Good Morning Tri-Valley! Are your decorations up?
Ask the Expert - Thinking About Buying or Selling Your House Soon? Read This First!
The Nutcracker is Back!
Ice Skating and Winter Fun in the Tri-Valley
Foodie News Updates - New Restaurants Worth Checking Out
What The Heck is SantaCon?
Trivia TONIGHT
Looking to Buy OR Sell Your Home in Early 2026? Check Out These Tips First!
Hey Katie, If I want to buy or sell in January/February—what smart moves should I make this December?
Great question! Treat December as your launch pad!
⭐️Buyers: December Checklist
Refresh your local pre-approval so you know your real price band before January listings return.
Gather easy-to-forget documents now:
Last two W-2s
30 days of pay stubs
Two months of bank statements
Set a small auto-transfer on Jan 1 for closing costs (aim for 2–3% of your target purchase price).
Use holiday downtime for drive-bys at different times of day; note:
Parking
Street noise
Traffic patterns / 680 & 580 access
Position yourself to move quickly when the right home hits the market.
⭐️ Sellers: December Prep Checklist
Declutter: one donation box per room and pre-pack ~20% of off-season or rarely used items.
Knock out simple DIY fixes:
Tighten loose handles
Quiet squeaky hinges
Replace missing switch plates
Match bulb color temperatures for warm, consistent photos
Improve curb appeal:
Clean windows inside/out
Wipe address numbers & door hardware
Sweep leaves and clear curb drains
Add a fresh doormat + simple, neutral wreath
Begin a home info folder:
Permits
Service receipts
Warranty documents
Utility averages
⭐️ Pro Tip for Both Buyers & Sellers
Schedule a 15-minute strategy call with a local Realtor to dial in timing and pricing. A quick conversation now can prevent overspending, over-improving, or missing early-year opportunities.
Connect California Homes is redefining real estate in the East Bay with authenticity, advocacy, and a true commitment to community. Founded by Katie Moe and her partners, this team of expert agents brings creative strategies and tailored support that go far beyond buying and selling. They’re here to build lasting relationships and make every client feel at home from the very first connection.
Have questions or want to connect with Katie? Click here to email her directly.
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The Nutcracker is BACK!
The Nutcracker will always have a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of watching all three of my kids perform in this beautiful ballet at The Bankhead Theater right here in Livermore — and it truly never gets old.
If you haven’t been, this is one of the best Nutcracker performances you’ll find outside of San Francisco. Every show features a full live professional orchestra and an incredible mix of professional dancers alongside the talented students from Valley Dance Theatre. It’s truly something special.
There are 10 performances each season at The Bankhead, and next weekend is your last chance to catch it this year. I’ll be there Friday night — and I hope to see you there too! 🎄✨
Want to go Ice Skating in the Tri-Valley?
I’ve received a few emails lately about where are the best places to go ice skating in the area. I know of 3 that you should check out!
City Center Bishop Ranch has their annual outdoor ice skating with the Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink.
Not into ice skating? There’s always bowling! Granada Bowl in Livermore and Earl Anthony’s Bowl in Dublin.
Foodie News in the Tri-Valley!
Hottest New Restaurant in the Tri-Valley appears to be Kajiken in Dublin - it’s a Ramen style restaurant.- but instead of broth they use a blend of oils, spices, and sauces. Kajiken has been getting a TON of buzz and is the “it” place for local foodie influencers. I’ll be checking them out soon!
Rumor has it that Meadowlark Dairy is opening soon in Livermore. We don’t care how cold it is, we’re going to be there on Day 1!
Meza n Moka in Livermore is new and just quietly opened in the Trader Joe’s shopping center. The initial reviews sound amazing - authentic Mediterranean food, artisan coffee and good vibes. If you check them out, let me know how it is!
Bravazo in Pleasanton now serves Dinner. Known for their life-changing hot sauce, their Peruvian restaurant opened earlier this year and has been a HUGE hit for breakfast and lunch. Now, you can enjoy dinner too!
Are You Ready for SantaCon?
Are you ready for SantaCon 2025? This is the 3rd annual SantaCon in the heart of downtown Livermore on Saturday December 20th. 20 Bars & Restaurants are taking part with drink & food specials, entertainment, and holiday fun! Check out their socials for more info!
Ugly Sweaters, Trivia, Great Beer & Food!
TONIGHT! Come on down to McKay’s in Pleasanton for Trivia Night with an Ugly Sweater Contest and of course craft beer and food! 7-9pm! Proceeds benefit Valley Humane Society.
