Final Version of Tax Reform Is Still Detrimental for California Housing Markets

From the Pacific Union blog:
Republicans in Congress reconciled their different versions of the tax reform and offered their final version of the so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today.  Congress will vote on the final version next week which is only slightly more favorable than the initial House of Representatives bill but still highly detrimental for most of California's coastal housing markets.  Read more of the relevant details at  http://bit.ly/2D6bLxJ .  For more information on this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

The Best Bay Area and Lake Tahoe Winter 2017 Events and Activities

Winter is indeed coming and lucky for us, Northern California offers an abundance of activities and events in which to participate year-round.  We've collected a few ideas that may inspire you to strap on some skates, slap on the skis or even head out to a parade.  Read more at http://bit.ly/2BunqVk

First-Time and Bay Area Homebuyers Have Much to Lose From Proposed Tax Changes

From the Pacific Union blog:
Last week, the House Republicans released their much-anticipated tax reform proposal.  The plan proposes to cut the corporate tax rate to 20 percent from 35 percent and reorganize individual tax rates from seven brackets into four.  Taxes are a complicated subject and with any sweeping change such as the proposed reforms, the devil is in the details.  While the proposal promises to save an American family an average of $1,182 per year, some of the proposed changes could be devasting for current and future California homeowners. Read all the details.... http://bit.ly/2ASsZgO

Real Estate Roundup: East Bay City Named One of the Nation’s Most Livable

From the Pacific Union blog:
Fremont Ranked as America's Second Most Livable City
Fremont was recently named the least stressed-out place in America and now another study calls the Alameda County city one of the country's most livable.  That's according to an analysis by SmartAsset, which ranks the nation's 25 most livable cities based on six criteria - including access to jobs, income after housing expenses and walkability - on a scale of zero to 100.  Read more . . .
http://bit.ly/2zpbJ4R

Master Bathroom Remodeling Costs Are the Highest in San Francisco

From the Pacific Union blog:
Homeowners in the San Francisco metro area who overhaul a large bathroom spend an average of      $34,000, $13,000 more than the national average. Bathroom remodels in San Francisco are estimated to net a return on investment of more than 90 percent. Baby boomers spend almost twice as much as millennials when renovating a master bathroom, driven by aging-in-place plans. Read all the details at http://bit.ly/2z29Ien .  For more information on this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Real Estate Roundup: Bay Area Companies Offer the Nation’s Best Work-Life Balance

From the Pacific Union blog:
Bay Are employees enjoy the best work-life balance in the U.S. while three communities in Contra Costa and Alameda counties are named to a list of the best small cities for families.  Read all about it in Pacific Union's latest Real Estate Roundup. http://bit.ly/2iow17D

Please Donate to Pacific Union’s Wine Country Relief Fund

All of us at Pacific Union would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone afflected by the wildfires that have devasted Napa and Sonoma counties this week.  To help our colleagues in the North Bay get back on their feet, we have established the Pacific Union Wine Country Relief Fund.
Mail checks with this memo: Wine Country Relief Fund:
Pacific Union
3333 Mendocino Avenue #220
Santa Rosa, CA  95430
Thank you!!

U.S. Home Prices Up, Sales Down in August

From the Pacific Union blog:
Four major trends persisited for the national housing market in August:  rising prices, declining inventory, slowing sales and strong buyer demand. Read all the details at: http://bit.ly/2wnIElQ
For more information about buying and selling a home, call FRITZ

The Best Bay Area Fall 2017 Events

Just because summer is ending doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do across the Bay Area and the Lake Tahoe region.  We've curated a list of the many festivals and events recommended by our local offices.  Find our suggestions online at http://pacunion.us/2vQxFFj .  For help with all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Why Do Bay Area Homeowners Sell, and Where Do They Move?

Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp digs into transaction data to find out what factors motivate Bay Area homeowners to sell and where they go when they do.  Read her analysis exclusively at http://pacunion.us/2wten5C . For more information on buying or selling a home, call FRITZ

Choosing a Moving Company? Let the Buyer Beware

From the Pacific Union blog:
Planning to move into a new home?  How trustworthy are the movers?  It's important to learn as much as you can about prospective movers, then choose carefully.  Read the complete article: http://bit.ly/2vBZxc5 .  For more information on buying and selling a home, call FRITZ.

Pacific Union Merges With Los Angeles-Based Partners Trust

Pacific Union is excited to share the news that we've further expanded our reach in Los Angeles by announcing our intent to merge with Partners Trust, the next step in our firm's vision of becoming the ultimate California company. Watch the video:  http://pacunion.us/2hOJiWt

Is Cash King? Certainly in Some Bay Area Housing Markets

From the Pacific Union blog:
Summary:
Bay Area all cash buyers are more likely to purchase higher-end homes.
46% of Bay Area transactions above $3 million were all-cash deals and 41% of transactions between $2 and $3 million were all cash.
Napa and Sonoma counties have the highest shares of all cash buyers in the Bay Area.
All cash buyers are more likely to purchase a home for investment/tax advantages.
Bay Area mortgaged buyers have the highest credit scores and lowest loan to value ratios among US metropolitan areas!  Read more:  http://bit.ly/2vZZNV. For more information on buying and selling a home in your area, call FRITZ

10 Northgate Avenue Berkeley Open Sunday

10 Northgate Avenue, Berkeley--Open Sunday!

One of a kind architect's home that captures the essence of what's so desirable about coastal California lifestyle.  Featuring open concept living & entertaining areas with vaulted ceilings, walls of bay facing windows and doors, level out bay view terraces and private grounds.  Two Zen inspired master suites, massive fireplace, gorgeous kitchen and even an organic vegetable garden make you forget that busy city life is only a few minutes away.  An opportunity of a lifetime!  For more information, call FRITZ.

Offered at $998,000   |  Open Sunday, August 6th 2-4:30

Bay Area Pending Home Sales Slide for the Ninth Straight Month

From the Pacific Union blog:
Pending home sales activity continued to decline in both California and the Bay Area in June, with tight inventory conditions once again the culprit.  Read all about it at http://pacunion.us/2uVhXHx
For more information about homes sales in your area, call FRITZ.

The Federal Reserve Increases Interest Rates, but Slow Inflation Keeps Mortgage Rates Low

From the Pacific Union blog:
While the Fed's decision was anticipated and already accounted for by the market, what lies ahead is less than certain.  The Fed is expected to increase rates again this year, but concerns over slow inflation may affect future decisions---read more:  http://bit.ly/2uNv7Ui  For more on how the rates affect you, cal FRITZ.

The Bay Area's Five Fastest Appreciating (and Depreciating) Housing Markets

From the Pacific Union blog:  Home prices rocketed up about 30 percent year over year in the first four months of 2017 in one Marin County community, while they fell by about the same amount in a trendy San Francisco enclave.  Find out which 10 Bay Area ZIP codes experienced the largest housing price gains and losses.  Details are online at http://pacunion.us/2t5Sjw6 .

No Vacation Necessary: The Best Bay Area Summer 2017 Events

From the Pacific Union blog:  If you're skipping a summer vacation to house hunt while the competition is less intense, fear not:  There are plenty of events to entertain you all around the Bay Area.  Check them out at http://pacunion.us/2sy7cKD. For all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Four High Return Updates for the Home

Do you have a list of changes you'd like to make to your home this year?  Completing cosmetic updates is easiest when the weather's in your favor.  In honor of May's National Home Improvement Month, here are four upgrades ranging from curb appeal projects to large expansions that often yield high returns.
1.  Replacing doors and windows:  Home owners are often encouraged to consider projects that boost curb appeal.  Swapping out a wooden front door for a steel model or replacing front-facing windows can pack more of an ROI punch than renovations made inside the home.
2.  Constructing a deck:  Create a beautiful transition from your back door to the outdoors by building a deck.  The update turns into a major selling point that can recoup your initial investment.
3. Adding insulation:  Of all the projects listed in Remodeling magazine's 2017 Cost vs. Value Report, adding loose-fill insulation to your attic is the only one with returns that exceed 100 percent of the cost.
4.  Building a second-story addition:  Even with a slight increase in construction costs, completing a significant two-story addition resulted in a substantial year-over-year increase in value from 2016 to 2017.  Home renovations and repairs are on the rise and expected to peak this year.  Now's the time to start planning your investment-savvy home improvements.

U.S. Homes Are Selling Faster Than Ever This Spring

From the Pacific Union blog:
Serious home shoppers who are hitting the open house circuit hard during the traditionally busy spring season should not hesitate long, as properties are flying off the market quicker than ever before. That's especially true here in the Bay Area, where homes continue to sell at among the fastest pace in the nation. http://bit.ly/2rDCQW3 .  For more information about buying or selling a home, call FRITZ.

Bay Area Home Sales Slide in April — Except for Luxury Homes

From the Pacific Union blog:
Bay Area home sales dipped from March to April, which is not consistent with typical seasonal patterns.  Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp examines the latest numbers and trends in a new Straight Talk column. http://bit.ly/2qC5PZs 

California Creates 20 Percent of US Jobs in March

Pacific Union Economic Straight Talk:
According to the latest numbers from the California Employment Development Department, the state added 19,300 jobs in March, which is one in five positions that were created nationwide. Read more..
http://bit.ly/2qBytXc .  For more information about this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Lawn Care: Know the Difference Between Not Enough and Too Much

From the Pacific Union blog:
Lawn-care experts will tell you that all landscaping mistakes by homeowners ultimately come down to two errors:  not paying enough attention to your home's outdoor space and paying too much attention to it.  http://bit.ly/2quW2Ss .  Call FRITZ for all you real estate needs!

New Tax-Reform Proposal Is Only a Sneak Preview

From the Pacific Union blog:
Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp offers her take on the potential impacts of the Trump administration's proposed tax changes and how they might affect homeowners and home buyers.
http://bit.ly/2qAYC8C .  For more information about how this might affect you, call FRITZ.

Sunshine After the Rain: Bay Area Housing Markets Bounce Back in March

From the Pacific Union blog:
The spring home buying season has finally kicked in after an abnormally wet winter season and rainfall reaching unprecedented levels.  In March, there were about 5,000 home sales registered in Bay Area MLSes, which was a 60% increase from January and February.  While the March comeback is seasonally expected, this year's monthly increase was much larger than the historical 45% increase seen in the Bay Area.  Read more: http://bit.ly/2piYprd.  For more info about the market and buying or selling a home, call FRITZ.

Spring is Here! How to Prep to Buy or Sell a Home

Spring has sprung, which means the housing market is in full bloom.  Each year, roughly 40 percent of real estate transactions occur between the months of May and August.  If you're feeling inspired to buy or sell a home soon, make sure you're prepared.
When You're Ready to Buy a Home:
* Calculate what you can afford.  Use a home affordability calculator to make sure you're ready for the mortgage payments.
*  Check your credit score and fix any in accuracies you discover ASAP.
*  Save up for a down payment.  Most lenders require 5 to 20 percent.
*  Be ready for additional closing costs. Plan to have approx 4 percent of the home's purchase price     on hand to cover taxes and fees.
*  Re-evaluate your insurance coverage and update all your policies.
When It's Time to Sell:
*  Declutter and clean your home ready to show.
*  Take inventory of what needs to be fixed, such as roof work, paint and landscaping.
*  Decide on a selling price---pull the comps in your area. For more info and help with all your real     estate needs, call FRITZ.

Looking for More Living Space? Look Up!

From the Pacific Union blog:
Many homeowners feeling cramped in their current quarters may be overlooking some extra living space that is right above their heads -- in the attic.  Homeowners with an unfinished attic have a viable option when they want more room.  Remodeling an attic may be easier and more cost-effective than renovating a basement and it's a lot simpler than building an addition.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2mXdDVe

Real Estate Roundup: Spring Homebuying Season Starts Early This Year

From the Pacific Union blog:
Spring has officially arrived, but U.S. real estate activity was already heating up in February.  Also, your credit score might soon get a boost, as the major reporting agencies are relaxing a standard.  Get a quick rundown of the latest headlines in Pacific Union's Real estate roundup.  It's on line at http://pacunion.us/2mYGBCo .  For more on this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

The Federal Reserve Sizes Up the Economy: All Quiet on the Western Front

From the Pacific Union blog:
In a new Straight Talk column, Pacific Union Economist Selma Hepp weighs in on the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates earlier this week and what it might mean for home sales activity.  Read all about it at http://pacunion.us/2mXYXDD
For more information about interest rates and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Bay Area Home Sales Continue to Decline in February, but Signs Point to Strong Spring

From the Pacific Union blog:
Bay Area home sales declined year over year in February, though recent open-house activity in one local county suggests another busy spring.  Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp offers an expert, in-depth analysis of the latest real estate statistics in a new Straight Talk column.  http://pacunion.us/2maidGe   

Pets Have a Big Say in the Homes We Buy, Sell and Remodel

From the Pacific Union blog:
Eight out of 10 respondents to a recent National Association of Realtors survey said that pet-related considerations play a role when deciding on their next living situation.  The full story is on Pacific Union's blog at http://pacunion.us/2l17ggG .  For moe information on buying or selling your home, call FRITZ.

First-Time Buyers Overestimate Down-Payment Size

From the Pacific Union blog:
The vast majority of Americans who don't own a home want to purchase one in the future, although affordability is a primary concern.  The down payment, however, may not be as big of a hurdle as many first-time buyers believe.  Read more at http://pacunion.us/2lbk3vt .  For more information about this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Forecast: U.S. Home Sales and Prices to Rise in 2017

From the Pacific Union blog:
U.S. home sales volume and prices should continue to increase this year, although rising mortgage rates and declining affordability will prove challenging - particularly in expensive markets like the Bay Area. For the outlook, go to http://pacunion.us/2k4hdJN .  For more information contact FRITZ.

Election Outcome and Rising Mortgage Rates Temporarily Slow Bay Area Home Sales

From the Pacific Union blog:
Home sales across the Bay Area declined more than usual in the final month of 2016.  Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp takes a look behind the numbers in her latest analysis.  Read the full story at http://pacunion.us/2j0KMsO

New Year Resolutions for Homebuyers and Sellers

From the Pacific Union blog:
Maybe you've been thinking about buying a home in 2017 - or selling one.  Now is a good time to set some realistic real estate goals (call them resolutions, if it helps!) for the weeks and months ahead. Here are some ideas to help you get started.  For more, go to http://pacunion.us/2hC8AH7
For more information about this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.