Marilyn Garcia, PhD, District Homes, Berkeley

10/13/2026

Berkeley's housing market was hot in Q3!

North Berkeley home prices rose sharply, while the Berkeley Hills saw strong demand, particularly for larger, higher-end homes. Both areas saw bidding wars, and overbids even exceeding $1 million in some cases! My latest Berkeley Report looks at the numbers, market trends, and outlook for the months ahead.

THE OUTLOOK: Berkeley Real Estate Market Update, July–September (Q3) 2026 The weather has been hot at times this summer, but the Berkeley real estate market has been hotter! The condo market has been faring better this year, and definitely better than the Oakland condo market, but condo demand rem...

10/13/2026

Berkeley's transfer tax is increasing in 2027!

Starting January 1, new tax rates will mean higher costs for many Berkeley home sales, particularly higher-priced properties. My latest Berkeley Report explains the changes and what they'll mean for buyers and sellers.

https://theberkeleyreport.com/real-estate-answers-how-much-will-berkeley-transfer-tax-increase-in-2027/

10/13/2026

Get your home ready for the rainy season!

A little preparation now can help prevent costly water damage when winter storms arrive. My latest Berkeley Report covers some maintenance steps worth taking before the rains begin.

Get Ready for Rain Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for winter rains. With signs pointing to a strong El Niño, we could end up with a lot of rainfall this year. To prepare, clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and drains, and make sure downspouts direct water away from

09/20/2026

https://youtu.be/3Uv31Q6bv4c?si=K-_RmCzzDlIrW1Ir

A short documentary film about the history of the
Fountain and The Circle in Berkeley, CA.

I love the Marin Circle fountain! My thanks to everyone who worked on the restoration, and to the Friends of the Fountain and Walk, who continue to keep it running and beautiful today. ❤️

A short documentary film about the history of theFountain and The ...

09/05/2026

Sweet new listing in El Cerrito, $698,000! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large fenced yard, right in the heart of it all! Just blocks to BART, the Plaza, farmer’s market (twice a week), movie theatre, and much more! Great condition, updated electrical, mini-split heat/AC system, clear pest report!

Open Sunday 9/6 & 9/13, 2-4 p.m..

Set on a cul-de-sac right in the heart of it all, this sweet, well-maintained single-family home is just blocks from BART, near coffee, restaurants…

07/21/2026

Buyer competition surged across Berkeley this spring, with many racing to buy before the anticipated OpenAI and Anthropic IPOs potentially bring new wealth into the market. Full Q2 numbers in my July newsletter: https://theberkeleyreport.com/the-outlook-north-berkeley-the-berkeley-hills-q2-2026-results/

If you have been thinking about selling, now looks like an excellent time — happy to talk through what your home could see in this market, no pressure.

THE OUTLOOK: Berkeley Real Estate Market Update, Q2 (April - June) 2026

07/21/2026

The "best time to sell in Berkeley" isn't just spring — it's your buyer, your competition, and your home's best moment. More in my July newsletter: https://theberkeleyreport.com/real-estate-answers-when-is-the-best-time-to-sell/

Want a read on what the right timing looks like for your home? Happy to chat, no pressure.

When's the best time of year to sell a Berkeley property? The honest answer: it depends on the property and the year. But here are the patterns that matter. The slowest period is reliably mid-December through mid-January. Holidays, travel, and school breaks mean buyers simply aren't focused on real....

07/21/2026

From my newsletter at TheBerkeleyReport.com, July 2026. The City of Berkeley is giving away special mesh used for fire hardening.

https://theberkeleyreport.com/mesh-matters/

Mesh Matters One useful home hardening step most homeowners can take is also one of the simpler ones: covering vents, gutters, and the open space under decks with ember-resistant metal mesh. Metal mesh and gutter guards help keep embers from entering and igniting your home — a common way homes cat...

04/29/2026

Come check out my lovely new listing at 1233 Carleton Street in Berkeley!

Open Sunday 5/3 from 2-4:30

- 2BR + sun porch/office
- oversized lot with gorgeous gardens
- updated electrical (200 amps, no visible k**b and tube, solar)

Listed for $895,000

1233Carleton.com

Marilyn Garcia, District Homes, #01355514