Sarah is a good host. We never met in person (it wasn't necessary) and, after some technical communication difficulties between us, check-in and everything else went smoothly.

Sarah's house is in a lovely neighborhood and is close (driving distance) to all amenities. It's not necessarily a good walking area - not close enough to amenities to walk to them, but she doesn't claim it to be, either.

The house, because it's below street-grade, doesn't relate to the neighborhood - there's no view of the street, for instance, from the front porch. You feel a bit as if you're residing in a bunker, but neither is that necessarily unpleasant.

The house is lovely and spotless. I would have enjoyed using the back deck, but it was less-than-inviting. The front porch was pleasant, although the chairs and cushions were dirty.
There is no a/c, not unusual in the Bay, of course, but it was damned hot in Oakland the week we were there. A/C would have been nice, but I'm not complaining - just be aware that 95-degree temps will make the house hot during the day. Sarah left us a fan in the master - a big relief from the heat in that room.

Lodgers should be aware that this appears to be someone's primary residence - if only because the kitchen is stocked with food, just as if the occupants had left the place the minute before we arrived. This is not necessarily bad, but I wish I'd known. It made me feel a bit as if I were an intruder on someone's privacy.

Beds are comfortable, TV is fine (no cable, but many entertainment options) and the furnishings/appliances are quality. She obviously cares about providing a pleasant stay for her guests. And, we were greeted by a fresh loaf of sourdough when we arrived!

Thanks to Sarah for a pleasant stay in Oakland.