I recently listened to a fascinating episode of The Ezra Klein Show called “Is the World Getting Uglier?” His guest was designer Debbie Millman, and their conversation got me thinking about something I deal with every day in real estate: beauty.
Not necessarily expensive finishes, perfect landscaping or the latest kitchen. I mean the things that make us look at a house, a street or a neighborhood and simply think, I like being here.
One of the ideas they discussed was how much of our world has become standardized. Buildings look increasingly alike. Cars look alike. Restaurants look alike. Even our homes have gone through a long period dominated by white, gray and “greige.”
After more than 20 years selling real estate, I’ve learned that buyers respond emotionally to homes long before they start analyzing them rationally. Sometimes it’s obvious why: a beautiful garden, original hardwood floors, a gracious front porch, an old fireplace or a window perfectly positioned to capture the afternoon light.
Other times, it’s harder to explain. It might be the proportions of the rooms. The way the house sits on its lot. Mature trees lining a street. A curved walkway through a garden instead of a straight strip of concrete. Architectural details somebody took the time to think about 80 years ago.
That’s beauty, too.
It also relates to something I frequently discuss with my home-selling clients. When preparing a house for market, sometimes I choose form over function.
Ceiling fans are a perfect example. I have them in my own home. They’re practical and useful, but generally they aren’t especially attractive. When preparing a home for sale, I’ll often recommend replacing a bulky ceiling fan with a simpler, sleeker light fixture. The fan may be more functional, but the light fixture can make the room feel larger, cleaner and more beautiful.
Why? Because we aren’t just selling bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. We’re selling the feeling of living there.
Maybe that also explains my love of vinyl records. From a purely functional standpoint, vinyl makes very little sense anymore. I can pull out my phone and instantly hear almost any song ever recorded. Instead, I collect these big, sometimes cumbersome objects, take a record out of its sleeve, put it on a turntable and flip it over 20 minutes later.
But there’s the album cover. The artwork. The liner notes. The label. And the ritual of actually playing the record. The form adds something to the function and turns listening to music into an experience.
I think homes work much the same way.
A straight concrete path gets you to the front door just as effectively as one that meanders through a garden. But we don’t experience our homes purely in terms of efficiency. We experience them emotionally.
Beauty is subjective, of course. My beautiful may not be yours. But after more than 20 years in real estate, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about why people respond to certain homes and not to others.
When I first visit a home with clients who are thinking about selling, I’m already looking at it through the eyes of a potential buyer. What will they notice when they walk through the door? What will they be drawn to? What might distract them? And what changes can we make that will help more buyers see and appreciate what is special about this particular home?
I do something similar when I’m looking at homes with my buyer clients, only from the other direction. I’m trying to see the house through their eyes. Can I imagine them living here? What will they love? What might they change? And sometimes, can I help them see the beauty or potential in something they might otherwise overlook?
That ability to really see a home is something I think comes with experience. It’s not just knowing values, neighborhoods, disclosures and comparable sales. Those things are enormously important. But real estate is also about understanding how people respond to the places where they live.
Maybe that’s why the podcast stayed with me. Beauty can be difficult to define, but I see its effect all the time.
Homes are functional. Real estate is financial. But choosing a home is deeply emotional. After more than 20 years of doing this, I’ve learned that beauty matters—and knowing how to recognize it, reveal it and help someone else see it matters, too.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it. -Author Unknown
REGISTER TO VOTE
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NO BIG RIGS ON 580
For decades, big rigs have been prohibited on I-580 through Oakland, a ban that effectively protects San Leandro as well, helping shield the residential neighborhoods that line this corridor. Now there is renewed discussion about allowing heavy trucks on this stretch of freeway. Doing so would mean more noise, pollution and safety concerns for the communities along I-580 and would fundamentally change a freeway that runs directly through our neighborhoods. Big rigs would also naturally spill over onto Highway 13, which has no such protections, and even onto surface streets in our neighborhoods.
If you agree that big rigs should remain off I-580, please make your voice heard. This is an issue that could have a lasting impact on Oakland and San Leandro, and once this long-standing protection is gone, getting it back may not be easy. NO BIG RIGS ON 580!
HOMEOWNERSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH: Light the Way!
With Halloween fast approaching, now is a great time to take a walk around the outside of your home after dark and look at it through the eyes of a visitor. Are your front steps, walkway and house numbers well lit? Are there burned-out bulbs, dark spots or landscaping blocking a light fixture? Good exterior lighting makes a home more welcoming, but more importantly, it helps guests see where they’re going especially when you have a parade of ghosts and goblins heading for your front door.
And the timing couldn’t be better. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1, the day after Halloween, which means those evening hours are suddenly going to get a whole lot darker. While you’re checking the lights, look for potential trip hazards too: uneven pavers, cracked concrete, loose steps, extension cords, overgrown plants or anything else that might catch a foot in the dark. A few minutes of preventative maintenance can make your home safer and as an added bonus, good exterior lighting can dramatically improve your home’s nighttime curb appeal.
If you have a project around the house and need someone to call, reach out to me. I’m always happy to share my Resource Guide even if you’re not planning to buy or sell anytime soon!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
San Leandro Halloween Family Fun Fest
Looking for some Halloween fun close to home? The Manor Branch Library is hosting its annual Halloween Family Fun Fest on Saturday, October 31, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This free, family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating, creatively decorated vehicles, a pumpkin patch and plenty of Halloween fun for the kids. Costumes are definitely encouraged! It’s a great excuse to get out, meet some neighbors and celebrate Halloween right here in San Leandro.
Halloween in Oakland’s Laurel District
The Laurel District is getting into the Halloween spirit with Tricks, Treats & Traditions on Saturday, October 24, from noon to 3 PM. This free neighborhood celebration combines Halloween and Día de los Muertos with trick-or-treating at local businesses, face painting, music, crafts and games. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon exploring the Laurel, supporting Oakland’s independent businesses and enjoying one of the things I love most about our East Bay neighborhoods a real sense of community.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Everygreen Nursery
This month I’m highlighting a local business I’ve personally been going to for more than 25 years: The Everygreen Nursery.
Whether I’m looking for something specific or need some advice about what might work in a particular spot, I’ve always found the staff knowledgeable, friendly and willing to help.
Just last week, I stopped in looking for about a dozen plants for an area of my yard that gets a lot of sun. I had a general idea of what I wanted, but definitely needed some guidance. A young man named Thomas (I believe!) spent a considerable amount of time walking around with me, making suggestions and patiently helping me put together a combination that would work well in the space.
That kind of personal service is one of the reasons I enjoy supporting local independent businesses. After more than 25 years, Evergreen Nursery is still one of my go-to places for plants, gardening advice and a little inspiration for the yard.
If you haven’t been in a while, it’s definitely worth a visit.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Pan-seared halibut in a cast-iron skillet with lemon
- Pat the halibut very dry. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. A little garlic powder is good too, but optional. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
- Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high until properly hot. Add about 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil.
- Put the halibut in and leave it alone for roughly 3–4 minutes. You want a golden-brown crust before you flip it.
- Flip, reduce the heat to medium-low, and add 2 tablespoons butter, 1 smashed garlic clove, and a couple strips of lemon peel or a thin lemon slice.
- Tilt the skillet and spoon the foaming lemon-garlic butter over the fish for another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Take it off when the center is just turning opaque and flakes with gentle pressure. If you're using a thermometer, I'd pull it around 130–135°F and let carryover heat finish it. The USDA's conservative endpoint for fish is 145°F, but halibut can become quite dry by then.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over it after it comes out of the pan, rather than adding a lot of juice while searing.
- Finish with chopped parsley, dill, or chives and perhaps a little flaky salt.
One little upgrade I'd recommend: lemon-caper butter. After removing the fish, turn the heat low, add another small pat of butter, a tablespoon of capers and a good squeeze of lemon. Swirl it around for 20–30 seconds and spoon it over the halibut. No flour, no breading, completely gluten-free, and excellent with halibut.
If your fillets are really thick — say 1½–2 inches — I'd sear them and then finish the whole cast-iron skillet in a 400°F oven for a few minutes. That's much more forgiving than trying to cook a thick piece entirely on the stovetop.
TRAVEL
Finally Got Away! Twice!
After a busy stretch at home, Maryann and I finally managed to get away…not once, but twice!
First up was the Seattle area, where we kicked things off with a wonderful dinner with friends Karin and Till in Seattle’s charming Queen Anne neighborhood. From there, we hopped on the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a few days of exploring, relaxing and spending time with Maryann’s cousin Cody.
And, of course, I managed to squeeze in some pickleball! I played twice at the Founders Courts, which was particularly fun because Bainbridge Island is where pickleball was invented back in 1965. The courts pay tribute to the game’s beginnings, and getting to play there was a bit of a pilgrimage for this pickleball addict. I met some terrific people and played some great games along the way.
We flew home, barely had time to unpack/repack, and a couple of days later were back at the airport…this time headed to Long Beach to celebrate a milestone birthday with Maryann’s big brother Ken and more of the family.
And because apparently even the airport wanted to get in on the fun, we unexpectedly ran into our friends Angella and Alissa at the Long Beach Airport!
Two trips, two celebrations, plenty of friends and family, a couple of ferry rides, and some pickleball at the birthplace of the sport.
It was really nice to finally get away and even nicer that we got to do it twice!
Do you have any trips planned?
RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH: Bainbridge Bistro
What a wonderful find on Bainbridge Island! We had an absolutely fantastic dinner at Bainbridge Bistro, and this was easily one of the highlights of our visit.
The lamb ragù was otherworldly. Seriously. The lamb was incredibly tender, rich and flavorful, and the portion was extremely generous. This is one of those dishes I’m still thinking about long after the trip is over. We also had the roasted cauliflower, which was outstanding and absolutely worth ordering.
The wine selection was tremendous, with plenty of interesting choices, and our entire meal was beautifully complemented by what we chose.
What really elevated the evening, though, was the hospitality. The owner could not have been nicer and spent quite a bit of time talking with us. That kind of genuine, personal interaction makes such a difference. You get the feeling that the people here really care about the food they serve and about the experience their guests have.
Great food, great wine, generous portions and genuinely warm hospitality. Bainbridge Bistro deserves five stars. We’ll absolutely be back the next time we’re on the island.
Where have you been eating out?
PICKLEBALL TIP OF THE MONTH
The Sweet Spot in Time: Sometimes Patience Is Your Best Shot
Here's something I've been thinking about lately on the pickleball court: Sometimes the difference between a great shot and a lousy one isn't how you swing your paddle. It's when you swing it.
We've all been there. The ball bounces, we rush to hit it, and suddenly we're scraping it off our shoelaces, popping it up for an easy put-away or dumping it into the net.
But what if we simply waited another fraction of a second?
There's a fascinating little bit of physics at work here. When a pickleball bounces, it rises, slows down, reaches its highest point (the apex), and then begins falling again.
At that apex, the ball's vertical movement momentarily reaches zero. It's almost as though the ball pauses in midair, just waiting for us to hit it.
That's the sweet spot in time.
By preparing early and allowing the ball to reach that point, we can often make contact at a more comfortable height, giving ourselves better control over the shot.
This is particularly helpful when dinking at the kitchen line, where patience and precision are especially important. Although it’s true too when you’re caught in “no man’s land” which happens to us all.
Of course, there are times when taking the ball early is exactly the right strategy. But for many of us, rushing the shot is often the problem, not the solution.
Here's something to try during your next game. Pay attention to where the ball is in its bounce when you make contact. Are you consistently hitting it near your ankles? Could you have waited just a fraction longer and made contact at a more comfortable height?
Remember, the goal isn't to react slowly. It's to prepare early and hit at the right moment.
Sometimes the best way to improve your pickleball game is to stop rushing and let the ball come to you.
Let me know if you want to play or learn!
MOVIES/THEATRE/TV
I watched the entire extended version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in preparation for next year’s The Hunt for Gollum. Only three movies but that was plenty of time.
MUSIC – Vinyl Music and one live show
As I wrote last month, I was geared up to see three of my favorite punk rock bands in late September. Opening with The Chats, next up Descendents; and headlining, Social Distortion. It’s pretty much a perfect punk-rock lineup for me. Well, would have been. We were just finishing up our dinner at The Big Four next door when we learned the show was to be rescheduled due to the singer of Social Distortion being sick. Well, the next night, the two opening bands played at the UC Theater in Berkeley. I grabbed tickets and that was a very fun show!
What are you listening to?
My Top 10 Albums of the 21st Century
(Not That Anyone Asked… and in No Particular Order)
Another completely unsolicited Top 10 list!
This time I’m tackling my favorite albums of the 21st century. Not the records that appeared on everybody else’s year-end lists. Just ten albums released since 2000 that I keep coming back to.
And yes, there’s a lot of punk rock here. If you’re surprised by that, apparently we haven’t met.
Berkeley to Bakersfield – Cracker
Two very different sides of one of my favorite bands: California rock on one disc, country on the other. Somehow it all sounds unmistakably like Cracker.
Start with: “Almond Grove” and “King of Bakersfield”
The War on Errorism – NOFX
Funny, angry, political, profane and ridiculously catchy. Pretty much everything you could want from NOFX. And sadly, plenty of it still feels relevant.
Start with: “Franco Un-American” and “The Separation of Church and Skate”
Hang – Lagwagon
A darker, heavier and more mature Lagwagon record that proved a band could grow up without sanding off all its edges.
Start with: “One More Song” and “Made of Broken Parts”
Indestructible – Rancid
Big hooks, great songs and that unmistakable East Bay sound. Rancid doing what Rancid does best.
Start with: “Fall Back Down” and “Red Hot Moon”
Streetcore – Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
Released after Strummer’s death, which makes it bittersweet, but what a final statement. Adventurous, soulful and a reminder of just how much music we lost when we lost Joe.
Start with: “Get Down Moses” and “Ramshackle Day Parade”
Freak Out! – Teenage Bottlerocket
Fast, loud, melodic and ridiculously fun. Sometimes three chords, a great hook and two minutes are all you need.
Start with: “Headbanger” and “Necrocomicon”
High Risk Behaviour – The Chats
Three Australian guys sounding like they recorded an album after drinking too much beer in somebody’s garage. In other words, fantastic.
Start with: “Identity Theft” and “Pub Feed”
Going Out in Style – Dropkick Murphys
Irish folk music meets punk rock with a concept album thrown in for good measure. Loud, heartfelt and best played even louder.
Start with: “Going Out in Style” and “Memorial Day”
How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? – Sinéad O’Connor
The outlier on this list—and an absolutely beautiful record. Powerful, vulnerable and a reminder of what an extraordinary singer and songwriter she was.
Start with: “The Wolf Is Getting Married” and “4th and Vine”
Sex, Love and Rock ’n’ Roll – Social Distortion
Mike Ness and company doing what they do best: punk, rockabilly, heartbreak, redemption and huge guitars.
Start with: “Reach for the Sky” and “Don’t Take Me for Granted”
A couple of ground rules: Reissues and deluxe editions don’t count. There have been some spectacular ones this century…Pink Floyd’s Animals and several Beastie Boys box sets immediately come to mind, but the original album has to have been released after 2000 to make the cut.
Did I leave off one of your favorites? Almost certainly.
So what did I get wrong and what 21st-century album would be on your list?
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
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REFERRALS
Always happy to talk with you or your friends about Real Estate goals. I know many great agents who work throughout the country so if you or someone you know is thinking about a move, call me. Let's brainstorm!
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>> 2025 Top Producer Red Oak Realty, Top Selling Agent Red Oak Realty San Leandro office, Real Trends Verified Top 1.5% of all agents nationwide
>> 2005-2025 Top Selling Agent Sheffield Village Oakland across all brokerages
>> Since 2004 Realtor and Real Estate Investor working throughout the East Bay Area California. I also buy and tastefully remodel distressed properties bringing them back to their former glory.
>> I have an outstanding nationwide and international referral network. No move is too far.
