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Now is the Time to Buy in the San Mateo Coastal Area!

Nov 1st, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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If you’re considering buying a home in the San Mateo Coastal area; now is the time!  The San Mateo Real Estate market is seeing steady sales activity along with new inventory on the rise.  Coastal area buyers can benefit greatly from the choices of beautiful homes that are on the market!  Homes prices are still at an all time low across the nation as well as the San Mateo Coast along with historic lows on interest and mortgage rates.  If you’ve been debating on whether or not to buy; these are just a few of the many reasons why now is a great time to start your home search on the San Mateo Coast!

Whenever you’re buying a home, there are some things to keep in mind.  Below is a to do list will help you in finding your ideal home amongst those that are available along the San Mateo Coastal cities of Moss Beach, Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Montara and Pacifica. 

1.  Do research the neighborhood- Look at the house, but also look at the neighborhood. Location is the most important thing, so it’s critical to look at more than the home itself. Be sure to make a list of the things you’re looking for in a San Mateo Coastal neighborhood in order to find an environment that fits your style.

2. Do look at several houses before you buy- If you buy a home without comparing it to other listings in the San Mateo area, you’re likely to overpay or miss out on a great nearby home. Walk through at least three homes before you choose. If you still love the first one you saw, make an offer!

3. Do invest in a professional inspection- Sellers don’t always disclose everything that’s wrong with their home to potential buyers, or they might have done a band-aid job to cover up issues after the sale. Many potential problems, like plumbing and wiring trouble, are not visible at a glance.  Home inspectors know what to look for and can do a thorough job so you’re sure to know exactly the type of home you’re buying- which can save you from unwanted surprises down the road.

4. Do buy based on needs, not wants- The average Americas lives in the same home for about 9 years, so it’s crucial that you think about your long-term needs when buying a home. A smaller home with a gourmet kitchen may grab your attention today, but will you still be enamored down the road when your family starts to grow? Make a list of your needs and stick to it to avoid buyer’s remorse in the long run.

We know buying a home can seem like an overwhelming experience, but keeping these tips in mind can help you narrow down your search and stay focused.  Many sellers are hoping to sell their homes before the holiday season hits, making now an even more lucrative time to buy!  San Mateo Coastal sellers may be more willing to work with you on the price and closing date if they know you’re serious about buying their home.  If you have any questions about the current San Mateo Coastal Real Estate market or are ready to start looking at homes on the San Mateo Coast, please let us know!  We’d be happy to help you find your new home!

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What To Look For in a Home Inspector in Moss Beach

Jul 12th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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 Typically the largest investment you will ever make in your life is buying a home in Moss Beach. Having a quality home inspection can help to make this decision less stressful. It will also ensure you that the quality of your dream home in Moss Beach is acceptable.

So how do you go about selecting a home inspector?    One good way to start is one of the two nationally recognized professional associations for home inspectors; the American Society of Home Inspectors or The National Association of Home Inspectors.   In order to be listed with either of these organizations one has to go through a certification process. Both of these have a search engine to help you find “state certified home inspectors.”  Once you have a few names it doesn’t hurt to check with the Better Business Bureau.  Make a list of inspectors that have been recommended.  Avoiding anyone who has a negative report can help you avoid any potential problems with your inspection. 

A few things questions to ask when talking to your potential home inspector:

  • What is the inspector’s experience? How many years have they been in the business and how many inspections do they do a year? 
  •  Exclusively inspections? Beware of contractors who do house inspections “on the side”–they may be looking for work and this isn’t necessarily what you want.
  •  What type of report? Will it be written or oral or both? Will the report contain suggestions for remedying deficiencies?   Preference should always be to get it in writing.
  • How long will it take? Depending on the size of the house an inspection should take between 2 and 4 hours.
  • What will be included in the inspection?
  • What certifications do they have? Are they ASHI or NAHI certified?

If you are concerned about the condition of your San Mateo dream home, be sure to let your real estate agent be aware of this, they may be able to put your fears to rest.

/kh

5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Home Improvement Scams in Montara

May 17th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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Unfortunately there are a lot of scam artists out there. It is very important to be aware of that and know how to protect yourself. Before letting someone in your San Mateo County home or even letting them take on any chore outside of your home, be aware of some of the top techniques fake remodelers and handyman use to either get inside or take your hard earned cash.

Below are five ways to protect yourself from home improvement scams:

1. Don’t fall for high pressure ‘now or never’ deals. Sometimes contractors will knock at your door with a special ‘one time only’ deal. If you don’t sign up right there and then, they warn, you will lose the opportunity to get a great deal. Reputable remodelers may offer specials, but they also recognize that you may need some time to think it through, talk it over with your spouse, or check out their references. Ask to see a price list, a website, and a list of verifiable past customers before you agree to allow any work to be done.

 2. Watch out for unsolicited offers for exterior repairs in Montara. When a repairman knocks and tells you he ‘just happened to notice’ several items on the exterior of the house that need repair, don’t fall for it. Even if he has been working in the area, many repairmen spend all their time scouting for any signs of wear and tear and turn it into an opportunity. Be especially wary, if he ‘just happens’ to have all the materials with him that are need for your job. Chances are the materials actually belong to someone else – maybe even one of your neighbors who paid more for repairs than was needed.

3. Don’t pay for the job up front. If your contractor-to-be needs to be paid in full before he starts, then you should take that as a sign that you will never see him again. Never pay for a job before the work is finished. Legitimate remodelers typically require a down payment of a third or less to get a job started (which is reasonable) and pay for materials. The balance of money in your agreement (and for significant jobs get the agreement in writing) will be paid after different milestones have been completed, with the final payment coming when all work has been completed to your satisfaction.

4. Don’t do business with out of towners. Beware of contractors who drive unmarked vehicles or trucks with out of state licenses. They may be part of a band of scammers who are making their way through your area. This is especially common after a storm or other widespread event that makes homeowners vulnerable to quick repair scams. Make sure that the remodelers or repairmen you choose are established in your area and have both trade and customer references.

5.  Always check references. Don’t just ask for references – take the time to actually follow up on them and call. Granted, contractors aren’t going to list anyone who has negative reviews, but if they have 5 or more solid references you should feel good about them. Ask for bank or trade references also, and check with the Better Business Bureau and local license board to make sure their business practices and credentials are sound.

When selecting a home improvement contractor or remodeler, use your good judgement.  Take time to do your homework, get referrals from friends, check references.  Beware of unsolicited offers, high pressure sales, and upfront payments.

/kh

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