Chic vs. Geek: Starter Home vs. Forever Home

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Jumping into the homebuying market for the first time? Before you go straight to the deep end of the pool to find your forever home, think about the pros and cons of a starter home.

CHIC (PRO)

Affordability

Housing prices remain high despite a dip in the market, and a starter home makes more sense (or cents) if you need to stay within a budget.

Expedience

You won’t need as much for a down payment on a starter home, so you can afford to buy earlier.

Investment

You don't necessarily have to sell your starter home once you're ready to move. You can rent it out to generate a passive stream of income.

GEEK (CON)

Size matters

Starter homes are typically more modest than what you’d want from a forever home, and it may not have enough space for you right now either.

Interest rates

Mortgage rates are on the rise, so it might make more sense to wait on such a huge investment.

Buying to sell

Choosing a starter home means you'll eventually have to go through the hassle of buying another home and selling (or renting) this one.

Geek's Number Talk: Latest Market Snapshot

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In case you need more evidence that we’re in the midst of a market shift, year-over-year numbers for Silicon Valley will set you straight. Sales and prices are down across the board, which could mitigate the downside of high mortgage rates. And with properties spending more time on the market, there’s opportunity to negotiate a good deal that fits your budget. Contact us to talk about it.

Chic vs. Geek: Home issues you can’t ignore

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Some home projects can wait until you have the time – or the energy – but some tune ups need tackling now. Let’s take a look at a few common red flags…

CHIC (PEARL)

Critters

The sounds of scurrying in the rafters or mouse droppings in HVAC grills are signs that you may have four-legged visitors. Check exhaust vents, ducts, utility panels, garage doors, and other access points. Look for gaps, signs of chewing or nesting, or ripped screening. Even a hole the size of a quarter is big enough for a rodent to slip through.

Mold

It’s natural to occasionally find mold in wet spots like kitchen and bathroom tiles, but when you see it seeping into your living room walls, it’s time to call a professional for an inspection and remediation.

Water

Standing water in your yard after a rain is a telltale sign that you have poor drainage. This could be caused by heavy, compacted soils, or improper grading. If water collects near your home’s foundation, it could cause costly problems.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Roofing

It is essential that you inspect your roof on a regular basis – at least once a year. Missing shingles or other signs of damage should be addressed right away, because the costs of neglecting them can escalate very quickly, especially if we finally get some rain.

HVAC

Even in our temperate Silicon Valley climate, heating and air conditioning are key components of our quality of life. And you shouldn’t ignore that noise your A/C unit is making just because we’re entering the colder months. Get it checked out or risk paying through the nose when it breaks down during a summer heat wave.

Plumbing

What’s that smell coming from your kitchen sink? If a plunger isn’t enough for your investigation, call a professional and get it checked. Trust me, you don’t want to wait to deal with that mess!