The True Costs of Moving

Selling your first home and purchasing your next one can seem like an insurmountable process when you’re in the thick of it. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead before the madness begins. The first step is understanding the costs beyond the listing price.

CHIC (Pearl)

Before you commit to listing your current home, it’s a good idea to ask your agent for an estimate of all the closing costs involved. A roll call of the usual suspects includes real estate commissions, advertising, legal and professional fees, excise taxes, capital gains taxes, prorated property taxes and HOA fees, and typically surveys, inspections, etc. You’ll need to put a number to all of these items to get a full picture of your options for buying a new home, which comes with its own set of peripheral expenses.

GEEK (Kevin)

So what are some of the costs you need to consider as a buyer? To name just a few: down payment, lending fees, title fees, insurance, inspections (if the seller isn’t paying), professional cleaning, repairs and cosmetic upgrades, utility deposits, and more. We also suggest getting pre-approved for a new home loan before you do anything else, and while you’re at it, make sure to include the costs for any renovations you may want to make. Oh, and did we mention moving expenses? It adds up quick!

Honoring the brave.

This weekend — and all year round — we honor America’s sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms at home and around the world.

Bay Area Luxury Listings

You can learn a lot about a housing market by looking at the high end. In that respect, the Bay Area could be on the rise, as indicated by the top listing prices from Sebastopol to Santa Cruz.

Should it stay or should it go?

Remember when you remodeled your kitchen and installed that high-end stove and oven you use every day to cook fabulous meals for your family? If you sell the home, you probably think you can take it with you. Not so fast! The buyer may have other ideas.

CHIC (Pearl)

Generally speaking, anything that’s permanently installed or custom built — like light fixtures, built-in shelving, and major appliances — stays with the home. Decorative items like rugs, artwork, and non-custom curtains are typically fair game if they can be removed without causing damage to the property. But if you find it’s hard to say goodbye to that special something that really pulled your home together, it’s important to avoid misunderstandings and make your plans clear to buyers in advance.

GEEK (Kevin)

Pearl’s absolutely right here. You have to set expectations up front. If you don’t plan on leaving your appliances or other hardware in the house, it’s wise to replace them before you start showing the house or disclose that info before you enter into contract. Even something as simple as those custom cabinet handles you’re planning to take with you could be the one thing that makes a buyer commit. Don’t lead them on. If you’re ever confused about what stays and what goes, ask your agent!

Peninsula Restaurant Week

We’ve got good news for local foodies! It’s Peninsula Restaurant Week, and the Peninsula Foodist blog is giving away $500 gift cards to some swanky establishments in exchange for a little social media love. Visit their Insta to find out more and get eating!