Lighting up the night

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The annual Festival of Lights Parade in Downtown Los Altos got us all geeked up (and chic’ed up) for holiday decorating, and that got us thinking: When do you flip the switch on your home displays?

CHIC (Pearl)

I love the holidays, and I’m pretty traditional when it comes to timing. Before the day after Thanksgiving became known as “Black Friday,” it was better known as the day to shake off your turkey coma and drag the holiday decorations out of the garage for an afternoon of untangling lights and counting wise men. And that’s more fun to me than shopping at a crowded mall and fighting over parking spots.

GEEK (Kevin)

My philosophy with holiday decorations is go big or — don’t go. If you’re putting up one light strand, you may as well use 20 to make an adequate impression on your neighbors and help your ‘hood feel more festive. As you may have guessed, big displays are my thing, and I save time by starting wicked early. In fact, I keep some outdoor decorations up (unlit) year round to save time on the inevitable setup.

A Tale of Two Markets

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October was a month of polar opposites for home and condo sales in San Mateo County. While home sales bumped up 1% from one year ago, sales prices increased 8%, and homes are spending less time on the market.

Meanwhile, condo sales dropped 14% from 2022, prices fell 8% YOY, and properties are sitting on the market for two weeks longer than last year at this time.

Cookies & Clients

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Thanks to everyone who joined us at the 47th Annual Los Altos Festival of Lights parade. We were overjoyed to see many friends and clients stop by a reception at the Los Altos Compass office to share the warm and cozy holiday spirit over drinks, tea, and of course, cookies!

CHIC (Pearl)

I love entertaining. That’s why it’s been so invigorating to get back to live events and interact face-to-face with friends, family, clients, and neighbors. But we also know illness lurks around every corner, so this is a friendly reminder to get your flu shot and COVID vaccine!

GEEK (Kevin)

In case you missed this year’s parade, you can save the date for the next one on December 1, 2024. No one knows what the next year will bring, but if it’s anything like recent history, it’s sure to be exciting and unpredictable. So hold onto your hats and buckle up for a wild ride!