Are you curious as to how the real estate market in San Carlos is doing?

Are you curious as to how the real estate market in San Carlos is doing? Click on the link below for access to the "Market Insider" which includes price trends, market trends, property ownership and additional statistics.

http://www.sancarloshomefinder.com/mimarket/zip/94070/

Call or email us anytime to discuss how this information can benefit you! As always, we are happy to help.

How Much Should I Offer?

Generally, I will help you with this. However, there are several things to consider as you develop your purchase offer:

• Is the asking price in line with prices of similar homes in the area? I will conduct research, called a "Competitive Market Analysis" or CMA, on comparable properties, to help you come up with an educated opinion on the worth of the property.
• Is the home in good condition – or will you have to spend a substantial amount of time and money making it the way you want it?
• How long has the home been on the market? If it’s been for sale for a while, the seller may be more eager to accept a lower offer.
• How much mortgage will be required? Make sure you really can afford an offer that you plan to make.
• How much do you really want the home? The closer you are to the asking price, the more likely your offer will be accepted.

Common points of negotiation
The buyer and seller may negotiate many of the associated costs of the transaction. Some common items are: price, financing, closing costs, repairs that need to be made, appliances and fixtures, landscaping, painting and occupancy time frame. Counteroffers
Offers are occasionally rejected outright, but it is common for a seller to counter an offer with terms acceptable to them. But don’t let this stop you. Now you begin negotiating. I will help you.
There are many options to explore:

• Maybe you offer more money, but ask the seller to cover some or all of your closing costs or to make repairs that wouldn’t normally be expected.
• Or, you provide the seller with more time to move in exchange for a price break, if you know extra time is what they need.
• Just remember – don’t get so caught up in negotiations that you lose sight of what you want and what you can afford!

At what point are negotiations binding?
You will have a binding contract if the seller, upon receiving your written offer, signs an acceptance just as it stands, unconditionally. The offer becomes a firm contract as soon as the signed, unchanged offer is delivered to you or me, your agent. If the offer is rejected, that’s that and the seller cannot change their mind and hold you to it.



 http://clarketeam.com/WebArticle.aspx?ID=15596&webPageID=15&webCategoryContentID=76

Other Considerations When Buying A Home

New Home or Older Home?There are pros and cons to each. While older homes can offer interesting architectural details like higher ceilings, for example, a home with higher ceilings can produce more expensive heating costs. New homes, on the other hand, are likely to be better insulated and more energy efficient. They offer the promise -- but certainly not a guarantee -- of fewer structural and mechanical problems. On the other hand, if you need to buy new draperies and landscaping at the outset, costs quickly can add up.
Don’t forget that the area surrounding new housing developments may not be finished – and when the empty field across the street becomes home to office buildings, the neighborhood could change dramatically. Green spaces and parks may not materialize as promised. Thorough research can help.
Price
Your lender may tell you that you can afford to buy the house you adore, but are you comfortable with the monthly payments you will be obligated to make? Is the down payment within your means? Will you have enough cash to pay transaction costs and moving expenses? If the house needs major repairs, remodeling or redecorating can you save the necessary funds within a reasonable time period?
Size and Configuration
What size house do you need? What is the right combination of bedrooms, bathrooms and other living areas? How much storage is needed? Is a formal space for entertaining important or will more time be spent in the kitchen and family room?
Comfort
Do you have a priority for a single level home versus a two story? Is central heating or air-conditioning a priority? What directions do the bedrooms and key living areas of the house face? Is there cross-ventilation? If you entertain, is there a bathroom easily accessible for your guests?
Style
What house style suits you best? Modern or traditional? Mediterranean or cottage? Will your current furnishings determine the style of the house you choose? Are there pieces of furniture you own that require space consideration?
Features
Some buyers become enamored with pricey home amenities that seem attractive and desirable at the time, but later prove to be more headache and less pleasure than anticipated. Do you really want a swimming pool? Are you planning on having children? That may mean you will need to enclose the pool or find alternative safety elements. How much landscaping or yard maintenance expenses are you willing to incur?
Resale Potential
On average, people move to a new home every seven years. If you wanted to sell your home, how easy would it be to find a willing buyer? If you are interested in a very customized home, it is important to manage your resale expectations and gauge them against the future market conditions.



 http://clarketeam.com/WebArticle.aspx?ID=15596&webPageID=15&webCategoryContentID=71

Using A Property Checklist

When searching for a home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with information and to forget the details of each particular home you’ve viewed - that’s why I’ve created this list to help you keep track of all the information you need to help you in this important decision.
When you view a home, keep in mind this checklist:

• Is there enough room for both the present and the future?
• Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Is the house structurally sound?
• Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?
• Is the yard big enough?
• Do you like the floor plan?
• Will my furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)
• Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?
• Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year 'round?
• Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.
• There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Just be sure to communicate often with your agent about everything you're looking for. It will help focus the search.
• Take detailed notes, take pictures, and make a video – anything to help you remember as much as you can. (Be sure to first secure the permission of the owner before photographing or taking video, though.)
• If the owner or the owner’s agent is present during your viewing of the home, don’t say too much about your likes or dislikes.
• Which items require ongoing maintenance (paint, roof, heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, carpet)?
• What about the neighborhood and the quality of life it affords?
• Does the home’s style, features and amenities conform to the neighborhood?
• Are there any potential problems with the home’s electrical or mechanical systems?
• Does the home appear to have any structural problems?
• Does the home appear to have any drainage or foundation problems? 

 http://clarketeam.com/WebArticle.aspx?ID=15596&webPageID=15&webCategoryContentID=70

Are You Ready To Find A Property?

Are you ready to get started?! Once you've determined that you are ready to purchase a home, there are few things as exciting as searching for just the right property to call your own.

Remember, shopping for a home is a process that, whenever possible, should not be rushed. Make sure that you perform adequate research on the area, neighborhoods and the homes available on the market before you buy. You should do your best to look carefully and, whenever possible, try not to let your emotions make your final decision.

I will help to provide you with additional information on areas that are attractive to you, as well as schedule times for you to preview any properties that may be of interest.

San Carlos Made The Top 10 Cities to Live in In California!

I have lived in San Carlos now for 25 years.  It has a small town feel, great schools, a vibrant downtown, and yet is close to three metropolitan areas and international airports making it a great location for jobs and travel.  Who could ask for more?

www.movoto.com/ca/best-places-in-california/

Monthly Home Maintenance - January – Decluttering and Organizing

• Take down, clean and store holiday ornaments, decorations and exterior lights.

• Put away all of those holiday gifts.
  
• While you are making room for your new gifts, take the opportunity
  to go through your closet and get rid of things you haven’t used for
  a year.
  
• Do end-of-the-year accounting and set-up a file folder for the current
  year’s taxes. 
  
  For a complete list of all 12  months maintenance, please call or email me.
  
  Kelly Clarke
  sold@clarketeam.com
  650-489-5399
  

Monthly Home Maintenance - December – Miscellaneous

• Clean your garage and get rid of anything you don’t use.
• Neatly organize all of your tools, garden equipment and appliances. • Wander the house with a screwdriver and tighten screws on
drawers, doors and furniture.
• Make a list of any small repairs that need to be made. If needed,
go to your local hardware store and purchase the necessary items to make your repairs.

Homebuyers: To get the house, get there first

(Money Magazine)

Housing inventory is stiflingly tight in many locations, making it a challenge to find, much less land, your dream home.

The number of available houses in the hottest markets has dropped dramatically over the past year, says the National Association of Realtors: In the Boston area, for one, inventory levels are down 29% vs. 2012. And Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco aren't far behind.

"Some homes are flying off the market in a matter of days," says Paul Bishop, VP of research for NAR.
Shopping in a popular spot? You'll have to go beyond the usual sellers' market tactics, such as getting prequalified for a mortgage. These strategies will help you find homes first, stopping a bidding war before it starts.
Go unlisted
One way to head off the competition is to look for so-called pocket listings, homes that are for sale but don't show up on the multiple listing service, where brokers post available properties.
Owners may choose not to list because they want to keep details about their houses private, or simply because they don't want to deal with staging the home and taking photos, says Zillow contributor and agent Brendon DeSimone, who works in New York and California.
Related: Secret 'pocket listings' return in hot housing markets
To find these homes, you'll need a well-connected broker. "You want someone who has an inside track," says DeSimone. Agents who have experience with pocket listings should be able to tell you about examples of off-the-radar houses they've handled in the past, as well as any they are currently aware of (keep in mind that pocket listings are most common in areas with tight inventory).
A caution: Buyers considering an unlisted property should be on the lookout for defects and check that the price is in line with the area, says San Francisco broker Samuel Cadelinia. Owners sometimes use this low-profile method to avoid calling attention to a problem or to see if they can sell for more money.
Get the real-time scoop
Many would-be buyers depend on automatic search, a regular roundup of listings sent out by the local MLS. But by the time these emails go out to shoppers, included homes may have been online for hours or even days.
Ask your agent about real-time MLS alerts, emails that are sent the moment a new listing goes live. While not yet in all markets, the alerts are available in the San Francisco Bay area, Las Vegas, Columbus, parts of Connecticut, and more.
Related: 10 things to know about buying a home
Agents often have a home for 24 hours or so before entering it into the MLS, so your broker may be able to give you a heads-up on a house he just received. To increase your chances of getting that call, tell him that you'd like to be notified immediately, and be sure he knows exactly what type of house you're after.
See through bad listings
Don't be scared off by a hideous paint job, bad lighting, or unflattering photos. "Sometimes sellers don't listen to agents about getting the house ready for sale," says DeSimone.
In a tight market, he says, it's worth checking out marginal listings to avoid missing a badly packaged gem -- just factor in the price of any project required to bring the home up to snuff.

 

Céline Dion's $28 million island mansion

Set your search criteria a bit higher than your target price; you'll likely catch some overpriced homes that may eventually go for less. How will you know? The number of days on the market is one telltale sign, says Cadelinia.
Related: For sale by owner: Homeowners ditching brokers
For example, if most homes in the area are gone within a month but this one's been on the market for two, the owner may be willing to consider a lower offer. If the listing is new, get a sense of how realistic the cost is by comparing it with the recent sale price of similarly sized houses in the same area.
Spot would-be sellers
Finding a home that's not for sale but might be soon is tricky but not impossible.
One strategy: Ask your agent to search expired listings, says Mark Cenci, a Chillicothe, Ohio, realtor. Owners who tried to sell a couple of years ago may not be up on rising home values (June median home prices were 16% higher than two years prior, says the NAR) and might be swayed by what you're willing to pay.
Rental properties are another prospective target, since landlords may also be out of touch with current prices. Sure, it's a reach, but in this market, says Cenci, "you need to explore every option."

Why You Should Sell Your House Now

Many now realize that it is a great time to buy a home.  It might also be an opportune time to sell your house.  Here are the five reasons we believe now may be a perfect time to put your house on the market.

1. Demand Is High

The most recent Existing Home Sales Reports by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show a double digit percent increase in sales year-over year; sales have remained above last year’s levels for over 25 months.  There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.

2. Supply Is Beginning to Increase

Total housing inventory is again approaching historic norms of a 5 month supply compared with 4.3 months in January.  Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2 million homeowners escaped the shackles of negative equity in the last 12 months and an additional 1.9 million are expected to enter positive equity in the next 12 months.  Selling now while demand is high and before supply increases may garner you your best price.

3. New Construction Is Coming Back

Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the block.  As the market is recovering, more and more builders are jumping back in.  These ‘shiny’ new homes will again become competition as they are an attractive alternative for many purchasers.

4. Interest Rates Will Again Rise

Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise later this year.  The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year.
Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you are thinking about selling and decide whether it is worth waiting.  Is the possibility of a few extra dollars more important than being with family; more important than your health; more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
You already know the answers to the questions we just asked.  You have the power to take back control of your situation by putting the house on the market today.  The time may have come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.  That is what is truly important.

5 Tips for Lightening Your Closet’s Load

It’s a mess, it’s unmanageable, and you need space. You’re going to tackle the whole thing, and you’re not going to let sentimentality weaken your resolve. You've had an epiphany, and you’re ready to clean out your clothes closet!

But as you pull out that first item, it happens: Your ever-so-rational mind starts building an ever-so-rational case for keeping virtually every article of clothing you were just prepared to toss.

We’ve all been there, so don’t despair. Whether you’re fueled by enthusiasm or trembling with trepidation, these can-do tips will start you on your way.

1. Note the excuses. Such as:

• "I really paid a lot for that."
• "I just haven't gotten around to wearing that yet."
• "That just needs altering."
• "I'll fit back into that one of these days."
• "Fashions always come back around."

Sound familiar? We all have things we hold on to. Note the reasons that pop into your head, because once you know your reasons for holding on to those things, you’ll be better able to move forward and make room — literally and figuratively.

Start by getting rid of 10 items (or five — just pick a number that isn’t zero). In one quick sweep, you might be surprised what you can toss without a struggle. If you’re afraid of biting off more than you can chew, be assured that you can accomplish a great deal nibble by nibble, drawer by drawer, row by row.

Monarch Renovations

2. Unburden yourself of the unworn. We’ve all heard that unless it’s a cocktail gown or your wedding dress, you should get rid of it if you haven’t worn it in six months. For many of us, that’s easier said than done. It could even sound downright unreasonable. But there are ways to put this in perspective.

Our memory can be faulty, so try using these nifty tricks to keep track of what you actually wear. Buy pretty new hangers, and each time you wear something, put it on one of those new hangers. You can achieve the same result without investment by turning all your hangers backward. Once you’ve worn something, replace it with the hanger hung forward.

Cabinet Innovations

When it comes to your drawers and shelves, it’s likely that the stuff squashed into the corners and crumpled on the bottom are items you really don’t use. But if you want to be sure, take everything out and place a small, brightly colored sticker (the kind you find at an office supply store) on each clothing label and remove the sticker after you’ve worn the item. You’ll soon see what you really love to wear and what’s just taking up precious real estate. Then shift accordingly.

Also, take a closer look when you trade out your seasonal clothing. If you didn’t wear it last year, chances are good that you’re not going to wear it this year, so don’t hang it up and don’t pack it up — donate it. You know you’ll get more stuff this season, so go ahead and make room for it.

Andrea Gary/Queen of Kerfuffle™

3. Multiply your space by trimming down the multiples. Do you have five white blouses, black skirts or pink bras? Different styles for different outfits — I know, I know! But at least one usually remains unworn or is ill fitting. Toss just one of these multiples and you’ve immediately gifted yourself with 20 percent more space.

4. Dump the damaged goods. Is it pilling, tattered, snagged, threadbare? If it’s sentimental, wash it, fold it and put it in a box. If it isn’t, toss it. Is it in a pile awaiting stain treatment, repairs or alterations? Looking at a pile of stuff you haven’t taken care can create guilt and add to stress. Give yourself one week to treat the stuff, take it to the seamstress or move it out. You’ll be rid of a pile and will enjoy the singular satisfaction of checking something off your to-do list.

California Closets of Indianapolis

5. Unload the unfashionable, unflattering and unhealthy. Certainly, some items are true classics and stand the test of time. However, clothes worn in a job you no longer have or in an environment you no longer frequent (say, outfits from your clubbing days) simply need to go, especially if that job or environment has bad feelings or loss attached to it. Also, don’t keep gifts given by people you don’t actually like (the clothes or the people). If the tags are still on, return them. If not, consign them and use the cash or store credit to find something you love.

All Things Home Organizing™ by Gayle Grace

Here’s a hard truth: The 1980s are long gone. Even if that was the most exciting decade of your life, it’s time to ditch the clothes and get up-to-date. Since we aren’t always able to see ourselves clearly, a second opinion can be an excellent mirror.

If you don’t have a friend to critique your wardrobe with you over a bottle of wine, use this time-tested method: try on an outfit and imagine bumping into an old flame. Would you feel confident and sexy wearing it, or awkward and embarrassed? What you felt good in then may not be flattering now, so embrace who you are today and work with what you’ve got.

Snobz Design

We’re not all fashionistas, nor are we all prepared to completely reset our wardrobes. But the bottom line is that the closet should be a place of inspiration, not stress. So lighten your load and keep only what you love and feel beautiful in — whatever your style may be.

Monthly Home Maintenance - November – Upholstery and Carpeting

• Vacuum all sofas and pillows.
• Spot clean all upholstery and carpeting.
• For extra cleaning, consider hiring a professional service to clean
your upholstery and carpeting.
• Don’t forget to move your household clocks back on November 4
when Daylight Saving Time ends and test your smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries. 

For a complete list of all 12  months maintenance, please call or email me.

Kelly Clarke
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399

Monthly Home Maintenance - October is 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 but ensure
ashes have completely cooled before discarding. 

For a complete list of all 12  months maintenance, please call or email me.

Kelly Clarke
sold@clarketeam.com
650-489-5399

Trick-or-Treating on Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos

The street that’s more known for its annual Christmas extravaganza also puts on an amazing spectacle for Halloween. Much like they do around the holidays, virtually every home on the two blocks of Eucalyptus Avenue is decorated to the nines. These two short blocks have gotten so popular in recent years, that they actually blocked the street off last year,  which made it more like Mardi Gras than it did Halloween. Just missing the beads…

It’s a great place to take the kids — the decorations are incredible, and the neighbors are VERY generous with the candy.   With fire pits blazing in some of the driveways, you’ll very likely run into tons of friends and neighbors there, too.  Just keep a close eye on your trick-or-treater, because with so many kids milling around in costume, it’s amazingly easy to lose track of your kid even when they’re only 10 feet away.

Happy Halloween!

Goblin Walk - on Laurel Street in San Carlos this Saturday, October 26th

San Carlos Parks and Recreation and Chamber of Commerce present Goblin Walk.
• This event is for children up to 7 years of age, and accompanied by a parent/adult
• Wear your Halloween costume
• Trick or treat at Laurel Street businesses displaying the 'Goblin Walk Stop' sign
• Support Downtown Businesses - Shop San Carlos!

Monthly Home Maintenance - October

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

Hiking Trails in San Carlos - Eaton Park

I love that there are amazing trails within walking distance of my home in San Carlos.  My favorite is Eaton Park.  The Kiwanis has recently adopted the park and put in new trails and trail maps.  There is now a wonderful loop that you can take from the Eaton Avenue entrance.

We have a dog who also loves to walk and Eaton Park allows dogs on leashes on the trail. They even provide baggies at the entrance so that you can conveniently collect any "gifts" your pet may leave on the trail.  If everyone follows the rules - it works out great!

It's a wonderful hike that will take you to the top of the hill to an amazing vista and even over wooden bridges and tree shaded areas.  If you have not tried it yet, I would strongly recommend it.

Happy trails to you!

http://www.cityofsancarlos.org/depts/pr/prksfac/park_information/eaton_park.asp

Kelly Clarke
The Clarke Team
Realtor

Monthly Home Maintenance - September

September is the month to check your seals around the house.

• 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.

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
 

How to Repair Stucco Leaks

by Carson Barrett, Demand Media

Many people find the texture of a stucco wall attractive.

Stucco is a durable, attractive finish used for the exterior walls of homes and other buildings. As with all exterior wall surfaces, the integrity of stucco must be intact in order to prevent leaks. When cracks occur in the stucco and water leaks in, it can reach the sheathing of the house, which can cause rot. You can patch small cracks and holes in the stucco yourself, but if they're larger than 1/2 inch wide or are vertical cracks around windows and doors, call in a professional to examine them, as it can be a sign of problems with your home's foundation.

Patching Cracks in the Stucco

1.

Clean the crack to remove any loose debris with a flathead screwdriver and a toothbrush.

2.

Squeeze caulk into a paper cup and stir some clean sand into the caulk to give it a rougher texture. Use acrylic-latex caulk if the crack is 3/8 inch wide or less, or a stucco-repair caulk if the crack is 1/2 inch wide or less.

3.

Fill the crack with a putty knife and allow it to cure for the time specified on the packaging.

4.

Apply an exterior-grade latex paint over the patch that blends in with the rest of the wall.

Patching Holes in the Stucco

1.

Clean loose stucco from the hole by chipping away at it with a cold chisel and hammer.

2.

Vacuum the dust out of the hole. Examine the wire mesh inside the hole; if it's damaged, staple new mesh over the damaged section.

3.

Mix a small batch of brown stucco for the base coat, following the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the stucco to the hole with a trowel. Allow the stucco to firm up, then scratch the surface with a nail. Allow the stucco to cure for two days. Use enough stucco to reach a depth about 1/4 inch beneath the surface of the wall.

4.

Spray the hole and the stucco that surrounds it to dampen it. Apply another coat of brown stucco to the hole. Smooth the surface of the stucco, and allow it to cure for two days. This layer is 1/8 inch deep.

5.

Spray the hole and the surrounding stucco with water to get it damp. Apply the top coat of stucco over the hole, smoothing the surface so that it's even with the surrounding stucco. Texture the surface of the stucco with the trowel to match the surrounding stucco. Allow the top coat to cure for four days, and paint the patch with an exterior-grade latex paint, if needed.