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