The endowment effect is a human tendency to value something more when we own it. Last year, economist Richard Thaler even won the Nobel Prize for his work regarding this behavior. But how does the endowment effect in real estate manifest itself? First, let’s give a simple example of how the endowment effect works. Let’s say a group of people … Read More
The World’s Greatest Realtor 2018 Award Winner
Sebastian “Seb” Frey is the The World’s Greatest Realtor 2018 Award Winner! This prestigious award was granted to him by one of his clients upon the successful sale of their family home in San Jose, California. Closing gifts are common in the Santa Clara county real estate market, but it is unusual for a client to buy the agent a gift … Read More
Selling a Home and Buying Another Is Easy!
Are you itching to swap homes? Maybe you have a new child on the way and want to step up into a larger home than you have now. Or it could be that all your kids have left the nest (waaaa! Or yeah!?), and now you’re looking to downsize into a smaller home. Because our housing costs are so high, … Read More
How to Flip Your Own Home
Hey here’s an idea for you – flip your own home! These days, house flipping is like a national pastime. It’s happening from coast to coast, and, in fact, it’s probably happening in your neighborhood (or very close to it). The real estate website Trulia reported that in 2017, 6% of all homes that were sold were flipped properties. Why … Read More
Time for a Lowball Offer?
It’s been quite sometime since I wrote anything about lowball offers – the last time was way back in 2006. In 2006, the market had noticeably cooled from the frenzy in 2005, and it was just a year before a historic real estate market meltdown began in 2007. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20 and if sellers had known then … Read More
Work with a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Buying a home is a big decision, but there’s another choice you’ll have to make before you pick a home to buy. I’m referring to who you choose to help you find a home and negotiate with the seller on your behalf. Before you choose your house, one of your very first important decisions will be choosing the Realtor to … Read More
Join Us at Our Upcoming Home Seller Seminar
I want to take this time to invite you to a very special presentation. On Thursday, January 24, 2019, I would be delighted if you joined me at my live event. I’m calling it my “Savvy Seller Seminar” and I am going to teach you everything you need to know to sell your home for the highest price – yet … Read More
Housing-Related Measures on November 2018 Ballot
This year there are a number of very important measures that will appear on our November 2019 ballot. Today I want to talk about three that will affect California housing: Proposition 1, Proposition 5, and Proposition 10. Proposition 1 This initiative seeks to raise $4 billion to pay for affordable housing throughout the State of California, with most of … Read More
Why the “Shift” Happening in Our Market Isn’t What You Might Think
Shift happens. But is our California real estate market shifting now too? There are all kinds of stories out there that seem to be saying that it is. Last week I was at a meeting with some big time Silicon Valley real estate brokers, and they agreed that the market has definitely changed. They said that multiple offers are history … Read More
Aptos Foreclosure Fixer Upper
Need a nice fixer upper project? How about a big, fat house on a good sized lot? I’ve got just the place for you – and did I mention it’s less than a mile to the beach (as the crow flies, anyway)? Plus it’s got swimming pool, detached office room, and an indoor basketball court (yes, really!). Check out the … Read More