Happy 2026!!
A January Home Check-In
Nothing like a new year to wipe the slate clean, right?
On January 4th, fresh off a restful week away, I walked into my kitchen and heard a sound that felt… wrong. Dripping. Looking up, I saw small drops of water clinging to the ceiling and a long stain running down the wall. Cue a very unglamorous afternoon of torrential rain, clogged gutters, and the sudden acceptance of a leaking roof.
At the time, it wasn’t funny. In hindsight though, I can laugh a little at the image of my husband and me soaked through, standing in the downpour, assessing the damage like two drowned rats. (Rats are a story for another newsletter.)
We sprang into action: detached and cleared the gutters, identified the source of the leak, and called a roofer who met us first thing the next morning. What could have turned into a major issue ended up being a manageable repair. No mold, minimal interior damage, and a clear plan forward.
The real takeaway came afterward.
Homeownership rarely announces problems politely and we often miss obvious hints: a drip, a stain, a system quietly aging out. The difference between panic and confidence is knowing what to look for before the bottom (or ceiling!) falls out. Taking a yearly inventory of your home will save you future headaches, not to mention thousands of dollars and January is a natural moment for a Home Check-In:
- Do you know the age and condition of your major systems?
- Are gutters, drainage, and roofs ready for winter storms?
- If an unexpected repair came up this year, would you feel prepared?
A little awareness now will be invaluable. Also, over the last 17 years in real estate, I’ve built up a pretty amazing list of service providers that I would be more than happy to share, so if there is anything that comes up, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you’d ever like to talk through your home’s condition, future projects, or simply understand what flexibility you have as a homeowner (an equity update will give you a clear understanding of how your home’s current market value can work for you), I’d love to be a resource. Sometimes peace of mind starts with a simple check-in… ideally before the ceiling starts dripping.
Here’s to a new year, a clean slate, and homes that weather the storms gracefully.
Why the Lock-In Is Easing — and Why Timing Matters for Buyers and Sellers
For the past several years, housing activity has been constrained less by demand and more by the lock-in effect: homeowners holding mortgage rates below 3% and reluctant to move into a higher-rate environment. That dynamic kept inventory tight even as life events continued to create underlying demand.
That pressure is beginning to ease. Recent mortgage data shows the share of outstanding loans above 6% now exceeds those below 3%, and rates have been trending lower since late 2025 toward the mid-5% range — a level many economists view as a key threshold where sellers begin to re-enter the market.
For sellers, this environment can be advantageous. Inventory remains limited, buyer demand is still present, and competition has not yet fully returned. Listing before rates move materially lower may allow sellers to position themselves ahead of a more crowded market.
For buyers, transitional periods like this often offer better selection and more balanced negotiations. Historically, once rates fall meaningfully, buyer competition intensifies and price pressure increases — often eroding the benefit of a lower rate. From a financing standpoint, securing the right home earlier, with the flexibility to refinance later, can be a stronger long-term strategy than waiting for rates to bottom.
John Glynn, a senior loan officer with Cross Country Mortgage has successfully helped countless of my clients obtain mortgages over the years. He is seeing the scenario play out in real time and says there is a lot of optimism in the market as the lock-in effect diminishes. “As the lock-in effect continues to unwind, the market is likely to normalize gradually rather than abruptly,” he says. “In moments like this, timing isn’t about guessing where rates will land — it’s about aligning market conditions with personal goals while opportunity still exists on both sides of the transaction.”
If you’re curious how this shifting window might intersect with your own plans — whether that’s a move this year or simply understanding your options — I’m always happy to be a sounding board. A thoughtful conversation now can help clarify timing, even if action comes later.
JANUARY — Rain, Roofs & Reality Checks
Remember the roof? Its so easy to let important check-list items go without attention – for me too. From this point forward, I will include my program for maintaining my own property. Hopefully this will help to keep us all on track. At any point, please reach out to me for referrals from my preferred vendor list. I’m always happy to share!
Primary risks: Heavy rain, leaks, saturated soil, wind
Exterior
- Inspect roof (especially flashing, valleys, skylights)
- Check gutters/downspouts for overflow or separation
- Confirm water is draining away from foundation
- Look for pooling near crawl space vents
Interior
- Scan ceilings and walls for water stains
- Check attic for damp insulation or musty smell
- Inspect crawl space for standing water or vapor barrier issues
Systems
- Test sump pump (if applicable)
- Replace HVAC filter (winter use)
Real estate is ultimately about lifestyle and community, not just numbers. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy where you live this winter, here are a few local events coming up around the Bay Area.
🗓 Feb 3 – 7, 2026
📍 Moscone Center, San Francisco
⏰ 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Tue–Fri), 10 AM – 10 PM (Sat)
📅 Feb 6, 2026
📍 Castro Theatre, San Francisco
📅 Wed, Feb 4, 2026
📍 True Hope Church Food Pantry, 950 Gilman Ave, San Francisco, CA
📍 Oakland Hills Campus Event, 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Fundraiser & entertainment)
📅 Sat, Feb 7, 2026
📍 Mill Valley Golf Clubhouse, 283 Buena Vista Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
⏰ 6:00 PM (approx, 4 hours)
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