GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 29
Market Update | 100th Birthday Project | Photo Contest
Market Update
August followed the typical pattern of being our slowest month of the year. The strangest thing that happened was that somewhere around August 5th, Rappatoni, the software provider that supports our Multiple Listings Service, was the victim of a cyber attack. While it only impacted about 5% of real estate agents across the country, members of the San Francisco Association of Realtors and BAREIS, which covers Marin County and much of the North Bay, were unable to access the MLS for a stunning 15 days, from August 9 - August 23. Agents were unable to enter or update new listings, search properties, or create reports for clients. Since real estate sites like Zillow and RedFin pull their data from the MLS, it appeared as though the market had come to a complete standstill. Intrepid staff at SFAR, BAREIS and individual brokerages worked furiously to create workarounds for us while Rappatoni uncovered the scale of the attack and figured out how to restore the enormous amount of data in their systems.
While it made our jobs exponentially more difficult to lose MLS access for over two weeks, it was heartwarming to see our colleagues jump to each other’s aid, hitting the phones, sharing information via word of mouth and posting on social media. It turned out that it was more important than ever to have a connected, local agent who knew the right people to call to find out about new listings. For me, the whole situation was summarized poignantly by another agent who signed all of her emails: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone?”
Luckily, the system is restored and we are back on track just in time to hit the ground running for what looks to be a busy fall market. Inventory remains historically low and even with interest rates still up homes in desirable locations are selling fast. Preparing a property for sale is more important than ever. Buyers are seeking properties in excellent condition, with updated finishes, clean property inspections, lovely landscaping, where they can move right in and make themselves at home.
100th Birthday Project
Our biggest green project so far in 2023 was installing our new induction range! The previous owners of our house did a very lovely kitchen renovation in 2014, installing a 36” wide gas range with six burners and a large oven. While it looked great, it had some issues, particularly with maintaining an accurate and consistent oven temperature. Also, according to a 2022 report from Harvard Medical School, cooking with gas stoves creates nitrogen dioxide and releases tiny particles that become lung irritants. Children living in households that use gas stoves for cooking are 42% more likely to have asthma according to observational research. If you cook with natural gas, click on this article from the California Air Resources Board about how you can improve your indoor air quality when cooking. For us, it was time to start shopping!
Like most things, induction ranges are available at a wide range of price points, the lowest being about $1,089 for a 30” wide Samsung model. The induction range with the best overall consumer ratings is the 30” LG Smart Induction Range (with air fry!) for $2,195. Other options have more bells and whistles. Williams Sonoma carries the La Corneu CornuFé 110 Induction Range for $15,675 (plus another $1,500 for delivery.) It comes in an array of beautiful colors, but it’s probably more than we need. Our options were limited for our 36” space. After reading many reviews, consulting with others and considering our pocketbook we settled on a Bosch induction Range, Industrial Style. The review said: “If you are in the market for a high-end induction range that’s just as functional as it is beautiful, this one is a no-brainer.” So there you have it! Rebates from BAYREN are available for both Marin and San Francisco residents for $250 to replace a gas range with an induction one, while Marin residents qualify for an additional $500 from Electrify Marin.
Once we selected our appliance we sent the specs to Divine Electric, my go-to electrician, to schedule an installation of the appropriate wiring. (Our cat, Pork Chop, made sure the work was up to par.) We took the opportunity to install an outlet for a car charger as well, since that will be our next big green purchase.
So far, we love it! The cooktop works great and the oven keeps temperature perfectly. The convection fan is a little loud, so that will take some getting used to but we’re thrilled with our purchase. Having our solar panels makes cooking with electricity even better, and we’re excited about the prospect of better indoor air.
Save the Date
San Rafael PorchFest - Sunday, September 17
The 2023 lineup has been announced! Check the website for details: San Rafael PorchFest
This free, family- friendly event takes place from 12 - 5 PM and features 22 stages within the “porch zone,” food trucks, activities for kids, and more. Our porch is the first one on San Rafael Avenue near D Street. Stop by and say hi!
Marin Green Home Tour - Thursday, October 26
Find out what Marin residents are doing to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, save water, and move toward a safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient future. The free, virtual tour takes place from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. Tickets are available now! Click on the link to reserve yours. Marin Green Home Tour
Photo Contest
Our photo contest has returned!
All of the gorgeous local photos in our photo contest are provided by the Green Realtor News Artist-in-Residence, Esther Vermeer. Esther is a Mill Valley resident with a background in branding and graphic design. Originally from the Netherlands, she moved with her family to Montreal, Canada for a while, and came to the Bay Area 14 years ago, where she has since established herself in the world of interior design. She loves to journey around California and discover the lush natural beauty the state has to offer. You can reach her at esther@prevalentprojects.com.
If you know the location email me at lucinda@lucindaotto.com. The first person to to send me a correct guess wins a $25 gift card to a local green business. This fall our green business will be Sports Basement!
I hope you enjoyed the Green Realtor News! If you know anyone buying or selling, or if you are curious to hear more about the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you or your friends make moves. As one of my happy clients loves to say:
Everyone Needs A Lucinda!
