Kelly McDougall-Realtor Compass Clayton

Kelly McDougall-Realtor Compass Clayton I have enjoyed being a Realtor since 1992. Dre # 011564462 Proudly working with Compass. Servicing th

Buying a home can feel like a big leap, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. But you may be closer than you t...
09/24/2026

Buying a home can feel like a big leap, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. But you may be closer than you think.

Sometimes, it starts with one conversation. We’ll talk about where you are, what you’re looking for, and what your next step could be. No pressure and no expectation that you need to have everything figured out first.

If buying a home has been on your mind, send me a message. I’d be happy to help you get started.

KellyMcDougall.com | (925) 787-0448
Serving Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek, Danville & Pleasant Hill

09/17/2026

Buying a home comes with a long list of decisions. The good news? You don’t have to figure them all out alone.

From getting pre-approved and narrowing down neighborhoods to writing a strong offer and making it through inspections, I’ll guide you through every step.

So yes, start with number one: call me. I’ll help with the rest. 🏡
KellyMcDougall.com | (925) 787-0448

09/10/2026

Welcome to Carpool with Kelly, a new series of quick, honest conversations about living in Clayton and the surrounding East Bay.

First question: Where do locals spend their weekends?

Around here, it might mean cheering from the sidelines at kids’ sports, heading out for a hike or road ride, then meeting friends at a favorite local restaurant.

Clayton locals, what would you add to the list?

09/09/2026

An empty piece of land can do more than sit unused. It can help feed a neighborhood.

After retiring, Concord resident Matt Davis began noticing how many seniors on fixed incomes and working single mothers lived nearby. He also noticed how expensive fresh vegetables had become and how much open space throughout the community was going unused.

That observation became the Free Tomato Project.

The organization turns available land into community gardens where fresh vegetables are grown for anyone who needs them. The idea is simple: pick a few and leave a few for the next person.

Its first two gardens produced more than 25,000 tomatoes in 2025, along with peppers, zucchini, radishes and other vegetables. Seven larger sites are now in progress throughout Concord, Clayton and Walnut Creek, with three more planned for 2026.

The next goal is an ambitious one: 250,000 tomatoes.

You can help by volunteering, donating, sponsoring a garden or offering an available piece of land for a future location. Sponsorships begin at $500 per season.

Visit FreeTomatoProject.com to learn more.

One person may not be able to change the whole world, but they can change one small piece of it. In this case, one tomato at a time. 🍅

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home... but I think the backyard gets a pretty strong vote. ☀️Whether it's host...
09/04/2026

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home... but I think the backyard gets a pretty strong vote. ☀️

Whether it's hosting friends by the pool, enjoying a quiet morning with vineyard views, or growing your own garden, the backyard can completely change the way you enjoy your home.

Swipe through and tell me, which one are you choosing?
🏊 Pool
🍷 Vineyard
🍽️ Entertainer
🌿 Garden

Send me a message if you'd like to see the Vineyard or the Entertainer home in person.
KellyMcDougall.com | (925) 787-0448




09/02/2026

One reason I love living in Walnut Creek? Saturday mornings like this!

Fresh produce, flowers, local vendors, kids' activities, live entertainment, and plenty of reasons to slow down for a couple of hours.

It's one of those places that reminds me why so many people love living or around Walnut Creek. Whether you're picking up groceries for the week or just grabbing a coffee and enjoying the atmosphere at the local farmers market, it's an easy way to support local businesses, our farmers and enjoy the community.

If you haven't been yet, it's worth adding to your weekend plans.
📍 Diablo Valley Farmers' Market
🕘 Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM

Do you have a favorite vendor, or is there another local market you'd recommend? I'd love to hear! 🌻

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾After helping people find homes for years, I've realized you're never just choosing a house. An...
08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

After helping people find homes for years, I've realized you're never just choosing a house. And if you have a dog, those daily walks, nearby parks, hiking trails, and pet-friendly patios quickly become part of what makes a place feel like home.

That's why I put together a few of my favorite dog-friendly spots around Clayton and Concord. Whether you're already a local or thinking about making the move, I hope you and your four-legged best friend get to enjoy them.

And now I have to ask...
Where's your dog's favorite place to go in the East Bay? Drop it in the comments. I’m always looking for new spots to explore!

One of my favorite things about Clayton is that you can feel completely surrounded by nature and still be just minutes f...
08/26/2026

One of my favorite things about Clayton is that you can feel completely surrounded by nature and still be just minutes from town.

This custom log cabin is one of those homes that makes you want to slow down and take in the view. Nearly 360 degrees of Mt. Diablo and the rolling foothills, framed by windows throughout the home. It really does feel like your own private retreat.

I can already picture mornings with coffee out on the deck, dinners outside as the sun goes down, cozy evenings by the fireplace, and weekends with family and friends enjoying all that space.

Inside, the two-story wall of windows is definitely a showstopper. The open great room, kitchen, and dining area were made for gathering, while 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a bonus loft, and a private loft off the primary suite give everyone room to spread out.

And with plenty of usable land, there's space for animals, toys, or simply a little more breathing room.

The best part? You're only about 3 miles from downtown Clayton, with local shops, restaurants, and top-rated schools close by.

This is the kind of home that feels like a getaway without giving up the convenience of everyday life.

If you've been looking for something truly unique in Clayton, I'd love to show you around. Send me a message to schedule a private tour!
📍 530 Leon Way, Clayton, CA 94517

KellyMcDougall.com | (925) 787-0448

08/20/2026

Receiving money for your down payment? Read this before anyone sends a dollar.

It is common for parents or grandparents to help with a down payment. The issue usually is not the gift itself. It is making sure the funds are handled and documented correctly for your lender.

I have seen buyers create unnecessary stress just days before closing because they did not realize there are lender documentation requirements around gifted funds.

Here is what to know:
✔️ Tell your lender before the money moves.
Your lender needs to know where the funds are coming from and how they will be transferred before anyone sends anything.
✔️ Expect documentation.
A gift letter is usually required confirming the money is a gift, not a loan that needs to be repaid. Your lender may also need documentation from the person giving the gift.
✔️ Keep a clear paper trail.
Wire transfers or checks are usually easier to document. Cash deposits or moving money between several accounts can create extra questions during underwriting. Your lender can confirm the best way to handle the transfer before it happens.
✔️ Earlier is better.
Waiting until the last minute can mean more paperwork and more stress when you are already counting down to closing day.

And one more thing: a large gift does not automatically mean gift tax is owed.

Gifts above the annual federal exclusion amount may require the person giving the gift to file a gift tax return, but that does not automatically mean they will owe tax. Every situation is different, so it is always smart to check with a tax professional if you are unsure.

Buying a home comes with enough surprises already. Gifted funds should not be one of them.

If you are planning to buy this year and have questions about gifted funds, send me a message. I would rather help you avoid a problem than have to solve one later.
KellyMcDougall.com | (925) 787-0448

Address

1646 N California Boulevard Suite 101
Walnut Creek, CA
94596

Telephone

+19257870448

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