I highly recommend Halima. For a long time, I was trying to do everything myself. Looking back, I have to ask: Why was I doing it all alone? The truth is, I have a tendency to want to control everything. But I began to notice that things were falling through the cracks. Halima is in my BNI group, and when she mentioned she was looking for more business, I decided to start her on a small project. Very quickly, I realized she had a real gift. She could understand my brief, often unclear text messages and emails, and somehow turn them into exactly what I needed. Her ability to navigate my needs has made her absolutely invaluable. I had tried using a VA before, but the time difference, uncertainty around response time, and lack of confidence that my needs would be fully understood made me hesitant. In my experience, relationships matter. Just like in real estate, clients need to meet us in person, especially in the beginning. We need to connect before we trust. After 35 years in the business, I can confidently say that building relationships and human connection will never be replaced by AI. If it ever were, we would be living in a world devoid of connection, feeling, and emotion. That is not a life I want to be part of. So here’s to human connection. Thank you, Halima, for your assistance and partnership in helping me shine. Because of you, DebbiPodcast.com is now running smoothly, and I get to focus on what I love most: connecting with each guest. Thank you! — Debbi Who is someone in your network, friend, family, colleague or mentee you might want to thank our recommend. Pass it on. www.DebbiDiMaggio.com | 510.414.6777 www.BookDebbi.com | www.DebbiNewsletter.com

One of the questions Dante Royster asked me on today’s episode of Epic Mortgage was: How do you know when someone is stuck? What does that look like? As a visual person, I describe it like hitting a wall. It’s that moment in life when you can’t find a way through it or around it. You keep circling the same thoughts, patterns, or behaviors—and nothing changes. That’s a telltale sign it’s time to activate your support system: mentors, coaches, family, friends, or even a therapist. Whether your goal is to: -get out of a bad relationship -break a habit that no longer serves you or -finally achieve a goal you’ve been working toward You don’t have to do it alone. My newest book speaks directly to this moment—helping you move forward using the Mindset in Motion Method, a framework designed to turn intention into action, one aligned step at a time. Sometimes the wall isn’t the end. It’s the signal that it’s time to move—differently. https://delightful-hat-38502.myflodesk.com/mindsetinmotionbook

I’m deep in the editing process of my newest book, Mindset In Motion, and feeling incredibly grateful for this chapter. What started as an idea has turned into pages filled with lessons on belief, accountability, and taking action—even when it feels uncomfortable. Launching 2026. Thank you for being part of the journey. 💫 Pre Order today to receive a free downloadable copy when launched. www.MindsetInMotionBook.com #MindsetInMotion #TheMindsetInMotionBook #MindsetInMotionBook #GoalSetting #Accountability #AuthorLife #Coming2026

Why Timing Matters in the Piedmont, Oakland and Berkeley Real Estate Market Understanding Our Micro Market. How does your market measure up? By Debbi DiMaggio One of the most important things I help my clients understand is how our local real estate market truly works. It’s not driven by national headlines—it’s driven by timing, geography, and long-standing local patterns. After January 15th, homes typically begin to return to the market, though it’s always a week-to-week rhythm. We don’t see a surge of listings all at once as in some areas. Instead, it’s more common for one or two homes a week to come on that may be a strong fit for a buyer. Because our market is geographically small—Piedmont, Oakland, and Berkeley—inventory is naturally limited. Quality homes in desirable neighborhoods do come up, but patience and preparation are essential. How Our Micro Market Works From mid-November through Christmas and into the New Year, the market reliably flattens. This happens every year, like clockwork. Some agents even hold their listings until after the Super Bowl. I often bring listings to market between January 7th and 10th to capture the pent-up demand created during the November and December pause. It may sound unusual, but in our area, we truly chart and time listings around the holidays. Buyers are often traveling or visiting family during these periods. After more than 35 years in this market, I’ve seen the same patterns repeat themselves year after year. Unlike regions with heavy winters—where spring is the primary listing season—our market follows a holiday- and school-year-driven rhythm. Summer can be quieter due to travel, and we often see fewer homes come on the market when school is out. When school is in session, inventory typically increases. Following the school calendar is one of the best ways to understand our local real estate flow. Understanding this cycle helps set realistic expectations—and reinforces why strategy, timing, and experience matter. The right home does come along, and when it does, being prepared makes all the difference.

Top 5 Ways to Market a Home When it comes to selling a home, thoughtful marketing can make all the difference. From creating buzz to making sure the right buyers walk through the door, every strategy counts. Here are my top five tried-and-true ways to market a home effectively. 1. Host Open Houses Frequently You can never overexpose a home by holding it open. New buyers are entering the market every day—many without a Realtor—so making the property accessible and convenient is essential. Open houses invite curiosity, create energy around the listing, and often attract serious buyers who appreciate an easy way to tour the home. 2. Leverage Social Media Today’s homebuyers and sellers love scrolling through beautiful homes for inspiration. Just as visitors attend open houses to collect ideas, social platforms offer a digital way to showcase lifestyle, design, and your work as an agent. Thoughtful, visually appealing posts can draw new eyes to your listing and widen your reach far beyond the local market. 3. Network with Fellow Agents Agents are colleagues—not competitors. Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and we rely on one another to match buyers and sellers. Sharing upcoming listings, discussing buyer needs, and staying connected strengthens the entire marketplace and positions your listing for maximum exposure. 4. Build Strong Neighborhood Relationships Cultivate a network of agents who specialize in key neighborhoods. These colleagues often have inside knowledge about upcoming listings—sometimes weeks before they hit the market. In Piedmont, for example, Adam and I maintain a curated list of trusted agents we call on regularly. Whether they have a new listing coming soon or insights about a home being prepped for market, these relationships are invaluable. 5. Throw a Party This final tip was inspired by an article written about my colleague Bernie and me when we listed a beautifully reinvented home in Piedmont. What did we do? We threw a party—actually, two. First, we hosted a daytime luncheon for the agent community. That evening, we unveiled the home to neighbors, friends, colleagues, and clients. These events created excitement, showcased the home’s transformation, and generated meaningful buzz.