Happy Thanksgiving!
I'll start with musings on life in Oakland.
Fun Stuff:
- "My hip-hop group performed a Flash Mob at the Farmer's Market" ...is something I'd never expect to say at 56. Here is a link to the video. I'm a little out of sync with the teacher, but I danced to Thriller dressed as a Zombie. Cut me some slack. (We **MAY**be making an appearance at the Montclair Holiday Stroll.)
- Ilan Penson and I hosted a Spooktacular Kids Craft table the same day. I'd forgotten how much parents crave any distraction for their kids so they can check their phones. We could have made penis ornaments, and the parents would have walked away with a paper bag, grateful for 5 minutes of texting. Parents, "your kids made paper lanterns, not peni."
Homeowner Stuff:
"Real estate is not a passive investment," said Brendt Mullen of BPG Home Inspections.
- Gutters: At Pickleball the other night, I asked, "Has everyone cleaned their gutters before it rains next week?" Response.."Do you have someone who does gutters?" The answer is always yes. I've never felt so popular. Reach out if you, too, are a procrastinator.
Real Estate Changes:
The most significant shifts in the past 30 days revolve around home insurance and realtor commissions.
- Home Insurance: People love old homes for their solid construction, period detail, and quality craftsmanship. But insurance companies don't like outdated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofs. Why? Climate change is stressing these old systems, and insurance companies are going broke. We ARE getting people insured, but it requires a LOT more hustle. Here's a great article from KQED about the topic.
- REALTOR® Commissions: Don't believe what you or your drunk uncle tells you at Thanksgiving - call me instead.
- A lawsuit was filed in Missouri, the National Association of Realtors was named, and the Department of Justice got involved.
- Our management team is all over this and guiding us about how this lawsuit **may** affect our business.
- Our position: The current system best protects buyers and sellers with one of their most valuable assets.
My Real Estate Stuff:
- BUYER: The family in the picture above is happy in a new home in Glenview. The review they wrote made my year."...working with Marissa and seeing her almost every weekend, our toddler was very disappointed to learn that Marissa didn't come with the house! We can't recommend Marissa enough."
- SELLER: My beautiful co-listing with Judy Richardson at 11 Conrad Ct. is pending! This sale is a real-life example of how home insurance changes how homes are bought and sold. Call me for the details.
If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, call me -- it will be fun!
A heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving!
