As Independence Day nears, it's time to ready the barbeque and find out where Fourth of July fireworks and other star-spangled celebrations are going on near San Mateo and throughout Peninsula and South Bay communities. Do note the date of events, as not all occur on July 4th. Plus, always confirm with organizers that activities are proceeding as planned. Enjoy the holiday, and Happy Fourth of July, from Patch! APTOS: JULY 4: July 4th 'World's Shortest Parade' & Party In Park . Short & sweet! Don't miss the fun. ----------- BELMONT: JULY 2: July 2nd Summer Concert - Fred McCarty & Co., Pure Country: Twin Pines Park . Free & family-friendly with lawn seating. ----------- BOULDER CREEK: JULY 4: 4th Of July Parade & Block Party . "A mountain town tradition!" ----------- CUPERTINO: JULY 4: July 4th Pancake Breakfast, Concert & Fireworks . Concert headliner is Arena Band, with '70s tunes. ----------- FELTON: JULY 4: Roaring Camp Railroads 4th Of July Fun & BBQ . Both Redwood Forest Steam Train & Santa Cruz Beach Train running. ----------- FOSTER CITY: JULY 4: July 4th Fest, Parade, Music & Fireworks . All-day extravaganza begins with a pancake breakfast! ----------- GILROY: JULY 1-4: Gilroy Gardens July 4th Celebration Days . With festive food, drinks & family fun, plus free entry for military. JULY 4: 4th of July Fireworks Show . Viewing from nearby neighborhoods & Christmas Hill Park. ----------- HALF MOON BAY: JULY 4: Ol' Fashioned July 4th Pancake Breakfast, Parade & Block Party . Charming Main Street transforms into festive red, white & blue downtown celebration. ----------- LOS ALTOS HILLS: JULY 4: Annual 4th Of July Parade . Ends with "refreshing beverage & a juicy watermelon treat!" ----------- LOS GATOS: JULY 4: 4th Of July Symphony In Park, Carousel & Kids' Fun . Afternoon includes Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, inflatables, food trucks, beer & wine garden & more! ----------- MENLO PARK: JULY 4: 4th Of July Celebration & Parade . Deck out your bikes, trikes & wagons & join the parade! ----------- MILLBRAE: JULY 4: July 4th Beats, Brews & Vines . Free downtown event with live music, dancing & food. ----------- MILPITAS: JUNE 30: Independence Day Pool Party & Movie . Festive kick-off to the holiday weekend. JULY 4: July 4th 'Red, White & BOOM!' Concert & Fireworks . With kids' zone, food trucks, bounce house & Sacred Fire Band. ----------- MORGAN HILL: JULY 3: July 3rd Patriotic Sing & Family Music Fest: Freedom Fest . Multiple stages & lots of fun! JULY 4: Freedom Fest July 4th Run, Car Cruise, Parade & Fireworks . 2023 Theme: 'A Star Spangled Celebration!' ----------- MOUNTAIN VIEW: JULY 4: July 4th Picnics & On-The-Water Fireworks Viewing: Shoreline Lake . Reserve fireworks-viewing watercrafts soon, if interested. JULY 4: 4th Of July Fireworks & SF Symphony: Shoreline Amphitheatre . A festive spectacular! ----------- PACIFICA: JULY 4: 4th Of July Celebration: Frontierland Park . With live music, games, face painting & more. ----------- PALO ALTO: JULY 4: 4th Of July Summer Festival & Chili Cook-Off: Mitchell Park . Includes live music, food trucks & kid activities. ----------- REDWOOD CITY: JULY 3-4: Chalk Full of Fun - Chalk Festival . In Courthouse Square. JULY 4: Firefighter Pancake Breakfast . Proceeds benefit Redwood City Firefighters Association. JULY 4: July 4th Parade, Fest & Fireworks . With fireworks display visible throughout mid-Peninsula. ----------- SAN FRANCISCO: JULY 1: Fourth of July Bar Crawl . DJ & games, too. JULY 3: SF Giants vs. Seattle Mariners Baseball Game & Fireworks Night . Tickets on sale for Oracle Park game. JULY 4: 4th Of July Pub Crawl & Hot Dog-Eating Contest . "The perfect pre-party before San Francisco Fourth of July Fireworks." JULY 4: Golden Gate Park Band July 4th Concert, Bandshell . Event is free! JULY 4: 4th Of July Fireworks: Fisherman's Wharf . Display launches from two barges on the bay. ----------- SAN JOSE: JULY 3: SJ Giants vs. Modesto Nuts Baseball Game & Fireworks . Tickets on sale. JULY 4: July 4th Rose, White & Blue Parade & Festival: The Alameda . With food trucks, art, car cruise & community. JULY 4: July 4th Fireworks: Discovery Meadow Park . "A night of dazzling entertainment." JULY 4: July 4th Fireworks Festival: Almaden Lake Park . With food court, concerts, costume contest & more. ----------- SAN MATEO: JUNE 30-JULY 2: 4th Of July Weekend FoodieLand Night Market . Get your holiday weekend started! JULY 4: 4th Of July In The Park - Concert & Kids' Fun . Free event at Central Park. ----------- SANTA CLARA: JULY 4: 4th Of July All City Picnic, Concerts & Swim . Kids' zone planned for ages 3-12. JULY 4: July 4th Celebration, BBQ & Fireworks: California's Great America . Waterpark will be open, too. ----------- SANTA CRUZ: JULY 4: July 4th Firecracker 10K, 5K & Kids' 1K Runs . Finale at Harvey West Park with music, post-race burritos & awards. JULY 4: July 4th Old-Fashioned Independence Day: Wilder Ranch State Park . Day features parade, lawn games, blacksmith demos, live music, hand-cranked ice cream, 'The Star-Spangled Banner' sing-along & more! ----------- SARATOGA: JULY 4: July 4th McCartysville Band Patriotic Concert & Park Fest . "Be part of the celebrations by dressing up as a historic character. " ----------- SCOTTS VALLEY: JULY 4: July 4th Parade & Flyover (No Fireworks.) Event time is earlier this year due to fireworks cancellation. ----------- WATSONVILLE: JULY 4: 'Spirit Of Watsonville' 4th Of July Parade: Downtown . This year's theme: "Stars, Stripes & Strawberries." ----------- WOODSIDE: JULY 3-4: July 4th Mounted Patrol Junior Rodeo & BBQ . Family-friendly event, in its 71st year, hosted by The Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County. ----------- Source: patch.com

If you’re thinking about buying a home , you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, to pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate . An article from Bankrate explains : “Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for .” This means your credit score may feel even more important to your homebuying plans right now since mortgage rates are a key factor in affordability , especially today. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York , the median credit score in the U.S. for those taking out a mortgage is 765 . But, that doesn’t mean your credit score has to be perfect. An article from Business Insider explains generally how your FICO score range can make an impact: “. . . you don’t need a perfect credit score to buy a house. . . . Aiming to get your credit score in the ‘Good’ range (670 to 739) would be a great start towards qualifying for a mortgage . But if you’re wanting to qualify for the lowest rates, try to get your score within the ‘Very Good’ range (740 to 799).” Working with a trusted lender’s the best way to get more information on how your credit score could factor into your home loan and the mortgage rate you’re able to get. As FICO says : “While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single “cutoff score” used by all lenders and there are many additional factors that lenders may use to determine your actual interest rates.” If you’re looking for ways to improve your score, Experian highlights some things you may want to focus on: Your Payment History: Late payments can have a negative impact by dropping your score. Focus on making payments on time and paying any existing late charges quickly. Your Debt Amount (relative to your credit limits): When it comes to your available credit amount, the less you’re using, the better. Focus on keeping this number as low as possible. Credit Applications: If you’re looking to buy, don’t apply for other credit. When you apply for new credit, it could result in a hard inquiry on your credit that drops your score. When you’re ready to start the homebuying process, a lender will be able to assess which range your score falls in and tell you more about the specifics for each loan type. Bottom Line With affordability challenges today, prioritizing ways you can have a positive impact on your credit score could help you get a better mortgage rate. If you want to learn more, connect with a trusted lender. ----- Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

Source: forbes.com If you’ve always daydreamed about saying, “I’ll just be upstairs,” adding a second story will cost anywhere from $65,000 to $600,000 to build. The wide price range accounts for projects costing between $100 and $300 per square foot. Partial second-floor additions will cost up to $250,000 whereas full second stories account for the highest numbers. In the end, a second story is a popular type of home addition, but calculating how much it costs comes down to size, design styles and the current structural strength of your home. How Much Does It Cost to Add a Second Story to a Home? Always begin by investigating whether a second story is right for your house. Not all structures can withstand the weight of a second story without additional support. You will need to hire a structural engineer to inspect your foundation. Permits, the local cost of materials and site preparation also all add to your price tag. On average, labor, materials and related costs come out to the following price ranges. SECOND STORY ADDITION COST CALCULATOR Average Cost - $200,000 Highest Cost - $600,000 Lowest Cost - $65,000 Cost of Adding a Second Story by Type In order to add a new story to your home, you’ll need to remove the roof above it. While you may be able to keep part of the roof intact and add to the top of the new story, your team may need to replace the roof from scratch. Overall, the more roof that needs to go, the higher the price to add a second story. Full Addition Adding a full second-story addition costs between $100,000 and $600,000 depending on the size of your home. Removing the entirety of the roof is complex and you will likely need to fortify or repair your foundation to handle the extra weight. Partial Addition Partial second stories only sit on one portion of the house, leaving space for existing chimneys, vents and roofing. You’ll pay between $100,000 and $250,000 on average, though the price heavily depends on size and which rooms are going upstairs. Room Addition The average cost to add one room on the second story of your home is $65,000. While you will still need to add steps and alter the roof, the majority of your home’s structure remains the same. Yet again, the type of room and design choices you choose can sway this cost. Cost of Adding a Second Story by Square Footage Home additions cost an average of $100 to $300 per square foot when you add a second story. As we noted above, the costs depend on the size of the space and which features are already included in the build. On average, the cost to add a second story ranges from $100 to $300 per square foot. If your one-story house is 1,500 square feet and you’re looking to double that, you’ll pay between $150,000 and $450,000 for a full addition. Partial additions—such as an extra bedroom and ensuite bathroom—could range around 500 square feet, costing $50,000 to $150,000 on average. Factors That Determine the Cost of Adding a Second Story to a House All homes are unique, especially when you begin adding customized additions. Consider these factors to determine your home’s second-story price tag. Location Where you live has several hands in determining your home addition budget. Prices can vary due to: The cost of local permits Labor and material costs in your area The local climate and how it affects HVAC and insulation requirements The style of local homes The increase of local property taxes by adding more square footage Labor You’ll need a dedicated team of contractors to make your second-story build a success. A general contractor—the pro that often oversees the design, budgeting and hiring for the project—typically charges between 10% and 20% of the total project cost. Additional labor costs for adding a second story are similar to the price of building a house. Labor will account for between 30% and 60% of the price, covering plumbers, electricians, carpenters, HVAC specialists and all the specialized pros for your project. Materials The other half to two-thirds of the costs go toward materials. Some of the most important materials and their average costs—not including labor—for a second story include: Lumber: $33,000 Rough-In Plumbing : $5,700 Insulation : $4.10 per square foot Roofing : $7 per square foot Siding : $5.50 per square foot Flooring : $6 per square foot Electrical wiring: $0.70 per square foot Building Up vs. Building Out There is a lot of debate about whether it is cheaper to build up or build out. If your foundation is solid enough to bear the weight of a second floor, building up will cost less in most cases. Not having to pay for new foundation installation, ground leveling and utility adjustments will often cost less than changing the structure of your existing home. However, this highly depends on your design. In some cases, tearing off the roof and building up requires more costly changes than building on open land. Permits There is no question that you will need building permits to add a second story to your home. Budget an extra $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the extent of the build and your local laws. Site Preparation and Demolition Demolition will account for the first major phase of adding a second story to your home. The roof, attic and ceiling need to come off, adding to the hourly total of work by your crew. In some cases, the team will use a crane to disconnect the roof, or part of the roof, in one piece for later. Additional Factors That Determine the Cost of Adding a Second Story to a House Expanding beyond the basic second-story price breakdown, let’s take a look at the more dynamic cost factors. Project Size and Scope As we mentioned above, full versus partial second-story additions alter the price significantly. At an average of $200 per square foot, often the larger the second story, the higher the price. The scope, however, can expand depending on the rooms you place on the second floor and features on the roof such as a chimney, vents or dormer windows. For example, the cost to add a bathroom to your home averages $90,000 depending on its size and existing plumbing hookups. Kitchen installation and remodels cost an average of $150 per square foot, which accounts for water-resistant finishes, countertops and appliances. Finishes Used The finishes chosen for your project provide some of the most flexibility. Prices will be higher if you install hardwood floors over DIYable engineered wood planks. Finishes also widely vary in kitchens and bathrooms based on the type of tile, vanities and countertop materials chosen. Foundation Quality Reinforcing the foundation to handle the addition’s weight adds an average of $5,000 to the total cost. Installing a new support beam costs an average of $3,000, though fluctuates depending on its material and how much weight it holds. Temporary Housing You’ll rarely be able to live in your home as the team adds a second story. It’s important to account for the average of two to six months of temporary housing. Prices vastly depend on where you live and the size of the rental you need, but be sure to include moving costs for basic amenities. DIY Second Story Addition vs. Hiring a Pro The construction stages of building a second story are not DIYable, practically or often legally. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a hands-on approach to the process. Work with your architect and general contractor to match your vision with your budget. You can also step in when it comes time to paint the new exterior of your house, hook up basic appliances or install click-and-lock flooring. How to Save Money on Adding a Second Story Taking on as many DIY tasks as safely possible will cut out the 50% fee for installation. Though as we mentioned above, this is only appropriate for tasks that do not require a permit. Additional ways to cut costs on a second story include: Working with standard floor plans and designs provided by your architect or general contractor Considering the cost of a floor plan designer to choose the best plan for your budget Speaking with at least three general contractors for estimates before choosing Scheduling your build far in advance to prepare and wait for deals on materials Opting for budget-friendly finishes, fixtures and roofing options Handling the cleanup and junk hauling by yourself To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed nine cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. ----- Source: forbes.com

Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com During the fourth quarter of last year, many housing experts predicted home prices were going to crash this year. Here are a few of those forecasts: Jeremy Siegel , Russell E. Palmer Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School of Business : “I expect housing prices fall 10% to 15%, and the housing prices are accelerating on the downside.” Mark Zandi , Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics : “Buckle in. Assuming rates remain near their current 6.5% and the economy skirts recession, then national house prices will fall almost 10% peak-to-trough. Most of those declines will happen sooner rather than later. And house prices will fall 20% if there is a typical recession.” Goldman Sachs : “Housing is already cooling in the U.S., according to July data that was reported last week. As interest rates climb steadily higher, Goldman Sachs Research’s G-10 home price model suggests home prices will decline by around 5% to 10% from the peak in the U.S. . . . Economists at Goldman Sachs Research say there are risks that housing markets could decline more than their model suggests.” The Bad News: It Rattled Consumer Confidence These forecasts put doubt in the minds of many consumers about the strength of the residential real estate market. Evidence of this can be seen in the December Consumer Confidence Survey from Fannie Mae . It showed a larger percentage of Americans believed home prices would fall over the next 12 months than in any other December in the history of the survey ( see graph below ). That caused people to hesitate about their homebuying or selling plans as we entered the new year. The Good News: Home Prices Never Crashed However, home prices didn’t come crashing down and seem to be already rebounding from the minimal depreciation experienced over the last several months. In a report just released, Goldman Sachs explained : “The global housing market seems to be stabilizing faster than expected despite months of rising mortgage rates, according to Goldman Sachs Research. House prices are defying expectations and are rising in major economies such as the U.S. ,. . . ” Those claims from Goldman Sachs were verified by the release last week of two indexes on home prices: Case-Shiller and the FHFA . Here are the numbers each reported: Home values seem to have turned the corner and are headed back up. Bottom Line The housing market is much stronger than many think. To get a true evaluation of your local market, reach out to a trusted real estate professional. ----- Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com If you’re trying to decide if now’s the time to sell your house , here’s what you should know. The limited number of homes available right now gives you a big advantage . That’s because there are more buyers out there than there are homes for sale. And, with so few homes on the market, buyers will have fewer options, so you set yourself up to get the most eyes possible on your house. Here’s what industry experts are saying about why selling now has its benefits: Lawrence Yun , Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Inventory levels are still at historic lows. Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties .” Selma Hepp , Chief Economist at CoreLogic : “We have not seen the traditional uptick in new listings from existing homeowners, so undersupply of housing will continue to heighten market competition and put pressure on prices in most regions . Some markets are already heating up considerably, but price premiums that we saw last spring and summer are unlikely.” Clare Trapasso , Executive News Editor at Realtor.com : “Well-priced, move-in ready homes with curb appeal in desirable areas are still receiving multiple offers and selling for over the asking price in many parts of the country . . .” Jeff Tucker , Senior Economist at Zillow : “. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer .” Bottom Line If you’re thinking about selling your house, connect with a real estate advisor who can share the expert insights you need to make the best possible move today. ----- Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

Source: realestate.usnews.com When a real estate agent lists a home, staging is a big part of the prep work before the property is ready to be presented to the world. Some degree of staging has become commonplace, especially in the more competitive markets around the country. Typically, a Realtor will work with the furniture and decor already in the home, adding, removing or rearranging various pieces to showcase the space best. But if the seller has already moved out or the seller’s taste proves challenging to the sale, the listing agent may advise the seller to rent or buy curated furniture and decor for staging purposes. Since this can be costly, virtual staging can be used instead, wherein three-dimensional furniture and home accessories are digitally added to the listing photos . Why Would You Virtually Stage a Property? In recent years, with the proliferation of design-themed TV and an explosion of new development in diverse markets across the country, many buyers have lost the ability to imagine their own furnishings in an empty space or to see past a homeowner’s bad taste. Our eyes have been trained for years by staged and neutrally decorated homes that look eerily similar to one another, no matter the city or price point. In order to appeal to a wide audience and also compete with newly built homes , the resale market has followed suit, and many properties come to market as stripped-down versions of what they were, eliminating extreme colors, the seller’s personality, dated home decor, and indications of wear and tear whenever possible. Although sellers and their agents may go to great lengths to do all this, sometimes there isn’t enough time or budget to furnish an empty space or redecorate an ugly one. In these cases, virtual staging is a viable option to grab the attention of internet surfers and motivate potential buyers to click instead of scrolling to the next listing. “Virtual staging is a cost-effective method for staging a property and has become increasingly popular in markets where homes are selling quickly,” says Georgina Jacobson, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Newport Beach, California. She notes that one of the main benefits of using virtual staging versus actual staging is the quick turnaround, since actual furniture doesn’t need to be moved in or out. Furthermore, virtual staging allows for the creative and imaginative implementation of furnishings that can make a property seem simultaneously luxurious, aspirational and inviting in a way that might not be doable in real life. How Does Virtual Staging Help Sell an Empty Property? In the case of a vacant property, after the photos of the empty rooms have been taken, some services can digitally place three-dimensional furniture and decor into the property pictures. The marketing photos with digital furnishings help potential buyers to envision what the space might look like with attractive and aspirational decor, staged like model homes have been for years, as opposed to being presented empty and thus potentially reading as lifeless. The added furniture also adds perspective to the photo, giving the viewer’s eye a place to land and better understand the scale of a room. The vast majority of real estate searches start online, and when buyers are scrolling through listings, they may look at the lead photo for mere seconds before deciding if they want to click. An empty room doesn’t get clicks like furnished (or digitally furnished) homes do. “It really does make a difference when people are scrolling,” says Felicia Captain, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Wellesley, Massachusetts. “They are more inclined to continue viewing the photos of virtually staged rooms rather than empty spaces, especially in new construction homes,” she notes. Although many buyers are great at visualizing the potential of a space, many just aren’t, and they need some help to see potential instead of seeing an empty space. “I find it is super helpful for buyers to visualize the potential of a room and understand how they can use the room to suit their specific needs,” Captain says. “It provides an aesthetic for the space that perhaps they can relate to or see themselves living in.” Jacobson adds, “Virtually staged listings help buyers to get a better feel for an otherwise empty space prior to seeing it in person. It is difficult for a buyer to have an understanding of the room if there is no furniture in it. Virtual staging also can serve as a source of inspiration for how they could furnish the property themselves.” How Does Virtual Staging Help Sell an Ugly Property? Virtual staging can also mask dated or ugly design choices that might otherwise make a potential buyer swipe left. “Listing a property with dated or unattractive furniture and decor can be a major turnoff for buyers, as it does not give them a good first impression of the property,” Jacobson says. In these cases, virtual staging can showcase what could be, instead of the less appealing reality of what is . “Virtual staging is a useful tool when a current owner’s aesthetic might be a hindrance to attracting showing appointments, especially since photos are the first thing buyers assess before setting up a showing,” says Jodi D. Levy, a real estate agent and co-owner of Grand Lux Realty in Chappaqua, New York. As technology has improved, ugly colors on walls or cabinets, dated furniture and even clutter can be digitally erased and replaced with a more contemporary or upscale look. A new home represents a new chapter in someone’s life, perhaps fulfilling a dream, and it can be difficult for buyers to visually remove someone else’s belongings and fantasize about their own. Virtually staging a dated property with neutral but elegant furnishings can help shape the aspirational fantasy in a buyer’s mind. What Are the Pitfalls to Avoid in Virtual Staging? Just as real estate agents should strive for marketing materials to be high quality, so too should virtual staging – low-quality marketing of any kind can imply a low-quality home. If three-dimensional furnishings in a marketing photo look too pixelated or obviously fake, this can be a turnoff to prospective buyers. Conversely, if the virtual staging is too good, buyers might feel misled upon seeing the property in real life. “It’s important to be transparent and disclose when using virtual staging,” Levy says. As helpful as virtual staging can be for prospective buyers to visualize the potential for an empty or badly decorated space, many agents will alternate the photos in the marketing, with the un-doctored photos right behind the clearly labeled “virtually staged” photos. “For some prospective buyers, seeing a space without furniture is extremely helpful, but others need the visual assistance,” Levy says. Given that virtual staging has become somewhat commonplace, many buyers are accustomed to seeing it used. “As long as virtual staging is properly disclosed, I don't believe it is misleading to prospective buyers,” Jacobson says. “We never want buyers to be unpleasantly surprised when they see a property in person.” And when there might be an infinite number of design options to pluck from a digital library, the choices should be carefully considered. “The style and design of the virtual staging should align with the property,” Captain says. “I try to use a style that fits the architectural design of the property while adding contemporary and transitional features for today's living preferences.” While the doctored photos might be helpful to buyers when scrolling through online listings, they can also be useful in the actual home, especially in empty rooms. Propping up an easel in the property with a blown-up copy of the virtually staged photo is a great way to showcase what could be. Captain notes that “having large photo canvases of the virtually staged rooms is helpful, so the prospective buyer sees the virtual staging in a larger format while standing in the space.” As our culture becomes increasingly visually oriented regarding how we process products marketed to us, first impressions can make or break a sale , especially in competitive real estate markets. Property photos are usually the first thing that prospective buyers come across, and these photos have to grab the attention of web surfers before they scroll to the next listing. When photos of empty or ugly rooms fail to engage the viewer, virtual staging is a valuable marketing asset. ---- Source: realestate.usnews.com

Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com Downsizing has long been a popular option when homeowners reach retirement age. But there are plenty of other life changes that could make downsizing worthwhile. Homeowners who have experienced a change in their lives or no longer feel like their house fits their needs may benefit from downsizing too. U.S. News explains : “Downsizing is somewhat common among older people and retirees who no longer have children living at home. But these days, younger people are also looking to downsize to save money on housing . . .” And when inflation has made most things significantly more expensive, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. So, if you’re thinking about ways to budget differently, it could be worthwhile to take your home into consideration. When you think about cutting down on your spending, odds are you think of frequent purchases, like groceries and other goods. But when you downsize your house, you often end up downsizing the bills that come with it, like your mortgage payment, energy costs, and maintenance requirements. Realtor.com shares : “A smaller home typically means lower bills and less upkeep. Then there’s the potential windfall that comes from selling your larger home and buying something smaller.” That windfall is thanks to your home equity . If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’ve developed a considerable amount of equity. Your home equity is an asset you can use to help you buy a home that better suits your needs today. And when you’re ready to make a move, your team of real estate experts will be your guides through every step of the process. That includes setting the right price for your house when you sell, finding the best location and size for your next home, and understanding what you can afford at today’s mortgage rate. What This Means for You If you’re thinking about downsizing, ask yourself these questions: Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then? Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit? What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing? Once you know the answers to these questions, meet with a real estate advisor to get an answer to this one: What are my options in the market right now? A local housing market professional can walk you through how much equity you have in your house and how it positions you to win when you downsize. Bottom Line If you’re looking to save money, downsizing your home could be a great help toward your goal. Talk with a real estate agent about your goals in the housing market this year. ----- Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

Source: realestate.usnews.com When it comes time to sell your home, it can be difficult to set your emotions aside and accurately assess your property’s value . Home is a sacred space where lives are built and memories are created - and it’s also likely your biggest monetary asset. When feelings and finances mix, it’s hard to put a price on something. However, in order to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price, it's important to learn some tough lessons when it comes to your home's true market value. Here's what you should do to get a firm understanding of your home's market value: Do your research. Manage your expectations. Price for today's market. Take constructive criticism. Do Your Research The first step in this process is to do your research. Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, taking into account factors such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and any unique features that may impact the value of your property. Hiring a professional appraiser or real estate agent to provide a more accurate assessment of your home's value is often a good idea. Manage Your Expectations Once you have a clear idea of your home's market value, it's time to have an honest discussion with yourself and your real estate agent about your expectations for the sale. Are you willing to price your home competitively in order to attract buyers quickly? Are you open to negotiating on price or making concessions such as covering closing costs or repairs? Be honest with yourself about what you're willing to do in order to sell your home, and be prepared to make compromises in order to achieve your goal. Price for Today’s Market It's also important to understand that the housing market is constantly changing, and what your home was worth a year ago may not be the same as its current market value. In 2021, when COVID-19 caused an exodus from urban centers and mortgage interest rates dropped to the range of 2% to 3%, home prices shot up in response to overwhelming demand and access to cheap loans. Today, as the Fed continues to fight inflation, mortgage rates are in the 6% range and that means higher monthly payments for buyers. However, prices aren’t coming down enough to offset these challenges in many areas of the country, and homes are sitting on the market longer. Sellers need to accept the fact that their home likely won’t fetch the same price their neighbors commanded in 2021, because the market conditions simply aren’t there to support it. To make deals happen, be willing to adjust your expectations and pricing strategy based on current market conditions. Take Constructive Criticism Finally, be prepared for feedback from potential buyers and real estate agents. It can be difficult to hear criticism of your home, but feedback can be a valuable tool in helping you make necessary improvements or adjustments in order to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. Don’t be offended if you're asked to declutter, add a fresh coat of paint or spruce up your landscaping. These are all small expenses that could yield bigger returns in the end. Selling your home can be an emotional and stressful process, but taking a step back to assess your home's true value and your expectations for the sale can help you make informed decisions. By doing your research, remaining flexible, and heeding professional advice, you can navigate the home selling process and come out with a successful sale. ---- Source: realestate.usnews.com

Source: patch.com Finding the perfect place to live and raise a family in California can be difficult, with so many factors to consider like work, schools, outdoor activities, nightlife, and yes, the ever-fluctuating real estate market. Neighborhood ranking site Niche released its 2023 list of the best counties to live in across the Golden State. Factors include public schools, housing, crime, the county’s diversity, available jobs, and commuting. Users on Niche’s website can also write their own reviews of a place they have lived. Those factors created the rankings below. The Bay Area dominates the list in the“Best Places to Live” category, taking into account nightlife, diversity and being "good for families," according to Niche.com, while only two Southern California Counties made the grade in the top 10. Though many residents own their own homes in the counties listed below, housing affordability does not rise above the grade of a C- in any of the ten counties in the Golden State. Here are the Niche rankings of the 10 best California counties to call home , and the score they got in certain factors. You can click on the link for each county to learn more about the Niche ranking: 10. Sacramento County According to Niche, Sacramento County has many parks, is not terribly congested and good for commuters. The predominant population tends to be liberal, and the bars, restaurants, coffee shops and schools are all highly rated . Overall Grade: A- Public Schools: A Nightlife: A Good for families: A Diversity: A+ Housing: D+ Jobs: C+ 9. San Diego County San Diego County is ideal for families and young professionals, with highly rated schools. According to Niche, many residents lean liberal, own their own homes, and there is much to do for outings, day or night. Overall Grade: A- Public Schools: A- Nightlife: A Good for families: A- Diversity: A Housing: D- Jobs: C+ 8. Placer County Residents of Placer County enjoy owning their own homes and have access to many restaurants, coffee shops and parks. Many conservative families and young professionals make homes here and the schools are highly rated. Overall Grade: A- Public Schools: A Nightlife: A- Good for families: A Diversity: B+ Housing: C- Jobs: B+ 7. Santa Cruz County Right on the central coast, Santa Cruz County is among the best for families. With high-rated public schools , a widely diverse population, and many coffee shops, restaurants, bars and parks it is a favorite for young, liberal professionals, according to Niche.com. Overall Grade: A- Public Schools: A Nightlife: A Good for families: A- Diversity: A Housing: D Jobs: C+ 6. Contra Costa County Over 1.1 million people call Contra Costa County home , according to Niche.com. Many residents own their own homes and have access to excellent dining options and outdoor activities. The population tends to be both liberal and diverse, with high-rated schools. Overall Grade: A Public Schools: A Nightlife: A Good for families: A Diversity: A+ Housing: D+ Jobs: B- 5. Orange County Orange County is home to 3.1 million residents, and sits in the middle of the best counties to live in, according to Niche. It offers a multitude of outdoor activities and even more places to dine out. There are moderate political opinions across the county with a diverse population, and the schools are highly ranked. Overall Grade: A Public Schools: A+ Nightlife: A+ Good for families: A+ Diversity: A Housing: D+ Jobs: C+ 4: Marin County Marin County is among the more sparsely populated California counties, where many residents own their own homes. It is ideal for retirees, according to Niche.com, and residents tend to be liberal. For families, the schools are highly rated and there are a plethora of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and parks. Overall Grade: A Public Schools: A+ Nightlife: A Good for families: A+ Diversity: B+ Housing: C- Jobs: B 3: San Mateo County San Mateo County is home to over 750,000 residents, many young professionals and families . Residents tend to be more liberay, according to Niche.com. The area is highly rated for public schools, nightlife, dining out and enjoying the outdoors. Overall Grade: A+ Public Schools: A Nightlife: A Good for families: A+ Diversity: A Housing: C- Jobs: B+ 2: Santa Clara County Just under 2 million people live in Santa Clara County, where the population is diverse and tends to be liberal, according to Niche.com. There are quite a few bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks here. Many young professionals call this county home , and the public schools are among the best in the Golden State. Overall Grade: A+ Public Schools: A+ Nightlife: A Good for families: A+ Diversity: A Housing: C- Jobs: B+ 1: Alameda County Alameda County is densely populated with just over 1.6 million residents calling this county home. With great nightlife and excellent parks, restaurants and coffee shops there is much to do here, according to Niche.com. The residents tend to lean liberal, and the population is among the most diverse in the state. Overall Grade: A+ Public Schools: A+ Nightlife: A+ Good for families: A+ Diversity: A+ Housing: C- Jobs: B What do you love most about the county you call home? Let us know in the comments. ----- Source: patch.com