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!