Meet the Husband & Wife Real Estate Duo: Joe Maha Dayem &
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU BOTH TO GET INTO REAL ESTATE?
Joe: For us, it came down to a simple realization - real estate needs more heart. We noticed that many people felt lost in the process; unheard, overwhelmed, and rushed. We wanted to change that.
Joe: We pride ourselves on taking a boutique, personalized approach. You’re never just a transaction to us. We’re fully invested in your journey, your goals, and your success.
Maha: Exactly. When we were exploring to purchase our own home, we experienced the other side of the transaction—poor communication, unanswered questions, and feeling like just another number. We knew the process should and could be better. So, we committed to being the kind of real estate professionals we wish we had—trusted advisors who lead with integrity, communication, and care.
Q: WHAT’S THE BEST REAL ESTATE ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN – OR GIVEN TO OTHERS?
Maha: Focus on what you can comfortably afford each month. Markets fluctuate, but the right home at the right payment will always be a good investment.
Joe: The best offer isn’t always the highest – it’s the strongest. Price matters, but terms, contingencies and flexibility can make or break a deal. The right strategy makes all the difference.
Q: WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING TOGETHER AS A HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM?
Maha: It definitely keeps things interesting! Luckily, we genuinely enjoy working together and bring out the best in one another. Joe has a natural gift for connecting with people—he’s hands-on, calm under pressure, and makes even complex transactions feel smooth.
Joe: And Maha is the strategic backbone of our business. She’s detail-oriented, always thinking five steps ahead, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. Plus, she keeps us incredibly organized—which is no small feat!
Q: WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER AGENTS?
Maha: When you work with us, you’re not just getting “agents”—you’re getting a dedicated team. We each bring unique strengths, and together, we deliver a seamless, full-service experience from start to finish.
Q: WHAT’S ONE FUN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW?
Joe: Most people are surprised to learn that Maha is also a published Children’s Book Author. She was born in Canada and has a passion for community work—especially helping manage the neighborhood’s cat population.
Maha: And Joe is a classic car enthusiast—he could talk about vintage cars all day! We also have a cat named Golden who thinks he owns the house—and makes surprise appearances during Zoom meetings by walking across the keyboard!
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
Maha: We love road trips and car shows. Joe once took me to “Hot August Nights” in Reno, and I ended up loving it—classic cars, live music, and unforgettable memories.
Joe: It’s true! We were able to see Starship and KC & the Sunshine Band perform live, it was a blast. We’re always up for an adventure—especially if it includes good food and great company.
Q: IT WAS GREAT CHATTING WITH BOTH OF YOU! WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO CONNECT WITH YOU?
Maha: The pleasure’s ours! You can reach us anytime at 925.546.SOLD (7653) for a friendly, no-pressure consultation. And be sure to follow us on social media @DayemRealEstate to stay updated on market tips, listings, and a behind-the-scenes look at our day-to-day life. If you see us around town, please say hello - we look forward to connecting with you!
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Victoria by the Bay, Hercules
View of the Bay, Kensington
Hello Neighbors
Hoping you are all ready to welcome the color, warmth, and energy that May brings. It’s a month that feels fresh and vibrant - full of promise, beauty, and the kind of inspiration that only spring can offer.
In this issue, we welcome the following wonderful new sponsors, whose ads you’ll find inside. Monte-Bellaria di California, a lovely lavender farm located barely an hour north of the Bay Area. Look for their ad and also discover Karen’s amazing article about the farm inside (starts on page 18).
Garage Door Service, whose owner has been fixing garage doors for many years and who offers a special discount for seniors!
T&T Landscaping, whose work includes fences, drainage and irrigation systems, retaining walls, synthetic lawns, stone
Susie | Jacqueline
www.monte-bellaria.com
Feature article developed, researched, and written by
Karen Walker
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE ABOUT REAL ESTATE THAT YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN, OR THAT YOU’VE GIVEN TO OTHERS?
“The best advice I learned and that I give to others is to buy and own real estate rental properties,” says Ray Smith, broker, First Republic Real Estate and Professional Property Management.
“Rental properties are a quick way to build wealth,” Ray explains. “If all goes bad, such as the stock market, you can physically touch and live in your real estate investment and/or continue to rent out the property (or properties) AND MAKE MONEY!”
“The best advice I share with my buyers and sellers that real estate can be an emotional roller coaster,” adds Ruthie Abelson Olivas, realtor®, Security Pacific Real Estate, and Director, California Association of Realtors®. “I like for my clients to be emotionally and mentally prepared if and when a bus in the road appears, as they usually do at some point in the process!”
“First, there’s the basic formula that price is a function of location and condition,” emphasizes Don Adamson, realtor®, Red Oak Realty. “I guide my clients not to underestimate the value of fixing and fluffing up the property for presentation to the market. It can make a very significant difference in the final sale price, especially in this region!”
“One of the selling features we talk about is “turnkey”—maybe fixing up bathrooms, kitchen, updating electrical, installing new dual pane windows, fresh paint and trimmed yard—so that prospective buyers quickly see they won’t need to layout more money to move in.”
“For example, staging will typically pay you three times what it costs because the first time people encounter your property will be on the internet. If it’s all empty rooms, there’s no emotional attraction to draw people to see it in person.”
“This is particularly true here in the Bay Area, where prices are among the highest in the country,” Don adds. “One of the realities is that buyers have to bring so much money to the transaction. As a rule of thumb, they need to cover 2% closing costs and 20% down to avoid PMI. And then they’ll need another $30,000 - $60,000 to refurbish bathrooms and kitchens. Most entry level buyers don’t have that much in their back pocket, which makes a “turn-key” property far more desirable than any level of fixer. They won’t have to layout more money to move in.”
“There’s nowhere in the market where you’re going to make 200% to 300% on your investment,” Don underscores. “So when you’re preparing property for
market, doing what you can to add value for the buyer, increase emotional attraction and desirability, and shorten the timeline, it’s a win-win. The return on the investment is huge.”
As you navigate the real estate options before you, Susie K, an investor banker by trade, offers additional perspective. “Do the research. Get a strong understanding of the market you are investing in,” she says, underscoring the importance of paying attention to three things: “1) have a plan in place to have the consistent ability to pay the mortgage and expenses; 2) know the equity (the net positive monetary value of your home or property). Equity fluctuates, depending primarily on the market forces at play, and 3) determine your investment strategy and goals.”
“Regarding investment properties, it is all about leverage and timing of the market,” she adds. “Always know that there can be a downturn in the market at any time, so be sure you are able to make your payment regardless of the market. Don’t buy without a steady income you can count on. Buy in the most desirable market you can afford, one that you know and trust. Wait for a market upswing to sell.”
Smart investing has a lot to do with debt management. Equity doesn’t come from paying off or paying down a mortgage. It comes from appreciation and/or improvements. Having said that, the best mortgages are interest only. Additionally, it makes far better financial sense to pay off or pay down credit card balances instead. Those tend to have the highest interest rates. They also don’t give you any tax benefit. "Decide on your investment goals; either long-term hold or transactional projects. They aren't mutually exclusive. You can do both. One important axiom to understand is most real estate mistakes will correct themselves over time." ads Stuart K., a real estate investor.
“As far as investment properties,” Susie adds, “it’s all about leverage and market timing. Invest with that in mind. If possible, you should refinance when rates are low. Leverage that property to invest in the next.”
NEXT QUESTION (Deadline: May 25, 2025)
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER EVENTS AND VENUES?
Please submit your response by May 25, 2025 — including your name (as you’d like to see it in print) and city — to: sales@ccmarketplacemag.com
LAVENDER Majestic
HAVE YOU EVER YEARNED TO STOP WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING AND JUST SOAK UP THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING IN THE MIDST OF A LAVENDER FIELD, FULL BLOOM, IN PROVENCE, FRANCE? LAST YEAR A FRIEND AND I DECIDED THAT WOULD BE THE PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE ONE OF THOSE “ENDS-IN-0” BIRTHDAYS (YOU KNOW, LIKE AGE 30… OR SOMETHING).
It would be perfect!… except for one problem: The pricey trip to France. Dang!
Monte-Bellaria di California
Nestled in the Russian River Appellation, just on the edge of Sebastapol, amid tucked away farms, slightly curvy roads, delightfully fresh air and hidden villas, lie the nine-acre lavender fields of Monte-Bellaria di California.
Bill MacElroy, the friendly, welcoming owner of Monte-Bellaria, recounts their early launch.
“We started the farm in 2001, originally planning to grow oil olives,” he says. “But olive trees take a very long time to mature, are very labor intensive and require quite a bit of water. While no longer our key focus, we still harvest over a half ton of olives each year.”
“Shortly thereafter, we began planting lavender for our bees,” Bill continues, “and it turned out to be such a great plant for California that we wound up planting approximately 35,000 of them (9.2 acres)!”
Lamenting our dilemma to a practical-minded friend in Seattle, he asked why I wouldn’t just go to the lavender fields in California. WHAT?! No Way!! But, yes indeed, it turns out he was right. Even better, these lovely lavender fields are barely an hour north of the Bay Area. Problem solved.
If you’re wondering about the name of this farm, Bill smiles, “Monte-Bellaria is Italian for the ‘mount of good air.’ We chose this name because of the afternoon fog and wind that normally comes in during the summer months. Our olives are Tuscan varietals of oil-producing olives. Most of our bees are Italian honeybees.”
right in your own backyard! FIELDS. . .
More than just a pretty face…
Lavender Fields are not merely beautiful or romantic. The healing balm of lavender oil has been well-known and documented, going back more than 2,500 years.
The Phoenicians and Egyptians used lavender oil for nearly everything, from scenting bath water to insect repellent when scattered over stone floors, even medicinal purposes. The Greeks and Romans likewise embraced lavender, added it to recipes and considered it to be one of the essential herbs grown in the medicinal gardens to fight diseases. Pilgrims brought lavender to the new world. During World War 1 lavender was used as an antiseptic. Dogs slept on a bed of lavender to get rid of fleas, farmers used it to disinfect wounds and sores, heal burns and more.
Today its calming effects and anti-inflammatory properties are used to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality and soothe skin.
aromatherapy perfumes and colognes. Almost all our original product formulas are some combination of our olive oil, lavender essential oil and beeswax.”
Just fyi, the online shop is open yearround, while the farm shop and walking the lavender fields is seasonal.
Meet Farm Manager, Eric Sias, PhD.
Monte-Bellaria’s farm manager and resident beekeeper is quite interesting as well. Fluent in many languages, Eric lives in Danville and is a full-time professor of Biblical Studies and ancient biblical languages. It is his love for Monte-Bellaria’s farming program and agricultural work that drives his passion for managing this farm…plus, as he explains, “I really want to create as many habitats as possible for pollinators of all kinds.”
Back to the Egyptians, it is said that Cleopatra used lavender to seduce Marc Anthony.
At Monte-Bellaria, “We do all of our own distillation of essential oil,” says MacElroy, “and produce a wide range of lavender-related cosmetic products: soaps, balms, creams, deodorants, and
“Eric has been tremendous in recruiting, training and retaining seasonal farm workers,” says MacElroy. “He’s also a genius when it comes to equipment tune-ups and repair, which as all farmers know, is an almost daily requirement. He’s also an inventor who has created several time saving and quality enhancing machines to process lavender. ”
You are likely to meet Eric if you visit the farm since he enjoys giving tours to
...continued on page 20
Eric Sias, PhD.
Bill MacElroy, Owner
from page
farm guests on weekends when the fields are open.
When and How to Visit
High Bloom Season is typically from the last two weeks of June through the month of July. In order to prevent over-crowding and to enhance the calming experience, tickets are required (which can be purchased online or by calling).
My friend and I visited much, much later in the season, when the blooms were well-faded yet the scent of lavender still was present. Nary a soul in sight on the day we visited. Even so, utterly delightful!
Very Important: Bill asks that you “please always check our website (www.monte-bellaria.com) for ticket requirements and for the days and times that we are open for visits.”
Monte-Bellaria di California 3518 Bloomfield Rd, Sebastopol, CA information@monte-bellaria.com www.Monte-Bellaria.com
We are excited to introduce KJ Demolition, a new subsidiary of Dimension Construction Inc.
Dimension Construction is committed to professionalism, clear client communication, and efficient project execution while strictly adhering to OSHA standards and all state laws and codes. Specializing in concrete flat work, foundation, drainage and excavation for both residential and commercial projects.
For demolition projects, please contact KJ Demolition: Phone: (510) 275-9994
Email: contact@kjdemolition.com
For concrete, drainage, or foundation work, please contact Dimension Construction: Phone: (510) 275-3201
Email: contact@dimensionus.com
Dimension Construction holds Class A, B, C21 and D49 California licenses
We are pleased to announce our new location: 2200 San Pablo Ave, Suite 103, Pinole, CA 94564 still proudly serving the Pinole community
May 2025 EVENTS
MAY 1: Día Storytime with West County First 5
San Pablo Library
Thursday, 10:30-11:30am. Celebrate Children's Day, Book Day with a special bilingual Spanish/ English storytime with our friends from First 5! Storytime will be followed by activities, perfect for kids ages 0-5.
MAY 1: Tween Time
San Pablo Library
Thursday, 3-5pm. Tweens! Join us for a games, snacks, anime and more once a month on the first Thursday of the month from 3-5pm! For ages 10-12.
MAY 3: Annual Spring Plant Sale, Pinole Garden Club
Saturday, 9am-2pm - Pinole Valley Community Church, 2885 Pinole Valley Rd. (additional parking at Pinole Valley High School).
MAY 3-4: The El Cerrito Hillside Festival
More than a dozen educational hikes on native flora and fauna, with expert hike leaders in El Cerrito’s Hillside Natural Area. Family friendly events include a nature scavenger hunt and insect hike. Visit www.ectrailtrekkers.org/ hillside-festival.html for the full schedule. 7500 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito. Free. MAY 5: CINCO DE MAYO!
MAY 7: Free Comic Book Day
San Pablo Library
Wednesday, 3-5pm. Celebrate Free Comic Book Days at the San Pablo Library! Join us for games, crafts, and of course, free comics! Costumes encouraged!
MAY 10: Plant Sale - Christ the Lord Episcopal Church in Pinole
Saturday, 10:00 am -1:00 pm. Plant starts (seedlings) and mature plants, seeds, pots and garden accessories. Plus locally-produced honey (Old Town Pinole Honey). Everyone is invited. Visit us when you go to the Pinole Farmers' Market - we're only 1.5 blocks away! In the parking lot of Christ the Lord Episcopal Church, 592 Tennent Avenue, Pinole (across Tennent Ave. from the Fernandez Park baseball field.)
MAY 13 - Pinole Garden Club, Pinole Valley Community Church
Business mtg at 1pm, Program starts at 2:15pm. Converting Your Garden. In 2011, Maureen Toms converted the lawn in her front yard into drought tolerant, deer resistant landscaping. She participated in the EBMUD rebate program where she received the full $500 water bill credit. She kept several areas of her west-facing front yard available to vegetables too! 2885 Pinole Valley Road, Pinole.
MAY 17: Los Cenzontles at the San Pablo Library
Saturday, 2-3pm. San Pablo Library is thrilled to host Los Cenzontles for a musical performance for all ages! Los Cenzontles celebrates and shares Mexican roots music through performances across the country and internationally. No registration required. All abilities welcome. Please contact the library with 72 hours’ notice for accommodations.
MAY 17TH: Spring Book Sale, Friends of the Pinole Library
10am – 3pm Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Road. Thousands of books will be organized into dozens of categories for easy browsing.
MAY 18TH: Stuff-a-Sack Sale, Friends of the Pinole Library
10 am-2pm Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Road. Buy a double strength bag at the door for $5.00 and fill it to the brim with books! This fundraising event supports Pinole Library throughout the year. MAY 11
FARMERS MARKETS Local
EL CERRITO PLAZA
Tuesdays and Saturdays - 9 am to 1 pm
3060 El Cerrito Plaza, Parking Lot (South West Corner)
RICHMOND
Fridays 7am - 5pm
325 Civic Center Plaza In front of the main Richmond Public Library
MARINA BAY
Sunday 10am - 2pm Marina Bay Park Regatta Blvd & Melville Square
PINOLE
Saturdays 9am-1pm 798 Fernandez Avenue Pinole
MARTINEZ
Sunday 10am - 1pm 700 Main Street, Martinez
KENSINGTON
Sunday 9am - 2pm 1560 Oak View Avenue Colusa Avenue & Santa Fe Avenue
RICHMOND CIVIC CENTER
May through November Wednesdays 10am-2pm Park Place & Richmond Avenue
POINT RICHMOND
May through September Wednesdays 4pm-8pm Nevin Avenue and 13th Street
SAN PABLO
June to September
Saturday 10am - 2pm 13831 San Pablo Avenue
EL SOBRANTE
10am-2pm Sundays 5166 Sobrante Avenue, El Sobrante
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BUSINESS
D ON ’S REA L ES TATE UPDATE
FI ND I NG TH E RI GHT LENDE R FOR YO UR M ORTGAGE
Despite the recent uptick in interest rates, the cost of a real estate loan remains historically low and loan. As you consider available funding options there are some basics to keep in mind. Among other things, the best choice will depend on the length of time you plan to own the property, to borrow, the condition of the housing market in the area you want to buy, and how quickly the purchase needs to be funded.
mortgage lenders and credit unions. You can also get a loan through a mortgage broker. If you are lenders. Call me!
