What’s happening in today’s East Bay real estate market? Listen to find out! In this week’s episode we dive into fire hardening and defensible space. What is Fire Hardening and what policies have changed? AB-38 specifies that any house in a high or very high fire zone needs to have a defensible space and an inspection prior to selling. How do homeowners find out if they are in a high fire zone? HINT: Talk to your realtor. Fire Hardening is when you upgrade or maintain your home so it is less vulnerable to embers, heat, and flames. Defensible space is the buffer zone around buildings that reduces fire risk by managing vegetation and other fire fuels. update your home to. When you go to CalFire it can help you understand your jurisdiction and how to schedule inspections. Tune in to find out more about what homeowners can do to help protect their homes from fires.

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

CalFire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/prepare

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 #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #TheRealStoryPodcast #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason2 #BayAreaPodcast #FireHardening #DefensibleSpace #CalFire

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

What are CC&Rs and should buyers beware? In today’s podcast we demystify Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and point out red flags and beige flags. Typically, when a new development is created CC&Rs are designed to govern who can buy, what can be built, and what will be enforced. There are very strict CC&Rs and less strict. All HOAs have CC&Rs. Sometimes there are CC&Rs that aren’t part of an HOA. We work with buyers to determine how they work and how they are enforced. Don’t buy without understanding the rules that could shape your homeownership!

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 #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #GoalSetting #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgent #HomeBuying #PodcastGuest #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason2 #Season2Premiere #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #InformedBuying #BayAreaPodcast #CC&Rs #ConvenantConditions&Restrictions #TitleReport #HOA #HOADocs

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

Like Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” We’re excited to be interviewing Patti Wang Cross with Habitat for Humanity a non-profit that believes everyone deserves a decent place to live and that by building and improving homes they create strong and stable communities. As the conversation around affordable housing becomes more prevalent and as housing becomes a crisis for many communities, Habitat for Humanity focuses on homeowners. One misconception is that Habitat homeowners don’t pay mortgages, which isn’t true. A big part of what Habitat does is work with affordability issues by pricing the cost of homes at about 35% of the new homeowner’s monthly income. Habitat also offers help with home repair to low-income residents and housing counseling. If you’re interested in helping your community by using a skill or learning a skill this podcast 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.

Patti Wang Cross with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley, Communications Manager

• Website: HabitatEBSV.org

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

• Instagram: @HabitatEBSV

• Volunteering: eastbay.volunteerhub.com

• Email: DonorServices@HabitatEBSV.org and PWCross@HabitatEBSV.org

• Phone: 925-803-3348• Cell: 925-219-0088

• Cycle of Hope: HabitatCycleOfHope.org

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #HomeBuying #PodcastGuest #HabitatEastBay #GiveBackLocally #HabitatHeroes #HabitatForHumanity #AffordableHousing #PodcastSeason2 #Habitat #HomeownershipForAll #TheRealStoryEP54

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 we look at AI and other tech tools that are used in real estate today. You can not be afraid of technology in this industry, or you will be aged out, informs Sherry. What do we use? Which tech tools do we like? And where do we see the technology going? Listen as we detail the programs we regularly use and what we use AI for. Here are a number of our favorite tech tools used in real estate. CubiCasa is a program offered by our MLS that will draw floor plans. DocuSign is a daily used program that has saved realtors so much time! Obviously, we love zoom too. And as an early adopter of Disclosures.io (Homelight.com) we love how it has really streamlined the disclosure and distribution process. Where do we think real estate technology is heading? Listen to find out!

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 #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #GoalSetting #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgent #HomeBuying #PodcastGuest #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason2 #Season2Premiere #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #InformedBuying #BayAreaPodcast #ModernRealEstate #TechTools4RealEstate #Docusign #TechSavvyAgent #AIforRealtors #RealEstateTools

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 we dive into the basics of becoming a real estate agent. If you want to be a REALTOR®, the first thing you need to understand is that you are the product. Step one is to get your license, which provides some understanding of a real estate transaction. This is just a fraction of everything you need to know. There are 5 key areas that make a great agent; 1. Understanding the transaction, 2. Understanding the market, 3. Understanding homes and houses (how they are built & their systems, HOAs, and common construction issues), 4. Understanding your clients, and 5. How to market yourself. Tune in as we discuss finding a brokerage, joining a team, and the ins and outs of becoming a great agent.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 GroupDudum Real Estate GroupDRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #GoalSetting #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #MortgageMatters #HomeBuying #PodcastGuest #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason2 #AgentAdvice #Season2Premiere #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #InformedBuying #BayAreaPodcast #NewAgents #Realtor #RealEstateTeams #IndustryLeaders #RealEstateTalk #CareerInRealEstate #REAgentLife #PodcastForRealtors #BecomeARealtorLEGAL: 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

We’re excited to have a midyear mortgage update with Arlo Zoerner with CrossCountry Mortgage, our favorite lender. Interest rates have made great progress in the last 8 weeks. As we look toward the second half of the year, you might be thinking of buying or selling a home and funding is always a part of that. Arlo gives us an insight into how tariffs, politics, and the federal reserve impact mortgage prices in 2025. Tune in as he explains how this might affect home buyers and sellers and his predictions for Spring 2026.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.Arlo Zoerner with CrossCountry Mortgage, Originating Branch Manager• Website: ccm.com/Arlo-Zoerner• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamzoerner• Instagram: @thezoernerteam• Email: arlo@teamzoerner.com• Phone: 925-289-9770• Fax: 925-215-2224• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlo-zoerner-8570915/Hutchens Hamalian Properties GroupDudum Real Estate GroupDRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902Arlo Zoerner NMLS #293974 #HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #GoalSetting #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #MortgageMatters #HomeBuying #PodcastGuest #ArloZoerner #CrossCountryMortgage #MortgageRates #MortgageTrends2025 #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason2 #MortgageAdvice #Season2Premiere #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #InformedBuying #BayAreaPodcast #CaliforniaHousing #MidyearMortgage 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

Are we in the middle of our summer doldrums? Listen as we discuss what we’re experiencing in our Contra Costa County market and slightly beyond. Location! Location! Location! Where’s the perfect place to live? And does the availability of good pastries and coffee effect your choice? In today’s episode, we explore urban living. What we love and what we don’t like and what we dream about. Listen as we discuss the benefits of urban living vs suburban living.

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 #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #HomeBuying #AdamandSherry #PodcastSeason2 #InformedBuying #BayAreaPodcast #CaliforniaHousing #AffordableHousing #LocationLocationLocation #UrbanLiving #SuburbanLiving #UrbanvsSuburban #SummerMarketUpdate #Location Matters #SururbanVibes #UrbanDreamsLEGAL: 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

California Governor Newsom just signed new budgetary spending bills that allow development in infill to happen faster. There seems to be widespread support for these new bills. Will this help California’s housing shortage and affordability? Join us as we discuss the housing shortage and whether we’ll see any relief soon. In today’s podcast we use a couple terms like NIMBY (not in my backyard) which has been against creating more density within certain cities and they’ve used CEQA (CA Environmental Quality Act) to push against growth. Listen to find out more about our current Bay Area real estate market. 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 GroupDudum Real Estate GroupDRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #ListingStats #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2025RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #HomeBuying #AdamandSherry #PodcastSeason2 #InformedBuying #HomeSellingAdvice #HomeSellerStrategy #ListingTips #CaliforniaHousingCrisis #InfillDevelopment #BayAreaHousing #CEQAReform #HousingPolicy #BayAreaPodcast #CaliforniaHousing #AffordableHousingLEGAL: 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