Weighing Risk vs. Reward

In case you missed it, home insurance plays a crucial role in the buying and selling process, especially in areas prone to natural disasters. We can help you understand the financial and other implications on both sides of the process, especially as insurance companies reconsider their policies in high-risk areas.

CHIC (Pearl)

Buyers should use risk assessment as their North Star. You might reconsider purchasing an otherwise wonderful home in an area frequently affected by natural disasters due to the high risk of damage or destruction in a constantly changing environment. A lot of the decision will come down to the cost and availability of insurance. Lenders typically require home insurance as a condition of your mortgage, and if you can’t get a policy, you may not get the loan. It’s a difficult balance, so you’ll need to be committed to the process if you want to make it work.

GEEK (Kevin)

Risk mitigation is the name of the game for sellers. Changes in insurance policies and regulations can have long-term effects on the desirability and value of properties in high-risk areas prone to disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. On top of that, you may be required to disclose past insurance claims related to natural disasters, which might sour buyers on the property. You can help tip the scales by bringing your home’s safety measures up to date, but that may not create the nexus point you need between buyer interest and selling challenges.

New Year, New Rules

Every year, a ton of new laws take effect in California, including some that could impact your personal and household finances. Here’s a rundown of the changes from Patch California. Keep reading for our takes on some that might get missed…

CHIC (Pearl)

A number of the new rules have to do with consumer protections, including SB 1490, which requires food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide an itemized breakdown of their fees. This law also allows restaurants to remove themselves from delivery apps they never intended to use. And if you’re tired of following the breadcrumbs to cancel subscriptions you no longer want or need, it will be easier starting July 1 thanks to AB 2863, which requires companies like gyms and streaming services to let customers cancel their subscriptions in the same way they subscribed — more often than not with a single click.

GEEK (Kevin)

If you’re a mobile home owner who’s been battling with your HOA or park ownership over solar panels, then SB 1190 should help. This new law clearly stipulates your right to install a solar system just like any other homeowner in an HOA. (A loophole in a 1978 law previously allowed park owners to block you from doing so.) And in other news that could save you money, SB 1061 ensures medical debt is removed from your credit report so you’re “not penalized for the high costs of necessary healthcare," as the Governor’s office said. This law will also prevent lenders from using medical debt against you to deny a loan.

Let us be your secret weapon!

The real estate market can sometimes feel like the Wild West, with high stakes hanging on every decision and competition lurking around every corner. In this constantly evolving environment, a good agent is like your secret weapon — the savvy sidekick who saves you money, time, and a whole lot of headaches!

CHIC (Pearl)

From day one, we are here to help you get the home you need at the price you want. A good agent can save a buyer as much as $100,000 on the listing price. It isn’t magic or luck or some kind of secret sauce. It’s just hard work. We dive deep into the data, providing detailed market analysis and playing out every possible opportunity. And when it’s time to negotiate, we are relentless advocates for your bottom line. Like seasoned diplomats, we know how to work with listing agents to get the best deal possible. The road to homeownership can be rough. We’re here to smooth out the bumps.

GEEK (Kevin)

And the road doesn't end at the sale. We’re like the friend who sticks around after the party to help you clean up. Whether it's recommending a painter for final touches at a 30% discount, planning and budgeting for major updates, or rolling up our sleeves and pitching in on a DIY project, we’re in it with you for the long haul — or at least as long as you’ll let us stick around! Let us be your secret weapon, the maestro conducting your orchestra, ensuring every instrument hits the right notes, on time, and within your budget, so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter.

Grateful for you!

This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for you — the gravy to my mashed potatoes, the pumpkin spice in my latte! Thank you for your friendship and trust. May your turkey be juicy, your stuffing savory, and your conversations free of politics (at least for a few hours). Here's to laughter, love, and leftovers!

Navigating to the Perfect Price

In a constantly evolving real estate market, setting — and getting — the right price takes a team approach. With our team, you get a unique blend of chic presentation and geek precision to help you navigate your way to the perfect price. Our data-driven insights provide you with the trust and confidence you need to make your home dreams come true!

CHIC (Pearl)

You could try throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks, but real estate pricing is more than just intuition. I focus on the aesthetic and emotional elements that influence pricing, ensuring your home is presented in the best possible light. For sellers, this means strategic staging and marketing, as well as setting a listing price that reflects both market conditions and the intrinsic value of your home. Meanwhile, buyers need a guide through the emotional journey of finding a home that feels just right. I help you understand the market landscape and craft offers that are competitive and aligned with your goals.

GEEK (Kevin)

Who wants pasta stuck to their walls? I take a deep dive into the data, going beyond the standard Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and meticulously examining market comps, historical trends, and economic indicators. Using these data-driven strategies, I calculate property values based on current market conditions, ensuring that our pricing strategy is both competitive and accurate. I also consider the local list-to-sale price ratio to get a sense of how high buyers will go. This approach ensures that our pricing reflects not only fair market value but also buyer behavior, giving you an edge over other offers in a busy market.

We can’t wait to work together with you to achieve your real estate goals with style and savvy. And don’t keep it to yourself — share our tips with your friends, coworkers, and family!