Chic vs. Geek: Work From Home Edition

What are some helpful habits and activities to keep us healthy in mind and body during the shelter in place?

CHIC (PEARL)

It’s important that we all remember to take care of ourselves each and every day, and especially while we’re all stuck at home during this health crisis. I find it helps if I carve out time for personal wellness checks, so I’ve been taking 10 minutes every day for short, easy exercises and a little yoga. There’s no equipment, no monthly payments, and no sweaty chairs left by inconsiderate gym rats. Who could ask for anything more? Need a little motivation? There are a bunch of apps and websites where you can find easy-to-follow beginner workouts.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I don’t know about you, but when I’m stuck at home, I’m not thinking about working out. It’s all about the bread, baby! Sourdough bread, that is, which has become my own personal science project! Over five weeks of working from home, I’ve baked 15 sourdough loaves from scratch – including olive, chocolate, and rosemary – using my own starter (that's the mix of flour, water, wild yeast, and bacteria that helps sourdough rise and creates its distinctive flavor). I’ll admit that there have been failures along the way, but email me for tips, and I’ll send you my starter recipe!

Number Talk: Lagging Market Indicators

There’s always a lag of about 3 to 6+ weeks between a new listing coming to market, an offer being negotiated and accepted, and the close of sale. This means almost all the data we have as of the first week of April still reflects the market before the shelter-in-place rules went into effect. And in virtually all Bay Area counties, median sale prices were actually quite strong in March.

The spring selling season is usually the most active of the year and, typically, the standard market indicators - new listings coming on market, total listings for sale, listings going into contract, sales closing escrow - all climb steadily from March to June.

As you might expect, all of these standard indicators have seen very significant declines during the shelter in place. At the same time, the number of listings pulled off the market has spiked. That said, even though inventory is down, listings continue to go into contract.

– The Geek

Introducing: Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale is a prime spot at the center of Silicon Valley. It’s home to just as many mom-and-pop businesses as tech startups – with a rich history that follows the evolution of valley from orchards to office parks. The comfy, sunny climate is blended with easy access to transit, shopping, and highly-rated schools.

With a population of over 150,000, Sunnyvale is the seventh largest city in the Bay Area and second largest in Santa Clara County. It’s a city of technology and innovation, but also quiet family neighborhoods and a diverse community. You’ll feel right at home no matter where you roam.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

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.