Chic vs. Geek: To Zillow or not to Zillow?

That is the question, and we hear it a lot from new clients. Should buyers and sellers rely on home values posted on websites like Zillow or Redfin? Let’s talk about it…

CHIC (PEARL)

If you’re looking to determine a home’s true value, Zillow and Redfin are a good starting point, but you shouldn’t rely on them to reflect the nuances of the home, neighborhood, market conditions, and seller’s expectations. It’s important to talk to an experienced agent or appraiser in order to figure out what’s realistic for your situation. A good agent can also give you an idea of how long it will take to sell based on recent activity in your area. It can be hard to know what you’re getting into, especially when you’re just getting started. Many people think they can handle the process on their own, and that may be true. But more often than not, they find themselves contacting an agent!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Zillow’s estimates are based on a combination of publicly-available data and proprietary algorithms. The public data includes information from local governments, tax assessors, county records, and other sources. The algorithm that determines these home values isn’t designed to take into account the many ground level factors at play on a property. As a result, you may find that it overestimates or underestimates the value of homes in your neighborhood. If you want to get a good deal, an algorithm won’t help. You have to talk to a human to get an idea of a target price and what to expect from the market. And a good agent can help you translate all the technical jargon!

Chic vs. Geek: Summertime Health

Last Friday, we told you that the Dog Days of Summer were getting underway. Looking to beat the heat while improving your mindset, habits, and routines? Below are a few building blocks to get you started toward your wellness goals.

CHIC (PEARL)

We all start our wellness journeys somewhere, and the best place to begin is centering yourself. These days, finding your zen could be as easy as opening an app. Check out some of our favorite freebies like Headspace, Calm, and Aura — or just try some simple.breathing techniques to get yourself into a meditative state. Want some tips? Send me an email today.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Meditation can help to clear your head, but it takes more than deep thoughts to improve the health of your temple — your body. Don’t have a home gym? No problem! You can build a low-cost personal space for improving your strength and fitness. Grab some yoga mats, jump rope, resistance bands, dumbbells, and more to create a gym environment.

Compass has partnered with GAIAM and SPRI in an effort to bring a healthy summer straight to your home! Whether you're looking for new weights or a new outfit, we've got you covered.

Chic vs. Geek: How Prop 19 Actually Works

One of our clients sold his house with us and moved to a new home in Palm Springs to enjoy his retirement. We were happy to be a part of his journey in a new place. One part of that journey was understanding how changes to property tax laws thanks to Proposition 19 could benefit him in his move.

CHIC (PEARL)

With Prop 19, California homeowners can transfer the tax base of their current residence to a new residence anywhere in the state. Could you benefit from Prop 19? Visit prop19taxbreak.com for up-to-date information. One helpful feature is the graphic above that explains how the new law works whether you’re scaling down or scaling up.

GEEK (KEVIN)

It’s a good idea before you move anywhere to check the County Assessor's website where you’re planning to land so you know what to expect from property assessments and taxes. If you can take advantage of Prop 19 regulations, be sure to download this sample form. And of course, you can always ask us for tips. We’re here to help!

Protecting your household budget from inflation.

What we refer to as “inflation” is generally measured by the Consumer Price Index, a measure of average prices for basic necessities like gas, food, and housing. The CPI jumped more than 9% from June 2021 to June 2022, hitting a new 40-year high in the process.

So how can you keep inflation from affecting your wallet? The Skimm has a few tips.

Geek's Number Talk: Luxurious Market Indicators

In a constantly evolving market, data is king (or queen). Regardless of where your home falls on the price spectrum, one key performance indicator for the housing market is luxury sales, which reached historic highs in the spring. But just a few months later, numbers are down year-over-year: