Homebuyers Equally Rely on the Internet and Real Estate Professionals

From the Compass California Real Estate Blog:
More than nine in ten homebuyers employed the Internet at some point in their search process and near equal amount counted on the expertise of a skilled real estate professional to seal the deal.
For professional real estate assistance, call FRITZ.  https://bit.ly/2Rx1XXB

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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.

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

Real Estate Roundup: Peace of Mind Is the Biggest Benefit of Smart-Home Technologies

From the Pacific Union blog:
Smart Home Gifts Help Americans Tune into the Latest Technologies!
Homeowners frequently adopt smart-home devices after receiving them as gifts and an overwhelming majority say that it enhances their sense of well-being.  Contact FRITZ for more on all your real estate needs.