Chic vs. Geek: Finding a diamond in the rough

Like a good realtor, a reliable contractor can be hard to find, and the wrong choice can lead to wasted time, money, and energy.

CHIC (PEARL)

Word of mouth used to be the best way to find a good contractor. These days, between Nextdoor and Facebook and Angi, it’s hard to know who to trust. That’s why we’re happy to offer our own recommendations for plumbers, electricians, gardeners, and more who do great work. And we won’t suggest anyone we haven’t worked with ourselves!

GEEK (KEVIN)

A bad contractor can blow your budget, but anyone who’s been through a home renovation will tell you it’s an emotional roller coaster as much as a financial one. The more a project drags on, the less patience you’ll have left for the people in your life who matter. If you want a happy home, make sure you check all of the boxes above.

Cauldrons, Candelabras & Queso

Throwing a Halloween house party? Make your dining room table the life — or death — of the party with these ideas for DIY decorations courtesy of the spooky folks at Good Housekeeping.

Chic vs. Geek: Something in the air?

The atmospheric river brought much needed rain to the Bay Area, but rain also brings out unexpected and unwelcome guests. What are these things swarming outside my window?

CHIC (PEARL)

You may have noticed tiny insects buzzing all over town in the wake of the recent rains. As a real estate agent, I can tell you that it’s bad news. These are flying termites they thrive when it’s humid and wet. If you see a swarm like this near your home, it’s important to act quickly and take appropriate precautions. Please let us know if you’d like a referral to a good termite company.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Whether you’re a home buyer or seller, you absolutely, positively do not want a termite problem. So even if you don’t see a swarm like this outside, there's no reason to mess around. Do the due diligence, have the home inspected — and fumigated or treated as needed — and invest in proactive pest control for the future health of the home. Here’s some good guidance from the EPA.

Having a Healthy Halloween

Are you all stocked up on Halloween treats for the best dressed kids in the neighborhood? Instead of dumping more sugar and carbs in their pumpkin buckets, have a look at these healthier candy options compiled by Parade. Trust us, their parents will thank you!

Chic vs. Geek: Active Listening

Do real estate agents take into account feedback from prospective buyers they meet during open houses?

CHIC (PEARL)

The short answer: Absolutely! We had more than 160 people come through our latest open house each day over the weekend, and I talked to almost every one of them. What I heard was that the right light fixtures can make the house feel totally elevated. This house definitely has that vibe and more thanks to a series of unique skylights and recessed ceiling lights. And it only took a small investment from the total renovation budget to make a huge improvement that makes a great first impression.

GEEK (KEVIN)

What I learned was how much people love cooking on gas stoves. I can’t say that I blame them. But with many cities starting to ban natural gas appliances in new homes, the only way to get that new gas stove you saw on that cooking show is to renovate a home with existing gas service. So if you want to get your chef on, you should consider buying a newly remodeled home instead of starting from scratch. Or you could go green with an induction stove top. Either way, we’ll help guide you home.