Chic vs. Geek: Condos and Townhomes and PUDs – Oh, my!

You might think they’re all the same, but there are some important differences every homebuyer needs to know before getting started. Good thing we’re here!

CHIC (PEARL)

We’ve all seen condos listed as townhomes and vice versa. And then there’s planned unit developments (aka PUDs), which could be advertised as either one, but are more like single family homes. How do you know what you’re getting before you get too far down the road? If you want to know for sure, you have to look at the preliminary title report that sellers provide to buyers in their disclosure.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Okay, so what’s the difference between a PUD and an HOA? Well, PUDs are basically detached single family homes in a subdivision or other master plan community that offers additional amenities. In a PUD, you own the home, lot, and common area, and PUDs offer a more traditional landowner rights structure than HOAs do, given that HOAs impose particular regulations on residents.

Chic vs. Geek: Cats!

We love our new kitten, and we’ve got some tips for making your home more cat friendly.

CHIC (PEARL)

We just opened our home to an adorable four-legged friend. Her name is Bora. And she is perfect. Okay, almost perfect. Anyway, Kevin and I have been planning ways to make our house a safe and fun playground for Bora. We bought a scratch poll and shelves where she can lay out and scope the scene. And we are not “cat people” per se. We’re just animal-loving realtors.

GEEK (KEVIN)

You know I love a good home construction project, so I’m excited to get started on renovations for the Bora Era. I’m already collecting inspiration, which is how I came across this guide to some outside the box cat-friendly lairs – pun absolutely intended! Are you ready to go the extra mile to make your cats feel at home using high design and decor? Go for it and send us your pics!

Chic vs. Geek: Soundproofing your bedroom

I’m very sensitive to noise, so it’s hard for me to get a full night’s sleep. Any suggestions on what I can do to make my bedroom a more quiet space?

CHIC (PEARL)

I have a client who is very sensitive to noise. She can't sleep with any auditory distractions. We’ve been looking for a condominium or townhomes away from busy streets and airplane zones, and separated from any underground parking entrances and exits. It has been challenging for her to find a home that meets her most important need. Here are some suggestions I offered to her: Cheap, hollow doors are a frequent culprit when it comes to intrusive sounds; switch to a solid door to dampen noises. Additionally, door sweeps and weather stripping can seal the deal when it comes to blocking out airborne sounds.

GEEK (KEVIN)

The goal here is to mute annoyances like the hiss of traffic, loud neighbors, or, in our case, two cranky felines who beg for meals at unreasonable hours. A high-pile floor rug with a dense rug pad underneath, along with thick curtains, can dampen the acoustics and also absorb sounds coming from outside. Another trick is to add a small desk waterfall to generate natural sounds that distract you from the noise of planes, trains, and automobiles. There are costlier measures like soundproofing window inserts or mass loaded vinyl padding. The investment may be higher, but the return — a full night’s sleep — is priceless.

Chic vs. Geek: Thinking about selling?

Anytime is a good time to sell, and we know what it takes to make it happen. You have to make potential buyers fall in love with your home. And our Compass Concierge service is here to help you maximize value without spending too much up front.

CHIC (PEARL)

Compass Concierge is the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price. From painting to flooring to roofing and everything in between, Concierge transforms your home with zero upfront costs and no interest – ever. Exclusive to Compass, our Concierge program is among a suite of services designed to help you prepare your home for the market.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Whether it’s renovations, moving and storage, or other needs, we’ll work with you to assess every opportunity to elevate your home’s value and improve your selling experience. And don’t worry if you can’t afford it out-of-pocket. When your home sells, simply pay back your expenses. By helping you invest in your home's potential, we can get you a faster and more profitable sale.

Chic vs. Geek: Have you read your PG&E bill lately?

You might be surprised to learn how much you’re spending on energy compared to similar homes, but it only takes a little to save a lot.

CHIC (PEARL)

Earth Day always seems to sneak up on us, and this year, it made me think about how much more energy Kevin and I use compared to other homeowners — even after taking steps to reduce our consumption. Over the 12 months of working from home during the pandemic, we managed to cut our monthly PG&E bill in half, from over $400 to around $200. But we are still using 4% more energy use than a similar sized home!

GEEK (KEVIN)

The good news is that from our conscious efforts over the past few months, we’re saving money — and the environment. We avoid doing laundry during peak demand hours (4-9pm). We remember to turn off the lights in a room when it’s not in use. And we crack windows to cool down the house as opposed to blasting the air conditioner. Need more ideas for energy efficiency? Have a look at these tips from PG&E.