Did you receive this water notice?

If you live in Mountain View, you’ve probably received a notice like this one. It’s hard to make sacrifices when it comes to basic comforts like water, but we all need to do our part. I just hope we don’t have to give up hot water showers and our jacuzzi!

Please share any similar notices you’ve received in your neighborhood.

Raise a glass to 2022!

To all of our friends, family, and clients — who are more like friends and family — we wish you a wonderful 2022 filled with love and happiness!

Are you ready to ring in the new year with a little style? Instead of settling for a traditional champagne toast, try one of these 15 fabulous cocktail recipes that are worth staying up until midnight — and beyond!

Cheers!

Chic vs. Geek: Year In Review

2021 has been a truly historic year in real estate, and to prove it, we’re serving up a feast of information with a side of market stats. Dig in!

CHIC (PEARL)

Empowered by low interest rates, a record number of home buyers found their forever homes. 31% of all home buyers were first-time buyers, and 92% of agents agree low interest rates continue to boost buyer demand. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of a U.S. home was $356,700 in 2021, a 14.9% increase from one year prior. 53% of agents report that inventory in their market is rising modestly as of Q3, and 76% of agents say homes may get multiple offers but with fewer bids per home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Nationwide, 95% of agents report it’s still a seller’s market, no matter where you look. 46% of agents say buyers will use savings from simplified living during the pandemic to afford homes in the current environment, while 45% of agents are seeing buyers turn to relatives or generational wealth to fund their home purchases. 37% of agents have seen buyers liquidate gains in stock market wealth to put toward a home, and 64% of agents in the Pacific region have seen a recent increase in ADUs/in-law units thanks in part to newly reduced regulations.

As we celebrate the holidays, we want to express our appreciation for you and all of our clients. From Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz, thank you for choosing us to help you find your place in the world. Please reach out for insights on your next move, and never hesitate to provide us with a referral!

Winter Gratitude: What we have. What we can give.

Tuesday might mark the official Winter Solstice, but we’re already feeling the season’s first chill. That’s why we’re grateful for the roof over our heads and the hot cup of cocoa in our hands, and we pause to offer comfort to those who are not so fortunate this time of year.

Please consider donating to a local charity doing good things in your community. If you need suggestions, the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits put together this guide.