Mark Shaw Top Re/max Accord Real Estate Broker

What if you set aside a special corner in your home that was completely devoted to helping you feel calm? You can achieve comforting surroundings - without going anywhere - by designating a space in your own home. You truly can do this, even with a simple corner or nook. #namaste keep it light and bright neutral, soft colors minimal and uncluttered... outdoor space/plants #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 (thespruce.com)

When it's time to sell your home, there are a few manageable small things anyone can do to present their home in a better light. Because when the small things are looked after, the assumption is that the bigger things - that aren't visible - are taken care of too. With buyers assessing listing photos and features online, these impressions matter! Upgrade your lights: consider smart lights Replace faucets: consider touchless ... Landscape smartly: functional outdoor space is in demand Paint your front door: color that tends to impress? Black! Add a fire pit: buyers then visualize a family friendly oasis (RIS Media)

Please tag or share with Lafayette small businesses who may benefit from the latest relief grant. Our businesses and our people are what make this city great! #lafayettestrong #lafayettecommunity #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 See more

'Getting Organized' is a goal so broad. These 'up-front' steps are a big investment in saving you time every day! Have an ongoing 'donation box' near front door Front door entry needs hooks, bins, mail basket Pet cubby basket for leash, toys, bowl... Toss expired goods and spices that are in pantry Put dry pantry goods in stackable containers Donate some coffee mugs. You only need a few. Bundle cluttered cords together with velcro strips Shred old paperwork Under-the-sink storage neatly in bins Hang shoe organizer inside closet door. Take a look around your newly organized home, and feel great! (Houselogic.com)

Have you ever considered buying an investment property? A cash-out refinance of your existing mortgage could help you buy additional real estate if that’s a goal of yours. Use the funds as a down payment on a second home or vacation house, and take a much-needed getaway, or put it toward a rental property. #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 See more

Sellers need to be careful not to put a lipstick on a pig, cautions Frank Lesh, ambassador for the American Society of Home Inspectors. Potential buyers will know to look further if they spot any of the following: Air fresheners - odor? Dehumidifiers - mildew? Fresh ceiling paint - leak?... Newly painted trim - rotted wood? Strategically-placed shrubs near foundation - water puddling? Just do the right thing, fix the problem, and make the deal go through a lot smoother for everybody. Great advice. #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 Realtor Magazine

Whether you own a rental property, or currently live in one, there are often restrictions that impact which changes can be made to walls, floors and other features. A few ideas to help make a space one's own, without damaging walls or making irreversible changes include: Tension rods to hang plants Removable faux tiles on an old floor Stackable vertical baskets for storage... Washi tape to makeover a shower door #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 (thespruce.com)

As the pandemic wears on, online searches for certain particular home comforts skyrocketed! At the top of the list were searches for aboveground pools - nearly doubling - as well as people scooping up: Outdoor chairs and pillows Hammocks Covered Patios... Firepits Creating cozy spots outdoors are a priority more than ever. #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

2021 Real Estate Trends To Keep An Eye On #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor... License #1245584 https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/real-estate-trends-watch

I say, as long as there's candy, there's Halloween ! In case you're feeling like the cancel culture has put a damper on this year's Halloween celebration check out Leonidas in Downtown Walnut Creek. They've created a great Halloween Care Package filled with a sweet variety of Haloween Treats ready to make someone's day! https://loveandchocolateshop.com//halloween-care-packages-... #walnutcreekstrong #Lafayette #halloweengifts #loveandchocolate #trickortreat #halloweencheer

The cold weather is around the corner. That means energy bills. But you can lower your heating costs considerably with some simple steps you can do yourself! lay down door snakes caulk around vents and dryer pipe hang heavy curtains on windows... add sleeves to water heater pipes wrap water heater in an insulated blanket See more

Some design trends that were popular in recent years are quickly fading: Open Concept: As people hunker down, we want more walls for more privacy. Open Shelving: We are craving streamlined spaces with unseen organization. Sterilized Spaces: Modern design, which can lack warmth, will be replaced with thoughtful one-of-a-kind objects.... #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

While more of us are working from home more than ever, it is wise to consider important investments like an ergonomic chair and healthy lighting. Improvements to your home office are certainly a sound investment, considering the new normal and expectation of office space, among home buyers. Tools that boost efficiency, comfort, and pleasure will serve you well in the meantime. #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 See more

Settling into a new home soon? A few of the first things to do that will help make your transition much smoother: Change the locks Check for leaks Steam clean carpets... Wipe out cabinets Invest in pest control Locate circuit breaker and water main valve #newhomecheck #locksandpipesandmore #markshawrealtor #todofirst #newhometodolist

There’s no place like home. The phrase has always been true, but especially in the last six months. What used to be a place to return to after a long day now serves multiple purposes to people all day, every day. The home is now an office, school, restaurant, gym, playroom and more. Here are four ways home design has changed because of COVID-19:... Focus On Cleanliness And Health New Colors And Quality Multi-Use Spaces Prioritized Outdoor Space What changes have you made this year in your home to adapt?

The work-from-home trend may be translating into a need-a-new-home trend. 45% of consumers say they would move if bosses continue to allow remote work, according to Homes.com. If you can relate to this, we are here to help you with your home search when the time is right! #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor... License #1245584 See more

A well-maintained front yard can boost the value of your property by as much as 12%, which can translate to tens of thousands of dollars. Some ideas to inspire you! Tackle quick fixes Refresh your borders Add flowers around standalone trees... Create paths Display planters #firstimpressionscount #colorandappeal #smallstepsbigresults #gardendiy #markshawremax

Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. Pantone suggests combining the two shades in table linens, sheets, and home accessories, like pillows, to liven up a room. Do you already accent your home with greys and yellows? #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 See more

Get your over-the-top spooktacular decorations up right now to make sure you’re ready for the official town tour on Halloween night! Lafayette will host a Halloween to remember for 2020! Put on your costume, dress up your house, business or car with all kinds of Halloween decorations the more outrageous, the better. Then hit the road and cruise Lafayette’s spooky streets or just stay home and watch the car-parade of ghouls from your front window.... It is bound to be a haunting blast, whether you enjoy from the comfort of your haunted house or drive around town in your wicked wagon. Do you dare? #lafayetteproud #lafayettehalloween2020 #lafayetteca #markshawrealestate #halloweenspirit

A lot has changed in the world of packing and moving boxes. Gone are the days of stuffing clothes into square boxes hoping breakables will make it in one piece out the other side! Using the right kind of box when relocating for packing china, glassware and breakables can ensure a safe move of this precious cargo. If you can get them, boxes built for moving china and dishes are the best for breakables. https://www.thespruce.com/pack-dishes-glassesware-moving-19

Dreaming of shiplap boards, hefty reclaimed wood, and farmhouse sinks? Here are a few ideas for updating every corner of your home with MODERN farmhouse flair! https://www.sunset.com/home-gar/cozy-farmhouse-decor-ideas . .... . . . #modernfarmhouse #farmhousedecor #farmhouseflair #reclaimedwooddecor #markshawbroker See more

As we enjoy our home's outdoor space more during the pandemic, house hunters are now starting to pay particular attention to outdoor features as they evaluate homes to purchase. According to Realtor.com, veggie and herb gardens are in high demand and will continue to trend into the new year! ... #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

Even better, building your OWN little tree house will create additional livable space you can enjoy, and even rent. Are you ready to recharge? You can do it! https://bit.ly/2VY7U0f... #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

Raised planter beds are a step up from a container garden, giving you more room for everything you want to grow. Use one of these free raised planter box plans to get all the advantages of a traditional garden with a lot less work. Whether you fill them with vegetables, flowers, or herbs, you'll enjoy the convenience of having a designated area to grow them.... https://www.thespruce.com/raised-planter-box-plans-4775011 . . . . #planterbeds #herbsveggiesflowers #growingathome #lafayetteoutdoors #natureloversathome #growyourownfood #raisedplanterboxplans

Have you spruced up your home during the pandemic? Major remodeling upgrades could result in homeowners needing to update their insurance. Otherwise, the home may be under-insured if a disaster ever strikes. Be sure you're up to date! #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor... License #1245584 See more

What is a home's resale value anyway? A home’s resale value is its estimated worth in the future. "The amount it is expected to sell for at some point in the future. Many things, including any improvements made to the property and the overall age and condition of the home, can affect the resale value. https://bit.ly/3m5scQi... . . . . . #markshaw #remaxaccordrealestatebroker #buyinginlafayette #ResaleValue #lafayettecalifornia See more

From the article: In a normal year as you reach October that line of buyers has eased. These are not normal times and we are continuing to see that line of buyers increase while some sellers are reluctant to list their properties, notes realtor.com’s Director of Economic Research Javier Vivas.

2021 Color of the Year is 'Passionate'. What do you think of the color? "The current cultural climate has created a state of overstimulation and information overload, which has encouraged trends to live life with minimalism..." #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 See more

If you have been considering seeing what price you can fetch for your home, let's chat. We'll give you a realistic idea of where your home value is today, given this particular climate. (925) 250-5591 "Fueled by low interest rates and a historic housing shortage, California’s median home price in September reached $712,430, closing out four straight months of record highs."... #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

Your home's kitchen and bathroom are two of the biggest selling points for homebuyers. It won't require much time or money to get your bathroom in top condition. Lighting - dress up windows with shade, recessed lighting Flooring - water resistant floor tile Decor - plants, fresh linens, art brighten it up... Shower - upgrade fixtures, remove hard water stains #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 (Source: RIS Media)

Want to know how you can help? Occasionally, I like to share about local businesses that I know and love. It's your turn! Shout-out some love to your favorite local businesses you continue to support through curbside or otherwise, at this time, by putting their business name as a comment for us all to see! Sometimes we just need a reminder of the goodness that is right here in our own backyard! Our community and local businesses are what make us strong!

So many reasons to own your own home! If these benefits sound good to you, let's chat! tax benefits appreciation equity... savings predictability freedom stability #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

57% say their neighbors have helped to fill the void of visiting with friends and family during the pandemic. As people spend more time at home, they are discovering their priorities are shifting when home buying, increasingly placing more weight on the neighborhood, and how neighborly it feels since the pandemic, The Wall Street Journal reports. . .... . . #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 https://bit.ly/2KE4ttl See more

"Listed homes are selling fast. Seventy-two percent of homes that sold in October were on the market for less than a month." If you are considering selling in the near future, now may be the right time. Let's chat today! . .... . . #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 (https://bit.ly/377a8iY) See more

Lafayette, we are lucky indeed! Pizza Antica Lafayette on Mt. Diablo Blvd has NEW FALL FLAVORS of of crispy fried chicken including creamy rainbow chard, potato purée, and spicy honey. Sounds like a perfect autumn Sunday to me! #eatlocal #smallbusinesssunday #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor... #lafayetteproud See more

"Remote Workers on the Move" , an Upwork report, finds that 14 to 23 million Americans are planning to move as a result of remote work. Are you one of them? If you are thinking about making a change, you are certainly not alone. Let's talk about your options!... #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584

Bubble Chandeliers are a modern fixture popping up a lot lately. These quirky fixtures put a new twist on traditional overhead lighting. Can you see one in your home? What do you think of them? #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 (BetterHomesandGardens) See more

People are now looking for properties that can accommodate their older family members, to keep their aging family members out of senior living - particularly group setting facilities, during COVID. This is translating to the desire for larger homes, of course! If you are considering a home with more space in order to keep family members close, we are here to help you find just the right home. Let's chat! (925) 250-5591. #markshawremaxaccord... #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor License #1245584 (Source: Realtor Magazine) See more

https://youtu.be/snji-NuCAa4

Consider enjoying your Sunday outdoors in nature, locally. Enjoy the peace that is right at our doorstep at Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area You can picnic, mountain bike, hike trails, view wildlife, or just lay down on a cozy blanket and read a book all day. What a rejuvenating start to the week. #lafayettenature... #relaxinlafayette #reservoirrecarea #markshawrealtor #lafayetteca See more

This Tuesday at 5:30pm celebrates our 34th annual tree of lights in Lafayette for Hospice East Bay. "These ceremonies have provided a way for families and friends to honor their loved ones and find solace in the symbolism of light as the names of their loved ones are read. The funds raised by these ceremonies make it possible for Hospice East Bay to provide hospice care to patients who are not covered by insurance, and to offer additional services and programs, such as music ...therapy and children’s grief programs." This is a cause we can all get behind. #lafayettecommunity #markshaw #lafayetteproud

Do you enjoy morning walks and weekend strolls in your current local neighborhood? Or do you wish you lived in an area with more walking destinations? If so, let's see which homes may be available for you in your neighborhood of choice! These boots are made for walkin'! "Young Americans are having their housing preferences shaped by the pandemic. They’re seeking larger homes and outdoor space, yet in walkable areas, Although COVID has dramatically changed people’s l...ives, this study shows that a substantial demand for walkability persists for Americans of all ages." #markshawremaxaccord #markshaw #lafayettearearealtor Lic#1245584

Just when you thought rates couldn't get lower, here we are. Mortgage rates have been extremely competitive since summertime, and they just keep getting lower. The average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan fell last week to 2.78%, the lowest rate on record in the past 50 years. If you are considering buying a house at this time, I am here to help you find your dream home. Let's chat! 925-250-5591... #markshawrealtor #lafayetterealestate (Source: Maurie Backman, The Ascent)

As it gets colder outside, we are looking for ways to extend the use of their outdoor spaces with fire pits, outdoor heaters, outdoor lights, canopies, and even hot tubs, Jonathan Johnson, CEO of Overstock told Fast Company. Are you considering adding anything to make the most of your outdoor space? #markshawremax

Our homes of 2020 has become a squeezed-in office, an improvised classroom, a reluctant gym, and a spontaneous family restaurant all at once. And in this time of makeshift living, rented furniture has become the latest trend. Try it....if you like it, keep it. If not, send it back. Would you consider renting furniture for your home?

Lafayette, we are lucky indeed! You would be hard-pressed to find a better deep-dish pizza in the Bay Area! Patxi's Pizza thin crust is so good too, especially if you like corn crust. Always friendly and accommodating, I’ve hosted numerous events here. Their staff are consistently friendly and efficient. If to-go suits you best, they're on it! #lafayetteproud... #PatxisPizza #ilovelafayette #lafayetterealtor #supportsmallbusiness #pizzaeverydayokay See more

Being around plants just feels good. They're like a natural pick-me-up. But if you're a minimalist, you may be interested in finding out just which ones are scientifically proven to be the most mood-boosting? Here they are: Lavender Basil... Aloe English Ivy Peace Lily While uplifting your mood, they also add to your home's decor. Can't go wrong with plants! #markshawrealtor #plantsmakelifegood

The new kid on the block is the Zoom room! It's become increasingly common to see Zoom rooms in listings as part of a home’s features. They are free of household clutter and typically removed from the high-traffic parts of the house. And experts predict the dedicated video room trend is likely to persist for buyers beyond COVID-19. Do you have a Zoom room in your house?... https://bit.ly/3k0fX6l

If you're wondering if now is the time, I am here to help you through the buying or selling process. Call me at (925) 250-5591 Mortgage rates remain very low, providing homeowners who have not already taken advantage of this environment ample opportunity to do so, said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. Mortgage rates today are on average more than a full percentage point lower than rates over the last five years. #markshawremax... #remaxaccord #lafayetteca #heretohelp See more

While it is a hot market indeed, it is still important to remember the important fundamentals when pricing and selling your home. Let's not make these common mistakes when your home is being viewed by potential buyers! Expect buyers to pay for high-maintenance features Skip the deep clean... Personalize Believe it's okay if some things don't work Assume pets will be welcoming to visitors Buyers want to 'feel' themselves in a home that they are touring. Having functional appliances and minimal clutter in an odor-free and welcoming environment go a long to way to help potential buyers visualize themselves in 'their new home'. I will help prepare you, every step of the way! #markshawrealtor #gettingreadytoshow #hotmarket

Is NOW a good time to buy a rental property? Here's what Mashvisor, a Bay Area real estate investment data analysis company says: So far, the trends are telling us that buying a rental property mid-pandemic can prove to be a smart endeavor considering what we know about 2021. ... https://www.mashvisor.com/bl/owning-a-rental-property-2021/

Thank you, Ivette . It's an honor to serve you and your clients during these all-important transactions. . .... #markshaw #realtorreviews #testimonials #realtorlafayette See more

Lottie's Creamery does it again!! Caramel. Pumpkin. Pie. Icecream!! So good. Now it feels like fall! #danville... #lafayette #walnutcreek #eatlocal #supportsmallbusiness #lottiescreamery #danvillecreamery #pumpkinpieicecream #walnutcreeklotties #danvillelotties #walnutcreeklife #danvillelife #markshawroker #remaxaccord See more

Weekly Housing Trends Key Findings in a nutshell: Median listing prices grew 12.9% over last year. New listings were down 7%. But new listings are growing, providing some small relief for option-starved buyers.... Total inventory was down 38%. The pace of decline was even or improving. This is a buyer-friendly shift. Time on market is now 13 days faster than last year. Let me know if you're thinking about buying or selling. I can help you find the best options and solutions for your real estate needs. https://www.realtor.com//weekly-housing-trends-view-data-w

So often an afterthought when designing for curb appeal. But always the thing everyone who comes to your home looks for, your house numbers! 404 Why settle on the standard design everyone else on the block has?! Go bold, or sweet, or stylish. Mostly have fun. Here are 35 styles to get you thinking... https://www.hgtv.com//chic-ways-to-display-house-numbers-p

I know we are all watching this happen in real time. The market is a little nutty right now, and it's been nutty before. But this RE bull market has characteristics all its own. New real estate buzz words are emerging like "urban exodus" and "destination home". Read on to learn how the pandemic has shaped the real estate market: From the Article:... "Real estate experts agree the coronavirus has changed what people are looking for in a homebut to what extent is up for debate. For example, are people really abandoning New York and other major cities? At least, enough to call it a 'trend.' " See more

From the article: "Neither the coronavirus nor the wildfires put much of a damper on Bay Area real estate in August, as the median price of an existing single-family home hit a record high of $1,068,000, according to a California Association of Realtors report issued Thursday."

Since the birth of HGTV people have become expert DIYers But I can't tell you how many clients I've met who ask for help because their project "looked so much easier when Chip and Jo did it." if you're considering a project or need to repair one, call me. I can introduce you to experts in every area of your build, design, upgrade, improvement or... fix. #diydont... #askforhelp #hireanexpert #homeimprovement #DIYdisaster #fixmyfixerupper #lafayetterealtor #lafayettecontractor #lafayetterealestate See more

To help buyers, sellers, and agents make good sound decisions when it comes to real estate Forbes brought 15 entrepreneurs from their Forbes Real Estate Council their opinions on the current state of the market and what they expect to see in the closing half of this year. Here's what they told us: #1. Demand For Housing Will Remain Robust... Click through for the remaining predictions. www.forbes.com//15-predictions-for-the-real-estate-market- #home #homesellers #homesellersmarket #homebuyersandsellers #hotsellermarket #markshaw #remaxaccordrealestatebroker #lafayette #sellerpredictions

Paying attention to buyer needs during COVID could pay off very nicely for sellers. Here are 6 Home Upgrades Buyers Want in the COVID-19 Era, according to realtor.com 1. Upgrade your outdoor space... 2. Create a functional home office or classroom 3. Add separation of space 4. Add space for a home gym 5. Give your in-law suite a makeover 6. Spruce up the laundry room . . https://www.realtor.com//improvements-upgrades-to-help-se/ #lafayetterealtor #lafayetterealestate #upgrades #homeimprovement #covid19 #upgradesbuyerswant #markshawbroker #remaxaccord #Realestatebrokerlafayette #homegym

5 Home-Staging Essentials - Research indicates staged homes spend 73% less time on the market than non-staged homes and sell for up to 17 percent more than a non-staged home. https://www.hgtv.com///15-secrets-of-home-staging-pictures . .... #lafayetterealtor #lafayetterealestate #walnutcreek #rockridgerealtor #oaklandhillsrealtor #homestaging #sellyourhome #MarkShaw #remaxaccord #realestatebroker See more

"Investors who diversify don’t want to put all their eggs in one basket. They try to balance risk and reward by spreading out their investments across multiple property types or locations. Investors who specialize, on the other hand, focus on buying the same property type repeatedly. They attempt to replicate what is successful, without spreading themselves too thin."