Be Safe on Halloween! Tips for avoiding saftey scares!

Make sure you are easily seen, use flashlights, glow sticks, reflective tape, stickers or wear light colors. 

Use face paint instead of masks, which can impair vision.

Cross streets at corners and look both ways.

Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

Loose fitting or long costumes can cause a tripping hazard or catch fire.

Be aware of how close you are to Jack o lanterns and luminaries to prevent fires or burns.

Don't accept unwrapped treats from strangers.

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. - See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.iXDMfBbV.dpuf

mDecorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. - See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.iXDMfBbV.dpuf

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. - See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.iXDMfBbV.dpuf

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. - See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.iXDMfBbV.dpuf

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It's wonderful helping my clients achieve their goals!

Fun Facts about Daylight Saving

Don't forget to change your clocks on November 2nd!
What do you think of Daylight Saving?  Love it or hate it, here are some things you might not know about it. 

1. Daylight Savings time is not correct.  It's Daylight saving time.  (it's even incorrect in the graphic I used) 
2. Benjamin Franklin is not the originator of DST.  This misconception comes from a satirical essay in which he suggested Parisians wake up at dawn in order to use sunshine instead of candles which would save the modern-day equivalent of $200 million dollars.  This was  a proposed change in sleep schedules, not  the time.  
3.  The first county to enact daylight saving time was Germany in 1916.
4.  Daylight saving time affects over a billion people a year and is used by over 70 countries in the world. 
5. American farmers were deeply opposed to DST.  Farmers schedules are dictated by the sun, not the clock.  Daylight savings was very disruptive to farmers.
6. It has been retail outlets and recreational businesses that have been strong supporters of DST over the years. 
7. Franklin D. Roosevelt started daylight saving in the USA on February 9th 1942. 
8. Originally the time zones were called Eastern War time, Central War time and Pacific War time.  When the war was over the zones were re-named "peace time"
9. DST hasn't always been standardized. From 1945 to 1966 states and localities were free to choose when and if they observed DST.  

Is a Piggyback Mortgage right for you?

My preferred lender reviewed the pros and cons of a Piggyback Mortgage today.  Talk with your lender to see it it's right for you. 

The Benefits of a Piggyback Mortgage

Lenders who specialized in second mortgages as well as mortgage insurance companies took the largest hit during the housing meltdown. For a long time, neither second loans nor private mortgage insurance  were nowhere to be found. Over time, they have both come back, and recently, come on very strong. As we announced last week, Fannie Mae will be rolling out a 3% down option without the need for lifetime mortgage insurance. But what if you have 10% down? Should you use mortgage insurance or a second mortgage?  Here are some pros and cons of the use of mortgage insurance:

PROS

1. Eliminates mortgage insurance .

2. Increase purchasing power 

CONS

 1. The rate is adjustable

 2. DTI is set at 38/45

Assuming a $600,000 purchase price with 10% down, check out the differences in payment:

$2326    for a $480,000 1st Loan                $2617    for a $540,000 1st Loan

  $262    for a $  60,000 = 2nd Loan            $230  for Mortgage Ins

$2588    total payment                                    $2847   total payment

Santa Clara County Market update 10-27-14

    

One month ago there were 1821 single family homes and condo/town homes on the market.  Today there are 1583.  The median days on market for single family homes and condos/town homes was 34 days this time last year.  In September it's 39 days.   The sale to list price ratio last year at this time was, %102.6, in August of this year it was %103.2 and in September it is %103.1.  Last year at this time there were 1436 closed sales of single family homes and condo/town homes.   In August the number was 1334 and in September it was 1313.  Last year the median sale price for single family homes, condos and town homes was $680K.  The median price in August was $760K and in September it was $731K.  The months of inventory for Santa Clara county in August was 2.3 and in September it was 2.4.  Please contact me to find out how these stats affect you!

Important things to keep in mind when doing a rentback

Rent backs are common when buying or selling a home.  The process will go much more smoothly if you plan ahead.

• Negotiate the terms of the rent back when you are negotiating the purchase contract.

It's best to be clear from the beginning.  Everyone is happy and willing to compromise at the start of the deal.  It avoids unpleasant surprises in the middle or the end of the deal. 

• PITI stands for Principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance.

Often a rent back price is based on this term.  It's roughly the monthly mortgage divided in to 30 days.  It's best to come up with a specific dollar amount rather than this vague term.  You can use an online mortgage calculator to come up with a dollar amount. 

• Understand the difference between a 30 day or less rent back and a rent back that is more than 30 days.  

There is a big difference in California between a 30 day or less rent back and a rent back for more than 30 days.  A rent aback for more than 30 days is a lease.  It involves a lot more than the shorter rent back.  If the renter doesn't move out for some reason, you will have to go through the eviction process.  Keep this in mind for all rent backs, but especially distressed sales or with tenants. 

• The terms of the rent back don't have to be broken down by PITI, it can be a set dollar amount as well. 

My latest house crush

Often the dreams and reality of being a realtor don't line up.  Yesterday they did.  I got a call to give a free market analysis  of a home value. Walking distance from one of the many charming down towns that we here in Silicon Valley are so blessed with. It was a two bedroom, two bath, approximately  1200 square foot home  on a 8000ish lot.  A reasonable list price range would be  875k-900k.  Two adorable dogs, non barking and growling  (a blessing for realtors as well as postal carriers) an open, warm,  quirky homeowner.  I got to see inside a charming, delightful 1940's bungalow. The original details were all there, arched doorways, phone cutouts, hardwood floors. The updates were fantastic.  The kitchen was open and bright.  My favorite part was the perfectly sized back deck looking over the long and deep back yard that had thoughtfully maintained drought tolerant landscaping.  It had just enough shagginess to keep it balanced between ramshackle and inviting.   The  two car detached garage was finished of course.  Just when I thought it couldn't get any better it did, there was a fully permitted studio  with a full bath behind the garage.   I was so pleased to have a chance to sit on the comfy cushioned outdoor sofa and chat with the homeowner. Even though I only spent 15 minutes or so in the home, I am glad to experience it.  I'm sad I wont get to sell it, though I can understand why the owners wouldn't want to part with it. 

What's more scary, ghosts or trying to get building permits for the Winchester Mystery house? Places to get your geek on this season.

 Few places capture the spirit of the season and the je ne sais quoi of our area like the Winchester Mystery house.  The article below gives intriguing suggestions on places that not only give us a  scare but,  brain teasers too. 





Great article about Spooky places in Silicon Valley

Market update October 20th 2014

One moth ago, there were 1824 active listings in Santa Clara county.  Today there are 1643.  The median days on market one year ago was 15,  last month it was also 15.  This time last year the sale to list price ratio was 102.6%, in August of this year it was 103.2% and last month it was 103.1%.  One year ago there were 1436 closed sales in Santa Clara county.  In August, there were 1334 and last month there were 1311.  The Median sale price in September was731K.  In August it was 760K and in October of 2013 it was 680K.  Lastly, there were 2.4 months of inventory in August and 2.6 months of inventory in September.  If you have any questions about the market, your home value or if you know someone that needs my help,  let me know!