Peter Schardt Residential and Commercial Real Estate

09/19/2026

No. 1: Know your billing cycle start date.

If you pay your credit card bill in full each month and don’t pay interest, you’re using your credit...

09/12/2026

Are pink and aqua the new neutral? Retro colors are back!

Everything old is new again, and that goes for decorating with color. While the last decade in home ...

09/05/2026

The entryway of your home can say a lot about you.

The entrance of your home says a lot about your character, from interior design to overall aesthetic...

08/31/2026

How to Buy a House: A Guide for Today's Buyers
Navigating the path to homeownership can feel overwhelming—especially in Marin and Sonoma counties, where every neighborhood has its own character and market nuances. With over two decades working alongside Northern California buyers, I’ve seen how successfully purchasing a home starts long before you walk through the door: it’s about understanding your finances, knowing exactly what you can comfortably spend, and getting preapproved so you can move quickly when the right opportunity arises. From there, it’s a matter of strategic home searches, crafting offers with the right contingencies, diligent inspections, and a smooth closing process.

Affordability hinges on factors like income, credit, down payment, and reserves. As someone deeply rooted in this community and experienced in negotiation and data-driven analysis, I’ve helped clients navigate these steps with confidence—ensuring they’re prepared and positioned for success in our dynamic real estate market.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/peter-schardt/1914010-How-to-Buy-a-House%3A-A-Guide-for-Today%27s-Buyers

08/29/2026

California’s Housing Progress: Understanding Paths to Growth
As someone deeply invested in Marin County and the broader Northern California real estate landscape, I closely follow the trends shaping our communities—and the numbers behind them. Recent data shows that less than 30% of California’s cities and counties are reaching their targets for market-rate housing, and only 6% are hitting the mark for very-low-income homes. Construction is moving at about 100,000 homes per year, but the state needs 312,000 annually to keep up with demand. These shortfalls impact all of us—buyers, sellers, and investors alike—by influencing inventory, affordability, and long-term neighborhood growth. My approach has always been rooted in local expertise and a data-driven perspective, helping clients navigate these market realities with confidence and clarity. Understanding the broader housing picture is key to making smart real estate decisions, especially here in Marin and Sonoma counties where local policy and supply shape every transaction.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/peter-schardt/1903262-California%E2%80%99s-Housing-Progress%3A-Understanding-Paths-to-Growth

08/29/2026

Want a home with cleaner air? Try one of these air-filtering plants!

A good-looking houseplant adds pizzazz to your home. It can also be the next best thing to a live-in...

08/28/2026

Why investors in vacation rentals are dedicating more time to market research before purchasing
Thinking about investing in vacation rentals? 📉 ROI has plunged from 30.8% in 2021 to just 10.3% this year! With tougher rules and higher costs in states like CA & TX, smart research is a must. Are you ready to beat the odds? 🏠💡
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/peter-schardt/1914695-Why-investors-in-vacation-rentals-are-dedicating-more-time-t

08/27/2026

California: $212K Income to Buy a Home

08/26/2026

Discover this property for $150,000—a great opportunity that truly stands out.

08/26/2026

US Existing Home Sales Edge Up
US existing-home sales posted a modest 0.7% annual gain in early Q3, even with a 1.7% month-over-month dip—demonstrating steady buyer activity compared to last summer’s pace. The median price climbed to $434,100, marking 37 straight months of annual price growth. For many homeowners, this increase means additional equity to watch as the market evolves.

Inventory remains tight, ending early Q3 at 1.54 million homes—down 1.9% from the previous month and 0.6% year-over-year. In my experience working with Marin and Sonoma County clients, closely tracking new listings and acting quickly has never been more important. Even with prices rising, national housing affordability improved—showing that preparation and strategic timing can still open doors for buyers when value and selection line up.

Mortgage rates have hovered in the high-6% range for a 30-year fixed loan. Any softening in rates could further support buyers as the summer market progresses. As always, I rely on data-driven insights and a strategic approach to help clients navigate these shifts—ensuring you’re positioned to make the most informed decisions in a competitive landscape.