Happy Summer, Father's Day, and Pride Month
The content in the newsletter below my introduction is very interesting, so you should read it. But it's not as fun as my intro, so there's that.
Real estate stuff:
- Just Sold: 1126 Keeler sold for $1,900,000. Turns out people like unobstructed Bay views, beautiful sunsets, multiple decks, and flexible floor plans. Who knew?
- Top 1.5%: I was recently named to the 2026 RealTrends America's Best Real Estate Professionals list, ranking among the top 1.5% of Realtors nationwide by sales volume. Awards are nice, but what means the most is the trust my clients place in me during some of life's biggest transitions.
- Coming Soon: A magical little Eastmont Hills property on 1/3 of an acre with an outbuilding, outdoor lounge, and enough charm to make you wonder why everyone isn't talking about Eastmont Hills.
As I was prepping 1126 Keeler, it occurred to me how many things Realtors® do behind the scenes. I had 20 items listed, but I know attention spans have a half-life.
Things Listing Agents Do Before Photo Day That No One Talks About
People think listing agents spend their days negotiating offers, analyzing market data, and closing deals. We do those things. But we also:
- Test-drive multiple doormats to determine which one says, "This house is worth $500,000 over asking."
- Place doorstops in strategic locations because the house has opinions about airflow.
- Add mulch to the fake potted plants to make them look real. If buyers can have trust issues, so can ficus trees.
- Remove evidence that humans once lived here, and any sign of joy.
- Sweep the floors. Cinderella vibes, minus the prince.
- Check every toilet one last time because experience is a brutal teacher.
- Fill candy bowls for open house guests. Questionable nutritional value is acceptable for children who are not mine.
- Hang attractive clothes in a closet so buyers can imagine themselves being the kind of people who fold sweaters.
- Move one chair three inches to the left. Stand back. Move it two inches to the right. Nailed it.
- Rearrange the flowers 3 times.
And much more, but I won't bore you.
And then, after the house sells and the staging is removed, we do everything in reverse. Real estate is glamorous like that.
Last thing:
- Montclair Beer and Wine Festival. Usually, I co-host a booth at the Montclair Beer and Wine Festival with a craft for adults and kids. Ilan Penson and I bring terracotta vases, soil, and succulents so everyone can "Plant Roots in Montclair," and decorate the vases for Father's Day or Pride Month. But this year I'm headed off to pickleball camp at Rancho La Puerta, so we'll miss it.
If you or someone you know is thinking of buying, selling, or investing in real estate anywhere in the world, I appreciate your referrals. I'm on it in the East Bay, and I will personally vet local experts for you in the US and abroad. Thank you!
With Gratitude,
Marissa
