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Helpful Hints

Thanksgiving: Tips for Hosts and Guests in San Mateo!

Nov 23rd, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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Living in San Mateo County and the California Coastside area means that you have access to some of the most beautiful homes in California. With gentle sloping hills, quaint woodlands, and peaceful ocean views, owning a home in Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, or Montara is a dream come true. However, no matter where you live, the stress of the holidays can certainly make life a bit more hectic for everyone. Here are a few tips to ensure that you have a fun holiday weekend with your family and friends this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving: Tips for Hosts and Guests
Hosting the big Thanksgiving dinner is a huge responsibility. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with cooking, cleaning, decorating, and maintaining the guest list. (And let’s not even begin to think about the clean-up afterwards!) Here are some tips on how to make Thanksgiving in your San Mateo home a wonderful event for the whole family:

1.  Remember, people will take your food- So, plan for leftovers ahead of time. Have some extra Styrofoam containers, paper plates, aluminum foil, and plastic grocery bags available for guests so they can take a little morsel or two home at the end of the evening. This will prevent the loss of your favorite Tupperware, plates, or bowls from your own cabinets
2.  Prepare for clean-up- Be sure to keep some extra cleaning supplies nearby just in case an accident happens, and it is also a good idea to always keep some soapy dishwater in the sink for used cutlery and plates as guests finish eating.
3.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help-As the host or hostess, it’s easy to assume that it’ your responsibility to do everything. This isn’t true! Asking for help with cooking, decorating, or cleaning will be a fun, easy way to get things done efficiently.
4.  Don’t leave out the specialty foods-Make sure that there is a variety of things for all of your guests to eat. It’s usually good to have a few dishes that are vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, and/or low-carb.

As a guest, it is important to remember that you have many responsibilities as well when it comes to showing good manners.

1.  Be thankful for the invitation – after all, it is Thanksgiving! A thank-you note or small gift (such as candles or box of chocolates) is a great way to show appreciation to your host or hostess. Also, it is a good idea to offer to bring a dish, even if it is not a potluck dinner.
2.  Keep your host/hostess informed- If you have special food needs (such as vegetarian, low sodium, sugar free), you need to make sure your host or hostess is aware of the situation and can make necessary accommodations for you.
3.  Timing really is everything- Simple concept: if dinner starts at 7p.m., be there at 7p.m.! It is always a good idea to arrive on time or no later than half an hour after the scheduled time.
4.  Be available to help- Remember, your host/hostess has gone through a lot of work to accommodate you. It is of utmost importance that you do as much as you can to lend a helping hand when you have the opportunity.

The quickly approaching holiday is sure to bring your friends and family plenty of good times.  If you have any questions about living on the California Coastside area, or if you’d like to see some California homes in Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, and Montara, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

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How to Sell Your House When Your Neighbor’s Home is Distressed

Nov 15th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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Your neighbor’s overgrown lawn and boat trailer may have been mildly annoying, but now you are ready to sell your home and their unkept property now poses a real problem. How can you expect to sell your Coastal home when your neighbor’s house looks terrible? Here are a few actions you can take to make your neighborhood a little more presentable:

Start by communicating with them. You may uncover a problem that you can help to solve.  it may be that your neighbor is elderly or ill and unable to do things for themselves. Perhaps you could help out with lawn care or basic maintenance. You might even get other neighbors involved to lend a hand.

If you have an HOA, you can go to the president or governing committee. Most HOA’s have strict requirements for upkeep, and they take quick action to correct violations. Also contactl the city code enforcement. If your neighbors’ grass is knee high and they have a rusted out cars in the front yard, they are probably in code violation.

Use a fence or landscaping to hide unsightly side or back yards.

Some home sellers who are serious may offer to pay to haul off trash or try to work out another option to try to help the situation.

Another property de-valuer, especially in today’s economy, is the foreclosure. While you can’t personally do anything about a foreclosed home in your neighborhood, you should be prepared to take a hit on your home’s appraisal value. Be aware of the home values in your neighborhood and what other sellers are listing their homes for. You may need to consider discounting your home or offering incentives to counteract the foreclosure.

Foreclosure is so commonplace now that it probably won’t affect people coming to your neighborhood – in fact, it may draw potential buyers. You just have to be ready to compete with the ‘bargain’ a foreclosure may present to your potential buyers.

Your realtor may have dealt with this before, ask them for their advice if you find yourself in this situation!

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Why Buying a Home in San Mateo is Still a Great Investment

Nov 8th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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Are you on the fence about buying a home in San Mateo County? Don’t be hesitant because of the challenging economy, In times of economic uncertainty, the wisdom of buying property remains unchallenged. Ask the 73 million Americans who currently own homes why they made the decision to stop renting. They will describe the personal satisfaction as well as the numerous financial advantages of investing in real estate. That’s because the home you purchase is not just a great place to live, but also an outstanding investment!

 

Tax Benefits: For Home Owners Only
There are unique tax benefits that apply only to home ownership and which have made it a stand out for decades. Homeowners can deduct 100 percent of their mortgage interest payments and property taxes, as well as profits of up to $250,000 per individual, or $500,000 per couple on the sale of a principle residence which are excluded from tax as capital gains.

 

Building Personal Wealth
For most Americans, home ownership is a fundamental first step towards accumulating personal wealth, and is the largest contributing factor to a household’s net worth. In 2000, home equity accounted for 44 percent of the nation’s total net worth – far more than any other investments, including retirement accounts, stock and mutual fund shares, savings bonds, and other financial accounts.
Personal Satisfaction & The Pride Of Ownership 
Despite all it’s financial benefits a home cannot be completely valued in monetary terms. That’s because it is so much more than just an investment. Not only is home ownership a stepping stone to a future of financial security, it provides a permanent place to call home and enormous personal satisfaction. It strengthens the nation’s people, it’s communities and families. It is truly the cornerstone of the American way of life, and the foundation of the American Dream.
Still on the fence or have more questions? Contact us today to learn more about how real estate is still the best investment!
 
 
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