Viviana Lahrs - District Homes

05/26/2026

Why Human Connection Still Matters in Real Estate — A Berkeley Realtor's Perspective

In a time when AI is woven into so much of our lives, face-to-face relationships have become even more important. As a Berkeley realtor, I see real estate as a relationship business. It's an intimate thing to be involved in someone's home sale or purchase — often one of the largest transactions of a person's life.

As AI seeps into more and more aspects of daily life, human connection is becoming increasingly rare and valuable.

I've been noticing my clients using AI to help them make sense of information about homes — and in some ways, it can be genuinely useful. I've had East Bay buyer clients run home inspection reports through AI to get a summary of the work needed, or even suggestions on offer amounts.

Yet how AI interprets information isn't always accurate, up-to-date, or in the right context. The knowledge of a trusted local real estate agent remains absolutely essential in buying and selling a home. It always has been.

✨ What Working With a Realtor Actually Looks Like ✨

When I work with my clients, the first thing I do is invite them for tea at my office. It's important to me to truly understand their needs, aspirations, and goals. Hearing them in person — reading their body language, getting a felt sense of who they are — gives me so much to work with. And for my clients, it's their chance to see who I am, and to feel that ease of knowing they can trust me.

For a similar reason, I chose to work at a real estate agency with a physical office here in Berkeley. A space to connect not only with clients, but with my colleagues as well. We actually work here — and with that comes the ability to support and be supported by one another. There is so much value in this kind of connection, learning, and sharing.

How are you feeling in this time of AI? If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the East Bay, let's talk.

Comment here or send me a direct message!

✍️ This is a Blog from my website. Interested in reading more? See my website, link in Bio.

Viviana Lahrs
Residential Realtor
Bay Area California
District Homes

04/24/2026

Have you heard that ADUs are getting easier to build in Berkeley and across the Bay Area? You might be wondering — what does this actually mean for me, as a current homeowner or someone looking to buy?

The short answer: a lot. And in all the best ways.

ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit — you may also know them as in-law units, backyard cottages, or granny flats. These are additional living spaces on a single residential property, and thanks to a wave of new California state laws and Berkeley-specific zoning changes, they have never been more accessible to build, permit, or benefit from.

Let me walk you through what's changed, and more importantly, why this matters to you. READ THE FULL SCOOP HERE:

Seeing the Full Potential in Every Property

07/03/2025

I’m always grateful for the opportunity to help a family in their next chapter and to receive their feedback!

This wasn’t an easy one. A family’s home, the mom an elder, that needed 40 years of living cleaned out of the space, to allow the original charm to shine through. Yet the home needed almost everything to be torn down. With patience in the midst of our government’s erratic changes, impacting the economy, we landed on a good solid offer that helped her move closer to family and a more comfortable life for her last years.

06/22/2025

Come tour this beautiful Berkeley Hills Home with me. Open today Sunday 2-4pm.
1270 Queens Road is a sunny level-in updated 3 bed/ 2 bath retreat with connections to nature at every turn.
A lovely listing by

Please contact me for more info!
Viviana Lahrs
DRE #01503767

06/13/2025

This was a bit of a roller coaster. After one offer that was accepted yet didn't pan out due to the buyer (and the current economy), we then gave this home its full chance to be marketed and open for another week. We ended up in contract with another buyer represented by Ellie Ridge for a super smooth escrow.

While I got this property emptied out and cleaned-up well so that's charming character could shine through, this old home will need a complete renovation from top to bottom, and it took the right type of buyer that was ready to take this on.

I'm very satisfied to have a happy client! And it was such a pleasure to get to know the neighborhood and neighbors here - truly the best!If you are ready for steady, calm, and high-level service in buying or selling a home please reach out to me.

Viviana Lahrs
REALTOR®
DRE #01503767

06/11/2025

Thinking of a fixer-upper? 🤔 It can be a great opportunity or a big challenge! Consider your skillset, finances, and resourcefulness first. Are you handy? Do you have the funding? Can you handle the potential stress? 🛠️💰 Check out the upsides and downsides before diving in. Want the full scoop? Read the entire article on my blog! https://vivianalahrs.com/blog/is-a-fixer-upper-right-for-you

Is a Fixer-Upper Right for You? Key Considerations Before You Buy

When you hear of a home on the market that is a fixer, what comes to mind for you? For me, I see it as an opportunity. Yet, for others, it may seem like a daunting project. If you are considering buying a fixer, I’ve broken it down into these three ar...

05/18/2025

Here’s what you get when working with me. I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life and had a lot of various paths and careers and I bring all of those resources to my clients.

Some of those hats and how that supports my clients:
- Life Coach and Master NLP practitioner: Skills in navigating the ups and downs of real estate transactions and getting clear on major decisions.

- Yoga Teacher: Presence, calm, and breath. Real estate can be stressful- these skills help!

- Residential Architectural Designer: Help understanding the house you are selling and buying.

* Born and raised in Berkeley: Deep connections and resources and guidance in understanding neighborhoods.

if you’re ready to take your next step in real estate, please contact me.

VIVIANA LAHRS
REALTOR®
District Homes
510-910-3482 | DRE #01503767

05/11/2025

Looking for a project to create your own vision of a home in Berkeley? Make time today on this beautiful Mother’s Day to stop by and visit 1809 in Channing Way. This is a super cute, charming craftsman home awaiting for the next donor to take it to the next level.

Open today, May 11th, Sunday 2-4pm

Contact me for more info:
VIVIANA LAHRS
REALTOR®
District Homes
510-910-3482 | DRE #01503767

05/01/2025

✨Create Something New In Berkeley✨

New Listing - Fixer!

Open for Brokers Tour:
Thursday 5/1, 9:30am-1pm

Open Houses this weekend 5/3&4:
Saturday and Sunday 2-4pm

Sweet opportunity in desirable Central Berkeley! A cute craftsman built in 1920, this character-filled single level home is ready for a fresh vision. Featuring original architectural details including hardwood floors, crown moldings, and two fireplaces, this two bedroom and one bath home offers the perfect canvas to create something truly special. The well-balanced floor plan includes a deep front porch with built-in bench, formal dining room with built-ins, and a large open kitchen with separate prep-room and mudroom/laundry at back. The large sunny back yard is perfect for family gatherings, with an apple and plumb tree and lots of space for gardening. Sitting on a level lot, there's excellent potential to expand or reimagine the space. Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined block, just blocks from two elementary schools, Berkeley High, and Downtown Berkeley, this property offers a unique combination of charm, location, and untapped potential. Whether you're looking to restore and reside or renovate and resell, this is your chance to bring new life to a classic Berkeley home.

1809 Channing Way, Berkeley

Listed at $749,000

2 beds/1 bath
Built in 1920
1123 SF Home
3840 SF Lot Size

VIVIANA LAHRS
REALTOR®
510-910-3482 | DRE #01503767

04/26/2025

We are so excited about this year’s Gilman District Street Fair! Come visit us at our booth, we’ll have a prize wheel with fun prizes!