Happy New Year!
Now that the holiday parties are over, I bring you good news and bad news.
Good news: The 2026 real estate outlook looks feisty.
Bad news: Velvet monkeys are on the loose in Louisiana. Also, the Commander in Chief is still in the White House. So, balance.
A few fun things have happened since last month:
Off-market dreams really do come true.
Last Friday, my clients (pictured above) closed escrow on a home in North Berkeley that never hit the market. To be clear: most people didn't miss it - they never had the opportunity to see it. The house was shown to exactly one party. Us.
I heard about the opportunity through a Red Oak colleague, and while the seller's son was busy hauling a literal truckload of Playboy magazines out of his dad's house (this is not a metaphor), we got a private preview -- of the house, not the magazines.
What most people would have focused on - spiderwebs on the walls, an odd kitchen layout, and a wood chipper in the yard (very Fargo) - my clients, who work in construction and design, saw as pure potential. We submitted a fair, clean offer that allowed the seller's son to focus on his dad's medical care, and it was accepted within 12 hours.
Now my clients are transforming the property into their dream home - and may have landed the deal of the century in desirable North Berkeley. In hindsight, perhaps we should've negotiated for a few centerfolds. For history.
Interest rates are down.
Thirty-year fixed rates are hovering just under 6% nationally - the lowest since late 2022. Buyers: it's time to shop till you drop. Sellers: Yes, the crowds are back. Hydrate and jump into the fray.
A big, beautiful view home.
Even if you're not in the market for a 6-bedroom, 3-bath view house, come visit me this weekend at 6227 Wood Drive. Tour guests keep mentioning the home's unique flow, cheerful demeanor, unusually large kitchen, spacious bedrooms, views from nearly every room, and its modest, do n't-judge-me street presence. More importantly, I will be handing out gummy bears and cookies. This feels relevant.
Branding fun (a brief navel-gazing moment).
As I prep for a website refresh, I've been doing a little brand soul-searching. Here's where I've landed so far - feedback welcome:
- Brand essence: Engaging · Unconventional · Knowledgeable (what about funny?)
- What clients experience: They feel seen, challenged, and intellectually energized - not sold to. (I'll show you my hip hop dances.)
- Core value: Helping people rethink what's actually possible. (Like an off-market sale.)
If you know anyone considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate, I value (and deeply appreciate) your referrals.
With gratitude,
Marissa
P.S. Follow me on Instagram, you'll laugh.
