Blog

Notes on the local market

212 posts

2026-10-13 · 7 min read

Is Fall a Smart Time to Buy a Home in the East Bay?

Most buyers pause in the fall. That can be your opening. Here is what fall buyers get that spring buyers often do not, and what to ask about in each East Bay city before you write an offer.

2026-10-12 · 2 min read

Oakland & Berkeley Real Estate Market Update: October 2026

Oakland and Berkeley home prices, active listings, and days on market for October 2026.

2026-10-12 · 3 min read

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek & Lafayette Real Estate Market Update: October 2026

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette home prices and inventory for October 2026.

2026-10-08 · 8 min read

Should You Sell Your Home This Fall or Wait for Spring?

Everyone says spring is the best time to sell. That is exactly why fall can work in your favor. Here is how to tell which season fits your home, and what to line up first in each East Bay city.

2026-10-01 · 6 min read

Why Do Oakland and Berkeley Homes Sell So Far Over Asking?

In Oakland and Berkeley, the asking price usually isn't the real number. Here is why homes are listed below what they're expected to sell for, and how buyers and sellers can use that instead of fighting it.

2026-10-01 · 6 min read

How Do You Sell an Inherited House in Probate in Alameda County?

An inherited house comes with a legal process, a timeline, and decades of history. Here is how selling one works in Alameda County, from probate or a trust to closing, in plain English.

2026-10-01 · 6 min read

How Do You Sell a House During a Divorce in the East Bay?

Two people who don't agree on much still have to agree on one price. Here is how a divorce home sale works in the East Bay, step by step, and how to keep it fair for both of you.

2026-10-01 · 8 min read

What Does It Actually Cost to Sell a House in Oakland?

Transfer taxes, two point-of-sale certificates, prep, and closing costs. Here is every cost of selling an Oakland home, in plain English, and how to see your real net before you list.

2026-10-01 · 6 min read

What Should You Know Before Buying a 100-Year-Old Home in Oakland?

Most of Oakland's homes are 75 to 100-plus years old. Here is what to check before you fall for one, which issues are cosmetic and which are serious, and the inspections worth paying for.

2026-09-10 · 2 min read

Your MLS Listing Isn't Enough Anymore

A few years ago a sign and an MLS listing were enough. Here's what actually gets a strong price in today's East Bay market.

2026-09-10 · 3 min read

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek & Lafayette Real Estate Market Update: September 2026

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette home prices and inventory for September 2026.

2026-09-08 · 2 min read

Oakland & Berkeley Real Estate Market Update: September 2026

Oakland and Berkeley home prices, active listings, and days on market for September 2026.

2026-09-03 · 2 min read

Location Matters

You can remodel almost anything about a house except where it is. Here's how to think about location before you fall for a kitchen.

2026-09-01 · 2 min read

Don't Let Social Media Fool You

Social media makes buying look impossible. Your actual situation is the only one that matters, here's how to find out what's really possible.

2026-08-27 · 2 min read

You Want a New Home Before the Holidays?

Hoping to close before the holidays? Starting early matters more than you think, especially with the East Bay's older housing stock.

2026-08-25 · 2 min read

Before You Spend $50,000 Remodeling Your Home, Watch This

Not every dollar you spend before selling comes back to you. Here's how to know which repairs are actually worth it.

2026-08-22 · 2 min read

Should You Rent It or Sell It?

Renting sounds simple until you add up vacancy, repairs, and tenant turnover. Here's what to weigh before you decide to rent instead of sell.

2026-08-18 · 2 min read

Buying a Home in a High-Fire Risk Area?

Fire-risk insurance can run $4,000 to $20,000 a year depending on location. Here's what to check before you write an offer.

2026-08-17 · 3 min read

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek & Lafayette Real Estate Market Update: August 2026

Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette home prices and inventory for August 2026.

2026-08-11 · 2 min read

Don't Miss the Summer Window

The market you see today won't look the same in a few months. Here's why now is worth a real conversation if you're on the fence about selling.

2026-08-11 · 2 min read

What Monthly Payment Should You Be Comfortable With?

Getting approved for $1.2 million doesn't mean a $7,000 payment fits your life. Here's how to find the number that actually works.

2026-08-10 · 3 min read

Oakland & Berkeley Real Estate Market Update: August 2026

Oakland and Berkeley home prices, active listings, and days on market for August 2026.

2026-08-06 · 2 min read

Why Some Homes Sit Longer

A home that's sat for 60 or 90 days isn't necessarily a problem. Here's how buyers can find real opportunity in overlooked listings.

2026-08-04 · 2 min read

Selling While Buying

Selling before you know where you're going next is a real fear. Here are the strategies that actually protect you on both sides.