New Economic Straight Talk: Bay Area Homebuyers Push November Sales 10 Percent Higher Than Last Year

New on the Pacific Union blog:  Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp examines November home sales trends across the Bay Area and individual counties.  Get her expert take on the numbers and what they mean at http://pacunion.us/2hlkUe4 .  For more information on homes sales and buying or selling a home, contact FRITZ.

Keep Your Home and Loved Ones Safe This Holiday Season

From the Pacific union blog:
Keep Your Home and Loved Ones Safe This Holiday Season.
The upcoming holiday season is a joyous time, but it presents some unique challenges, too.  Take care to keep you and your loved ones safe in the coming weeks.  Read more at http://pacunion.us/2gQbkw
For information on this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Real Estate Roundup: The Bay Area Has 1 Million More Jobs Than Homes

From the Pacific Union blog:
A new report further details the Bay Area's housing supply shortage compared with job growth, just as news comes that Tesla Motors wants to add thousands of more workers in Alameda County.  Get the skinny on the housing situation and other news items at http://pacunion.us/2dT1vkK

Add Privacy to Your Yard and Patio

A yard or patio is a perfect spot for enjoying the outdoors, whether fun with the family or quiet relaxation after a long day--and privacy goes a long way to create that perfect tranquil retreat.  Here are a few things you can do . . .
Fencing -- Probably the most straightforward solution--be sure to check city ordinances and HOA policies before installing one.
Hedges -- Shrubs like the boxwood and privet are commonly planted along property lines. Choose an evergreen variety for year-long privacy--make sure it's suited for your climate.
Screens -- Stylish and effective, wood panel screens add a nice visual element. Opt for weather resistant options for the best results.
Trellis -- The lattice configuration is perfect for hosting vines and plants for additional coverage.
Pergola -- A pergola helps block views from second-story windows and balconies and offers shade along with privacy.
Drapes -- budget-friendly, panels can be moved as necessary---use fabric suitable for the outdoors.
Vertical Garden -- Consider a living wall--a beautiful element that adds additional landscaping---grow anything from flower baskets to your own herb garden!
For information on how to improve your home for buying and selling, contact FRITZ.

The Ridge: Northern Ca's Largest Retail Development

Guaranteed to be Oakland's largest shopping and hangout spot when it opens in the fall of 2017, The Ridge just got underway with the last phase of the project that will be approximately 300,000+ sq ft when it's completed.  Read all about it at http://www.theridgeoakland.com/

The Bay Area: A Tough Real Estate Market for Home Flippers

Courtesy the Pacific Union blog:
High real estate costs, both to purchase and renovate properties, make Bay Area cities among the least friendly in the nation for home flippers hoping to turn a fast profit.  Get the full story at http://pacunion.us/2cnJLwW .  For more information about buying and selling a home, contact FRITZ.

Labor Day Kicks Off Northern California Fall Real Estate Season

From the Pacific Union blog: (Photo courtesy Pacific Union)
Ready, Set, Go:  Labor Day Kicks off Northern California's Fall Real Estate Season. With Northern California's balmy fall weather, this is a prime time to shop for that perfect starter home or trade up to the home you've always dreamed of.  Here are some tips, how-tos and information sheets to help get you started:  http://pacunion.us/2c0dA3s .  For more information about buying a new home, contact FRITZ.

First-Time Buyers Want Homes That They Can Grow Into

Photo and article courtesy the Pacific Union blog:
The majority of today's first-time buyers would prefer to forgo starter homes for properties that will meet their future needs and almost all of them are willing to make sacrifices in order to realize their homeownership dreams.  Read more at http://pacunion.us/2b9KwWC .  For more help with all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Turn Your Bedroom Into a Sanctuary

Photo Courtesy Jennifer Worts Design.

Since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, we should place high importance on the look and feel of our bedroom.  Here are some tips to improve the look and feel of our personal sanctuary.

Bring in neutral colors.  Light, neutral colors like creams, grays, taupes and blues provide a tranquil atmosphere.

Add soft lighting.  Overhead light can be harsh and concentrated.  Add lamps to soften and illuminate the room.

Use window treatments.  They add both privacy and a beautiful design element to your room.

Remove outdated bedding.  Make sure your mattress and pillows are in good shape.
Plan on replacing you mattress about every eight years and your pillows every year or two.

Remove excess furniture.  Pare down your space to the essentials--clutter can disturb rest and be distracting.  Above all, reserve the bedroom for rest and relaxation--remove the electronics.

Call FRITZ for answers to all your real estate needs and how to buy and sell a home.

How to Write an Offer Letter That Will Win the House

Photo and article courtesy Cathie Ericson, Realtor.com:
You love the house sooo much.  The problem is, lots of other people probably do too.  How can you stand out in a competitive environment?  Try writing an offer letter that knocks the seller's socks off.
"Making the highest offer is typically the best way to win a bid, but when a seller is faced with two very similar offers, a letter can oftentimes tip the scales toward yours," says Realtor Mindy Jensen of Longmont, CO.
So how do you use writing to woo a seller to your side?  Check out these snippets from winning offer letters, then learn how you can follow in the footsteps of these real-life buyers.
Read the snippets. . . http://bit.ly/2a1nphJ .  For more information on expert tips on buying or selling a home, call FRITZ.

Smart Homebuyer Strategies

Courtesy Blanche Evans:
When homes are in short supply, buyers don't have the luxury of taking their time, teasing sellers with low ball offers, demanding that every little thing be fixed and shopping for homes with multiple real estate agents.  Do these five steps instead.

Make a good first impression.  When you find the home you want, send the seller a letter along with your offer outlining why you love the home.

Get pre-approved by a lender.  Not only will you know how much home you can buy, you'll be ready to make an offer quickly.

Shop within your price range.  In a seller's market, it's wise to shop for homes within or slightly below your price range.  This will give you more room to make a full price offer or above in case the home you want is in a bidding war.

Be flexible.  No home is perfect.  To get more home for your money, try to look past old or ugly finishes and visualize the home with new finishes.

Be ready.  Be ready to see a new listing at a moment's notice and be ready to make an offer.
For more information on buying and selling a home, call FRITZ.

New Listing! 1148 Rosewood Way, Alameda

A mid century modern beach house, just a block from Crown Memorial Beach, this hip, 3 bedroom, 2 bath mid century style home offers the open concept floor plan perfect for California's in and outdoor lifestyle.  The home features updated kitchen and baths, hardwood floors throughout, skylights, fireplace and a gorgeous yard.  Don't miss out on this rare offering!  Open Saturday and Sunday from 2-4:30.  Offered at $699,000.  Call FRITZ for more details.

Strong Data About Surprises in Economic Activity

STRONG DATA: Courtesy the Loan Ladies at Prospect Mortgage
Upside surprises in economic activity are usually not good for mortgage rates.  The major reports released over the past week, especially the housing market data, far exceeded expectations.  Hawkish comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen in a speech on Friday afternoon also had the potential to push mortgage rates higher.  Despite the strong data and hawkish comments from Fed officials, mortgage ratesd ended the week with little change.
Two important reports on the housing market released over the past week showed that activity in April rose to the best level in years.  First, a report that measures the number of contracts signed to buy newly built homes showed that activity in April rose to the best level since january 2008.  This was good, but new homes represent only 10% of the overall housing market.  The remaining 90% is made up of activity involving previously owned homes.  The data on previously owned homes also showed stunning results in April.  Contracts signed in April to buy previously owned homes jumped to the highest level since February 2006.
The other significant data released this week that exceeded expectations was report that measured activity regarding orders for durable goods.  Durable goods include items considered to be useful for at least three years, like planes, autos and machinery.  Orders for durable goods rose in April by 3.4%.  Most of the increase came from orders for civilian aircraft, which generally are quite large and can be very volatile--even excluding transportation, new orders rose .4% from March.  For more information on how the latest economic activity effects your ability to buy or sell a home, contact FRITZ.

GlassHouse Keeps Your Home in Check!

More time living at home and less time maintaining it . . . sound good?  Unless we are diligent about their upkeep, our homes are going to become worse with wear and that's just the stuff we can see.  But it's the items that you can't see that can really cost the big bucks and leave you a little shell-shocked come time to sell.  Outdated foundations, leaking roofs, water intrusion and active infestations behind walls can all lead to expensive repairs . . . a plumbing leak is problematic enough without compounding the damage by waiting too long to make the repair, but add to that ongoing small maintenenace issues like air filters, dryer vents, removing debris from gutters.  So what is the answer?  Enter, "Glasshouse" which literally manages your house for you.  For a small monthly fee, your home will have a proactive service with four quarterly maintenance visits a year--a wellness check-up if you will.  Your home will have someone checking and maintaing the working components of appliances, water heaters, HVAC system, gutters, toilets, pipes, etc.  To sign up for an appointment and find out more about this amazing service, visit https://glasshouse.com/.  For more information about all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

The Must-Dos Before Showing a Home

Thoughtful home staging is more than just tidying up and cleaning every room.  It could mean a quick sale and higher selling price if done right.  Here are five ways you can leave a positive impression on potential buyers.

Eliminate Clutter.  Clear the clutter from around your home.  It's easy to overlook things you see every day, so try to approach all spaces with fresh eyes.  Consider having a friend come over to help point out unnecessary items.  Larger pieces like coat racks and side tables can make a room feel smaller.

Clean Out Storage Spaces.  Make space in kitchen and bathroom cupboards, closets and other storage areas.  Pack up items you don't regularly use and put them out of sight or donate them. Leaving these area completely full may give potential buyers the impression that your home doesn't have enough storage.

Clear the Way.  Make sure potential home buyers can move through your house easily.  Remove furniture that blocks the flow of traffic or hinders sight lines.

Remove Personal Items.  Family pictures, children's artwork and other personal items should be removed to avoid distraction.  Personal belongings can also make it hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house.

Remember Curb Appeal.  Make a strong first impression by sprucing up your front yard and entryway.  Replace the house numbers and exterior light fixtures if necessary.  Keep the lawn mowed, plants maintained and free of clutter and toys.

For more information about how to sell your home fast and for the right price, contact FRITZ.

Here Are The Top Features That Help Sell Homes Fastest

From the Pacific Union blog:
What makes one home sell overnight and another languish on the market for weeks on end?  A recent study identified a half dozen attributes such as architectural style and amenities that caught the interest of home buyers, and the results, while hardly scientific, open a window on current trends in real estate . . . read more.  For more information on buying and selling a home, call FRITZ.

Alameda's East End Attracts with Schools, Parks and Recreation

From the Pacific Union blog:
The island of Alameda used to be considered a bit of a local secret, but times have certainly changed. With the announcement that Google is planning to open an office at the former Alameda Naval Air Station and the general shortage of available homes throughout the Bay Area, the island city has become a highly desireable location for both East Bay homebuyers and those coming from San Francisco . . . read more: http://blog.pacificunion.com/alameda-east-end/

Pacific Union's January 2016 Real Estate Update

Bay Area home shoppers who ventured out in the first month of 2016 were in luck, as the amount of homes for sale expanded in every one of our regions, although conditions still mostly favor sellers. See how 2016 kicked off in the world of Northern California real estate in our January real estate report.  http://pacunion.us/1nYTV7D.  For more information on this and all your real estate needs, contact FRITZ.

US, Bay Area Housing Markets Finish the Year Strong

From the Pacific Union blog:
The national housing market enjoyed a sizable annual improvement in December, with the Bay Area's two major metro areas also flexing their muscles.  Read all about it at http://pacunion.us/1mDqLdJ.  For more information on this and for all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

It's Never Too Late for New Year's Real Estate Resolutions

From the Pacific Union blog:
The year 2016 is already more than a week old, but it's never too late to adopt a smart set of resolutions to help guide you through the year ahead.  Whether you are a home buyer or a seller---or might become one or the other over the course of the year---take a look at Pacific Union's roundup of real estate resolutions for the new year.  They're online at http://pacunion.us/1mH6h3G.  Contact FRITZ for all your real estate needs.