Happy New Year!
You know the whole "earthquake thing" Bay Area homeowners ignore while wearing flip-flops in January?
You might want to think about it before February 21st.
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program grants eligible California homeowners up to $3,000 toward a residential seismic retrofit. This program, only open 30 days a year, helps homeowners prepare for THE BIG ONE. Here's the LINK to see if your home qualifies.
- Local Elections: This week, we had a presentation from the Director of Government Affairs from our local Realtors Association. He explained many of the ballot initiatives impacting homeowners. The upshot? The only good news is he adopted a dog.
- Declutter: Besides Pickleball, I'm now addicted to a monthly visit from my Professional Organizer. It turns out I don't need double prints of my kids' photos from ages 0 until we stopped printing pictures.
Events:
- My colleague Ilan Penson and I will co-host another Declutter, Organize, and Downsize Event in February. Stay tuned for the details.
Real Estate
- When's the right time to buy? Last year, when you could still get affordable home insurance.
- When's the best time to sell? When you want something you don't have, like low taxes or functional local government.
If you're considering buying or selling a house and you'd like a guide and advocate, I know someone.
With Gratitude,
Marissa
P.S. This part has nothing to do with real estate. Last month, I discovered Focusmate, an online platform where you sign up for sessions with a "Mate" to work alongside while you both "Focus." I'm writing this newsletter "with" a pastor in White Horse, Canada, while she empties her email inbox. This feels like a superpower.
