On the Road: The Sea Ranch

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We took a trip about two and a half hours north of San Francisco to the Sea Ranch, a planned community in unincorporated Sonoma County, and one of our favorite spots to poke around. While we were in the area, we connected with a local real estate agent from the Liisberg Company and learned that the Sea Ranch is a popular spot among San Francisco urbanites looking to buy a vacation/rental home.

We were both amazed by the unique and interesting architecture found throughout the Sea Ranch, where some of the world’s most innovative designers crafted homes to blend into their natural surroundings.. Even their fireplaces look cool! You can read more about the Sea Ranch style in this piece from the New York Times, and take a deep dive into the history with the folks at Dwell.

Want to learn more?

Chic vs. Geek: Soundproofing your bedroom

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I’m very sensitive to noise, so it’s hard for me to get a full night’s sleep. Any suggestions on what I can do to make my bedroom a more quiet space?

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CHIC (PEARL)

I have a client who is very sensitive to noise. She can't sleep with any auditory distractions. We’ve been looking for a condominium or townhomes away from busy streets and airplane zones, and separated from any underground parking entrances and exits. It has been challenging for her to find a home that meets her most important need. Here are some suggestions I offered to her: Cheap, hollow doors are a frequent culprit when it comes to intrusive sounds; switch to a solid door to dampen noises. Additionally, door sweeps and weather stripping can seal the deal when it comes to blocking out airborne sounds.

GEEK (KEVIN)

The goal here is to mute annoyances like the hiss of traffic, loud neighbors, or, in our case, two cranky felines who beg for meals at unreasonable hours. A high-pile floor rug with a dense rug pad underneath, along with thick curtains, can dampen the acoustics and also absorb sounds coming from outside. Another trick is to add a small desk waterfall to generate natural sounds that distract you from the noise of planes, trains, and automobiles. There are costlier measures like soundproofing window inserts or mass loaded vinyl padding. The investment may be higher, but the return — a full night’s sleep — is priceless.

Chic vs. Geek: Thinking about selling?

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Anytime is a good time to sell, and we know what it takes to make it happen. You have to make potential buyers fall in love with your home. And our Compass Concierge service is here to help you maximize value without spending too much up front.

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CHIC (PEARL)

Compass Concierge is the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price. From painting to flooring to roofing and everything in between, Concierge transforms your home with zero upfront costs and no interest – ever. Exclusive to Compass, our Concierge program is among a suite of services designed to help you prepare your home for the market.

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GEEK (KEVIN)

Whether it’s renovations, moving and storage, or other needs, we’ll work with you to assess every opportunity to elevate your home’s value and improve your selling experience. And don’t worry if you can’t afford it out-of-pocket. When your home sells, simply pay back your expenses. By helping you invest in your home's potential, we can get you a faster and more profitable sale.

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Cut your carbon footprint – and your tax bill

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As a homeowner, you can save money, make your home more energy efficient, and even add value to your property by taking advantage of financial assistance programs offered by state and federal agencies: