Chic vs. Geek: Know Your Market

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It seems like a seller’s paradise out there right now, but how can you be sure to get the price you want with a quick turnaround?

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CHIC (PEARL)

With all these bidding wars ending in sales prices well above listing in Silicon Valley, it’s easy to think all you need to do is put your property on the market to get a big, quick sale. But it’s not that easy. First impressions are still important. So don’t skimp on the spruce. Give your home a facelift with a new paint job or other upgrade, and make sure to get the word out through a strong marketing campaign.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Price is just as important as looks. You may end up selling high, but you can’t necessarily start there. If you want to create a bidding war, go with a reasonable listing price and let the buyers take it from there. Oh, and don’t just take the highest offer. The terms of the deal can be just as lucrative, like cash up front, more time to stay in the house until you find a new home, or other perks.

Chic vs. Geek: Defensible Space

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If you haven’t noticed, wildfires are becoming more of the norm than a random occurrence. So how can you create a barrier of protection around your home?

CHIC (PEARL)

CalFire uses the term “defensible space” to describe a buffer between buildings on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or other wild areas surrounding it. By creating a defensible space around your home, you can slow or stop the spread of wildfire and save your property from a tragic ending from embers, flames, or excessive heat. This space also provides firefighters a safe space to work while protecting your home. Learn more.

GEEK (KEVIN)

It’s important to keep your property lean and green to help protect your family and home, but “home hardening” is also essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. A few ideas: re-roof with materials such as composition, metal, clay or tile; install dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire; or remodel your walls with ignition resistant building materials. Get more tips from CalFire.

Weekly Gratitude: SOLD in the Villages!

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Do you remember the listing we told you about in the Villages community of Evergreen a couple weeks back? Yesterday, our client SOLD the property. There were multiple offers on the table, and we chose a cash offer with no contingencies and closing within 8 days.

As an added bonus, our seller spent less than $30K on upgrades to the house and got $80K more than they expected. We are so happy for them!

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BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Chic vs. Geek: Backyard Summer Fun

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Students are heading back to school, but it’s not too late to seize the waning days of summer — from the comfort of your backyard!

CHIC (PEARL)

I like to go romantic and relaxing! Bask in the warm summer nights with a movie under the stars. Make yourself comfortable and project a summer classic. Just don’t forget the popcorn! Want to treat yourself? Turn your outdoor space into a spa with relaxing mud masks and body scrubs. Detox and exfoliate while safely soaking up some Vitamin D. Or pitch a tent in the backyard and line it with pillows and blankets or a big air mattress for a romantic getaway — at home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

As you might’ve guessed, for me, everything is much better with food. Bring the gourmet to the great outdoors with campfire fondue! Gather around the firepit — real or gas — melt your favorite delicacies, and serve them alongside fresh fruits and veggies. Make the fondue sweet or savory using cheese or chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, three simple ingredients and an open flame add up to the summer's most iconic treat and my favorite outdoor dessert: s’mores!