New to the area, looking for shared house

I'm relocating from the East Coast, and am looking for my first place to live in the Bay Area. I have always had great experiences when I've had house mates in the past, and, since I'm new here, thought I would seek that out once again.

I have recently started my own small software business. I'd like to find a place where I can work from home, though I typically get out of the house for at least a few hours every day.

I am a quiet house mate who is easy to get along with. I value open and frequent communication, particularly if there are any trouble spots with the housing relationship (e. g. dishes, noise, etc). I think living with others is a great way to learn about different walks of life and gather alternate perspectives to your own views. I am a "live and let live" person, although one of my few requirements is there be no smoking (of anything) within the house. While I'm not looking to join a 'co-op', I am happy to trade occasional favors with house mates and share meals when timing lines up.

I am primarily looking at the Berkeley & north Oakland areas (roughly speaking, north of I-580).

I am open to "buddying up" to jointly go in on a new lease with others.