Which Home-Remodeling Project Do Owners Most Regret Doing Themselves?

From the Compass California Real Estate Blog:
Taking a do-it-yourself approach to home improvements can save owners a significant amount of money and give them a sense of accomplishment, but those who do not have much remodeling experience should likely expect at least one misfire along the way.  In fact, 63 percent of homeowners surveyed by ImproveNet regret doing at least one of the average eight renovation jobs that they have undertaken.   Find out which projects went wrong . . .  https://bit.ly/2RNm6bY

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.