Interest rates trending down

In a sign that should bring a smile to the faces of homebuyers, daily and weekly average mortgage interest rates are on a downward trajectory in the wake of recent bank collapses. This could help to ease inflation and get the volatile market back on track in time for a summer warming.

While these data sets come from multiple sources with different methodologies to calculate their figures, the trends are extremely similar. That said, it can be difficult to predict short-term rate changes, so it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. For example, despite a spike over the past year, rates remain well below where they were in the 1990s.

Take out or dine in?

In the age of COVID, we’ve gotten used to DoorDashing and online ordering. It’s so easy to grab your food off a rack without having to interact with anybody. But some of us miss that human connection. So do you pick up or sit down?

CHIC (Pearl)

As you might guess if you follow us on social media, I love going out to eat with friends, family, coworkers, and just about anybody who will join me. Even the Geek! It’s thrilling to sit around a table in a bustling restaurant sharing good company while a chef prepares your meal just steps away.

GEEK (Kevin)

If you like loud music that drowns out any chance at conversation and slow service due to staffing shortages, by all means, let’s dine in! But seriously, why mess around and waste a whole night in a crowded room when you could be at home with good food, the people you love, and your TV?

Respect the planet.

On April 22 (and every day), we celebrate the planet that gave us life and keeps us all spinning around the sun. Please protect our earth mother by conserving energy, upcycling your trash, and joining a park cleanup effort this weekend!

Natural gas ban on hold

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the City of Berkeley’s decision to ban natural gas infrastructure in all new construction. And the funny thing is, both sides of the case say they’re fighting for the environment. So who is it? Find out more from the Chronicle.

Tax Day Delayed

CHIC (PEARL)

When I have a free weekend, I like attending open houses and broker tours to get inspired. I love finding color schemes, design choices, and overall vibes to help our clients not only find a great home but make it their own. And sometimes I use the inspiration to spruce up our own home.

GEEK (Kevin)

Right about now, you’re probably thinking: Kevin’s going to say he worked on a DIY project around the house and helped one of our clients replace their water heater. ANd you’d be half right. I’ll leave it up to you to guess which half. Look for a hint in one of the stories below.