Tag: Sabrina Wendt

The Rent vs. Buy – a new site to help you decide …

The Rent vs. Buy dilemma may be one of the hottest questions I am asked as a local Realtor. It is not an easy one to decipher, as we must analyze the wants, needs, budget and goals list. And as rents soar to astronomical heights around here– this questions is getting to be a hot topic. So – when I came across this website SmartAsset – I was pretty stoked to read all the info, play with the widgets and come to some conclusions myself. Enjoy this article and make time to play on the site and see what best suits your needs.  Thanks for reading – Sabrina 

The Rent vs. Buy Decision

For a long time, the common wisdom was that buying a home was a far better financial choice than renting one. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, and into the first years of the new millennium, home prices across much of the country marched steadily upwards, and a house was considered the safest investment around. The logic was simple: if you were spending 30% of your income on housing anyway, might as well spend that hard-earned dough on something that would retain its value for you in the future. Renting, in contrast, was like lighting your money on fire and tossing it in the trash. The rent versus buy decision was a straightforward one.

That all changed in 2007, when the housing bubble that had been silently growing suddenly went pop. A house, it turned out, could lose value—and, as some real-life cases demonstrated, could do so in spectacular fashion. There were stories of totally abandoned neighborhoods outside of Las Vegas, and half-constructed mansions in Florida. Those with the misfortune to buy at the peak of the market in 2006 lost thousands or even millions of dollars overnight. Mortgages went underwater. A foreclosure crisis ensued. Meanwhile, the renters of the world were doing relatively well.

Today, there is no clear answer to the rent v buy question. In some cities, and for some individuals, buying a home may make more sense, while for others, renting a home may be the better choice. What makes sense for Nina in New Orleans and Steve in San Diego may not make sense for Dan in Denver and Christina in Chicago. So how does one decide the answer to this question of, Should I rent or buy?

Where a Rent vs. Buy Calculator Can Help

 Perhaps the most important factor to consider when making this buy or rent decision is how long you plan to stay in your home. If you’ll only be in town a year, renting will almost always be your obvious best choice. If you’re planning on packing up and leaving 12 months down the line, you probably don’t want to spend the time and money necessary to buy a house: think down payment, closing costs, loan charges, appraisal fees and so on. All told, the upfront costs of finding a house and taking out a mortgage can be in the tens of thousands of dollars (or higher!). As a renter, at worst you’ll have to pay a small application fee and make a refundable security deposit of a few months’ rent.

On the other hand, if you plan on staying put for 50 years, renting almost always makes no sense. In the long run, there are significant advantages to homeownership, one of the largest being the mortgage interest deduction, a tax benefit that allows you to deduct mortgage interest payments from your taxable income. For example, if you have a $2,000 monthly mortgage payment, and $1,500 of that goes toward interest, you can deduct that $1,500. So, your taxable income will be $1,500 lower. If we assume you pay a marginal tax rate of 30%, you would pay about $450 less in taxes each month by taking that deduction (30% x $1,500 = $450).

Rental payments, in contrast have no such advantages. Indeed, while a portion of each mortgage payment goes toward increasing your stake in your home by increasing your equity, rental payments go entirely to your landlord, and tend to grow over time. In the long run, the costs of renting can be much higher than buying.

So, if renting is better in the short-run and buying is better in the long run, when does the financial logic switch? When, in other words, do the long-run costs of renting begin to outweigh the upfront costs of buying? It could be three years, or seven or 15. The timing depends largely on where you live. That’s why our rent vs. buy analysis is location-based.

Should I buy or rent? Rent vs. Buy Examples

 As the saying goes: all real estate is local. That has never been truer than it is today. Some housing markets are booming and others are stagnant, and while in some cities rents have taken off, in others they remain as low as ever.

Take Atlanta, for example. Home prices there rose by about 4.4% over the past three years, while rents on two-bedroom apartments jumped 3.4% over the same time period. At those rates, it would likely make more sense for a person looking for a typical two bedroom home to buy if she planned on staying just two years.

In a city like San Francisco, where a typical house can sell for upwards of $500,000, the math can look a little different but the results are the same. Rents in San Francisco have jumped a whopping 8% in the past year, and home prices rose even more rapidly than that, by over 10% according to the Case-Schiller Index. If those rates hold, a San Franciscan staying in town for more than two years should buy now—if she can afford it.

New York City is a different story. Home prices in New York’s notoriously difficult housing market rose just 1.45% over the past three years, while rents over that period rose by around 5%. Even if you were able to find a two-bedroom for $350,000, it would only make financial sense to purchase it if you planned on staying put for a full 18 years.

The Big Apple is a big outlier when it comes to your rent or buy decision, however. Most cities in the U.S. are like Minneapolis, where home prices have risen 7% over the past three years, and rent for the average two bedroom apartment has gone from $960 to just over $1000, a 4.3% increase. In Minneapolis, a person looking for a typical house should buy if he plans on staying at least two years and has the money available for the upfront costs. The lesson here? When asking Should I rent or buy a house? be sure to take your location into account.

Reasons You Might Want to Rent or Buy a House

 Of course, while analyses like the above assume you are making your decision for purely economic reasons, there are other, non-financial factors that you may want to think about as well when wondering Should I buy or rent a house? Many renters, for example, enjoy the flexibility of being able to change pads at the end of their lease. For a homeowner, if you want to move, there’s quite a few hoops to jump through: find a real estate agent, get the house listed, meet with prospective buyers, accept bids, make a deal and, eventually, pay a bunch of fees to close the sale. Getting all of that done can take months, and can be very expensive.

On the other hand, buying a home gives you year-to-year continuity. Rents can change drastically over the course of just a few years, and there’s the ever-looming threat of eviction if a rent increase proves too much for you to afford. Most of the time as a homeowner, you won’t face any spikes in your payment (adjustable-rate mortgages are one exception), and you won’t have to worry about being tossed out on the street if your payment becomes too expensive.

Then there’s the question of maintenance: fixing leaky pipes, painting, cleaning gutters—these are all costs of owning a home, but many homeowners enjoy putting time and energy into their homes. By the same token, many renters complain of unresponsive landlords who refuse to deal with things like bad plumbing or a faulty fridge. These matters of personal preference are the intangibles that even the best rent or buy calculator (see above) can’t account for. Answering the question of Should I rent or buy a home? may require some soul-searching.

In the end, the rent vs. buy decision comes down to your preferences and plans. If you know exactly how long you want to stay in your home and where you want to live, and you have some money saved up, the decision could be as easy as calculating which option will cost you less. If your future is less clear, however, you may have more to consider.

How Long You Have to Live in America’s Biggest Cities for Buying to Make Sense

 Housing markets in major cities are often far more competitive than those in small towns or rural areas. That affects the rent vs. buy decision, as potential homebuyers in metros frequently face significantly higher prices, fees and closing costs. Those high upfront costs can mean that it only makes sense to buy for homeowners who are willing to stay put for a longer timeframe.

With that in mind, SmartAsset took a closer look at the data on renting and buying in the largest U.S. markets. We determined the breakeven point, the time it would take for a homeowner to recuperate those upfront costs of buying a home. (For more on our methodology, check here.)

Developments like the boom in tech jobs and increased migration to sunny West Coast cities have shifted housing economics towards renting in some parts of the country, while in other areas, like the South and Texas, buying is still usually the better bet.

 New York City

New York: 18.3 years (to recuperate costs of buying)

The Big Apple’s housing market is notoriously competitive, and indeed, SmartAsset’s research shows it is the worst urban market for homebuyers in the country. Good deals are nearly impossible to come by and when an attractive option appears on the market, it is often snapped up in days if not hours. That competition bids up prices, which means homes are comparatively more expensive than rentals. The typical New Yorker would need to stay in her home more than 18 years to justify buying instead of renting.

The Tech Hubs

San Jose: 16.73 years

Seattle: 14.9 years

San Francisco: 14.6 years

The boom in high technology over the past few years has generally been concentrated in a relatively small number of cities. It has been especially pronounced in the Bay Area and in Seattle. The growth in high-paying tech jobs in these cities has had profound consequences on their homebuying markets.

In these three cities buying a home only makes financial sense for those who can stay put for at least 14 years (on average). Take note, however, of rising rents. If rents in these cities continue to increase over the next few years, buying may become a more sensible medium-term option for those who have the cash to cover closing costs and a down-payment.

The Sunny West Coast

Orange County: 10.8 Years

Los Angeles: 8.8 years

San Diego: 8.6 years

Honolulu: 8.6 years

In these four western cities, the weather is great, populations are growing quickly, and renting usually beats buying. Average home prices in these cities aren’t quite as high as in the tech hubs or New York, but they are still outside the range most residents would consider affordable. On average, homebuyers in these cities recuperate the costs of buying (instead of renting) after 8 to 11 years.

 Portland

Portland: 6.9 years

As usual, this Oregon city defies categorization. It hasn’t experienced the boom in tech jobs of its neighbors to the north (Seattle) and south (San Francisco), and the weather in Portland isn’t the draw that is in other Western cities. Yet, the average home in Multnomah County costs over $315,000 (50% more than the U.S. average) and population growth has been steady. Those factors place Portland in a middle ground between buying and renting: for the average Portlander, buying makes sense if she plans on staying put for seven years or more.

 Old Money

Washington, D.C.: 6.5 years

Boston: 6.3 years

D.C. and Boston have historically been among the most expensive housing markets in the country. In these cities, high up-front costs tilt the economic logic away from homebuying for residents who may plan to move around in the near future (recent graduates, for example). But residents who are settling down for the long-term (like more than 6.5 years) could be better off buying.

 The Wild West

Riverside: 5.8 years

Phoenix: 5.7 years

Denver: 5.4 years

These three western cities are experiencing strong population growth, which has put some upward pressure on home prices. In these cities, residents who are comfortable staying in one place for the medium- or long-term should at least consider buying. On average, they will recuperate the high up-front costs of purchasing (instead of renting) in five to six years.

 The Midwest

Pittsburgh: 4.3 years

Chicago: 4.2 years

Minneapolis: 4.2 years

Especially compared to the west and the northeast, buying and renting in the Midwest are both relatively affordable—but because homeownership also increases a person’s net worth over time, buying often makes more sense in the medium- and long-term. The average homebuyer in one of these Midwestern cities should recuperate the upfront costs of closing on a home in just over four years. 

Texas and the South

Houston: 4.2 years

Tampa: 4.1 years

Charlotte: 4.1 years

Atlanta: 4.1 years

Miami: 4 years

Austin: 3.7 years

St. Louis: 3.6 years

Dallas: 3.2 years

Traditionally the most affordable parts of the country (for homebuyers), Texas and the south lived up to their reputation in our analysis. In every major southern or Texan city we examined, the average resident would recuperate the up-front costs of homebuying within just four and a half years of closing. After that, the savings would begin to accumulate.

 Philadelphia and Detroit

Philadelphia: 2.9 years

Detroit: 2.6 years

These two cities buck all the trends. Both have seen their populations fall in absolute terms in the past 50 years (Philly’s by 25% and Detroit’s by 50%). The result is a housing supply far larger than demand, and, in turn, bargain basement prices. On average, a resident of either of these cities should only stay in a rental if she might be moving in the next 3 years.

 

I read this article at: https://smartasset.com/mortgage/rent-vs-buy#YeTvhq5Utt

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: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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

 

PURCHASING REAL ESTATE THROUGH YOUR IRA

Investing with your IRA – has been a hot topic I have been looking into for years.  This article, by RealtyShares is a starting point.  If you are curious on how to invest with your IRA – contact your financial consultant.  

PURCHASING REAL ESTATE THROUGH YOUR IRA

Real Estate is a true way to diversify and provides investors a more tangible alternative to the volatile stock market and the low-yield bond market. However, the fact remains that investors can’t access nontraditional assets like real estate through a traditional 401(k) or IRA. Rather, these investors, in order to take advantage of tax deferred returns, must invest exclusively in publicly traded securities like stocks and bonds.

Interestingly enough, real estate has been available to invest in using IRA’s, specifically Self-Directed IRA’s, under a little known IRS Code 4975. A Self-Directed IRA is an IRA like any other under IRS Publication 590 in terms of annual contributions, required minimum distributions, and types such as Traditional, ROTH, SEP, Simple 401K, Health Savings Account and Coverdell Education Accounts. However, it differs from a traditional IRA or 401(k) under IRS Code 4975, in that it allows one to invest in almost anything with the exclusion of life insurance, collectibles and S-corps.

The types of real estate assets that an investor can invest in using their Self-Directed IRA is quite broad and includes:

  • Residential or commercial real estate
  • Unimproved land
  • Rental houses
  • Multiple-occupant dwellings
  • Office buildings
  • Foreclosed properties
  • Deeds and mortgages
  • Crowdfunded Real Estate

The most important aspect of using Self-Directed IRA’s is understanding Prohibited Transactions. A Prohibited Transaction is the buying, selling, leasing, using, having any benefit or receiving compensation, directly or indirectly with a Prohibited Person, which is basically immediate family and lineal and a lineal descendants. In other words, one cannot invest in vacation property and vacation there, nor can they buy a condo for their parents to retire in, even if they rent it to them at market rates.

This post was written with the assistance of James A. Jones of Kingdom Trust Co. James is a national speaker and educator, and the most published author with 6 books in the Self-Directed IRA industry. He is also the Founder and CEO of the Self-Directed IRA Investment Institute and Vice President of Business Development for Kingdom Trust Co. He has pioneered the use of self-directed IRA’s in the Crowd funding space, and serves on the Board and Co-Chair of the Investor Committee for the Crowd funding Intermediary Regulatory Advocacy Group.

DISCLAIMER – The Caton Team does not endorse this company or product – all blog content is for your enjoyment.  Please contact your CPA for financial guidance.  

I read this article at: https://www.realtyshares.com/blog/purchasing-real-estate-through-your-ira

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: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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 Your Realtor Does Behind Your Back

This article made me laugh – because yes – being a Realtor is part mystery, part tough negotiator. I thought this was a nice article to share since a few of you are curious, a few want to be Realtors and a few just need to know. Of course I added my two cents in bold italics.

8 Things Your Realtor Does Behind Your Back

 Have you ever wondered what on Earth your real estate agent is doing behind your back?

No, we don’t mean anything underhanded, naughty, or downright felonious—far from it, in fact. So relax. What we’re talking about is a mystery: In the sometimes confusing, occasionally hectic, and always stressful world of buying and selling, what are your agents really doing behind the scenes?

We’re here to shed some light! For every hour an agent spends in your presence, he or she will spend an average of nine hours out of eyesight working on your behalf. Why? Because agents don’t get paid if they don’t close the deal! Unlike lawyers who bill by the hour, agents won’t receive a penny until (or unless) a sale comes through. It’s all a gamble, in which they could shoot snake eyes and come away empty-handed. This is the business.

So if you’re wondering what that 6% commission is actually going toward, we’ve compiled a list of things agents do when you’re not watching (or should be doing—if they’re not, maybe you need a different agent!).

They shop property online

Don’t we all? And yet, their real estate research goes beyond oohing and ahhing over a few photos on a Saturday night. Darbi McGlone, a Realtor® with Jim Talbot Realty in Baton Rouge, LA, estimates she spends about two hours each day researching potential properties.

“This could include looking up flood zones, previewing the homes for out-of-state clients, or any number of specific things,” she says.

Plus, listings come and go fast in the real estate world, so agents need to check their multiple listing service database constantly, or else they’ll miss out. Sometimes the process of matching up properties with clients can take a very long time.

“I have a client who wants a Mid-Century Modern house in Carlsbad, but there aren’t many there,” says Rachel Collins Friedman, a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty in San Diego, CA. That means that she’s been searching the database regularly for that particular kind of property for three years (here’s hoping all that patience pays off).

This my friends is what takes up all our time.  And we are doing it at midnight and 5 AM too.  When we hunt for a home for our clients, we get just as excited and absorbed.  We share in the frustrations and excitement too.  Wouldn’t trade it for the world.

They go prospecting

Of course, there’s nothing like seeing a house in all its brick-and-mortar glory, which is why most Realtors worth their salt spend tons of time driving around checking out new listings. In Friedman’s San Diego area, they call it “caravan day.”

“It’s a good way to preview properties, and it’s a good time to network with other agents and talk up your listing,” she says.

In San Mateo County – Tuesday is Tour Day.  It might just be my favorite day of the week, since I Love Love LOVE looking at homes.

They attend pitch sessions

Agents don’t spend all their time sizing up homes. According to Friedman, they also spend tons of face time with other pros at pitch sessions—gatherings of local agents at cafes where they swap listing info in order to spread the word about your property if you’re selling, or to find the house that checks every box on your wish list if you’re buying.

Networking is a huge part of being a Realtor.  And these days, with so many pocket and off market listings – you’ve got to rub elbow!

They spend their own money on marketing

In addition to not getting paid until a deal is done, selling agents also spend their own money on marketing: magazine and newspaper ads, fliers, hiring a photographer, glossy prints, and premium placements on listing sites.

“Agents can spend thousands marketing a property,” says Friedman.

Yes, yes we do.  We spend money even when we don’t make money.  But savvy agents, myself included – know where to get the most bang for our bucks.  

They write up offers and counteroffers

Offers and counteroffers are an extremely important part of the transaction, as they can save or net you thousands of dollars on a sale. Yet getting to the right price requires written offers and counteroffers every step of the way.

“It’s time-consuming to be writing them up, explaining to the client how to counteroffer and the ways to do so, and just keeping track of it all,” Friedman says.

Just so you know – it takes us about 8 hours to write a complete and thorough offer – and that includes ALL the disclosure signed with the offer.  The offer itself is a cinch to write up – well The Caton Team has written thousands of offers in our over 30 years of combined real estate experience.   But what sets our offers apart – is the signed disclosures package.  So not only do we read those millions of documents, we also make sure our clients have read and signed it too.  

They stick around for inspections

You might not be present when it’s inspection time, but a good agent will be. This gives the agent an immediate knowledge of what’s going on. Anything from termites to an iffy foundation can be relayed to the buyer immediately, according to Friedman. McGlone estimates inspections take roughly two hours.

Oh yes.  Inspection time is most important – especially when your client cannot take the time off work.  The Caton Team is present during inspections, with our questions outlined and ready to observe.  

They smooth bumps in the road

Not every sale goes smoothly—buyers and sellers get difficult all the time—but good agents try to shield their clients from the high drama unless there’s a reason to fill them in.

“It’s called putting out fires,” says McGlone. “It’s just fixing issues that a lot of times buyers and sellers never needed to be made aware of.”

They keep you calm when the pressure’s on

Good agents don’t just hand you a house. They can also act as a therapist, making your sale much less stressful.

“People get emotional. You have to be a problem-solver and keep a positive approach and come up with a positive solution,” Friedman says. “It might not take a lot of time, but it takes emotional energy.”

Tell that to your therapist.

Yes, we will stand by you through it all!  What can The Caton Team do for you?

I read this article at: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-realtors-do-to-earn-commission/?identityID=9851214&MID=2016_01_MonthlyNewsletter-ctl&RID=353497822&cid=eml-2016-01-MonthlyNL-sub4_realtorisupto-blogs_buy

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: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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

National Association of Realtors: Expect a More Modest Market in 2016

NAR: Expect a More Modest Market in 2016

 From: DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS

In 2015, the housing market reached its best year in nearly a decade, but 2016 will likely see a slowdown in many housing markets across the country. Home sales are forecasted to increase this year, but at a more moderate pace, “as pent-up demand combats affordability pressures and meager economic growth,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®.

Yun says pent-up demand, sustained job growth, and improving inventory conditions will be the main triggers pushing the expected gains in new and existing-home sales this year.

However, Yun cites rising mortgage rates, home prices that still outpace wage growth, and a fragile global economy as the main challenges that could hold back a stronger pace of sales this year.

“This year, the housing market may only squeak out 1 to 3 percent growth in sales because of slower economic expansion and rising mortgage rates,” Yun says in a new video released highlighting his expectations for the housing market in 2016. “Furthermore, the continued rise in home prices will occur due to the fact that we will again encounter housing shortages in many markets because of the cumulative effect of homebuilders under producing for multiple years. Once the spring buying season begins, we’ll begin to feel that again.”

Yun, still crunching the final month of data for 2015, expects that existing-home sales will finish the year up 6.5 percent from 2014. That marks the highest since 2006 but is about 25 percent below the prior peak set in 2005 (5.26 million sales estimated in 2015 compared to 7.08 million in 2005).

Home prices were also up. The national median home price for existing homes is expected to near $221,200 for 2015 — about 6 percent higher than 2014. In 2016, existing-home sale prices are projected to rise between 5 and 6 percent, Yun notes.

To watch the video from The National Association of Realtors by Mr. Yun please visit: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2016/01/13/nar-expect-more-modest-market-in-2016?om_rid=AACmlZ&om_mid=_BWlrrVB9JySAyz&om_ntype=RMODaily

I read this article at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2016/01/13/nar-expect-more-modest-market-in-2016?om_rid=AACmlZ&om_mid=_BWlrrVB9JySAyz&om_ntype=RMODaily

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: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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

 

 

C.A.R. releases its 2016 California Housing Market Forecast

As a full time, professional Realtor – I get asked this question very often.  How is the market?  What do you think will happen?  It is one of my favorite topics.  I thought I would share the California Association of Realtors Market Forecast.  I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions – don’t be shy.

C.A.R. releases its 2016 California Housing Market Forecast

California home sales to increase slightly, while prices post slowest gain in five years

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 8) – California’s housing market will continue to improve into 2016, but a shortage of homes on the market and a crimp in housing affordability also will persist, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) “2016 California Housing Market Forecast,” released today.

The C.A.R. forecast sees an increase in existing home sales of 6.3 percent next year to reach 433,000 units, up from the projected 2015 sales figure of 407,500 homes sold.  Sales in 2015 also will be up 6.3 percent from the 383,300 existing, single-family homes sold in 2014.

“Solid job growth and favorable interest rates will drive a strong demand for housing next year,” said C.A.R. President Chris Kutzkey.  “However, in regions where inventory is tight, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, sales growth could be limited by stiff market competition and diminishing housing affordability. On the other hand, demand in less expensive areas such as Solano County, the Central Valley, and Riverside/San Bernardino areas will remain strong thanks to solid job growth in warehousing, transportation, logistics, and manufacturing in these areas.”

C.A.R.’s forecast projects growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product of 2.7 percent in 2016, after a projected gain of 2.4 percent in 2015.  With nonfarm job growth of 2.3 percent in California, the state’s unemployment rate should decrease to 5.5 percent in 2016 from 6.3 percent in 2015 and 7.5 percent in 2014.

The average for 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rates will rise only slightly to 4.5 percent but will still remain at historically low levels.

The California median home price is forecast to increase 3.2 percent to $491,300 in 2016, following a projected 6.5 percent increase in 2015 to $476,300.  This is the slowest rate of price appreciation in five years.

“The foundation for California’s housing market remains strong, with moderating home prices, signs of credit easing, and the state continuing to lead the nation in economic and job growth,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “However, the global economic slowdown, financial market volatility, and the anticipation of higher interest rates are some of the challenges that may have an adverse impact on the market’s momentum next year. Additionally, as we see more sales shift to inland regions of the state, the change in mix of sales will keep increases in the statewide median price tempered.”

I read this article at: http://www.car.org//newsstand/newsreleases/2015releases/2016housingforecast

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Thanks for reading – Sabrina

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

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Check Out These 8 Surprising Predictors of Housing Prices

Oh this was a fun article to share – we call it the TJ effect.  

Enjoy – Sabrina 

Check Out These 8 Surprising Predictors of Housing Prices

Like investors in the stock market, 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle coins, or orange juice futures, home buyers and owners want to know which way prices are heading. Are valuations heading up, up, up, making it the perfect time to buy? Or are they beginning a precipitous decline from their peak—making it high time to sell? To read the tea leaves, they might focus on the latest jobs reports, check out what’s going on in other markets, or scrutinize the writings of economists.

But when it comes to nailing the best deal in real estate, you can get a jump on the competition! Inside-track insights can be found in the most unusual places—such as on a grocery run, or at the gas pump. We’ve rounded up eight surprising indicators of change in home prices. Do they play a role in pushing the numbers skyward or down into the dirt? Or are they false prophets? We’re here to help you sort it out!

  1. Gas prices

Sure, it feels fantastic to fill up your car with gas for just $35 when it used to cost almost $50. But if you’re looking to buy a home, the financial benefit of cheap gas might be overrated—as gas prices fall, home prices inevitably go up. And homes sell faster, too, which takes a toll on available inventory.

For every $1 decrease in gas prices, home prices increase by roughly $4,000 and the average time to sell a property decreases by 25 days, according to a study by Longwood University and Florida Atlantic University.

Lower gas prices lead to increased consumer confidence and more disposable income for potential buyers, Longwood professor Bennie Waller explains. In addition, the listing broker—who has to travel between properties—is more likely to market more aggressively and have more showings when gas is cheap.

  1. Trader Joe’s vs. Whole Foods

When it comes to healthy eats, cost-conscious gourmet market Trader Joe’s and pricey, environmentally conscious Whole Foods each have their own massive cult following. But it turns out, if you’re seeking a neighborhood where homes are worth more—and gaining in value—you’d better know which store to look for.

Homes near the two foodie superstores significantly trump the national average home value, but homes near a Trader Joe’s are worth 5% more than homes near a Whole Foods, according to RealtyTrac. So close, Whole Foods!

Homes near a Trader Joe’s also appreciate faster, with an average appreciation rate of 40% from the time of purchase. Meanwhile, homes near a Whole Foods appreciated 34%, the same as the national average. So even if you do tend to shop at “Whole Paycheck,” you’d probably do better to buy a home near TJ’s—and load up on some Two-Buck Chuck while you’re at it.

  1. Sports facilities

Walking distance to the big game? Score! Living near a stadium clearly is not a hard sell for sports fans, but even those without an obsessive rooting interest in the local teams should pay close attention if there’s a major sports facility nearby.

Moving a residential housing unit one mile closer to a professional sports facility increases its value by $793. But the effect disappears after four miles, according to researchers at the College of William and Mary and University of Alberta, who extracted property data within 5 miles of every NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL facility in the U.S. So sidle up to that stadium—just be sure you have a dedicated parking space.

  1. Marijuana

The legalization of marijuana was predicted to have a major impact on state tax revenues, and with people relocating to take advantage of its medical benefits or just because they enjoy a regular toke, some have suggested that legal pot might also push up real estate values.

Marijuana’s impact on housing is a tale of two states: Colorado and Washington, the only ones that have legalized the sale of recreational marijuana.

The buzz is felt more in the real estate market of Colorado. Since the doors opened for recreational sales in January 2014, housing prices have appreciated 20.4%, much higher than the 15.2% across the country over the same period.

Marijuana sales in Washington are more modest, and so is the real estate growth. The state’s housing prices have risen by 7.3% since it launched its legal marijuana market in July 2014—the height of the yearly housing market—while at the national level, they increased 6.5% over the same period. (Keep in mind that housing prices are generally lower in the winter and higher in the summer, the purpose is not to compare the numbers of Colorado to Washington).

Of course, it’s hard to say whether the legalization of marijuana is really driving those numbers. After all, both Denver and Seattle are hubs for tech businesses that are fueling employment, which in turn fuels the housing market. But if you already own a home in Colorado or Washington, you’ve got plenty of reasons to be mellow and to listen to “Dark Side of the Moon” on a continuous loop.

  1. Temperature change

Global warming affects not only nature, but also our daily lives and housing decisions. The National Association of Realtors® looked at home prices and temperature change over the past four years and found what seemed to be a negative correlation between temperature increase and housing prices.

National Association of Realtors

Out of the 82 markets studied, those with the highest gains in housing prices typically had a small increase in temperature (up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit). For example, in Atlanta, GA, the temperature increased 1 degree while house prices increased 78%. But markets where the temperature rose more than 3 degrees did not experience significant price gains, such as Little Rock, AR.

  1. Casinos

Part of Las Vegas’ legendary success story is that casinos brought wild prosperity to a barren desert area. But in fact, Sin City is an American anomaly in just about every way imaginable, not the least of which are real estate valuations. The truth is, casinos across the country, from riverboats to Native American reservations, usually have a negative impact on surrounding home values—by 2% to 10%, according to various studies.

One case study showed that in Henderson, NV, properties within a mile of a proposed large-scale casino would see their values fall by $9,200. Snake eyes!

  1. Highways

Is it a good idea to live close to the highway? Yes … and no. It depends on just how close we’re talking.

A case study of the Superstition Freeway (U.S. Route 60) corridor in Mesa and Gilbert, AZ, showed that single-family homes within 0.5 miles of the freeway were adversely impacted. But the negative impacts were more than offset by housing price appreciation in the surrounding areas. Average sales price appreciation for homes within 5 miles of the freeway (including negatively affected properties) was higher than the whole metropolitan area. So while you probably don’t want to buy right by an exit ramp, easy access to a transportation corridor is definitely a strong selling point.

  1. Trees on the street

Everyone knows that stately old-growth trees add major charm to a neighborhood—and are probably an indicator of more expensive homes. But did you know just how expensive? A recent study found that houses on streets where there were trees fetched an average of $7,130 more than houses on treeless streets. Maybe it’s time to consider branching out.

What do you think improves a homes value in your area?  Let The Caton Team know – we’d like to hear your opinion!  

 

I read this article at: http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/eight-surprising-things-that-impact-property-values/

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

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Connect with us professionally at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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

Here’s why 2016 will bring good news for potential homebuyers…

I find it important to share articles I come across to educate my clients and readers.  I often write my own blog entry – but find sharing information much more powerful than standing on a soap box.  Enjoy this article from Redfin found on Housingwire.  ENJOY! – Sabrina I’ve added my 2 cents in bold italics.

Here’s why 2016 will bring good news for potential homebuyers

Next year isn’t predicted to bring any giant hoopla to set off the market. However, moderate growth is more sustainable, and better for buyers.

According to Redfin’s forecast for 2016, “Most economists agree that housing prices and sales will continue to grow in 2016, just at a slower pace. Call it a slowdown, but not bad news.”

The New Year doesn’t bring all good news, with some bad tossed in the mixed. Overall, Redfin said, “All things considered, we see a fairly uneventful housing market next year.”

Here are Redfin’s five housing market predictions for 2016:

  1. Prices and sales will grow half as fast

As price growth ebbs and mortgage rates rise, more homeowners will stay put. Sales will grow about half as fast as they did this year and prices will rise at a more normal 3.5% to 4.5%, down from almost 6% this year.

According to a recent report from RealtyTrac, for more than a third of the nation’s major metro areas, home prices have reached all-time highs in 2015.

Here on the SF Peninsula housing demand is very high with so much job growth and inventory is very low.  I expect more of the same in 2016.

  1. Easier Credit

Americans for whom a mortgage has been just out of reach will have a better shot at qualifying for one in 2016.

Lenders will embrace new ways to measure creditworthiness and mortgages will evolve to serve a changing American household. For example, credit scores will better evaluate a person’s rental history and utility bill payments. More loans will allow buyers to include income from room rentals, live-in parents and extended-family members.

In a significant move for housing regulation, last week a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives that would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider alternative credit-scoring models beyond the FICO credit score the government-sponsored enterprises currently use when determining what loans to purchase.

Yes, since the housing crash years back, lending as improved.  That doesn’t mean it is easy – it is tedious to say the least.  But it is for the overall well being of our market.  If you are thinking about buying a home – please get a full pre-approval completed with your lender of choice.  Understand your budget and adjust your wants/needs list accordingly.  

  1. More (and older) first-time buyers

We expect first-timers to make up a bigger portion of the market than they did this year. The reason is simple: The market will be more welcoming to them thanks to the aforementioned slowing price growth and easier access to loans. This year’s market dropouts have saved for bigger down payments and will be ready to give the market another shot early next year. And more of those millennials who had been holding off on buying for various reasons will finally be ready and able to in 2016.

In the Mortgage Bankers Association’s housing report that looks at the future decade, Lynn Fisher, MBA’s vice president of Research and Economics, said, “Improving employment markets will build on major demographic trends – including maturing of Baby Boomers, Hispanics and Millennials – to create strong growth in both owner and rental housing markets over the next decade.”

Oh yes, as those effected by the crash heal their credit and save their money – there will be a new influx of buyer coming into the market – again for the very first time.  We will also see millennial buyers investing in real estate.

  1. Slower market, slowing closings

The 2015 housing market was the fastest we’ve seen at Redfin. From January to October, the typical home was on the market for 36 days, four days faster than the same period in 2014. We expect the market to slow in 2016 as government-backed loans become more common and cash sales become less so. Because of low inventory, bidding wars will still be in force next year, but there will be a lower ceiling on price escalation as 2016 buyers won’t be willing or able to go as high as buyers have in recent years.

To help, here are a few tips from Minnesota Realtor Craig Kamman to help win a bidding war. On example he listed is to offer full price or more. Money is a major factor in a seller’s decision, but not the only one.

I also feel the changes in lending, that went into effect in October of 2015 – will slow down the pace of the market a tad.  Though we do see many all cash buyers on the SF peninsula who will not be tied to loan regulations.  That doesn’t mean cash is supreme king – but it does mean buyers with loans will have to set themselves apart.  The Caton Team as a tool box of tactics we use to help our buyers.  

  1. Continuing inventory shortage

The biggest risk to the 2016 market will be the continuation of inventory shortage, especially in the affordable segment of the market. The number of homes for sale shrank from 2014 to 2015 in 45 of the 60 metro tracked by Redfin. Inventory across all 60 metros is down 4 percent from a year ago.

The most recent pending home sales report from the National Association of Realtors said that sales have plateaued this fall as buyers struggle to overcome a scant number of available homes for sale and prices that are rising too fast in some markets.

The SF Peninsula has limited land.  I have already seen many homeowners add onto their existing homes instead of jumping into the buyer pool  Which also effects our inventory.  

My advice – if you want to be a SF Peninsula owner – do not give up so easy.  Each home on the market is a unique opportunity and should be treated as such.  It is a journey – not a race.  Call or click The Caton Team to learn more about buying and owning property in Silicon Valley.

I read this article at: http://www.housingwire.com/articles/35823-heres-why-2016-will-bring-good-news-for-potential-homebuyers

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

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Connect with us professionally at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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

 

Renters Are Not Saving To Buy a House

When I read the above title – my jaw dropped.  How can renters not be saving for a home?  The statement alone broke my heart.  Owning a home – to me – means long term security.  More than a place to live!  A long term investment!  Read on and share your thoughts!

-Sabrina

Renters aren’t saving to buy a house

Looking across the vast spectrum of housing surveys today, most will claim that the majority of renters want to buy a home eventually. That may be, but they’re not saving to do that.

In fact, saving for a down payment to buy a house ranks fourth on their list of priorities, according to a survey conducted in October by Harris Poll for Freddie Mac, which helps fund loans to homeowners and apartment developers.

When asked about their savings priorities, more renters said they consider saving for emergencies (59 percent), retirement (51 percent) and children’s education (50 percent) an “essential/high priority.” Only 39 percent said saving for a down payment. This is particularly surprising given fast-rising rents.

Rising rents, up over 5 percent annually nationwide, are affecting how renters spend their money more today compared with just a few months ago. More renters say they are making changes to spending or plans due to those higher rents. Just over half of those surveyed who have seen a rent increase in the past year say they are living payday to payday.

“We know rents are rising faster than incomes, and now we have data to show that many renters don’t have enough to pay all their debts each month, which is forcing them to make tradeoffs, such as cutting spending on other items,” said David Brickman, executive vice president of Freddie Mac Multifamily.

The share of renters who say they now have to put off plans to purchase a home rose to 55 percent in October from 44 percent in the last Freddie Mac renter survey in June. This occurred even as more said they would like to buy a home and have started looking.

Add it up and the lack of affordability is the answer. Renters may be looking, but they’re not buying because they are faced with rising home prices and rising mortgage interest rates.

When asked the main reason they expect to still be renting three years from now, the top three answers had to do with affordability. The fourth was not good enough credit.

There is a growing divide, however, between those who rent a single-family home and those who rent in a multifamily apartment building. Seven in 10 multifamily renters said they expect to continue renting, up from 64 percent in the previous quarter. Renters of single-family homes say they are more likely to buy a home.

“Growth in the renter segment will most likely occur through multifamily properties as more than half of those currently renting single-family properties are planning to become homeowners in the near future,” said Brickman. “The data shows single-family renters are increasingly more dissatisfied than multifamily renters.”

That does not bode well for the growing number of investors in single-family rental homes. Even as large-scale institutional investors slow their purchases of homes to rent, smaller-scale and individual investors are picking up the slack. The number of single-family rental homes rose 35 percent since 2006, to 15.1 million from 11.2 million, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Roughly 3.9 million owner-occupied homes became rentals in that time.

Either apartment managers are doing a better job of serving their tenants than single-family rental managers, or more renters simply prefer the apartment model, which usually offers additional amenities and better locations.

“Right now we’re in the golden age of the fundamentals of the multifamily business,” apartment developer Richard LeFrak said on CNBC’s Squawk Box. “You have a drive toward urbanization where more and more people want to live in cities.”

The survey of 2,020 adults was conducted online within the United States between Oct. 8-12. Of those surveyed, 703 were renters.

I read this article at: http://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/18/renters-arent-saving-to-buy-a-house.html

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

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Connect with us professionally at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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 ‘Tacky’ Home Décor Trends – Had to share this post holiday!

6 ‘Tacky’ Home Décor Trends

Trends come and go, and the folks at realtor.com® recently compiled a list of a few of those faded home design trends they hope never come back in style. Make sure your listing isn’t an offender!

Here are a few of what realtor.com® recently dubbed as the “tackiest home décor trends” of all time:

  1. Plastic furniture covers: While you may be trying to keep the furniture clean, those thick layers of clear vinyl all over furnishings will not make guests feel welcome or comfortable as they squish into a Saran-wrapped chair.
  2. Popcorn ceilings: Textured ceilings scream 70s and 80s décor. But besides a passé look, they also can absorb odors and discolor more easily too.
  3. Wall-to-wall shag carpet: Sure, it’s more affordable than wood flooring but shag carpet can be tough to clean (getting stuck in a roll in your vacuum) and it can feel like your walking on yarn, according to realtor.com®’s list.
  4. U-shaped toilet rugs and covers: Remove those U-shaped covers along the bases of toilets and the matching toilet seat cover. They can make the bathroom appear unclean – by trapping moisture and bacteria.
  5. Fabric overload: Floral prints and copious fabric in every corner of a room may have been on trend in the 1980s, but it may be long overtime to weed out some of those prints. Ruffled skirts on pieces of furniture and floral curtains just may be too much for home buyers’ tastes nowadays.
  6. Hanging plants: Hanging houseplants from your ceiling can make a home look like a “jungle.” Instead, keep the greenery in a pot on the table or shelf.

View more tacky décor trends at realtor.com® or offer your alone in the comment section below.

Source: “10 Tackiest Home Décor Trends We Hope Never Return,” realtor.com® (Nov. 20, 2015)

I read this article at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/11/23/6-tacky-home-d-cor-trends?om_rid=AACmlZ&om_mid=_BWU4xkB9IQpriG&om_ntype=RMODaily

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

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Connect with us professionally at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=6588013&trk=tab_pro

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

 

Bay Area rental crisis squeezing out middle class

Before you read this article – please note I will share my insight on how to work around this rental crisis in next weeks blog installment.   Next weeks blog – http://wp.me/p1GGbd-j9

Bay Area rental crisis squeezing out middle class

Diane Nesom rents a tiny cottage — just 600 square foot and one-bedroom — at the end of a cul-de-sac in Fremont for $1,400 a month. And while that eats up about 50 percent of her take-home pay, the 35-year-old accountant regards it as “a steal” and can’t imagine moving up to a larger rental in the current runaway market.

“I earn too much income to qualify for any kind of affordable housing,” she said, “but not enough income to actually afford anything else, so I’m stuck in this middle craziness. It’s not a fun place to be.”

Maxed out on her budget — “if anything goes wrong, I’m ruined” — Nesom is among the legions of professionals who struggle to navigate the Bay Area’s escalating rental market, where it’s no longer unusual for high-end apartments to fetch $4,000 or $5,000 per month and sometimes more, especially in Silicon Valley hot-pockets like Palo Alto and Mountain View.

Though thousands of new apartments were completed around the region in the last year, the inventory can’t keep up with tech-fueled job growth. With vacancy rates at about half the national average, the demand for housing has sent rents through the roof, creating a sense of desperation for many who are being priced out. According to the most recent data, an average two-bedroom apartment now costs $2,884 in San Mateo County, $2,552 in Santa Clara County and $2,172 in Alameda County. Contra Costa County is a relative bargain at $1,835, though bets are on for how long that will last.

For most of the region, rental prices are up about 50 percent since 2010, and up about 10 percent in the last year, according to the Marcus and Millichap real estate brokerage firm, which crunched the data for this story with help from the MPF Research group.

“Rents are at a historic high,” said Caryll-Lynn Taylor, executive director of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a Peninsula-based nonprofit that educates clients about the increasingly complex rental market and helps them navigate it. Landlords typically ask tenants to show annual income that’s triple the cost of rent. As a result, many middle-income workers are imperiled. A $2,500 two-bedroom apartment requires $7,500 in monthly income, or $90,000 per year.

“So you rule out our school teachers, most of our firefighters, many of our tech workers,” Taylor said. “And where do they go to rent and live?”

Many displaced tenants spend half a year or more searching for new apartments, she said. Of the approximately 4,900 households with incomes between $50,000 and $160,000 that the agency serves, about 370 are living in their vehicles, mostly in Mountain View and Palo Alto.

Elected officials and citizens groups from San Jose to Richmond are putting new energy behind rent control measures and related efforts to stabilize rents and prohibit unjustified evictions. Richmond has been considering strict rent control and eviction policies, while Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and a handful of other local municipalities already have rent control ordinances. But many observers believe a long-term solution to the rent crisis requires a pronounced regional effort to increase housing supply, bringing it into better balance with the rate of job growth.

The pent-up demand for housing is taking a toll on Mark and Caitlin Fisch, who live with their three young children in a 2-bedroom apartment in Mountain View that rents for $2,575. A well-paid private schoolteacher, Mark has so far been able to make his payments, while Caitlin home-schools the kids. But with their lease expiring in September, they learned this month that the rent is going up — way up — to $3,600. Their options: sign a new one-year lease at the new rate, go month-to-month at $6,566, or leave. The family expects to do the latter.

“We always knew that there would probably be a raise in rent,” Caitlin Fisch said, “because that seems to be the trend. But we were thinking something on the order of 10 percent.” She suspects the hike is “spurred by the inflated salaries at the tech giants” in town, most notably Google.

Failing to negotiate “the crazy maze” of rentals has led Andrea and Frazier Hubbard to unexpected living quarters: their 26-foot trailer, in which they have camped for the last eight months on the grounds of a church in Palo Alto. Andrea is a Stanford office administrator. Frazier is a business analyst with a firm on the Peninsula. Their combined income is just shy of $100,000, Andrea said, “but you can’t really save when you’re paying thousands of dollars a month for a little apartment.”

By living rent-free in their trailer, they hope to build their savings and eventually buy a house in the somewhat more affordable East Bay.

The rental market is “super-tight,” said John Chang, of Marcus and Millichap. He drew this picture: With so many jobs being created in the last year in Silicon Valley and San Francisco, the Oakland metropolitan area has emerged as “a more affordable alternative” for renters. It’s an “overflow market,” Chang said, “where people looking for better affordability are going. The housing demands in the East Bay are not so much driven by the growth of the employment there, as by the growth in the entire region.”

He cited these numbers: In the last year, San Jose metro led the region in job growth with 59,300 new positions, a 5.9 percent jump that’s nearly triple the national increase of 2.1 percent. San Francisco registered 47,500 new jobs, Oakland metro another 20,900. There is simply not enough housing stock being added to absorb that many people, so they are either doubling up or moving to neighboring areas. And even those “overflow” cities like Oakland are starting to feel overwhelmed.

Joe McCarthy, senior project manager for San Francisco-based Bridge Housing, didn’t know what to expect when the affordable housing developer opened the application process in June for 68 units at the new AveVista Apartments on Lake Merritt in Oakland. For two weeks, lines circled the block as more than 3,700 people applied to live in the apartments, half of which will rent for between $785 and $1,399 per month. The other half, governed by Section 8 subsidies, will rent for about 30 percent of a resident’s income.

“It was the busiest lease-up we’ve ever experienced,” said McCarthy, who attributes the unusual level of interest to “the job generator that has started up in Alameda County and Oakland. We’re seeing a lot more folks looking for housing.”

Nesom, the Fremont accountant, can attest to that.

She recently went apartment hunting with her best friend, Molly Darling, who must leave her $1,300 rental in Alameda this fall. The house Darling lives in has been sold and the new landlord is likely raising the rent.

The duo checked out an open house “for a tiny — and I mean tiny — one bedroom cottage in Alameda,” Nesom recounted. “I mean, it could barely fit a twin bed. And the rent was like $1,500 a month, and there must have been at least 12 people in line when we got there.”

A $1,300 rental is just about the limit for Darling, who works as an office manager: “I can probably push it a little more than that,” she said, “but it’d eat into my groceries. My wages haven’t gone up, but the rents have exploded to the point that I can’t afford to live by myself. I’m boxed in.”

Contact Richard Scheinin, read his stories at www.mercurynews.com/richard-scheinin and follow him at www.twitter.com/RealEstateRag.

I read this article at: http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_28585609/bay-area-rental-crisis-squeezing-out-middle-class

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