May 2025: Is it just me, or is 2025 racing by?

Is it just me, or is 2025 racing by?
I can't believe we're already in mid-May! It's been a busy year so far, and I'm incredibly grateful to be of service and help you with your real estate goals. Thank you for your continued support and for recommending me to your friends and family. Because of you, I was honored to be the top-producing Realtor for my brokerage in both March and April! xo

Let's talk about real estate.
Nicole and I have ushered five buyers into homes so far this year — including one couple who just closed after a long, on-and-off search that spanned three years. That's a true testament to my commitment: never pressure, only patience, and always the goal of finding the right home, one that brings real excitement.

On the selling side, we've helped seven homeowners sell their properties this year, and each single-family home received multiple offers. Buyers are active and engaged, often bidding above the asking price when a home resonates with them. They're carefully reviewing disclosures, calculating repair costs, and evaluating everything—from the condition of systems and windows to layout, natural light, outdoor space, and storage. As we've seen over the past two years, they're far less willing to accept challenges that can't be resolved, such as awkward layouts or heavy freeway noise.

The biggest mistake I'm seeing sellers make right now?
Pricing their homes based on what they want rather than what the market supports. This involves examining comparable sales in the area and objectively evaluating the property's condition, upgrades, layout, and location.

I know it can be hard to face that the market has softened over the past two years, especially if you accepted more issues when you bought your home than today's buyers are not willing to. It's also frustrating if you're trying to move up and realizing that the gap between your current home and your next one has widened.

That said, while the market isn't at peak levels, it's still healthy. You may not get what your neighbor got at the height of the market (unless your home is a unicorn!), but prices are still strong, especially when you consider that buyers are paying more than double the interest rates compared to a few years ago.

Here's what matters most:
Buyers ultimately set the market value. Your role as a seller, along with your agent, is to ensure your home presents itself beautifully and is priced correctly. That means not just looking at average sales or price per square foot, but carefully evaluating your home's specific assets and challenges.

This weekend, we have two fantastic homes on Norton to view:

• 4251 Norton Avenue, Oakland is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with incredible natural light and perhaps the best indoor/outdoor flow we've ever seen — a true outdoor living dream.

• 4133 Norton Avenue, Oakland offers over 3,000 square feet of living space across three levels, with stunning views on every floor.

Want to see the lighter side of real estate? Follow me on Instagram @DeidreJ for home tour stories, design nuggets, funny reels, and more.

It's such an honor to be your trusted Realtor. Thank you for continuing to reach out to me.
Happy May!

4133 Norton Avenue, Oakland

April 2025: What's really going on out there?

We're in the middle of the spring market, which is historically the strongest selling season of the year. So what's really going on out there?

The market continues to be highly property-specific. With interest rates in the high 6% to low 7% range, buyers are digging deeper than just square footage and bedroom count. They're combing through disclosures and inspection reports, scrutinizing the age and condition of major systems like the roof, furnace, and water heater. Electrical systems, wiring, and panel types are also under the microscope—especially now that insurance options in California are increasingly limited. Insurers are asking more detailed questions before deciding whether to offer a policy, including the roof's age, the type of wiring, and the electrical panel type. I'm currently representing two buyers whose only option was the California FAIR Plan—which doesn't include liability coverage. That means they need to purchase two separate policies, adding extra cost and complexity.

All of this is to say that today's buyers are doing their homework. They're analyzing everything—beyond window condition, room sizes, whether there's a primary suite, or how the home flows. Emotional appeal still matters, but buyers are navigating this market with a more critical and informed eye than ever before.

So, what does this mean for sellers? If your home has an unusual layout , older systems or finishes, or could use some repairs or upgrades—it's still absolutely sellable. However, in today's market, buyers are factoring in those deferred costs and often willing to pay less than for homes that are more updated and upgraded. That's why thoughtful preparation and pricing strategy matter more than ever.
If you're considering a sale, I highly recommend not relying on online sites for valuations. These platforms only average square footage and recent comps—they don't account for condition, layout, or what makes your home unique. I'm happy to come over and provide an honest assessment with no obligation and a no-nonsense approach.

This month, I was honored to be nominated by my peers for the Crafties 24/7 Legend Award—celebrating the agent who grinds harder, responds faster, and makes every transaction feel effortless—and I won. I'm beyond grateful to my clients, colleagues, friends, and family who voted for me. It was a fun industry event, and I'm proud to be part of this vibrant, hard working community.

• What I'm watching: Celtics City. I've never been a Celtics fan, but I love a good sports documentary, and this series has some historical gems. I'm also watching Top Chef and Apple TV's The Studio.

• What I'm listening to on Audible: Mel Robbins' Let Them. I'm about halfway through and highly recommend it.

• What I'm doing in the garden: Planting herbs, keeping up with weeds, and trying to keep my roses and lemons healthy.

I'd love to hear your good watching or listening recommendations!

It is almost time for the San Francisco Decorators Showcase, which is on my calendar!

Thanks for inviting me to your email once again, and have a great rest of your April!

March 2025: The Spring Market is Here!

Happy March!

I'm grateful for another spring. Like clockwork, the birds begin their morning songs this time of year. While I have one little yipper who chatters all night and sometimes wakes me in the middle of my sleep, I still appreciate the season's renewal, rebirth, and the fresh start it brings—all sprinkled with sunlit mornings between the rain.

We are now in the midst of the spring market, and I'm seeing buyers actively searching for places to call home and communities where they can plant roots. The market right now is extremely complex, filled with a myriad of inventory, and I'm seeing more flipped properties—homes that have been purchased, renovated, and resold for profit. Some feature ultra-modern finishes that don't always complement the home's original architecture and era while others are tastefully done.

A challenge I'm noticing is that in some of these flipped properties, the disclosures and inspections can feel ambiguous. Often, not all recommended repairs are addressed, and finished walls can conceal areas and limit an inspector's ability to see the full scope of various home systems, which some buyers find concerning due to the possibility of damage or problems that may exist behind the inaccessible areas. Because of this, many of my buyer clients feel financially stretched—debating whether they should spend their entire budget upfront or set aside funds for potential unforeseen repairs.

Of course, even when purchasing a home from a longtime owner, surprise repairs can still arise—that's part of homeownership. Maintaining a home takes ongoing care and attention. For example, every two years, I have my tankless water heater descaled to extend its life. After a heavy storm last month, I discovered water in my crawl space despite having a French drain and sump pump. Upon inspection, I learned that my pump needed to be replaced. A home is like a family member—it requires "doctor appointments" and "prescriptions filled" to maintain its integrity.

But in return, what a home gives us is profound. It shelters us through stormy weather, keeps us warm and dry, and inspires us when morning light floods through the windows. It's where gardens bloom, breezes carry the scent of lemons, and music and laughter fill the air. It's where we find comfort on difficult days. It is, simply, my favorite place.

As buyers navigate today's market, they analyze everything—the layout, condition, potential repairs, point-of-sale requirements, recent comparable sales, and whether the home will fit their needs for years to come. Affordability is a defining factor, and because people are staying in their homes longer, they are also thinking ahead to future needs.

A growing trend I'm seeing is that buyers are subtracting more than just the cost of deferred maintenance from their offers. The reason? They can't finance the repairs—they need to pay dollar for dollar out of pocket while factoring in the risk of going over budget and the inconvenience of managing renovations.

On the flip side, I'm also seeing buyers willing to take on larger projects to get into neighborhoods they might not otherwise afford, securing homes at lower prices than properties with less repair and updating needs. 

For more insights into the spring market, check out my latest Real Estate Market Trends segment on KTVU. And as always, I'm here for any specific questions or needs you may have.

Warmly,

March 2025 | KTVU Fox 2 | Real Estate Market Trends

February 2025: Community & Gratitude

Community: A group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society. 

This past Sunday and Monday, I hosted two open houses for a new listing and struck up a conversation with a family who attended both days. The wife mentioned that I looked familiar, and we quickly realized that I had listed the property they purchased 15 years ago. That friendly exchange reminded me just how small and connected our community truly is. 

Later, during the open house, the next-door neighbor stopped by, and as we chatted, I learned that she's good friends with one of my own neighbors. Moments like these are such a beautiful reminder that, even while we're busy with the daily tasks of life, having roots and connections makes us feel part of a larger, supportive community. 

When you live in a neighborhood, you're purchasing more than just a home — you're investing in a piece of the block,  the surrounding area, and the community. Often, what you put out in effort comes back tenfold. That's why I always suggest to buyers that they visit a property during the day and in the evening to really get a sense of the community they're considering becoming a part of.

This weekend, 3991 Forest Hill in the Oakmore neighborhood of Oakland will be open — a home where my client Katy and her kids have lived for 27 years, creating wonderful memories in a community she truly loved raising her children in.

Additionally, 4274 Coolidge Avenue in the Lincoln Highlands neighborhood of Oakland will be open — another charming and beloved enclave in the heart of Oakland.

Last month, my brokerage honored me with a Top Producer award. This achievement was only possible because of you. Thank you for welcoming me into your community, allowing me to be your go-to Realtor, and trusting me as your advisor. I am beyond grateful and will continue to do everything in my power to make you proud.
Please know I am always an email or phone call away, and no question is too small.

Warmly,

January 2025: The Power of Honest Guidance

Home: Any place of residence or refuge.

As I look out at my garden, I see my roses and hydrangeas cut back for the winter, resting and gathering energy for a vibrant new season. The act of pruning feels symbolic - the start of a new year is always a time for setting goals, implementing plans, renewal, and growth.

Each January, I take time to reflect on my business: how I can improve, enhance my services, hone my skills, and bring fresh creativity to everything I do. Discipline and thoughtful effort often lead to the greatest rewards, and this is especially true when helping clients navigate the ever-evolving real estate market. Bottom line: I want to be my best for you.

While some aspects of real estate remain constant, the industry and economy are always changing. I'm grateful for two decades of experience spanning multiple markets and hundreds of properties sold, allowing me to provide my clients with insight and confidence - especially during a home sale or purchase, which is often tied to a life transition.

I firmly believe in the power of honest guidance - rooted in truth, data, and expertise. Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but I've learned that knowledge and preparation are the keys to creating the best outcomes. My clients rely on me to give them the real deal without the salesy fluff.

Real estate transactions are often financial decisions, but at their heart, they're about something far more profound: finding or leaving a place called home. "Home" is the root of it all - a place of comfort, belonging, and refuge.

The Spring market is historically the strongest selling season of the year. Over the past two years, January through April has proven to be an optimal time for sellers. Spring offers fresh gardens, an inviting atmosphere, and fewer buyer distractions compared to May, which often brings graduations and school year-end activities. By summer, we tend to lose some buyer activity as vacations take precedence.

If you're considering a move this year, now is the time to start planning, and I am always just an email or phone call away.

To my sellers, thank you for trusting me to make your homes irresistible, giving you the leverage needed to achieve the best negotiation results. To my buyers, thank you for allowing me to join your journey in finding a place that fits your budget, meets your needs, and truly feels like home.

And to my friends and neighbors receiving this newsletter, thank you for recommending me to your friends, colleagues, and community. Please know that I am committed to leading with value, expertise, and service - always putting your needs above self-interest because I know you are the reason behind it all.

Warmly,

P.S. I am working on new listings which means I will have new and fun content on Instagram, please follow me, my handle is @DeidreJ

P.P.S.  My clients get the added bonus of having 2 licensed Realtors working on their behalf, this is the start of the 6th year that Nicole Paez has been working with me! I am so fortunate to have her dedication and support to help provide you with the best possible service.