlene for her very personalized tour of Berkeley, Oakland, Albany or El Cerrito markets and restaurants, bookstores, gardens and other favorite places!

I am proud to say that on December 8th, 2012, I was awarded The REALTOR of the Year, the highest award of my Association. I am deeply honored to receive this award. I was pleased to hear:  “Arlene was selected for her integrity and knowledge of the Real Estate profession plus countless hours given in support of numerous BAR committees and projects. . . Arlene has proudly served our Association, our community and the real estate industry with grace, passion and dedication. We proudly present our 2012 REALTOR® of the Year award to Arlene Baxter of Red Oak Realty. Here is the link to the press release. (Wondering about the look above? The party was a Madmen theme and yes, it’s a vintage fur!)

When not helping clients, you might find Arlene at a concert or dance performance with her husband David, or you might see their posts about the dancing, singing and music events that they are involved with. Arlene begins most mornings singing with the Daily Antidote of Song, and inspiring ritual to start each day on a positive note!

Arlene is an active member of the Berkeley Garden Club, grows way too many orchids indoors, and potted plants outside! She has taken on the challenge to grow mostly California Native plants in her garden, as they do so much to support local pollinators. David and Arlene recently transformed their medium strip from grassy weeds to an all-native garden, where they have seen Monarch butterflies laying their eggs on narrow-leafed milkweed, and caterpillars have then munched on those leaves. It’s been a learning event, but so far very satisfying!

Arlene came to Berkeley to study English literature at UC Berkeley, and she’s never wanted to leave. Arlene’s professional experience includes ten years as a manager and career counselor on the Berkeley campus, as well as 13 years as a business manager of scientific research institutes.

Arlene believes in giving back to the real estate community, and has been very active with the Bridge Association of REALTORS and before that the Berkeley Association of REALTORS. She was the 2007 President, and was a Director from 2004 – 2014. She also has served as a Director at the State level, serving on the Environment and Land Use Committee of the California Association of Realtors. A portion of each of her closed sales is donated to ROOF, the Red Oak Opportunity Fund,

GREEN is Golden!

Arlene is proud to have been chosen one of twelve Realtors statewide to serve on the GreenTask Force of CAR. She was also honored to have been one of only four REALTORS nationwide to serve as an advisor in the planning of a Green Realtor designation program for the National Association of REALTORS. She founded a Green Council within the Berkeley Association of REALTORS, as well as a Regional Green Council. In 2017 she became Chair of a new Climate Action Committee within the regional Bridge Association of REALTORS. Locally she is also an active member of the Local Government Relations Committee and former Chair of the MLS and Technology Committee. Arlene was an active participant of the Women’s Council of REALTORS, having served as the 2011 President. During that year she helped rekindle her local Chapter, more than tripling the membership.

Arlene is also an active member of the Hillside Club, having served on its Board, and as First Vice President, coordinating its Fireside lecture series for four years. She has also been active with the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association and is a life member of the California Alumni Association.