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Here is a nice little indoor activity for yourself or for little hands looking for something to do. Indoor gardening can be a fun and creative way to brighten a window sill. You might find you have many of the tools you need. And I have seen some creative indoor gardens planted inside teacups, wine glasses, and more!

Indoor Herb Garden An indoor herb garden requires very little gardening experience to create. You can start with some seedlings from a nursery or a packet of seeds from Amazon. Choose a few herbs that you like to cook with - perhaps sage, basil and oregano - and plant them in a small container of well-drained soil. Find a sunny spot, provide adequate water, and watch your little garden grow.

December Stats

*  Atherton -  100% to list price, 44 average DOM

*  Belmont -  106% to list price, 21 average DOM

*  Burlingame -  101% to list price, 21 average DOM

*  Foster City -  104% to list price, 23 average DOM

*  Hillsborough -  101% to list price, 70 average DOM

*  Menlo Park -  9% to list price, 30 average DOM

*  Palo Alto -  102% to list price, 54 average DOM

*  Redwood City -  101% to list price, 30 average DOM

*  San Carlos -  102% to list price, 23 average DOM

*  San Mateo -  103% to list price, 20 average DOM

*  Woodside -  99% to list price, 33 average DOM

IMHO*:   I’ve learned in the past 25 plus years of selling houses to take each bit of news as it comes.  December brought signs that there is still demand for housing along the SF Peninsula.  Give me a call and let me help you with a strategy that is right for you.  (*In My Humble Opinion – which I’m always happy to share.)

#Compass #NancyPalmer #00525350

Nancy Palmer, CRS  https://www.compass.com/concierge/nancy-palmer Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

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Fireplace 101

I love curling up in front of a fire on a rainy afternoon or cold night - it can warm both body and soul. And since the SF Bay Area will be experiencing some rainy afternoons and cold nights this week, I’m probably not the only one dreaming of a fire in the fireplace. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your fireplace.

* Regular professional maintenance for your wood-burning fireplace should include an inspection by a chimney sweep every 1-5 years depending on usage. Creosote, which builds up on the flue liner, restricts air flow and is very combustible.

* Regular home maintenance for your wood-burning fireplace should include checking the flue for obstructions with a flashlight and mirror, ash removal, and even cleaning soot buildup on the walls with a wire brush.

* Use firewood that has been cured (dried) for at least 8-12 months. Hardwoods burn longest (such as oak and ash). With less dense wood, like spruce or pine, you will have to add more wood to the fire more often.

* Arrange your logs with tinder underneath and room for air to circulate below and around the logs.

* Some cooled ashes can be deposited onto flowerbeds around the garden, since they benefit roses and other flowers.

* During certain times of the year homeowners can face restrictions on wood-burning fireplaces. Sign up for “Spare the Air” alerts at sparetheair.org, and find some other great resources for healthy air.

Nancy Palmer, CRS  Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

[nancypalmer]

Thanks, Pantone!

Last week, the color experts at Pantone welcomed their Color of the Year for 2021 with a twist: there are 2 colors!  You know these colors, and you may have even brought them together before. Ultimate Gray, which brings a sense of strength and endurance, blends quite beautifully with its partner, Illuminating, a light yellow which welcomes lightness and a sense of well being. It is no wonder they pair together so nicely. I can see them accenting kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms alike!

Nancy Palmer Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

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The Luxury Division at Compass has launched its first ever, Curated Magazine! Curated Magazine is the essence of Compass luxury. Through this specialized periodical, Compass’ most prestigious properties will be shared directly with an elite audience of luxury consumers and qualified buyers.

Listings featured in Curated Magazine capture a national and international audience, with print distribution to top household incomes in every major U.S. city across the country, and digital distribution to a curated list of ultra high net worth international consumers.

Distributed nationally, look out for Curated Magazine available now.

Nancy Palmer, CRS   Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

[nancypalmer]

This is a time of year when home sales tend to slow down as families focus on holidays and wait for warmer weather in the Spring. Though Covid-19 upended many normal seasonal trends this year, the market did begin its typical “holiday season” slowdown in November - however activity remained well above levels of last year. Along the SF Peninsula, there are many families enjoying a new home for the holidays - as well as many wonderful houses for sales today which could welcome new families early in 2021!

Here is a snapshot of what happened last month in some of the cities where I specialize.

November Stats

*  Atherton - 12 sales, 98% to list price, 62 average DOM

*  Belmont - 17 sales, 104% to list price, 11 average DOM

*  Burlingame - 19 sales, 102% to list price, 12 average DOM

*  Foster City - 12 sales, 103% to list price, 20 average DOM

*  Hillsborough - 13 sales, 98% to list price, 36 average DOM

*  Menlo Park - 23 sales, 101% to list price, 38 average DOM

*  Palo Alto - 45 sales, 102% to list price, 26 average DOM

*  Redwood City - 57 sales, 102% to list price, 31 average DOM

*  San Carlos - 27 sales, 104% to list price, 13 average DOM

*  San Mateo - 54 sales, 104% to list price, 23 average DOM

*  Woodside - 8 sales, 97% to list price, 58 average DOM

IMHO*:   I’ve learned in the past 25 plus years of selling houses to take each bit of news as it comes.  November brought signs that there is still demand for housing along the SF Peninsula.  Give me a call and let me help you with a strategy that is right for you.  (*In My Humble Opinion – which I’m always happy to share.)

Nancy Palmer, CRS   Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

[nancypalmer]

Up and down the SF Peninsula, Compass Concierge is helping sellers get their homes to look brilliant before putting them on the market. What are buyers looking for in a kitchen? Here are a few tips ranging from standard to luxury, many of which Compass Concierge could help you with if you are preparing your house to hit the market.

* Abundant lighting, including overhead sources, smaller task lights and under-counter lights. Cooking in a cave is no fun, and most kitchens could use more light.

* Stunning and modern appliances, such as commercial-style stove, double ovens, stainless surfaces, built-in refrigerator, a dishwasher drawer, and a warming drawer.

* Extra “pot filler” faucet with a long spout near the stove to easily fill pots while cooking.

* Butcher Block Island - Islands have become standard additions to a cook’s kitchen, and a hard wood surface is not only practical for food-prep, but also adds a soft warmth to the room and partners well with modern appliances and stainless steel.

* Specialized storage - a counter-top appliance garage, spice door, mounted knife rack, and deep drawers for pots and pans.

* Pantry - A walk-in pantry keeps your kitchen organized by providing storage as well as a home for anything you can get off the counter. Even a microwave or drink refrigerator can be nestled into a pantry to maximize under-counter storage in the kitchen and keep you from having a spare fridge in the garage.

* Built-in features - not just a microwave and dishwasher (or 2 - a second dishwasher is a huge benefit!), but a high-end coffee maker, ice machine, steamer, and strainer as well.

Need more inspiration? I’d be happy to show you some of the many beautiful kitchens in houses for sale today along the SF Peninsula!

Nancy Palmer, CRS  Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

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Creating Your Own Space

Great rooms are, well… great. But with many of us spending more time in our houses with our families these days, the large space created by joining the kitchen, family room, and dining room in one open room can start to feel too open. Breaking it up into smaller sections creates interesting focal points and more personal spaces.

I have personally viewed thousands of homes as a real estate agent along the SF Peninsula these past 25+ years, so trust me when I say that I have seen many fantastic ideas for dividing a room. Here are 5 of my favorite ones - see what inspires you!

1. Bookshelves - A modular bookshelf with graduated heights creates division without completely blocking off part of the room. Plus it is super functional, adding tons of storage without taking away much wall space.

2.  Screen - A traditional screen is multi-purpose (move it, rotate it, expand or contract it) and can set a mood or add a splash of color. And here is a re-purposed take on a room screen - hinge together window frames to keep light flowing through the room while breaking up the space.

3. Open Shelves - OK, very similar to using a bookshelf, but also different. A large open frame shelf without a backboard is airy and creates a clear division without dark corners. And the decorator in you can get really creative when deciding how to use these bonus shelves.

4.  Curtain - Sleek and versatile, options for curtains run from a track across the ceiling with heavy velvet drapes to create a formal dining area to a simple cable wire with sheer panels loosely pinned.

5.  Suspended Art - A large painted canvas or other art suspended from the ceiling is a dramatic statement. Showcase something unique and keep the versatility with rotating installations or by simply removing the art when a large space is needed.

Nancy Palmer, CRS   Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

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Spread Some Good Feelings

Yes, today is Friday the 13th. Today is also World Kindness Day - a wonderful opportunity for a small, unexpected gesture to really make someone’s day. I love the idea of a day with a little extra kindness spread about, and the lingering good feelings it can bring. Here are a few easy ideas to get started.

* Mail a handwritten card.

* Eat at a local restaurant and post a positive review.

* Help wheel a neighbor's trash can to the curb on pickup day.

* Bake for someone else.

* Take a walk and wave, not just smile, at passersby.

* Take a friend's dog on the walk with you.

* Pass along a favorite book.

* Call, not text, a friend or family member.

It all starts with a smile, but the possibilities are endless. Try it today!

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

Image Courtesy of Karen Arnold / PublicDomainPictures.net