Vol. 281 – The Heat is ON!
What’s New?
While I’m loathe to admit it, I’ve recently been suffering with symptoms associated with growing older. Without warning or provocation (or exercise) the heat is ON (!) and I am suddenly grabbing a fan, opening a window, stripping off my sweater, or kicking off the sheets at night in VERY dramatic fashion (Sorry Cliff). This new found “heat” comes courtesy of my fifties and what seems to be a broken internal thermostat.
“Would you like to consider hormone replacement therapy?” my good doctor asked? Really? Has it come to that?
Yes, it has.
Last week, I actually stuck my head out of the car window like my dog, Buck, just to feel the breeze . . . ahhh. It seems there’s no end to what I will do in order to cool off just a little. In short, my radiator is OVERHEATING - AHHHHH!
“Overheated” may be the word used by many anxious Buyers (and their agents) to describe our current marketplace as each successive sale trumps the one that came before, but in point of fact, we may just be getting started . . .
It’s not just that multiple offers are back in play on the majority of homes we represent, it’s that the level of play has jumped so dramatically from where it stood one short year ago, and more surprisingly, that CASH has played such a major role in this acceleration (48% of transactions have traded in “all cash” offers according to current statistics).
As a result, getting Buyers into the homes they desire, has been challenging at best. At worst, the rapid growth has priced many Buyers out of the home buying market altogether. But for everyone involved – consumers, agents, mortgage lenders, appraisers, and escrow officers (just to name a few) – the Spring Market has shaped up to be the most competitive marketplace to emerge in years.
In truth, sales have been so robust that any past formulas we used to position our clients for success, no longer applies. While it’s no surprise that “value” is a moving target (heck, it’s always been a moving target), the speed of acceleration has caught many people off-guard. Frankly speaking, it should no longer surprise us to hear about sales that came in 25%-40% over asking (!) but it does. The result being that there’s often a HUGE CHASM between the list and the sales price – and a troubling disconnect.
Unfortunately for Buyers (fortunately for Sellers) this upward trend is now the new norm. As such, adjustments are required if we are to compete in a meaningful way. Therefore, I encourage you to “flow with the river” IF home ownership is the intended goal. And try this on for size, even though the market seems more expensive, it’s actually more affordable to buy.
“Can you send us some comps?” I’m often asked by earnest Buyers as we begin to formulate an offer price.
Why yes I can, but they’ll be of little real value.
“How much should we offer?
In reality, last week’s ceiling, is this week’s floor, AND if I could tell you exactly where each property will trade, I’d be the most sought after woman in real estate (no joke).
By way of illustration, I’ll share a story with you that I was told by a friend who bought a decade and a half ago when the market also had tremendous velocity and “heat.” Like most Buyers, the question they needed answered was: “How much should we pay?” and without missing a beat, their astute Realtor said, “As much as you can.” They did and the home they thought they “overpaid” for then, is now worth far more today. That’s a repeating theme for many of us, in any decade. (my neighbor paid $60,000 for her home and often tells me what a ‘stretch’ it was at the time.)
“I refuse to play that game,” one Buyer recently told me in no uncertain terms. “We’re too pragmatic to get caught up in a bidding war.”
I completely understand and I say this with all due respect – this is not the market for you. Step out and step off. Like all cyclical investments, this too will adjust. We just don’t know when.
Which is often the very next question I’m asked: “So when will the market slow down?”
I wish I knew. I can only ever speak to the market in which we are in or put another way, “hindsight is 20/20.” It could be weeks, months or years before we see a change or correction. Much of it depends on “supply and demand” and the economy at large, not just nationally, but internationally as well. If it’s any consolation, we do appear to be cooling off just a bit now that more inventory has hit the market and summer is just around the corner. With families focused on graduation, this weekend might prove to be just the quiet breath you were looking for - or not. Only time will tell.
Speaking of breath, I need to catch mine. All this fanning is a real work out. I’m getting hot – again . . . (What’s a woman to do?)
What’s Coming?

5955 Rincon Drive, Montclair
Please join me at 5955 Rincon Drive in Montclair. This hip and sophisticated 4bdrm/2bth Mid-Century oasis features an inviting open floorplan, floor to ceiling windows, sleek designer decks with Bay views, sunny and spacious eat-in kitchen, professionally landscaped gardens featuring native plants and a bocci ball court, and a perfect setting for entertaining or quiet relaxation. Close to Montclair Village, the Sunday Farmer’s Market and easy commuter access. List price: $787,000. Open Sunday, June 9 & 16 2-4:30pm. Offers Tuesday, June 18, by appointment. www.5955Rincon.com

72 Huntleigh Drive, Piedmont
Anian Tunney’s newest listing is a spacious home at 72 Huntleigh Drive in Piedmont near Hampton Field and features 7bdrms/4+bths and a BIG family room off the kitchen. List price: $1,895,000. Open Sunday, 2-4:30pm. www.grubbco.com

114 Crocker Avenue, Piedmont
Mindy Scott brings a beautiful 4bdrm/3bth Mid-Century to the market at 114 Crocker Avenue in Piedmont. This spacious and beautifully maintained home offers all-level living, spacious formal living and dining rooms, open updated kitchen & family room, and easy, breezy indoor/outdoor living in the form of an incredibly inviting level rear garden. List price: $2,200,000. www.grubbco.com (Don’t delay, this beautiful home already has great interest.)
(These are just a few highlighted properties for you to consider. For a complete Sunday Open House Guide, please contact me and I’ll be happy to send you an Ad Review each week.)
What’s Happening?
Properties are still moving into contract very quickly. On average, good listings are selling in just 12-14 days, which means you need to make a swift decision and be ready to close FAST. (Please speak with a qualified mortgage lender prior to falling in love . . .)
With news that interest rates have crept up, placing jumbo loans at, or above, 4% (still CHEAP money relatively speaking) it’s time to get serious. (Time truly is money.) Increased interest rates translate into a direct loss of purchasing power.
I will be in NY next week for my husband’s high school reunion. See you in two weeks!
Building Community, one Family at a Time!





























Linda McClain has just listed a lovely Traditional at 6026 Pinewood in Montclair. Designed by Richard Janzen (circa 1996), this beautiful home features an ideal floor plan with 4bdrms/2bths up, including a very private master suite, formal living and dining rooms, office w/built-ins, and chef’s kitchen leading out to a wonderful grassy garden. Extremely functional and stylish, this house has it all! List price: $1,250,000. Open Sunday, 2-4:30pm. 