Is the Real Estate Market Softening?

There’s been a lot of chatter recently about the state of the real estate market:  Is the market softening? Is the bubble about to burst? Are we seeing the first signs of another recession? Incredibly curious to see some hard facts myself, I dug in… Read on to hear more about my observations… Continue reading “Is the Real Estate Market Softening?”

JUST SOLD – 623 Longwood Avenue, Hayward

Congratulations to my clients, K+K, on their new home in the Bay Area! After a few months of searching for the right home, they finally ended up getting the perfect home for their family just last month.  With all pest repairs completed and a brand new roof, they were able to move into this home just in time for the busy Fall season.  Wishing them many years of happiness in their beautiful home. Continue reading “JUST SOLD – 623 Longwood Avenue, Hayward”

In Defense of Self-Help: My Current Love for Personal Development

For most of my life, I have been a little embarrassed to be seen reading self-help books.  I aspired to convince myself and others that I was much more intellectual and wasn’t the “self-help” type (if there is such a thing), forcing myself to consume only classical literature or Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction or work by otherwise celebrated writers. God forbid someone would find me in the self-help section.  Continue reading “In Defense of Self-Help: My Current Love for Personal Development”

Best Practices for Managing a Homeowners Association

If you live in a condo or TIC, like the majority of homeowners in San Francisco, you probably have a homeowners association (“HOA”).  HOA management can be complex, but with some planning and organization on the front end, can lead to a more peaceful living arrangement for years to come.  Here are some best practices for managing your HOA. Continue reading “Best Practices for Managing a Homeowners Association”

On Market vs. Off-Market: What’s All The Fuss?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about “off-market” listings (also referred to as “pocket listings”). You might be wondering how homes are being sold before they even show up online, without a “For Sale” sign or an open house, or you want to know how to get your hands on these opportunities. And if you’re a homebuyer who has been searching for a while and getting outbid, you might be thinking off-market listings could really change your home search strategy.

Once reserved for luxury properties and high-end clients who valued the utmost privacy, off-market sales are becoming more common even in the middle range of the real estate market.  Continue reading “On Market vs. Off-Market: What’s All The Fuss?”

JUST SOLD – 832 Descanso Way, San Rafael

Congratulations to D + N on buying their new home in beautiful San Rafael! We pulled everything together and jumped on this last-minute opportunity just in time to negotiate an agreement that worked for everyone and land them “the one!”  You can see my favorite features of this home in the photos below:  the reclaimed wood wall made from wood from the previous owner’s family home; the new french doors leading to the backyard; the backyard that wraps around the house for their doggy to play in; the chicken coop that the previous owner built with his own hands; the vegetable and herb garden! Can you tell I especially love outdoor features? And I’ve been dying to have a chicken coop myself — as soon as I can get my fiance on board!

I can’t wait for them to move in! Continue reading “JUST SOLD – 832 Descanso Way, San Rafael”

Homebuyers: Freeze! Before You Do These 5 Things, Talk to Your Realtor…

As they say, “There are no mistakes in life, only lessons.”  I hope you’ll take something from these “lessons” some homebuyers have learned the hard way, and avoid having to learn them firsthand! Continue reading “Homebuyers: Freeze! Before You Do These 5 Things, Talk to Your Realtor…”