What’s in a price?

When you put your home up for sale, choosing the right asking price could be the difference between getting what you want and leaving big-time dollars on the table — especially in today’s tight market. So how do you find the right number?

CHIC (Pearl)

Setting an asking price is all about striking a balance — between the price you want and what the market will bear, high interest rates and low inventory, first impressions and protracted negotiations. In this treacherous territory, it’s good to have an agent to guide you to the promised land. We’ll help you make sense out of the tea leaves and find the asking price that fits your property.

GEEK (Kevin)

I love a good numbers game, and finding your asking price is all about crunching the data. The first step is to analyze comparable sales in your neighborhood. How do the homes compare to yours by the numbers? How closely did asking prices mirror impartial estimates? How long did the properties spend on the market? Once you know the landscape, it’s easier to find your way.

Community Preparedness

There’s only so much you can do to protect your home from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. If we’re not prepared as a community, we’re all vulnerable.

CHIC (Pearl)

Many of the changes we need to make are actually pretty simple. We just need to focus our efforts on things like replacing old water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure, expanding the ranks in our fire departments, and upgrading their firefighting technology. How can you make this happen? Start by talking to your local city councilperson or the appropriate public agency.

GEEK (Kevin)

Whenever government officials pass the buck on the climate crisis, their objection seems to come down to money. As in, they don’t have any. Well, here’s the thing: The upfront costs of adapting to a new climate reality are naturally high. But the long-term payoff on the investment would be huge, particularly for our children — and our grandchildren. I, for one, think it makes a lot of cents!

Food for you

In honor of National Junk Food Day, we encourage you to ditch the junk and pick up a healthy snack. Need some ideas? Visit our junk food exchange!

Chic vs. Geek: It's hot.

Nobody feels like doing much of anything in the blazing heat we’ve seen this week. But there’s always work to be done. So how do you cope?

CHIC (Pearl)

If you’re not lucky enough to have air conditioning at home — or you want to avoid sky-high electricity bills — pack up your laptop, don’t forget your charger, and head to the local coffee shop for an iced latte and free WiFi. You can always find a quiet corner to get work done. But don't get caught up chatting with other mobile workers!

GEEK (Kevin)

Whether you’re talking extreme heat or frigid cold temps, it’s all mind over matter for me. When it starts heating up, I picture myself on a cool island beach, enjoying a frosty beverage with my feet dipped in the ocean. You’d be amazed how easy it is to forget where you are and focus on anything from simple tasks to complex problems.

Weekend Gratitude: Ceiling Fans

If you’re not lucky enough to have air conditioning, the next best thing to beat the heat is a strategically placed ceiling fan — or two, or three. It will also save you a bunch of money on your power bill, which means you can afford to spend a hot afternoon at the movies!