Home > Real Estate Tips

Looking to Improve Your Home’s Value?

January 7, 2020

Looking To Improve Your Home’s Value

Are your toying with the idea of selling or staying in your home?  Whatever you decide, increasing the value of your home is a win-win.  Some improvements you can make will add to the beauty of your home, while others will make it more efficient or more comfortable.  Whether you want to build equity in your home or sell it for top dollar, there are plenty of home improvement projects that are worth considering.

  • CLEAN AND DECLUTTER:  Deep cleaning and decluttering can add as much as $4000 to your resale value according to a 2019 survey from HomeLight.  Even if you are not moving, this exercise will help decrease stress in your life by providing more organization and simplifying your life.
  • MAKE YOUR HOME MORE EFFICIENT:  An inexpensive way to improve efficiency and save money is to install a smart thermostat.  If you are tech-savvy, you can even control your home’s temperature from your phone while you are away.
  • FRESH PAINT AND FLOORING:  An inexpensive way to update and freshen up your interior and exterior is with a coat of paint.  Everyone loves newer carpeting and fresh paint. Most home buyers are looking for a turnkey home so they can just unpack their boxes and settle in without the hassle of renovating.  And if you are staying in your home, these simple upgrades will make you love your home even more!
  • UPGRADE DOORS:  Replacing your front door will do wonders to the overall curb appeal of your home.  Replacing interior doors or just painting and replacing the hinges and doorknobs can add freshness to your home.  Since the front of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer will notice, a new garage door is a great idea.  Garage doors take up the most amount of space on the front of your home, so installing an interesting take of the usual garage door could bring in more buyers and please your neighbors, too.
  • ADDING USUABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE:  This makes a lot of financial sense since the value of your home is based on livable square feet.  Adding a bathroom, a great room or an additional bedroom can greatly increase both the function and value.   A “Granny Unit” is another valuable addition that can become a possible income source as well as add value.

Your next question may be “How will I finance these home improvements?” 

One of the financing options available to homeowners who want a fast cash, have less than stellar credit or difficulty proving income, is a Hard Money loan – also known as Private Money and Alternative Financing.

Sun Pacific Mortgage has been coming to the aid of this demographic for over 3 decades.  We have helped thousands of clients who would otherwise have been left without the means to make improvements or to invest in real estate.  If you are interested in pursuing a loan from us, please give us a call at 707-523-2099 or check us out on our website at www.Sunpacificmortgage.com. 

See entire article:  https://www.bankrate.com/loans/home-improvement/cheap-fixes-to-boost-the-value-of-your-home/?utm_source=Pushly

State of the Market – San Francisco & Peninsula

December 17, 2019

State Of The Market San Francisco Peninsula

December 2019

Average sale price for a Single Family Home in San Francisco in November 2019 was $1,995,413 vs 

October of 2019 – $1,928,523. Average selling PRICE per SQFT $1,033.28. Avg Days on Market 24.

Average for Single Family House being Sold in San Francisco in November
Listing Price $1,849,328
Listing Price Per Sq. Ft. $937.95.
Selling Price $1,995,413
Selling Price Per Sq. Ft. $1,033.28

Average sale price for the Condo/Coop/TIC/Loft in San Francisco in November 2019 was $1,330,776 vs October of 2019 – $1,446,538. Average selling PRICE per SQFT $1,085.09. Avg Days on Market 33.

Average sale price for 2-4 Units in San Francisco in November 2019 was $2,104,121 vs October of 2019 – $2,420,603. Average selling PRICE per SQFT $725. Avg Days on Market 45.

Average sale price for 5+ units in San Francisco in November 2019 was $5,306,500 vs October of 2019 – $4,284,333. Average selling PRICE per SQFT $507. Avg Days on Market 65.

Inventory of properties for sale in San Francisco as of December 13, 2019 = 685
Single-Family Homes = 154
Condo/Coop/TIC/Loft = 389
2-4 Units = 114
5+ units = 28

Average Single Family House being listed for sale in San Francisco today – Dec 13th 2019
Bedrooms 4
Baths 3.16
Square Feet 2947
Lot Size 0.07
Listing Price $4,045,895
Listing Price Per Sq. Ft. $1,084.75

All the properties Sold in November 2019 – 498.

There is currently LESS than 1,5 month worth of inventory, meaning if there was not another home listed, it would take just about one and half month for all the current homes on the market to sell.
Once we reach 6 months of inventory, the market will turn to a Buyer market.

Out of 197 Single Family Houses sold in San Francisco in November of 2019,
31 sold below asking price,
14 for asking price and
152 sold for over asking price.
4 for over $500,000,
1 for over $600,000,
1 for over $700,000,
1 for over $800,000,

Example of property sold over asking.
231 Waller St San Francisco CA 94123
6 – Hayes Valley
3 bed
2 batt
1920 built
2535 sqft
3207 sqft Lot Size
List price – $2,395,000
Sold Price – $3,210,000
Difference- $815,000

San Francisco Home
Pending as of today December 2019
San Francisco County 120 (all properties)
San Mateo County 297 (Single Family/Condo/Townhouses)
Santa Clara County 673 (Single Family/Condo/Townhouses)

December 2019 Peninsula/Silicon Valley Market Update
In Menlo Park, CA – AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET for Single Family Houses in November was 33 days vs 23 days one month prior with the average sale price $2,851,403.00 (in October was $2,679,510.00. Price Received was 3% MORE than an asking price.

In Foster City, CA – AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET for Single Family Houses in November was 13 days vs 19 days one month before with the average sale price $1,624,400.00 (in October was $1,742,000.00). Price Received was 4% MORE than an asking price.

In Belmont, CA – AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET for Single Family Houses in November was only 17 days with the average sale price $1,797,134.00 (in October was $1,989,213.000). Price Received was 1% MORE than asking price.

In San Carlos, CA – AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET for Single Family Houses in November was only 19 days with the average sale price $2,107,629.00 (in October was $2,040,402.00. Price Received was 1% MORE than asking price.

In San Mateo, CA – AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET for Single Family Houses in November was only 24 days with the average sale price $1,567,243.00 (in October was $1,662,157.00. Price Received was 4% MORE than asking price.

In Burlingame, CA – AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET for Single Family Houses in November was 19 days with the average sale price $2,401,875.00 (in October was $2,382,800.00). Price Received was THE SAME as asking price.

If you were thinking of selling your home in the near future, now is the time to do so to get the top dollar for your home before the market has a chance to turn.

Reminder: As you know that I am in real estate sales and my passion is to bring buyers/sellers together.
Who have you talked to in past couple days that might be thinking about buying/selling in San Francisco and/or in Silicon Valley or anywhere in the US/Canada (I am blessed to be a part of a huge network that I meet/talk-to on regular basis which is the backbone of my business that my clients benefit from).

Shared by,

Valeriy Krysov, REALTOR®
Real Estate Broker
CalBRE Lic #01847176
Ph: (415) 385-8949
RealtyFinancial.com

Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Like the Holidays

December 10, 2019

Simple Ways To Make Your House Smell Like The Holidays

Several behavioral studies have demonstrated that smells trigger more vivid emotional memories and are better at inducing that feeling of “being brought back in time” than images. Never is that more apparent than during the holiday season.   Winter holidays would not be the same without the warm, cozy scents of the season.  How can you incorporate this memory inducing phenomenon? Here are a few suggestions from the experts:

  1. Fresh greenery:  Wreaths, garlands and arrangements filled with winter foliage.  You can add to your sensory experience by adding sprigs of sage, rosemary or pine into your centerpieces at the table.
  2. Make pomander balls:  These are citrus fruits pierced by whole cloves, creating a great smelling decoration.  They are believed by some to bring strength and fortune…something we can use during the holidays!  To make these, use any firm citrus such as oranges. Carve a design into the skin of the fruit using a vegetable peeler.  Poke a row of holes into the fruit with a toothpick to make you design. Push the cloves into the holes and place the arrangement in a bowl to be used as a centerpiece.
  3. Light a scented candle:  This a simple way to bring home a sense of the holidays.  Choose a favorite scent and keep it consistent throughout the house…even the bathroom!  
  4. Simmer a pot:  A quick, easy way to fill your home with delightful seasonal scents is to simmer a pot with water (or use a slow cooker) and fill it with orange or apple peels, cranberries, nutmeg, cloves,  and/or a stick of cinnamon.
  5. Bake some treats:  There is nothing like the delicious smells of gingerbread, apple pie, or sugar cookies baking in the oven.
  6. Essential oils:  Add essential oils to a bowl of pinecones.  Unlike burning candles, essential oils are safe to use round the clock and provide a continuous mood-enhancing aroma. 

Have a memory-filled holiday season enhanced by the many scents of pine, cinnamon, cranberry, and gingerbread.  And enjoy with friends and family! 

Taking the Fear Out of Home Buying

December 3, 2019

Taking The Fear Out Of Home Buying

The present state of the real estate market is classified as a “Seller’s Market”.  That alone is enough to frighten any potential home buyer. Add to that a first-time buyer’s anxiety and you have every reason for “buyer’s paralysis”.  It doesn’t need to be that way, though. With a well thought out plan, a trusted realtor, and a savvy mortgage broker anyone, even a first-timer, can find their dream home without losing their mind.  

Here are five tips included in a recent Realtor.com’s article:

#1:. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search. 

Understanding your budget is critical to a satisfactory search.  The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a home that is out of your price range.

#2:  Know the Difference Between Your Must-Haves and Would-Like-To-Haves. 

Before you start your search, list and qualify all your “needs” and “wants” and “absolutely must haves”.  This list will help you stay focused on what is important as you view properties.

#3: Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You Want to Live.

Take a test drive of the neighborhood you are considering.  It is wise to do this during commute time and in the evenings to see how much time it takes to get to school and work.  Check out the amenities and the school district.

#4: Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It. 

Not every style home is a fit for every family.  Placement and number of bedrooms become critical in families with children.  

#5: Document Your Home Visits. 

It is a good idea to take pictures as you tour homes, because as you see many homes, the houses may begin to blur together.  Keeping notes on what you liked and didn’t like about each home can be helpful.

After you find the home of your dreams, and you are looking for a trusted mortgage lender, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099.  We are a Hard Money Lender and we have alternative finance programs for those who are looking for stronger purchase offers with all cash or fast closes. We also can help those who don’t quite qualify for a conventional loan.  We have helped thousands over the past 31 years, and we would be happy to help you too.

Furniture Arrangement Matters

November 25, 2019

Furniture Arrangement Matters

It is important to consider the use of the space when designing furniture placement in a home. Be it staging a house to sell quicker or catch a higher purchase price; How about setting up one’s home for better comfort and entertainment. 

Furniture makes the room, but the placement of the furniture matters just as much as the individual pieces.  Placement sets the mood of the room and signals the overall tone. To state the obvious, too many pieces of furniture in a room can cause the layout to feel cramped.  For instance, if when entering a room, you immediately walk into the back of a chair or sofa, the space will feel closed off and uninviting. Each piece of furniture should have its own space to breathe.

Pathways within a room should feel natural and provide the best flow within the room as well as between rooms.  Space between the sofa and coffee table, as well as the sofa and an accent table, should allow room to walk around. This placement will make the room feel much lighter.

Strategic placement of seating in the TV room is paramount for optimal viewing. With that in mind, place your couch parallel to the TV and angle the side chairs on each end with a table available for drinks and food.  

Balancing the weight in the room is an easy way to create visual flow.  Too many chunky pieces (e.g. sofas) need a more delicate coffee table to help the room from becoming too heavy.  Pops of color and similar shapes are other ways to tie together the look of a room.

In the bedroom it is best to focus on maximizing comfort and functionality.  For instance, it should be easy to get in and out of the bed, even in the middle of the night, without stubbing your toe on the dresser.  Additionally, there must be enough space to fully open dresser drawers.  

The dining room should have enough space to circulate around the table comfortable for food and plate delivery.  And there should be enough space to get in and out of chairs comfortably.

Measuring your space before purchasing a new piece of furniture is advisable in order to save yourself heartache and money.  Otherwise, that sofa you fell in love with, in the store may become a decision you regret for a long time!

 

Smart Home Gadgets to Increase Your Rental’s Appeal

November 13, 2019

Smart Home Gadgets To Increase Your Rental’s Appeal

If you are looking to upgrade your rental property without spending a fortune, here are some high-to-moderate tech improvements you can implement that can appeal to potential renters: 

  • Smart Door Locks-$200:  These allow the renter to remotely lock and unlock the doors with a mobile app allowing contractors to access the property without a key.  It also records who enters the property when. 
  • Smart Thermostats-$200:  The most important benefit of this improvement is the potential to save energy when no one is home.  They are also controllable by a smartphone. (example: Nest)
  • Smart Security System-$200:  These systems allow you to monitor what’s going on at home from anywhere.  You can also set up alerts to notify you if motion or sound is detected. (example:  Canary)
  • Smart Smoke & CO Detectors-$100:  False alarms can be silenced through your mobile app.  This feature is especially appreciated when you burn dinner, and your smoke alarm shrilly announces it to the entire neighborhood.  Low battery chirps can be controlled, too. 

 

These suggestions can also be implemented in your own home to simplify your life and add a sense of security.  

If you want more information on these gadgets see:   https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/2016-07-07-landlords-invest-smart-home-tech7-gadgets

What Are Buyers Looking for in Homes Today?

November 5, 2019

What Are Buyers Looking For In Homes Today 1

Sellers are always curious about what features will make their home stand out to possible buyers.  Based on a recent survey conducted by realtor.com, Millennials are more interested in a big backyard than air conditioning.  Other findings included:

  • Updated kitchens with new appliances are more important than updated bathrooms.  Most people surveyed ranked updated kitchens in their top three features.
  • Some results were skewed one way or the other dependent on the age of the buyer.  For instance, Millennials, who are just starting families, prefer a larger yard, while the Silent Generation (72 years and older) prefer an updated kitchen.
  • Boomers were more interested in the community around the property, while the Silent Generation wanted to be close to health facilities.
  • Millennials also placed top schools high on their wish list.
  • All groups ranked quality grocery stores near the top of their list.

Millennials had several definite “don’t care about” items on their list:

  • They don’t want “fussy” landscapes.  With family time at a premium, they are looking for easy to maintain outdoor space.
  • This group of buyers enjoy cooking and eating in their kitchen and consider the formal dining room an unnecessary room.
  • Millennials want wide-open spaces inside their home, no more mapped out floor plans. They are looking for multifunctional rooms.
  • Millennials are moving away from carpeting in favor of bare floors with statement rugs.  They consider this type of floor covering pet-friendly and childproof.
  • Since Millennials are more attached to their digital world, a media room with a large TV and even surround sound is more appealing to them than “game rooms”.  

Keeping these surveys in mind before you list may help move your property  faster than your competition.  

What Happened With San Francisco and the Peninsula Real Estate?

October 28, 2019

What Happened With San Francisco And The Peninsula Real Estate

According to one of the recent reports on the real estate market in San Francisco, the average sale price in September for a single-family home was $2,091,655, an increase of $251,312 over August.  The average days on the market was 28. The inventory of properties for sale in San Francisco as of October 5, 2019 was 1174. This number included 317 single-family, 666 condos, and the balance multi-unit properties.  

There was a total of 354 properties sold in September and an inventory of 3 months remaining. This figure represents a strong Seller’s market, which has been the reality for many months.  Of the 317 homes sold in September, 25 homes sold below asking price, 6 homes sold for asking price, and 91 homes sold for over asking price.

On the Peninsula, the average days on the market ranged from 14-33 days, with San Carlos at 14 days and Menlo Park at 33 days.  In every city the September sales price exceeded the asking sales price for 1%-5%. Foster City, Belmont and Burlingame sold for 1% over asking and San Carlos sold for 5% over asking.  

The market continues to look strong despite the daily “gloom-and-doom” messages we receive regarding the economy’s future.  The indicators of a resilient real estate market should encourage sellers and buyers to pursue their investments with the confidence since at least this segment of the economy seems to be holding steady.

If you are looking for financing for your real estate investments, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099 to discuss your situation.  For more than 3 decades we have given hope to many who could not quite qualify for conventional loans, providing alternative financing with our Hard Money loan programs. 

Landscaping 101: Blunders and Remedies

October 15, 2019

Landscaping 101 Blunders And Remedies

Landscaping can be an expensive item on one’s household budget.  Making mistakes can be costly and disappointing. Here is a list of some factors to consider that can assist getting a greater yield on your investment:

  • Improper Plant Placement:  Sunlight and exposure are extremely important to the health of any plant.  You need to be aware of how big the plant will get. Check the tag on your plant or ask advice from your neighborhood nursery. 
  • Trees:  One of the quickest ways to kill a tree is to plant it too far into the ground. This is the surest way to encourage root rot. The hole should be the size of the root ball.
  • Plant Like a Painting:  Place your containers where you want them, and then go inside and look through your window to see what they’ll look like before you plant.  It should look like a painting framed by your window.
  • Curb Appeal:  Instead of putting your energy and money into the backyard, which many homeowners do, improving the front of the house where first impressions are made could be a better use of your funds.  Three simple improvements go a long way: paint the front door, keep the grass trimmed, and plant colorful flowers.
  • Make a Plan:  Buying plants without a plan can be tempting, but very expensive.  Before setting out to the nursery, decide on a color palette that you would like.  Consider the color of your house and then choose one color that really frames it.  

 

Landscaping can be 30% more expensive than any other type of home improvement project.  There is always a lot of sticker shock at the nursery. We tend to think, “It’s just a couple of plants.”  When we are faced with the total bill for the wagon load of beauties we have chosen, we realize we just blew the entire budget!   Avoid unnecessary do-overs or “buyer’s remorse” by doing your research before you go to the garden center. 

Are Bay Area Real Estate Statistics Fluctuating?

October 1, 2019

Have you been wondering what happened in the real estate market last month?  Below find some interesting facts regarding average sales prices for single family homes that might either surprise you or confirm your suspicions:

  • San Francisco: $1,840,343.  Down $126,907 from July
  • Menlo Park:  $2,744,629.  Up $159,895 from July
  • Foster City: $1,900,846.  Down $29,862 from July
  • Belmont:  $1,755,391. Down $29,784 from July
  • San Carlos: $2,223,333. Up $18,162 from July
  • San Mateo:  $1,738,810. Up $14,421 from July
  • Burlingame: $2,691,071. Up $27,759 from July

In general, the number of homes for sales fell, for example in San Francisco 509 homes sold in July 2019 and 406 sold in August 2019.  Likewise, the current inventory of active homes for sale fell slightly from 722 in July to 719 in August.

On the other hand, several agencies believe homes sales will increase steadily over the next year. If you’re a homeowner who has considered selling your house, now may be the best time to put it on the market.  Below is a chart showing their predictions:

Are Bay Area Real Estate Statistics Fluctuating


Rest assured that there does not seem to be any big decline in real estate values soon according to these trusted prognosticators. 

Bottom Line:   Playing the waiting game may not be the best strategy if you are planning to sell or to buy in the near future.

If you need an alternative approach to mortgage financing, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099.  We have a toolbox full of creative financing for those who do not quite qualify for a conventional loan.

Posts navigation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 13