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Here we go again . . . I spy the tell-tale signs of a bird's nest under construction on a rafter high above my exterior side stairs. This feathery duo return each spring (like the swallows of Capistrano) to build their roosts. Theoretically, I don't object to birds nesting around my house . . . it's just that these birds are slobs (truly, they make a MESS). It begins with twigs, straw, strings and grass littering the steps, then once the chicks are born and on a 24-hour feeding schedule, it gets really ugly, really fast . . . (need I say more?).
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I spent the morning in my garden planting for a tour I've agreed to host in May. Five of us were asked to open our gardens to a visiting club from Pasadena, and while I'm happy to do so, between you and me, this is both an unexpected honor, and an awfully BIG CHORE . . . which is why I've been working on the flower beds a little bit at a time.
That being said, gardening is one of the few tasks that pay you back in spades . . . I spent last weekend in bed recovering from surgery. Like many people, when faced with the prospect of an invasive procedure, I had put it off for a few years, but I could no longer ignore the problem. Now that the issue is resolved, it's back to business as usual. (Thanks for your well wishes.)
“I wanted to let you know that my daughter and I saw some people in the house earlier today,” the elderly neighbor conspiratorially whispered at my Sunday Open," and when we asked the Agent if we could come inside, he said, 'I can’t show you the house." (He’s right; he can’t.)
"He was rude," she added, clearly bent out of shape. We're struggling with whether to sell now or later . . . " is a repeating refrain Sarah and I are hearing at many of our listing appointments with potential Sellers. Followed by "What do you see happening next Spring?" (I wish I knew.)
Because the economy is only ever understood in a rearview mirror, the correct answers to their questions are: "I don't know." In fact, nobody knows and anyone who tells you differently should be immediately suspect. Sarah and I can only speak to the current marketplace which has been robust for some, while leaving others short-handed and less than pleased. No sooner had our newest listing hit the market, when an unexpected offer was dropped into my inbox from an LLC specializing in real estate investments. While preemptive offers are usually presented by highly motivated Buyers who are hoping to shut out the competition before the Sunday Open, this one was anything but . . .
There's been a lot of news of late regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and while I typically stick to lighter topics specific to Real Estate (avoiding politics for obvious reasons), it occurs to me that the practice of Real Estate would be NOTHING without diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As Sarah, Jill, Kate, and I specialize in "transforming" properties, we rely heavily on the contributions of our crews, vendors, and specialists; many who epitomize "diversity" (not to mention strength, courage, and generosity), and who now call the United States their "home" (and have for decades). "Are they serious?!?" my client asked, her frustration mounting with each passing moment. (We 'd sat down to work on her Seller disclosures.) "Who wrote these stupid questions anyway; they're incomprehensible" (not to mention redundant). Moreover, the questions themselves often require expertise that frankly, most Sellers - and their Agents - don't possess (and I work with extremely well-educated individuals).
My husband, Cliff and I spent last weekend in Santa Cruz at The Dream Inn, walking the wharf, biking to Natural Bridges State Park, exploring Downtown, and watching the surfers share waves with the sea lions. We woke up to crisp, sunny mornings, threw on our hiking shoes, strolled to the light house and back sipping hot chocolate from the kiosk en route. I was reminded once again, why this unique area holds such a special place in my heart. Only an hour and a half by car, it's the perfect last-minute getaway. (Happy Valentine's.)
I'm sitting at the kitchen table at one of our off-market listings, typing away while my colleague is taking another spin around the grounds with his prospective Buyer. Having given them both the VIP guided tour, I'm now providing some breathing room so they can wander the gardens, open the closets, and enjoy the spectacular view without comment from me. (It's hard not to love this house.)
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AuthorJulie Gardner, has been writing The Perspective for 18 years and has published more than 775 humorous but always informative, essays on life and real estate. 
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