Festival of Lights

We're thrilled to invite you to the Compass Los Altos Festival of Lights Pre-Parade Reception, a joyous celebration for the whole family! Enjoy a coffee cart stocked with piping hot cider, rich cocoa, and an array of delectable sweet treats. Complimentary parking is available before and during the parade.

We can't wait to share the joy of the season with you and your loved ones. See you there?

WHEN: Sunday, November 26, 4:00-6:00pm

WHERE: Compass Los Altos, 167 S. San Antonio Road, Suite 1

Home office upgrade

COVID-19 fundamentally changed the way we look at office space, and many of us have found happiness working from home. We’ve got some tips to make your home office more inviting!

CHIC (Pearl)

Now that it’s been a few years, you should probably think about upscaling that temporary office you converted out of a spare bedroom. A fresh coat of paint can help set the tone and create a more productive vibe. I’d also suggest retiring that folding table to the garage and finding a proper desk with actual drawers to store your pens, papers — and midday snacks!

GEEK (Kevin)

Don’t stop at the walls. Remember, flooring is the foundation to every room. If you’re still rocking shag carpet in your home office, consider an upgrade to fabricated wood, vinyl, or laminate. A good contractor can make the swap in one day’s work, so there’s no need to fear a protracted process. And the final result will make your home office feel more professional.

Trick or Treat? Chic or Geek?

73% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween today, and we all do it a little differently (see more in Number Talk). How do you make the most of this boo-tiful day?

CHIC (Pearl)

I love dressing up, and it’s always fun to see even the most “normal” neighbors embrace their creativity with costumes from kids shows to comic books. I may be too old for tricks, and I’ve learned to moderate my sweet tooth, but our house will still be the place to go for the best treats – including full-size candy bars and caramel apples – as long as you come dressed for success!

GEEK (Kevin)

You might’ve guessed my favorite part of Halloween is the decorations. If kids want a treat from the Chic’s candy bowl, they’ll have to get past the tricks in the Geek’s haunted front yard. I’m pulling all the skeletons out of the closet for the first time in years, and I’ve invested in cutting edge spooky tech to take things up a notch! Think you can make it to our front door? Good luck.

Scared of selling?

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!

Treating Yourself to a Home Spa

These days, with the stress of pandemics and wildfires and uncertain markets bearing down, we could all use an escape from the world outside to focus on self care. A home spa is one way to bring more peace and tranquility to your life, and we have some tips for doing it right.

CHIC (Pearl)

First thing’s first: You need the right tub — something you can crawl into for a deep soak at the end of a long day. While you’re in there, light up some eucalyptus-scented essential oil candles to put you in the mood to chill. And be sure to have a stack of fluffy Turkish white bath towels handy. As for decorations, keep it clean and keep it simple, adding plants or fresh flowers for pops of color.

GEEK (Kevin)

If shutting out the world is your thing, I recommend ceiling lights with dimmers and “blackout” blinds for the windows. When I’m relaxing, I don’t want to know if it’s day or night. Working from the ground up on design, I’m a big fan of heated tiles and a wraparound steam shower. And because I’m usually exhausted by the time I hop into the shower, a wooden sitting chair is a must.