Child safety may not be something that you think about when preparing your home for sale if you don’t have babies, but it really does matter in the minds of most buyers. While they won’t expect your home to be outfitted with the latest in baby proofing technology, they will expect some general safety parameters to be followed.  Most safety measures require little effort or cost, but contribute greatly to a sense of well being in the minds of potential home buyers.  Since we live in earthquake country in San Mateo County and the bay area, the same tips for child safety apply to earthquake safety, as well.

The following questions may help your home to be the one considered (at least subconsciously) as a safe place for their future home.

• Are your floors clean and walkways clear?
• Are cleaning supplies and garage materials placed together in a secure or out of reach cabinet?
• Are your windows and doors lockable and do your interior and exterior doors shut securely?
• Can you replace any corded mini-blinds with alternative window coverings?
• Are there modifications needed to fireplace hearths, concrete, or brick work that will make your home safer?
• Can you remove or secure any electrical or cable cords and are your electrical outlets in good condition?
• Are there areas in your home that can to be fixed or tightened up inexpensively? Children have a way of loosening and removing anything that is not absolutely secure.
• Have your knickknacks and fragile items been removed or packed up so that they are not harmed if children attend the open house?
• Have you removed or secured all toiletries (ie. razors, medicines and toothpaste) in your bathrooms so they are not generally accessible?
• Should you purchase a throw rug to deter the possibility of someone slipping in any area of your home?
• Should you restrict shoes if you have hardwood floors?  It is a slip hazard if you require booties on people who refuse to remove shoes, so do you have enough liability insurance, just in case?
• If you have a pool or spa, do you have the required number of barriers or gates in place to protect children?
• Do you have heavy items secured to your walls?

As weird as this will sound, consider having someone crawl through your home on their knees, viewing it as a child might. If something looks enticing or potentially dangerous, eliminate it until your home is sold.  Considering these items will not only help sell your home, it will also help you to rest easy knowing your home and personal items are safe from harm when families view it during the selling process.

Showing properties 1 - 8 of 8. See more city of Foster City real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $899,000 : 1390 Ribbon St, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,860 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,175 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
2. $949,000 : 261 Loon Ct, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,450 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,429 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
3. $890,000 : 188 Flying Cloud Is, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,120 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,740 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
4. $1,295,000 : 643 Matsonia Dr, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,430 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,612 sqft

   Year built: 1972
   
5. $809,000 : 786 Marlin Av, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,734 sqft

   Year built: 1967
   
6. $1,288,000 : 602 Bridgeport Ln, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,940 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,560 sqft

   Year built: 1977
   
7. $700,000 : 716 Crane Av, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,760 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,700 sqft

   Year built: 1965
   
8. $1,089,000 : 760 Coronado Ln, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,857 sqft

   Year built: 1977
   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

The process for filing a huge claim is enormous even with the help of an adjuster from your insurance company, but you may find that turning to an additional public adjuster for aid in documenting your insurance claim can be very helpful. A public adjuster works independently from your insurance company and can evaluate your home and damage and coverage to determine the best means of reporting your loss.  They can also be sure your insurance company is being fair with your claim.

Here are some steps to follow when hiring a public adjuster:

1. Only interview and hire an adjuster who is licensed and ask about their level of experience.
2. Make sure you speak directly to the adjuster who will be evaluating your loss each time you call regarding your property, to lessen the risks of misunderstandings.
3. Question the adjuster’s experience and credentials and call past client referrals and ask for details. Your adjuster should be willing and able to supply you with this information easily.
4. Double check that the adjuster you are working with is local and will work with any contractors you want to hire, if necessary.  Ask if they will help you in calculating living expenses, if applicable, or just with damage estimation.
5. Educate yourself.  Since public adjusters work on contingency fees ranging from 5% to 15% of the insurance proceeds, it is wise to negotiate these fees and have them defined in a signed contract.

If you want to learn more about Public Adjustors, click here.  One of the first things you should do today, before any disaster strikes, is take a home inventory.  This can become overwhelming unless you use some of the free sites that allow you to take that inventory and save it.  Here are several options for you to look at and take advantage of.  Know Your Stuff.  What You Own gives you a program to download to your own computer. All My Things is another site to go to.  These are free to use and should something happen to your home, you’ll be very happy to know you’d done this and kept the data safe for retrieval.  By retrieval, I mean storing it in the cloud where it can be accessed from any computer, any where

Real estate prices in San Mateo county have begun a huge recovery and you need to know what you own and protect it before it’s too late and you wish you’d done that.  These tips only take a few minutes of your time to implement.  Don’t wait

While mold can be dangerous to your health, with symptoms ranging from breathing problems or congestion and watery, red eyes to aches and pains and even memory loss, it is also an issue easily solved.  Mold can grow in areas of constant moisture, as a result of flooding, a leaky roof or plumbing, or improper ventilation in rooms that are moist.

If you discover mold in your home before it’s for sale, a professional inspection and treatment should be done . You must first determine the source of moisture to begin your plan of attack.  If the area is large, you should consult with a professional for proper treatment methods.  If however the damage is slight or only affecting a small area, you may want to attempt the repair yourself, but only if you can make sure the type of mold isn’t dangerous.

After applying the appropriate protective gear (mask and gloves), you need to remove all porous materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall, carpeting and wood.  Non-porous surfaces such as cement, metal, tile or glass can remain.  Allow the area to completely dry over a 2-3 day period and use fans if necessary to help in this process. Then, with a non-ammonia detergent and a stiff brush, scrub the entire area, rinse and dry. Once dry, disinfect the cleaned surface with a solution of bleach and water (use one cup of bleach for every gallon of water). Allow the area to dry completely and then, retexture, paint, or decorate as needed.

If this is too big a project for you to undertake, we can refer you to professionals who mitigate mold regularly and can do the job for you.

San Mateo homes for sale for those of you considering a move.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 42. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $469,000 : 224 Lindbergh St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,400 sqft

   Year built: 1943
   
2. $529,900 : 1759 Cottage Grove Av, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,250 sqft

   Year built: 1952
   
3. $519,000 : 215 N Kingston St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,380 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,000 sqft

   Year built: 1948
   
4. $678,000 : 2915 Fernwood St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,060 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,040 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
5. $650,000 : 1707 Eleanor Dr, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,000 sqft

   Year built: 1955
   
6. $499,900 : 1644 S Norfolk St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,410 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,814 sqft

   Year built: 1954
   
7. $406,000 : 1016 Norton St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1950
   
8. $499,000 : 3821 Edison St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,040 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,490 sqft

   Year built: 1946
   
9. $639,000 : 3659 San Benito St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,440 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,000 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
10. $699,000 : 251 N Claremont St, San Mateo
    
    2 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 1,070 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,175 sqft

    Year built: 1937
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Once you’ve gotten a bit acquainted with your new home, get to know the block better by taking a walk along your street.  Within a few minutes, you are sure to meet a few neighbors who are curious about you. Over a few days, your walks will encourage even more people to come out and meet you,  and soon you’ll be one of the “regulars.” Find out as much as can about your neighborhood’s “flavor” by asking open-ended questions and listening to the answers.

After you’ve established yourself, find a time to invite your new friends over.  Keep it simple with regard to decor and party preparations and host a get-to-know-you gathering or even a BBQ for your neighbors. Play group games such as 20 questions to discover hobbies and occupations or have a funny story contest. You may find out unique ways to get involved in your local community or that you have a lot in common with the man six doors down the street. Regardless of what is revealed through conversation and group interaction, you will feel more at home once you’ve shared a part of your life with your new neighbors and you’ll have contributed to creating a better community.  If you want to learn more about places and news, share an idea, or just “be a better neighbor” in your community, logon to EveryBlock.com.

If you believe that global warming is a real issue and you’re already trying to do your part, there are many ways to go Green in your daily living.  Whether you want to use solar energy so you can go off the grid or are interested in other options here are some things to consider.  The government even believes in this by offering tax credits.  What a great way to do your part!

Are you looking for an eco-friendly tax credit to use to upgrade your home this year?  You’re in luck!  While many of the programs available in past years have expired, the following are great options to consider now and all the way until 2016.

Geothermal Heat Pumps allow your home to be heated using the earth’s constant temperature instead of the outside air temperature and can reduce your energy costs. Most pay for themselves within 5-8 years and can last for more than twenty-five years. Learn all about the various options and models to consider here.

Solar Energy Systems for your household hot water needs are another eco-friendly option to consider! While the energy credit does not cover heating the water in your swimming pool or hot tub, considerable savings can still be seen with solar installation. Click here to read more about available water heaters.

There are several systems to consider when exploring ways to power your home while being energy efficient. The following systems all qualify for a 30% tax credit, some with no upper limit, so consider which alternative source may be the best for your home. All of these credits are available on your primary residence and some can even be used on a secondary residence as well.

Prior to embarking on finding a solution, however, you should do a survey to determine the total electricity consumption of your home.  Photovoltaic Systems, Small Wind Turbines, and Fuel Cell Systems are all great resources (though a bit more pricey) for creating and providing your own energy to get “off the grid.” There is plenty to consider when exploring these solutions, so make sure you do the research first to see what will work best for your home.

Everyone likes to save money.  Everyone, even billionaires do.  Part of owning a home, whether it’s a house, townhouse or condo, is home maintenance and if you’re disciplined about doing it, you can not only save money on your home, but help the environment with these tips.  Energy use is a huge portion of our budget.  Some homes are all electric, including heating, so saving a few dollars could be really helpful.  We hear about hidden electrical drains, meaning all of our appliances that run all of the time.  You know the ones with clocks that really don’t need clocks, or instant on?  That’s a huge money drain that PG&E just loves.  Good for their bottom line, but not ours.

When you purchase or consider purchasing a new home, there are lots of  things to consider.  One of these is the cost of utilities.  While they may not represent a large portion of your monthly expenses, their cost can really add up over time.  Once you have purchased your new home (and every few years thereafter), it’s a good idea to request an energy audit from PG&E to find ways that you can reduce your monthly expenditures.  Once you know what creates the bulk of your expense, you can use the following tips to reduce your utility bills in your new home.

• Update your appliances and fixtures to energy efficient models bearing the “Energy Star” label to save on water and energy bills.
• Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or if you can afford them, the new LED lights.  This can provide up to 75% savings on your lighting costs and keep your home cooler during the summer months.
• Be aware of your thermostat use. A programmable thermostat is a great idea during the winter, so you can allow cooler temperatures while you are away from your home.
• Lowering your hot water heater temperature ten degrees or shortening your shower times can results in savings.
• Turn off your appliances by unplugging them when you’re not using them.
• Adding insulation to your attic or attic door and replacing caulking over cracks around windows and in exterior walls can also reduce your energy costs.  You may even consider insulating your garage or garage door if possible.  Replacing or installing weather-stripping kits on drafty doors will also decrease your costs. So will adding an attic fan to remove heat during the summer.
• Planting deciduous shade trees and shrubs can provide more even temperatures in your home, as can appropriate window coverings.

Some of these things are really simple to do and should become part of your annual repairs to your home.  Others can become daily changes.  We all can do these things to help improve our bottom line, and our energy use for the greater good of our community.  This weekend is Earth Day and now is a great time to start your energy audit and savings.

“CLOSING” - Closing refers to the final steps in securing a home purchase.  When a property is sold, it is referred to as “closed.”

“OFFER” - Buyers “offer” a contracted rate on a home for sale. A seller may receive many “offers” and is not required to accept any.  This is why when a home buyer finds their dream home, it is important to get the “offer” in quickly.  Full price “offers” are looked upon favorably, but even “offers” of up to ten percent beneath the asking price may be an acceptable practice, too.   There are several variables to discuss with a knowledgeable Realtor before submitting a low “offer,” however, so do your homework.  Comparing a home to others in the local market and recognizing the length other homes have been listed are helpful to consider prior to submitting or accepting any “offer” in real estate.

“DEPOSIT” - The “deposit” or earnest money pledged with an “offer,” illustrates a commitment from the buyer to the seller.  Generally the “deposit” amount in our area is 3 percent of the home’s purchase price and applies to the final purchase price of the home for sale. This deposit is held “in trust” until the purchase is completed with a local Escrow company. As a potential home buyer, your “deposit” will only be accepted if your “offer” is accepted. Occasionally a home buyer decides not to move forward with the home sale which can result in the loss of the “deposit” unless they have probable cause to remove themselves from the contract.

“CONTINGENCIES” - Contingencies are requirements outlined in the contract that must be fulfilled prior to “closing,” often relating to financing or the house inspection. Contingencies generally last for 17 days, although the time frame depends greatly on market conditions and the contract used.

“CONTRACT” - When a home seller accepts an “offer,”  the “contract” is then created.  A legal and binding document which guarantees the buyer will purchase the property when all contingencies are met. Transaction details are included in the contract, such as the property selling price and description, any important dates and contingency clauses.

“CLOSING STATEMENT” - Required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure accountability of all finances relating to the sale and purchase of a home this is referred to as the HUD-1.  Real estate commission,  escrow  securities and deposits, and any other fees must be outlined in this document. The buyer and seller will each receive a copy of the “Closing Statement” per the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act prior to “closing.”

“CLOSING COSTS” - These are the actual costs of “closing” and include securing title, loans, appraisals, credit reports, inspections,brokers, taxes and document preparation and transfer fees.

Hopefully this tutorial has helped you feel a little more familiar with some of the major real estate terms we use, so that whether you are buying or selling a home, you can feel a bit more at ease.

You  should contact your insurance agent if you have questions or need to make a few adjustments.  He or she should be able to answer your questions.  If you don’t feel comfortable with your agent or question whether or not he or she are providing you with the best policy for your situation, please contact us for a reference.  You may find that a change could save you money both short-term and long-term.

Some helpful questions:

Ask– Can I qualify for a premium reduction by installing smoke detectors, alarms, new locks or doors, or improved roofing material?  Do I qualify for a preferred customer or senior/student discount?  What is really covered by my insurance?  Ask about th

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 62. See more city of Hillsborough real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $2,680,000 : 500 Pepper Av, Hillsborough
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,840 sq ft

   Lot size: 22,244 sqft

   Year built: 1953
   
2. $4,449,999 : 25 Miranda Ct, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 5 full baths

   Home size: 5,172 sq ft

   Lot size: 30,318 sqft

   Year built: 1980
   
3. $1,776,000 : 175 Ridgeway Rd, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,840 sq ft

   Lot size: 15,246 sqft

   Year built: 1978
   
4. $3,750,000 : 100 Chateau Dr, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 4,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 26,571 sqft

   Year built: 1991
   
5. $1,850,000 : 1035 Tournament Dr, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 4,850 sq ft

   Lot size: 26,350 sqft

   Year built: 2001
   
6. $3,095,000 : 1340 Avondale Rd, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 4,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 20,473 sqft

   Year built: 2000
   
7. $2,399,000 : 645 Hillsborough Bl, Hillsborough
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,580 sq ft

   Lot size: 25,844 sqft

   Year built: 1958
   
8. $4,399,000 : 1160 Barroilhet Dr, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 5,045 sq ft

   Lot size: 24,208 sqft

   Year built: 1991
   
9. $2,295,000 : 537 Craig Rd, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 2,750 sq ft

   Lot size: 29,185 sqft

   Year built: 1953
   
10. $1,675,000 : 6215 Skyline Bl, Hillsborough
    
    4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,810 sq ft

    Lot size: 21,896 sqft

    Year built: 1972
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

e phrase “acts of God” and the interpretation of the insurance company.

Discover – What is insured, the actual home or only the land under it?  Is land value part of my policy amount and if so, why?  Did I opt for replacement value or actual cash value in your home coverage and does that still apply?

Discuss – Are my valuables and heirlooms in need special coverage?  Would a higher deductible result in a significant reduction in my premium? Should I get earthquake or flood damage insurance?

Asking these questions now and periodically in the future will give you peace of mind and give you the knowledge you will need should you ever encounter a crisis with your home.  It is a good idea to place a copy of your homeowner’s policy in a place away from your home, as well, in case just such an accident does occur.

Here’s what’s going on in the Hillsborough CA real estate market today.

Get to know your neighbors, especially next door and across the street from you. If they haven’t introduced themselves already, go over and do it yourself.   If there isn’t a formal Neighborhood Watch program  instituted on your block, this might be a good time to start one. You’re bound to have a neighbor willing to watch over your home while you are away so make sure you offer to do the same for them when they go away.  Ask them if they’ll notify you or the police if something alarming occurs while you’re gone.  Exchange phone numbers and email addresses right then, so you have them in your database.

•  It’s always best when your home appears to be occupied while you are away. Timers and volunteer police patrols can be utilized, and newspapers and mail can be placed on hold, unless you have a large, locking mailbox. You could also ask a friend to visually check-in on your home.
•  Try using a deadbolt or locking mechanism on your garage door while you are away for long periods of time and secure any pet entrances.
• Remember that a well-maintained and well-lit home with timed lights and motion detectors can be a deterrent, as can loud dogs.  Of course if you have a pet, you’ll also need to plan for its care while vacationing.  Board your dog, hire a pet sitter, or have your neighbor feed your pets and walk them.  If there’s a child in the neighborhood who loves pets this is a great short job for them.

When you return, be sure to begin all suspended services again. You will also want to  thank those who watched over your new home so they will feel so inclined when your next vacation comes up.

When selling your home, your appraisal can affect the home sales price, so make sure you know your “comps.”  ”Comps” are simply market comparisons that reflect other homes that have sold in your neighborhood, zip code, and area.  Review these comparisons by calling us for comparisons BEFORE your appraiser visits to make sure that all recently sold homes are included in the current statistics.  Often homes sold as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) may not be included by appraisers, which can alter statistics they use to determine your home’s value.

Next, look at your home as though you were a home buyer, as checking that your home appears well-maintained is vital.  Spend some time cleaning the home entrance and painting as necessary to spruce up the entry, making your best first impression.  The rest of your home should be clean and clutter-free, as well.

More importantly though, you need to create a “value-added” list of things that make YOUR home distinct.  Whether it be its size and views, or the condition of your property as compared to others in your neighborhood or any upgrades you may have made, these need to be explained to the appraiser.  Be sure to be respectful as you review these and other details regarding your property.  Review the information the appraiser has brought and suggest revisions if needed to account for changes you have made or errors in the report regarding your location (check the zip code!).

Once completed, an appraisal may take several weeks before you can request a copy.  It is wise to do so, however, to verify that the appraisal is accurate.   Ask your lender and follow the appropriate appeals process if you feel there are errors or omissions that would affect your property’s value.

For more information on home appraisals in the Burlingame real state market please contact us.