Overpriced & Undersold

Even in a sellers’ market, savvy buyers are always hunting for opportunity. Price reductions are like chum on the water and could lead to a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars on the sale. So how can you get the price you want?

CHIC (Pearl)

Like the saying goes, there’s no second chance to make a first impression. Get your home in tip-top shape to show it in the best possible light. A fresh paint job, window cleaning, and flooring refinish can turn ho-hum into yahoo! But nobody will appreciate all your work without a comprehensive marketing plan. Back up a targeted email and social media campaign with old school mailers to cover all your bases.

GEEK (Kevin)

Don’t let an agent tell you what you want to hear. Sometimes, they’re just looking for a pay day, and it’s not just unethical, it’s also against the law. Hire an agent who knows how to negotiate effectively on your behalf and successfully manage the disclosure due diligence processes. It’s also critical to find someone who knows the numbers. Local comps and market conditions are your best bet for finding the right price the first time.

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

Lighting is a key item on any buyer’s checklist, and you don't need fancy lamps or chandeliers. Here are some simple solutions for using natural light to help your home shine bright like a diamond.

CHIC (Pearl)

From a design perspective, it can be easier than you’d think to make your home feel warmer, brighter, and more open. Try painting your walls and ceilings white (or off-white) and placing mirrors strategically to help bounce natural light throughout the house and make your spaces feel larger. If you have a big collection of artwork to display, hang light colored pieces on the walls to add warmth and combine style with function.

GEEK (Kevin)

Finding the right balance of lighting for your home is like a physics problem just waiting to be solved. First, remove any obstructions from your windows and keep them squeaky clean to allow the maximum amount of uninterrupted sunlight to get inside. Choose brightly-colored furniture that allows light to pass above, beneath, or even through it. And if you need an extra boost from above, try adding solar tubes or skylights in the ceiling.

Drawing the (property) lines

Knowing the precise location of your property lines is crucial for a number of reasons, and there are just as many ways to find them. Let’s look at the how and why.

CHIC (Pearl)

I’ll take the “How?” The first thing you can do is consult your deed, the fundamental legal document that defines your property’s boundaries and dimensions. If the deed does not suffice, you could hire a professional surveyor to conduct an assessment, research property maps at your local assessor's office or land records department to access property maps. It’s also fun to hunt for physical markers like metal stakes, stone walls, fences, or even neighboring structures. And of course, it’s helpful to be on good speaking terms with your neighbors. Open communication can solve any problem.

GEEK (Kevin)

Guess that means I’m here to tell you the “Why?” Bottom line: Property lines establish ownership rights and prevent encroachment and trespassing by your neighbors and other randos. Knowing your lines also comes in handy when you’re planning a renovation or new build. The last thing you want to do is get on your neighbors’ bad side. So play nice. Happy block, happy flock. Oh, and don’t forget your property lines determine your property size and consequently, your property value. At the end of the day, if there’s any doubt, enlist the talents of a professional. The peace of mind is worth the price.

New city. Who this?

The cost of living in California has many people on the move to new cities and new adventures. What are some of the resources you can use to get familiar with your future home?

CHIC (Pearl)

The first thing you can do before you pack a single box is check an online travel guide like Tripadvisor, lonely planet, or TimeOut. These sites are full of tips and insights for travelers, and that’s exactly what you are! You’re just staying a little longer. Speaking of which, you can check local government websites in your new city to learn about population demographics and public services like schools, transportation, and safety. It’s also a good idea to understand the city’s governance.

GEEK (Kevin)

If you’re moving to save money, you’d be wise to crunch the numbers and make sure your new city fits your current budget! You can use websites like Numbeo or Expatistan to get an estimate of the cost of living in cities you’re considering, including the current price of goods and services. Another great resource is local news. Reading the city newspaper or browsing local news websites can help you get a sense of the big issues and challenges you might face after your move.

Back to the office?

With many employers incentivizing their teams to return to in-person work, more and more workers are opting to stay home — even quitting their jobs in some cases. So what would get you back to the office?

CHIC (Pearl)

After three years of working from home, I’ve been feeling a little Zoomed out and detached from the real world. I thrive on the energy of other people, and pandemic life has been a struggle. Don’t get me wrong! It’s been super fun spending more time with Kevin and Bora. But occasionally, it helps to get out of the house and into a space with like-minded teammates working toward the same goal.

GEEK (Kevin)

The past few years have been rough, but like any tragedy, a lot of good has come out of the bad. When COVID first hit, I had a feeling we were in for the long haul, so I invested in all the bells and whistles for our home office: high-powered WiFi, a top-notch coffee maker, and one of those ring lights for slick Zoom visuals. If you want me back at the office, you better offer great snacks!