Real Estate Information Archive

Add Instant Curb Appeal To Your Coastside Home Without Breaking The Bank

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

by Kathy and Michael Rain - The Rain Team

Too many homeowners ignore their home’s curb appeal until they decide it’s time to move. No matter if you are looking to sell your coastside home in the near future, or have no plans of ever moving, take the time to spruce up your home’s curb appeal now with these affordable makeovers that won’t break the bank.

New House Numbers

One of the first things that tend to catch your eye on the outside of a home is the house numbers. For someone who has never been to your home, they are looking for your house number to confirm they are at the right address. It’s time to spruce up your home’s house numbers. Choose numbers that complement the interior of your home and let visitors know what they can expect on the inside. New numbers can be found at any large home improvement store.

Entry Door

The entry door into your home is another one of those things that first catches the eye of a visitor. For as little as $25 a gallon, you can buy some exterior paint and give your front entry door a whole new look. Go bold when it comes to painting your entry door and choose a bright color that accents your home.

Porch Light

If the exterior light on your home is outdated or showing wear, replace it. A quick but easy change can easily add curb appeal to your coastside home. When purchasing a new light fixture consider the style of your home and choose one that not only puts out enough light to adequately light up your entryway, but also complements your home as well.

Door Mat

It may sound simple but getting a new doormat for the exterior of your home goes a long way. Think of it as getting new carpet on the inside of your home, but for a lot less the cost. If your current outdoor door mat is stained, faded, worn down, or all scuffed up it’s time for a new one.

Mailbox

Upgrade your mailbox to add instant curb appeal to your home. It does not matter if your mailbox is mounted to your home or along the road, a new upgraded mailbox can make your coastal home feel updated. You can find mailboxes in a wide range of prices from $20 and up at many major home improvement stores.

If you are looking to sell your coastal home, we’d love to hear how we can help you with your real estate goals. If you are considering selling your home find out how much it is worth with our online guide available here. Contact us today via email or give us a call at (650) 888-6903.

The Rain Team offers unparalleled service to ALL clients in the San Mateo County, including areas such as Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach,Montara, and Pacifica. Your complete satisfaction with our service and representation is our number one priority.

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Why Coastside Homeowners Should Consider Selling During The Holidays

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

by Kathy and Michael Rain - The Rain Team

You may have been led to believe that selling your coastside home during the holidays may not be a good idea due to buyers being busy with all the hustle and bustle that comes along with the holidays. However, that may not be true. There are still a large amount of potential buyers looking to buy a coastside home right now, making it the opportune time to list your home for sale.

Here is a list of reasons why selling your home during the holiday season is a great time.

Aggressive Buyers - Those buyers who are looking to buy a home during the holiday season are motivated and aggressive. They’re serious about finding a home and want to move quickly.
Sellers’ Market - Home prices are on the rise and in many cases homes in the area are even selling over asking price. It may be the holiday season, but that does not mean that all buyers just disappear. Take advantage of serious buyers and less available properties on the market and list your home during the holiday season.
Home Appeal - There is just something about the holiday season with colorful decorations that many homeowners choose to put on the outside and inside of their homes. It makes their homes feel more inviting. If you are planning on selling your coastside home this holiday season be careful not go overboard with all the decorations. Decorate tastefully and minimize clutter.
Competition - Many homeowners wait until after the holiday season or sometimes even until spring to sell their home. Take advantage of this and place your home on the market now when there is less competition.

The holidays tend to be a busy and exciting time for many. Listing your home during this festive time could bring you the best gift this year- a sold home and new possibilities.

If you are looking to sell your coastal home, we’d love to hear how we can help you with your real estate goals. We can also offer you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your home to advise you what it is worth. Contact us today via email or give us a call at (650) 888-6903.

The Rain Team offers unparalleled service to ALL clients in the San Mateo County, including areas such as Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach,Montara, and Pacifica. Your complete satisfaction with our service and representation is our number one priority.

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Insurance Industry Reacts To Climate Change: What This Means To You As a Coastside Homeowner

Thursday, November 12, 2015

by Kathy and Michael Rain - The Rain Team

When shopping for a new home along the coast, there are few questions about the property that you need to ask yourself beyond how many bedrooms and bathrooms it has. Ask yourself how well the home will stand up against climate change. While climate change is still highly debated, insurers are taking notice. As a response to what insurers believe is climate change, they’re responding and experimenting with their new disaster-modeling methods that they anticipate will be able to better predict losses that may occur around the world.

According to Chad McGuire, professor of environmental policy at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, “Storms are getting more intense, they’re occurring more frequently and the duration is increasing. “As a result, this means homeowners along the coast and the nation will be filing more insurance claims.

Here is what you can do as a coastside homeowner.

Take steps now to prepare for natural disasters. With an El Niño winter expected there are things we can all be doing now to prepare. If you are in the market to buy a new coastside home start by looking for ones that are soundly constructed, as it can impact how well they withstand nature’s events.

If you already own a coastside home and are not planning on buying anytime soon, mitigate risk by moving your valuables to the attic. I know this sounds silly, but it could provide you a discount on flood insurance. Also evaluate your home’s electrical outlets and power connections and elevate them if possible. Impact-rated roofs have been known to make a startling difference when it comes to high winds or even hail. Consider these when it’s time to replace your current roof.

As a homeowner, all you can do is protect your home to the best of your ability from natural disasters, but they still may occur. To combat this make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Living along the coast we experience some of the greatest weather in the country, but at times it can be dangerous. Stay prepared and safe.

If you are looking to buy a new home or sell your existing home, we’d love to hear how we can help you with your real estate goals. We can also offer you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your home to advise you what it is worth. Contact us today via email or give us a call at (650) 888-6903.

The Rain Team offers unparalleled service to ALL clients in the San Mateo County, including areas such as Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, and Pacifica. Your complete satisfaction with our service and representation is our number one priority.

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New Closing Disclosure Rules Change The Process For Buying A Coastside Home

Thursday, November 5, 2015

by Kathy and Michael Rain - The Rain Team

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful time. The process of buying a coastside home changed dramatically last month when the government run Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put into place the “Know Before You Owe” rules.

Under the new rules buyers who are obtaining a mortgage loan will have a better understanding of their financial obligations when obtaining a mortgage loan. Buyers will be able to clearly see all the details of the prospective loan. Gone is the “Truth In Lending” document and the “Good Faith Disclosure” that were previously required, now borrowers will be receiving “Loan Estimate” and “Closing Disclosure” documents.

As a borrower, you will receive a Loan Estimate within three business days after applying for a loan. This form will clearly lay out the interest rate, the term of the loan, and many other important details. You will be provided at least seven business days to review this form before you close.

Gone are the days of coming to the closing table only to be hit by a surprise last-minute change. Lenders are now required to provide to borrowers the Closing Disclosure at minimum three days prior to closing. This form will include details such as your closing costs and monthly payments. As a homebuyer, under the new rules you cannot make any changes to the loan within the three-day period before the loan closes, or the process must be restarted.

These new lending rules truly work in the favor of homebuyers. If you are looking to buy a new home or sell your existing home, we’d love to hear how we can help you with your real estate goals. Contact us today via email or give us a call at (650) 888-6903.

The Rain Team offers unparalleled service to ALL clients in the San Mateo County, including areas such as Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, and Pacifica. Your complete satisfaction with our service and representation is our number one priority.

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Blog

Add Instant Curb Appeal To Your Coastside Home Without Breaking The Bank

Why Coastside Homeowners Should Consider Selling During The Holidays

Insurance Industry Reacts To Climate Change: What This Means To You As a Coastside Homeowner

New Closing Disclosure Rules Change The Process For Buying A Coastside Home

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