From our client’s perspective we dive into how to think about open houses and what clients should expect when going into an open house. In today’s episode we explore the benefits and drawbacks from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspective. Offering open houses can be an effective marketing tool and often makes it easier for sellers who continue to live in the home. We think open houses are valuable but not critical for sellers. From a buyer’s perspective, open houses can be a convenient tool to view homes to determine if it’s worth a second viewing with an agent. Listing agents at open houses must fiduciarily tell you the truth about the house but they don’t work for you! We love to tour open houses with our clients and listen to our buyers describe what they love or dislike about a home. To learn more about open houses and the do’s and don’ts listen to this episode.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider perspective on open houses.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #MarketUpdate #OpenHouse #CCC #CaliforniaRealEstate #OpenHousePodcast

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Normally, in California real estate typically appreciates by an average of 4% every year. We haven’t had a normal market since the pandemic though. In this episode of The Real Story with Adam and Sherry we rewind to the beginning, to provide an overview of real estate trends and specific market conditions in Contra Costa County. Where is the beginning? Did you guess 2020? During the pandemic home values went up into the double digits. However, in the last 3 years we’ve had a negative 3-5% in home values. 2026 Q1 700 homes went into contract in our 10 featured cities (Alamo, Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette, Danville, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez) which is still below the 10-year average of 900. The median sales price is $1.65 million vs $1.19 million in 2019. This represents a slightly flat market, which we think will continue. What’s affecting the market? Interest rates. High rates, combined with the fact that many homeowners locked in 3% rates during the pandemic, have created a ‘locked-in’ effect where homeowners are hesitant to sell unless necessary. Listen as we outline our predictions for the rest of the year. If you live, invest, or are simply watching the market — this is the data you need to hear.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #Affordability #MarketUpdate #2026QuarterOne #RealEstateMarketUpdate #CCC #CaliforniaRealEstate #MarketUpdate2026

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

In today’s episode of The Real Story with Adam & Sherry we have a conversation about the intersection of local real estate, civic planning, and community development. Our special guest is Brendan Moran, a planning commissioner for the city of Walnut Creek. He is a realtor® and broker associate in Contra Costa County who is planning to run for city council in the upcoming November election. As part of the planning commission he reviews development proposals both large and small around the city. How does the planning committee help to meet the regulations the state has mandated? And what does the 5,800 new homes incorporate: townhouses, single family homes, rentals, condos, apartments? Or is the focus on price? Listen to find out. He explains how the planning commission tries to balance providing more homes and our communities being overcrowded. In California, there’s a push and pull between our need for housing and also not have it erode our quality of life. If you care about housing, traffic, development, and the future of Walnut Creek — this episode is for you.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS®) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Brendan Moran | Walnut Creek Planning Commissioner & Broker Owner at 5 Star Real Estate

• Website: the5starteam.com

• Email: brendan@the5starteam.com

• Phone: (925) 464-1025

• Facebook: @the5starteam

• Instagram: @the5starteam

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmY0XH3uXxBfQJmfiKKulw

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplybayarea/

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

Brendan Moran | DRE #01893322

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #PropertyTaxes #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #PropertyOwners #Season3Premiere #CommunityDevelopment #HousingMatters #LocalGovernment #RealEstatePodcast #CityPlanning

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

In today’s episode of The Real Story with Adam & Sherry we dive into Property Taxes. Our special guest is Vince Robb the Assistant County Assessor for the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office. He is currently running for the County Assessors position. The assessor is responsible for identifying every property in the county; what it is, what’s on it, and what the property value is. What they don’t do; tax bills, or collect taxes, or set tax rates, or establish tax laws. Any change in ownership goes through the assessor’s office and a value is set based on the date the deed is recorded and the fair market value of the property. This becomes the properties Prop 13 base and the property assessment can’t go up more than 2% a year. Unless the homeowner remodels, there is new construction, square footage is added, or added value. The office tracks property improvements by reviewing permits pulled from local agencies. Listen as he explains which types of remodels or improvements could add a supplement bill and a new assessed value. And why maintenance or modernization does not typically trigger a reassessment. If you aren’t sure what the role of the County Assessor’s office is or you’re interested in finding out more about who is running for the position of County Assessor, this episode is for you.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone. Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Vince Robb | Assistant County Assessor for Contra Costa County• Website: www.cccounty.us/assessor | www.contracosta.ca.gov/191/Assessor• Email: Vince.Robb@assr.cccounty.us • Phone: 925-313-7556• Personal/Campaign Website: www.VinceRobbForAssessor.com• Personal/Campaign Email: vince@vincerobbforassessor.com• Personal Phone: 925-286-1461Hutchens Hamalian Properties GroupDudum Real Estate GroupDRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902Assessor ID #1482342

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #PropertyTaxes #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #PropertyOwners #Season3Premiere #VinceRobbCCCAssessor #Affordability #RealEstateTax #VinceRobbLEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information. ©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

The housing shortage is a big problem in California. One of the ways the state is trying to increase housing inventory is by allowing homeowners to build ADUs with less red tape. Our special guest for today’s podcast is Gwen Bertolami Lysons with Comfort Casitas. She is a structural engineer and builder who specializes in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Many people are looking into ADUs but clients who pull the trigger have multiple combinations of usage envisioned for their ADU. She explains who is most likely to want to add an ADU. Listen as Gwen Bertolami Lysons defines what is an ADU vs. Jr ADU vs. pool house vs. storage unit. If you are interested in adding an ADU what are the first steps? What is the approximate price range? What can be some prohibitive issues to adding an ADU? We break down everything homeowners should know before building an ADU.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Gwen Bertolami Lysons, P.E | Comfort Casitas & Bertolami Engineering

• Website: Bertolamieengineering.com | www.comfortcasitas.com

• Facebook: @ comfortcasitas

• Instagram: @comfortcasitas

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcF5cIVbLzleTmFskLy991w

• Email: gwen@bertolamiengineering.com

• Phone: (925) 448-2875

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

Gwen Bertolami Lysons | CA #C76060

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #ADUCalifornia #CaliforniaHousing #AccessoryDwellingUnit #HousingSolutions #MultigenerationalLiving #RentalIncome #ComfortCasitas

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Our special guests for today’s podcast is owner Jeff Kendall & senior consultant Grayeagle Porter with Custom Exteriors, Inc focusing on improving the look, comfort, and safety of a home. Is it time to replace the windows, doors, or siding? Or budgeting for the future? This podcast is for you as they offer a clear homeowner friendly guide to windows and back up their work with a lifetime warranty on labor. Tune in as Jeff & Grayeagle describe what homeowners should know before replacing the windows and the pros and cons of various types of windows on your home.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Grayeagle Porter, Project Manager/Senior Consultant | Custom Exteriors, Inc. | Lic# 785361

• Website: www.custom-exteriors.com

• Facebook: @CustomExteriorsInc

• Instagram: @customexteriorsca

• YouTube: @customexteriors2657

• Email: grayeagle@custom-exteriors.com

• Phone: 925-382-2447

Hutchens Hamalian Properties GroupDudum Real Estate GroupDRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902Grayeagle Porter | Lic# 785361

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #NewWindows #HomeImprovement #Siding #RenovationTips #CustomExteriors #ExteriorRemodeling #SidingReplacement #HomeMaintenance #WindowReplacement #EnergyEfficiency #HomeComfort

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Prop 19 – what is it? How does it work? Who does it benefit? If you are on a fixed income and budget sometimes you can be stuck in a home that no longer serves you due to your lower tax base. We call those ‘golden handcuffs’ a term we go into depth explaining in our latest podcast. Prop 19 was designed to help release those handcuffs and allow seniors (55+) people to move. Tax base exchange is only available for three groups of people those 55+, disabled veterans, or victims of a wildfire. Under the old law, there were limited counties that participated, you needed to buy an equal or lesser value home, and you could only do it once. Under prop 19 all 58 counties must participate, and you can do it 3 times for equal or even higher value homes. What is the timing of the process? In our podcast, we walk you through sell first buy one or even buy one and then sell. Tune in as we answer your most pressing property tax mobility questions.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Show Notes: boe.ca.gov

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #Rossmoor #Prop19 #PropertyTaxMobility #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #Boomers #55+ #GoldenHandcuffs #Prop13 #Prop13vsProp19 #Affordability #RealEstateTax

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Our special guest for today’s podcast is Kristen Pepin with Dudum Real Estate Group/ Sun Bear Realty focusing on the Tahoe and Truckee market. Whether you’re searching for a lakefront retreat, a cozy mountain escape, or the Tahoe lifestyle Kristen can help you. There are so many facets to becoming an agent and even in a vacation location it isn’t necessarily what you think it is. Listen as we find out the differences between our Bay Area market and the Tahoe and Truckee real estate market. We dive into second homes, short term rentals, sky leases, and fractional & shared ownership properties. Tune in as Kristen describes what buyers should know before searching for a second home!

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Kristen Pepin, Realtor ® | Dudum Real Estate Group | Sun Bear Realty

• Website: KristenPepin.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenPepinRealtor/

• Instagram/YouTube: @KristenPepinRealtor

• Email: Kristen@LoveLiveTahoe.com

• Phone: 530.346.3233

• Cell: 203.520.8234

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

Kristen Pepin | CA 02115202 | NV S.0194643

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #TahoeDonner #TahoeRealEstate #DonnerRealEstate #TahoeHomes #SecondHome #LakeTahoeHomes #LakeTahoeRealEstate #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #KristenPepin

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group