March 2018 – The Real Estate Beat

‘I Need to Report a Stolen House’

Oh My Goodness – are the words you’re going to utter when you read this. What a debacle. What an experience! On a real estate note, The Caton Team always suggests taking out a title policy on your property and obtaining the proper permits – in this case – to prove there was a … well go on and read it….

‘I Need to Report a Stolen House’

Homeowners in Madisonville, Texas, who reported the theft of their home to police on Friday got some good news: The structure has been located. But it’s too soon for them to relax yet.

On Friday, Jo and Lonnie Harrison, a couple from Houston reported the missing house to police after they went to their vacation home and discovered it was completely gone from their 10-acre property in Madisonville.

The Harrisons say the one-bedroom, one-bathroom prefab home was their vacation home that they purchased last year. The cabin has a green roof and wood siding.

The retired couple told ABC-13 that they purchased the home to escape the busy city life. They last visited the house in early November. But last Friday, when they returned, the entire house was gone.

An investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department found that the building had been repossessed by a company in Temple, Texas, for nonpayment.

Sergeant Larry Shiver told ABC-13, “It was part of the deal, but the problem was it wasn’t specified in the writing. Yes, we feel sorry for them. That’s why we’re looking to find the house. They had belongings in the house. Plus, they put time and effort into the house.”

The couple says that when they arrived on Friday, the only traces of the home that were left were cinder blocks and pipes sticking out of the ground.

They reported the missing house to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Jo Harrison recalled telling police: “‘You know this is really going to sound strange, but I need to report a stolen house.’ They were like, ‘A house?’ I said yes. We have 10 acres and had a little cabin, and the cabin is gone. … We really would like to have our house back.”

Shiver said records don’t show the building listed on the property. He suggested anyone looking to purchase land visit their local tax assessor and run the transaction through a title company.

Source: “Mystery Solved: Police Find Couple’s Missing Vacation Home” and “‘I Need to Report a Stolen House!’: Houston Couple Wants Vacation Home Back,” ABC-13 (Feb. 6, 2018)

The Caton Team strives to be more than just Realtors – we are also your resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here. Contact us at your convenience. Info@TheCatonTeam.com

I read this article at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2018/02/07/i-need-report-stolen-house?tp=i-H43-Bb-1Yi-27VfQ-1p-EHi7-1c-27WWy-1svHsi&om_rid=31342700&Om_ntype=RMOdaily&om_mid=5996

Remember to follow our Blog for the local real estate beat, a pulse on the San Francisco Peninsula at: https://therealestatebeat.wordpress.com

Got Questions? – The Caton Team is here to help.

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Call us at: 650-568-5522 Office: 650-365-9200

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Please enjoy my personal journey through homeownership at:

http://ajourneythroughhomeownership.wordpress.com

Thanks for reading – Sabrina

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina – A Family of Realtors

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What Can The Caton Team Do For You?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

Sabrina BRE# 01413526 / Susan BRE #01238225 / Team BRE# 70000218/ Office BRE #01499008

Photo originally painted by Gil Elvgren – not used with permission, found on internet – but totally too cute not to use… happy to remove if needed.

Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed

The 13 Best Ways to Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Want Anymore

The 13 Best Ways to Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Want Anymore

By ALLISON MCCARTHY

You’d think that years of apartment living would have made us San Franciscans the queens of minimalism. But somehow clothes, shoes and books always seem to take over our living spaces. (Repeat after us: Bay-window loveseats do not count as second closets.) Now that winter is officially over, it’s prime time for spring-cleaning. So put on your KonMari hat and start the purge. Here are the absolute easiest ways to get rid of everything you don’t want anymore.

WHEN YOU WANT TO MAKE SOME EXTRA CASH

You bought those Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos because they made your legs look killer, but they’re way too high for San Francisco hills. Remove them from the “stuff I’ll probably never wear again but you never know” section of your closet and post them on an app such as Poshmark, Tradesy or ThredUp. You’d be surprised how much you can actually make, and you’ll steer clear of the judgy looks from buyers at Wasteland and Buffalo Exchange.

WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO DONATE

All the non-designer stuff that’s taking up precious space in your closet is screaming to be donated, but you’ll never make it to Goodwill on foot with bags that weigh more than you do. Wovin will take your castoffs, and you don’t even have to leave the house. Just download the app, schedule a free pickup and pack up bags or boxes with your old stuff—everything from clothes and shoes to pillows, towels and bedding. It’s all tax deductible, and the goods go to a number of local charities.

WHEN YOU NEED SOME GUIDANCE

We get it: A closet overhaul is not to be taken lightly (even if it’s sorely needed). And it’s best done in the company of experts—otherwise, you’ll hold on to that pair of vintage Levi’s from high school forever. That’s where Cary Lane’s styling service comes in. The retailer sends a professional stylist to your home to help you figure out what to toss, what to keep and what key pieces to consider adding to give you the well-edited closet of your dreams.

WHEN YOU WANT TO GET RID OF SOMETHING BIG

That teal couch that never quite fit in your apartment? There’s always Craigslist, but may we suggest a few updated alternatives? LetGo is an online marketplace where you can sell anything from an Amazon Echo to a mountain bike. The app makes it easy to post products in a snap. Trove is a good option for furniture—listing is free, and you can show your availability to meet potential buyers right in the app. If you’re looking to unload high-end home goods, try Chairish. Your items will have to be approved first, but when they sell, you’ll reap 80 percent of the sale price.

WHEN YOU NEED TO UNLOAD OLD ELECTRONICS

You want to get rid of a broken TV and that old BlackBerry from 2007, but you can’t throw them out because electronics contain toxic materials that don’t belong in landfills. Drop them off at Ewaste SF’s recycling center in the Mission, or schedule a pickup for $49. (There is an additional cost to recycle certain items, so check this list beforehand.) Recology Recycling allows you to schedule one free bulky-item pickup, so save this option for something like a refrigerator or washing machine. For a complete list of nearby e-cycling centers—they’re everywhere—check Greener Gadgets.

WHEN YOU WANT TO DONATE TO A GOOD CAUSE

Your new office has a pretty lax dress code, but you still have a bunch of J.Crew blazers and Banana Republic button-downs from a past corporate life. Donate them to Dress for Success, which provides women in need with interview-appropriate outfits. And those bridesmaid dresses you wore only once? They’re destined to make high school girls feel like a million bucks through The Princess Project.

I read this article at: https://www.purewow.com/home/donate-or-sell-your-stuff-san-francisco?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sf&utm_campaign=21477&utm_content=30_Days_editorial

Remember to follow our Blog for the local real estate beat, a pulse on the San Francisco Peninsula at: https://therealestatebeat.wordpress.com

Got Questions? – The Caton Team is here to help.

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Call us at: 650-568-5522 Office: 650-365-9200

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: http://thecatonteam.com/mobileapp

HomeSnap: http://www.homesnap.com/Sabrina-Caton

Visit our Website at: http://thecatonteam.com/

Visit our INSTAGRAM page: http://instagram.com/thecatonteam

PINTREST: https://www.pinterest.com/thecatonteam/

Visit us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabrina-Susan-The-Caton-Team-Realtors/294970377834

YELP us at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-caton-team-realtors-sabrina-caton-and-susan-caton-redwood-city

Or YELP me: http://www.yelp.com/user_details_thanx?userid=gpbsls-_RLpPiE9bv3Zygw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCatonTeam

Connect with us professionally at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawendtcaton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancatonrealtor

Please enjoy my personal journey through homeownership at:

http://ajourneythroughhomeownership.wordpress.com

Thanks for reading – Sabrina

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina – A Family of Realtors

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What Can The Caton Team Do For You?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

Sabrina BRE# 01413526 / Susan BRE #01238225 / Team BRE# 70000218/ Office BRE #01499008

Working with The Caton Team…

Or what I like to call it – The Caton Team Advantage…

I’m on hold at the moment. Waiting to hear how many offers are coming in on my clients dream home. Wondering if we offered enough. Oh the joys of Real Estate in the Silicon Valley.

This isn’t the first time I’ve waited on hold, nor the last. Though this is the first time I’ve waited long enough to start a blog post – so that tells you something. Tenacity. I’m not hanging up until I know.

You see, once I find out where we stand, I can call my clients and update our strategy. Because it isn’t over until it’s over – and if we’re not the best offer – well gosh darn it – we will be. Or try to be.

– I know Yoda – there is no try. But I tell you – it doesn’t hurt to try.

When The Caton Team has the trust and confidence of our clients – we can do anything…

… As soon as the lovely agent concierge gives me the latest news.

I am so proud to say – that in 2017 – sellers left money on the table to work with The Caton Team buying clients. That says something. Furthermore, there were no side deals, no commission re-negotiations, nothing but a good clean offer and our Caton Team offer package. Because The Caton Team knows what it takes – good old fashioned hard work. Because when I say – sellers left money on the table – I mean – our buyers didn’t offer the most money for property in Silicon Valley – BUT – we had the best offer package and the hustle to ensure – we will close escrow. That’s the name of the game. You can offer all the money in the world and it doesn’t mean a thing if it doesn’t close escrow.

As my mother always told me. Talk is cheap. It’s all about the action. Her words ring true today.

I’m still on hold…

I’ve been a Realtor for a lucky 15 years now, Susan for 20. However in the past decade give or take, Real Estate has changed dramatically. In fact, the past 5 years have been a revolution if you’ve been in the thick of it. I was able to see how the internet – wait – mobile devices – single handedly changed everything. It’s amazing.

By the looks of commercials, just a push of a button will summon someone to open the door and show a home. That’s perfect – that’s grand! I wish I could offer such amazing services, thing is – I’m probably across town showing homes and meeting inspectors for the pre-sale checklist – that I can’t drop everything to – well – literally just open a door. So I wonder…

Do people still need Realtors? Or is there an App for that?

In my humble opinion, the answer is YES, professional Realtors are still needed, relevant and imperative – especially in the Silicon Valley Real Estate Market. As long as we are human, making one of the largest financial decisions in our lives, and for as many algorithms and apps with data we have – there are some things you cannot replicate. Experience, knowledge and the ability to navigate a contract in a market that moves so damn fast.

Not every Realtor is the same mind you. I’m speaking on behalf of myself, Susan and a bountiful handful of awesome Realtors who get it. We offer so much more than just opening a door. There’s an app for that – what The Caton Team brings to the table is knowledge, experience, negotiations skills that turn our buyers into homeowners.

The Silicon Valley Real Estate Market is on par with New York now as one of the hottest Real Estate Markets in America and it also happens to be in our back yard.

Though this post was dedicated to our Buying clients in this hot market – Selling a home is just as challenging. It’s not just putting a sign in the yard or a link on the net. Alas – that’s a blog for another day. Because….

…I’m off hold – so it’s back to work!

– Thanks for reading,

Sabrina

The Caton Team has 35 years of combined, local Silicon Valley Real Estate experience. Both of us born and raised in San Carlos – The City of Good Living. We know what it takes to become a homeowner in the Bay Area, we know what it takes to prepare your home for a successful sale in Silicon Valley. If you’re interested in working with The Caton Team – please reach out at your convenience. Desk (forwards to cell): 650-568-5522 | Email: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Got Questions – The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the upmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Call us at: 650-568-5522 Office: 650-365-9200

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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5 Overlooked Dirt Spots Buyers Will Notice

IT’S SELLING SEASON!!! If you’re thinking of selling your home give us a call – in the meantime …

5 Overlooked Dirt Spots Buyers Will Notice

Make sure your home sellers pay attention to several areas in a home that often go uncleaned but could stand out to potential buyers. Jan M. Dougherty, author of The Lost Art of House Cleaning: A Clean House Is a Happy Home, shared with HouseLogic several spots that homeowners are likely missing, including:

1. Light fixtures

Light fixtures can be a magnet for dust and dead bugs. Spritz and wipe them with a cleaning solution to get them shining again.

2. The body of the toilet

Dougherty recommends washing the porcelain thrones all over. Start with the top of the tank and spray all around—the lid, under the lid, the seat, the surrounding floor, and the walls behind the toilet, Dougherty recommends.

3. Drawer organizers

Use a handy vac or spray a rag with vinegar and wipe away any dirt or crumbs that have accumulated in drawers throughout the home.

4. Ice maker

Clean and sanitize the entire system periodically. Old ice can absorb food odors, Dougherty says. Pull out the ice bin, dump the ice, and wash the bin and ice maker with vinegar, Dougherty recommends. Be sure to wipe the ice maker with a dry rag to get rid of any remaining moisture before putting it back in place.

5. Appliance handles

“One night a week, I take the knobs off the stove, remove the dish and the grease screen from the [over-the-range] microwave, and take the bowl with utensils that sits next to my stove and put them all in the dishwasher,” Dougherty says. “Do this before bed and by the morning you’ve cleaned half your kitchen, yet touched nothing.”

Read about the other forgotten cleaning spots and how to clean them at HouseLogic.

Source: “‘Yikes!’ 7 Filthy Spots Everyone Sees But You,” HouseLogic (November 2017)

I read this article at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2017/12/01/5-overlooked-dirt-spots-buyers-will-notice?tp=i-H43-Bb-1Dd-1Nky7-1p-EHi7-1c-1NlB1-2C9oHy&om_rid=20438431&Om_ntype=RMOdaily&om_mid=4689

Remember to follow our Blog for the local real estate beat, a pulse on the San Francisco Peninsula at: https://therealestatebeat.wordpress.com

Got Questions? – The Caton Team is here to help.

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Call us at: 650-568-5522 Office: 650-365-9200

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: http://thecatonteam.com/mobileapp

HomeSnap: http://www.homesnap.com/Sabrina-Caton

Visit our Website at: http://thecatonteam.com/

Visit our INSTAGRAM page: http://instagram.com/thecatonteam

PINTREST: https://www.pinterest.com/thecatonteam/

Visit us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabrina-Susan-The-Caton-Team-Realtors/294970377834

YELP us at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-caton-team-realtors-sabrina-caton-and-susan-caton-redwood-city

Or YELP me: http://www.yelp.com/user_details_thanx?userid=gpbsls-_RLpPiE9bv3Zygw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCatonTeam

Connect with us professionally at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawendtcaton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancatonrealtor

Please enjoy my personal journey through homeownership at:

http://ajourneythroughhomeownership.wordpress.com

Thanks for reading – Sabrina

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina – A Family of Realtors

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What Can The Caton Team Do For You?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

Sabrina BRE# 01413526 / Susan BRE #01238225 / Team BRE# 70000218/ Office BRE #01499008

Non-Creepy Ways To Stalk A Future Home

Non-Creepy Ways To Stalk A Future Home

Home buyers and renters can turn up plenty of information about their new home with just a little digging online. Curbed.com offers a few tips on how home shoppers can scour the internet to discover more about a property’s history before making an offer:

Look closer at the online listings.

Plenty of sites—like realtor.com®—are available to help them search for properties. Many of these sites also track the property’s listing history. Buyers will be able to see how much it sold for in the past compared to its previous asking prices and how long it has lingered on the market. These sites also provide snapshots of year-over-year changes in property taxes. Streeteasy allows visitors to search apartment buildings to find out what other units are renting for in the building.

Google it.

Google the address to see what turns up. Remember to check the news tab, too.

Check for any permit violations.

Many local governments’ building departments offer an online database of building permits filed for renovations or changes to buildings. It’ll show which permits have been approved or issued. The building department also tracks violations against any properties. Sites like AddressReport may also be able to turn up such information. Plug in the address and the site reveals construction projects and any violations that have been issued against the property or complaints reported.

Monitor hyperlocal sites.

Neighbors can be a wealth of information, and many are talking online. Sites like NextDoor is a free forum for neighborhoods to talk about local events, real estate, crime, and more. Neighborhood groups are also increasingly popping up on Facebook. NeighborhoodScout provides a full report of the local real estate, demographics, school, crime, and home value trends of the area.

Make a bedbug check.

Apartment renters, particularly, may want to check out this registry. The Bedbug Registry is a crowdsourced database that provides reports of buildings that might be have bedbug infestations. The registry also lists places nearby that have had infestations.

Research the landlord.

New websites are popping up that review landlords, such as Rate My Landlord, Review My Landlord and Whose Your Landlord. A building address will reveal any reviews posted from tenants.

Get more tips on useful sources at Curbed.com.

Source: “8 Ways to Scour the Internet to Learn About Your Prospective Home,” Curbed.com (Nov. 30, 2017)

I read this article at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2017/12/01/non-creepy-ways-stalk-future-home?tp=i-H43-Bb-1Dd-1Nky7-1p-EHi7-1c-1NlB1-2C9oHy&om_rid=20438431&Om_ntype=RMOdaily&om_mid=4689

Remember to follow our Blog for the local real estate beat, a pulse on the San Francisco Peninsula at: https://therealestatebeat.wordpress.com

Got Questions? – The Caton Team is here to help.

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Call us at: 650-568-5522 Office: 650-365-9200

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: http://thecatonteam.com/mobileapp

HomeSnap: http://www.homesnap.com/Sabrina-Caton

Visit our Website at: http://thecatonteam.com/

Visit our INSTAGRAM page: http://instagram.com/thecatonteam

PINTREST: https://www.pinterest.com/thecatonteam/