real estate investments – Page 38

Existing-Home Sales Lose Momentum in July

Existing-home sales lost momentum in July because of stubbornly low inventory on the market across the country, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Last month, existing-home sales posted their first year-over-year drop since November 2015.

Total existing-home sales, which includes completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops, dropped 3.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million in July. Sales are 1.6 percent below a year ago.

“Severely restrained inventory, and the tightening grip it’s putting on affordability, is the primary culprit for the considerable sales slump throughout much of the country last month,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “REALTORS® are reporting diminished buyer traffic because of the scarce number of affordable homes on the market, and the lack of supply is stifling the efforts of many prospective buyers attempting to purchase while mortgage rates hover at historical lows.”

Here’s a closer look at the data from July:

Home prices: The median existing-home price for all housing types was $244,100, up 5.3 percent from a year ago.
All-cash sales: Comprising 21 percent of transactions in July, all-cash sales were down from 23 percent a year ago. It is the lowest share of cash sales since November 2009 (when it was 19 percent). Individual investors account for the bulk of cash sales and purchased 11 percent of homes in July, down from 13 percent a year ago.
Distressed sales: Foreclosures and short sales made up 5 percent of sales, down from 7 percent a year ago. It is the lowest share since NAR began tracking distressed sales in October 2008. Broken out, 4 percent of sales last month were foreclosures, while 1 percent were short sales. Foreclosures, on average, sold for a discount of 18 percent below market value; short sales were discounted an average of 16 percent.
Days on market: Forty-seven percent of sold homes were on the market for less than a month. Properties typically stayed on the market for 36 days in July, down from 42 days a year ago. Short sales were on the market the longest, at a median of 95 days, while foreclosures sold in 54 days. Non-distressed homes averaged 34 days on themarket.
Inventory levels: Total housing inventory by the end of the month inched up by 0.9 percent to 2.13 million existing homes for sale. Still, that is 5.8 percent lower than a year ago. Inventories have declined year-over-year for the last 14 consecutive months. Unsold inventory is at a 4.7-month supply at the current sales pace.

“Although home sales are still expected to finish the year at their strongest pace since the downturn, thanks to a very strong spring, the housing market is undershooting its full potential because of inadequate existing inventory combined with new-home construction failing to catch up with underlying demand,” Yun says. “As a result, sales in all regions are now flat or below a year ago, and price growth isn’t slowing to a healthier and sustainable pace.”

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

I read this article at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2016/08/24/existing-home-sales-lose-momentum-in-july?om_rid=AACmlZ&om_mid=_BXvfk$B9RrPPgx&om_ntype=RMODaily

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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10 Principles of Organizing That Work in Every Room

10 Principles of Organizing That Work in Every Room

Feeling overwhelmed by your stuff? Here’s how to make your things more findable and easier to put away

Getting your home organized is a great feeling, but figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. Keep the process simple by zeroing in on these 10 principles of organizing, which can be applied to any space, anytime.

Get to know active vs. passive zones. Active zones are the spots in your home that you pass or touch daily (usually multiple times a day), and include the entryway, top drawers and eye-level shelves and cabinets.

Passive zones are the less frequently used spaces in your home, including the guest room, garage or basement, very high and very low shelves, and nooks deep within closets.

A common organizing mistake is to clutter your prime active zones with items you don’t frequently need. For example: Don’t keep your spare lightbulbs in the top drawer in the kitchen when you only need to grab one every few months!

Make open storage beautiful. Every home can use a combination of open and closed (i.e., hidden) storage. But what you choose to store on your open shelving should be visually pleasing. In the living room, this is a good place for books (arranged by color if you’re feeling artsy) and pretty objects, not beaten-up board games and stacks of video games. Likewise in the kitchen, open shelving is the place to put your matching sets of clear drinking glasses or favorite teacups, not the plastic food storage containers.
Keep things findable. Out of sight, out of mind is an especially apt expression when it comes to organizing. Clear containers are ideal when you want to be able to see the contents at a glance, and open baskets can corral loose items while still letting you look inside.

If you use containers that aren’t transparent, be sure to label them clearly — or take it a step further and label each with a photo of the objects inside. (Instant cameras are ideal for this.)

Make it easy to put away. This is most important when it comes to kid stuff, but we can all benefit from this rule.

When you need to go get something, you’ll get it out — it doesn’t really matter where it is — but when it’s time to clean up, we all get a little lazy.

To increase the likelihood of stuff being put back in its place, use easy-to-access bins, baskets and hampers, simple filing systems, and wall hooks for frequently used items.

Group by task. I think of this as the first-aid kit phenomenon: When you need a Band-Aid, you may also need some antibiotic ointment, maybe some tweezers to remove a splinter, and a gauze pad; in a first-aid kit, everything you need to complete the task of caring for your injury is conveniently located in one place.

When you’re organizing your stuff, remember this and group everything you need to complete a task in the same place.

For example, you could make one box for medications, another for spare office supplies, one for holiday cookie cutters and sprinkles, and so on. Labeled shoebox-size boxes (like the ones shown here) work well for grouping small items together.

Create a way station for items in transit. We all have a certain amount of stuff that’s constantly in transit: library books waiting to be returned, our bag and keys, the dog’s leash, the casserole dish a friend left after your last party.

Instead of allowing these random items to pile up, create a dedicated space that can handle them and keep them neat.

If you have room by the main entrance to your home, this is the most logical spot — a few baskets on a shelf and some wall hooks should do the trick.

Subdivide and conquer. Wide-open drawers are an invitation to clutter. Anytime you have a drawer where you’ll be storing small items, use a drawer organizer. Use them for cutlery in the kitchen, office supplies in your desk, small and useful household items in your junk drawer, and daily essentials (sunglasses, keys) in a drawer near the entry.

Go vertical. What happens when you go for something at the bottom of a pile? That’s right, it topples.

Avoid this organizing nightmare and go vertical instead. Use shelf risers to increase cabinet capacity, store sheet pans and trays in a vertical holder, and use wall-mounted holders to store brooms and mops so they won’t tip over.

Choose the right container for the job. It can be heartbreaking to find that some of your most precious items — old family photographs, Grandma’s wedding gown — have been ruined thanks to improper storage.

Take preventative measures by choosing the right storage container for the job. Photographs and paper memorabilia should be stored in acid-free containers or albums, and textiles should be kept in breathable storage boxes or bags designed for that purpose.

Store heavy items down low. You should never have to balance on a stepladder while trying to lift something heavy.

Keep heavy items at or below waist height, including boxes, kitchen equipment (those dutch ovens and stand mixers weigh a ton!) and anything else that takes some real effort to lift.

And if you live in earthquake country, this is doubly important: You don’t want heavy items falling out of high cupboards and landing on someone’s head.

Tell us: What’s your biggest home-organizing challenge?

I read this article at: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66905378?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u3264&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery2

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Please enjoy my personal journey through homeownership at:

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Thanks for reading – Sabrina

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

7 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Once a Year

I enjoy sharing articles like this – which reminds me I really should go through that junk drawer….

7 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Once a Year

Look how responsible you are

When you bought your house, there were a million and ten things you needed to do. (Hi, inspection, mortgage application and downstairs bathroom conversion.) But over the years, auto-pilot has set in, and those driveway pavers you always meant to replace are still staring you in the face. Stay on top of your home maintenance to-dos by making sure you tackle each of the following once a year.

Clean your gutters

 Old frisbees. Dead leaves. Dead rodents. (Ew.) Nasty stuff can accumulate in your gutters, and keeping them clear is super important for getting snow and rain off that fancy new roof you just replaced. Here’s the best part: If you get them cleaned right now, you won’t have to think about them again until 2017.

Steam clean your carpets 

Yes, you’re a hygienic person who generally doesn’t track gross stuff into her house. But over time, buildup has a way of accumulating–especially in snowy or dusty regions, or if you’ve got children or pets. Rent a steamer (or hire a professional), and relish in a pile that’s as plush and vibrant as the day you bought it.

Wash your windows… like, for real 

Again, you’re probably already Windex-ing the inside of those suckers on a weekly or monthly basis. But the outsides need love, too. Most modern windows pivot inward, so you can wash the whole thing from inside your house. But if you live in an older building and can’t get to windows on the second or third floor, hire a gent with a squeegee and a ladder.

Empty all your drawers 

OK, this one isn’t just for home owners, but anyone who lives in a house should really be in the habit of emptying and assessing every drawer one time per calendar year. Tackle it room-by-room, taking everything out, deciding if you really need it, then purging accordingly before neatly repacking.

Trim your trees

Next-door neighbor Frank hates when your sycamore cascades over his tool shed. Trim that puppy once a year for the health of your tree (a heavy bow is never a good thing) and, of course, your neighborly relations.

Schedule the exterminator 

If you think you only need to talk to Larry the Roach Guy when you’ve actually got creepy crawlers, think again. Getting your house checked and treated preemptively for bugs gives you a much better chance of not finding something disgusting (or paying thousands of dollars for termite damage) down the road.

Check out an open house in the neighborhood

 Even if you plan to live in your home until they take you out on a stretcher, it’s always a good idea to get a sense of the market. Plus, aren’t you dying to know what Kenny and Margaret did with that hideous wood-paneled rec room? You know you want to.

I read this article at: http://www.purewow.com/home/things-home-owners-should-do-yearly?utm_medium=email&utm_source=national&utm_campaign=Best_of_Web_6_28_2016_06_28_b&utm_content=Food_editorial

Remember to follow our Blog 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

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

Pokémon Go is everywhere — is there a real estate angle?

Oh this article caught my attention – should I download Pokémon Go for my next open house? What are your thoughts?

Pokémon Go is everywhere — is there a real estate angle?

A Craigslist user is trying to attract roommates with walkable Pokéstops, while some agents have already capitalized on the trend

BY MARIAN MCPHERSON

Key Takeaways

The late ’90s and early 2000s Japanese anime cartoon Pokémon has resurfaced with the augmented reality game Pokémon Go.
Pokémon Go brings the world of Pokémon to life, and allows players to catch elusive Pokémon everywhere — in their house, their backyard, or even in public places such as their neighborhood, local parks and stores.
Pokémon Go might work its way into real estate listings, with sellers boasting about the number of Pokémon training gyms and PokéStops in their neighborhood.

Some agents have already begun using the game to draw in potential buyers at open houses.

Real estate listing descriptions can be a fascinating reflection of regional character and culture. Idaho loves its soaker tubs, while Alaskans can’t get enough Southern exposure.

The latest trend taps into a quirky cultural phenomenon that has resurfaced since its beginnings in the late ’90s and early 2000s — Pokémon.

Pokémon is a Japanese anime cartoon that debuted in 1997, and took us into the magical world of Ash Ketchum, a young boy who wanted to be the greatest Pokémon trainer of them all.

From there, the brand expanded into apparel, card and video games, books and even the silver screen. For those new to the game, Pokémon are fictional creatures that humans (aka Pokémon trainers) catch and then prepare for battle.

The little monsters have unique names such as Charmander, Squirtle and, of course, Pikachu — the game’s brand ambassador — and come with their own set of strengths and traits. But you don’t need to know that to enjoy the game. In fact, most people don’t.

The Pokémon craze fizzled a bit when millennials started to grow up and move on to other obsessions — such as Facebook, selfies and twerking.

But, over the past week, Pokémon resurfaced with a new game, Pokémon Go, and claimed the hearts of millennials and others alike, who were in need of some nostalgia after a hard week.

Pokémon Go, available on Android and iOS, brings the world of Pokémon to life with augmented reality and challenges players to travel around their neighborhoods and cities to catch Pokémon and battle other trainers at Pokémon gyms — there are more than five in my Oklahoma City neighborhood alone.

Pokéstops — where users can collect free (virtual) items that power their Pokémon — along with actual buildings designated as “gyms” are high-traffic areas within the game and get players out of the house walking around in the real world. Pokémon Go surpassed Whatsapp this week in average number of engaged minutes per day.

And just like any other trend — Snapchat, Periscope and Facebook Live — Pokémon Go has found its way into real estate.

Two days ago, Pokémon Go tweeted a realistic-looking home listing that included the text: “Conveniently located between 2 Pokémon Gyms and has 8 Pokéstops within walking distance.”

For nerds the world over, this hot listing feature might be just what they’re looking for right now.

The game has actually found its way into a Craigslist ad. This apartment is located between two Pokémon gyms and has eight PokéStops within walking distance. Who could pass that up?

Moerover, a viral Zillow “listing” — which appears to be a meme — boasts two, yes two, Pokémon Go gyms and seven PokéStops that would be heaven for any aspiring trainer who is looking to “catch em all” in their neighborhood.

The members of Lab Coat Agents (LCA) quickly caught onto the craze and discussed how the game is now being used to sell homes.

“This game is sweeping the nation so fast that agents are referencing it in the description,” says LCA co-founder Nick Baldwin. “It’s amazing how pop culture can be [used] to sell homes.”

Some agents on the thread were still trying to figure out what Pokémon is, while others had already caught on and started using it in Facebook ads for open houses.

Mandy Panozzo-Clay says she used Pokémon Go as a way to attract potential buyers at an open house in a young, hip area of her town.

“It was super basic. It was in our town’s ‘hip’ page with a link and photo of the house I was having an open house at and it said ‘looking for Pokémon? We have plenty here at…,’” says Panozzo-Clay.

“Got a lot of response and some clicks to my website. I will do some more for my open houses next week.”

On the flip side, the app poses a few real-estate related risks, as shown by the man living with his wife in a converted church in Massachusetts.

Turns out, Pokémon Go has designated many churches as “gyms” — so the couple had an onslaught of gamers flocking to their property. Potential buyers who’d rather not deal with the commotion could be deterred by the game’s neighborhood impact.

In addition to safety risks, Lab Coat Agent member Greg Lyles warned fellow agents about using Pokémon Go snapshots in social media and print ads — they could result in possible copyright infringement violations that come with a hefty maximum fine of $150,000.

“It may seem like a lot of fun to include the characters in your ads, but you are subjecting yourself, and your broker, to a potential copyright violation lawsuit,” says Lyles.

“Lots of people incorrectly believe that just because something exists out there on the Internet, it’s a free for all. Not true.”

According to the Pokémon website, users “should assume that everything you see or read on http://www.pokemon.com is copyrighted — unless otherwise noted — and may not be used except as stated in the Pokémon Terms of Use or with the written permission of The Pokémon Company International (“Pokémon”).”

Pokémon Go is part of the Pokémon site, so it seems that the rule would apply to using game images for advertising. Although it would seem unlikely for the Pokémon Company International to start slapping real estate agents with lawsuits, it is a risk to consider before making an ad.

Inman Ambassador Stacie Perrault Staub made a post on her individual page, predicting that real estate agents will soon be capitalizing on this game with seminars.

“Place your bets, please,” Staub wrote. “How long until someone starts trying to sell real estate agents a downloadable guide or webinar called ‘How to Sell More Homes Using Pokémon Go?’”

Staub also offered some insight on whether this trend will prove its longevity in real estate or die off as quickly as it started.

“I think Pokémon Go has the potential to spark innovation along the same framework as the game, by targeting real estate consumers as a way to spur interaction, facilitate live real estate events like open houses and neighborhood tours, etc.,” Staub told Inman.

“Do I think Realtors should start trying to buy ads on Pokémon Go? No. But might it start conversations with app creators in our space? I’d bet on yes.”

Whatever the future may bring, catch all the buyers you can before Pokémon Go goes away.

I read this article at: http://www.inman.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-everywhere-real-estate-angle/?utm_source=20160716&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklyheadlinesPM&utm_content=1

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

7 Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

7 Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Your neighbors will be so jealous…

Whether you’re trying to sell your house or simply make your home the envy of everyone on your cul-de-sac, trust us: A little goes a long way. Here, seven ways to refresh your front door (and beyond) without breaking the bank.

PAINT YOUR DOOR

A fresh coat of paint–colorful or not–goes a long way when it comes to updating your exterior view. While you’re at it, replace (or touch up) your hardware–like the doorknob and knocker.

REPLACE YOUR HOUSE NUMBERS

Pick up a set that has a matte or metallic sheen. It’ll look expensive and polished, not to mention easier to read from the street. (You’re welcome, UPS guy.)

PRESSURE WASH YOUR FRONT PORCH

It’s a great way to remove deeply set dirt stains and will give your porch that brand-new and shiny vibe. (You can even add a bit of wood cleaner to really get the job done.) Don’t own a pressure washer? Rent one from your local Home Depot for about $35 a day.

INSTALL SOLAR LIGHTS

You don’t have to break the bank to add a bit of accent lighting to your front yard. An eight-pack of solar lights costs about $27 on Amazon. Use them to accentuate freshly pruned trees or shrubs–or simply to illuminate the path to your front door.

MAKE OVER YOUR MAILBOX

If it’s busted–get a new one. Or take it a step further by planting a variety of resilient and colorful flowers and shrubs (think hydrangea or elephant ears) at the base of the box.

ADD WINDOW BOXES FILLED WITH BLOOMS

In addition to being inexpensive, window boxes are easy to install (you often don’t even have to drill) and won’t damage your house’s facade. Stick them in the windows to the left and right of your front door and fill them with plants like marigolds and petunias that thrive on direct sunlight.

REPAINT (OR REPLACE) YOUR GUTTERS

If they’re peeling and cracked, sand gutters and downspouts down and apply a fresh coat of paint. Or–if you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier–you could upgrade the whole system with sleek copper piping.

I read this article at: http://www.purewow.com/home/curb-appeal-tips

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

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

7 Tax Deductions You Didn’t Know You Could Take

7 Tax Deductions You Didn’t Know You Could Take

Like summer camp…and baggage fees…

You guys, the deadline for filing your taxes has past BUT – there is always next year. Haven’t even started reviewing your W-2s and 1099s and, gah, so many receipts? It’s not all bad. Here, seven surprising deductions that could save you serious cash.

RÉSUMÉ PAPER

As long as the job you’re looking for is in your current line of work, it’s A-OK to deduct the costs of interviewing–everything from résumé paper and printer ink to cabs and parking receipts. (Hey, you tried to find on-street parking for, like, four whole minutes.)

MEMBERSHIP DUES

The Alliance for Women in Media, Pet Sitters International, the American Association of School Librarians… If you belong to a professional organization, your annual dues and any other miscellaneous membership expenses (like the fee to attend the spring power luncheon) can all be written off.

FRENCH CLASSES

Come on, the fact that you now parle français totally helped your ability to communicate with clients overseas. And there’s another education-focused payoff: You can get a partial credit on your taxes for any money you put toward advanced learning and improving job-related skills.

GOING GREEN

Alas, there’s no longer a tax credit for installing storm windows or insulation, but there is a tax credit for adding big-picture eco-friendly items like solar water heaters, wind turbines and more to your home (a whopping 30 percent of the total cost).

BAGGAGE FEES

That self-funded trip you took to Akron, Ohio, for the freelance assignment of a lifetime? Start itemizing your credit card statement. Travel expenses you incur when self-employed count as tax deductions. (Talk about the perks of being your own boss.)

SUMMER CAMP

Sure, you know all about child-care tax credits, but did you know that camp (as long as it’s not overnight) totally counts toward the deduction? Huzzah!

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

OK, not the ones you actually ate. But if you bought any boxes to donate to a food drive or an organization in need, you have a free pass to write off the cost. Proof that no charitable donation is too small.

Note as a Realtor I do not provide Tax advice – just thought this article was interesting. Please contact your CPA for more information.

I read this article at: http://www.purewow.com/money/7-Tax-Deductions-You-Didnt-Know-You-Could-Take

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

Email Sabrina & Susan at: Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Call us at: 650-568-5522

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

8 Things First-Time Homeowners Never Realize

You did it! You bought your first house and it’s yours and you can do whatever you want with it! Well…not so fast. Here, eight things that first-time homeowners often don’t realize before it’s too late.

THAT YOU MIGHT NEED TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS STAT

If you just plunked down a ton of money to buy the house (closing costs, whaaaa), it can seem ridiculous to shell out again right away. But even if you’ve passed inspection and are moving into a well-built abode, there’s a good chance you’ll have to do something big (a new boiler… a roof fix) within your first year. Keep a cushion of cash on hand, even if it means waiting to buy that farmhouse table you’ve been coveting.

AND THAT THOSE IMPROVEMENTS COULD REQUIRE PERMITS

It depends on where you live and the extensiveness of your plans, but plenty of renovations–say, a kitchen remodel or a window installation–might require a permit from the city government. Do your research, talk to your contractor, ask your Realtor and don’t risk starting anything that’s not good and legal.

BUT THAT OTHER IMPROVEMENTS COULD SAVE YOU MONEY

Did you know that you could earn a 30 percent tax credit by installing a geothermal heat pump? Or that you could save on monthly energy bills by getting a solar panel and selling electricity back to the grid? Hooray for going green!

THAT YOUR NEIGHBORS MIGHT NOT BE AS JAZZED ABOUT YOUR 4TH-FLOOR ADDITION AS YOU ARE

You’ve been excited to install that gargoyled turret since the day you moved in. Frank next door is terrified you’ll obstruct his views and park a dumpster in front of his house. Have him over for sangria to discuss any big-ticket renovations that could disrupt his life–and proceed with serious caution when it comes to projects that are likely to piss off more than one neighbor.

THAT YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW TRASH LAWS

Recycling goes out on Tuesdays. Big electronics on the first Friday of every month. Anything glass must be in a clear bag. Learn your city’s trash laws, and follow them to a T. (Unless you love getting hit with fines.)

THAT LAWNS REQUIRE ATTENTION DURING EVERY SEASON

Once the temps rise, you are all about that lawn-mower life. But news flash: You also have to take care of your yard from September to May. Keep your lawn raked and tidy in the fall (or risk turning your property into a slip-and-slide) and your grass short and debris-free come winter.

THAT YOU MIGHT BE LIABLE FOR STUFF THAT DOESN’T SEEM LIKE YOUR PROBLEM

Got a tree that overhangs Frank-the-neighbor’s driveway? Got a sewer line that runs beneath your yard? Got an icy sidewalk that you just don’t feel like salting? All of those things are your responsibility to maintain and keep safe for others.

THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING AT ONCE

You have a new house! You want to make it beautiful and homey and full of cheery wallpaper right away. But slow down there, hotshot: If you pace yourself and tackle one thing at a time, you’ll make your money and energy go a lot further. Plus, it’s fun to always have a next project on the horizon. Isn’t that why you bought a house in the first place?

I read this article at: http://www.purewow.com/home/things-home-owners-dont-realize?utm_medium=email&utm_source=national&utm_campaign=Homeowner_Things_2016_05_24_a&utm_content=Food_editorial

Remember to follow our Blog 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

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

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

VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE: http://instagram.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

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

Estate Planning: 11 Things to Do Before You Die

Death is not a topic anyone wants to think about, let alone talk about. However, it is the inevitable outcome of life and something we can plan for. I learned the hard way when my father passed of a heart attack – we were in the midst of planning for this day – we just hadn’t gotten that far. It took me months to comb through boxes and boxes of paperwork to piece together everything. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. So today, you can take steps to make the end a little more manageable for your family. I found this article on Legal Zoom and thought I would share it here. It takes but a moment to create a trust, to write down the passwords and your wishes. Do it now – in good health – and know, when the time comes – you have helped your family with the one thing they don’t ever want to think about.

– Thank you for reading – Sabrina

Estate Planning: 11 Things to Do Before You Die

Pondering your own mortality is probably not high on your list of enjoyable activities, and yet getting your affairs in order is advisable for everyone.

You may think “estate planning” is only for the wealthy, or that—since you’re relatively young and/or healthy—you don’t need to worry about such things, but neither is true.

Even people with modest assets can benefit from end-of-life planning, which encompasses much more than just writing a last will and testament. And, as we all know, death doesn’t discriminate by age or any other factor.

A little forethought now about how you would like things to go once you’re incapacitated or gone can give you great peace of mind now, as well as spare your loved ones a lot of hassle later.

What are some of the most important things you can do now? Here is a handy estate planning checklist.

Gather important documents and contact information.

Property deeds, vehicle titles, official certificates (birth, marriage, etc.), the contact information for your attorney, insurance broker, doctor—all of these are things you can gather and put in the same, safe place now to make it easier for your loved ones later.

As a bonus, getting all these materials together should also make compiling your estate plan easier, as you will have a lot of the necessary information at your fingertips.

Execute a last will and testament.

A will is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have, as it details where you would like your property go after your death. Unless you make a will, you are leaving things up to your state’s intestacy laws, which apply when someone dies without a will. And you should not assume that the state will make the same choices you would have made.

When you create a will, you, the testator, name an estate administrator or executor: a person you trust to handle the distribution of your estate. You can also name a legal guardian for any minor children and their property, as well as leaving instructions for the care of your pets.

Complete a living will or advance directive.

A living will or advance directive is a legal document in which you name someone to communicate with medical personnel regarding your treatment preferences should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to express your preferences yourself.

Issues addressed in living wills generally include breathing tubes, feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining medical treatments.

Put in place a power of attorney.

A durable power of attorney allows you to name someone to be in charge of making decisions for you if you become incapacitated. You may choose to name a separate health care power of attorney for medical decisions and a financial power of attorney for financial decisions.

A health care power of attorney works hand-in-hand with a living will to ensure that your wishes regarding medical treatment are followed. A Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization is also necessary to allow others to speak with doctors and nurses about your condition.

Establish a living trust.

A living trust can be a great way for you to make sure your wishes are followed after your death, as well as providing for fast distribution of your assets to beneficiaries, avoiding estate taxes and keeping your financial affairs private.

With a living trust, you, as the grantor, retain control over any property placed within the trust throughout your lifetime. Upon your death, your pre-chosen successor trustee gains control of the trust and will then distribute your assets according to your instructions—all bypassing probate, thus saving both time and money.

An irrevocable trust can also serve as asset protection, to protect your property from being touched by creditors or lawsuits.

Update your beneficiaries.

If you have life insurance, retirement accounts, pensions, or pay-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death accounts, make sure your beneficiaries are up to date, as these accounts transfer according to their beneficiary designations; your last will does not control them. Any time there is a change in your family situation is a good time to review your beneficiaries.

Secure your digital assets.

Along with online bank, investment, and shopping accounts, many people also have social media accounts that need handling upon the death of the owner.

Facebook, for instance, has a special section in which you can select someone to take over your account upon your passing, but you should also think about what you want to happen with websites, blogs, and any other online activities in which you participate.

Plan final arrangements.

Final arrangements can include organ donation, as well as funeral plans, including how they are to be paid for. Pay-on-death bank accounts are often the best way to handle funeral expenses.

Your will isn’t the best place to include this information because it often isn’t read immediately, so a letter to your estate administrator or a trusted loved one is best.

Make copies and store.

Once you have gathered all your estate planning documents, make copies and store the original and copies in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe in your home or a safe deposit box. Make sure at least one other person will be able to access these documents after your death.

Talk with your loved ones.

Just getting everything down on paper is a great step forward in estate planning, but talking with your loved ones about your wishes is priceless. The clearer they are on what you want, the more likely it is that your wishes will be followed—and the fewer problems they will have, as they won’t have to guess your intentions.

This talk doesn’t have to be all grim and dire, however. You can also take this opportunity to talk to them about your life and memories, and even pass along cherished photographs and stories.

Keep everything current.

Once you put together your estate plan, don’t just put it in that safe place and forget about it. At least yearly, perhaps on your birthday, you should revisit the documents to make sure they still reflect your intentions.

And a bonus: Get the help you need.

While there is no legal requirement that you consult an estate planning attorney, you may want to speak with an attorney to make sure you have adequately addressed all potential concerns while running through the above estate planning checklist.

I read this article at: https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/estate-planning-11-things-to-do-before-you-die?utm_source=monthlynewsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2016_05_May&utm_campaign=NL_2016_05_May

Remember to follow our Blog 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

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

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

VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE: http://instagram.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

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

Why it is still relevant to work with a Realtor…

Of course this article peaked my interest. My daily job function has changed with the increased use of the internet to find homes. But getting the home – well that’s where The Caton Team Realtors comes in. It’s the local knowledge and experiance that makes an agent an amazing Realtor. We have sold hundreds of homes in our career – have you? Please enjoy this article I read on Inman News.

The advent of technology has called into question the need for real estate agents. Not unlike the once-prominent travel agency, online portals are attempting to relegate real estate agents to a thing of the past.

However, I am here to tell you that real estate agents are more necessary today than they have ever been.

Our reliance on technology has made many complacent; they think finding their dream home is as simple as using the internet.

Every real estate transaction, whether you are buying or selling, is wrought with potential for setback. However, real estate agents are the best way to mitigate any complications that might arise over the course of a deal; their services are more valuable than many give them credit for.

At the very least, a great real estate agent will see to it that deals are carried off without a hitch, but they are capable of offering even more for these four reasons.

Selling is more complicated than many anticipate

Outside of the most accomplished real estate investors and those who have been fortunate enough to live the American dream, it’s safe to assume that selling a house is one of the largest financial obligations many will be confronted with.

The size of the transaction alone is enough to warrant some trepidation, and at the very least, some second guessing. It’s only natural to question such a momentous occasion; it’s a safety measure of sorts.

David Reiss, a law professor at Brooklyn Law School, acknowledges that even the average real estate transaction is financially momentous and complex — the most complex transaction people do in their life.

People have a tendency to fear that which they don’t understand, and few are well-versed in the selling process, which would explain why homeowners covet the assistance of a professional real estate agent.

“People like having an expert when dealing with large, complicated transactions,” founder of Vespula Capital, Jeff Tomasul said. Vespula Capital is an investment management company based in Greenwich, Connecticut. “Why do people still have financial advisers? They want someone who does it full-time to make sure they are not doing anything wrong.”

Today’s sellers appreciate the peace of mind a well-equipped real estate agent can offer and are more than willing to spend a little extra for someone else to dot all of the i’s and cross all of the t’s. With so much on the line, it only makes sense that such a complicated matter is spearheaded by someone with a sufficient knowledge of the process.

Buying isn’t easier without an agent

Not unlike selling, the prospect of acquiring a home has become synonymous with an overwhelmingly complicated process. Those who have yet to purchase their first home are most likely unaware of just how much work will ensue.

Even those who have purchased a house before are probably less familiar with the process than they would expect. There are simply too many steps to account for, each of which must be carried out in a specific manner. It’s not a coincidence that real estate agents are still a hot commodity, despite the encroachment of online portals.

Buying a house is one of the largest financial commitments a person will make in a lifetime, and those committing to purchase will appreciate the eye of a trained professional.

“They can hold your hand through the process,” Reiss explained. “They might say, ‘This lender takes a long time, so put in your contract immediately, and sign this and that paper, and get all this stuff ready before you’re walking over hot coals with the lender for money.’”

Most millennial buyers, for that matter, don’t need an agent to find them the right property; they do all the research ahead of time online.

In fact, it’s not uncommon for first-time buyers to provide their agents with a list of homes they want to see.

In today’s market, agents’ value is not necessarily determined by their ability to show properties, but rather their ability to confirm or deny that respective buyers are following the right steps.

Agents are in touch with the local market and its players

It’s far too easy to relegate real estate agents to the ubiquitous home search; it is, after all, what they are best known for.

However, truly great real estate agents won’t allow themselves to be defined by one single parameter. The more diversified their talents are, the more they will be able to help others and their bottom line.

There is one asset the best real estate agents covet more than anything else: market knowledge. A proper education pertaining to a particular region has the power to open up more doors than any other tool or characteristic.

As it turns out, that knowledge benefits their clients tenfold. You could very easily argue that real estate agents’ knowledge alone is enough to make them invaluable.

I can say with confidence that the best agents come complete with an inherent ability to understand a local market and its respective players. That means they have a good idea of how the local market will look in a day, a month and even a year down the road.

“The agent knows the market intimately, even more than a pretty informed resident,” Reiss said. And all that knowledge saves time.

“Tracking sales, knowing listings, spending a lot of shoe leather on houses already for sale — right off the bat, they know more than the ordinary Joe and Jane. They understand condo boards and title companies. As a player in the game, they know what the other players are looking for and how to deliver.”

No matter how capable you are at searching for properties, or even buying and selling them, it is nearly impossible to replicate the aptitude for market knowledge great real estate agents demonstrate.

The best agents are worth their weight in gold

At the risk of sounding redundant, there is a reason the best real estate agents are still highly sought after. In a world where home searches are just a click away, agents have found ways to diversify their talents and remain extremely relevant.

No longer are real estate agents simply a vehicle to buy and sell homes; they facilitate an overly complicated process.

Having invested in real estate for more than a decade, I am more than capable of acquiring and selling properties.

However, the expertise a good real estate agent brings to the table is more than worth the cost of doing business.

The average commission real estate agents receive upon completing a transaction is nothing to scoff at; expensive sales can result in some lucrative paydays.

However, the price tag is well worth it when you consider how much time and money they will save you.

There is no reason to suspect the money you expend on hiring a real estate agent won’t be returned with expertise; an agent’s knowledge alone could save you thousands of dollars upfront.

I like to think of a good real estate agent as a secure investment; there is a good chance he or she will save you more money than you end up paying for the services.

The advent of technology has certainly made it easier for the average person to commence a home search or even sell property for that matter.

It’s entirely possible to browse hundreds of listings in a given area with the click of a single button. What else could you possibly need?

The answer is simple: the human touch. Online valuation sites are a great place to start your home search, but they will never be able to replicate the value a truly gifted real estate agent can bring to the table.

Key Takeaways

It only makes sense that something as complicated as a real estate transaction is spearheaded by someone with sufficient knowledge of the process.
Agents’ value is not necessarily determined by their ability to show properties, but rather their ability to confirm or deny that respective buyers are following the right steps.
Truly great real estate agents will not allow themselves to be defined by one single parameter.
A good real estate agent is a secure investment; there is a good chance he or she will save you more money than you end up paying.

Well I couldn’t agree more. It is not my time or my car that matters – it is my experience and knowledge of the local real estate market that sets The Caton Team above the rest. How can The Caton Team help you?

I read this article at: from Inman News

Remember to follow our Blog 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

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

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

VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE: http://instagram.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

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

6 Things You Should Never Let Movers Touch

6 Things You Should Never Let Movers Touch

So after years of DIY/friend-assisted moves, you’ve finally decided to hire movers. As a fellow lazy convenience-minded person, I salute you. The heavy-lifting, traffic-negotiating, stair-climbing nightmare parts of moving day are out of your hands.

But before you kick back and start daydreaming of sleeping in on the big day, I also have some bad news: There are some things you always want to move yourself.

Even if you’ve hired pros, you’re still probably going to be renting a truck or tucking a few things away in your car. Yes, I know—that completely bursts your nothing-to-do bubble. But you’ll want these things for their safe arrival.

Your pets

Obviously, you’re not going to pack Rover in a box with some air holes, but you still need to do some prep work.

Moving is stressful for pets. Add the potential danger of their busting free in the chaos of moving, and it could be a bad situation. Save yourself a headache later and pack them a travel bag now.

If you’re moving across town, plan to take water and food bowls, food, treats, an extra leash, a favorite toy, and a crate with you in the car.

If you’re moving out of state, your movers probably won’t transport your pets, but you can hire a pet-moving service.

Houseplants

Houseplants are a bigger moving-day hassle than you might realize.

First, your mover might not be able to take some of your plants, because local and interstate laws may forbid it.

“Before doing anything with houseplants, it’s good to check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources or the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure there aren’t any restrictions for moving that particular type of plant,” says Jonathan Deesing, a community specialist with imove.

If the plants are allowed on the truck, you’ll still have to worry about everything arriving safely.

“Only pack up plants that are hardy and can survive a bumpy ride,” he says. Fragile plants (we’re looking at you, orchids) may not survive in the back of the truck. So put them in an open box in your car with some padding to keep the pots from tipping over.

Firearms

If you’re packing, the movers probably aren’t.

Whether you’ve got an antique revolver just for display or a powerful hunting rifle, this one is a big no-no for obvious reasons.

“It’s best to move your guns on your own for safety reasons, and many moving services will not even consider moving guns for you anyway,” Deesing says.

If you’re moving your arsenal, don’t forget your safety lessons. Pack bullets and guns separately, and keep everything clearly marked and out of the reach of children.

And remember the rules and regulations.

“Make sure you have all the paperwork in order before moving guns across state lines,” Deesing says.

Your record collection and other valuables

Whether it’s the complete history of the blues on 350 vinyl records, or a collection of antique snow globes, “if you can’t stand the thought of losing it, don’t put it on a moving truck,” Deesing says.

Your moving company isn’t going to toss any of your stuff around (we hope), but accidents do happen. It’s one thing when it happens to that bookshelf you bought at Target, but another when it happens to your great-grandmother’s antique lamp set. If in doubt, bring it with you.

Personal paperwork

Pack your Social Security card, birth certificate, auto title, and any other important paperwork in a waterproof case, and haul that with you. Inevitably, something gets misplaced in a move. And it’s not helpful to find your passport six months after you had to scramble to get a last-minute replacement for your vacation to Spain.

“Of all your belongings, these can often be the most difficult to recover if lost or damaged in transit,” Deesing says.

Climate-sensitive artwork

If you’re moving across town or within the same state, your artwork can probably be safely packed and stowed away on the moving truck. If you’re moving several states away and the temperature might change drastically on the trip, you might want to bring those originals with you in your climate-controlled car.

“If you have artwork in a truck and move from the Northeast to the Deep South, it could irreversibly damage certain paints and materials,” Deesing says.

———

For everything else, follow this rule: When in doubt, overcompensate.

“Communication is key with any part of the move, and this is no exception,” Deesing says. “Don’t take risks, either—clearly label your fragile items and feel free to supervise movers as they load items onto the truck.”

I read this article at: http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/always-move-these-things-yourself/?identityID=9851214&MID=2016_0513_WeeklyNL-comafter23&RID=353497822&cid=eml-2016-0513-WeeklyNL-blog_2_dontletmoverstouch-blogs_trends

Remember to follow our Blog 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

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

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

VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE: http://instagram.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

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

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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

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