New Year, New Rules

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Every year, a ton of new laws take effect in California, including some that could impact your personal and household finances. Here’s a rundown of the changes from Patch California. Keep reading for our takes on some that might get missed…

CHIC (Pearl)

A number of the new rules have to do with consumer protections, including SB 1490, which requires food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats to provide an itemized breakdown of their fees. This law also allows restaurants to remove themselves from delivery apps they never intended to use. And if you’re tired of following the breadcrumbs to cancel subscriptions you no longer want or need, it will be easier starting July 1 thanks to AB 2863, which requires companies like gyms and streaming services to let customers cancel their subscriptions in the same way they subscribed — more often than not with a single click.

GEEK (Kevin)

If you’re a mobile home owner who’s been battling with your HOA or park ownership over solar panels, then SB 1190 should help. This new law clearly stipulates your right to install a solar system just like any other homeowner in an HOA. (A loophole in a 1978 law previously allowed park owners to block you from doing so.) And in other news that could save you money, SB 1061 ensures medical debt is removed from your credit report so you’re “not penalized for the high costs of necessary healthcare," as the Governor’s office said. This law will also prevent lenders from using medical debt against you to deny a loan.

Dreaming of a new build?

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We’ve all fantasized about building our dream home from the ground up, with every detail tweaked to our taste and endless possibilities for personalization. These lots on the Peninsula could make the perfect playgrounds for your imagination!

Keep reading for our tips to get you started with a pet project…

A Winding Way, San Carlos, CA 94070

  • Budget & Finance: Set your budget and secure financing for land and construction.

  • Location & Zoning: Choose the perfect spot and check zoning laws.

  • Survey & Inspection: Get a land survey and inspect for environmental issues.

65 Madera Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070

  • Permits & Codes: Obtain necessary permits and understand local building codes.

  • Utilities: Plan for water, electricity, and other essential services.

  • Team Up: Hire an architect and builder with Bay Area experience.

2821 Monte Cresta Dr, Belmont, CA 94002

  • Timeline: Set a realistic schedule and consider a project manager. (The Geek might be available!)

  • Legal & Insurance: Consult a realtor and real estate attorney and get construction insurance.

  • Resale Value: Think long-term — and realistically — about the property's value. (The Chic has an eye for the big picture!)

We are here to help you through every step of the process. Contact us to start a conversation!

Let us be your secret weapon!

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The real estate market can sometimes feel like the Wild West, with high stakes hanging on every decision and competition lurking around every corner. In this constantly evolving environment, a good agent is like your secret weapon — the savvy sidekick who saves you money, time, and a whole lot of headaches!

CHIC (Pearl)

From day one, we are here to help you get the home you need at the price you want. A good agent can save a buyer as much as $100,000 on the listing price. It isn’t magic or luck or some kind of secret sauce. It’s just hard work. We dive deep into the data, providing detailed market analysis and playing out every possible opportunity. And when it’s time to negotiate, we are relentless advocates for your bottom line. Like seasoned diplomats, we know how to work with listing agents to get the best deal possible. The road to homeownership can be rough. We’re here to smooth out the bumps.

GEEK (Kevin)

And the road doesn't end at the sale. We’re like the friend who sticks around after the party to help you clean up. Whether it's recommending a painter for final touches at a 30% discount, planning and budgeting for major updates, or rolling up our sleeves and pitching in on a DIY project, we’re in it with you for the long haul — or at least as long as you’ll let us stick around! Let us be your secret weapon, the maestro conducting your orchestra, ensuring every instrument hits the right notes, on time, and within your budget, so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter.

New rules.

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You may have heard about the court ruling that went into effect August 17th prohibiting brokers from cooperating to set their commission rates and providing more transparency and security for homebuyers as well as sellers. We take a look at what this means on the ground.

CHIC (Pearl)

Under the new rules, every National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) agent is required to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement formalizing the relationship between parties before touring a single property. Additionally, properties listed via a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are no longer permitted to include an offer of compensation to the buyer’s agent in any form or fashion. Buyers can still accept concessions from the seller, such as offers to pay closing costs, and they can still negotiate with sellers to have them pay all or a portion of their agent’s compensation.

GEEK (Kevin)

Like Pearl mentioned, under the new rules, properties on an MLS can’t include an offer of compensation to the buyer’s broker. However, some services allow sellers to communicate to buyer agents that they are open to making concessions. Concessions are generally a credit to the buyer at closing to use for whatever they need — paying closing costs, paying their agent, or covering unexpected repairs. Sellers can also negotiate with the buyer over paying the listing broker’s compensation. This can be in addition to or in lieu of other requests for concessions.