The Best Things in Life

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They say the best things in life are free, and that’s (mostly) true. But sometimes it’s fun to splurge a little. What are your favorite splurges and the little things you can’t live without?

CHIC (Pearl)

It’s my job to find our clients stylish homes at a price they can afford, so I’m used to getting more with less. When it comes to food, I can’t resist the occasional “cheat day” to try a new restaurant or bring home premium ingredients for one of my favorite dishes. But at the end of the day, the finest meal is made even finer with the company of friendly neighbors — and you can’t put a price tag on that!

GEEK (Kevin)

I’m also fairly frugal and try to get our clients the most bang for their buck with home improvement. That said, I lose my will power in the power tool section of the hardware store. There’s something about the whirring of an electric drill that makes me open my wallet. But when I come home, I can’t wait to grab a shovel and dig around our backyard garden. It’s very relaxing.

Whose side are you on?

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When it comes to first impressions, siding is one of the most important elements of your home. And these days, you have plenty of options to choose from, so don’t get stuck on just brick and wood. Try something fun — and functional — to freshen up your frontage.

CHIC (Pearl)

We recently saw a home with a new face of fiber cement. This material has the log-lasting durability you need in the Bay Area, where we get all kinds of weather — even sleet and snow. When you add a sleek aesthetic and resistance to persistent wildfires, this is one investment that will pay you back whether you’re staying or selling.

GEEK (Kevin)

Taking things down to the studs? Use this opportunity to install steel siding. It won’t melt in the sun or crack in the cold, and it’s resistant to moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot. And unlike traditional siding, it doesn’t need recaulking or repainting down the road. All this will save you big bucks on maintenance!

Dreaming of Home

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We frequently work with buyers who need to compromise between the dream home they want to buy and the home they can afford within their budget, especially with their first purchase. Let's be realistic. That first home doesn't need to be perfect. It’s just a step on your path.

Kevin and I don’t live in our dream home – yet. We don’t know where or when it will become a reality, but we’ve talked enough to know that the dream home we share will be a compromise between our respective dreams and desires…

CHIC (Pearl)

I dream of a brightly lit home with high ceilings and high-performance windows in an open layout, allowing natural light to cascade throughout every room. Most of all, I dream of a beautifully landscaped backyard you can step into from your bedroom, kitchen, or living room.

GEEK (Kevin)

My dream home will be built of 90% steel and concrete. Designed to last 1,000 years, no earthquake, hurricane, flood, or other disaster could destroy it. My goal is to reach the highest level of efficiency and resiliency, with the even more attractive bonus of low maintenance!