Happy October!
This isn't my typical top 10 list, but I hope there's something fun or helpful for you.
Fun:
- Pickleball: Have you tried it? If not, what's wrong with you? It's socialization, exercise, concentration and being outdoors all rolled into one. If you'd like to learn how to play or schedule a game, let me know, and I'll invite you to my club. I promise you'll have fun.
- Halloween: Visit me at the Montclair Village Halloween celebration at the Farmer's Market on October 26th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. We will be hosting a light-up lantern craft booth. You might even catch a flash mob by my hip hop group.
- Hip Hop: Last month, we gathered at one of the members' houses and recorded ourselves dancing to APT on a "stage" as the sun set (see picture below). Note, we may not dance like the professionals, but we're impressed with ourselves!
Real Estate Stuff:
- SOLD: 4844 Trinidad closed escrow on October 6th at $1,500,000, $305,000 over asking with 4 offers. This is a happy ending for my Pickleball Pals, but I'm sad they're leaving. If you want to know how we did it, click here.
- PENDING: I'm happy to share that I helped 3 buyers into contract in the last 3 weeks - all with great stories of finding a "deal". We found my friend a sweet townhouse in Temescal and helped a young family get a 4-bedroom house in Castro Valley - both for under asking price. And we helped a newlywed couple get a screaming deal on a 2,600 sqft home in Lower Montclair. Helping clients find their dream home is my happy place.
Important & Timely:
- Earthquakes: If you felt the earthquakes last month, you may like to know that the Earthquake Brace and Bolt Program has extended the application deadline until Oct. 17 at 11:59 pm. You could get a grant of up to $3,000 for seismic upgrades to your home.
- FAIR plan, don't be dropped: My Red Oak colleague was dropped from the FAIR plan because she didn't proactively renew. Apparently, California FAIR plan policies don't automatically renew like regular insurance policies. If you have fire insurance through the FAIR plan, check with your provider about how to keep your plan active.
What does all this mean? Bottom line: buyers have leverage, sellers need precision, and the market feels almost normal. If you've been waiting for calm, this is it. Let's talk next steps.
With Gratitude,
- Marissa
