New laws for the new year

At a recent economic seminar with the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR), we learned about changes to real estate law beginning January 1st. We’ll have a full update next week, but in the meantime, let’s focus on four new policies…

CHIC (Pearl)

Under current law, you’re allowed to build an ADU (aka Accessory Dwelling Unit) based on your lot size and zoning regulations in your particular city. Starting in the coming year, you’ll be able to sell an ADU with your lender’s consent and other additional restrictions. Even better, the limit for small real estate claims will jump from $10,000 to $12,050!

GEEK (Kevin)

Starting next year, the environmental hazard information you receive from realtors will have new additions about sea level rise, wildfires, and climate change. Also, if a home has been owned for less than 18 months and has a major renovation, the seller not only has to disclose the changes they made and contacts of subcontractors but also the status of all permits.

DIY Traditions

Every family has their own holiday traditions — special games, events, and activities you’ve been sharing for so long you forget where (or why) they started. What’s one of yours?

CHIC (Pearl)

Who’s up for Christmas mimosas, Hanukkah hot toddies, or Kwanzaa croissants? In this family, we do brunch for the holidays. Every Sunday morning is another chance to take a break from the world and get caught up with your loved ones – or whoever you choose to call your family. It’s a great way to close out one year and welcome the next.

GEEK (Kevin)

Two words: Christmas swim. Yeah, I know, parents, there’s an episode of Bluey about this. But back in the olden days, our family would get together at somebody’s house and jump into a heated pool to work off all the excess energy from unwrapping presents and work up an appetite for a big dinner. And sometimes we wouldn’t heat the pool!

Lighting up the night

The annual Festival of Lights Parade in Downtown Los Altos got us all geeked up (and chic’ed up) for holiday decorating, and that got us thinking: When do you flip the switch on your home displays?

CHIC (Pearl)

I love the holidays, and I’m pretty traditional when it comes to timing. Before the day after Thanksgiving became known as “Black Friday,” it was better known as the day to shake off your turkey coma and drag the holiday decorations out of the garage for an afternoon of untangling lights and counting wise men. And that’s more fun to me than shopping at a crowded mall and fighting over parking spots.

GEEK (Kevin)

My philosophy with holiday decorations is go big or — don’t go. If you’re putting up one light strand, you may as well use 20 to make an adequate impression on your neighbors and help your ‘hood feel more festive. As you may have guessed, big displays are my thing, and I save time by starting wicked early. In fact, I keep some outdoor decorations up (unlit) year round to save time on the inevitable setup.

Cookies & Clients

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the 47th Annual Los Altos Festival of Lights parade. We were overjoyed to see many friends and clients stop by a reception at the Los Altos Compass office to share the warm and cozy holiday spirit over drinks, tea, and of course, cookies!

CHIC (Pearl)

I love entertaining. That’s why it’s been so invigorating to get back to live events and interact face-to-face with friends, family, clients, and neighbors. But we also know illness lurks around every corner, so this is a friendly reminder to get your flu shot and COVID vaccine!

GEEK (Kevin)

In case you missed this year’s parade, you can save the date for the next one on December 1, 2024. No one knows what the next year will bring, but if it’s anything like recent history, it’s sure to be exciting and unpredictable. So hold onto your hats and buckle up for a wild ride!

Giving thanks for our clients

With the short holiday work week, today is like Thursday, so we’re giving early thanks to the most important people in our world: our clients. Thank you for sharing your real estate journeys with us!

CHIC (Pearl)

Did you know the first Thanksgiving lasted for three days? Imagine three straight days of Thanksgiving dinners, leftovers, and heartburn! Now imagine what it would be like to have no Thanksgiving dinner at all. Together, we can help all of our friends and neighbors have a happier holiday season by making a donation to a local food bank or volunteering in a community kitchen.

GEEK (Kevin)

Did you know that Thanksgiving is commonly considered the origin of the “TV Dinner”? According to legend, the Swanson company had a bunch of frozen turkeys leftover from Turkey Day in 1953, so they packaged them up with veggies and sold them as individual meals. Of course, that’s not what really happened, according to the Smithsonian. But the truth isn’t as fun.