Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

Why are Existing Home Sales Down?

The latest Existing Home Sales Report issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that home sales have decreased for four consecutive months and are at their slowest pace in over two years. This has some industry leaders puzzled considering the fact that the economy is strengthening, unemployment is down, and wages are beginning to rise. This begs the question: “Where are the buyers?”

Actually, agents in the field of most communities are still seeing strong desire from prospective purchasers. They have a list of potential buyers ready to go if the right houses come on the market and they claim it is not a shortage of demand, but is instead a shortage of inventory that is causing the market to soften.

Why is there a shortage of inventory?

You only need to look at the graph below to understand:...

William Wurster Mixed-Use Building - Just Sold

One of my absolute favorite sales this year. It's not every day that I get to sell such an architecturally significant property. This one is was a mixed use (commercial/residential) former emergency clinic built in 1951 and commissioned by renowned Bay Area architect William Wurster. It's going to be turned into a real estate brokerage! Photos courtesy of ...

Rent or Buy: Either Way You're Paying A Mortgage!

Rent or Buy: Either Way You’re Paying A Mortgage! | MyKCM

There are some people who have not purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize, however, that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.

As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business, explained in their article, ...

1353 Santa Fe Ave Berkeley - JUST LISTED

Just listed in Berkeley's sought after neighborhood, Westbrae, at $649,000. This is a fantastic opportunity to create your dream home!   Please read more details at 1353SantaFe.com

It will be open tomorrow (Aug 23) from 9:30am to 12pm, and this Sat (Aug 25) and Sun (Aug/26) from 2 to 4:30pm.  Please stop by!

Make this home your home sweet home!!

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LISTED & SOLD - Custom Mid Century - 3414 Kelly St, Hayward $925,000

It was my pleasure to help the sellers of this one-of-a-kind Fairview property prepare, stage, and sell their home of more than 30 years. Designed and built by violin maker and local music teacher Jack Williamson, this residence was envisioned for playing chamber music and Jack’s violin workshop. The builder's attention to detail was highlighted in our marketing campaign from the custom built-ins to the beautiful clear heart redwood walls and hemlock ceilings throughout.

The home sold after only 12 days on the market with multiple offers and $76,000 over the asking price!

Contact me today at 510-967-6169 to find out how I can provide the same high level of service and outstanding results for you!

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The Net Worth of a Homeowner is 44x Greater Than A Renter!

The Net Worth of a Homeowner is 44x Greater Than A Renter! | MyKCM

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. Their latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was recently released.

The study revealed that the median net worth of a homeowner was $231,400 – a 15% increase since 2013. At the same time, the median net worth of renters decreased by 5% ($5,200 today compared to $5,500 in 2013).

These numbers reveal that the net worth of a homeowner is over 44 times greater than that of a renter.

Owning a home is a great way to build family wealth

As we’ve said before, simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings.’ Every...

66 Capilano Drive, Novato - Sold!

I had the pleasure of representing the buyer on the purchase of a “view home” in the Marin Country Club Neighborhood in Novato. Situated at the top of a long, private driveway, 66 Capilano Drive, has panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding hills. The kitchen features a floor to ceiling greenhouse window and the living room has sliding glass doors along the one wall opening to the view. Built in the late 1970’s, this home has a great floor plan and features 2 beds, 2 baths, a big open loft ideal for an office.  There are decks off each room.

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Homebuyers Willing to Sacrifice 'Must-Haves' in Favor of Good School Districts

Homebuyers Willing to Sacrifice ‘Must-Haves’ in Favor of Good School Districts | MyKCM

It should come as no surprise that buying a home in a good school district is important to homebuyers. According to a report from Realtor.com, 86% of 18-34 year-olds and 84% of those aged 35-54 indicated that their home search areas were defined by school district boundaries.

What is surprising, however, is that 78% of recent homebuyers sacrificed features from their “must-have” lists in order to find homes within their dream...

Have You Outgrown Your Starter Home?

Have You Outgrown Your Starter Home? | MyKCM

For many Americans, buying their first home is their first taste of achieving part of the American Dream. There is a sense of pride that comes along with owning your own home and building your family’s wealth through your monthly mortgage payment.

It may seem hard to imagine that the first home you purchased (which made your dreams come true) might not be the home that will allow you to achieve the rest of your dreams. The good news is that it’s ok to admit that your home no longer fits your needs!

According to CoreLogic’s latest ...

Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home? Competition Is Coming!

Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home? Competition Is Coming! | MyKCM

The number of building permits issued for single-family homes is the best indicator of how many newly built homes will rise over the next few months. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Residential Sales Report, the number of building permits issued in June was 850,000, a 0.8% increase from May.

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