Hello Neighbors,
As we stepped into 2025, there was plenty of speculation about the health of the East Bay housing market. But despite the concerns, the market is buzzing with renewed energy. For reference, open house turnout for all three of my January listings in Crocker Highlands and Glenview jumped by 25–40% compared to recent months, and multiple offers on these homes have led to sales prices at or above expectations.
That said, there’s a catch. With interest rates still hovering around 7%, monthly mortgage payments remain steep, and buyers are more discerning than ever. Instead of the frenzy we saw when rates were at 3%, today’s buyers are looking for reasons not to buy a home. Outdated kitchens and baths, colors that feel out of step with current trends, tired landscaping—any of these details can be the reason a home doesn’t make the final cut. Buyers purchase emotionally, and today’s market demands turn-key appeal.
Pricing strategy has also become a critical factor in achieving a successful sale. Over the past few years, the way buyers find homes has shifted. With online search tools front and center, many Realtors now wait for their buyers to reach out about properties they’ve found themselves. Think of it like an online dating app—buyers are swiping left or right in a matter of seconds, basing their decisions on listing photos and search filters. If your home doesn’t appear in their feed because of its price point or doesn’t capture their attention immediately, it may not get a second look.
For all these reasons, selling a home in today’s market is a highly strategic event—one that requires meticulous preparation, a pricing approach that maximizes visibility, and a marketing plan designed to create an emotional connection before buyers even set foot inside. As I often tell my clients: your first open house is online. That’s where buyers decide whether your home makes their shortlist.
At Cush Real Estate, we’ve built our entire approach around this reality. We’re the only real estate company with an in-house design firm, meaning every seller who works with us gets access to expert interior designers as part of the process. Our design team is deeply involved in what we call the reimagination of the home, ensuring every detail is elevated to its full potential. This level of preparation is part of our secret sauce—and a major reason why our listings consistently outperform the market.
In closing, our passion for the process leads to winning outcomes. If you know someone thinking about selling, send them our way—we’d love to help them achieve the best possible result.
Warm regards,
David Higgins
Founder, Cush Real Estate