Chic vs. Geek: DIY with the Geek!

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Pandemic inflation has labor and material costs soaring, so the Geek decided we should build our own closet organizer. What are the pros and cons of doing it yourself?

CHIC (PEARL)

When it comes to home improvement, I’m a big fan of hiring professionals. After all, if you’ve invested your life in your home, you should want to get the job done right the first time. I’m lucky enough to live with the Geek, and he’s a pretty handy guy! But if you don't have your own wood shop, you can always order something custom from one local shop or another.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I knew this project wouldn’t be as easy as the show racks we saw in the store, but considering a custom closet would cost us $6,000-$7,000, I was ready to go DIY, and the Chic was willing to let me do my best. Of course, eight sheets of plywood ran us about $1,700 (twice as much as a year ago), so no matter who’s doing the work, it’s going to cost you a pretty penny.

Chic vs. Geek: Buying or Building?

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We often meet buyers who are debating between buying an existing home and building a new one. Some buyers start out looking for a fixer-upper and end up building their dream home because they couldn’t find the right fit with their budget. What are the pros of each approach?

CHIC (PEARL)

Buying an existing home has obvious advantages like a short turnaround from closing to move in. It also gives you a chance to settle into a new home and a new lifestyle if you don’t want to make remodel decisions right away – or if you don’t have the money for renovations right now. You also have the chance to walk through the actual home instead of picturing it from blueprints, and you’re generally moving to an existing neighborhood with established services and local schools.

GEEK (KEVIN)

It may be faster to move in and get settled in a resale home, but if you truly want to live in your dream home, there’s nothing better than designing your own living space from scratch. You can personalize each and every nook and cranny and take advantage of all the latest features to maximize energy efficiency and save money over the life of the house. And plus, you get that “new car” smell and the satisfaction of knowing that you won’t need to replace any major appliances for a long, long time.

Chic vs. Geek: An agent or a partner?

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Selling a home is one of the biggest things you’ll ever do. You want to work with an agent who will do more than just get the sale. We use our unique perspective and experience to guide you through the process from start to finish – and beyond! Here’s how…

CHIC (PEARL)

Whether you need to increase your property value or expedite your sale, we’ll give you custom solutions that are just as unique as your home. Need to upgrade your home to sell at a higher price but don’t have the funds? Our Compass Concierge program can provide you with a no-interest loan, and I have an eye for how to curate a strategic first impression that drives buyer excitement. By expertly staging and strategically marketing your home, we can drive early offers, and make your sale as profitable as possible!

GEEK (KEVIN)

As you’d expect for realtors in the heart of Silicon Valley, we use live data to competitively price your home based on today's market. With access to real time market data, I can provide you with a targeted valuation strategy that drives results. Additionally, Compass proprietary technology allows us to compare your home price to similar listings so we can sell with confidence. Get in touch today to start the conversation and discover more about how we can elevate your selling experience.

Chic vs. Geek: The Benefits of Paying Taxes

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Buying your first home can be a daunting commitment when you add up a monthly mortgage, property tax increases, and potential renovations. But there’s a silver lining to these expenses.

CHIC (PEARL)

It may seem like a long, uphill climb now, but I guarantee that nobody who bought their first home 10 years ago regrets the decision, no matter what they had to pay. That’s mainly due to the appreciation of the home’s value, but it’s also about the tax benefits. For one thing, you’re living in the home rent-free, and you’re not being taxed on income from renting the property. You can also deduct mortgage interest and property tax payments, as well as certain other expenses from your federal taxable income, as long as you take the time to itemize your deductions. Additionally, you can exclude capital gains you get from the eventual sale of the home – up to a limit, of course!

GEEK (KEVIN)

True, the benefits of homeownership outweigh any of the negatives, but it’s important to note that homeowner tax deductions and exclusions are worth more for folks in higher tax brackets than to those in lower brackets. For example, according to the Tax Policy Center, deducting $2,000 for paid property taxes saves someone in the top tax bracket about $740, but it only saves a taxpayer in the standard bracket $440. And despite representing only 26% percent of all taxpayers, folks with incomes of $100,000 or more get 90% percent of the tax benefits from the mortgage interest deduction. That’s because they’re likely paying more and itemizing their returns.