L

arge, almost 1600 sq ft town home in Birchgreen complex. Open floorplan perfect for entertaining, gleaming hardwood floors, spacious master retreat, formal entry, vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplace, 2 private patios & 2 car garage! Single family feel, next to Palo Alto & convenient to shopping, transport & freeways.[/pullright]

Easy access to Palo Alto and other parts of Silicon Valley, 280 and 101.  Single family home feel with the convenience of town home living.

E

xpanded and completely remodeled Eichler in a private, secluded part of Menlo Park, set on a flag lot off a cul-de-sac street. Entertain your friends in the open floor plan living space, or take advantage of the afternoon sun warming the trapezoidal pool on the oversized 14,100 sq. ft. lot. This can be your own private oasis!  Las Lomitas schools![/pullright]

Seclusion and privacy make this home a perfect retreat after a long day.  Easy access to Menlo Park/Palo Alto, 280 and 101, yet far enough that you’ll feel you’re in the countryside.  Appointment only, contact listing agent.

E

Spectacular contractor owned home upgraded with the finest
materials. Exotic hardwood floors throughout ground level. Soaring exposed beam
vaulted ceilings in central entry, living room and dining room. Chef’s dream
kitchen with Wolf commercial grade cooktop and griddle, double oven, massive
built-in refrigerator/freezer, expansive granite counters and custom cabinets. Master
bath w/marble steam shower and claw foot tub.

Large home on a quiet street near the Atherton border.  Completely remodeled!

B

eautifully remodeled and attractively landscaped two bedroom/two bath
Mediterranean home with detached garage. Large lot with secluded backyard and
new deck designed for entertaining. Large, sunny gourmet kitchen, updated with wine
cooler, granite countertops, custom cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
Plantation shutters and gleaming hardwood floors throughout.Own a piece of Atherton and relax in your secluded yard.  This home boasts top-of-the-line finishes and great entertaining spaces.

C

ompletely remodeled condo with open floor plan, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, porcelain tile and Brazilian Koa laminate flooring, 2 deeded garage parking, and laundry in the unit. Why Rent? Remodeled and move-in-ready that could cost what you pay in rent – or less!

Located in a small, well-cared-for 12 unit building, one block to Wellesley-Crescent Park and one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Redwood City.  Easy access to 101, Caltrain, and downtown.

B

eautiful, spacious family home with approximately 3020 square feet of living space. Custom built in 1999 and located in the BEST part of Menlo Park only blocks to Peet’s Coffee on Santa Cruz Avenue, this contemporary home boasts soaring ceilings, an open floor plan, and a very private master suite sprawling the entire second floor.Best location in Menlo Park on a quiet, neighborly cul-de-sac right off Santa Cruz Ave, mere minutes to restaurants, shopping, and top Menlo Park schools!

An additional room adjacent to the master makes for a perfect home office or nursery. Downstairs you will find a formal living room/library/media room at the entrance, a perfect indoor/outdoor living space, and an oversized “endless” pool in the back. Charm, character, and newer construction all make this an ideal home for nearly every buyer. Appointment only, contact listing agent.

A

JUST SOLD, Dec 13, 2011, $800,000, CLOSED IN 22 DAYS!

whole lot of house & yard for the price. Updated 3 bed/2bath with family room & living room in the desirable Woodside Plaza neighborhood. New kitchen with stainless appliances, new baths with dual vanities, hardwood, recessed lighting, two gas fireplaces, new dual pane windows, new landscaping front & back, new stamped concrete hardscape, new paint, fixtures & white picket fence. Extra parking and storage in backyard.[/pullright]

S

JUST SOLD, Dec 21, 2011
$1,835,000, ALL CASH!

tunning, brand new, eco-efficient home offering three levels of contemporary living. The spacious, open plan is perfect for entertaining with tons of natural light and breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and surrounding Bay. Let your worries melt away as you watch the sailboats glide across the water, or take a leisurely stroll into town. This is truly a commuter’s paradise, only a half mile to the Ferry yet worlds away from stress!New construction, great location with unparalleled views. Best location in the Banana Belt, minutes to town – welcome home!

Selling a home is like going on a first date:  You always check out your competition in advance, clean your house in case you bring somebody home, and hide all of your baggage because who needs to see that?  Listing your home for sale isn’t much different, though many owners tend to forget the basics, which is why we will review them here.

One Chance at a First Impression

Every time a potential buyer walks into your house you want to show its best, though many common mistakes are enough to keep buyers from returning.  The basics of staging are: keep it clean, keep it simple, and keep it neutral.
Clean, Clean, Clean

The first thing you notice when you walk into a home is its cleanliness, which not only includes clutter and dust/dirt, but also smells.  Hiring a house cleaner to come in and do a thorough cleaning is a terrific idea as they will generally see (and clean) many of the areas you might overlook because you have lived with it for the past number of months/years.  A reputable cleaner will also be sure they do an outstanding job so that you will refer them to your friends.

Be careful, however, to not go too far in the other direction!  Many people will have their home cleaned and then install air fresheners in every room, which can have the opposite effect.  Buyers may stop to comment on the fresheners or may think that you are trying to cover up another odor – either way, you want their attention on your home, not on the smells!

De-Clutter

This is the favorite buzz word for many realtors, and for good reason.  The more “stuff” you have on display, the less the buyers will be looking at the home.  Many agents will advise sellers to start packing for the move – that will get you excited for your next home which also gets your home in great condition for selling!  Again, you never want to distract buyers from the actual purchase – if they are looking at your ski trip photos on the mantle, they won’t be seeing the beautiful mantle and fireplace… guaranteed.

Paint – the Biggest Impact for the Least Money

Neutral colors are what any stager will recommend, and that does NOT mean white!  White is a terrific color to make things look clean and simple, but very often also makes a home look cold and sterile – the last thing you want buyers thinking.  Neutral, warm colors are the best way to go, and you should be consistent with that color palette throughout the home.  Think beige, slate, or sage (or a combination of those).  You’ll notice that any new or professionally staged homes will stick with beiges and any related colors because that appeals best to most buyers, is least distracting, and is the warmest without being overpowering.

Work with What You Already Have

It is not necessary to buy new furniture to help with your staging. Very often you may need to purchase a few small items to complete the room, but usually your own furniture will suffice. One thing you may need to do is rearrange the way it is set up to make the space more appealing to potential buyers. For example, “framing” a seating area by creating an intimate conversation area will demonstrate how the room can be used for entertaining guests.

Lighting

Opening blinds, cleaning windows, and turning on lights will all have a huge impact on a buyer’s impression of your home. If you have dark, heavy curtains and very few lights, buyers will see a cave-like environment that is not very inviting. Dirty windows will have the same effect, keeping out light, and then the buyer may also start wondering what other simple maintenance you have neglected. Keep lighting fixtures clean and simple, and replace old, burned-out bulbs to give the impression of a light, bright, well-maintained space.

Case Study

The pictures below show two nearly identical living rooms of two neighboring condominiums in a building. The picture on the left shows what the condo looks like without staging – dark, dreary, cave-like.  The picture on the right shows what the home looks like with new paint, proper lighting, open blinds, and with a few pieces of staging furniture.  All things equal, which condo would you buy?  Which condo sold for a higher price?

Your Effort = Your Return

Staging a home for sale can range from simple fixes to more expensive alterations.  Regardless of how much money you spend on preparation, the simplicity of your staging and cleanliness of your home will have the biggest impact on getting a buyer to write an offer.  Remember, you usually only get one shot at making a first impression, so give it your best!

U

nlimited potential with a VERY RARE almost one acre (0.89a) lot in Emerald Hills! Build your dream home overlooking the tranquil rolling hills and valleys, or use the already design-approved plans for a spectacular 3900sqft 6 bed/5.5 bath home and 608sqft guest house at the end of this peaceful cul-de-sac. You are going to love returning to your beautiful new home at 656 Park Road! Build your dream home nestled in the woods with views and privacy. You don’t find lots like this every day!

A

rchitect designed renovation of an original Eichler, many original details intact while
updating for a contemporary lifestyle.  Situated on the best street in the neighborhood, this home provides an ideal opportunity for indoor/outdoor entertaining with its open floor plan, walls of glass, and contemporary finishes, while custom Eichler colors draw the
trained Eichler enthusiast into the space from the street. Best street in 19th Ave Park on a quiet, neighborly street, mere minutes to shopping, freeways and downtown San Mateo.  Top Aragon High School District!

1540 square feet of living space and a full two car garage provide ample living area for a growing family, with an additional artist studio in the back to foster creativity!  This secluded development seals the deal with great access to Peninsula freeways without any through traffic,  within the top rated Aragon High School boundaries while only minutes to transportation, shopping, and downtown San Mateo!

Appointment only, contact listing agent.

B

eautiful 1915 Craftsman home with enclosed front porch entry. Front and rear yards professionally landscaped with slate walkways and trickling water falls. Detached two car garage with a bonus room and half bath that could be the 4th bedroom or office. Two master suites on upper level with a den. One bedroom with a sitting room and bath on lower level. Large formal dining room with a quaint built-in china cabinet.Located into Redwood City’s most prestigious neighborhood, right off Wellesley Crescent Park.

“Brian was attentive and listened to my requirements; he then efficiently presented the best options to me and demonstrated that he had really heard me.” - Matthew W., San Mateo, CA
Read Full Testimonial Here

Brian is very aggressive and worked very hard on finding the perfect property for
our first home. He’s like a blood hound and a pit bull all rolled into one. - Jeffery A., Menlo Park, CA

Read Full Testimonial Here

I have been renting for a few years now and can’t get past the idea that I am just throwing my money away.  Can you help me figure out if it is better to keep renting or to buy, especially since housing prices have dropped considerably in the past few years?

Thanks,
Renter Rita

————-

Hi Rita,

No problem!

There are a number of factors to consider before making your decision.  First and foremost is: how long to you plan on staying in your next (or current) home?  As I advised last week, “Do not buy unless you know you can afford it should your worst case scenario happen (separation, unemployment, etc.), and do not buy unless you can plan on living in that home for more than five years.”  These two items are the biggest considerations you need to work through before signing another lease, or in this case, a purchase contract.

Once you have come to that conclusion, we can work through the numbers to help you figure out which is the best financial decision for you.  One great (and easy) comparison calculator can be found on the Ginnie Mae website:  http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?

Let’s work through your calculations: You said you are paying $2200 a month in rent for your 3 bedroom/2 bath home.  If you can afford 10% down payment toward a $650,000 home, here are the numbers for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 5%, if you plan on staying in your next place for ten years.  This also assumes a yearly property tax rate of 1.15% and a yearly home value increase of 2%.

The Calculations:

Which is Better?

From this example, we can see that over a ten year period, you will pay $105,837 more if you continue to rent instead of buying.  This doesn’t, of course, take into consideration and repairs, maintenance, or upgrades you will have to put into the house, but hopefully anything you upgrade will also add to the value of your home at the time you decide to sell.

So Rita, in my opinion, based on your current rent and what type of home you would want to buy, you would be better off buying in this case.  You can lock in a low interest rate at the moment, get into a home at or near the bottom of the market and should end up saving money in the long term.  But remember:  Be sure you can afford that house if the worst case scenario is to happen!

Happy House Hunting!
650Pro

My interpretation of this advice is: Do not buy unless you know you can afford it should your worst case scenario happen (separation, unemployment, etc.), and do not buy unless you can plan on living in that home for more than five years.

Where is the bottom?

Many people spend much of their time trying to figure out the “top” of the market or the “bottom” so as to not lose money in either direction.  However, there are many factors to consider when sitting onthe sidelines trying to figure out the perfect time to buy or sell.

Selling now might not net you the biggest gain on your current investment (really, you should have sold back in 2006!) but if you decide that you need a bigger home or want to move into a better area, now isn’t such a bad time.  Many people worry about the reduction in their current home value, but if you are “buying up,” it’s important to remember that the more expensive homes are also more affordable now than they were before.

Consider this:

Let’s say there was, on average, a 20 percent reduction in home values across Redwood City.  You really wish you had sold your home at the peak for $700,000 instead of now, which is at or near the bottom.  If you had sold at the peak, you would have bought a $1,000,000 home that you had your eye on and would have been happy in your new home but still worried about the loss of equity in that home too.

All things equal, with the drop in home values, your house is now worth about $560,000 (a 20 percent decrease), and that other home you were looking to buy is now worth $800,000 (also a 20 percent decrease).   If you had sold and bought earlier, you would have spent an additional $300,000 for that home, whereas now you will only have to spend an additional $240,000.  Not only would you have spent $60,000 more then, but your taxes would have also been based on $1,000,000 instead of the new value of $800,000 which works out to more than $2,000 per year.

This is, of course, a simplified version of reality and things are slightly more complex than demonstrated above, but it should hopefully help you stop worrying so much about your timing.  This example assumes that you have put at least 20 percent down on your purchase and have lived in your home for seven or more years.

Zero Equity – or Worse

Not everybody has been in their home for about seven or more years, and some people did buy at the “peak” of the market and have lost all of their equity – or worse, are “under water.”  If that is the case, it is best to weigh your options, consult with your accountant and attorney, and make a plan.  There is a chance you can get a modification, get a short sale accepted by your lender (if you have a hardship), or decide you love your home enough to stay put and try to recoup some of your equity, but that is another personal decision you must make with the help of your professional consultants.

Ready for Action

I love first time home buyers who have been reluctantly “sitting on the sidelines” for years.  They have been stashing away cash each month while cursing the rapidly increasing home prices which kept them from getting in on the action.  Now, when they see what they can afford with that booty from the past ten years, their eyes light up and a smile stretches across their faces.  We’re not talking mansions in Emerald Hills, but we are talking respectable single family homes in decent neighborhoods!

Now is a terrific time for those first time buyers, especially since Redwood City is one of the most (and last) affordable cities in the Peninsula (west of the 101).  Very often since the drop in home prices, mortgage payments work out to be similar or only slightly more than renting, once you factor in your home ownership tax deductions (again, consult with your tax professional).  Additionally, although a mortgage payment may work out to be higher than your rent, some people consider the extra amount an investment for the future, since it goes toward your equity, rather than your landlord’s equity.  There are many buyers who have been waiting for their chance to get into the real estate market and are quickly realizing that the time is now.

As we are all aware, no two circumstances are the same, which is why it is impossible to say that now is (or isn’t) a good time to buy.  Since each individual must be comfortable with his/her situation, it is recommended to speak with a professional (realtor, accountant, attorney) before making the final decision.  Very often what you will find is that your situation is better, or worse, than you thought, and with this discussion the right decision will seem completely obvious.

Brian is very aggressive and worked very hard on finding the perfect property for
our first home. He’s like a blood hound and a pit bull all rolled into one. - Jeffery A., Menlo Park, CA

This question comes up very often but is a very personal dilemma that cannot be answered by anybody else. There are a few factors to consider prior to signing a purchase contract, but it is…
Learn More

There are a number of factors to consider before making your decision. First and foremost is: how long to you plan on staying in your next (or current) home? As I advised last week, “Do not buy unless you know you can afford it should your worst case scenario happen (separation…
Learn More