Do Home Sellers Want to Hear the Truth?

November 24, 2008 · Jean Joh · 9 Comments

On first impulse, most homeowners would say that, of course, they want their agents to tell them “the whole truth and nothing but” when it comes to the sale of their home. But do they really? There is a common mistake that home sellers make: choosing a real estate agent based on the price that the agent says they can get for the home. Don’t make this common mistake!

What is Staging?

November 24, 2008 · Francis G. Bautista · 7 Comments

Staging is when a home is furnished and decorated before it is put on the market for sale. A staged home that is well done will highlight each room, but not crowd it. The following are several questions that I will attempt to address, like: How much does it cost? How long will it be furnished for? Who pays for it? Will it yield the seller more money at the end of the sale?

Staging a home can cost any where from several hundred dollars to thousands depending on size of home, services provided and the specifics of each contract. The details of the services you expect from your stager must be outlined in the contract before you sign the dotted line. Staging companies will normally have a minimum time period (days/weeks) that a potential client should fully understand. The cost really depends on exactly how many rooms they (stager) are furnishing and for how long. The contract should stipulate several important items like exactly what time and date the furniture will be installed and removed, what would it cost if you wanted to extend or adjust the time period of your contract?, and who is responsible for the furniture while it sits in your home? It is also important to ask, when does the staging company expect to get paid? Read more

Has Daly City Seen the Bottom?

November 16, 2008 · Burt Tsuei · 7 Comments

No other city in San Mateo County has seen a greater depreciation in home value in the last year than Daly City. Back in September 2007, the average sales price of Daly City was $730,000, as compared to $565,000 in September 2008. This is a depreciation of almost 23%. The most common question is whether or not this is the bottom of the market. In this blog, I will share with you my expert opinion, as to why the bottom has come to Daly City, and this might be your last chance to get a great value. Read more

10 Reasons to buy a home in San Bruno

October 28, 2008 · Karin Cunningham · 3 Comments

I wrote something like this before but it’s been awhile! I am partial to San Bruno because I live here and my office is here as well, Prudential California Realty, San Bruno. My kids go to school within walking distance from our house, my office is only 8 blocks away, the corner store is 4 blocks away, and if we need to go San Francisco, it’s only 10 minutes away! So that would be the number one reason to buy a house in San Bruno because a home near San Francisco is desirable because a lot of people work there and don’t want a long commute, so…. Read more

Last Chance for SSF Home Owners…

October 27, 2008 · Nicole Machado · Comment here

Last chance for all you SSF home owners to get your sewer laterals replaced and have the City pick up half the tab. The City of South San Francisco introduced a program to aide home owners in replacing those pesky sewer laterals due to widespread overflow in the city sewars during heavy rains. SSF will pay 50% of the bill or a maximum of $2500.00 towards the replacement of your sewer lateral. Read more

That House Costs HOW Much?

October 13, 2008 · Jean Joh · Comment here

During my mall shifts at Serramonte & Tanforan Shopping Centers, I often interact with people who are just stopping by out of curiosity as to how much home prices are. The ones who own homes in this area are usually a little concerned about the value of their own homes. The ones who are renting in the area are curious to know if the prices are “at bottom” yet and if they should finally start thinking about buying a home. But it’s interesting to note the response of those who are visiting from out of town or even from another country. Their response goes something like this, “That house costs HOW much?”

Election 2008

October 9, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · 2 Comments

Election 2008

Election Day 2008 is just around the corner. Nationally this is a very important election. Locally it is also. Many Bay Area school districts have measures or the ballot for a Parcel Tax. A Parcel Tax is a flat fee for each real estate parcel in the district. Seniors could opt out not to pay. These Parcel taxes generally run $75.00 -$175.00 a year and are usually for a period of time of 5-10 years. Heck it is less than a tank of gas, less than a nice dinner for two, less than my wife spends at the beauty parlor, etc. The problem is these must be passed by 2/3 of the people. Approximately 45% of our property tax presently goes towards schools. As property values fall so does the school’s funding. Read more

San Bruno Coats for Kids Program…Share the Warmth!

October 7, 2008 · Jean Joh · Comment here

Parents often tell their children that one of the best ways to remain grateful is to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Here’s one way to practice that and “share the warmth” with others in our community. The San Bruno Garbage Company and the City of San Bruno are having a Coats for Kids Drive throughout October. Prudential San Bruno is participating in this drive again this year and is one of the drop-off locations for clean, gently used coats through FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31st. Although this is a Coats for Kids program, all sizes will be accepted. So look through your closets and don’t miss this opportunity to help someone stay warm this winter!