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March 2025

Hello March!

Will Warmer Spring Weather Warm Up the Real Estate Market?

As we look towards the traditionally busy Spring selling season, there's anticipation around whether warmer weather will also warm up the real estate market. Recent volatility in financial markets has caused interest rates, which typically post once a day after the market opens, to undergo midday repricing. This means a rate set in the morning might no longer apply by the afternoon. Despite the turmoil, however, there's a glimmer of hope: long-term interest rates are generally trending downward. Ideally, this trend will continue as the market stabilizes and the Spring selling season gains momentum.

With economists increasingly forecasting a recession, many consumers are still hesitating, caught in indecision. However, if market conditions stabilize and economic uncertainty diminishes, we could see renewed confidence among buyers. More positive news is that in February, the inventory of homes for sale experienced a year-over-year increase, some re-lists from inventory that did not sell during Q4 in addition to new listings. The "mortgage lock-in" effect, which previously kept many homeowners from selling due to unfavorable mortgage rates, seems to be diminishing. As a result, more prospective home sellers are moving forward with their life plans, contributing to the boost in available inventory.

We will wait and see how all the factors play out and what this means for the real estate market. There are still opportunities for Buyers and Sellers so please reach it if you would like to discuss your specific situation.

Until next time, be well,

Real Estate News You Want To Know

(But Didn't Know It)

Click below for a complete interactive report for

Marin County

Spring Maintenance Tips

As the chill of winter fades away, Spring emerges as the perfect time to give your home some much-needed attention. A thorough Spring home maintenance routine not only boosts your property’s curb appeal, but also prevents costly repairs down the line. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Home Exterior:

• Inspect siding for cracks and holes and fill any gaps with caulk

• Check the condition of your paint—homes typically need repainting every five years

• Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage 

• Check your roof for missing shingles or leaks

• Inspect your HVAC system to ensure it’s running efficiently.

Outdoor Areas:

• Check concrete driveways and walkways for cracks, which can pose tripping hazards 

• Prepare your lawn and garden- rake leaves, aerate the soil, prune trees, and fertilize to promote healthy growth

• Check outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems for leaks

• Clean patios, decks, and outdoor furniture

Spring cleaning also involves ensuring your home is safe:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Change your furnace filter (recommended every few months)

• Clean the dryer vent to prevent fire hazards 

• Check that you have fire extinguishers handy.

With these tasks completed, your home will be ready for the warmer months ahead!

Fire Safe Your Home

The recent fires in Los Angeles reminds us that we are all vulnerable.  It happened to my family home, and as such, I am committed to sharing resources and reminders about the importance of fire-safe yards and home hardening.  We can all take proactive measures to protect our homes and communities. In Marin County, for example, state law (AB-38) requires a home hardening inspection and compliance when selling a property in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Even if your home is not located in a high fire zone, consider taking the initiative by scheduling a home inspection to identify ways to safeguard your property, such as home hardening or creating a fire-safe yard. By collectively strengthening our homes, we enhance the chances of preventing ignition, benefiting both our homes and our neighbors. Below are a few resources for more information:

• United Policy Holders

• Fire Safe Marin

• AB-38 Inspections

* The new state fire maps have just been released. Go here to see how your neighborhood is zoned.

Ssshhh, don't tell

Click below to learn more about these Private Exclusive and Coming Soon Homes.

Compass Make Me Sell

I am excited to unveil Compass' newest feature—the "Make Me Sell" price, designed to connect buyers and sellers uniquely and anonymously.

• For Homeowners: If you're considering selling but only at your ideal price, the "Make Me Sell" feature allows you to set your price in the Compass database anonymously. Your address, name, and contact information remain private. Compass agents will only see that a home with certain features in a specific neighborhood has a "Make Me Sell" price. If there's interest, we'll facilitate a conversation to explore the next steps.

• For Buyers: As your agents, we can now explore beyond the active listings to discover homes that meet your criteria, even if they aren't officially on the market. This tool provides access to 95% of off-market properties, unlocking opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.

With a network of over 30,000 Compass agents and connections to more than 100 million homeowners, this innovative feature opens the door to countless new buying and selling possibilities. Interested in learning more just let me know.

Lori's List Spotlight

Humane World For Animals

In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to join a dear client and friend on an educational journey to South Africa with Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society). This unforgettable experience was a dream come true, allowing me to connect closely with wildlife and see firsthand the impactful efforts being made to address the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering worldwide.

I'm thrilled to share that on April 2nd, she will be hosting an intimate fundraiser in Nob Hill. You're warmly invited to join us as a valued friend and client. For more details, please click here. If you’re unable to attend, I encourage you to consider making a donation of any meaningful amount. Your contributions will help us reach a generous $150,000 matching goal, made possible by Susan Atherton, a Humane World for Animals Board Member, supporting some of the most innovative wildlife coexistence programs you’ll learn about during the evening.

If you have an organization that is near and dear to your heart and would like me to highlight in a future newsletter please reach out. Together, we can make a difference.

Lori Docherty

DRE #: 01370723

M: 415.254.7016

lori.docherty@compass.com

www.loridocherty.com