Anthem is a rare gem in our community a store and brand that resonates deeply with our visionatTheSharpGroup. With their curated selection of pieces for the home, closet, kitchen and more, Anthem reflects the principles we treasure most: exceptional quality, heartfelt joy, and the simple pleasures of life well-lived. Whether it’s something to have, to wear, to give, or to use, their offerings are designed to enhance life’s moments in meaningful ways
It’s because of these shared ideals that our partnership with Anthem feels so natural. As one of The Sharp Group’s Allied Partners, Anthem joins us in our mission to bring unique experiences to our clients in unexpected and memorable ways
Their commitment to excellence mirrors our own, creating a synergy that elevates every home wetouch.
Our carefully cultivated partnerships are built over time and allow us to collaborate with brands that share our commitment to quality, innovation, and creating joy in the everyday. It’s through this synergy that we elevate the home-buying journey, bringing additional value, exceptional service and expertise to our clients
We love all seven of Anthem’s beautiful locations! So of course it’s truly special to see their curated pieces come to life in the homes we design. Through this unique collaboration, some of our listings feature carefully selected Anthem pieces that are captivating, inviting, and irresistible While walking through a listing, a potential homeowner is able to envision living in the impeccably designed space and has the option to move in, turnkey with everything already there, waiting to welcome them home
we are able to help create additional value for buyers and sellers by curating a space inspired by luxurious style that is meant to be lived in Here’s to turning houses into havens and partnerships into possibilities. Thispartnershipallowsustodomorethansellahouse, Click
2025Yearof theSnake Navigating the Trajectory
of Luck
In Chinese culture, luck isn’t random—it’s guided by the Tai Sui (stellar deities) and the interplay between the elements of your birth chart and elements of the year The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year lunar cycle, with each year associated with a specific animal sign. Each animal is believed to influence the personality, fortunes, and destiny of individuals born in that year. This year, the new lunar cycle beings on Wednesday, January 29, and runs through Tuesday, February 11, 2026. While 2025 is the Year of the Snake, Snakes shouldn’t celebrate just yet this year’s luck isn’t exclusive to you
Every zodiac sign experiences fluctuating luck across years, months, days, and even hours. To help you navigate 2025, we partnered with Feng Shui expert David Cho for an insider’s guide to your luck—and maybe the perfect time to invest in real estate
Use the chart below to identify your birth year and corresponding zodiac sign
Step 2: Understanding the 4 Phases of Luck
Before diving in, it’s important to note: luck isn’t a simple case of good vs bad Think of it as a cycle with 4 phases each influencing your decisionmaking and efforts throughout the year.
Knowing where you stand in the trajectory helps you time decisions, investments, and risks
Trajectory of Luck
Your luck impacts your decision-making and efforts Know what to do and when, by the year, month, day, and hour to get the best results.
Excellent - Do meet with people, do not second guess yourself.
Rising - Do implement your plans, do not get distracted.
Fading - Do finish the project in front of you, do not start a new one.
Weak - Do take a break, do not make major decisions.
Step 3: Decode Your 2025 Luck
Once you know your zodiac, use David Cho’s expert chart to track your trajectory of luck across time of day, the month and the year!
The color dots indicate whether your luck is rising, plateauing, or dipping during a given time frame.
If you are a...
Rat, Dragon, Monkey
Luck by the Year, Month, and Hour.
If you are a...
Ox, Snake, Rooster
If you are a...
Tiger, Horse, Dog
If you are a...
Rabbit, Goat, Pig
A Note for Rabbits, Goats, and Pigs
We value insights from every expert, including Feng Shui masters, because we believe in stacking the odds in our favor However, when it comes to luck, we don’t just wait for it we create it Nothing happens by accident with us, it’s all strategic and intentional. It’s part of our magic.
If you’re worried your luck seems weak this year, don’t stress! Even in less favorable cycles, there are strong days and hours that bring opportunities. The key is to maximize those moments Luck isn’t about waiting it’s about timing Navigate 2025 like a pro with these tools, and let your trajectory guide you to smarter decisions (and a little extra fortune).
Want a monthly breakdown of your luck, complete with lucky days to take action? Join our newsletter! We'll deliver the insights you need, straight to your inbox
https://www thesharpgroup com/newsletter
“New Year, COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS: New You”
As we step into the new year, new you mindset, it's the perfect time to embrace a little self-care—and what better way than by supporting local businesses? From cozy spas to hidden gems offering the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, these TSG favorites make prioritizing yourself feel effortless. Start the year refreshed, polished, and ready to take on whatever comes next one local spot at a time.
Studio 401
Burlingame
This charming salon is Debbie’s go-to for flawless highlights and that enviable, glowing hair. There’s nothing like taking a pause from a busy schedule for a little pampering, and for Debbie, this ritual is nonnegotiable Jonna, the talented owner of Studio 401, shared a little secret with us this exclusive studio operates entirely off the grid. No social media, no website just a personal, hands-on approach to client care that mirrors our own values of undivided attention and exceptional service Want to get in? Studio 401 only accepts new clients through direct referrals. Message Debbie for an introduction!
Rituals Aesthetic Skin
San Mateo
Carol calls Gina’s space her “zen-zone,” describing Gina as “ a beautiful soul inside and out ” Brittni says it feels like home, while Debbie ranks Gina’s Ritual Aesthetic Skin Care as a must-do self-care spot in San Mateo County. This local-owned facial haven offers more than just products—it’s a go-to destination for glowing, youthful, and hydrated skin Treat yourself to a facial with Gina, an award winning skin guru so talented she’s practically a celebrity among The Sharp Group!
Best Spa in the San Mateo Area 2024 and Top 5 Places to Get a Facial in San Mateo. Rated by the: San Mateo Chamber of Commerce
e Reve Salon rlingame
tni’s secret to flawless cut and color! ou’ve ever stepped into one of our n houses and noticed the healthy nce and effortless flip of Brittni’s , you can thank Maria from Le Reve on for that. With its cozy, clean, and mate atmosphere, Le Reve feels like home away from home Maria’s edible talent and magic touch ays leave Brittni feeling confident, eshed, and ready to shine!
Basecamp
Peninsula
We love a good HIIT session! Basecamp Fitness is one of our favorites With locations in Burlingame, San Mateo and soon-to-come Millbrae, it’s Brittni’s and Patricia’s go-to for a challenge. When they’re not thriving in the fast-paced world of real estate, you’ll find them at Basecamp, pushing their limits and recharging with their high-intensity workouts. It’s the perfect spot to break a sweat and feel unstoppable!
Sally’s Spa
Burlingame
Have you taken a stroll down Broadway in Burlingame lately? This charming mom & pop block is home to some of Burlingame's bestkept secrets, including Sally’s Spa Michelle, the proud owner, christened her Broadway Ave nail salon after her daughter, Sally. As for Carol? With all the hands she shakes and high fives she dishes out daily, she’s practically a regular. Her go-to ritual? A mani-pedi at Sally’s, where she leaves feeling “pretty, polished, and pampered” in a spot that’s as clean, chic, and comfy as self-care gets.
A Look Ahead:
Key Home Design Trends For 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, home design is poised for a bold transformation, driven by innovative design, shifting lifestyles, and a deeper commitment to sustainability. Here’s a glimpse into the trends set to redefine the way we live.
Color Trends: Calming Hues and Earth Tones 01
In 2025, color palettes are taking their cue from nature, embracing shades that ground and soothe:
Calming blue and green color schemes
will offer a serene and timeless appeal
Earth tones and dark, terra-inspired colors
will dominate, providing a calming and natural aesthetic.
Pantone’s Color of the Year reflects this broader shift towards neutrals, signaling a collective move toward spaces that prioritize relaxation and well-being Choosing colors for your home is just one way you influence the look, feel and mood of your personal space. Our design team helps our clients visualize the use of color in their homes by creating digital mock-ups, before a single brushstroke is applied, ensuring the perfect match for every space Our Design Liaison, Danni, uses her tech-savviness to present creative color options, making the decision process seamless and inspired.
Textured and Personalized Interiors 02
In 2025, textured interiors are set to take center stage, moving away from flat, monotonous surfaces to create vibrant, dynamic spaces. Key trends include:
Textured Wall Coverings
Adding unexpected depth and visual intrigue
Wood Paneling
Bringing warmth and natural character to interiors.
Decorative Finishes
Elevating surfaces with unique, tactile elements.
Special details like these make a “regular” home feel special and stand out. Thoughtful, personalized details allow homeowners to deepen their enjoyment of a space, fostering a stronger connection with a home that feels personal, inviting, and truly yours
03Blending Nostalgia with Modern Innovation
Not every detail needs to be changed to feel fresh.
- Design Lead, Sarah Freitag
Design is evolving to bridge the past and present in fresh, creative ways:
Reinterpreting
Reimagining early modernism timeless styles
Classic influences are making a comeback in exciting, updated ways
Designers are pairing traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge materials and techniques.
Sometimes, the deliberate choice to retain an "old" element adds unmatched character, charm, and a sense of personalized appeal to a home. These thoughtful decisions honoring what was and reimagining it for today—make spaces feel both deeply personal and timeless It’s a conscious celebration of history that turns nostalgia into a modern design statement.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design04
Sustainability is shaping home design in 2025, and it’s not just a trend it’s a movement:
materials
Reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and eco-friendly finishes bring both charm and mindfulness to design.
Energy-efficient systems
Smart home technologies and efficient solutions keep energy usage low while elevating modern living Sustainable
We embrace eco-conscious choices, incorporating up-cycled elements like tile, wood, or stone to reduce the carbon footprint and trim costs. These mindful decisions not only give materials new life but also free up resources to enhance other areas of the home.
For us, sustainability is about more than materials—it’s about creating smarter, more thoughtful
We’ve already seen the seeds of 2025’s design trends taking root in 2024, and we’re proud to embrace them while staying ahead of the curve. While we take inspiration from current trends, we strive to be trendsetters. We will always prioritize crafting spaces that bring lasting enjoyment and value, and pop in a splash of trendy when it works.
Beyond the Front Door
Carol’s Big Feature in a Child’s Novel
For families, home buying is not just about the bricks and mortar. It's about finding a space that every member of the family can love and connect with, especially the kids
The TSG Sales Team doesn’t just speak real estate; we speak kid too.
We take the time to truly connect with the families we work with, helping them create a plan to find a home where their children can grow, learn, and thrive.
When we help a family, we find it important to think about the kids too. For one of our recent clients, their two young daughters (aged 8 and 7) were just as integral to the process as the adults As we toured homes, we engaged with the girls, letting them pick bedrooms and even setting up a reading nook during a walkthrough so the parents could focus on the house. It was crucial that the girls felt included and excited about the home search
The “why” for this family wasn’t just about finding a house—it was about creating a space where their daughters would feel happy and secure.
Now, for most of us, being featured in a novel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Carol, however, had her literary debut courtesy of our young clients months after the family moved into their new home, Carol received a text from their mother. “I was cleaning up and found this. You made a cameo in their book!” Attached was a photo of a handwritten story page—the girls had written their own novel, documenting every step of their home search, capturing the emotional highs and lows of the process. They hadn’t even shown it to their parents yet. What a fun surprise and Carol’s reaction to her cameo? “My bucket was so full because it was so sweet. This was 10 times better than a Google review.” It’s rare to hear from our littlest clients, and she was deeply moved So much so, she proudly shared the story with our entire team, a heartwarming reminder of why we do what we do.
For this family, the experience wasn’t just about winning the house it was about finding a place that truly felt like home. Carol, known for her mantra, “The deal is getting the home,” pulled out all the stops to make that happen
Our clients had tried and failed to find a home in their “love neighborhood” for years. With limited inventory and a landlocked market, it seemed almost impossible. Thanks to our strong connections and relationships, we learned about this home before it hit the market Armed with this early knowledge, Carol prepared the family ahead of time, allowing them to consider the property weeks before it became available. She tried making an off-market offer, but the seller wasn’t ready. She took the extra time to strategize their offer, worked with them to strengthen their "financial house," and ensured they were ready when the home finally hit the market.
Thanks to Carol’s unwavering dedication, the family didn’t just buy a house they created a home! It’s now a place where their children can grow, laugh, and dream. And that, to us, is what real estate is all about Now, their story— and Carol’s lives on in the pages of a special handwritten novel.
TSGSpeaks KID!
RETHINKING THE DEBATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Picking the Right Home for Your Family
by Brittni Barron
For decades, homebuyers have been told one thing: “Choose a home in the best school district.” But life and education aren’t one-size-fits-all Here the diverse team at The Sharp Group believes what really matters is your family’s priorities and your child’s needs and Brittni understands this decision better than most. As a parent, local homeowner, and someone who has helped countless families navigate the pressures of choosing a school district, she’s been on both sides of the conversation.
Test scores might seem like the easiest way to judge a school, but they rarely tell the full story Smaller schools may not rank as high because they lack the numbers to impact averages. Does that mean they’re less valuable? Not at all.
Consider this:
Do you value diversity, art, music, or STEM programs?
Does the school support special learning needs or advanced tracks? What’s the culture like beyond the scores?
Education is about fit, not rank and choosing a home in the right district means prioritizing what works best for your family, not just what looks best on paper.
A Real-Life Choice:
PARKSIDE VS. BAYWOOD
“We’ve faced this decision personally. When living in our first home, we wondered whether to send our kids to the neighborhood school or look elsewhere We began touring various schools in our district to gain a better understanding of what makes each school unique. Having a Montessori background from preschool, we decided to enter the lottery to attend a magnet school, Parkside Montessori. Luck was on our side as Nicholas got in However, two months into the school year, we had a wonderful opportunity to purchase a larger home in our dream neighborhood. Now the dilemma was to keep Nicholas in Parkside or to move him to Baywood for the next school year. This decision was very difficult because in such a short time we loved everything about Parkside: the small community, the teachers, and the culture. Most importantly, Nicholas was thriving. If you were to just look at Greatschools.org, you would see Baywood rates lower than Parkside.”
“However, we didn’t just focus on scores when it came to making the decision to switch schools. We considered school funding, the diversity and tenure of teaching staff, how supportive the PTA was, and the extracurriculars that were available Volunteering in the classrooms showed me firsthand how parent involvement and school culture matter more than school ratings. We are so happy with our decision to make the switch to our neighborhood school. I get to walk the boys to school every morning and the boys get to have impromptu playdates with their classmates who live in the neighborhood.”
Brittni’s advice: “There’s no universal ‘best’ school. Focus on what aligns with your family’s needs, visit schools, and ask questions that matter most to you and your child. The right fit is about growth, community, and experience not just rankings.”
r i t t n i ’ s
ASKS TOP B
Ask to connect with the PTA and visit the school.
Ask about extra-curricular activities while considering what your child would truly enjoy.
Ask Facebook!…. Brittni’s go to is the ‘San Mateo Moms’ Facebook Group. Everyone is so helpful and there is a plethora of information.
Ask local parents for their first-hand opinions. Brittni would be happy to make some introductions!
-Brittni
Home by
The Sharp Group Beyond the transaction
This year was a journey of ebbs and flows. We celebrated extraordinary highs and navigated moments of uncertainty that tested us all and made us stronger and better! Together, we persevered. To our partners and esteemed colleagues your collaboration and trust make this industry not just a profession but a community. And to our clients you are at the heart of everything we do
It’s you, our clients, who have inspired the next chapter of our story. Your aspirations and the lives you create within the walls of your homes have fueled our vision for 2025 Our focus has always been and now more than ever is to go beyond the transaction, offering services that extend far beyond just buying and selling.
This year, I’m thrilled to share our official expansion of Home by The Sharp Group While it began as our home improvement division, it has grown into something much more. HBTSG (we love acronyms!) offers a seamless, personalized experience for homeowners and real estate clients We handle details you have and haven’t thought of from expert floor plans, designs, Feng Shui consultations, house healing to project management and design advice and execution.
We partner closely with our clients and allied partners to ensure every property’s journey is smooth, informed, and inspiring. Through HBTSG, we aim to elevate what “home” truly means, enhancing lifestyle, enjoyment, and property value in ways that last long after the closing papers are signed.
Through carefully chosen allied partners and our talented team, we collaborate with clients to design homes that elevate every aspect from foundational essentials and the unsexy details to finishing touches like lighting plans, curated furniture, and decor. It’s more than just renovating it’s about honoring a home’s character while strategically enhancing key elements to elevate both its financial value and personal enjoyment.
A home is more than a place it’s where stories unfold and legacies are built Our mission is to go beyond transactions, creating lasting connections and delivering beauty, joy, and fulfillment. As we step into 2025, I’m grateful for your trust and excited for the opportunities ahead.
Here’s to the next chapter,
DebbieSharp
The Sharp Group In Numbers
We measure our success in terms of happy clients, but numbers help to tell a story. Behind every statistic lies a deeper story. It’s the countless moments, decisions, and efforts working in harmony that truly make a house feel like home
We’re pulling back the curtain to share some of the numbers that defined what we did in 2024. They’re not just figures—they’re a glimpse into the heart and hustle that go into creating homes on the MidPeninsula.
Average Price Point
$4.2M
How many properties with ADUs
Average Days on Market 10 Days
Inspections
Attended
85
7 Number of Brokers Tours we’ve been on ...but who is really counting?
Cases of Wine
185
56 One of our listings sold in 5 days!
Average “Over Asking” our biggest over asking was 800K! 300K
Average Offers
5
Proof buyers are out there and The Sharpie Touch attracts the right ones
Buyers Disclosure Packets Reviewed
100 Cases of Bubly 100 Parties Thrown Debbie’s secretly a party planner disguised as a Top Peninsula Real Estate Agent!
100
Mirrors Installed but Sarah may have miscounted so we may have a few extra laying around Mirrors anyone?
Light Bulbs Used
1,500
Total Living Space Sold
124,003 Sq. Ft.
Total Land Sold
868,605 Sq.Ft.
3,500
50 Coffee Cups Recycled
165
Paintings Installed
105 Pulls Installed
1,700 Gallons of Paint
Wehave an amazingpartnershipwithTheStudioShopwho’s inventorypracticallyturns our openhouses into an art gallery Maybe we should rename “openhouses” to“art show”
The numbers tell only part of our story they’re just the tip of the iceburg! Each transaction represents a family, a journey, and a passionate team dedicated to every detail. It’s a snapshot of the energy, care, and creativity that power every step of the process plus plenty of light bulbs along the way! For us, it’s not just about closing deals; it’s about creating homes and building stories that last far beyond the final signature.
Best Before and After
Transformations of 2024
For us, design is about more than just transformation it’s about adding personalized, thoughtful touches that enhance both the value and the experience of a home. A home should be a financial investment, yes, but it’s also a space for mental and emotional well-being. By focusing on both, we create spaces that aren’t just beautiful they’re meaningful
1535 HAYNE ROAD HILLSBOROUGH
Throughout the process, we focused on balancing the "high-low" of design deciding where to splurge and where to save a delicate act that truly paid off The result is a stunning property, inside and out, perfectly ready to welcome its new owners
Available listing as of this publication: https://www 1535hayne com
429 COLGATE WAY SAN MATEO
Transforming this property was a true privilege Nestled in a neighborhood that holds a special place in The Sharp Group's heart, this home has seen countless moments shared over coffee or wine with Debbie and Carol long before the previous owners became clients
Reimagining the space while preserving its charm was a labor of love, culminating in an extensive remodel.
The result? A home that sold for over $3 above asking in just 11 days—a testament to care and vision that went into every detail
https://www 429colgate com/
620 HAYNE ROAD HILLSBOROUGH
This beautifully remodeled e Hillsborough Heights Neighbor privilege to reimagine and b maximizing enjoyment for its ne value for our clients.
This home carri only the charm original design b also decades of thoughtful upda that added laye character over t
By balancing its rich history wit thinking, modern touches, we a remarkable result: a sale $800K ove just 5 days on the market!
https://www 620hayne com/
1353COLUMBUS AVENUE BURLINGAME
Opportunities to support the creation of a home from the ground up are rare on the land-locked Peninsula, making 1353 Columbus Ave in Burlingame, a project we were truly honored to take on. Completed in partnership with Thomas James Homes,
The result was a stunning property that quickly became highly sought after, selling with multiple offers at the end of 2024, welcoming new owners just in time for the holidays.
