How Open Houses and Property Showings have Changed since Shelter-in-place

July 12, 2020

For the June 30th edition of the San Francisco Chronicle Sound Off column, this was my contribution, plus some additional comments: With in-person open homes still prohibited in the East Bay, agents are instead scheduling Virtual Open Houses, advertised at set times. Instagram Live, FaceBook Live and Zoom are all platforms in use for these […]

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Advantages to First-Time Buyers while we Shelter in Place

May 30, 2020

I was asked to respond to the following question by our publicists, Lion and Orb, and thought I’d share my (lengthy…) response with everyone. Most of the answers really apply to all buyers right now.  What are some ways the pandemic could make it an easier time to buy for first-time buyers? What factors will […]

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Celebrating Earth Day, the 2020 at-home version

April 21, 2020

Honoring the Earth as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! The Earth has responded to the Great Lull with clearer air, cleaner waters, and the return of many kinds of wildlife. While we can’t gather physically together, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate Earth Day everyday by taking care of ourselves, each […]

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Museums, Aquaria and Zoos to Virtually Visit while Sheltering in Place

April 16, 2020

Museums, aquaria and zoos from around the world have opened their collections to enjoy online, in tours and interviews, both in video and streaming live. The Louvre: You don’t have to book a ticket to Paris to check out some of the famous pieces in the world’s largest art museum. The Louvre has free online tours of three […]

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Changes to Marketing Properties during SIP

April 15, 2020

I answered this question in Sound Off on Sunday, 4/12/2020. Below is an enhanced and updated version of my response that was printed in the SF Chronicle, and is online at SF Gate: “How has the COVID-19 outbreak changed the way you market listings?” A:  Residential real estate was defined an “essential service” in California […]

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Tips for Sustainable Shopping this Holiday Season

December 17, 2019

With gift-giving and all of the holiday parties, Americans throw away an estimated 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than at other times of the year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It adds up to an additional one million tons per week! If crowded malls, tedious travel and impersonal gifts […]

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Strategic Pricing in this East Bay Market

October 24, 2019

I occasionally answer questions in the real estate section of SFGate, participating in a column called Sound Off. When I started several years ago, one agent per week had an opportunity to respond to a question with enough space to give a fairly thorough answer. As demand to participate increased, they changed the format and now […]

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Enchanting Retreat in Sylvan Setting

April 20, 2019

It’s been my pleasure to have several listings in North Berkeley this year, the current one being a very charming cottage in the woods at 1470 Campus Drive in the Berkeley hills. The initial response has been excellent, with many requests to review the disclosures. I always actively market my listings, especially to other agents. […]

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Tremendous Coverage for a Terrific Property! Open St. Patrick’s Day 2-4:30 PM

March 16, 2019

I am always excited to represent a listing, especially one in my own North Berkeley neigbhorhood, and especially such a beautiful property. But my current listing is special to me in many ways. I have known Barbara, one of the three siblings selling this home, since 1976 when we were both active Scottish dancers. I […]

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The 2019 Market Begins…and the importance of Kitchens!

March 3, 2019

The daffodils are blooming, and they have always been my harbingers of the beginning of the real estate market. After what felt like a very mixed but mostly sluggish fall market, 2019 appears to be off to a strong start. But we may see some subtle (and some less subtle!) changes. At least for January, […]

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