Pricing matters.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Just take a look at the numbers. Homes that go through a price reduction spend nearly two months longer on the market and sell for around 10% less than homes without price reductions. That’s a significant difference, and another reminder to price your home to sell, not to shock.

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!

Why are people on the move?

According to the U.S. Census, Americans are on the move, with 8.7% of the population changing their environment in 2022 alone. Why? There are a number of factors. The aspiration to move from renting to owning is part of everyone’s home dreams. Proximity to family is also a critical component, especially with the cost of childcare. And of course, housing affordability and the cost of living are also huge factors.

It’s interesting to note that young people and seniors are the most motivated demographics to move, and for many of the same reasons like new jobs and career opportunities. Check the numbers for additional insights.

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.