Chic vs. Geek: Paying you back in any market

From building equity to built-in savings, there are real estate principles and benefits to help your property pay you back, even in a down market.

CHIC (PEARL)

Dual Purpose Investment

A home is both a current need and an investment in your future. You can find something that fits your family right now, but how will it suit you ten years down the road?

Valuable Savings

Mortgage payments can deliver equity, improve your credit score, and also serve as a savings account you can leverage now or tap later.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Tax Considerations

Like other life changes, homeownership comes with tax deductions, credits, and other perks. Ask your accountant to get you started with a mortgage payment deduction.

Protection from Inflation

Rents rise with inflation, and sometimes to pay for building upgrades, but payments on a 30-year fixed mortgage remain the same for, well, 30 years!

Want to learn more about the benefits of home ownership?

Weekend Gratitude: Coffee

Yesterday was National Coffee Day, and tomorrow is the international version, which means it’s time to celebrate our favorite beverage-slash-life-giving-elixir. And check out this list of freebies and deals from your favorite coffee providers.

By the way, it’s probably not the reason why any of us started drinking coffee, but anyone who loves a cup or two or three in the morning — and sometimes at one in the morning — will be glad to hear that it’s helping prolong their life. CNN has the details.

Coming Soon: Entertaining Heaven!

5505 Deep Purple Way, San José, CA 95123

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,072 sqft | Listing price $1.1M

We’re excited to bring this property to market! Nestled in the quiet Playa Del Rey neighborhood in South San José, this home is minutes to Westfield Oakridge Mall, local parks and schools, light rail, and major freeways. And it really packs a punch with spacious yards and outdoor amenities that make it the perfect party place!

An updated kitchen features stainless-steel appliances with a playful tile backsplash and quartz countertops for entertaining hungry guests. Energy efficient features like solar panels, EnergyStar appliances, high-efficiency HVAC, double-paned windows and doors, a Google Nest thermostat, and LED lights throughout mean you can keep it green while having fun. The property is rounded out by a pet-friendly grass front yard with a picket fence and cozy porch.

We invite you to take a closer look at an open house this Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm. Contact us for more info!

Chic vs. Geek: Fall Improvement Projects

If you’re thinking of listing your home for a fall sale, it’s time to make it look the part. Here’s a punch list of autumnal home improvement projects.

CHIC (PEARL)

There’s no shortage of projects to keep you busy around the house. Restore your carpet to its original beauty. Clean your fireplace to get ready for cold winter months. And embrace your green thumb by trimming back foliage and protecting your perennials from pests.

GEEK (KEVIN)

If you prefer to get a little dirty – like me – you can get up on a ladder to unclog your rain gutters, replace missing shingles, or seal up pesky leaks in your attic. You can also invest in energy saving upgrades like a new furnace or double-paned windows to help the house maintain temperature.