Happy June!
My goal in this newsletter is to lift your mood and share important information about homeownership. First, the mood-lifting. Here's the text from my 24-year-old son this afternoon.
"After work, I'm headed to GIRLFRIEND's house, then going to a show and sleeping over there. Tomorrow I'll be home for dinner and to do laundry."
Home: where the washer, dryer, and free food live. Don't forget it.
Planting Roots in Montclair
- Ilan Penson and I had an overwhelming turnout for our craft table at the Montclair Beer & Wine Festival last Saturday, with over 100 people decorating vases and planting succulents. Click on the link for pics and video.
What Do Buyer's Agents Do?
Last week, I wrote an offer on a stunning 5-bed, 3.5-bath, 4,000 sq ft home—with a pickleball court, no less! With headlines questioning the value of Real Estate Agents, especially buyer's agents, here's a quick look at how I helped my clients. The hustle is real—and I hustle (in the best way). I hope my clients agree. If you're one of them, let me know. ;-)
- Showed up early: Previewed the house as soon as the lockbox was up, and I was all over the listing agent like a labrador puppy on his first day home.
- Checked the facts: Caught a 1,000 sq ft error in the marketed square footage—no joke.
- Met the seller: He was only there to water the lawn, but we got valuable firsthand info about updates since 2001.
- Talked to neighbors: Learned about traffic, parking, quirky neighbors, and the Calico cat who thinks he owns the place.
- Brought in specialists: A contractor for the value of unpermitted space, and a drainage pro for cost and priority guidance.
- Advised on price: Comps told part of the story; I helped weigh intangibles, such as the flat 10,000 sq ft yard and craftsmanship. My clients decided not to go high on this house, but I'm confident we can find them a home that better suits their needs.
- Found off-market options: I lined up alternative homes through my agent network. We're touring a great option in Piedmont this week.
- Made them laugh: If you've met me, you know that noticing irony in people, places, and things is my special sauce.
Solar Advocates Take Action!
A proposed California law—AB 942—would change how rooftop solar is credited when a home is sold.
- For sellers: Your solar system could be less valuable to buyers, potentially lowering your home's value.
- For buyers: A home with solar may not deliver the savings you expect under the new rate structure.
- For the market, this could discourage upgrades and erode trust in long-term solar investments.
- What can you do? The Solar Rights Alliance provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you make your voice heard.
Pop Quiz: How much is a roll of quarters?
- I was in the painfully slow bank line getting change for the garage sale and asked three people how much a roll of quarters costs—we all got it wrong! Maybe it was the Tuesday afternoon banker demographic (I was the youngest and most mobile by far), but I doubt millennials even know quarters come in rolls. Do you know the answer—no cheating!
Coming Soon: Gorgeous Montclair Home:
- I can't share much about my new listing yet—just that it's a large Mid-Century Modern view home in Montclair, plus front and back yards. Stay tuned for more details.
If you know anyone thinking about buying, selling, or investing in real estate, I'd be grateful for your referral.
Warm Regards,
Marissa
