Hi friends,
March always feels like that moment when everything starts waking up again, the flowers, the longer days, a little more sunshine, and yes… the real estate market stretching, yawning, and jumping right back into full action.
And speaking of things coming to life, I’m really excited to finally share something I’ve been quietly working on for the past few months…
👉 www.GregNovakRealtor.com
My brand-new website is officially live!
This has been a bit of a labor of love. Think of it as a fresh coat of paint, a little staging, and a whole lot of intention behind the scenes. I wanted a space that better reflects how I work, what I care about, and the communities I’m proud to be a part of, especially right here in the East Bay.
You’ll find helpful resources, a bit of my story, and (of course) some of the neighborhood knowledge I never seem to run out of. I’d love for you to take a look, click around, and let me know what you think.
Now, a quick moment of gratitude…
In real estate, and really in any small business, everything comes back to relationships. My business has always been built on the support of friends, family, and past clients, sometimes all three “Hi mom!” Referrals aren’t just appreciated… they’re the heartbeat of what I do.
So, if you hear someone say, “We’re thinking about buying,” or “We might sell someday,” or even “We have no idea what we’re doing, help” I’d be honored if you’d connect us.
And here’s the important part: it doesn’t have to be East Bay local.
Over the years, I’ve curated a strong network of like-minded Realtors across the country (and beyond). Good people who care about their clients the same way I do. So, whether your cousin is moving to Portland, your son is relocating to Austin, or your neighbor is heading off to who-knows-where, I can help connect them with someone excellent.
Think of me as your real estate matchmaker. (No awkward first dates, I promise.)
One last note, you may notice this newsletter is a little shorter than usual. That’s because we’ve officially entered the super busy spring market, and I’ve been spending my days doing what I love most: helping clients get their homes ready, on the market, and sold. And I don’t want to just slap this together so I’ve left out a couple sections.
It’s a good kind of busy and I’m grateful for it.
As always, thank you for your continued support, your trust, and for being part of this community with me.
And seriously… go check out the website
If you're thinking about buying or selling, now is the time to plan strategically for the market we're heading into. If you want to talk about what this market means for your plans, let's brainstorm. The right preparation and strategy can turn today's market into a successful sale.
COMMUNITY CORNER
SAN LEANDRO
See you next month!
CASTRO VALLEY
See you next month!
Our Third Biannual San Leandro Red Oak Realty Blood Drive
Our next drive is on Friday, April 3. Please reach out to me for details.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The future is unwritten" -Joe Strummer
REGISTER TO VOTE
Daily, we're experiencing the results of not enough people voting. If you are not registered, please do so. If you are, please spread the word to five others to encourage more people to do so. Every single vote matters. You can use the link below.
https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/register-to-vote
HOMEOWNERSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH: Is it hot in here, or just me?
Well… that escalated quickly.
One minute it’s soggy February, the next minute the East Bay is warm, dry, and giving us a preview of summer. This is not only great Pickleball weather, it’s actually the perfect time to get ahead of a few things before the real heat (and fire season) shows up.
A few quick, high-impact items to consider:
Check Your Irrigation System
If you have sprinklers or drip lines, turn them on and watch what happens. Look for broken heads, leaks, or areas getting way too much (or too little) water. A small fix now can save you money—and your landscaping—later.
Give Plants a Fighting Chance
Deep, infrequent watering is better than short daily bursts. It helps roots grow deeper and makes plants more resilient when things really heat up. Mulch is your best friend right now, too—it keeps moisture in and weeds out. It’s not just decorative.
Create Defensible Space (Yes, Already)
Even though it’s early, this is a great time to clear dry leaves, trim back overgrown plants, and clean up around wood fences and structures. It’s easier to do now than when everything is crispy, and you’re on a deadline.
Don’t Forget the Gutters & Roof
Winter debris has likely built up. Clearing gutters and checking your roof now helps prevent issues later—and reduces fire risk when things dry out.
Bonus: Give Your A/C a Test Run
Before that first heatwave hits, turn on the system and make sure it’s working properly. Replace filters and make sure airflow is good. Future you will be very thankful.
A little attention now goes a long way toward keeping your home safe, efficient, and looking great all sunny season long.
And if you ever want a second set of eyes (or a referral to someone who can help), you know where to find me.
Stay cool out there
INSURANCE
See you next month!
RECIPE: Cheat Code!
I’ve been too busy to cook, so here’s what I’ve been doing. A new Sprouts Market recently opened here in San Leandro, and it’s great. Wednesday, there’s a discount on sushi. And I’ve been buying their precooked shredded chicken to use on top of their salads (beet and pecan yum!) or to do a little sauté, adding taco seasoning for easy chicken tacos.
TRAVEL
Except for going to the Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco with my amazing Godson Oliver, I’ve been too busy to leave the East Bay. Still planning a trip to Seattle with perhaps another to Hawai’i or México towards summer. And if things work out right, a hop across the pond in the fall.
Do you have any trips planned?
RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH: Phosho Dough
Super casual but yummy Vietnamese food on Telegraph in Oakland. It’s a favorite stop of mine after playing Pickleball at Bushrod Park. The Chicken Pho is fresh and perfect. There’s limited seating, and it gets very busy at lunch.
Where have you been eating out?
PICKLEBALL TIP OF THE MONTH: Don’t Cross Live Games
I still see this happening a lot, so it’s worth repeating: don’t cross a live game. Please.
Even if you’re in the queue and excited to jump on the court, stay clear while a rally is in progress. If you need to cross, wait for a stoppage — then hustle across quickly and out of the way.
It’s not just about safety (though that matters — balls and paddles move fast), it’s also just common courtesy. Players deserve to focus without distractions behind them.
Take a breath, wait a few seconds, and move at the right time. Good pickleball etiquette goes a long way toward keeping the game fun for everyone.
Let me know if you want to play or learn!
MOVIES/THEATRE/TV
Sadly, I’ve been a worker bee this past month, so I haven’t really watched much of anything.
What are you watching?
MUSIC
Getting caught up on a lot of the vinyl records I bought last year. I’ve been listening to Bratmobile a lot.
Coachella From Your Couch? Yes, Please
The lineup for the 2026 Coachella Valley Music Festival dropped, and it’s one of those rare years where it feels like there’s truly something for everyone. From legends to indie favorites to straight-up pop superstars, it’s a pretty wild mix.
You’ve got iconic names like Devo, David Byrne, and Iggy Pop sharing the bill with bands like The Strokes, alongside newer artists and, yes… even Justin Bieber headlining.
That’s kind of what Coachella has become—less a single-genre festival and more of a musical buffet. Punk, new wave, indie rock, electronic, pop… it’s all there, spread across two weekends in April out in Indio.
But here’s the best part: you don’t actually have to go.
Coachella has continued its partnership with YouTube, which means you can watch live performances from multiple stages, both weekends, right from your living room couch.
No traffic. No dust. No Port-a-Potties, No $18 lemonade.
Just you, your loved one, maybe a good beverage, and a front-row (virtual) seat to some incredible music.
So whether you’re tuning in for the nostalgia of Devo, the artistry of David Byrne, the raw energy of Iggy Pop, or just curious to see Bieber take a Coachella stage, this is one of those weekends worth bookmarking. I just hope the Bieb keeps his sorts on.
I know where I’ll be—probably flipping between stages and wondering how I’m supposed to choose what to watch next.
April 10, 11, 12 & 17, 18, 19
What are you listening to?
Greg's Top 10 Bands Not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Somewhere along the way, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame quietly stopped being about rock & roll. These days, it feels more like the Popular Music Hall of Fame, with country stars, pop icons, and just about every genre getting a seat at the table.
And hey — there’s nothing wrong with celebrating great music in all its forms. But when truly influential rock, punk, and new wave bands continue to be overlooked, it raises the question: what exactly are we honoring here?
So here’s my list — ten bands that helped shape rock, punk, and alternative music… and somehow are still waiting outside looking in.
1 – Devo
All of you should have seen this one coming. Subversive art-rock pioneers who turned absurdity, futurism, and synths into social commentary. Their robotic rhythms and satire of conformity helped shape new wave, alternative rock, and even modern pop.
“When a problem comes along, you must whip it.”
________________________________________
#2 – The B-52s
Athens, Georgia’s most joyful weirdos brought surf guitars, space-age kitsch, and queer energy to the mainstream. Their influence stretches from indie pop to drag culture.
“You’re living in your own private Idaho.”
________________________________________
#3 – Stiff Little Fingers
From Belfast to the world, they injected punk with politics and heart. Fierce, intelligent, and still as relevant as ever.
“Alternative Ulster — grab it and change it!”
________________________________________
#4 – Buzzcocks
The band that proved punk could be artful and melodic. Their songs about love, longing, and frustration shaped everyone from Green Day to Nirvana.
“Noise annoys.”
________________________________________
#5 – Rancid/Operation Ivy
East Bay ska-punk veterans who carried the spirit of The Clash into the 1990s and beyond. Their gritty storytelling and timeless energy deserve serious recognition. And some world-class bass guitar chops!
“And if I fall back down, you’re gonna help me back up again.”
________________________________________
#6 – NOFX
Irreverent, fast, and unapologetically political, Fat Mike and crew became one of the most influential independent punk bands ever — without radio, without compromise.
“You think you’re gonna change the world, but you’re just fermenting and flailing.”
________________________________________
#7 – Midnight Oil
Australia’s fiercest political surf rock band, blending driving rhythms with outspoken activism. From Indigenous rights to environmental issues, they proved rock could be both powerful and purposeful on a global stage.
“The candy store paupers lie to the shareholders.”
________________________________________
#8 – X
Los Angeles punk poetry with rockabilly swagger. Exene Cervenka and John Doe’s harmonies gave West Coast cowboy punk its soul.
“The phone’s off the hook, but you’re not.”
________________________________________
#9 – Dead Kennedys
Jello Biafra’s sharp political humor and East Bay Ray’s surf guitar fury captured the Reagan era better than any documentary ever could.
“Give me convenience or give me death!”
________________________________________
#10 – The Jam
Mod revivalists turned political poets. Paul Weller’s songwriting fused punk urgency with Motown and British pop sophistication.
“You choose your leaders and place your trust, as their lies wash you down….”
________________________________________
🎸 Honorable Mentions
●The Damned: First UK punk band to release a single, yet still snubbed.
●Black Flag: Hardcore pioneers who shaped American DIY culture.
●Bad Religion: Philosophical punk with harmonies and heart.
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
Greg was attentive to our needs and found the right buyers in a timely manner! His expertise was helpful throughout.
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
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're thinking about a move, call me. Let's brainstorm!
>> RANKED TOP 1.5% OF ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS NATIONWIDE BY REAL TRENDS 2023
