Overpriced & Undersold

Even in a sellers’ market, savvy buyers are always hunting for opportunity. Price reductions are like chum on the water and could lead to a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars on the sale. So how can you get the price you want?

CHIC (Pearl)

Like the saying goes, there’s no second chance to make a first impression. Get your home in tip-top shape to show it in the best possible light. A fresh paint job, window cleaning, and flooring refinish can turn ho-hum into yahoo! But nobody will appreciate all your work without a comprehensive marketing plan. Back up a targeted email and social media campaign with old school mailers to cover all your bases.

GEEK (Kevin)

Don’t let an agent tell you what you want to hear. Sometimes, they’re just looking for a pay day, and it’s not just unethical, it’s also against the law. Hire an agent who knows how to negotiate effectively on your behalf and successfully manage the disclosure due diligence processes. It’s also critical to find someone who knows the numbers. Local comps and market conditions are your best bet for finding the right price the first time.

Labor Day Weekend Tips

Are you ready for the big three-day weekend that signals the beginning of the end of summer? Here are some tips for things to do, recipes to try, and drinks to mix. Let us know if you try any of these and how it turns out!

Speaking of Labor Day, there’s nothing like a cool treat on a long, hot weekend. Just in time, the Mountain View Voice curated this list of the top 10 spots to grab an ice cream on the Peninsula. And they’re serving a lot more than chocolate and vanilla!

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

Lighting is a key item on any buyer’s checklist, and you don't need fancy lamps or chandeliers. Here are some simple solutions for using natural light to help your home shine bright like a diamond.

CHIC (Pearl)

From a design perspective, it can be easier than you’d think to make your home feel warmer, brighter, and more open. Try painting your walls and ceilings white (or off-white) and placing mirrors strategically to help bounce natural light throughout the house and make your spaces feel larger. If you have a big collection of artwork to display, hang light colored pieces on the walls to add warmth and combine style with function.

GEEK (Kevin)

Finding the right balance of lighting for your home is like a physics problem just waiting to be solved. First, remove any obstructions from your windows and keep them squeaky clean to allow the maximum amount of uninterrupted sunlight to get inside. Choose brightly-colored furniture that allows light to pass above, beneath, or even through it. And if you need an extra boost from above, try adding solar tubes or skylights in the ceiling.

Back to school tools

Want to help your kids tap into their creative powers and purpose? Our client and good friend helped create the TaleTree app to provide kids with the opportunity to connect creatively with friends around the world and experience life-changing interactions with role-model professionals. Learn more on their website.

Drawing the (property) lines

Knowing the precise location of your property lines is crucial for a number of reasons, and there are just as many ways to find them. Let’s look at the how and why.

CHIC (Pearl)

I’ll take the “How?” The first thing you can do is consult your deed, the fundamental legal document that defines your property’s boundaries and dimensions. If the deed does not suffice, you could hire a professional surveyor to conduct an assessment, research property maps at your local assessor's office or land records department to access property maps. It’s also fun to hunt for physical markers like metal stakes, stone walls, fences, or even neighboring structures. And of course, it’s helpful to be on good speaking terms with your neighbors. Open communication can solve any problem.

GEEK (Kevin)

Guess that means I’m here to tell you the “Why?” Bottom line: Property lines establish ownership rights and prevent encroachment and trespassing by your neighbors and other randos. Knowing your lines also comes in handy when you’re planning a renovation or new build. The last thing you want to do is get on your neighbors’ bad side. So play nice. Happy block, happy flock. Oh, and don’t forget your property lines determine your property size and consequently, your property value. At the end of the day, if there’s any doubt, enlist the talents of a professional. The peace of mind is worth the price.