Number Talk: Bay Area Median Sales Prices

We hear a lot about “median sales price”, but what does that really mean? Well, the median is the middle number of a data set when you arrange it from high to low. That means the median sales price represents the price at which half the properties in an area sell higher and the other half lower.

Okay, so how is that different from the “average sales price”? The average sales price is calculated by adding up all the prices for home sales in a specific area within a specified time frame and dividing that total by the number of properties sold.

Median and average sales can be valuable sets of data for both buyers and sellers in helping them set their budgets. However, it’s important to remember that the average sale price may be skewed due to outliers in the data – i.e.properties sold at prices far higher or lower than typical for the area.

Chic vs. Geek: Why is the floor plan so important?

Chic (Pearl)

For sellers, floor plans play an increasingly large role in the process. It helps the buyer put a sense of size to what they see in the photos, especially when it comes to the context of the home in the overall layout of the property. You can use a floor plan to tell the story of your property before the open house.

Geek (Kevin)

As Pearl noted, a good floor plan can help buyers understand the layout and flow of the house at a single glance. When you’re looking at the floor plan of a home you’re considering, here are some things to keep in mind: How many windows are there? Which way do the doors swing? Does the floor plan include dimensions?

Real Talk: Fire insurance

Fresh from our latest newsletter…

Whenever you’re buying a home, especially in a hilly, woodsy, or remote area, it’s important to check on the availability and cost of fire insurance. As we all know, wildfires are the new normal, and we all need to plan ahead. That means doing your research and knowing the facts, which is why we’re here.

Check out these tips and let us know if you have any questions!

Chic vs. Geek: What makes a good Thanksgiving meal?

Chic (Pearl)

A good Thanksgiving meal is one where I don’t have a to cook or clean up! This year, I’m going with a pre-cooked, pre-prepped, fresh and easy meal. That way we can all have more time to eat, nap, and enjoy fun holiday games with family and friends!

Geek (Kevin)

I am a sucker for a traditional feast. Give me all the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and… Oh man, I’m already getting hungry! But you get the idea. I like a table so covered with food that you can hardly find a spot to sit down.

Chic Life: Winter-Ready Decor

Winter is coming, and the cold weather makes getting out of bed in the morning even harder. It’s important to create harmony between your body and home if you want to start your day on a positive note.

There are any number of ways to get your home “winter-ready”, such as candles and wood-accented furnishing, but one touch I personally love is sheepskin decor. Just one sheepskin accent — on the living room floor, draped over a chair, or next your bed for foot comfort — can make your space feel confirmable and welcoming.

Cuddle up with a sheepskin throw. Throw down a sheepskin rug. And top the rug with a sheepskin seat and accent pillows. The biggest question you need to answer is a moral one: Do you go with a natural or fabricated product?

Either way, you might want to keep your dog off the furniture!