Chic vs. Geek: Soundproofing your bedroom

I’m very sensitive to noise, so it’s hard for me to get a full night’s sleep. Any suggestions on what I can do to make my bedroom a more quiet space?

CHIC (PEARL)

I have a client who is very sensitive to noise. She can't sleep with any auditory distractions. We’ve been looking for a condominium or townhomes away from busy streets and airplane zones, and separated from any underground parking entrances and exits. It has been challenging for her to find a home that meets her most important need. Here are some suggestions I offered to her: Cheap, hollow doors are a frequent culprit when it comes to intrusive sounds; switch to a solid door to dampen noises. Additionally, door sweeps and weather stripping can seal the deal when it comes to blocking out airborne sounds.

GEEK (KEVIN)

The goal here is to mute annoyances like the hiss of traffic, loud neighbors, or, in our case, two cranky felines who beg for meals at unreasonable hours. A high-pile floor rug with a dense rug pad underneath, along with thick curtains, can dampen the acoustics and also absorb sounds coming from outside. Another trick is to add a small desk waterfall to generate natural sounds that distract you from the noise of planes, trains, and automobiles. There are costlier measures like soundproofing window inserts or mass loaded vinyl padding. The investment may be higher, but the return — a full night’s sleep — is priceless.

Compass Concierge: What’s on the menu?

Good question! Our Compass Concierge services include:

• Fresh paint

• Strategic staging

• Cosmetic renovations

• Decluttering

• Landscaping improvements

• Custom closets

• Moving support

• Roofing repair

• Upgraded electric

• Updated HVAC

• Structural fencing

• Updated plumbing

• Curious? Want to learn more?

Contact Pearl to talk about how Compass Concierge could help you.

Chic vs. Geek: Thinking about selling?

Anytime is a good time to sell, and we know what it takes to make it happen. You have to make potential buyers fall in love with your home. And our Compass Concierge service is here to help you maximize value without spending too much up front.

CHIC (PEARL)

Compass Concierge is the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price. From painting to flooring to roofing and everything in between, Concierge transforms your home with zero upfront costs and no interest – ever. Exclusive to Compass, our Concierge program is among a suite of services designed to help you prepare your home for the market.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Whether it’s renovations, moving and storage, or other needs, we’ll work with you to assess every opportunity to elevate your home’s value and improve your selling experience. And don’t worry if you can’t afford it out-of-pocket. When your home sells, simply pay back your expenses. By helping you invest in your home's potential, we can get you a faster and more profitable sale.

Cut your carbon footprint – and your tax bill

As a homeowner, you can save money, make your home more energy efficient, and even add value to your property by taking advantage of financial assistance programs offered by state and federal agencies:

• Residential Energy Efficiency Loan (REEL)

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)

• Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)

• Medical Baseline Allowance

• Energy Savings Assistance (ESA)

• Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)

• Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

• Equipment Tax Credits for Primary Residences

Chic vs. Geek: Have you read your PG&E bill lately?

You might be surprised to learn how much you’re spending on energy compared to similar homes, but it only takes a little to save a lot.

CHIC (PEARL)

Earth Day always seems to sneak up on us, and this year, it made me think about how much more energy Kevin and I use compared to other homeowners — even after taking steps to reduce our consumption. Over the 12 months of working from home during the pandemic, we managed to cut our monthly PG&E bill in half, from over $400 to around $200. But we are still using 4% more energy use than a similar sized home!

GEEK (KEVIN)

The good news is that from our conscious efforts over the past few months, we’re saving money — and the environment. We avoid doing laundry during peak demand hours (4-9pm). We remember to turn off the lights in a room when it’s not in use. And we crack windows to cool down the house as opposed to blasting the air conditioner. Need more ideas for energy efficiency? Have a look at these tips from PG&E.