How will the non-permitted work affect the ability to get a loan?

Lots of properties in our area have work done on them that is done without permits.  Often, these modifications aren't noticeable.  That's probably because the work doesn't change the footprint of the home, such as an update to the kitchen or bathrooms.  Some changes, like enclosing a patio  or changing the number of bedrooms are more noticeable.  Especially since they will be different than the county records.  These changes won't necessarily make it a no go for the loan, but it's important that the following items  are considered. 

There can't be any Health or Safety issues with the home.
The work must be done in a professional manner.
The home must still be marketable.
The cost to return the home to it's permitted state and how the value would be affected. 

In the past if a home had non-permitted  work, a loan was very difficult to get.  Things are changing now and it's easier!

If you are considering buying a home that has work done without permits be aware  that the loan process might be more involved. 

Santa Clara County Market update 12-9-14

Today there are 1218 single family homes, condos and town homes for sale in Santa Clara county.  If you were looking for a single family home, condo or town home you would have 1218 to choose from.  One month ago there were 1248.  In November of 2013 the median days on market was 16.  In October of this year it was 15 days.  The sale to list price ratio one year ago was 102%,  in September of this year it was 102.7% and last month it was 102.3%.  In November of 2013 there were 1333 closed  sales in Santa Clara county.  In September of this year, 2014, 1441 homes sold and in October 1524 single family, condos and town houses sold.  The median sale price in November of 2013 was 655K, in September of 2014 it was 720K and last month is was 735K.  In September there were 2 months of inventory in the county, in October it went down to 1.6 months.

If you have questions about how this market affects you, I'm only a phone call away!

Minimize the work and stress at Thanksgiving

• Defrost your turkey early! This can take a few days!
• Make dishes ahead of time and store in the freezer.  This works for casseroles, breads and some desserts. 
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator, on Thanksgiving day, assemble  and cook! This can be done with mashed potatoes, salads and sauces.  When it comes time to cook it will go a lot quicker.   
• Make sure you have enough plates, glasses utensils and serving pieces, don't forget serving utensils! Place post it notes on each serving dish to plan a head what will be served from what.  
• Check table cloths and napkins for stains and wash or replace if needed.  
• Set the the table a head of time.  
• Shower first thing in the morning.  That way time won't sneak up on you a few minutes before guests arrive!

Do you celebrate Friendsgiving?

The Urban Dictionary defines Friendsgiving as - The celebration of Thanksgiving dinner with your friends. This usually occurs on the Wednesday before or the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, since Thanksgiving is usually reserved for family gatherings.

Some people are far from family so Friendsgiving is a great alternative.  Others aren't close to family so that is their reason and lastly some of us can't get enough of a great turkey dinner!  The most important parts of Friendsgiving are food and fun so here are some ways to enjoy the celebration.


Ideas for guests

• Bring a dish to share

• Don't be super picky about your diet and expect the host to accommodate complicated food restrictions.  
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• Help set up or clean up
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• Bring a game to play

Ideas for Hosts

• Plan ahead and get as much work done as possible before the big day
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• Have some food options for guests that might be on restrictive diets
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• Don't be afraid to ask for help!  It can be in any form, including borrowing items for the celebration like tables, dishes etc.  

Happy Friendsgiving!

Weekly Santa Clara Conty Market update 11-17-14

The statistics I give refer to Santa Clara county single family homes, condos and town homes. 
One month ago there were 1698 active listings for sale.  Today there are 1244.  One year ago the median days on market was 15, today it is 13.  The sale to list price ratio in November of 2013 was 102.5%,  in September of this year it was 103.1% and in October it was 102.8%. There were 1184 closed sales in November of 2013.  There were 1310 closed sales in September and in October 1359.  The median sale price a year ago was 685K, in September of this year it was 730K and in October it was 760K.  Lastly, we had 1.6 months of inventory in September and in October we had 1.3.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have about the market and how it affects you!

Are these issues that are important to you?  Investigate them to avoid costly mistakes!

Great ways to save water!

What ways do you save water?