Happy March!
You might want to sit down; a lot is happening this month.
First, the fun stuff.
A colleague of mine just nominated me for "Million Dollar Personality" in the Craftie Awards, sponsored by LaSalle Mortgage. If you agree, you can nominate me too, and I'll start writing my speech.
Now, the other stuff.
As NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) prepares to repeal the Clear Cooperation policy, more significant changes are coming to real estate. You'll find details in the first story below, but since there's no accompanying audiobook, I'll top-line it for you:
Clear Cooperation Changes: The (Not-So-Fun) Version
- More Secret Listings - Selling homes could be sold like a VIP party—but most buyers won't be invited.
- Fewer Bidding Wars - By reducing competition, sellers will get fewer (or lower) offers. That dream of cashing in big? Poof.
- A Secret Handshake - Want to see available homes? You better know the right agent or wander Zillow aimlessly, waiting for new listings.
- Crystal Ball Pricing - With fewer public sales, home pricing will become more like palm reading than market analysis.
- Big Brokerages Win - Large firms keep listings to themselves, making more money while everyone else plays real estate musical chairs.
This could make home sales like high school cliques—exclusive, confusing, and unfair.
At Red Oak Realty, we stay ahead of these changes to ensure our buyers and sellers get the best possible outcome, no matter what happens. Does this mean Real Estate Agents are going away? Nope. As Vanessa, our CEO, said in our meeting this week, "You survived the recession, the online portals, Covid, and the NAR settlement. It's like you're like cockroaches that won't die." I mean, she's not wrong. And I take that as a compliment. ;-)
Why Now?
In the past week alone, democracy crumbled, the stock market tanked, the world unraveled, and a recession looms—so, why NOT now? It's not like morale was high to begin with.
It all comes down to pressure, competition, and profits. After last year's NAR settlement, big brokerages—driven by Wall Street, not consumer protection—are looking for new profit centers.
Let's connect if you have questions about how this might affect you.
Sold Stuff!
- 1322 Clinton: Congratulations to my neighbor and friend, L! Before it ever went to market, we snagged her a dreamy, one-level home in the Alameda Gold Coast. Thanks to L for her trust in me and the process. To read more about the story, click here.
- 2755A Chelsea: Congrats to our sellers, A & N, closing escrow! Like many of our older clients, they wanted fewer stairs, less maintenance, and to be closer to their kids. Selling a home in the Montclair Hills a month after the Palisades fire isn't for the faint of heart. To read more about the story, click here.
Why are Peninsula buyers flocking to the East Bay?
- Affordability. Many people are now partially or fully remote workers, and shopping in the East Bay is like shopping at Walmart. If you'd like a copy of my "Peninsula to East Bay Moving Guide," let me know.
Events:
- Community Garage Sale: On April 12th, we will launch our Inaugural Community Garage Sale in Montebello Terrace. What is it? It's a fun and free way to declutter your house, make some money, and connect with neighbors. Let me know if you'd like us to sponsor a Community Garage Sale in your neighborhood. If you live in the neighborhood, sign up here.
- Taste of Montclair: Come see me and Ilan Penson in front of the Red Oak Realty office for cupcake decoration at the Taste of Montclair on April 8th from 4:00-7:00 pm.
More Info:
At Red Oak, we train weekly on the latest industry topics. Here are a few we covered this month—let me know if you want more details!
- Fire risk and Insurance. It's not pretty.
- ADUs. Yes, you should. The ROI is worth it.
- Rental restrictions in California: Ugh. Get out while you can.
- Prop 19: How to take your tax base to your new home.
- Gifting children a downpayment. As they say, "better from a warm hand."
Reminder: referrals are the lifeblood of my business. I'd appreciate an introduction if you know anyone considering selling, buying, or investing in real estate.
With Gratitude,
Marissa
P.S. Follow me on Instagram; I promise you'll laugh.
P.S.S. Sunday, March 23rd, is National Puppy Day. Bogey is 14 years old but still acts like a puppy!
