August marks the beginning of a new month, a perfect opportunity to turn the page and start a fresh chapter. This August also brings changes to the real estate industry, and I want to share some insights to help you navigate them.
Over my 40 years in the industry, I have witnessed many transformations. When I first started selling real estate, I relied on a book of listings to know what was available. The shift to digital listings was a monumental change, but like all things in life, adaptation and perseverance were key.
Change is inevitable, but it also brings growth and new opportunities. The upcoming changes may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and preparation, we can navigate them together successfully. Let’s embrace these changes with confidence and determination, knowing that they will ultimately benefit us all.
Here’s to a month of new beginnings, opportunities, and continued success in the real estate industry. Remember, every challenge is a stepping stone to greater achievements. Let’s make this August a remarkable one!
As the end of summer approaches, the excitement of going back to school begins to fill the air. The lazy days of sun and fun give way to the anticipation of new beginnings, fresh school supplies, and the joy of reuniting with friends. It’s a time of mixed emotions: the bittersweet farewell to carefree summer adventures and the eager embrace of new learning opportunities and experiences. As the countdown to the first day of school starts, let’s soak up every last moment of summer, cherishing the warm days and endless possibilities, while looking forward to the promising year ahead.
Just Sold – 81 Eagle Ridge Pl, Blackhawk
Represented Buyer and Seller
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Behring Global Educational Foundation for allowing me to support them in the sale of such an iconic estate and to assist with achieving a record-breaking sale in Danville. It was truly an honor to be involved in passing the baton to the new buyer of this magnificent property and welcoming him to the amazing Blackhawk community.
Thank you to everyone who poured their heart and soul into the presentation, preparation, and marketing of this phenomenal listing. Your unwavering dedication and hard work were essential in beautifully conveying the story of this home’s legacy.
When I began selling real estate in Blackhawk back in 1985, I could never have imagined that I would one day have the privilege of showcasing such a pinnacle home within this community. This is truly an honor in my career, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Understanding the New NAR Settlement and What It Means for Homebuyers
On August 17, significant changes will come into effect following the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement. These rule changes are designed to enhance transparency and fairness in the homebuying process. Click below to read more about the changes.
Information is adapted from Homebuyers: Here’s What the NAR Settlement Means for You (NAR).
2024 Mid-Year Ultra Luxury Report
The mid-year report covers sales through the end of June 2024. Having just closed a luxury sale in Danville, I am happy to discuss the pulse of the current real estate market in the East Bay. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
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AirBNB cautioned that it was “seeing shorter booking lead times globally and some signs of slowing demand from U.S. guests.” Maybe owners who rely on AirBNB income may be ready to cash out as demand wanes. (CNBC)
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The taxation of Social Security benefits began in 1983 under Ronald Reagan – not exactly someone known to raise taxes – and it did not include an annual inflation adjustment provision. If it had, the $25,000 exemption in 1983 would be the equivalent of $78,859.18 in 2024 dollars (WSJ)
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These are the 10 most expensive cities in the world according to a recent analysis:
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Zurich, Switzerland
- New York, New York
- San Francisco, California, United States
- Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Washington D.C., United States
- Seattle, Washington, United States
- Los Angeles, California, United States
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Geneva, Switzerland
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Designing the perfect primary bedroom should consider the following:
- Shades/window treatments. Aesthetics matter from curtains to Roman shades, but 100% darkness may make all the difference for a good night’s sleep.
- Sound. If your bedroom is noisy, chances are sleep will be impacted. What about noise-cancelling windows? Acoustical curtains? A water feature outside the window to soften street sounds?
- A great mattress and bed linens. This is different for everyone, but can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep, especially quality pillows!
- Lighting: what lighting do you desire just before you go to sleep and when you wake up? Do you read in bed?
- Additional furniture: a bed alone may not be as attractive as adding additional furniture to give your room a living room feeling.
- Colors: what colors soothe? What colors inspire? Choose wisely.
- Shades/window treatments. Aesthetics matter from curtains to Roman shades, but 100% darkness may make all the difference for a good night’s sleep.
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Tenant/renter demographics are evolving: Younger generations have driven the bulk of renter household growth over the past decade. Millennial renters peaked at 16.2 million in 2019. But between 2019 and 2022, their ranks dwindled by 797,000 as their homeownership rate increased by 9 percentage points. By 2022, Gen Z accounted for about 7.9 million renter households — more than in 2019. Over the past 5 years as the oldest boomers approach their 80s — an age when many transition back to renting — renter households headed by someone age 65 or over increased by more than 1 million! Maybe another indicator of how those who own a home, sell to help pay for their retirement? (NY TIMES)
