November News: A month of Gratitude!
Gratitude. That is the dominant emotion for me this month, in the spirit of this season as we approach Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving. Amidst so many challenges to our world, I have been taking the time to smell the amazing perfume of our ginger in bloom, and savoring the pleasures of beautiful flowers blooming in our garden in November!
I have been intensely busy during the past few weeks, which is unusual for this time of year in real estate. Part of the recent flurry has involved two special properties, and ironically, they are adjacent. This week I felt very grateful to hand the keys to my buyers, now the owners of a Walter Ratcliff home with gorgeous original details intact, in addition to an unusually attractive and usable garden, and lovely views. My clients are both rock climbers, and these properties are very near two North Berkeley parks known for impressive rock formations.
The previous owner of this home had followed my career, and more than a dozen years ago had assured me that he would hire me to list his home when the time came. But then his wife passed away, and his adult sons had other plans. So I am especially grateful to finally have completed a transaction on this property that I have loved for many years!
Next door to that home on Indian Rock Avenue is where I have spent more time than on any listing in my career! We are now within a couple of weeks of finally completing the physical preparation of a home I first saw four years ago. What was initially to have been a limited foundation repair turned into a project involving three-quarters of the foundation being replaced, retrofitting and drainage work done, and we have mostly leveled the home. Since that first visit with my client, the electrical service has been updated, the knob-and-tube wiring removed, three bathrooms updated, a half bath added, the kitchen completely remodeled, and the entire house painted inside and out.
A lower level funky apartment was reshaped and walls and floors replaced, creating a quite attractive family room, with adjoining bathroom, and potential for an accessory space with both internal or external access. I am grateful that the end is finally in sight, and I will be even happier when the landscaping is complete and I am able to welcome you to the first showings at 912 Indian Rock Avenue! I am hoping to invite neighbors and friends to a brunch there the first weekend in December.
Having closed last week with a first-time buyer I was reminded of how gratifying it is to guide someone from being a renter to achieving homeownership. For me that is a very special reward of this profession, as well as an obligation to be sure that they are properly prepared.
Sometimes NOT closing a transaction is the correct result, and one that makes me grateful. Adding to the excitement of the past weeks was getting buyers into contract, and having them cancel that contract soon after. My reaction (after I got over the initial surprise!) was feeling so thankful for the opportunity of getting to know a lovely couple, the parents of a previous client with whom I have had the pleasure of completing six transactions over quite a few years. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have reconnected with this favorite client, and to spend time with members of his lovely extended family. The parents will be happier staying in their current home, and their happiness is all that matters!
I can’t imagine another profession that affords the opportunity to have such intense relationships, to hear people’s fears, hopes, special joys, and in some small way to be able to influence their futures, we hope for the better. Each combination of a property with a human being is unique. Add two personalities if the clients are a couple, and you more than double both the complexity of representing them. It’s never boring…and for all those reasons I am grateful for this profession for which I feel well-suited!
Thanks to each of you who are reading this for being part of my community. I am so very grateful for our connection! Wishing you a meaningful celebration of Thanksgiving!
Arlene
So How’s the Market?
During most years the real estate market slowly glides towards hibernation starting after Halloween, as many people’s attention focuses on gathering at home and celebrating the holidays. That has obviously not been my experience this year.
With recent mortgage rates higher than buyers had hoped, and the extended government shutdown adding to the general sense of economic uncertainty, it would be understandable for buyers to step away from the buying process, and wait until sometime next year. That has been the case for many properties that are less than ideal. On average, prices have remained fairly flat this year. But the special properties do well, seemingly in any market, and any time of the year.
This past month I represented buyers on two properties, both with tremendous potential. One is a modest one-level mid-century home in El Cerrito opening to a flat back garden. The second is a three-level historic home with level gardens in both front and back, and amazing original woodwork. In both cases there were a total of five bids, though the properties were in quite different price points. Four or five offers is a result we have been hearing often for properties that inspire buyers, and that’s unusually strong activity for this time of year.
We are also hearing of some price reductions, when sellers start at list prices that are too ambitious, or if the home has some unfortunate characteristic. And then just a couple of weeks ago a home received 21 offers(!) on a mid-century home in the Claremont area that had lots of natural wood, both inside and out, with extensive decks offering gorgeous views. That property will close for roughly $1M over the (way too low) list price of $1.3M.
If you’ve been reading my newsletters for a while you will have heard similar stories before. What’s unusual is for this to happen not in the spring, but at the end of October, when most buyers may have ended their search for the year. The 2025 market opened late, and I’m hoping it will also extend later than normal!
A new partnership!
I am grateful for finally finding a business partner. After mentoring more than two dozen agents at my previous brokerage, I have finally met someone whose values, work ethic, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit meshes with mine, and we have formed a partnership. I hope you will enjoy meeting Ambrish Chitnis at one of our open homes.
What do folks think of our using Rhyolite Realty as a team name? I love alliteration, and that type of volcanic rock with its multi-color granite appearance was locally quarried in North Berkeley. It exists as retaining walls and siding on my home, and on homes throughout Thousand Oaks, and Northbrae. People may not know that word now, but perhaps we’d inspire folks to look it up! I like the name because it conjures up a sense of deep roots within our community (and also being “rock-solid”…) I’d love to hear your reactions!
Act NOW to take advantage of remaining Energy Rebates
Replace Gas Appliances
Sadly, this administration is ending most of the federal tax credits for energy upgrades, but some can still be obtained if you act soon! Some rebates require using contractors certified by specific programs, summarized below. It would be too late to take advantage of the solar rebates if you are just starting, but some installers are offering compensating discounts. But it may not be too late for some of the rebates involving heat pumps and induction stoves. Certainly it’s worth exploring!
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) – Covers up to 30% of the cost of qualifying upgrades like heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, insulation, windows, doors, and electrical panel upgrades.
Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) – Also covers 30% of costs for things like solar, geothermal, and battery storage (through 2025).
EV Charger Tax Credit (30C) – Offers 30% off up to $1,000 for installing a Level 2 EV charger at home (available through mid-2026).
Note: For homeowners, the 30% federal tax credit for battery storage (under Section 25D) ends December 31, 2025. After that, a different credit (Section 48E) continues, but it’s limited to commercial, rental, or third-party-owned systems — not typical residential installs.
Find Rebates, Contractors, and Upgrade Advice: https://www.switchison.org/ca
The Switch Is On is a one-stop shop for Californians looking to electrify. Search what rebates are available to you, find vetted local contractors to do the work, and get guidance on what upgrades make the most sense for your household.
Bayren offers rebates in the Bay Area for water heaters, cooktops, insulation, and many more. https://www.bayren.org/
Energy-Smart Homes Program: If you’re planning to fully electrify your home, the California Energy-Smart Homes Program offers thousands of dollars in additional incentives that stacak alongside other incentive programs. https://caenergysmarthomes.com/
Battery Storage: If you’re considering battery storage, California’s Self Generation Incentive Program may be able to offer thousands in assistance to qualified applicants. https://www.pge.com/en/save-energy-and-money/rebates-and-incentives/self-generation-incentive-program.html
Fall Home Maintenance Tips: Exterior Projects
Autumn in the East Bay often brings some of the my favorite weather of the year, with crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and the height of color in lots of leaves…but leaves also need to be gathered up as compost or mulch. This season, we’ve already seen a few early showers, a helpful reminder that cooler, wetter months are right around the corner. Now is a great time to get your home ready for shifting conditions in advance of serious storms.
Around your home:
Check windows and doors for proper sealing: Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to maintain indoor temperatures. Choose weatherstripping made from recycled or durable materials whenever possible, for an eco-friendly result. Copper weatherstripping will last the lifetime of the doors and windows they help seal!
Check for pests and look for possible entry points: Seal any gaps to keep critters out and maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Use natural pest deterrents whenever possible. Inspect siding, trim, soffits, and fascia boards: Look for holes or gaps and seal them. This not only prevents pests from entering, it also cuts your home’s energy use by reducing drafts. Mice and rats can enter through remarkably small openings, so check for even the smallest holes!
Check storm drains near the property: Report any blockages to your city to prevent flooding. Keeping storm drains clear helps local water systems function properly, benefiting the community and the environment.
Around your roof:
Inspect the roof ridge and vents: Check for any damage or blockages in these areas. Repairing them early helps maintain your home’s insulation, increasing efficiency.
Clean gutters, downspouts and roof scuppers: Clearing out leaves and debris from the roof’s drainage system prevents water from pooling and causing damage. Compost the organic waste to keep your cleanup eco-friendly.
Garden Clean up:
Debris removal: Make sure to remove fallen leaves and branches which can be slipping hazards, and also to deter pests and insects. Use this organic matter to create mulch or compost, enriching your garden sustainably.
This is also a great time to plant bulbs (if you have not already done so!) and to plant California native plants, which will reward you with a bounty of spring blooms.
Next month I’ll share reminders for maintaining systems and appliances in your home.
The Good News Department!
Each month I will share something positive that uplifted my spirits, and I hope will raise yours as well.
This month I share the good news that Burrowing Owls have again been sighted in César Chávez Park in Berkeley. These delightful creatures have enchanting faces, and make me smile just to know they are around. Their story has been told by Martin Nicolaus, aka “the Owl Guy,” in his book Our Owls: Burrowing Owls In Cesar Chavez Park Berkeley, which includes his reflections, observations, fun facts, and photos he’s gathered over the years of these cute, pint-sized visitors.
To read the full story, and see more photos, click here.
And the recent elections provided much good news as well!
A special outing option:
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Each year my husband and I spend an entire day transported to Victorian-era London. We dress in period costumes, and enjoy spending time watching live performances of pantomime, singing and quite good short theatre. We have favorite vendors we like to visit, and we always end the day at Mad Sal’s Tavern, watching the Can Can Bijoux dancers, shanty singers and sometimes special acts such as a remarkable fellow who swallows swords! Yes, it’s a bit pricey at $50 per adult, but much less expensive than a plane ticket to London! The Fair begins the weekend before Thanksgiving, November 22, and continues on weekends through December 21st. Food options are plentiful and it really does add to your experience if you wear at least something approximating Victorian attire, such as vests, a scarves, shawls, gloves and a hat —and a top hat can be transforming! Tickets available here: https://dickensfair.com/
Great Local Performances coming up this season!
California Revels will share multiple perfomances of this year’s celebration of the season, “The Feast of Fools.” Performances begin December 12 and continue on weekends through the 21st at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, an intimate theatre with all good seats! My husband and I are proud sponsors of Revels, and their engaging productions including music and song. Travel into a medieval Feast of Fools, where kings become fools, and fools become kings. It will take all of us together to sort through the chaos and to bring back the Light. Click here for tickets. For EARLY BIRD RATES, order by Sat. Nov. 8!
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular!
On Saturday, December 20th, at either 2 pm or 8 pm, this group will bring a celebration to Zellerbach Hall! I’m mentioning this event now because their events often sell out. We already have our tickets for that evening, and can’t wait to hear this impressive chorus! Follow this link to the longer description, and link to buy tickets.
Arlene Baxter
Lic. #1209552
