Should I rent or buy?
Should I rent or buy is a question that just about everyone asks themselves at one time or another. At what point does it make more sense to own a home than to rent one? Much of the decision comes down to personal choice…..Do I want to be in charge of my own home or have someone else be responsible for repairs and maintenance?
For me, the choice was a relatively simple one because I have always hated the idea of a landlord telling me what I could and couldn’t do in my home, so I always knew I would try to do whatever I could to purchase my own home.
In the end it often comes strictly down to the money. Sometimes, it simply doesn’t make sense to purchase a home, particularly if it means that you will be struggling to make the payments each month, let alone pay for property insurance and taxes. When my son and his wife were trying to decide whether to continue renting or buy a home, they went to this website and found it to be very helpful: http://www.decisionaide.com/MPCalculators/Menus/MP_Calculators.asp. When you get there scroll down the page and you will find a link for Renting vs. Buying. Read more
Brisbane – Missing the Boat…
Many home buyers and Realtors are missing the boat when it comes to a nearby town that offers great weather, lots of amenities and darned good real estate prices. I’m talking about the little community of Brisbane. It is located 10 minutes (or less, if you drive like me!) from the airport and is only 10 minutes to downtown San Francisco. Yet, hardly anyone even knows of it’s existence.
Brisbane is a hidden gem here on the Peninsula. It is located on the side of San Bruno Mountain between San Francisco and South San Francisco. There are only 3,597 residents, which makes it one of the smallest communities in the area. It is very unlike your typical suburb in that it has a hodgepodge of all types of architecture, from shacks to mansions, with very few ranch style homes. Many of the homes have great views of the Bay and downtown San Francisco.
The people of the community are almost as diverse as the architecture. Living in the town are world renowned film makers, rocket scientists, artists and musicians…all living happily amongst all of us regular folks. Brisbane is known as the “City of the Stars” because for over 65 years the residents have put up stars on their homes during the holiday season and even have a “Festival of Stars” each year. Read more
Prudential Ca. Realty Gives Locally
Prudential California Realty is more than just Real Estate Company. We in the San Bruno office are a group of very giving and caring local people with lots of knowledge and experience in Real Estate. A portion of each transaction is donated to Shelter Network in San Mateo, each year we adopt a family from San Bruno, South San Francisco or Millbrae for Christmas, one of our agents feeds the homeless monthly, another agent is continuously baking cookies to raise money for Cancer, others walk miles for their causes and we all graciously chip in. It is an honor to work with people who care.
As the premiere real estate company in the area, Prudential Ca. Realty San Bruno realizes the importance of schools. Prudential California Realty recently awarded grants to local teachers from Brisbane, South San Francisco and Daly City. With school fiancés drastically cut this year these grants were greatly appreciated. The grants are awarded to teachers whom made an exceptional contribution to their students last year.
My wife is a teacher and I know that most teachers contribute to their students. Unfortunately we can’t reward all of them. I will say all teachers are appreciated.
This year the following teachers were awarded grants:
Brisbane Lynn Howe Brisbane Elem.
Daly City Jane Chang Junipera Serra
SSF Feleciana Stevenson El Camino High
Ray Galela El Camino High
Meg Milana SSF High
Joslyn Negherbon Westborough Mid.
Cheri Howard Westborough Mid.
Congratulations to the winners and Thank You to all teachers.
When thinking about Real Estate contact the Local company that gives back locally.
Click or copy and paste the link to read more. http://www.prurealty.com/ssc/company_information/press_releases/Ed%20Foundation%20Release%20-%20San%20Mateo%20County%20-%202010.pdf
San Mateo County Storm Watch
I received this information from a friend and thought I would share. Although it pertains to information in regards to South San Francisco, there are some great tips on how to be prepared in case of emergency.
This is a hazardous winter weather alert. Beginning Sunday and continuing through the rest of the week…a series of strong storms are expected to roll across the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Regions. The first storm is forecast to bring substantial rain across the Bay Area Sunday into Monday. Additional storms are then expected for much of next week. During the next seven days 10 to 20 inches of rain are expected to fall in the coastal mountains and 8 to 15 inches in the inland valleys and foothills. Due to many days of rainfall local flooding could occur. In addition, the storms beginning Tuesday or Wednesday are likely to also produce strong gale force winds that could cause property damage and power outages. Depending upon the intensity and duration of the rainfall coupled with a high tide localized flooding could occur in the low lying areas of SSF (San Mateo Ave. Airport, etc.).
This is the strongest storm of its type that has hit SSF for several years IF the forecasters are correct in their assessments! Read more
Brisbane’s Festival of the Stars!
Photo courtesy of Lee Panza
On Sunday, December 6th @ 5:30 p.m. there will be a wonderful event happening in the adorable little town of Brisbane, CA. It is called “Festival of the Stars”, and is called that because Brisbane is famous for the lit up stars that most citizens have on their homes. Although many people start lighting them at the very beginning of December, this evening is the official night when everyone turns them on. It is quite a sight and can be seen all the way from Highway 101. The stars, both large and small, are provided free to anyone who lives in town…all they need to do is add the lights. Read more
Where in the World is Brisbane?
Known as the “City of the Stars”, Brisbane is one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets. It is a small, close knit community with a population of just under 4,000 people. It offers not only the tranquility of country living, but also offers lots of sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the year. And, best of all, you can be in the heart of downtown San Francisco within 10 minutes and it’s only about 8 minutes to the airport. There is a free shuttle to Bart as well as a Park & Ride lot for those who want to take the bus or train.
To my mind, Brisbane offers the best of urban living in a country setting. Nestled on the side of San Bruno Mountain, it is surrounded by trees. There are many hiking trails and even hidden staircases throughout the town leading through the canyons up to the mountain. It is a walking town where most daily activities can be accomplished on foot. Read more
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