Want Better, Not More
One of my clients has a poster that reads "Want better, not more." That phrase has stayed with me. She is an architect with a keen design eye and a minimalist aesthetic I deeply admire. Her philosophy made me pause and reflect on my patterns, especially around consumption and space.
How many times have I purchased something simply because it was on sale? How often do people buy something to temporarily fill a need, like an inexpensive kitchen table, thinking it is a short-term solution, only to find it still in their home a decade later?
I have certainly been in the mindset that more is more. For years, I equated things with success. If I could afford something, I bought it. I worked hard to be in a position to do so, and I believed that ownership signified accomplishment. But with time, I have come to realize that not every purchase adds value. Some things simply took up space.
Years ago, my son, Miles helped me reorganize our kitchen pantry storage closet. At one point, he pulled out a set of corn-on-the-cob dishes, complete with corn cob pick holders. He asked, “What is this?” I explained their purpose, but he said he had never seen me use them and told me flat out they needed to go. He put them in the donation pile. That moment stood out because it reflected something larger: how easy it is to accumulate things that no longer serve us.
There have been times, though, when I have shown restraint and intention. When we first bought our home in 1999, our living room went years without a sofa. I had my eye on a four-thousand-dollar leather sofa made by American Leather. It was an investment, and I wanted to wait until we could afford it. In the meantime, that room sat mostly empty. One year, while it remained furnitureless, Nia and Miles got new roller skates. I allowed them to skate inside until eventually they took them outdoors. It was a moment of freedom in the absence of furnishings.
Looking back, that waiting period was worth it. We still have the same area rug and sofa twenty years later. The design is timeless. The quality endures.
Coming full circle: The clients who introduced me to the phrase 'Want better, not more' were the same couple I helped to purchase one of the last short sales in Crocker Highlands closing in February 2012. They saw past the condition of the home at the time with a vision rooted in long-term value and architectural integrity. Over the years, they fully restored and renovated the space for themselves, honoring both the character of the home and their lifestyle. It was never about fast results or flashy upgrades. It was about investing in what mattered.
Now, they are starting a new chapter, and I have the privilege of bringing their beautiful home to market this month. It is rare to represent a property where every detail reflects such intention and care. This is one of those homes. It is truly one not to miss! If you’re available Thursday night, 8/19, we will be hosting a twilight open house with wine and nibbles from 5–7pm, I’d love to see you there! 719 Walavista Avenue, Oakland.
On September 4, I will celebrate my 21st year in real estate. As my business has grown (thanks to you!) For me, it has always been about the people—helping each client get to where they need to be.
My mission remains the same: to take on only the amount of business I can personally manage so that when you hire me, you get my full attention, commitment, and care. My goal is always to give more.
I’d love for you to stay connected—please follow me on Instagram@DeidreJ. And if you ever need anything, I’m just an email or phone call away!
