Articles to Share – Page 4 – The Real Estate Beat

3 Design Trends to Consider if Selling – Shared Article

Home design is embracing the “comfort” theme for 2025—a perfect style to adopt when prepping a home for sale.

Color, texture and patterns are making for more playful backgrounds in unique, cozy spaces. In home staging, you can still embrace this hot trend, even without getting too wild. Here’s how.

1. Color Is Back

Say goodbye to cold, stark white walls as real estate agents and home sellers embrace statement-worthy colors that can add warmth and texture to unexpected places around the home. Color is being used for accent walls, kitchen islands and even the fifth wall—the ceiling.

Need some inspiration for color pops? The paint firm Sherwin-Williams offers nine paint “Colors of the Year” for 2025, ranging from caramel browns to earthy yellows. Also, welcome back more earth tones, especially brown hues, which can feel timeless and grounding.

Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams / 2025 Color Capsule of the Year: Bosc Pear

Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams / 2025 Color Capsule of the Year: Grounded

While you’re ditching the whites or grays, swap them out for warm beiges, which is a more trendy, neutral paint color for staging a home.

2. Design for Wellness

The post-COVID world has inspired us to seek dedicated spaces for wellness within our homes to unwind and recharge. Think small yoga studios, meditation rooms, spa-like bathrooms, hot saunas and even cold plunges.

Photo credit: Melissa Tracey

Soft rugs, aromatic candles, soothing music and adjustable lighting can lighten the mood and bring potential calming, psychological benefits.

Photo credit: Melissa Tracey

Further, entire communities are using the wellness trend to attract home buyers. An urbanistic community south of Atlanta, called Serenbe, markets wellness-related amenities for those who desire stronger connections to nature. For example, the community touts its acres of preserved forests and miles of nature trails, as well as a 25-acre farm that produces more than 300 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers for residents.

3. Texture Explosion

Plain walls are a thing of the past, as textured surfaces are adding depth and interest to a home’s spaces. Wallpapered ceilings, wood paneling and decorative plaster finishes are transforming flat surfaces into dynamic focal points.

Photo credit: Gremlin / Getty Images

Also, the trend toward nature-inspired design is incorporating more stones, wood and natural fibers for adding more texture into a home. Further, indoor plants, living walls and natural materials can play a dominant role in helping to make a formal space feel more relaxed and approachable.

Overall, interior design in 2025 is shifting to fit our lifestyles. And that’s playing out in a bigger way in staging a home, too. Home buyers likely won’t be convinced by flat, uninspiring surfaces or rooms. Instead, showcase textured elements, wellness design and warm colors that give the walls a sense of security and warmth, and welcomes buyers right in.

Photo credit: Melissa Tracey

I read this article HERE. By: Krisztina Bell

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The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | 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 utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Privacy Tips for Those Who Use Voice Assistants – Shared Article

Make sure you know how to protect their data through programming options on their voice assistants.

Close-up of smart speaker standing on table in the room with woman using laptop sitting on sofa in background

shironosov / Getty Images

Voice assistants are a common feature in modern homes, offering convenience and control over various smart devices. However, the growing adoption of this technology also raises concerns over privacy and data security. Many smart home devices, particularly those from major tech companies like Amazon and Google, collect and monetize consumer data without fully disclosing to the end user how that data is utilized.

For real estate agents working with customers who are interested in smart home technology like voice assistants, knowing that this happens—and how to mitigate any unwanted collection of private information—is valuable information to relay. Here are some critical strategies and best practices to share with your smart home clients for safeguarding their data when using voice assistants.

The Privacy Concerns with Major Voice Assistants

Voice assistants from Amazon (Alexa) and Google (Google Home) are some of the most popular on the market, but they come with extensive data collection practices. A recent study by VPN provider Surfshark found that Amazon’s Alexa collects around 28 data points and Google Home collects 22. This includes sensitive data like device identifiers, location, contacts, browsing history and even audio recordings. The data collected is often linked to user profiles, potentially revealing personal addresses, precise location and even health data. These findings highlight the importance of proactively managing privacy settings on voice assistants.

Strategies for Securing Privacy

There are ways to continue using voice assistants and mitigate the amount of information they collect.

Know what’s being collected. Make sure to review the privacy policies of any voice assistant and its connected devices. Many of these platforms offer transparency reports or privacy dashboards that show exactly what data is being collected and stored.
Mute the device when it’s not in use. Most voice assistants come with a mute function, which can be activated when the device is not in use to ensure it isn’t listening when it shouldn’t be. Some voice assistants, like Josh.ai, offer a physical mute button or a built-in privacy switch, giving users confidence that their conversations remain private.
Set up voice recognition and “wake words” with intention. Ensure that the voice assistant is set up to only activate with specific wake words—a word or phrase that you set up to trigger the assistant into an active mode—and isn’t mistakenly listening to everyday conversations. This prevents accidental activation and reduces the chances of unintended recording.
Adjust the device’s privacy settings. In the app settings of most voice assistants, users can review and delete their voice history or choose settings that limit data sharing. For example, users may opt out of certain voice recordings being stored or shared with third-party apps.
Limit user access. Controlling access is key to privacy. Set up specific roles or password-protected user accounts for each family member who uses the voice assistant. This not only secures access but also prevents unauthorized users from controlling the smart home.

A Privacy-Focused Approach: Josh.ai

One example of a voice assistant prioritizing privacy is Josh.ai, a professionally installed solution that offers advanced privacy controls. Here are a few of the features the technology offers:

Transparent Voice Activation: Josh.ai only activates when its designated wake word is used, and its microphones show a clear visual indicator when listening. This minimizes accidental recordings.
Local Processing of Data: Whenever possible, Josh.ai processes data locally within the home, reducing the amount of information sent to the cloud. When cloud processing is necessary, the company uses encrypted connections to secure user data.
User Ownership of Data: Users maintain control over their data. Settings can be adjusted based on comfort levels with data sharing, ensuring a balance between personalized functionality and privacy.
Secure Access Management: Strict password policies and user roles are enforced, requiring authentication for access to the smart home system. This ensures that only authorized individuals can control or access information through the voice assistant.

By understanding privacy settings and taking control of how data is managed, you and your clients can confidently enjoy the benefits of voice assistants without compromising on security. Remember, to convey that privacy is in the hands of the individual—don’t hesitate to use the tools available to protect it.

I read this article HERE. By: Brandon Doyle

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DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Appraisals Will Look Very Different in the Near Future – Are You Ready? – Shared Article

By: Keisha Wilkinson

Over a 14-month period starting in September, lenders are phasing in new appraisal reporting for all GSE-conforming loans. As appraisers adjust to the new standards, agents will be key partners in ensuring the data is accurate and complete. Learn more— and watch the latest “Supporting Your Value” appraisal webinar.

For a long time, appraisals for mortgage transactions have been reported in the same way—via a form designed for a typewriter. The form varies depending on property type, but each variation includes boxes to check and blank spaces to fill out.

Although appraisers have long completed forms using web-based platforms, these forms—required for loans conforming to government sponsored enterprise standards—are rigid in structure. Often, there isn’t enough space for the appraiser to provide all relevant information. In that case, the reader sees the dreaded, “See addendum.” At that point, the reader of the report will have to read through sometimes pages of freeform text to find what they are looking for.

Beginning in September 2025, all of this will change. Read on to learn more about the transition, and how appraisers and agents can work together to get through the transition.

Why Appraisals Are Changing

The new appraisal reporting structure, known as the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD 3.6), was spearheaded by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The initiative has been underway since 2018.

UAD 3.6 aligns appraisal data with current mortgage industry data standards. In addition, the new appraisal report allows for dynamic reporting of appraisal data and makes the information easier for readers to consume while increasing discrete data points that the GSEs can use for internal analysis.

Under this new structure, appraisal reports, regardless of property type, will have a standard front page that includes:

Property summary with the opinion of market value
Photo of the subject property
Property description
Appraisal type

The report will also feature much more detail upfront on the interior of the property, allowing appraisers to add descriptive commentary to go along with photos. Condition and quality will be broken out by exterior and interior, with areas for description of interior details.

The dynamic form expands as needed to include additional information. For instance, if the appraiser indicates there’s an accessory dwelling unit, a section will appear for the appraiser to provide details. If there is no ADU, however, that section will not appear. (Here are some sample scenarios to show you what the new reports will look like. The Single Family Scenario 5 beginning on page 271 contains key characteristics that appear often in residential appraisals.)

Appraisers across the country are preparing for the change, but it won’t be easy. That’s why the GSEs have allowed a 14-month rollout period. During that time, all appraisal software used for mortgage transactions is changing to accommodate the new report. Appraisers must consider whether their existing provider or a competitor best meets their needs.

In addition, UAD 3.6 also has many new discrete datapoints that appraisers must relay—and this highlights the importance of the appraiser-agent relationship. Any relevant information agents can provide upfront will help appraisers complete the appraisal in a timely manner and prevent the need for a return trip the property or other delays.

Take a Deeper Dive into UAD 3.6

The UAD 3.6 will bring big change—from the datapoints appraisers are required to provide to the way appraisal results are reported. Appraisal forms for individual property types will be a thing of the past for most appraisals. Some lenders will begin using the new UAD as early as September 2025. Use of the form will be required for all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans as of November 2026.

How can you get up to speed? As part of NAR’s “Supporting Your Value” webinar series, speakers from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently gave NAR members a rundown of why the UAD is being updated, showed examples of data required and what the new reporting look will look like, and provided resources to help agents and appraisers prepare for the transition. Hundreds of NAR members registered and attended the no-cost session, and you can now watch a recording of the April 29 webinar, “The New Uniform Appraisal Dataset: What REALTORS® Need to Know.”

I read this article HERE.

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The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Francisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | 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 utmost 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 – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Boosting Home Value: Guiding Clients on Smart Home Improvements – Shared Article

Home Improvement – when done thoughtfully can increase the value of your home.

Why Home Improvements Matter in Real Estate

When listing a home, first impressions and marketability are key. Here’s how the right home upgrades can make a difference:

Higher Selling Price – Homes with modern finishes, energy-efficient upgrades, and enhanced curb appeal often command a premium.
Faster Sales – Move-in-ready homes attract more buyers, reducing time on the market.
Competitive Advantage – In a crowded market, homes with desirable upgrades stand out and generate more interest.
Better Listing Photos & Showings – Small upgrades can make a home more photogenic, drawing in more potential buyers online.

Top Home Improvements to Recommend

While every home is different, certain improvements consistently offer a high ROI. Here are the best upgrades to suggest to your sellers:

1. Kitchen Updates (ROI: 50-80%)

A kitchen can make or break a sale. Encourage sellers to focus on cost-effective updates such as:

Painting or refacing cabinets instead of replacing them
Updating countertops with quartz or granite for a modern look
Installing stainless steel appliances for a polished finish
Upgrading lighting and hardware to add a fresh touch

2. Bathroom Renovations (ROI: 60-70%)

Outdated bathrooms can turn buyers away. Simple yet impactful improvements include:

Replacing old vanities, faucets, and fixtures
Updating lighting for a bright, modern feel
Adding a fresh coat of neutral paint
Installing energy-efficient toilets and showers

3. Curb Appeal Enhancements (ROI: 75-100%)

Since buyers form an opinion within seconds of seeing a home, curb appeal is crucial.

Recommended upgrades:

A fresh coat of exterior paint or updated siding
A new front door or garage door for a polished look
Well-maintained landscaping, including trimmed bushes and fresh mulch
Outdoor lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere

4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades (ROI: 60-90%)

Today’s buyers prioritize energy efficiency to reduce long-term costs.

Upgrades that add value include:

Installing energy-efficient windows and doors
Adding insulation to improve heating and cooling efficiency
Replacing old HVAC systems with modern, cost-saving models
Installing smart thermostats and LED lighting for convenience and savings

5. Converting Unused Spaces (ROI: 65-75%)

Buyers love extra living space, and sellers can increase their home’s value by:

Finishing a basement or attic for additional square footage
Creating a home office, gym, or guest suite—features in high demand
Converting a garage into a functional space if parking isn’t a concern

Leveraging Home Improvements to Close More Deals

As an agent, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable advisor on home improvements can strengthen your client relationships and enhance your reputation. Here’s how:

Offer Pre-Listing Consultations – Walk through a client’s home and suggest cost-effective upgrades to boost value.
Connect Clients with Trusted Contractors – Recommend reliable professionals for renovations and repairs.
Use Before-and-After Success Stories – Showcase past listings that benefited from strategic upgrades to persuade hesitant sellers.
Highlight Upgrades in Marketing Materials – Emphasize desirable renovations in listing descriptions and social media promotions.

Home improvements don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to make a significant impact. By guiding sellers toward smart, high-ROI upgrades, real estate agents can help them maximize their home’s value, attract more buyers, and close deals faster.

I read this article HERE. By Robert Lane.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) updates its loan limits – Shared Article

A shout out to my friend and lender Christian Carr – NMLS #1466899 for posting this information I felt I should share here.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) updates its loan limits and the mechanics of its loan programs each year. For 2025, there are key changes that homebuyers—especially first-time and moderate-income borrowers—should be aware of.

FHA Loan Limits in 2025

• Single-family homes: Loan limits range from $524,225 in low-cost areas (floor limit) to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties (ceiling limit).

• Multi-unit properties:

◦ 2-unit: $671,200 – $1,548,975

◦ 3-unit: $811,275 – $1,872,225

◦ 4-unit: $1,008,300 – $2,326,875

• These limits are tied to median home prices and align with conforming loan ceilings set by the FHFA ($806,500 standard / $1,209,750 high-cost).

Why it matters: Higher limits allow FHA financing for more expensive homes without needing a jumbo mortgage.

FHA Repayment Terms & Refinancing Options

✅ Fixed Terms and Gradual Payment Options

• Standard FHA mortgages come with 15- and 30-year terms

• Graduated Payment Mortgages (GPMs) are also available, allowing payments to increase gradually (e.g., 2.5%–7.5% annually) during the first 5–10 years before leveling out en.wikipedia.org.

🔄FHA Refinance Programs (2025 Highlights)

FHA homeowners may refinance under four main options:

1 Simple Refinance – Switch from one FHA loan to another to lower rate or shorten term, requires appraisal.

2 Streamline Refinance – Less documentation, sometimes no appraisal or credit check, must show “net tangible benefit” and have made 6+ on-time payments.

3 Cash‑Out Refinance – Access up to 85% equity for any purpose; requires appraisal.

4 203(k) Rehab Refinance – Finance purchase or refinance plus home improvements; available for primary residences only.

What Buyers Should Know

• Loan limits expanded in 2025—check your county limits via the HUD lookup tool.

• Graduated Payment Mortgages can help match payments to growing incomes—especially useful for younger buyers.

• Streamline refinances are attractive for existing FHA homeowners: minimal paperwork, faster turnaround—but closing costs apply (~3–6%).

• Cash‑out and 203(k) options remain available, but careful consideration of equity use and repayment ability is essential.

Final Thoughts

If you’re shopping for a new home or refinancing in 2025, FHA’s expanded limits can open more opportunities. Whether you’re looking to lower your rate, tap into equity, or finance renovations, FHA offers versatile programs—but it’s important to choose based on your goals and ability to repay. To verify your specific county’s limit, visit the official HUD lookup tool . For details on repayment plan options, review FHA’s official policy handbook or speak to an FHA-approved lender.

I read this article HERE.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Free Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Options – Shared Article

Caring for our planet is important for The Caton Team. When we saw this service – we knew we had to share it with our people…

Many residents may not start to think about their options for disposing toxic waste—including paints, batteries and fertilizers—until the very last minute when they are moving. Sometimes they even ask their Realtor to take it in, which is actually illegal unless the realtor signs a special waiver.

Proxy Transport Waiver

To help Realtors avoid this issue, San Mateo County Health has provided an informational postcards that you can share with clients, which explains their toxic waste disposal options. Clients of SAMCAR Realtors who bring the postcard to their HHW drop-off event appointment will receive a Home Depot gift card that may help them with the moving process.

Household hazardous waste (English)

Los residuos domésticos peligrosos (Español)

POSTCARD REQUEST FORM »

Learn more at www.smchealth.org/moving

I read this article HERE.

It is important we all do our part for our community and planet. THANK YOU!

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

How to Help Your Children Buy a Home – Shared Article

Options range from family loans to outright gifts to help your children buy a home.

If you want to help your children buy a home there are a number of ways to go about it, ranging from family loans to outright gifts. Lofty home prices, rising mortgage rates and a tight inventory of homes for sale have shut many young buyers out of the housing market. In 2023, the median age of home buyers was 49, the highest on record, according to a survey from the National Association of Realtors — which means first-time buyers are delaying their purchases. The typical first-time buyer was 35, one year less than last year’s all-time high.

With that in mind, parents (and grandparents) of would-be home buyers are often interested in helping out. Their options include gifting a down payment, co-signing a mortgage, jointly owning a home, making a loan, and buying a home outright for your children or grandchildren. Each of these avenues of financial support has its own perks and pitfalls.

First, consider how any assistance could affect family relationships. Your children or their spouses may be anxious or uncomfortable about accepting financial help from parents or in-laws. Siblings feelings matter, too. “If you have multiple children, spend some time upfront to understand how giving or loaning to one child might affect family dynamics,” says Mitchell Kraus, a certified financial planner based in Santa Monica, Calif. “We’ve seen years of resentment coming from a small loan to one family member when it was not available to another.”

Intra-family loans

One option that could benefit both parties is an intra-family loan. You may be able to offer your child a lower interest rate than a conventional mortgage lender would while still earning a higher interest rate than you could earn from a savings account. For example, if you provide your child with a mortgage at a 4.5% interest rate, you’ll earn almost four percentage points more than the 0.55% average yield for a bank savings account. Your child, meanwhile, will pay significantly less than the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

An intra-family loan works especially well for well-off individuals who can afford to give their children the money but prefer the financial discipline that comes with a loan, says Tim Burke, chief executive officer of National Family Mortgage, a family lending agency. “For many parents, the motivation to lend money over gifting it is just about personal accountability,” he says. “Parents feel the responsibilities that come with homeownership, and the satisfaction that comes with meeting these responsibilities builds character.”

That was the case for Mary and Terry Shaffer of Pittsburgh, who lent money to both of their children to buy homes in that city. “Our son and our daughter do not like things handed to them, although they deserve to be helped,” says Mary, 68. “They have worked hard, and they both had accumulated savings for their closing costs.”

If parents need assurance that their child can afford the monthly payments, they should ask the child to get preapproved for a conventional mortgage, Burke says. However, that could be difficult for some children, especially if they’re self-employed borrowers. Even if a self-employed individual’s debt-to-income ratio — the amount of debt you owe as a percentage of your monthly income — may support a loan, a single year in which income declines may cause a bank to reject the application.

If your child can’t get preapproval, it comes down to your judgment. “If you think your family member is not going to repay you, then don’t go through the exercise of setting up a loan that isn’t going to work,” Burke says.

Put the terms of the intra-family loan in writing so they’re clear and it’s an arm’s-length transaction, says Brian Lamborne, senior director of advanced planning at Northwestern Mutual. Putting the terms of the loan in writing can also help you deal with instances in which your children are unable to make payments. For example, you can agree ahead of time that should your child suffer financial hardship, payments will be deferred for a certain period of time — perhaps six months or up to a year — and moved to the end of the loan.

The loan agreement should contemplate worst-case scenarios as well. For example, you may want to state the conditions under which the parents could foreclose on the property so they can sell it and pay off the loan.

It’s also important to understand the tax implications for intra-family loans. Borrowers who itemize can only deduct interest on a loan secured by a mortgage if the mortgage has been properly recorded. In order to do that, families need to obtain a deed of trust and file it with the borrower’s local government authority, such as the registrar of deeds or country clerk’s office. A real estate attorney can help you draw up these documents.

If the loan exceeds $10,000, the IRS requires you to charge an interest rate equal to or above the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), which the IRS publishes monthly. The interest must be reported as income on your tax return.

If you don’t want to act as the loan servicer, you could use National Family Mortgage to set up, document and service the loan. It will email payment reminders and monthly statements, collect and credit payments, and issue year-end IRS 1098 and 1099-INT tax forms. Cost: a one-time fee of $725 to $2,100, depending on the size of the loan, and optional loan servicing starting at $15 per month.

Making a gift

For some families, the easiest solution is to give children enough money to make a down payment or buy a house outright. Gifting spares families the hassle of a loan and damage to their relationships if a loan can’t be repaid. Mortgage lenders generally allow a relative to supply the entire down payment, but they will require a letter that provides the name of the giver, the amount of the gift and a statement that the giver doesn’t expect to be repaid.

As is the case with a loan, it’s important to understand the tax implications of this transaction. In 2024, you can give up to $18,000 per person to as many people as you’d like without having to file a gift tax return. Married couples can give up to $36,000 per person.

Any amount over the annual limit will reduce your exemption from the federal estate and gift tax. This isn’t a problem for most families because the federal estate tax exclusion is $13.61 million for 2024 or $27.22 million for married couples. However, if Congress fails to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the exclusion will drop to about $6 million in 2026.

In any event, parents or grandparents should only give a gift they can afford without jeopardizing their own financial security. “There are no loans when it comes to your own retirement,” says Jennifer Weber, a CFP in Lake Success, N.Y. “So only help in ways that you can afford now and in the future.”

Other options: co-signing and co-borrowing

If your child can’t qualify for a mortgage based on their own income and credit record but can afford monthly payments, co-signing a mortgage is one way to help them buy a home. However, it can be risky.

A co-signer acts as a guarantor for the primary borrower, promising to assume responsibility for repayment if the primary borrower doesn’t pay as required. The lender will review your sources of income and your credit to ensure your income is high enough and your credit strong enough to qualify for a mortgage.

If your child falls behind on monthly payments, your own credit could suffer. Plus, co-signing for a mortgage will increase your own debt-to-income ratio which could make it more difficult for you to borrow for your own purposes. Also, some lenders don’t allow co-signers.

In another arrangement, a co-borrower or joint applicant shares ownership of the loan and assumes responsibility for payments from the start. In general, you and your child combined must put down at least 20%, and your child must cover the first 5% of the down payment from their own funds. Otherwise, the property may qualify as an investment, in which case you’ll be charged a higher interest rate for the loan and be required to have more financial reserves. But If your child fails to pay the mortgage, property taxes or insurance on time, that could ding your credit history or result in a lien against the property.

I read this article HERE. By Emma Patch

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

How to Navigate the Homebuying Process with Confidence – Shared Article

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right guidance. The key to navigating the homebuying process with confidence is understanding the steps involved and working with the right professionals. Here’s how you can make your journey smoother and more successful.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

One of the first steps to take when buying a home is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This gives you a clear understanding of your budget and strengthens your position when making an offer. Lenders will review your credit, income, and financial history to determine how much you qualify for. Having a pre-approval letter in hand signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

2. Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent (like The Caton Team)

A real estate agent can be your best ally in the homebuying process. They have access to market insights, negotiation expertise, and a deep understanding of the home search and purchase process. Choose an agent with experience in your preferred area who can help you find the right home and guide you through each step of the transaction.

3. Understand the Market and Set Realistic Expectations

Before you start house hunting, take the time to research the local real estate market. Look at property prices, neighborhood trends, and inventory levels. This helps you set realistic expectations about what you can afford and what’s available within your budget. Your real estate agent can provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

4. Make a Competitive Offer

Once you find the right home, it’s time to make an offer. Your agent will help you determine a fair price based on comparable properties and market conditions. In competitive markets, you may need to act quickly and include strong terms, such as a larger earnest money deposit or a flexible closing timeline, to make your offer stand out.

5. Conduct a Thorough Home Inspection

A home inspection is a crucial step that helps uncover potential issues with the property. Hiring a professional inspector ensures you know about any hidden problems before closing. If significant issues arise, you may have the option to negotiate repairs or reconsider your purchase.

6. Secure Financing and Prepare for Closing

Once your offer is accepted, work closely with your lender to finalize your mortgage. This involves submitting required documents, locking in your interest rate, and reviewing loan terms. Additionally, you’ll need to secure homeowners insurance and complete any final paperwork. Your real estate agent and lender will guide you through this process to ensure a smooth closing.

7. Close the Deal and Move In

The final step is closing day, where you’ll sign the necessary documents, make your down payment, and receive the keys to your new home. Before moving in, do a final walkthrough to confirm the property is in the agreed-upon condition. Then, celebrate—you’re officially a homeowner!

Final Thoughts

Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, professional guidance, and a clear understanding of the process, you can confidently navigate your homebuying journey. If you’re looking for expert assistance, reach out to experienced mortgage professionals who can help you every step of the way.

I read this article HERE.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Overcoming Challenges: How to Turn Homeownership Into Your Greatest Achievement – Shared Article

Buying a home is a major milestone, but it also comes with challenges. Whether you’re navigating financial hurdles, competitive markets, or unexpected repairs, overcoming these obstacles can make homeownership even more rewarding. Here’s how you can turn challenges into triumphs.

1. Financial Preparation

Budgeting for homeownership goes beyond the down payment. Plan for closing costs, maintenance expenses, and emergency repairs to avoid financial stress down the road.

2. Competing in a Competitive Market

In hot markets, multiple buyers may be vying for the same property. Strengthen your position by getting pre-approved, making a strong offer, and working with a skilled real estate agent.

3. Managing Home Maintenance

Owning a home means taking care of ongoing maintenance. Set aside funds for routine upkeep and unexpected repairs to keep your property in top shape.

4. Long-Term Value

Think beyond the purchase—homeownership is a long-term investment. Keep up with property improvements, understand market trends, and consider refinancing opportunities to maximize your home’s value over time.

5. Embracing the Homeownership Mindset

Homeownership is not just about buying a property—it’s about creating stability, building wealth, and making memories. Approach challenges with a proactive mindset and embrace the journey to turn your home into a valuable and fulfilling asset.

By preparing for these challenges and staying proactive, you can turn homeownership into one of your greatest financial and personal achievements.

I read this article HERE.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

7 Vintage Decor Trends Designers Are Loving in 2025 – Shared Article

These design comebacks include block print wallpaper, charming linens, and the new ‘it’ neutral: brown.

purple wall and light brown couch — Photo: Lauren Andersen/Sen Creative / Interior Designer: Noz Nozawa

This year’s home design trends are all about warmth and comfort, personal touches that tell a story, and vintage design details that evoke a sense of nostalgia. To help you capture the charm of the vintage decor aesthetic, industry experts are giving us the scoop on what they’re most excited to see in 2025.

“The 2025 vintage aesthetic isn’t just about looking back—it’s about adding pieces to your home that feel fresh, curated, and uniquely personal,” says Margaret Carroll, founder and principal designer at Margaret Carroll Interiors.

The year’s Color of the Year announcements have served as a hint of what’s to come in the world of home decor—namely the color brown, which fits into a larger vintage-inspired color palette of rusty tones and deep eggplant hues. Wallpaper continues to be popular, with all-over pattern drenching and nostalgic block print patterns maximizing the vintage charm factor. Keep reading for this year’s hottest vintage trends, along with expert tips for implementing them in your own space.

Framed Vintage Items as Art

For a unique way to add vintage character to your walls, frame vintage items and create a meaningful gallery wall with them. “Consider framing vintage maps, quirky game boards, or even antique book pages for a look that feels layered and storied,” Carroll says. Choose frames carefully to create an intentional blend of the old and new. “Frames can lean contemporary with sleek burlwood or simple white matting, but mixing and matching wood tones adds an effortless, collected-over-time charm,” Carroll suggests.

Shades of Brown

There is a nostalgic warmth about the color brown. Design experts predict the color trend will continue into 2025, introducing vintage-inspired sophistication and a welcome reprieve from cool tones. “We’re seeing the color brown seep back into kitchens, furniture, and bathrooms for its rich, moody, natural vibe,” says Teri Simone, head of design and marketing at Nieu Cabinet Doors. Brown is a timeless neutral that ranges from dramatic chocolate tones to soothing sandy hues, proving it’s a versatile color whose vintage appeal translates well into modern interiors.

Vintage Lighting

Lighting presents a great opportunity to add vintage style and personality to a room. “The vintage lighting trend is gaining even more momentum as we head into 2025,” says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors. She shares that one-of-a-kind vintage chandeliers are having a moment, as are midcentury modern floor lamps, antique desk lamps, and retro-style wall sconces. “Vintage lighting adds so much character to a space and doesn’t have to break the bank,” Jones says. She recommends checking local flea markets, thrift stores, and online shops like Etsy to find hidden lighting gems.

Vintage Linens Featuring Classic Patterns

When it comes to home textiles, Alecia Taylor, interior designer at CabinetNow, says vintage linens featuring classic patterns will be a big trend in 2025. The best part is, you can incorporate it in as big or small a way as you like; For a quick and inexpensive way to infuse your table setting with vintage charm, use fabric napkins with a classic gingham pattern or a pretty floral print tablecloth. For a larger-scale way to channel the trend, opt for a vintage-inspired fabric on window shades or curtain panels. “Look for classic patterns and colors that complement your existing decor,” Taylor says. This way, you can add a touch of nostalgic charm while enhancing the room’s character in a seamless manner.

Vintage-Inspired Color Palette

A warm and inviting vintage-inspired color palette is a big trend in 2025, as evidenced by most of the 2025 Color of the Year choices. Camilla Masi, interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design US, says this color trend can be seen in both kitchen and bathroom design right now. “Homeowners are looking towards nostalgia to add a sense of comfort and familiarity to their home and that is why vintage style interiors and decor are having a moment right now,” Masi explains. When piecing together a vintage-inspired color palette, she suggests shades such as classic steely blue, eggplant, nostalgic forest and olive greens, muddy browns, and creamy off-whites.

All-Over Pattern Drenching

When it comes to wallpaper, all-over pattern drenching is another big vintage trend to watch out for in 2025, according to Elizabeth Rees, CEO and co-founder of Chasing Paper. “When considering where and how to apply the wallpaper, the all-over pattern drenching approach can further elevate a space and create an all-encompassing design with the patterns of block print wallpaper,” she says. To give your home a warm and cozy makeover with ample vintage charm, Rees suggests installing going for all-over pattern drenching in a space like a bedroom. “Bedrooms are the most personal rooms in a home and block print wallpaper can help bring an enhanced sense of individuality to the space,” she says. To truly embrace the vintage trend, complete the space with soft accents and thoughtfully curated heirloom furniture.

Block Print Wallpaper

“Block print wallpapers are going to make a mark in 2025 with their artisanal hand-stamped charm, striking the perfect balance between timeless tradition and modern simplicity,” Rees says. She points out that block printing is one of the oldest printing techniques, which often features repetitive, imperfect patterns of geometric shapes, florals, botanicals, and other natural elements. This year, Rees says block print wallpaper is the vintage trend you’ll want to embrace if you want to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

I read this article HERE. By Maria Sabella

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

DRE # | Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 | Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

1. Color Is Back

2. Design for Wellness

3. Texture Explosion

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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The Privacy Concerns with Major Voice Assistants

Strategies for Securing Privacy

A Privacy-Focused Approach: Josh.ai

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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Why Appraisals Are Changing

Take a Deeper Dive into UAD 3.6

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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Why Home Improvements Matter in Real Estate

Top Home Improvements to Recommend

1. Kitchen Updates (ROI: 50-80%)

2. Bathroom Renovations (ROI: 60-70%)

3. Curb Appeal Enhancements (ROI: 75-100%)

4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades (ROI: 60-90%)

5. Converting Unused Spaces (ROI: 65-75%)

Leveraging Home Improvements to Close More Deals

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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POSTCARD REQUEST FORM »

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Intra-family loans

Making a gift

Other options: co-signing and co-borrowing

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

2. Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent (like The Caton Team)

3. Understand the Market and Set Realistic Expectations

4. Make a Competitive Offer

5. Conduct a Thorough Home Inspection

6. Secure Financing and Prepare for Closing

7. Close the Deal and Move In

Final Thoughts

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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1. Financial Preparation

2. Competing in a Competitive Market

3. Managing Home Maintenance

4. Long-Term Value

5. Embracing the Homeownership Mindset

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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Framed Vintage Items as Art

Shades of Brown

Vintage Lighting

Vintage Linens Featuring Classic Patterns

Vintage-Inspired Color Palette

All-Over Pattern Drenching

Block Print Wallpaper

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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