Compass’ November 2018 Real Estate Update

From the Compass California Real Estate blog:
East Bay homes sold in an average of 22 days in November, faster than they did anywhere else in the Bay Area.  Homes in the region continued to command the largest premiums, fetching 111.9 percent of original price, slightly less than at the same time last year. https://bit.ly/2Geyk97 .  For more information about buying or selling a home, call FRITZ.

Home Remodeling: How Much Can You Save by Doing It Yourself?

From Compass California Real Estate blog:
Nearly half of homebuyers run into unexpected repairs within the first year of ownership and those who are handy enough to do the work themselves can save enough money to put a dent in their mortgage balance.  Remodeling costs are top of mind for homeowners and 80 percent say that professionals charge too much for materials and labor.  Still, more than two-thirds of Americans say that they prefer to pay the pros to handle a renovation rather than do it themselves.  Read all the details at:  https://bit.ly/2PiIswP

Compass’ October 2018 Real Estate Update

From Pacific Union/Compass blog:
The median sales price rose from October 2017 in most Northern California regions in which Compass does business, except for Sonoma Valley, where it was down by almost 10 percent.  Elsewhere, annual appreciation ranged from 0.3 percent in Sonoma County to more than 25 percent for single-family homes in Lake Tahoe. https://bit.ly/2FJE7Df

Bay Area Cities Rank Among the Nation’s Best Small and Midsize U.S. Places to Live in 2018

Street scene in  city of Santa Clara

From the Pacific Union blog:
Despite the Bay Area's top-dollar cost of living, the region's rapid home price appreciation and booming economy have helped land a handful of local cities on lists of the best places to live in America.  Read more at . . . https://bit.ly/2OFPawt . For help to buy or sell a home, call FRITZ.

California Housing Inventory Near a 3-Year High in September

From the Pacific Union blog:
The nine-county Bay Area saw the number of homes for sale improve on both a monthly and annual basis, as the month's supply of inventory rose to 3.2.  All counties posted year-over-year gains, with the monthly supply of inventory ranging from 2.7 in Alameda County to 5.6 in Napa County.
Read all the details . . . https://bit.ly/2EKqMtS

Pacific Union Quarterly Report: Q3 2018

From the Pacific Union blog:
As in the second quarter, the median home price in the third quarter of 2018 increased year over year in every northern California region in which Pacific Union operates.  Get all the latest market data, plus expert commentary from Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp in out latest quarterly real estate report.  https://bit.ly/2Jakxhz

Downsizing Homes Can Save Californians Big Bucks

From the Pacific Union blog:
Many Golden State baby boomers and other empty-nesters may no longer need that spacious home they bought when they were raising a family and a recent study may give them a significant incentive to downsize.  A PropertyShark study published last month determines how much homeowners in 20 major California cities can save by purchasing a smaller home.  https://bit.ly/2RIKwRh

Proposition 10: Possibly the Worst Approach to California’s Current Housing Crisis

Pacific Union blog:
This is just a few issues with Prop 10---read all about it at https://bit.ly/2RjUrw4
It prohibits "strict" rent control  (for instance, vacancy control) which requires rents to remain controlled even after a tenant moves out.  Since Costa-Hawkins passed, owners may still increase the rent equivalent to the change in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index.  For more info on this please call FRITZ.

What Do Americans Want in Their Ideal Home?

From the Pacific Union blog:
Roughly half of Americans and Europeans believe that a waterfront location is perfect for a home followed by about one-third who want a view of the coast, a city or hills.  The least-popular location is near a golf course, cited by less than 4 percent of both Americans and Europeans. Read more at . . 
https://bit.ly/2NnNY5h .  To find your perfect home, call FRITZ.

Real Estate Roundup: Most New California Homes Have Smart Features

From the Pacific Union blog:
More than three-quarters of new homes in both Northern and Southern California come equipped with the latest and greatest technologies.  And one San Francisco neighborhood is being called the hottest in the country.  See what's shaking in the housing world in Pacific Union's latest Real Estate roundup. https://bit.ly/2wTjRbD

New Listing 8990 McGurrin Road, Oakland

New listing--8990 McGurrin Road, Oakland. This gated Sequoyah estate sits on gorgeous, landscaped grounds and is loaded with luxury features like a chef's kitchen, open concept indoor and outdoor living and entertaining areas, over the top master suite with sitting area, gigantic walk-in closet and spa quality bath.  Country club living at it's best!  http://www.8990mcgurrin.com/#home
Offered at $1,049,000.  Call FRITZ for mre details.

Real Estate Roundup: Most Buyers Prioritize Pets When Home Shopping

From the Pacific Union blog:
Eighty percent of respondents to a poll conducted by realtor.com reported owning pets, with dogs the most popular animal.  Of those that own a pet, nearly 90 percent said that they took their animals needs into consideration during their home search.  Furthermore, 75 percent of those surveyed told realtor.com that they would pass up their dream home if it was not right for their pets.  And that doesn't include just dog and cat owners; even those that own fish or reptiles would not buy a dream home that could not properly accomodate their creatures.  Read more . . . https://bit.ly/2wcaumc

New Listing 6811 Buckingham Blvd, Berkeley, Open Saturday and Sunday

This hilltop contemporary home at 6811 Buckingham Blvd in Berkeley features world class vistas of  San Francisco and the Golden Gate and beyond.  The home has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, open concept living and dining areas, custom built-ins, a luxurious master bedroom with fireplace and sweeping terraces!  Open Saturday and Sunday August 4-5 from 2-4:30.  Offered at $1,699,000.  Call FRITZ for more details.  http://www.6811buckingham.com/

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Home in California?

From the Pacific Union blog:
An analysis by home-remodeling portal Porch breaks down home maintenance costs by states and zip codes, as well as individual jobs.  Though it's commonly accepted wisdom that owners should expect to spend 1 percent of a home's cost on maintenance each year, Porch determined that nationwide, Americans spend an average of $16,000 on home upkeep annually, assuming that the work is outsourced to professionals.  Read more at https://bit.ly/2NWjJhF

Bay Area Is High on List of Best Beach Towns, Led by … Mill Valley!

From the Pacific Union blog:
Quick: Name the best, most livable oceanfront beach town in California.  If you picked Mill Valley, you would be correct, according to the number-crunchers at the personal finance website WalletHub, who count Marin County's Mill Valley as the fourth most livable beach town in all the United States--and No. 1 in California.  https://bit.ly/2uwd4Cs

Happy Independence Day From Pacific Union

All of us at Pacific Union would like to wish you a very happy Fourth of July and wish our great nation a happy 242nd birthday.  Whether you took the holiday as an opportunity to squeeze in a vacation or you are simply sticking around the Bay Area to catch the fireworks displays and hit a backyard barbecue, we hope your day off is relaxing and safe.  https://bit.ly/2lQJi7I

California’s Median Home Price Climbs to New All-Time High

From the Pacific Union blog:
The latest monthly home sales and price report from the California Association of Realtors puts the median sales price for a single-family home in the state at $600,860 in May, up 9.2 percent year over year for the highest annual rate of appreciation in four years.  California's median price surpassed its previous peak of $594,530, recorded 11 years ago.  https://bit.ly/2K65xkv

As Summer Nears, Homeowners Have Outdoor Parties in Mind

From the Pacific Union blog:
With the official beginning of summer just a couple of weeks away, the high season for backyard barbecues and pool parties will soon arrive and a significant number of American homeowners are upgrading their outdoor spaces with entertaining guests in mind.
Read more . . . https://bit.ly/2LMp9ul .  Call FRITZ for all your real estate needs!

Bay Area Cities Rank as Best in the World for Future Momentum

From the Pacific Union blog:
The Bay Area's real estate market and high-performance economy are currently running at full steam and appear poised to carry that momentum over the long term.  San Francisco takes the top spot on the rankings, followed by Silicon Valley at No. 2, both due largely to the Bay Area's global position as a technology powerhouse.  Read more . . . https://bit.ly/2kDEpOs

Real Estate Professionals Unanimously Agree on the Importance of Curb Appeal

From the Pacific Union blog:
Homeowners who are willing to invest in standard lawn-care services not only stand the best chance of appealing to buyers when the time comes to sell, but they will also turn a profit when they do.
Check in with FRITZ for more home owner tips!

Real Estate Roundup: San Francisco Is No. 3 in the World for Billionaires

From the Pacific Union blog:
The Bay Area has more billionaires than almost anywhere on earth, while mortgage rates have climbed to their highest levels in almost seven years. Pacific Union's latest Real Estate Roundup has these stories and more.  https://bit.ly/2H535IR . To find out about your personal real estate situation and more,call FRITZ.

Real Estate Roundup: Is Now the Best Time Ever to Sell a Home?

From the Pacific Union blog:
More Americans than ever think that now is the right time to sell a home, while California has officially mandated that all new homes built in the state will have solar-power features.  Take a look at the lates housing headlines in Pacific Union's weekly Real Estate Roundup.  https://bit.ly/2GAB0J0

6 Home Maintenance Chores We All Forget: How Many Did You Miss?

From Realtor.com:
If you're like most people, your home maintenance to-do list is so long, plenty of chores regularly fall off it and into the abyss, never to be remembered.  With so much house and so little time, that's understandable.  Hey, you're only human!  Read more at https://bit.ly/2jun6Pm

California Needs More New Homes Than Any Other U.S. State

From the Pacific Union blog:
Over the past decade and a half, more than 20 US states have not built enough homes to meet demand, leading to rising prices and decreased affordability, with California accounting for nearly half of the undersupply.  Read more about the demand and what we need to do to meet it:
https://bit.ly/2KiwP7G

Pacific Union Quarterly Report: Q1 2018 East Bay

From the Pacific Union blog:
The East Bay's housing market continued to maintain it's strong momentum in the first quarter.  While the number of sales in more affordable market segments lagged due to continually falling inventory, sales of homes priced above $1 million surged.  following Silicon Valley, the East Bay saw the second highest increase in sales of homes above $1 million. 
Read all the details at https://bit.ly/2F6uVTR

Most Americans Believe They Are Adept at Home Repairs — Particularly Millennials

From the pacific Union blog:
Millennials are more likely than other generations to describe themselves as handy around the house, although they actually have the least experience at do-it-yourself projects.  Millenials are also three times less likely to call a handyman than baby boomers, perhaps deterred by costs.  Read more https://bit.ly/2qGnuOT. For help with all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Bay Area, California Homebuyers Lead the Nation for Down-Payment Size

From the Pacific Union blog:
If you're planning to shop for a home in the Bay Area this spring, you would do well to have more than $200,000 in the bank for a down payment.  Buyers in the San Jose metropolitan area are currently shelling out the largest down payments in America, an average of 23.9 percent.  As the country's most expensive housing market, with a median list price of $1.2 million, San Jose homebuyers are placing down payments of $257,000.  Read more at https://bit.ly/2GAEcJF . For more information about this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

4427 Moraga Avenue, Oakland

New Listing!  4427 Moraga Avenue, Oakland.  Offered at $749,000.
This charming bungalow is close to city conveniences and features gorgeous living and dining room built-ins with original detailing, fireplace, gleaming oak floors, big country kitchen and breakfast nook. Also features a huge, non-conforming rumpus/office/family room space with separate entrance and a huge deck and yard.  Contact FRITZ for more information, to schedule a tour.

Bay Area Luxury Home Sales Doubled in February

From the Pacific Union blog:

Bay Area homebuyer demand remained strong in February despite concers over tax changes, rising mortgage rate and stock market volatility.  While overall activity remained flat year over year in February, sales of homes priced above $3 million doubled to about 126 for the eight-county Bay Area (excluding Solano County).  Read more at . . . http://bit.ly/2FOSQwn .  Call FRITZ for more information on this and all your real estate needs.

Outsourcing Home-Maintenance Tasks: How Much Should You Expect to Pay Each Year?

From the Pacific Union blog:
Homeowners who hire a housekeeping service can expect to fork over nearly $300 each month.  Find out how much it costs to outsource some other common home-maintenance jobs. Read more at:
http://bit.ly/2tcn5Y6

Pacific Union’s January 2018 Real Estate Update

From the Pacific Union blog:
The median sales price rose on an annual basis in January in almost every Bay Area region in which Pacific Union operates.  Get the latest market data you need to make an informed homebuying or selling decision in Pacific Union's January Real Estate Update.  Read about your area at http://bit.ly/2EKdUDI .

Say What? A Guide to Real Estate Lingo

While house hunting, you may hear words and phrases that you have not heard before.  Check out our guide to understanding some of the more vague or confusing real estate terms. We've collected a few commonly used words and phrases, along with their descriptions as they relate to the world of real estate.  For help with your real estate needs, call FRITZ for in-depth answers to all your questions.
 http://bit.ly/2Cn60Ks

Bay Area January Home Sales Slow, Not Because of Financial Volatility but Lack of Supply

From The Pacific Union blog:
Bay Area home sales and inventory dropped year over year in January, while prices rose by double-digit percentage points.  Get an in-depth analysis of the latest market conditions from Pacific Union Chief Economist Selma Hepp.  http://bit.ly/2obkNCL . For more info on the latest Bay Area housing market, call FRITZ.

U.S. Home Sales Hit Strongest Pace Since Previous Peak

From the Pacific Union blog:
America's housing market had its best year for sales in more than a decade in 2017, despite the tightest supply conditions on record.  According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors, there were 5.51 million existing single-family home, townhouse, condominium and co-op sales in 2017, an annual gain of 1.1 percent.  That's the highest level of activity since 2006, when there were 6.48 million U.S. home sales.  http://bit.ly/2DO7Ci1

Today’s Smart Home Gets Smarter (and Weirder) at Annual CES Show

From the Pacific Union blog:
There was a smart refrigerator and a television that rolls up like a yoga mat.  There was a $20,000 mattress with a mind of its own and wallpaper empedded with LED panels.  There was a hands-free suitcase that follows you through thr airport, a talking toilet and enough robots to organize themselves into an invading army (yikes!).  In other words, it was another typical Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas! Welcome to the complete techno life!  For help with making your new home or your former home tech savy and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

What to Do When an Earthquake Strikes? Drop, Cover, and Hold On

From the Pacific Union blog:
What should you do during those scary moments when a big earthquake strikes?  And what should you do when it's over?  Here is some smart advise from the Earthquake Country Alliance----
http://bit.ly/2DEvlBX