How Tariffs Could Impact the Housing Market – And What We’re Seeing Locally

Spring is Nature’s Way of Saying: Let’s Party! - Robin Williams

How Tariffs Could Impact the Housing Market – And What We’re Seeing Locally

There’s been growing chatter lately about tariffs—particularly new or expanded ones—and their impact on our economy. While headlines often focus on trade, manufacturing, or the cost of consumer goods, the housing market isn’t immune to the effects of these economic changes.

Tariffs can affect housing in a few ways. First, tariffs increase the cost of imported materials like lumber, steel, windows, appliances, etc. so construction including remodeling costs will rise. Higher costs mean higher prices for buyers. Second, if tariffs start to significantly impact inflation, we could see shifts in mortgage rates as the Fed adjusts to balance the broader economy.

But perhaps the most immediate impact we're seeing right now—at least here in the East Bay—is a shift in buyer behavior, particularly among those looking to protect or make the most of their money.

Case in point: My most recent listing received five offers in total. The winning offer? All cash. Significantly higher than the next highest offer; this for a house that will close north of $1.35M. The buyer provided Proof of Funds in the form of their Morgan Stanley investment account, which they plan to almost fully wipe out to purchase the home outright. We’re seeing a lot more of this—cash buyers who are reallocating funds from the stock market into the real estate market, as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

Cash offers are always compelling to sellers, but in a market with increasing financial volatility, they carry even more weight. These buyers often face less risk from interest rate changes and the volatile insurance market, can close faster, and offer a sense of stability in the transaction. I saw this trend last in 2020-21.

For sellers, this trend can be a positive—especially if you’re well-positioned to attract cash offers. For buyers, it’s a reminder that competition remains strong in desirable areas, and being prepared with financing—or cash—is key.

As always, the market is dynamic and evolving. Tariffs and economic policy shifts are just one piece of the puzzle, but they do have real downstream effects. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, it’s more important than ever to work with someone who understands both the local market and the broader economic context.

Want to know how your home might perform in today’s market? Let’s connect.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

I’ll be hosting two events at my San Leandro office in the coming months, with more TBD!

• May 3: A Fire Harding event with Paul George, a CERT Program Coordinator at Alameda County Fire Department.
• June 5: Blood Drive with The Alameda County Blood Bank.

If you want more details for either, please let me know.

HOMEOWNERSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH

April Showers Bring May Flowers… and a Great Excuse to Freshen Up Your Home

Spring is here, and it’s the ideal time to take care of a few simple tasks that will help your home shine and stay comfortable in the warmer months ahead.

Service your HVAC

Don’t wait until the first heat wave hits to discover your A/C needs attention. Schedule a tune-up now and replace your filters to keep things running efficiently. A little maintenance now can save you a lot of discomfort later. Even if you don’t have air conditioning, it’s a good time to replace or clean the filters.

Wash windows and screens

Winter weather can leave a layer of grime behind. Give your windows and screens a good clean—inside and out—for better natural light, a fresher feel indoors, and instant curb appeal.

Need help getting it done? I’ve got trusted local pros I’m happy to refer—whether it’s HVAC service, window cleaning, or anything in between. Just let me know!

INSURANCE

The Big Three: What You Need to Know About Home Insurance in Today’s Market

Insurance has become one of the more challenging aspects of real estate in recent years—especially in states like California, Florida, and Texas, where some major carriers have severely limited their offerings or pulled out entirely.

But even beyond geography, certain features of a property can make securing insurance difficult or expensive. In the industry, we often refer to “The Big Three”: Roof, Plumbing, and Electrical systems.

If any of these are outdated or in poor condition, insurance providers may either deny coverage or require costly upgrades before issuing a policy. This can be devastating if you are in escrow to buy or sell a property. For example:

• Roof: An older or damaged roof—especially one over 20 years old—can be a red flag for insurers. I had one major insurance provider tell me that unless we could prove the roof was 8 years old or newer, they would not provide insurance.

• Plumbing: Galvanized pipes or older systems may be prone to leaks or failures, making them harder to insure. Some insurance providers have flat-out said that they would not write a policy that has any galvanized pipes.

• Electrical: Outdated panels (like Federal Pacific), knob-and-tube wiring, or a lack of grounding can also raise concerns.

For both buyers and sellers, understanding these potential issues early can prevent last-minute surprises and delays. Sellers can proactively address or disclose these systems, and buyers should be ready to evaluate them during inspections.

Have questions or need a referral for a trusted roofer, plumber, or electrician? I’m happy to help.

RECIPE

Pan-Seared California Sea Bass with Lemon Herb Butter GF

We shared this at a restaurant recently so I had to make it myself!

Ingredients:

• 2 California sea bass fillets (6–8 oz each), skin off

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• Optional: lemon zest or a few sprigs of thyme

Instructions:

1. Prep the Fish:

   • Pat the fillets dry with paper towels.

   • Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Fish:

   • Heat the oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Once the oil is hot, add the fillets, presentation side down (usually the smoother side).

   • Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until golden and crispy.

   • Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

3. Make the Lemon Herb Butter:

   • Reduce the heat to low.

   • Add the butter and garlic to the pan.

   • Once the butter melts, stir in lemon juice, parsley, and optional zest or thyme.

   • Spoon the butter over the fish for 30 seconds to coat.

4. Serve:

   • Plate the sea bass and drizzle with the lemon herb butter.

   • Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges

Suggested Sides:

• Sauteed brussel sprouts (yum!) or Roasted asparagus (healthy)

• Garlic mashed potatoes (yum!) or a simple quinoa salad (healthy)

• I’d pair it with a crisp white wine like my favorite: Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay

TRAVEL

Mid-season trip to The Pacific Northwest. It takes a lot for me to take time away during the busy Real Estate season. Friends getting married is one of them! The trip took us to Bend and Portland Oregon plus Seattle. Chilly at night but warm and sunny days. We love the food and culture in both of those cities and we had never been to Bend. We stayed in a super cute, shabby-chic AirBNB in Bend (see photo below). We had great meals in every city. Beautiful part of the country.

RESTAURANTS 

My Go-To local is always Sons of Liberty Alehouse in downtown San Leandro. Owned by Sheffield Villagers Teresa and Tom, this hip yet casual tavern offers a super satisfying menu of seasonal dishes, complemented by a unique selection of craft beers, artisan cocktails, and a nice wine list. This is not a place for your typical deep-fried Pub Grub, although my friend Steve does love their Fish and Chips!

One of my favorite dishes is their Brisket Nachos, a beer-friendly dish featuring smoked brisket, house-made nacho cheese sauce, guacamole, and other fresh toppings —the spicy jalapeño slaw and Louisiana hot sauce aioli create a perfect harmony of flavors. Another standout is the Duck Carnitas Tacos, featuring jicama-radish slaw and chile de árbol aioli, offering a delish twist on a classic.?

The ambiance strikes a balance between trendy and welcoming, making it ideal for both casual lunches and lively dinners. There’s an outdoor patio too. The staff is attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're a San Leandro local or just passing through, Sons of Liberty Alehouse is a must-visit destination that never disappoints.

MOVIES/THEATRE/TV

We watched a great documentary on Steven Spielberg on Apple+ which inspired this month’s TOP 10 LIST below. Such an iconic career. I enjoyed the interviews with so many of his contemporaries, Lucas, Coppola, DePalma, Scorsese, etc. We also loved watching season three of White Lotus (MAX) and have started to enjoy the new series The Studio on Apple+. Of course, we’re excited that season four of Hacks (MAX) has started and the second season of The Last of Us (MAX) just started!

MUSIC

One of my favorite “holidays” is Record Store Day. Unfortunately, this year I was on a plane so missed it. But the next day I was still able to secure the three albums I was eyeing:

• Teenage Bottlerocket "Total”
  
  
• Ramones "Loco Live"
  
  
• Camper Van Beethoven "Telephone Free Landslide Victory"

If you’re unfamiliar with this event: Every April, music fans around the world celebrate Record Store Day—a high holiday for vinyl lovers, crate diggers, and audiophiles alike. What started in 2008 as a grassroots effort to support independent record stores has grown into a global celebration of music culture.

On this day, record shops open early, often with lines around the block, offering limited edition vinyl releases, live performances, and an unbeatable sense of community. Whether you're hunting for a reissue of a classic album, a rare B-side, or an exclusive new release, Record Store Day offers something for every vinyl collector.

But it’s about more than just the music. Record Store Day is a reminder that these small shops are cultural hubs—places to discover new sounds, chat with fellow music lovers and support local business. In a world of screens and streaming, there's something powerful about holding music in your hands.

Support local. Spin something analog. Celebrate music.

We did manage to go to Coachella…okay not really. We watched it live on YouTube. Many great performances. The East Bay’s Green Day had an amazing set headlining on Saturday night. Benson Boone performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Brian May of Queen was the standout performance on opening night (sorry Gaga). You can still catch all the music for the second weekend coming up.

My TOP 10 Spielberg Projects

1. Schindler’s List (1993)
   This one stays with you. It’s heartbreaking, beautifully shot, and maybe the most important film Spielberg has ever made. I’ve only been able to watch it once, but I think it’s time to see it again. Especially given our current political climate.

2. Band of Brothers (2001) (Executive Producer)
   If you’ve never seen this series, do yourself a favor. It’s not just about war—it’s about brotherhood, fear, courage, and humanity at its rawest. America and much of the Free World standing up and defeating Fascism.

3. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
   The first 20 minutes will rattle you. It’s intense, emotional, and one of the most honest depictions of war I’ve ever seen.

4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
   This is pure Spielberg magic. It’s slow, thoughtful, and full of wonder. This one mesmerized me as a kid. You feel the pull of the unknown right along with the characters.

5. Poltergeist (1982) (Writer/Producer)
   Terrifying and weirdly comforting at the same time. One of the spookiest movies I ever saw. A suburban dream turned into a nightmare.

6. Jaws (1975)
   The suspense is still unbeatable. You don’t even see the shark for most of the movie—and somehow that makes it way scarier. I still hear the theme in my head when I swim in the ocean or even a pool at night.

7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
   Childhood, loneliness, connection—it hits every emotional chord.

8. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
   Just pure fun. Indiana Jones is charming, flawed, and fearless—it’s like watching the perfect Saturday afternoon adventure. Another great theme. 

9. Jurassic Park (1993)
   The sense of awe when those dinosaurs first appear? Nothing else like it. Still thrilling, still iconic. I didn’t see many of the sequels though. Were they any good?

10. Empire of the Sun (1987)
    A quieter film that doesn’t get enough love. Christian Bale is incredible, and the story of a boy trying to survive WWII is deeply moving.

Honorable Mentions:

• Duel (1971)
  Early Spielberg and you can feel the raw talent. It’s just a guy being stalked by a mysterious truck, but it’s so tense. I remember seeing this on TV as a kid. 

• Lincoln (2012)
  More of a slow burn, but worth it for Daniel Day-Lewis alone. It’s smart, sharp, and quietly powerful. We saw this at the Grand Lake Theater early in its original run and had terrible seats. I need to rewatch this.

• Munich (2005)
  Not an easy watch, but it’s one of Spielberg’s most thoughtful films. Raises big questions about revenge and justice with no easy answers.

How does this list compare to yours?

REVIEW OF THE MONTH

"He took care of everything and made it work out!"

I have more than 50 five-star reviews from previous clients. You can use this link to read or write a review about my real estate services: Zillow

Now go outside and enjoy this spring weather!

Always happy to talk with you or your friends about your Real Estate goals. Call me. Let's brainstorm!