Chic vs. Geek: Designing Happy

These days, we're spending more time in our homes. Here’s how you can use interior design elements to elevate your happiness.

CHIC (PEARL)

For me, a happy home is a comforting home. That’s why I prefer to keep things cozy with soft elements like plush pillows and fuzzy blankets that invite you to relax. Calming colors can also help to amplify the tranquility of your space. Speaking of space, your living room is typically the top spot for unwinding and the room where the most happy is needed. Lean in to relaxation by decorating your living room with items that make you happy, such as family photos, favorite books, or cherished mementos.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Nothing gets in the way of my pursuit of happiness like clutter. It adds unnecessary stress to your life, so it makes sense that organization would be a key component of a happy home. If you’re the type that can’t help but collect a lot of clutter, I suggest incorporating a lot of closed storage elements to help you easily hide it from the world. Speaking of the world, the happiest homes are often styled in the vibe of popular locales and terrain like rustic, mediterranean, and mountain regions.

COMING SOON: Los Altos

Modern Farmhouse Design in a Desirable Location

5 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | 2,754 sqft | $4.198M

This entirely rebuilt home brings the quintessential modern farmhouse to a quiet street in South Los Altos close to highly acclaimed schools.

But it didn’t always look this way. We put in some work to bring this home back to life, and we think you’ll love the finished product...

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Stay tuned for our Friday Followuo email with more information, and save the date for an open house this Saturday/Sunday from 1-4pm. In the meantime, contact us for more information!

Chic vs. Geek: How to Sell a Home in the Summertime

The weather is heating up, and the local housing market is already hot. But you can’t count on momentum to get you the sale price you want. What can you do to improve your chances?

CHIC (PEARL)

Like the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Spend some time upgrading your curb appeal by keeping your lawn freshly mowed, decorating with new plants and ground coverings, and touching up the paint job. Speaking of paint, color is an extremely important factor in home sales. During the summer, add some lighter tones to brighten up your look. Security also adds value. Try framing your walkways and driveways with lights for a stylish touch.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Buyers are busy shuffling between open houses and all their usual errands, especially if they have kids home from school. Make sure your schedule is flexible enough to meet a buyer when and where they are available. Don’t make them wait for you. And definitely do not skimp on the air conditioning! House hunters will want to escape the heat, and stepping into a nice cool home will instantly put them at ease. You don’t want an ice box either, so set the thermostat at a comfortable level.

Chic vs. Geek: What do buyers want?

We’re still getting used to the “new normal”, and it’s shifting the way buyers are looking at homes, too. So what are the most popular features in a post-COVID world?

CHIC (PEARL)

It shouldn’t be surprising that home offices and big backyards are in high demand. With more employers shifting to hybrid or work-from-home models, a quiet space to Zoom or crush that deadline is becoming more valuable. And being stuck at home is a lot more tolerable when you have a spacious backyard to spread out.

GEEK (KEVIN)

The biggest selling point for a lot of buyers is family space — and not just for socializing. We all know that personal space is just as important, especially when you’ve heard the same family stories a couple hundred times. And with crimes of opportunity on the rise, a secure front porch is becoming another hot item on the COVID market.

Chic vs. Geek: Buying from a Builder

Are you thinking of buying a new construction project directly from the builder? Here are some things you need to know before you sign the contract...

CHIC (PEARL)

We know what you’re thinking: Buying a brand new home sounds like a dream. No creaky floors, no skeletons in the closet, and no surprises in the crawlspace. But you can’t judge a book by its cover. Just like old homes, new constructions come with their own set of potential pitfalls. We suggest you have the home professionally inspected before making any commitments.

GEEK (KEVIN)

The most important thing to remember when you’re buying a brand new construction is that you can’t take anything for granted. A builder will recommend their preferred lender, but shop around for multiple quotes to be sure you’re getting the best deal. And watch out for hidden defects, missing necessities, and pricey upgrades and upsells. Here’s more advice to help you through.