Chic vs. Geek: Get your mask on!

Why do we have to wear masks when we go out in public, and what kind of mask will save lives? Everyone seems to have a different take, and it’s confusing us. Bottom line: There are two reasons to wear a mask: protecting yourself and protecting those around you. My mask protects you, and your masks protect me! And when it comes to the basics, just about any kind of cover will do...

CHIC (PEARL)

If you care about the health and safety of your loved ones – and anyone you encounter when you venture out of the house during shelter in place – you should wear a mask. Remember, you can have coronavirus without showing the symptoms, but you can block transmission with a simple cloth mask. Or you can go for full face coverage like a luchador. Whichever way you go, you can help us protect our friends and neighbors!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Protecting yourself from infection in a pandemic is not simple, and it’s no laughing matter. If you’re going to be in close contact with a lot of people, I strongly recommend a medical-grade respirator mask. The infection occurs when particles fly through the air from talking, coughing, or sneezing, and science shows those particles can stay in the air for quite a while. That’s why I use this serious, construction grade mask!

Introducing: Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is one of San José's oldest neighborhoods outside the downtown core around the Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. Several existing Victorian houses in the neighborhood date from the 1860s and 1870s, particularly along Magnolia, Hester, and Hedding Streets. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Alameda or “Beautiful Way” attracted wealthy residents who built mansions along its frontage.

In 1927, the neighborhood and its immediate surroundings were primarily pear and prune orchards. That year, the City of San José purchased an 11-acre prune garden and converted part of it into the Municipal Rose Garden, which has been recognized as “America’s Best Rose Garden” and features more than 3,500 plantings! It’s this city landmark that gives this unique and charming neighborhood its name.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Working from home (with kids)

Many of us are working from home these days, whether we like it or not. But it’s a double whammy for parents, who are also serving as homeschool teachers supporting their kids’ distance learning.

But don't panic, we've got you covered. Here’s the ultimate guide.

Chic vs. Geek: Work From Home Edition

What are some helpful habits and activities to keep us healthy in mind and body during the shelter in place?

CHIC (PEARL)

It’s important that we all remember to take care of ourselves each and every day, and especially while we’re all stuck at home during this health crisis. I find it helps if I carve out time for personal wellness checks, so I’ve been taking 10 minutes every day for short, easy exercises and a little yoga. There’s no equipment, no monthly payments, and no sweaty chairs left by inconsiderate gym rats. Who could ask for anything more? Need a little motivation? There are a bunch of apps and websites where you can find easy-to-follow beginner workouts.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I don’t know about you, but when I’m stuck at home, I’m not thinking about working out. It’s all about the bread, baby! Sourdough bread, that is, which has become my own personal science project! Over five weeks of working from home, I’ve baked 15 sourdough loaves from scratch – including olive, chocolate, and rosemary – using my own starter (that's the mix of flour, water, wild yeast, and bacteria that helps sourdough rise and creates its distinctive flavor). I’ll admit that there have been failures along the way, but email me for tips, and I’ll send you my starter recipe!

Number Talk: Lagging Market Indicators

There’s always a lag of about 3 to 6+ weeks between a new listing coming to market, an offer being negotiated and accepted, and the close of sale. This means almost all the data we have as of the first week of April still reflects the market before the shelter-in-place rules went into effect. And in virtually all Bay Area counties, median sale prices were actually quite strong in March.

The spring selling season is usually the most active of the year and, typically, the standard market indicators - new listings coming on market, total listings for sale, listings going into contract, sales closing escrow - all climb steadily from March to June.

As you might expect, all of these standard indicators have seen very significant declines during the shelter in place. At the same time, the number of listings pulled off the market has spiked. That said, even though inventory is down, listings continue to go into contract.

– The Geek