Chic vs. Geek: COVID-19 Scams

How can we make sure to avoid scammers and Zoom bombers during the shelter in place?

CHIC (PEARL)

The authorization of COVID-19 relief funds by the federal government under the CARES Act has seen a rise in scammers trying to divert those funds into their own pockets. Here are some helpful tips for staying safe online and avoiding any delay in receiving vital relief funds coming your way. And stay tuned to the Federal Trade Commission for updates and alerts about coronavirus-related scams.

GEEK (KEVIN)

While we’re all socially distancing, and some of us are learning to work from home, virtual meetings have become the new norm for meeting, organizing, and socializing – sometimes all at once! However, popular tools like Zoom and WebEx have also become a target for hackers looking to get access to your personal information. Here’s a guidebook to lock down your online meetings.

Introducing: Willow Glen

Willow Glen is known for tree-lined residential streets, shopping along bustling Lincoln Avenue, great schools, and friendly neighbors. Casual dining options include family-friendly restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias, and the neighborhood frequently holds downtown festivals, including art and wine walk events.

Almost a century ago, Willow Glen was its own city before being annexed by the City of San José, and the historic charm still remains. The neighborhood is centered around Lincoln between Willow and Minnesota Avenues, featuring repurposed buildings like the Garden Theater alongside modern developments like the Willow Glen Town Square.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Number Talk: Coronavirus Update

Around the Bay Area, many homes have been pulled off the market due to the COVID-19 crisis. But the sellers who are still out there desperately need to find buyers, which means you could get a great deal if you’re ready to act now!

– The Geek

Chic vs. Geek: Green Homes

It’s not always easy to tell a green home from a not-so-green one, and that’s because most green upgrades are “invisible”. There are five basic areas to consider when evaluating a green home: planning and design, energy efficiency, material conservation, water conservation, and environment. But there are tons of ways to make your home more sustainable.

CHIC (PEARL)

One easy way to save energy is to install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy. You can take it a step further with a programmable thermostat to make sure you’re only using your heating and air conditioning appliances when you really need them. Programmable thermostats contain no toxic mercury like thermometer-based models, and, in some climates, they can save up to $150 a year in energy costs!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Did you know the average household spends 11% of its energy budget on lighting? Traditional incandescent lamps only convert about 10% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest becomes heat. Investing in new lighting technologies, like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can reduce your energy use for lighting alone by 50% to 75%. Have a look at these additional tips, and let us know if you have any questions about making your home a little greener!

Chic vs. Geek: Shelter in Place

As the shelter in place order spreads to the entire state of California, what’s your state of mind?

CHIC (PEARL)

Many brokerages have canceled open houses for all of their listings, and they’re limiting private in-person tours to two customers at a time. When I show a home to a client, I always think ahead and bring a respirator and disinfectant.

Healthy clients = Healthy realtors!

GEEK (KEVIN)

To be honest, there’s not a whole lot of difference. Everything is the same except we’re doing it all from home. Sure, it makes me a little grumpy, but I have one simple rule:

When life gives you lemons... grab some tequila and make it a party!

Or something like that. Anyway, here's a gif of a goat. Stay safe out there.