Scared of selling?

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Spooked about making a move this season? We’re here to offer you peace of mind and confidence in listing your home. Carve out some time today!

CHIC (Pearl)

If you’re looking to shine a spotlight on your home, now is the time! Inventory remains low, with Santa Clara County experiencing a 30% decline in September year over year (see more in Number Talk), and San Mateo County dipping 17%. According to the National Association of Realtors, this tight market shows no signs of expanding anytime soon, which means sellers should expect multiple offers, bidding wars, and quick sales. If you need further proof, local homes are spending an average of just 20 days on the market.

GEEK (Kevin)

At the same time, high interest rates and limited inventory aren’t deterring first-time home buyers, who continue to enter the market and are accounting for 29% of all sales, according to the same NAR report. Meanwhile, all-cash offers account for 27% of sales, allowing for a diverse range of purchasing options. In other words, you should have no problem finding a qualified buyer. And with more than 3 offers on average, you’ll probably have a tough decision to make. But that’s what I call a good problem to have!

Are you asking the right questions?

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There’s no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to selling your home. But it’s hard for a seller to know the right questions to ask if they’ve never done this before. That’s why it’s important to pick an agent who knows the answers. 

CHIC (Pearl)

Beyond the basics of price and commission, it’s important to ask an agent about their marketing strategy. How can they ensure your property gets maximum exposure in a crowded market? Related to this is timing. Is now the best time to put your property on the market? If so, why? If not, why not, and what would be a better time? And there’s nothing wrong with asking an agent directly why they are the best person for the job. If they can’t answer that question, it’s a big red flag!

GEEK (Kevin)

As a numbers guy, it’s important for me to know about valuation and pricing. How will the agent get you top dollar without scaring off potential buyers? How do they plan to handle a bidding war? Can they guarantee none of the buyers will walk away before you get the offer you want? And what will the agent do to mitigate your risk by avoiding contingencies in the contract? A successful sale requires attention to detail, and your agent should reflect that.

Gratitude: Client Success Story

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Yesterday, we helped these clients close escrow and become homeowners after beating out a field of 41 buyers on a very competitive property. The family is originally from Texas and were surprised by Silicon Valley home prices. At first, it was hard to swallow. But after working with us, they found a home for their growing team! We are so grateful that we were able to make their dream a reality. They are now one step closer to building their wealth for their future.

As you can see, Kevin was super excited for our new friends!

Chic vs. Geek: Buyer fatigue — or exhaustion?

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Even the most patient people get worn down by the real estate market. How can homebuyers avoid burnout?

Stressed out couple help.jpg

CHIC (PEARL)

First thing’s first: Know what you want and have a plan. If you don’t stick to a clear vision and price range, you’ll get stuck stressing over the details, and you might miss out on some great opportunities. And don’t get lost in a sea of listings. Pick your top targets and focus your energy on them.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Just like pro athletes, you have to dig deep and find that second and third wind to get to the end of your real estate journey. When it comes to keeping your eyes on the prize, it’s important to have a partner in the journey who you can trust — whether it’s your agent or your friend. We try to be both.