October is the month to take care of your Fireplace and Chimney.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure you have the chimney checked
out by a professional chimney cleaner before starting the first fire.
• Be sure your fireplace tools are in good working order.
• Pull out your nonflammable rug and place it in front of the
fireplace.
• Once you start building fires, clean ashes out regularly
Showing posts with label real estate agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real estate agent. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
How to Calculate Payments for a First-Time Home Buyer
Since a home is likely the single largest and most important purchase the first-time home buyer will make, he should seek an affordable monthly payment. Begin with evaluating monthly income and expenses to determine how much he can comfortably afford. He must also consider additional expenses associated with homeownership, such as homeowner's insurance, property taxes and, in some cases, private mortgage insurance.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/calculate-payments-first-time-home-buyer-2930.html
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Monday, September 17, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Home Maintenance Series-September:Seals
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• Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors and make any necessary repairs in preparation for the winter months.
• Make sure your refrigerator door seal is tight.
• Caulk any drafts in your basement, such as around your dryer vent.
• Make sure your roof is in good condition and not missing any shingles, tiles or slates.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Our latest review: "Efficient service and a great experience."
I was working with Kelly Clarke, and she was very responsive. Most of the time, she responded to my inquiries in a few hours at the most.
She made sure, even after escrow closed, to stay in contact with us. We were renting the house back to the sellers, and she made sure things were on track with that. I never got a feeling that she thought her job was done after escrow closed, and I hope to be in touch in the future. She was great.
I really liked that, once we signed the contract, she gave us a calendar of escrow items to close. It was great, because we could target specific dates and plan out the things we needed to do.
by Rahul S
San Carlos homebuyer
She made sure, even after escrow closed, to stay in contact with us. We were renting the house back to the sellers, and she made sure things were on track with that. I never got a feeling that she thought her job was done after escrow closed, and I hope to be in touch in the future. She was great.
I really liked that, once we signed the contract, she gave us a calendar of escrow items to close. It was great, because we could target specific dates and plan out the things we needed to do.
by Rahul S
San Carlos homebuyer
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
iPad App to Help You With Your Home Search – Realtor.com
Technology is changing the way we search for homes. First it was newspapers, then the Internet, now mobile devices like the iPad. Nowadays, your new home search doesn’t need to take place while sitting in your current home
REALTOR.COM
REALTOR.com updates its more than 4 million listings every 15 minutes. App features also include a map search, saved searches and listings synchronized with its website, private ratings and notes, and the ability to share listings with your friends, agent and social network.
Cost = Free
Ease of Use = Simple
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Friday, April 13, 2012
San Carlos Real Estate Market Takes Off!!
Spring has sprung and the market is HOT in San Carlos! The buyers are out there, and inventory remains low compared to demand. There are currently only 19 active single family homes available for sale in San Carlos.
We are seeing multiple offer on most properties and homes are often going above asking price. Check out the current sold vs. listing price trend at:
http://www.sancarloshomefinder.com/mimarket/zip/94070/
If you are considering selling your San Carlos home, now is a great time. if you are looking to buy, be sure you have your pre-approval ready and request a heads-up on exclusive properties before they come on the market.
Whatever your real estate needs, feel free to call or email us anytime to discuss how this information can benefit you! As always, we are happy to help.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Monthly Home Maintenance – April is for Yards
A_p_r_i_l_ _– _Y_a_r_d_s_ _
• Check your sprinkler systems to make sure they are working properly.
• Cut back any trees or branches that are touching the siding or roof.
• Clear out debris from under decks or porches.
We hope this guide helps make your home maintenance easier. If you would ever like recommendations for professional service vendors that can help you with your home maintenance, please call us at anytime. To request a guide for the entire year, please call or email us.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
• Check your sprinkler systems to make sure they are working properly.
• Cut back any trees or branches that are touching the siding or roof.
• Clear out debris from under decks or porches.
We hope this guide helps make your home maintenance easier. If you would ever like recommendations for professional service vendors that can help you with your home maintenance, please call us at anytime. To request a guide for the entire year, please call or email us.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Monday, April 9, 2012
Some Home Facts
Some Home Facts
The typical seller has lived in their home for nine years, which is up from 6 years in 2007.
Although 61% of sellers said that they reduced the price of their listing once, the average home
(not foreclosure or short sale) sold for 95% of the listing price.
In 2011, 37% of homebuyers were first time buyers, which is down from 50% in 2010.
In 2011, 88% of homebuyers used the Internet to search for a home.
The top 3 factors in choosing an area (neighborhood) were quality of the neighborhood,
closeness to a job, and affordability of the home.
Source: National Association of Realtors
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April Fools Day Quiz
Every April Fools’ Day we hear outrageously false stories and are challenged to sort out the April Foolery from weird stuff that is actually true. Here is a quiz from the Museum of Hoaxes of actual headlines. Some are April Fools’ Day jokes and others are real news stories. Can you tell the difference?
1_:_ _D_o_n_’t_ _D_i_s_t_u_r_b_ _t_h_e_ _S_q_u_i_r_r_e_l_s_ _
In 1993 city officials in Cologne, Germany imposed a new regulation on people jogging through the city park. Runners were required to pace themselves to go no faster than six mph. Any faster, the city officials cautioned, could disturb the squirrels that were in the middle of their mating season.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
2_:_ _C_r_u_s_t_l_e_s_s_ _B_r_e_a_d_ _
For those who just can’t stand the taste of crusts, and are too lazy to cut them off themselves, Sara Lee introduced the ultimate in convenience: crustless bread. Available in stores everywhere!
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
3_:_ _P_e_t_ _T_a_x_ _
The city of Philadelphia, faced with a looming budget shortfall, last year announced a new tax targeted at pet owners. The owners will be charged a base fee of $10 per pet, and then $1 extra for every additional pound the pet weighs over ten pounds.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
4_:_ _P_r_e_h_i_s_t_o_r_i_c_ _P_e_n_g_u_i_n_ _M_u_r_a_l_s_ _
In 1991 prehistoric murals were discovered on the walls of an underwater cave in eastern France revealing that penguins and man once lived side-by-side in that region. Historians, accustomed to seeing prehistoric depictions of animals such as bison and deer, were extremely surprised to find the penguins.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
5_:_ _V_o_d_k_a_ _B_a_r_s_ _
Recently a Russian beverage company announced a new product designed to appeal more specifically to Russian tastes: chewy Vodka bars. The company hopes the candy bars will compete successfully against popular western imports such as Mars and Snickers bars. The Vodka bars will be available in lemon, coconut, and salted cucumber flavors.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
6_:_ _B_a_n_k_ _T_e_l_l_e_r_ _F_e_e_s_ _
In 1999 a Connecticut-based bank announced that due to rising costs it would be forced to charge a $5 fee every time a customer visited a live teller. The bank promised that the fee would actually help to improve the quality of customer service.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
Buying or selling a house is nothing to fool around with. If you’re interested in learning more about today’s real estate market, please feel free to contact us.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
1_:_ _D_o_n_’t_ _D_i_s_t_u_r_b_ _t_h_e_ _S_q_u_i_r_r_e_l_s_ _
In 1993 city officials in Cologne, Germany imposed a new regulation on people jogging through the city park. Runners were required to pace themselves to go no faster than six mph. Any faster, the city officials cautioned, could disturb the squirrels that were in the middle of their mating season.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
2_:_ _C_r_u_s_t_l_e_s_s_ _B_r_e_a_d_ _
For those who just can’t stand the taste of crusts, and are too lazy to cut them off themselves, Sara Lee introduced the ultimate in convenience: crustless bread. Available in stores everywhere!
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
3_:_ _P_e_t_ _T_a_x_ _
The city of Philadelphia, faced with a looming budget shortfall, last year announced a new tax targeted at pet owners. The owners will be charged a base fee of $10 per pet, and then $1 extra for every additional pound the pet weighs over ten pounds.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
4_:_ _P_r_e_h_i_s_t_o_r_i_c_ _P_e_n_g_u_i_n_ _M_u_r_a_l_s_ _
In 1991 prehistoric murals were discovered on the walls of an underwater cave in eastern France revealing that penguins and man once lived side-by-side in that region. Historians, accustomed to seeing prehistoric depictions of animals such as bison and deer, were extremely surprised to find the penguins.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
5_:_ _V_o_d_k_a_ _B_a_r_s_ _
Recently a Russian beverage company announced a new product designed to appeal more specifically to Russian tastes: chewy Vodka bars. The company hopes the candy bars will compete successfully against popular western imports such as Mars and Snickers bars. The Vodka bars will be available in lemon, coconut, and salted cucumber flavors.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
6_:_ _B_a_n_k_ _T_e_l_l_e_r_ _F_e_e_s_ _
In 1999 a Connecticut-based bank announced that due to rising costs it would be forced to charge a $5 fee every time a customer visited a live teller. The bank promised that the fee would actually help to improve the quality of customer service.
•T_R_U_E_ _•A_P_R_I_L_ _F_O_O_L_S_’ _
Buying or selling a house is nothing to fool around with. If you’re interested in learning more about today’s real estate market, please feel free to contact us.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monthly Home Maintenance – March is the Kitchen
M_a_r_c_h_ _– _K_i_t_c_h_e_n_ _
• Clean the range-hood filter in your kitchen.
• Remove all the items from your cupboards and pantry. Wipe shelves clean, check expiration dates on all products and toss anything old.
• Clean your refrigerator and oven.
• Don’t forget to move your household clocks forward on March 11 during Daylight Saving Time
We hope this guide helps make your home maintenance easier. If you would ever like recommendations for professional service vendors that can help you with your home maintenance, please call us at anytime. To request a guide for the entire year, please call or email us.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
• Clean the range-hood filter in your kitchen.
• Remove all the items from your cupboards and pantry. Wipe shelves clean, check expiration dates on all products and toss anything old.
• Clean your refrigerator and oven.
• Don’t forget to move your household clocks forward on March 11 during Daylight Saving Time
We hope this guide helps make your home maintenance easier. If you would ever like recommendations for professional service vendors that can help you with your home maintenance, please call us at anytime. To request a guide for the entire year, please call or email us.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Once you purchase a new home, how will you decorate it? Free iPad App Can Help!
Once you purchase a new home, how will you decorate it? CNN says Houzz is the “wikipedia of interior and exterior design.” It contains the largest database of home design ideas with more than 150,000 high res photos. Browse photos by style, room and location and save them to your virtual idea book for easy searching, saving and sharing. You’ll also find everyone from local designers to architects and contractors who can help you realize your ideas.
Cost = Free
Ease of Use = Simple
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Cost = Free
Ease of Use = Simple
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
D_o_n_’t_ _L_o_s_e_ _S_l_e_e_p_ _WHEN DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME RETURNS ON MARCH 11!
Be sure to mark your calendar for Daylight Saving Time on March 11 and spring your clock forward one hour…but don’t lose sleep over it!
The annual “spring forward” event can cause sleep disruptions for both children and adults. By making a few lifestyle changes, most people can minimize sleep loss and achieve the sleep that is needed to feel alert, refreshed and ready to take on the day.
For children:
• Maintain your child’s regular sleep, wake and nap times. Try not to compensate for the lost hour by delaying bedtime or allowing your child to sleep in.
• Make gradual adjustments. Some parents find it is best to try to start making adjustments on Saturday night rather than wait until Sunday (a school night).
For adults:
• Try to sleep more than usual a few nights prior to and immediately following the time change.
• Take a nap in the afternoon on Sunday if you need it, but not within a few hours of your regular bedtime.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
The annual “spring forward” event can cause sleep disruptions for both children and adults. By making a few lifestyle changes, most people can minimize sleep loss and achieve the sleep that is needed to feel alert, refreshed and ready to take on the day.
For children:
• Maintain your child’s regular sleep, wake and nap times. Try not to compensate for the lost hour by delaying bedtime or allowing your child to sleep in.
• Make gradual adjustments. Some parents find it is best to try to start making adjustments on Saturday night rather than wait until Sunday (a school night).
For adults:
• Try to sleep more than usual a few nights prior to and immediately following the time change.
• Take a nap in the afternoon on Sunday if you need it, but not within a few hours of your regular bedtime.
The Clarke Team
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Use Internet Marketing To Expand Your Reach
It goes without saying that the Internet has radically affected how people find homes today. And savvy Realtors know how to use modern technology to combine the power of fabulous new tools with market trends and proven strategies.
Thanks to the Internet, you now have worldwide reach and incredible visual capabilities at your disposal, allowing you to intimately market your home to millions of potential buyers. Internet marketing is not only effective—it is an essential element of every successful marketing campaign.
We have the knowledge and expertise to bring these and many other tactics to work for you. If you would like to learn more, please give us a call or reply to our e-mail. You won’t be disappointed.
The Clarke Team
Realtors
www.clarketeam.com
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Thanks to the Internet, you now have worldwide reach and incredible visual capabilities at your disposal, allowing you to intimately market your home to millions of potential buyers. Internet marketing is not only effective—it is an essential element of every successful marketing campaign.
We have the knowledge and expertise to bring these and many other tactics to work for you. If you would like to learn more, please give us a call or reply to our e-mail. You won’t be disappointed.
The Clarke Team
Realtors
www.clarketeam.com
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Strategic Marketing
Selling your property successfully and for top dollar takes a strategic marketing plan. we have designed a comprehensive program that utilizes a variety of marketing vehicles to position your home to the right buyer.
From staging your home in preparation for sale to advertising the property through print and via the Internet, from virtual tours to broker open homes, we will utilize a powerful array of programs to successfully market your home and quickly get the results you want.
For more information about selling your home, please call us today.
From staging your home in preparation for sale to advertising the property through print and via the Internet, from virtual tours to broker open homes, we will utilize a powerful array of programs to successfully market your home and quickly get the results you want.
For more information about selling your home, please call us today.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Rent vs. Own
There’s nothing quite like a home that you can truly call your own. A place where you can have the gleaming hardwood floors you’ve always dreamed of, a space to cultivate your own vine-lined patio, a way to provide a good neighborhood for your kids to grow up in, and a freedom from the whims of your landlord. These are the images that immediately come to mind, for many of us.
Yet some of the biggest advantages of owning a home are less romantic and more practical – in fact, there are financial advantages to owning a home:
• Tax Deductibility—You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your state and federal income taxes. Since interest generally will account for most of your payment during the first half of your mortgage, the savings can be significant. Some of your costs at the time of closing (including prepaid mortgage interest) can be taken as deductions on that year’s income tax return, and points paid up front at the time of closing represent additional mortgage interest and may be taken as a deduction.
• Tax Deductibility of Property Taxes—You can deduct all of the property taxes you pay.
• Appreciation Potential—Real estate is considered a strong long-term investment because it usually appreciates in value. The effects of borrowing potential can increase as the value of the home appreciates.
• Capital Gains Exclusion—When it’s time to sell your home the amount of capital gains you have to pay is reduced. A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 per couple if married and filing jointly, or $250,000 if single or filing separately for homes that have been the taxpayer’s principal residence for the previous two years.
• Capital Gain Treatment—Congress allows preferential tax treatment on gains from capital assets held for more than one year. This would be important for a homeowner who has gains in excess of the allowable exclusion.
• Principal Accumulation—Mortgages are designed to pay the interest for the time that the money has been used, as well as to retire the principal debt over a period of time. This payment plan means that part of the payment each month is for principal accumulation.
• Personal Enjoyment—Pride of ownership is a valid reason for wanting to own a home. You can personalize your home while enjoying the financial benefits.
For the best evaluation of your financial situation, consult your financial advisor. He/she will be the most qualified to discuss the financial consequences of a home purchase decision, as well as help you to establish a plan that will achieve your home ownership goals.
Yet some of the biggest advantages of owning a home are less romantic and more practical – in fact, there are financial advantages to owning a home:
• Tax Deductibility—You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your state and federal income taxes. Since interest generally will account for most of your payment during the first half of your mortgage, the savings can be significant. Some of your costs at the time of closing (including prepaid mortgage interest) can be taken as deductions on that year’s income tax return, and points paid up front at the time of closing represent additional mortgage interest and may be taken as a deduction.
• Tax Deductibility of Property Taxes—You can deduct all of the property taxes you pay.
• Appreciation Potential—Real estate is considered a strong long-term investment because it usually appreciates in value. The effects of borrowing potential can increase as the value of the home appreciates.
• Capital Gains Exclusion—When it’s time to sell your home the amount of capital gains you have to pay is reduced. A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 per couple if married and filing jointly, or $250,000 if single or filing separately for homes that have been the taxpayer’s principal residence for the previous two years.
• Capital Gain Treatment—Congress allows preferential tax treatment on gains from capital assets held for more than one year. This would be important for a homeowner who has gains in excess of the allowable exclusion.
• Principal Accumulation—Mortgages are designed to pay the interest for the time that the money has been used, as well as to retire the principal debt over a period of time. This payment plan means that part of the payment each month is for principal accumulation.
• Personal Enjoyment—Pride of ownership is a valid reason for wanting to own a home. You can personalize your home while enjoying the financial benefits.
For the best evaluation of your financial situation, consult your financial advisor. He/she will be the most qualified to discuss the financial consequences of a home purchase decision, as well as help you to establish a plan that will achieve your home ownership goals.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Your Home Is As Unique As You Are
Your home is a unique investment—one that reflects your personal desires. And since you may have lived in your home for some time now, it will undoubtedly have much of your own personality built right into it, as you’ve redecorated and maybe even remodeled it to suit your style.
In this market, homes like yours are a valuable commodity. We are certain that a buyer is out there who is prepared to pay the highest price the market will bear. Our job is to find that “just right buyer” and show them the inherent value of your real estate investment.
We would welcome the opportunity to schedule some time with you to plan how we can make sure that you get top dollar for your beautiful home. Please call us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.
In this market, homes like yours are a valuable commodity. We are certain that a buyer is out there who is prepared to pay the highest price the market will bear. Our job is to find that “just right buyer” and show them the inherent value of your real estate investment.
We would welcome the opportunity to schedule some time with you to plan how we can make sure that you get top dollar for your beautiful home. Please call us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Find Your New Home—Not More Frustration
Getting information on homes doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. If you’ve been getting the run-around and feel like you’re not being given the information you’re looking for, we can put an end to that!
We treat our customers differently, and know how to listen carefully, so we can understand exactly what you’re looking for. we won’t bury you with useless information or withhold facts that are important to you, and we will always respond to any requests you have immediately. From help with listing notifications, to private showings and anything related to real estate, we would be delighted to be of assistance.
If you’re feeling frustrated, please don’t hesitate to call or reply to my e-mail at any time. We can provide you with time-saving tips and informative checklists to put the fun back into your search.
We are confident that we can meet and exceed your expectations and help you find the perfect home.
We treat our customers differently, and know how to listen carefully, so we can understand exactly what you’re looking for. we won’t bury you with useless information or withhold facts that are important to you, and we will always respond to any requests you have immediately. From help with listing notifications, to private showings and anything related to real estate, we would be delighted to be of assistance.
If you’re feeling frustrated, please don’t hesitate to call or reply to my e-mail at any time. We can provide you with time-saving tips and informative checklists to put the fun back into your search.
We are confident that we can meet and exceed your expectations and help you find the perfect home.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Are you ready to apply for your home loan?
Filling out a loan application doesn’t have to be a stressful event. Simply gathering the information you’ll need before you sit down with a loan officer to begin processing your application will save you a ton of time and aggravation.
If you are interested, we’ve prepared a mortgage worksheet that details all the information that you will need. Just call or e-mail us and we’ll get it out to you right away.
And if you haven’t selected a lender yet, we would be more than happy to provide you with proven contacts that have worked fabulously with us and our customers. They are all extremely professional and know how to find the loan that best suits your needs.
We hope to hear back from you soon and look forward to helping with all of your real estate needs.
If you are interested, we’ve prepared a mortgage worksheet that details all the information that you will need. Just call or e-mail us and we’ll get it out to you right away.
And if you haven’t selected a lender yet, we would be more than happy to provide you with proven contacts that have worked fabulously with us and our customers. They are all extremely professional and know how to find the loan that best suits your needs.
We hope to hear back from you soon and look forward to helping with all of your real estate needs.
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