#52 - Mark Choi - The Data Dynamo of Inner East Bay Real Estate

The Mostly Real Estate Podcast, with Declan Spring

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Ever wonder what makes East Bay real estate so unique? Meet Mark Choi, a data-driven agent who's been meticulously documenting every property he visits since 2004. In this conversation, Mark explains why he tours up to 36 homes on broker tour day and how his two decades of records offer rare insights into our market.

We dive into the East Bay’s unusual pricing strategy—where homes often sell 40-150% over asking—and Mark recalls an El Cerrito listing that sold for 200% of list price. He shares critical market timing lessons, pinpointing January 2012 as the bottom for prices and January 2021 as the peak for low interest rates, along with advice on seasonal rhythms and the best times to list.

Mark also discusses how a $50,000 upgrade can yield a $150,000 return, the evolution of buyer behavior, and the rise of neighborhoods like El Cerrito. Most crucially, he reveals the key question buyers should ask when hiring an agent: "What's your reputation with other colleagues?" — a factor that can make or break an offer.

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Read more about Mark Choi on his agent website

Mark Choi is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01433100

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Chapters

1. Meet Mark Choi: East Bay Data Expert (00:00:00)

2. Career Journey and Old School Networking (00:06:00)

3. The Agency Brokerage and Career Path (00:09:40)

4. East Bay's Unique Pricing Strategy (00:15:45)

5. Market Data Collection and Analysis (00:21:55)

6. Open House Trends and Strategies (00:29:00)

7. Seasonal Market Patterns Explained (00:32:45)

8. Navigating Today's Real Estate Market (00:39:55)

9. Building Agent Relationships and Reputation (00:44:30)