151 14th Avenue, San Mateo OPEN HOUSE:  Nov. 8th: 10am-1pm Offer Date:  Nov 9th by 12-Noon Great opportunity to get into the desireable Hayward Park neighborhood!A fixer-upper home that allows you access to your prime neighborhood of choice.Needs some cosmetic work. http://www.151-14thAve.comHOME HIGHLIGHTS:Foundation seismicaly retrofittedNew copper plumbingNew electrical - 3 Wire RomexFairly new roof Large lot for expansionBack alley access to homeTurn garage into ADU or expand itDowntown proximityIn the Hayward Park neighborhood OPEN HOUSE DATES:Sat, Nov. 5th: 2-4pmSun, Nov. 6th: 2-4pm   11/05/2022

Convential wisdom is that December is the worst month to sell a home. While it is correct that there are fewer homes for sale in December, the number of serious buyers looking to buy only drops slightly.  This means that a higher percentage of homes sell in December and for more money, dispelling the myth of December being a bad month to sell. The chart below illustrates this point. Conventional wisdom is that December is the worst month to sell a home.  This may be true in areas with extreme weather during winter; think subzero temperatures, snow, ice, etc.  It is just not the case along the San Francisco Peninsula. The moderate weather on the peninsula makes shopping for a home comfortable at any time of the year. While it is correct there are fewer homes for sale in December, what th... 10/02/2022

Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now Some people believe there’s a group of homeowners who may be reluctant to sell their houses because they don’t want to lose the historically low mortgage rate they have on their current home. You may even have the same hesitation if you’re thinking about selling your house. Data shows 51% of homeowners have a mortgage rate under 4% as of April this year. And while it’s true mortgage rates are higher than that right now, there are other non-financial factors to consider when it comes to making a move. In other words, your mortgage rate is important, but you may have other things going on in your life that make a move essential, regardless of where rates are today. As Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Ins... 10/02/2022

Without a doubt, the world and the real estate market are going through very uncertain times. Interest rates are rising, the stock market is going down and inflation is kicking in. I don’t have a crystal ball, so I can’t tell you what will happen, but what I can tell you after selling real estate for 18 years is that I can handle it! Recently, I proved that I can handle it on a condo I was selling. Buyer #1  The sale started off normal for a softening real estate market. After being on the market for a couple weeks with no offers, we did a price reduction and three days later we were in contract. I became suspicious when the buyer’s initial deposit was not in escrow and then on day 3 the buyer’s agent informed me that the buyer changed their mind after ensuring me the deposit was coming... 08/31/2022

If you’re a homeowner or are planning to become one soon, you’re probably looking for clear information about today’s housing market. One of the biggest questions people are asking right now is: what’s happening with home prices? Part of the challenge is that it can be hard to understand what experts are saying when the words they use sound similar. Let’s break down the differences among those terms to help clarify what’s actually happening today.𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is when home prices increase.𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is when home prices decrease.𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is when home prices continue to appreciate, but at a slower or more moderate pace.The best way to make sure you get what you need is to work with an expert. If you have questions about what's happening with home prices or the housing market, I  woul... 08/30/2022

918 Beach Park Blvd #52, Foster Ciy is For Sale Waterfront lifestyle where there is always something to do at home!Resort-style living every day!Open House Dates:July 16, 2-4pmJuly 17, 2-4pmOffered at $950,000Property Website About 918 Beach Park #52:  2 Bed/2 Bath Condo situated directly on the lagoon offering exotic views day and night! Single story end unit with two patios each off the main living area. One is fenced in for a little privacy but view not obstructed and the other is wide open serving as your outdoor sanctuary. In fact, you might feel like you are on vacation every day! Both, beautifully create an amazing indoor-outdoor connection with their own vibe. Gorgeous Kitchen: w/new stainless-steel appliances, wine cooler, granite countertops and inset shelving. Living/Dining a... 07/12/2022

The IRS is expanding its endeavors into the artificial intelligence universe by using "voice bots" as an option to answer taxpayers' questions when calling the IRS.Let's be honest, the IRS could probably use the robotic help since a recent Taxpayer Advocate survey found that the IRS answers only about 1 in 10 phone calls into their call centers.  A 10% answer rate is dismal at a best.The voice bot system has been in use since January and has answered some 3 million phone calls from taxpayers.  Currently, the voice bots are used to answer more "routine" questions and ID verifications on interactive voice responses.  In addition, the bots have been deployed to answer frequently asked questions about Economic Impact Payments and Advanced Child Tax Credit issues for taxpayers.The IRS sees t... 07/05/2022

Wouldn't it be nice if it was that simple?You get into a little tax trouble because you failed to make quarterly payments on your business income, you had an unexpected bonus at year's end,  or a serious medical issue arose with you or your family causing a disruption in your income---These are all things I see frequently in my clients' lives.  Wouldn't it be nice if you could just call the IRS and ask for the "Fresh Start Initiative" or get yourself on the "pay pennies on the dollar" tax payment plan?Well, it would be nice, but it doesn't work that way.  If it was that easy, NONE OF US would be paying our full tax liablity each year.  We would all be paying a fraction of our tax liability like these national tax resolution companies promise on late-night TV!The IRS works on a system ca... 07/01/2022

Central Park Music Series - Free live music - Thursday evenings from 6-8pmSan Mateo Central Park! Fantastic band lineup featuring live music from Bay Area-based performers.  Variety of musical genres sure to have something for everyone!Free live music onThursday evenings through Aug 11 from 6-8pm, so mark your calendars as you will want to be here every Thursday evening. Dance floor to dance the night away. too!  Bring your own picnic basket/beverage, chair and blanket and find a spot on the lawn.  Food and beverage will be available for purchase at each concert as well.  Come see us at the Chris Eckert Real Estate booth on June 30th and Aug 4th as we will have a photobooth where you can take a photo with fun props and go viral as the next Tik Tok phenomenon with instant social media po... 06/28/2022

Many real estate professionals are familiar with the Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) that sometimes shows up during a title search subsequent to a sale or refinance of real property.  But did you know there was such a thing as a "silent" tax lien?Internal Revenue Code 6332 is the authority of this so-called "silent tax lien".  Essentially, the code states that a lien  "shall arise at the time the assessment is made" and continues until the lien is satisfied or until the assessment becomes unenforceable by the lapse of collection time limits.The "silent lien" comes into effect automatically without notice to anyone by operation of federal law.  This is unlike the NFTL which is open and notorious.  The NFTL is usually recorded on the delinquent taxpayer's real property title in the town... 06/26/2022

11 Hayward Avenue #1003, San Mateo - For Rent Downtown proximity.Property Website Linkhttp://www.11haywardave1003.comUpdated two-story townhouse-style condo on the best street in the best location (Hayward Park neighborhoood - downtown proximity). For Rent:  $4,400/month 2 bedrooms (primary and junior suite)2.5 bathrooms1,530 sqft FireplaceOutdoor spaceWasher/Dryer in unitComplex amenities: Swimming pool and patio, the social centerpiece of this 21-unit complex. Secure access, underground assigned parking, elevator, stairs, trash chute and shopping cart to bring your groceries up. Pet friendly.The Hayward Park neighborhood is one of the hottest locations in San Mateo with its enviable combination of downtown proximity, timeless architecture and flat tree-lined streets. 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚:A... 05/23/2022

As you are aware, the competition to buy a home here in the San Francisco Bay Area is fierce! Multiple offers and sales prices way over the listing price is the rule, not the exception.So, in a hot market like we have, what are the actions a buyer like you should take to get an offer accepted?There are several. In this article I will teach you several steps to take. In addition, you will learn a strategy about which homes on the market you should consider making an offer on that you may have overlooked!Step 1 – Get PreapprovedPreapproved (we call it the Buyer’s Advantage) means getting a conditional approval from a mortgage lender prior to getting into contract to buy a home.I will ask for your income and asset (bank, investment, and retirement account) statements. I will also obtain a ... 03/20/2022

Well, Fall is certainly upon us.  Half Moon Bay, situated south of San Francisco and North of Santa Cruz is a rather sleepy town which is mostly known for two things-- Mavericks, which is a surf break known the world over for its monster waves when a swell pays a visit.The other thing Half Moon Bay is known for is the giant pumpkin contest:Half Moon Bay Pumpkin FestThe Contest results for 2021 can be viewed here:2021 Contest results This years Winning gourd weighed in at 2,194 pounds.  I have no idea how many pumpkin spice lattes that would convert to, but I think it is a lot.To get to Half Moon Bay, from the north, just head south on Highway 1.  A lot of tourist will crowd there on the weekend to sample one of the many restaurants or just enjoy the beach or hike along the beach trail b... 10/29/2021

Creating a professional and appealing design that will entice potential buyers is crucial in the real estate market.Attention-grabbing graphics are crucial in our real estate business. The right design will help create a personal touch with your marketing materials while also matching how YOU want people to perceive YOUR personality. What do you think about changing up those old boring designs?Visually appealing real estate graphic design can help you to reach potential customer engagements and conversions. The graphics create brand awareness for your business and influence audiences larger in size than ever before - all while making it easier on us.The internet has a lot of great tools for real estate agents, but there are some that stand out from the crowd. This post will go over the ... 09/30/2021

Defeat Mega-Agents 14 Sources Of Differentiation Title: Defeat Mega-Agents14 sources Of DifferentiationAuthor: Byan FletcherI discovered this book while I was browsing the internet years ago. I got the book and read most of the chapters during a trip to Kona, Hawaii, in 2019. I forgot all about this book but when I saw Kathleen's book review challenge blog post on ActiveRain.  I thought, here is my opportunity to share some marketing strategies  with my colleagues, and at the same time, I will try some of these strategies myself. About the author:After being rejected from medical school, Ryan Fletcher took a break and moved into real estate. He only closed two transactions during his first year selling real estate, which discouraged him since it wasn't working well. However, things star... 08/30/2021

Mortgage Forbearance: How do you prepare for when your forbearance period ends? What you need to know about forbearance. Forbearance: Many homeowners are unaware of the forbearance option. Under the cares act, millions of homeowners have received forbearance due to the coronavirus pandemic.  How do you prepare for when your forbearance period ends?The first thing you need to know about forbearance is that it is not forgiveness, and you eventually have to pay back the mortgage payments that were paused or reduced. It is crucial to keep in mind that before the forbearance period is over, your mortgage servicer should reach out to you and let you know what options are available to you going forward. But if they haven't contacted you in 30 days before your forbearance period ends, make sure... 08/07/2021

926 Azalea Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010What is it about a holiday weekend? We had a lot of requests for showings over this Thanksgiving weekend, requests for disclosure packets, and clients being brought back in for a second look. Is it because buyers are feeling the urge to get settled by the December holidays? (This house is vacant, so a pre-approved buyer who acts quickly can be in sooner rather than later.) Is it because buyers realize the value in this Burlingame property? (Great school, well-located between San Francisco and the Silicon Valley, near the shops of Broadway, SFO and parks?) Is it because of the flexible floor plan both inside and out? (Use as a 2-bedroom with family room, or as a 3-bedroom, enjoy the separate dining room, several different outdoor spaces to enjoy, to... 11/29/2020

I get a kick out of people who think they 203k can't be used in their neighborhood. The loan limits have increased substantially over the years but there are 203k type loans that go up to $3 Million today. That means you can do renovation or remodeling to cover most projects in your area. It is an interesting design.Landscaping is next.Some interesting features include receptacles that you push to expose the outlet, and when you do it has four outlets to use.This project was one of my all time favorite projects. Whether you are buying or just want to remodel or update your existing home, we have your back. We have been consulting in San Mateo, CA for over twenty years now and are ready willing and able to help get your project across the finish line.           downtown 2-4-2021 11/19/2020

Settle into your Burlingame home for the holidays Ideally situated in the Burlingame Gate area, close to the shops on Broadway, with easy access to SFO, commute routes and highly regarded Burlingame schools is 926 Azalea Avenue, a warm and welcoming home. Plenty of flexible space inside to accommodate work-from-home, home schooling or hobbies, with outdoor spaces to enjoy. This is your opportunity to settle into your own home in Burlingame before the the new year begins. Appointments available to view the home per COVID-19 regulations. Call for more information.  11/19/2020

Recently I listed a beautiful home for sale at 40 Arroyo View Circle in Belmont, CaliforniaAfter being shown only 1 afternoon, an offer was received. By the next day negotiations were complete and there was a pending sale. The 30-day escrow period proceeded smoothly, and the sale was finalized yesterday.The buyers are ecstatic, and the sellers are ready to take the next step -- finding their replacement home and saying good-bye to the temporary rental. Within an hour of getting confirmation that the sale had recorded, I got the message from my sellers, "let's keep the momentum up."Buying a home in Silicon Valley is not an easy task, especially in certain price ranges in towns like Belmont or San Carlos. We are now investigating 3 potential properties. Disclosure packets have been downlo... 07/23/2020