December 2020 Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter
I’m sure many of you are rejoicing—the final month of 2020 is here. This year has been full of twists and turns but one thing it’s proven: no matter what’s going on in the world, people don’t stop buying and selling homes.
The trends may shift. Single-family homes are more popular than ever. The city can feel abandoned and sleepy at times. But then I have clients who are taking advantage of this opportunity to get into a new condo at a great price. There’s also a lot of remodeling happening. As we literally shelter in place, people have time and incentive to upgrade their homes. It’s not always easy though. It can be slow to get permits due to closures and backlog, and certain appliances and building materials are backordered for months.
Another way to distract from 2020: throw yourself into your holiday decorations. People had lights up before Thanksgiving. And thankfully, many annual displays are pivoting to a socially distanced model we can more safely enjoy. Things are changing dramatically every day so be sure to check for up-to-date details before you go:
Entwined, Golden Gate Park
An enchanted forest of lights is coming to Peacock Meadow as part of Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary. This art installation will feature 12-20 foot sculptural trees with nature-inspired lighting effects. Lights come on at sundown from December 10-February 28, with a possible extension to June 1. The SkyStar ferris wheel is temporarily closed but check back for another way to enjoy the anniversary celebration.
Holiday Lights, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
A lot of ticketed drive thru experiences are selling out quick but this was still available when I checked. It’s a bit of a drive but once there, you can enjoy a ½ mile of holiday displays to the Holiday Lights Soundtrack on your radio. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through Christmas weekend, $15 per vehicle.
Christmas in the Park, San Jose
They switched this downtown tradition to a drive-thru experience in San Jose History Park. Tickets are $20 per vehicle but they’re offering half price twilight tickets between 4-5pm. Open November 27-January 3.
The Castro
Visit two remarkable Christmas houses in San Francisco. The famed Tom & Jerry House at 3650 21st Street carried on tradition this year despite its creator’s passing away in October. Another house at 68 Castro Street near Duboce Triangle is a decadently decorated home and photo op.
Photo by Nick Otto for The Chronicle
The suburbs are full of streets famed for their light displays. They can be a lot of fun to live on but come with crowds and traffic for the entire month of December. You’ll see it in the disclosure packet if you ever go to buy on these streets. Here are two of my favorites where the holiday cheer is still on this year—though they highly suggest you visit by car.
Eucalyptus Street, San Carlos
Transformed into a one-way street for the holiday season with the most elaborate displays on the first block. Some go for a traditional look and others go all-out with every inch covered in lights.
Christmas Tree Lane, Palo Alto
Enjoy the 80th anniversary of lights on Fulton Street (1700 and 1800 blocks). Lights go on from 5-10pm, Dec 12-31. Cars are encouraged but sidewalk traffic will be one-way this year to aid in social distancing.
Explore Pacifica: A community guide
Pacifica, CA / Photo by: Fabian Quintero on Unsplash
Heading to the coast is the escape we all need right now. Half Moon Bay often gets the spotlight but Pacifica is totally a worthwhile day trip. My ideal itinerary would include a latte at Soul Grind Coffee, hiking Mori Point for ocean views and watching the surfers at Rockaway Beach. Read more about Pacifica in my community guide.
Support Local: Mademoiselle Colette
Mademoiselle Colette is my go-to bakery on the Peninsula with locations in Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Redwood City. Holiday desserts are available for pickup or delivery like the Entremet Chocolat Cake with hazelnut praline and chocolate glaze. My top choice: get the Bag of Baked Goods for your holiday brunch with a mix of of sweet and savory croissants. Check out my favorite local bakeries in San Francisco.
Want to know more about real estate trends? Check out these up-to-date Bay Area Market Reports.
Cover photo by Alex Robert on Unsplash