Fewer active buyers and motivated sellers can create opportunities before spring competition returns. Buying a home means committing to a long-term mortgage, often in a market where prices are well above norms A smoother, less stressful process As a husband-and-wife team with over 20 years of experience selling January is often one of the best times to buy in San Mateo , with less buyer competition, motivated sellers Well-priced homes still move quickly, but buyers often have more negotiating room than in past peak cycles

“Many buyers see them as a nice add-on,” Caras says, noting that homeowners looking to sell often remodel Some gas fireplaces work with a sealed direct vent unit, which can go through the wall and not above If there are fireplaces in new builds, Cowgill says they’ll most likely be gas or propane sealed direct-vent

Wellness as the New Luxury More than ever, people are looking for homes that support wellbeing. For sellers, smart integration creates distinction. Whether you’re beginning your search, upgrading your current space, or preparing to sell a property with

improving inventory, and more predictable mortgage rates creating a healthier environment for buyers and sellers For well-prepared buyers, 2026 presents a more balanced entry point than the hyper-competitive markets buyers and sellers alike. Inventory has improved from historic lows, offering buyers more visibility and choice, yet supply remains well If you’re thinking about buying or selling in San Mateo in 2026, a thoughtful, data-backed strategy matters

While Holland generally prefers brick-and-mortar stores, she tells me Lulu And Georgia is one of the Dawson’s projects are accessibly priced, she reveals that end designers also hit up the discounters as well Tumbleweed and Dandelion has a brick-and-mortar location on Abbot Kinney in Venice, California but also sells Holland tells me this store is always at the top of her list for creating homes with a coastal, cottage

500 rising nearly 25% —despite political brinkmanship over the debt ceiling and a banking crisis that felled of blue-chip services that cater to the moneyed: concierge health care; education consulting, spa, wellness That requires multiple and layered perspectives as well as strategies.” “Decisions must be made about the most favorable time to sell, and what shape a house is in, among other Determinations need to be made about how to manage that property as well as the taxes—choices that can

However, Mitchell Parker, Houzz home design expert, tells me that designers on Houzz are visually breaking also expect that the accent material, tile or otherwise, will be used in other parts of the kitchen as well Photographer: Mike Healey Photography PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOUZZ Some colors may increase your home’s selling Mud-Laundry Rooms Few spaces combine as well as a laundry room and a mudroom — especially when family

You can sell your property outright and use the proceeds to cover independent living community expenses

Rates then moved up even more Monday after a monthly manufacturing report came in high as well. Rates then fell sharply, as investors saw more and more evidence that the Federal Reserve would end its As mortgage rates fell over the past two months, buyers seemed to be returning to the market. Mortgage applications to purchase a home had been rising steadily, but fell back in the last few weeks

For a 15-year fixed mortgage, rates fell to 5.41%, down from 5.50% last week.

Experiment With Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Jessica Teich, Good Housekeeping Institute deputy editor and self-proclaimed While it may look permanent, this striking stained glass panel is simply leaning against the window sill Design influencer Bridgette Muller thinks it's well worth hiring a professional.

Home prices tend to be lower, buyer competition is reduced, and sellers are often more motivated to negotiate Sellers are typically more motivated. Homes listed in January are often from sellers who are serious about moving, leading to greater flexibility Sellers Are Often More Willing to Negotiate Homes listed in January are often owned by sellers who are Whether due to job changes, life events, or timing needs, these sellers tend to be more flexible.