San Mateo California Real Estate News & Listings Presented By dba Samia Realty Group

Relocation and Home Buying

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Every year thousands of homeowners relocate to another city or state for new jobs, educational opportunities or other reasons both personal and professional. If you are planning to relocate, planning ahead is your best stategy for a less stressful and successful move.

Purchasing a new home in an unfamiliar area can be difficult and you don't want to make a home buying mistake or buy in the wrong neighborhood. Below are a few tips to help you make the right decisions.

Start your research online by searching for information on the city, coupled with information or housing. Check out the websites of the local Chamber of Commerce, the major newspaper for the city, the local police department's Web site to check crime stats.

Locate a real estate agent in the area. Agents can be a wealth of information and can help you with your search. Many agents tend to specialize in neighborhoods and can assist you.

Work on a moving budget. Relocating to a new city can be expensive, the further you have to move the more it will cost. Start your research by investigating different moving companies and how they charge for their services. Check out this website, that will help to give you quotes for moving based on different specifications.

Homeowner Tax Credits

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tax season is in full swing and while tax time is dreaded by many, homeowners are typically able to deduct many home-related expenses. Below are a few of the deductions that are typically available for homeowners.Because there are many different tax laws it is a good idea to check with a qualified tax advisor to find out which deductions apply to you.

First-time homebuyer credit. A $7,500 tax credit is available to eligible taxpayers must have bought, buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return. and before July 1, 2009. You are considered a first-time home buyer as long as you did not own a home during the three years leading up to the purchase of your new home.

Moving expenses. If a move is connected with taking a new job that is at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was, you can deduct travel and lodging expenses for you and your family and the cost of moving your household goods.

Deducting Loan Points Paid on a Purchase or Refinance. The points you pay on a loan for a home purchase are tax-deductible for the year you made the purchase. You can deduct the points you paid as well as those a seller paid on your behalf if you meet the following criteria:

The loan is secured by your primary residence
The loan was used to buy, improve or build the home
Paying points is a common practice in your geographic area
The points are calculated as a percentage of the loan principal

Deducting Real Estate Taxes. Real estate taxes are deductible in the year paid. They are generally reported on Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement, the annual statement from the financial institution holding your mortgage, or on your county real estate tax assessment statement. You should also deduct any prorated taxes collected from you at closing. These amounts are not always included on Form 1098, but may be itemized on your real estate closing statement.

What the Federal Reserve's Actions Mean

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Federal Reserve is facing a difficult but necessary transition from activist investor to pulling back its involvement and allowing higher short-term rates when the economy can stand on its own.

Last week the Federal Reserve took a small step toward reducing its involvement by raising the discount rate by .25% (The discount rate is the interest rate charged to commercial banks and other depository institutions on loans they receive from their regional Federal Reserve Bank's lending facility). The Fed did recently indicate that the move might be coming, yet the timing of their announcement was surprising to many.

At the start of the credit crunch in mid 2007, nearly one-third of the U.S. lending mechanism was frozen. To increase their liquidity, banks had the option to access the Discount Window at the Federal Reserve (Federal Reserve Banks offer three discount window programs to depository institutions: primary credit, secondary credit, and seasonal credit, each with its own interest rate. All discount window loans are fully secured.) However, because costs for these funds were high AND repayment had to be done within 28 days, most lenders were unable to utilize this option. As a result, the Fed held an emergency meeting, lowered the Discount Rate and extended the repayment period to 90 days. These changes made the Discount Window option a viable solution for lenders and helped curtail the severity of the mortgage meltdown. Last week's announcement reverses those emergency measures.

When making this change, the Fed noted that the continual improvement in financial market conditions gave them the foundation for this move. The Fed also said that they do not anticipate this raise to lead to tighter financial conditions for households or businesses nor does this move indicate any change in their outlook for the economy or for monetary policy.

However, as the Fed makes changes, the government backs out of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) purchases and slows down stimulus programs, we continue to assess economic growth and inflation concerns.

With that in mind, one of the most popular measures of inflation within the U.S. is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the estimated average price of consumer goods and services purchased by households. This index rose by 0.2% for January, less than the 0.3% expected. With the publishing of the January results, the year-over-year CPI is at 2.6%, below expectations of 2.8%. The more closely watched Core CPI (which strips out food and energy costs), actually fell by 0.1%, below expectations of a 0.1% rise. The last time Core CPI showed a negative monthly reading was 28 years ago. This helped to drop the year-over-year Core CPI rate to 1.6%, a bit below expectations of a 1.8% rise.

These results show that, for the time being, inflation is a non issue. However, it will likely become a factor in the next year or two. And, the best hedge for inflation is to fix as many costs at today's prices as you can. A home purchase today with a historically low mortgage rate allows buyers to fix the price of their home and the associated financing costs. We will continue to keep an eye on this index and other economic indicators.

Please call me to discuss specific situations or to review what actions to be in to meet both lifestyle and financial goals.

Andy Block - Mortgage Advisor & Financial Advisor
Opes Advisors
Email Me
Direct: 650.931.0605
Fax: 650.931.0601

License #01096311
400 S. El Camino Real
Suite 250
San Mateo, CA 94402
Fax 650.931.0601

Opes Advisors is licensed as a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is licensed as a Residential Mortgage Lender by the CA Dept of Real Estate.

Author and Business are endorsed by Samia Realty Group
Move2CA - our website
San Francisco Bay Area Home Search - find San Francisco Bay Area properties for sale
What’s Your San Mateo - San Francisco Bay Area Home Worth? - get current market information for your San Francisco Bay Area home

Beware Of Loan Scams

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you are planning on purchasing a new home or even refinancing your home you may find all the options for financing confusing. Every year, misinformed homebuyers, often first-time purchasers or seniors, become victims of predatory lending or loan fraud. Even if you have been thru the loan process before it can be easy to fall victim to a loan scam. While most lenders are professional and legitimate, there are predatory lenders who are willing to take advantage if you are not a smart consumer. Unfortunately with the current economomic status and the availability of loans more difficult, loan scams are on the rise. Below are some tips to help you from being a victim.

Avoid Being A Victim

Shop for a lender and compare costs. Be suspicious if anyone tries to steer you to just one lender.
Avoid Unsolicited phone calls. Be wary of any phone call offering remarkably low interest rates on loans, especially if you have registered your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry. Most major nationwide lenders do not solicit business over the phone. Never give out personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure who you are speaking with.
Be informed. Research and get information about the prices of other homes in the neighborhood. Don't be fooled into paying too much.
Shop for a lender and compare costs. Be suspicious if anyone tries to steer you to just one lender.
Never sign a blank document or a document containing blanks. If information is inserted by someone else after you have signed, you may still be bound to the terms of the contract. Insert "N/A" (i.e., not applicable) or cross through any blanks. If the terms aren't what you'd agreed on, do not sign the document.
Avoid bad credit mortgage rates when looking for a loan.
Many loan scammers use high pressure sales tactics, so if you feel pressured or uncomfortable in anyway, never sign anything. It is a good idea to contact a real estate lawyer if in doubt to review the documents. If the company is legit, they should have no objection to a lawyer looking over the loan agreements before you will sign them.

Warning Signs

Do business with reputable companies, stay away from unsolicited calls, e-mails or letters offering you a loan.
Never do business with anyone who asks for money to be sent in advance to cover "processing", "application", "insurance", or the "first month's payment". Legitimate lenders never ask for these things to be paid before a loan is disbursed.
Requests that you "wire" or "send" money, as soon as possible to a large U.S. city or to another country, such as Canada, England, or Nigeria, by Western Union, Moneygram, or similar means.

What To Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed?

If you feel that you have been scammed or the company you have been in touch with is suspicious, contact the below agencies.

The FTC
The FBI
File fraud alerts with each of the three credit bureaus. This is important if you have provided the scammers with your sensitive information, such as your Social Security Number and information on your driver's license. They can use this to obtain credit in your name.

For more tips to help you be an educated consumer and to avoid loan scams, visit the US HUD website for more information

2060 S DELAWARE ST, San Mateo, CA 94403

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:09:05 GMT

Terrific End Unit TH with its own patio. Best set up in complex. Excellent central loc on Peninsula. Min. from Hwy 101/92. Walk 2 shops & restaurants. Beautifully updated, open, light & bright w/high ceilings. Parquet floors in LR & DR. Kit features Silestone countertops w/refinished cabinetry & stainless appliances. Updated Mstr BA. Great floor plan, ideal 4 hm office. Cld be 3 BR

Becoming A Homeowner

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The current buyers market is perfect for purchasing a home. With historically low interest rates, first time homebuyer credits and low home prices, many potential homebuyers are making the leap into homeownership. Purchasing a home is a big step, so how do you know if you are ready to take that leap and become a homeowner? Below are some things that you can consider when making the decision

If you maintain a budget and are able to stick to it. If you have your finances in order that is the major first step. Becoming a homeowner, especially in a difficult economy can be financially challenging. If you have created a budget and stick with it you are on the right path. Having good money-management skills are a must-have so that when you do own a home you will be able to have a smooth financial flow for monthly home expenses.
If you have a sizable down payment of at least 20%, you are on the right path. While this is a large amount of money to come up with it is important to have as you will start out with having some equity. There are options out there for zero or low money down loans but if you have to sell your home before you expect you can potentially loose money and you will also need to pay for PMI (priviate mortage insurance).
It is important to have a steady source of income. Of course in a recession there is no real thing as job security but when you buy a home you are going to be required to have a reliable source of income to cover not only mortgage payments but all the other monthly and unexpected expenses that come along with homeownership. It is important to look at how stable your source of income is as well as having an emergency savings fund where you will have enough funds to cover these expense in case of a loss of a job or other emergency.
Your debt and credit are clean. Having a good credit score will help to not only get a home loan but will also get you a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Hold off on any large purchases such as cars before applying for a loan as this could effect your rating. Also review your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com before even applying for the loan to check for any errors.
You are ready for the responsibility. In addition to the financial aspect of homeownership, you need to be sure you are ready for the other things that come along. Things like lawn care, upkeep as well as unexpected repairs need to be considered as part of owing a home.

Real Estate Pulse - Short Sales

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Samia Morgan regarding Short Sales

New Changes Announced From FHA

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new set of changes have been announced from The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in regards to their home loan program. These new changes are aimed to strengthen the FHA’s capital reserves, while enabling the agency to continue to fulfill its mission to provide access to homeownership for underserved communities. The agency hopes that these changes will help the FHA in a better position to manage its risk while continuing to support the nation’s housing market recovery.

With the rising defaults on FHA loans, the FHA’s cash reserves are falling below federally mandated levels. FHA officials hope that policy changes will ensure borrowers have a stronger equity position and are less likely to default.

Some of the specifics with the new policy changes include:

Raising the up-front mortgage insurance premium: The premium will rise to 2.25 percent from its current 1.75 percent. HUD is expected to release a Mortgagee Letter on Jan. 21 making the premium increase effective in the spring.

Raising the minimum credit score requirements: New borrowers will be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for the FHA’s 3.5 percent down payment program. New borrowers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put down at least 10 percent. FHA expects this to take effect in early summer after it goes through the normal regulatory process.

Reduce allowable seller concessions: The agency is lowering the maximum permissible level to 3 percent from its current 6 percent limit. FHA expects this to take effect in early summer after it goes through the normal regulatory process.

In addition to the proposed changes,the FHA is continuing to review its overall response to housing market conditions, and continuing to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards and its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through FHA/HAMP and other FHA initiatives going forward.

Maximizing Your Home’s Sales Potential Through Staging

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Habitat Enhancements

Nancy Linebarier
Stager/Designer

Maximizing Your Home’s Sales Potential Through Staging

In today’s challenging market conditions, most Real Estate professionals and savvy sellers recognize the importance of Staging and properly preparing a property for sale.

In order to maximize your homes sales potential there are several very important things for you to consider:

Whether you are selling a $300,000 starter home or a $3,000,000 executive estate it is critical that your home captures the interest of your targeted market One of the most important things to accomplish this is for your buying demographic to see your property in the best possible light

• Staged homes will generally command top dollar
• Staging of your home highlights the more positive and sought after aspects of a home and softens and diverts attention from the less desirable aspects
• Staged homes will generally sell faster and spend fewer days on the market .
• Staged homes increase the likelihood of generating multiple offers even in today’s challenging market conditions.

Remember; “You only have one chance to make a good first impression”.

In follow up articles I will go into detail on how to implement a successful stage.

Nancy Linebarier
Interior Designer and Stager
Feng Shui Consultant
Habitat Enhancements
Email Me

Meet Andy Block - Mortgage Advisor

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Andy Block of Opes Advisors is welcomed as a contributor to Samia Realty Group Blog for San Mateo County and the Bay Area.

Opes Advisors is licensed as a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is licensed as a Residential Mortgage Lender by the CA Dept of Real Estate.

Cutting Your Property Tax

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Being a homeowner comes with many expenses, one large one being property taxes. There are some ways you can your property tax bill, one being a propery reassessment.

Property taxes are typically calculated based on an official assessment of your home’s value. Because the value of many home's have dropped in the last few years, you can challenge what the value of your home is currently valued at and thus reduce your tax by hundreds of dollars. Even before you seek an assessment, it is a good idea to check your records to make sure there are no mistakes. Simple typos and incorrect information can cause homeowners to be.

With the current economic crisis, many counties are raising property taxes in an attempt to balance their fiscal budgets and reduce their deficits. According to a survey by the National Association of Counties, a group that represents county governments.property taxes, about 18% of counties whose fiscal year begins between January and June increased property taxes to address revenue shortfalls.

Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future or are planning to stay for a few more years, it is worth trying to get a reassessment. Keep in mind that if you can reduce your taxes, it will be a great selling tool.

Mortgage Outlook for 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the moment we are in a very sweet – but temporary – spot as we have low mortgage and short term rates, a growing economy and have been shielded from inflation. As we stand in this temporary sweet spot, we expect the first half of the year to be the best period for selling or purchasing homes.

With the weak recovery and high unemployment, we don't anticipate big interest rate moves from the Fed during 2010, though we anticipate the quantitative easing will end. This suggests mortgage rates will be under pressure to rise when Fed buying ceases.

Consumer spending has been coming in positive relative to the depressed levels of late 2008, but not overly strong given the depths of the recent recession. Much of that slower growth in spending is due to the excesses of the years prior to 2008 when consumers were regularly using mortgage equity withdrawals to boost their spending. As you all know, that is greatly curtailed in today's mortgage market.

Unemployment will be staying much higher than we've been used to in the last decade, with increased globalization continuing to keep pressure on wages and job opportunities in this country.

We anticipate the equity markets will have another positive year, though more in the high single digits than the 20%+ markets of 2009. Equity valuations are reasonable given the level of interest rates, but not downright cheap as they were in March 2009 given what subsequently happened in the economy. Wall Street has formed a fairly solid consensus that corporate earnings will spike upward in 2010 by 35% (banks won't be writing off as much while other companies show better growth), but much of that rise has already been priced into today's markets.

The biggest wild cards out there are housing and the government. Banks are sitting on lots of foreclosed properties; if that supply comes on too quickly, the drop in housing inventories we have seen could reverse quickly and bring on another step down in housing prices. The government has been in full blown stimulus mode, and will soon have to back off the accelerator. That transition will have big implications for how interest rates and the economy will perform in the upcoming 12 months.

Regardless of the market landscape, our focus and offer remains the same: to lead clients as they plan, invest and finance for the futures they want to make happen.

Please call me to discuss specific situations or to review what actions to be in to meet both lifestyle and financial goals.

Andy Block - Mortgage Advisor & Financial Advisor
Opes Advisors
Email Me
Direct: 650.931.0605
Fax: 650.931.0601

Schlage LiNK™

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The latest technology offered from Schlage gives homeowners the ability to monitor and control their home from anywhere. Schlage LiNK™ lets you remotely control and monitor access to your home 24/7 from any Internet enabled computer and most web enabled cell phones. This new remote home management offers many benefits, below are some of the things you can do.

•Check the status of your lock and set temporary codes to your home from your Internet enabled computer or cell phone
•Change, add, or delete access codes to your lock remotely
•Access a 90 day history of who has accessed your lock

Some of the benefits:

•No key to hide, lose, carry, or forget
•Ready to use out of the box. Installs quickly, usually in less than 30 minutes
•Powered by a 9-volt battery. If the Internet goes down or the power goes out, the lock still provides you secure access to your home
•Use the keys provided with the lock as a standard door lock
•Ability to program up to 19 unique user codes
•Add, change, or delete user codes in seconds

The system can be accessed via computer or cell phone and you can send a command to your home using the password-protected Schlage LiNK online interface on your cell phone or computer. The command travels to your home via the Internet, using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology, the same security used for online banking

Many cell phones support the Schlage LiNK application. Currently, Blackberry and Windows Mobile phones are supported with the Schlage LiNK phone application on Verizon. A Schlage LiNK application compatible with other Verizon phones is undergoing testing and should be available by the end of 2009. To see if your phone is supports this system, text “phone” to 695465 (MYLINK) on your cell phone to see if it’s compatible.

Home Warranties

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When your purchase a new home, the expenses can add up and the last thing you need to worry about an unexpected expense. If you are concerned about potential repairs or appliance malfunctions in your new home, you might want to consider purchasing a home warranty. A home warranty is a service contract which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty is a good idea for first-time home buyers with no experience maintaining a home.

The cost for these warranties are fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250 to $600, depending on coverage. The policies are usually prepaid for a year in advance, at which time they expire or can be renewed. There are many different plans with different requirements, most tend to operate the same way. If an appliance or item covered breaks or stops working, the home owner calls the home warranty company. The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has an arrangement and they contact the homeowner to come out to fix the problem. Typically if the problem can be fixed per the contract coverage than the warranty company pays the contractor directly.

Below are some of the items typiclaly covered by these types of warranties. Each company is different so always obtain a list of items covreed before purchasing a policy.

Air conditioner system/ Furnace / heating
Dishwashers
Doorbells
Water heater
Garbage disposal
Inside plumbing stoppages
Ceiling fans
Electrical systems
Range and oven

Typically outdoor items such as sprinklers, or pool filters/spa systems are not covered unless specific coverage requested

Moving into a new home is expensive and having an unexpected repair can easily drain a budget. While part of home ownership requires dealing with unexpected breakdowns and repairs, having a home warranty can help to covered repairs or replacement easier and less costly.

First Time Homeseller Tips

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Buying a home for the first time can be a stressful experience but the same is true if you are selling your home for the first time. Homeowners who are selling for the first time will have many questions. Will my home sell? How should I price it? What do I need to do to prepare to sell my home? Below are some tips and answers to these common questions.

Hire An Experienced Agent. When selling your home for the first time it is a good idea to have someone on your side who can answer your questions and provide you with the guidance you need. Selling your home on your own, especially for the first time can be a very difficult process. By using an experienced real estate agent that you feel comfortable with, you can set a fair and competitive selling price for your home that will increase your odds of a quick sale. Another benefit in working with an agent is that they will work with potential buyers so you don't have to. Agents will also have more experience negotiating home sales.

Prepare Your Home Properly. It is vital to prepare your home for sale and to show your home at it's best. A clean, uncluttered house is the first place to start, Also all repairs need to be addressed, from major to minor. It is not wise to try to hide any problems as they will be found when the potential buyer does the home inspection. Failing to do these things will not only reduce your sale price, but may also prevent you from getting a sale at all.

Be Flexible On The Asking Price. It is important to prepare yourself that you probably wont get the asking price. Most all buyers will negotiate to get the best price, especially in a buyers market. And if you want to sell your home you will have to work with them, especially in a soft market where competition is stiff. It is important to list your home at a price that will attract buyers but you will need to leave some breathing room for negotiations. A successful sale is one where the buyer feels like they aer getting a good deal and the seller feels that they received an amount that they needed as well.

Because this is a buyers market and competition is tough, it is a good possibility that your home may not sell quickly and may sit on the market for far longer than you expect. Do your research and work with an experienced agent who can help you avoid costly mistakes and help you to achieve a seamless, lucrative sale every home seller hopes for!

Saving On Homeowners Insurance

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There are many costs involved when you own a home. From repairs, upkeep and insurance it all adds up. Homeowners insurance can be a big part of your budget but the price you pay for your homeowners insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on the insurance company you buy your policy from. Here are some things to consider when buying homeowners insurance.

1. Do your homework and shop around

Check with several different companies for the best rates and what type of service they offer. You can look online for different companies and their rates quickly to compare. Check with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org) for information to help you choose an insurer in your state, including complaints. States often make information available on typical rates charged by major insurers and many states provide the frequency of consumer complaints by company.

Also check consumer guides, insurance agents, companies and online insurance quote services. This will give you an idea of price ranges and tell you which companies have the lowest prices. But don't consider price alone. The insurer you select should offer a fair price and deliver the quality service you would expect if you needed assistance in filing a claim. So in assessing service quality, use the complaint information cited above and talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the type of service they give. Ask them what they would do to lower your costs.

2. Raise Your Deductible

Deductibles are the amount of money you have to pay toward a loss before your insurance company starts to pay a claim, according to the terms of your policy. The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premiums. Nowadays, most insurance companies recommend a deductible of at least $500. If you can afford to raise your deductible to $1,000, you may save as much as 25 percent. Remember, if you live in a disaster-prone area, your insurance policy may have a separate deductible for certain kinds of damage. If you live near the coast in the East, you may have a separate windstorm deductible; if you live in a state vulnerable to hail storms, you may have a separate deductible for hail; and if you live in an earthquake-prone area, your earthquake policy has a deductible.

3. Make payments electronically.

Many companies now charge up to $5 for mailed or phone payments, so have your payments automatically deducted to shave that cost. Sometimes the deductions can come from your credit card, so you don't have to worry if the money is in your bank account when payment time comes.

4. Buy your home and auto policies from the same insurer

Some companies that sell homeowners, auto and liability coverage will take 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you buy two or more policies from them. But make certain this combined price is lower than buying the different coverages from different companies.

5. Make your home more disaster resistant

Find out from your insurance agent or company representative what steps you can take to make your home more resistant to windstorms and other natural disasters. You may be able to save on your premiums by adding storm shutters, reinforcing your roof or buying stronger roofing materials. Older homes can be retrofitted to make them better able to withstand earthquakes. In addition, consider modernizing your heating, plumbing and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire and water damage.

6. Improve your home security

You can usually get discounts of at least 5 percent for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks. Some companies offer to cut your premium by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other monitoring stations. These systems aren't cheap and not every system qualifies for a discount. Before you buy such a system, find out what kind your insurer recommends, how much the device would cost and how much you'd save on premiums.

7. Seek out other discounts

Companies offer several types of discounts, like senior discounts. Insurance companies have found that retired people stay at home more and spot fires sooner than working people. Older people also have more time for maintaining their homes. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you might qualify for a discount of as much as 10%. Some employers and professional associations administer group insurance programs that may offer a better deal than you can get elsewhere.

8. Maintain a good credit record

Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price homeowners insurance policies. In most states, your insurer must advise you of any adverse action, such as a higher rate, at which time you should verify the accuracy of the information on which the insurer relied. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

9. Stay with the same insurer

If you've kept your coverage with a company for several years, you may receive a special discount for being a long-term policyholder. Some insurers will reduce their premiums by 5 percent if you stay with them for three to five years and by 10 percent if you remain a policyholder for six years or more. But make certain to periodically compare this price with that of other policies.

10. Review the limits in your policy and the value of your possessions at least once a year

You want your policy to cover any major purchases or additions to your home. But you don't want to spend money for coverage you don't need. If your five-year-old fur coat is no longer worth the $5,000 you paid for it, you'll want to reduce or cancel your floater (extra insurance for items whose full value is not covered by standard homeowners policies such as expensive jewelry, high-end computers and valuable art work) and pocket the difference.

Protecting Yourself From Carbon Monoxide

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the official arrival of winter last week, the cooler temps in the area have homeowners using more fuel-burning appliances being in the home. Such appliances include ovens, space heaters, generators, and fireplaces. These appliances can also cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in the home. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. With these factors it is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors to safeguard your family.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. It results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil. This gas can form in the home from incomplete combustion from any flame-fueled (i.e., not electric) device, and open flames, such as from ovens and ranges, are the most common source of carbon monoxide.

If you are considering purchasing a Carbon monoxide detector, they work by triggering an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous if you are exposed to high levels in a short period of time, or to lower levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time. Carbon monoxide detectors range in price from $30 to $150 and are most effective models are those that offer that offer back-up battery power.

Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provides extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Homeowners should remember not to install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. A detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.

Tips For Selling During The Holidays

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although some sellers are might be reluctant to put their home on the market during the holiday season, selling your home during this time of the year is actually a great idea with many benefits that can help you make the sale. Selling your home during the holiday season affords you many advantages such as the amazing staging options you have at this time of the year. During the holidays you have a chance to show your home at its very best. You can use all the holiday decorations to stage your home with all that the season has to offer. Below are some tips to help you sell your home during the holidays!

It is easy to get carried away when decorating but try to be tasteful. Too many trimmings may distract buyers. Keep your visuals tasteful, a few twinkling lights and greenery bring out the charm in a home. Simple touches like a festive wreath on your door can work wonders!
Brighten and warm it up. When showing your home be sure to turn on all lights so your home will look bright, cheery and welcoming. If the weather is cold, turn up the temp a couple of degrees. Don't overdo it, you want it warm and cozy not hot.
Make your home welcoming. Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by lighting a fire, playing soft holiday music and offering homemade holiday treats. If buyers feel welcome they are more likely to spend more time admiring the home.

Holiday staging can help to sell your home around this time of the year but there are also other advantages.

November and December buyers are usually serious due to the fact that January tends to be the biggest transfer month so home buyers shop at the end of the year.
Buyers want to receive the tax benefit of purchasing before the new year.
There tends to be less competition with fewer homes on the market and showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.

Moving With Pets

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moving to a new home can be a stressful time for people so when it comes time to pack up your pet, you need to take their needs into consideration. All pets require special attention and it is a good ideal to make a plan ahead of time to make the move for your pet a smooth transition and less stressful.

Pre-planning is the key to an easier move, travel arrangements should be completed as far in advance of moving day as is practical, keeping departure day tasks to a minimum. It is a good idea to appoint one person in the family that will be in charge of the pet. This will eliminate any confusion as to who has responsibility and will help for a smoother move. Below are some tips that can help you to get organized and make your move a calm transition for your furry members of your family.

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian a few weeks before your move for a check up. Be sure to attain your pet's veterinary records so that they can be forwarded to your new veterinarian. Certain localities may have stringent requirements or restrictions regarding pet ownership. You may need permits or registrations.
When you arrive at your new home, designate a unused room with a door that is quiet and just for them. Provide them with fresh food and water and their bed or favorite toy, something that is familiar to them. This will keep them safe and calm while the move is going on.
If you are moving your pets by car be sure to plan for several stops along the way. Pets may find car travel extremely distressing and stopping for fresh air and breaks can help. Don't forget any medications your pet might need as well as a leash.
If you are traveling long distance and plan on staying overnight at a hotel, be sure to call in advance to make sure that pets are accepted.
If you are moving your fish, be sure to check with your local Aquarium or Pet Store ahead of time on the best way to safely transport your fish.

If your pets are not micro-chipped be sure to get a new pet ID tag with your new address and contact phone numbers and if they are micro-chipped be sure to update the info with your microchip company.

Holiday Events In San Mateo and Bay Area

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What better place to celebrate the holidays than the San Mateo and Bay area! From charitable events to fun events for all members of the family there is plenty to do. Below are some events you won't want to miss!

Firefighter's Toys for Tots Program December 1st through the 23rd - please drop off a new unwrapped gift at any City fire station or at Hillsdale Shopping Center Toy Collection site which is open daily 10 AM to 8 PM

King Community Tree Lighting
On December 11th come for this annual holiday tradition. There will be singing, holiday crafts, hot cider & cookies all while the big 50 ft. Redwood tree outside the center will be lit. Santa will also be there!
Address: 725 Monte Diablo, San Mateo, CA 94401 Location: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Hours: 6:00-7:00pm

Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, games, crafts, stories, singing, and visit with Santa this Saturday, Dec. 12th. Address: 725 Monte Diablo,San Mateo, CA 94401
Location: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Hours: 9:00-11:00am
Contact: (650) 522-7470 Cost: $8 per person.

Holiday SIng-A-Long
Celebrate the holidays at the Holiday Family Sing-A-Long at Grace Cathedral.Gather your whole family for one of two Saturdays in December (December 12 and December 19) to join the Pacific Boychoir as they sing all your favorite holiday songs. This event takes place at Grace Cathedral, an Episcopal church, and is great fun for everyone! Ticket prices range from $5 to $25.

Holiday Ice Skating
Enjoy skating at the Holiday Ice Rink in Embarcadero Center. The West Coast's equivalent to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, skaters have been enjoying this large outdoor ice skating rink for more than twenty years. Open to the public through January 3, 2010. Ticket prices range from $5.50 to $9 plus skate rental. Also available are rink rentals for private parties and birthday celebrations.