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Check my resource guide for seniors and their families. As a designated Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), I am here to help you and your families navigate the next step in your adventure. Click on the link below:
accessory dwelling unit • active seniors • ADU • care facility • cross country • declutter • downsize • family home • moving company • planned activities • relocate • retire • retirement community • senior facility • SRES •
March 16, 2021
Seniors Need A Plan!
2021 • affordability • CARES Act • Coronavirus • COVID 19 • employed • employment • eviction • experienced • housing • Market • momentum • moratoria • predictions • refresher • seasonal • trends • true value • unemployed • vaccines •
January 25, 2021
2021 Housing Forecast
Housing Forecast for 2021
At the end of 2019, forecasters were predicting a stellar 2020 for the housing market. Then came the global pandemic, which created chaos and uncertainty and derailed a booming economy into a recession. The economic recovery has been v-shaped so far, but this isn’t the end. And as the economy unfolds, it has produced clear winners and losers among the different sectors.
One of the big winners has been the housing market, which saw home sales and prices hit decade-plus highs following decade lows in the span of just a few months. Expect housing’s winning streak to continue in 2021 as seasonal trends normalize and some of the frenzied momentum fades thanks to affordability challenges, like mortgage rates increasing.
Other wild cards are in play as the gap between the employed and unemployed grows. Combine this with the expiration of the CARES Act and eviction moratoria. Along with the housing market, the economy could take another hit, especially if a flood of for-sale homes suddenly shows up.
You need a local agent who has the experience and knowledge to sell a home in any market but especially during this still unpredictable environment. If you’re contemplating selling your home, call me at 408.580.6219 or email at connie@conniefoley.com to get the real value. It could be more than you think. In the meantime, see what the forecasters at realtor.com are saying for 2021.
Springtime Refresher
As the seasons change, the needs of our homes change with them. To help us maintain our homes’ value and the long-term functionality of key features such as HVAC and gutters, we have prepared a simple maintenance list for you. You can schedule time in your calendar throughout the first few months of the year or hire a professional.
– Schedule your HVAC inspection to ensure its efficiency and lifespan.
– Clean out your gutters for spring showers to flow without buildup.
– Improve curb appeal with some spring plantings and trim any broken branches.
Update Your Office
As many people across the country have begun working from home, here are some fun side projects you may want to tackle. They may help you enjoy your space more and make it more your own.
– Pick a new fresh paint color for your office space.
– Select new curtains or blinds for your viewing pleasure.
– Declutter your bookcases, shelves, or tables with stylish organizers.
19 • assessments • ballot • children • disabilities • eligible • grandchildren • homeowners • measure • natural disaster • primary • rentals • wildfires •
November 17, 2020
What should you know about Prop. 19?
Proposition 19 has Passed… What you should know
• Effective April 1, 2021, allows homeowners 55 or older, those with severe disabilities, and victims of wildfires and natural disasters to transfer their tax assessments anywhere within the state of California to a primary residence of equal value with no property tax increase, or a more expensive primary residence with an upward adjustment within two years of the sale of the original primary residence.
• Increases the number of times that these eligible homeowners can transfer their tax assessments from one to up to three times.
• Effective February 16, 2021, requires that inherited homes that are not used as principal residences, such as second homes or rentals, be reassessed at market value when transferred to children or grandchildren.
• Allocates additional revenue or net savings resulting from the ballot measure to wildfire agencies and counties.
Proposition19 builds off of Proposition 13, passed in 1978, which limits property taxes to 1% of a home’s value, based on the year the house was purchased. Proposition 13 also restricts the amount that taxable value can go up every year to 2%, even if a home’s market value increases much more.
Currently, as soon as residents move to a new home after living in their old home for a long time, their property tax increases by a lot — this is the issue that Proposition 19 seeks to address. Proposition 19 allows homeowners who are 55 or older to transfer the taxable value of their old house to a new home of equal value or a more expensive home, thereby avoiding the big jump in property taxes they would otherwise face. This is designed to encourage seniors to enter the real estate market.
Proposition 19 also changes tax reassessments on inherited properties. Currently, under Propositions 58 and 193, primary residential homes are not reassessed when transferred to heirs, so any property that is benefitting from the low tax rates created by Proposition 13 would continue to benefit if a parent passes the property to a child or grandchild. Rental properties or vacation homes can also currently be transferred from parent to a child or grandchild with the first $1 million tax basis exempt from re-assessment when transferred.
However, Proposition 19 makes it no longer possible for inherited homes to maintain the same low property tax rate enjoyed prior to the inheritance if the heir does not move into it as a primary residence. Children who inherit their parents’ home, but only intend to keep it as a second home or rent it out, would see a big increase in property taxes under Proposition 19. Further, when the inherited property is used as the recipient’s principal residence, but has a market value of $1 million more than the property’s taxable value, an upward adjustment in assessed value would occur.
homes for sale • moving to San Jose • relocating • San Jose real estate • Willow Glen •
October 1, 2020
Charming Single Family Home in Willow Glen
Updated and Move-in ready! 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a Willow Glen tree-lined street.
WELCOME TO 1465 MAXINE AVE
For more information, please contact me! I’m here to help.
appeal • attractive • boost • brighten • enhance • face-lift • front door • impressions • low-cost • replace •
November 21, 2019
Getting Your Home Ready for Sale?
Low-Cost Upgrades Can Boost Your Home’s Appeal
If you’re considering putting your home on the market and think that only costly improvements will make a big difference, think again. While major renovations can certainly boost the value of your home and entice buyers, there’s no need to break the bank. There are lots of low-cost improvements that can increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Here are a few easy upgrades that will give you plenty of bang for your buck.
Enhance Curb Appeal. After scrolling through home photos online, potential buyers often drive by a home, deciding in just seconds whether it’s worth seeing the inside. So, first impressions definitely matter, and you don’t have to spend a lot to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Make the exterior more enticing by: pressure-washing the house, driveway, front walk and patios, cleaning gutters, trimming trees and shrubs, weeding and freshening mulch, and planting seasonal flowers.
Minor Kitchen Face-lift. Kitchens are often the focal point of a home and many real estate experts agree that even minor kitchen changes can help boost your home’s value. Fortunately, you can breathe new life into your kitchen without spending a fortune by painting cabinets, swapping out cabinet and drawer handles, buying new appliances and upgrading counters.
Brighten Up. Lighting can enhance color and increase functionality throughout your home. Well-lit rooms are welcoming, so make sure all rooms in your home, including hallways, have plenty of lighting. This will help make your home bright and cheerful with nothing to hide.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint. Painting a home’s interior doesn’t cost much and can make a huge difference by instantly changing its look and feel. Choosing more neutral colors like beige, gray or light blue make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there, and they can always opt for bolder colors later.
Paint or Replace Front Door. Your front door should be inviting to visitors. If the door looks old and tired, consider replacing it, or at least painting it a bolder color. And don’t overlook the doorknob. A worn-out doorknob will be one of the first things a potential buyer notices when they step into your house, so make sure it’s attractive and works properly.
If you are considering listing your property soon, contact me today. As a Coldwell Banker agent, I can provide guidance and advice as you prepare to sell your home.
Spring Organizing Checklist – Now’s The Time!
Great article from HOUZZ with lots of tips for organizing. I know I’m guilty of keeping too many linens and definitely too many partially used toiletries that I didn’t like. Why do I keep those??? We also have a hard time not filling up every flat surface with our stuff, rather than corralling them in a container. Do as I say, not as I do! 🙂
60 • 90 • amended • assessor • base • code • eligibility • intercounty • intracounty • proposition • revenue • taxation • transfer •
February 25, 2019
How to Keep Your Current Property Tax Base When You Move
How Prop 60/90 Works
Propositions 60/90 amended section 2 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution to allow a person who is over age 55 to sell his or her principal place of residence and transfer its base year value to a replacement dwelling of equal or lesser value that is purchased or newly constructed within two years of the sale. These propositions are implemented by Revenue and Taxation Code section 69.5.
Proposition 60 allows for the transfers of a base year value within the same county (intracounty). Proposition 90 allows for the transfers of a base year value from one county to another county in California (intercounty) if the county has authorized such a transfer by an ordinance.
As of November 7, 2018, the following ten counties in California have an ordinance enabling the intercounty base year value transfer:
Alameda
Los Angeles
Orange
Riverside
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Tuolumne
Ventura
Since the counties indicated above are subject to change, we recommend contacting the county assessor’s office to which you wish to move to verify eligibility
Uncategorized •
January 17, 2019
6 Reasons to Buy a Home in Winter
Buying a home in winter could be the perfect time. You have less buyers in the market to compete with, sellers are usually trying to get their home off the market so more willing to lower price, and inventory is lower, which makes sellers more motivated to negotiate.
Home Prices are Lower
Seasonal home prices are lowest in winter, particularly in January and February, meaning home-buyer affordability is at its highest. You also have fewer buyers in the market, making supply exceed demand. This usually results in prices being lower than during the warm or peak seasons.
Quicker Transactions
During the winter months there are fewer real estate transactions than there are in spring and summer. The fewer number of transactions means mortgage lenders have fewer loans to process, title and escrow companies have less closings to process, and home inspectors have fewer inspections. All of these are motivating factors that can lead to quicker transactions and closings for everyone involved.
Home Sellers are Motivated
A home on the market during winter months usually means there’s a motived seller. Having to move because of a job change or life change could make the seller more motived due to a “must sell” situation. Real estate agents also know that impulse can equate to sellers who are more willing to negotiate, whether it is on selling price, closing costs, closing date, or even terms of the sale, like what household items are to be included in the sale.
Less Competition
In most markets, winter usually means a lower inventory with less houses on the market. It also means there will be fewer buyers to compete with during the winter months.
If there are fewer buyers in the market, the seller may be willing to negotiate a better price. And with fewer buyers competing for homes, the chances of multiple offers on a single property decrease. All this means that buyers have the upper hand over sellers in the negotiations. The laws of supply and demand are always at work in real estate sales.
Real Estate Agents Can Focus on You
During the slower winter month, your real estate agent has more time to give you their undivided attention – they will be working harder for you. These low-activity months for sales encourages agents to try just that little bit harder to negotiate a sale. With extra time on their hands, they are better able to help you find the right home, negotiate the best deal, and close the transaction quickly.
You Get to Assess a Home’s Condition in Wintertime
Winter can be the toughest season for a home. The cold, moisture, and wind will test the home’s ability to insulate and protect its residents. When you view the home, you’ll get to assess first-hand whether the insulation is no good, for example. Significant problems are more likely to appear as well, such as if it’s drafty, if the HVAC system works well, and so on.
Buying a home in winter affords you the opportunity to discover things that otherwise might not be noticeable in warmer weather. Such information can be extremely useful in your decision making and your negotiations about the final price of the home.
All of these reasons factor into why winter can be a more opportune time for home buyers than sellers. As a buyer, you can benefit favorably, in ways you’re less likely to experience during peak selling seasons.
-article courtesy of FAHW
For more information about buying and selling, visit my website at www.conniefoley.com
For more information about buying and selling, visit my website at www.conniefoley.com
convenient • guests • holiday • luggage • overnight • toiletries •
November 8, 2018
Be Ready for Guests during the Holidays
Having overnight guests for the holidays? Even if you’re up to your eyeballs in family, work, and holiday chores, with a bit of thought and planning you’ll be ready for holiday guests and they’ll feel right at home! Here are some tips for making your guests feel welcome and comfortable.
1. Clean and Declutter
Declutter your home as much as possible, paying extra attention to guest bedroom, kitchen, and bathrooms. Include these on your checklist:
- Clean your fridge.
- Add arrangements of fresh flowers or greenery in your guest room and living areas. Even if you’re not interested in holiday decorating, these help make your home feel more inviting and festive.
2. Create a Comfy Bed
Designate a place for your guests to sleep. Whether it’s a guest room, kid’s room, office, or even a pull-out couch or air mattress in the living room, be sure to check off these to-dos:
-
- Make the bed as comfortable and inviting as possible, regardless of the type of bed your guests will use.
- Invest in a topper to add softness if guests are sleeping in an older bed, or air bed.
- Check that guest sheets are in good shape and freshly laundered.
- Provide extra pillows and blankets they can easily access.
- Invest in window coverings if your guest’s room doesn’t have them.
3. Find a Place for Clothes
Clear or make space in guest room closet or in a nearby closet so guests can hang up clothes. Add these to list:
- Include extra hangers for your guests’ clothes.
- Clear out a few drawers if possible for holiday guests staying longer than a night or two.
- Make a space for their luggage. A luggage rack would be ideal, but a sturdy chair, ottoman, or desk will also work.
4. Add a Nightstand
It may not seem necessary, but having a bedside table for guests is so convenient. Any type of table will do and be sure it’s near an outlet. I have even used a charming side chair as a nightstand. Add these nice touches to the nightstand:
- A reading lamp
- Bottle (or two) of water
- Box of tissues
- Outlet available for charging electronics.
- Warm slipper socks for cold floors.
5. Ready a Bathroom
Making your guests’ bathroom as convenient and welcoming is as important as the guest room. Here are things you can do to show how much you care:
- Provide a stack of clean towels for your guests.
- Have shampoo, conditioner, and a fresh bar of soap available in the shower/bath. Travel sizes are perfect.
- Store extra toilet paper in a convenient place.
Place a small basket in the cabinet or on the counter with travel-size toiletries such as lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, hairspray, and so on.- Add extra toothbrushes in the cabinet, too.
- Plug in a nightlight to help guests navigate to the bathroom at night.
6. Make Your Home Easily Accessible
For the holidays, you may have family or friends that traditionally stay for longer visits. That may mean they’ll be coming and going, so here are tips for making their stay easier:
- Give all your holiday guests an extra house key or the code for front door, alarm, or garage.
- Write your internet password on a small card they can keep so they don’t have to remember it.
- Show your guests how to operate the thermostat, and where a fan or space heater is, if needed.
- Provide instructions on how to use the TV remote and access movie and cable channels.
- Show guests where dishes are so they may get their own coffee, snacks, breakfast, etc.
