Buyers are Back Baby! Especially in Montclair

Happy February!

In this newsletter, I typically talk about ridiculous things and a bit about real estate.

But this month, I have an interesting story about my most recent listing in the Montclair District of Oakland -- 6288 Clive Ave.

Married for over 55 years, our sellers, T & P, left our office after ratifying the offer, holding hands. Fun facts: they communicate by landline, write checks, send them by mail, and sign paperwork with ink. And, they thought it was a good idea to store the wood from a fallen Redwood tree under the house.

The Anatomy of a Home Sale:

Don't get me wrong - the house is incredible; it showed like a Texas prom queen at homecoming. But Montclair wasn't exactly on fire (bad pun intended) in 2023 and 2024 - prices dipped 13% and 4%, respectively.

East Bay buyers were put off by the headlines about skyrocketing home insurance in a severe fire risk zone and living in a city plagued by rising crime - who could blame them? And, many buyers snub their noses at downslope homes with no yard, way up in the hills on a street with no sidewalks.

The appeal of this home is the trees - with floor-to-ceiling windows, it lives like a treehouse. Our first open house was scheduled for January 9th, and on January 7th, the tragic Palisades fires started to burn. Oh, did I mention the 7% interest rates? So how did we sell this house for 43% over asking? Oversimplified - here's how we did it.

Started early.
We signed our agreement in September to prepare for a January sale. Or, I can get your house on the market in 2 weeks if you live in a Barbie Dream House.
Assembled the best team.
Although Real Estate Agents have one name on their business card, a ninja team supports us. The best vendors fill their dance cards early.
Set realistic expectations.
The fall 2024 housing market was rough in most areas, especially upper Montclair. Have you heard the old saying, "Expectations are resentments waiting to happen?" You have now.
Design-centered home prep.
After over 50 years, the house needed some Zhuzhing. Matching contemporary updates with MCM charm takes a keen designer's eye.
Remediated items of concern.
Fungus-damaged beams supporting a cantilevered driveway, with a collapsed one 4 doors down, isn't a good look.
Elevated staging.
Not all staging is created equal. I'm happy to do a show-and-tell for you anytime.
Pops of garden color.
Out front, a nice pop of color is like a clever use of costume jewelry with jeans and a t-shirt.
Outstanding photography.
Have you ever said, "Wow, this house looks better in person than in the photos?" Me neither.
A creative twist on video marketing.
Instead of the boring home tour videos, we showcased the Montclair lifestyle. Check it out here and let me know what you think.
Negotiated the best offer.
In addition to being a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) and a Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), I've been known to negotiate like a 7-year-old for more time on their iPad at bedtime.