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News from Sarah

Hello << Test First Name >>!
Season's Greetings! I hope you are enjoying the simple joys of life during this very unique holiday season.

As 2020 comes to an end, I think we all can agree that this year has been unlike any other before and, hopefully, will remain one of a kind. Our lives and lifestyles changed instantly and dramatically in March; and this holiday season we are readjusting to a strict "stay at home" regulation. 

2021 is right around the corner! As winter begins, it's definitely a time for reflection, rest, and relaxation all around. I am truly grateful for all the little moments in life now more than ever. I appreciate time spent experimenting in the kitchen, finishing forgotten home projects, re-exploring less visited picturesque spots around town, and the opportunity to slow down a bit. Most of us are spending a lot more time homebound these days, and I hope your home has been a source of comfort and warmth.

I have found it interesting in recent conversations that there seems to be a growing trend with people who were once limited by where they could live geographically,  now wondering, Where would I live if I could live anywhere?  

No matter what the future holds, I'm here to support you, share information, and strategize.  I'm available and enjoy discussing real estate and exploring life's infinite options, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Happy Holidays! ✨Cheers to 2021!

Market Update
To say the least, this year has had an interesting impact on the local real estate market. The Bay Area market continues to be very active with a few notable shifts: 
  • Buyers' priorities changed from commute times and proximity to public transportation to extra indoor and outdoor space.
  • Extremely low interest rates have enabled people to afford price points which may have previously been out of reach, and 
  • Virtual and 360° Home Tours in lieu of open houses. Anyone can now view our listings anytime from the comfort of wherever they happen to be. We still do in-person showings too, of course, but we are doing our best to provide as much information as possible upfront to help keep our community safe.
Overall, 2020 was a fast paced year for real estate. Despite what many would have expected, most Bay Area cities saw prices increase. We have seen the market begin its typical "holiday" slowdown, but activity is still higher than last year. It remains to be seen how the current circumstances will affect the market into early 2021, but I will definitely keep you updated.

Local Businesses
One of the best perks of living in the Bay Area is the incredible array of amazing shops and restaurants. While we are sheltering in place, we can still enjoy and help support our local food and restaurant community.

Check out these two new resources to help find local businesses: 

NOSH 2020 Holiday Gift Guide created by BerkeleySide sharing cool local food and drink gifts.  

KRON4's YES, WE'RE OPEN! online listing of local restaurants currently open for pick-up or delivery.

I can't wait until the day we are able to meet for lunch or happy hour, but until then, let's do what we can to help support our local businesses! 

Recent Listings
Spectacular Rooftop Deck Overlooking San Pablo Park

Spacious 3 BD / 3 BA Home plus a 1+ BD Rental Unit

Listed at $1.395M
1322 Russell Street  Berkeley, CA 94702 ~ San Pablo Park Neighborhood
SanPabloPark.com
On the Market mid-January. Let me know if you would like more details.
Click Here for Property Details

Walk to Lake Merritt Shops & Restaurants

Listed at $699,000.
 
389 Belmont Ave #109 Oakland, CA 94610 ~ Adams Point Neighborhood
AdamsPointOakland.com
Click Here for Property Details

SOLD 30% Over Asking Price
 
See the home come alive with our 360° & Virtual Tour!
 
2284 Bonar Street Bekeley, CA 94702 - Poets Corner Neighborhood
PoetsCornerBerkeley.com
Click Here for Property Details
To see other Recent Listings click below:
Recent Listings

Pay it Forward
Those who are housing and food insecure or unemployed are more vulnerable than ever right now.  There a lot of ways we can help, but here are a few easy ideas to support your community:
  • Lasagna Love was started at the beginning of the pandemic, when the founder of Good to Mama was looking for a way to help moms in her community. She and her toddler started making and delivering meals to families in the neighborhood who were struggling, whether that struggle was financial, emotional, or simply a feeling of overwhelm.

    Lasagna Love has since grown into a national movement, with thousands of people all cooking and delivering meals to families in their communities. What they do is simple: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. Their mission is not only to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also to provide a simple act of love and kindness during a time full of uncertainty and stress.

  • Amazon Smile  -- Did you know Amazon has a program called AmazonSmile, which allows customers to donate a small percentage of their purchase(s) to a charity, or charities, of their choice. The catch? Really, there isn't one, unless you count that you must Sign in through smile.amazon.com instead on your desktop or mobile phone browser. Don't worry, even your shopping cart and your account information will look exactly the same. Personally, I just deleted the app and added this site on my Phone home screen instead. You can select a new charitable organization at any time and it's as easy as that to start supporting your favorite charity each time you shop.
As always, our team is here to be your real estate resource.  If you or anyone you know is considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate we would love to help. We are here to offer knowledge and advice at any step of the process! 

In addition, Keller Williams is the largest real estate brokerage in the country and I can help you find and vet great agents anywhere in the country or even the world.
 
Stay safe and well this holiday season,
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SARAH SCHISLER 
REALTOR® DRE#01322781
(510) 390-1330
Sarah@HousesBySarah.com 
www.HousesBySarah.com

Keller Williams Oakland
4937A Telegraph Ave. | Oakland, CA 94609
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