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*Market Insights**
When the first option feels right, it often is.
[SPONSORED] A realtor’s journey through the fierce Bay Area market—real stories of struggle and success—shows the true highs and lows of buying a home.
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### The Wedding Dress Dilemma
“What's the dress code?” I asked my friend, who also happens to be the groom’s mom, expecting a casual reply. The wedding was in Guadalajara, Mexico, so I imagined a relaxed vibe, similar to the last ceremony we attended back home. I even planned to wear the same dress.
“It’s formal, but a mid‑length dress works if you don’t have a floor‑length gown,” she said. I didn’t have either. Cliff and I usually skip upscale events; our closets hold nothing but casual wear. With only days left, I rushed to the mall for a formal dress that felt neither prom‑like nor Met Gala‑like—tailored, elegant, understated, with sleeves, no frills, no ruffles, no sparkles.
The first dress I tried on—a burgundy Calvin Klein jersey—was perfect, but I hesitated. I ended up trying several more, only to return to the original. Trusting my gut and the mirror would have saved time and frustration. The lesson? The right choice often feels right.
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### House Shopping Mirrors Dress Shopping
Buyers rarely believe the first home they see is “the one,” yet they should. It usually takes viewing many properties to understand what fits and what doesn’t. Identifying dislikes can be more useful than cataloguing likes, but both help refine the search. Losing a few homes—sometimes more—teaches buyers how to compete in this market. Like any skill, there’s a learning curve for buyers and agents alike.
A Southern California agent once said, “Your market is much different up there.” That’s why local expertise matters. In the Bay Area, demand outpaces supply, so when you find a home you love, you must act decisively. Most of us sift through many options before deciding on “the one.” It’s a process of elimination and compromise that takes time.
Take your time, but recognize when you’ve found the dream home and stop searching. It’s easier said than done, but sometimes love at first sight is enough to commit. Let the rest—like the dress—fall into place.
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### How We Can Help
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
We’re more than Realtors; we’re consultants for all things home. We educate, explore, examine, and refer. Count on us to treat your home as if it were our own—our reputation for excellent care speaks for itself.
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