Despite sensational headlines, data reveals home prices are up, not down. Learn how to interpret real estate trends and make informed decisions about your future.

The San Mateo County Fair returns with exciting attractions and family fun. We're giving away tickets and ride wristbands for a chance to experience it all. Enter to win by May 29th.

Say goodbye to generic Mother's Day gifts and hello to extraordinary experiences and lavish indulgence! This year, make the special woman in your life feel like the queen she is. Our curated guide is overflowing with luxurious gift ideas guaranteed to make her heart sing. From rejuvenating spa days at renowned resorts to cutting-edge smart jewelry that blends style and health tracking, we've got you covered. Elevate her Mother's Day with gourmet dining experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants or whisk her away for a weekend getaway at a picturesque vineyard estate. Discover unique and thoughtful presents that reflect your love and appreciation. #MothersDay #LuxuryGifts #GiftGuide #Pamper #Wellness #Getaways

Selling your Bay Area home can feel daunting, especially in today's market. But it doesn't have to be! Join our workshop in San Mateo and get the step-by-step plan for a smooth, profitable sale. We'll cover: Decoding Market Trends: Should you sell now or wait? We'll analyze Bay Area patterns to guide your decision. Prep that Pays Off: Learn the essential fixes and upgrades that attract top-dollar offers (and what to skip!) Stress-Free Decluttering: We'll share proven methods and resources to tackle even the most cluttered spaces. Pricing for Success: Discover the strategies to set the right price and spark buyer interest. This isn't just theory – get answers to your specific questions!

What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Closing Costs

Earth Day is a reminder that small changes add up to big impacts. Reduce your footprint, conserve precious resources, and advocate for policies that protect our planet. This year, let's commit to making a difference, not just on Earth Day, but every day. Get inspired with practical tips and solutions to make your lifestyle more sustainable. #EarthDay #EveryDayCounts #TakeAction

Get advanced guidance to plan your family's legacy when it comes to strategic planning, investments, and real estate management for both their residential and investment properties.

Thinking about downsizing or relocating within California? Proposition 19, passed in November 2020 but only recently going into effect, might be a game-changer for your property taxes. But with any major change, understanding the ins and outs is crucial. This blog post will unpack Prop 19, its history, how it impacts you, and where to find more information. Prop 19: Balancing Fairness and Flexibility California's property tax system, fueled by Proposition 13, has been a double-edged sword. While offering tax relief to long-time homeowners, it could make moving or downsizing a financial burden. Prop 19 emerged from the desire for a fairer system, particularly for seniors, families, and those facing disaster. Previously, Proposition 13 allowed homeowners to transfer their lower tax base (think of it as a property tax shield) only to a new primary residence of similar value within the same county. Prop. 19 loosens these restrictions, allowing you to transfer your tax base to a new home anywhere in California, regardless of its value. Who Qualifies for Prop 19 Benefits? To qualify for the Prop 19 property tax benefits, you must be over 55 years old age, disabled, or be a victim of a natural disaster. Parents or grandparents can pass along their primary residence and its property tax basis to their children or grandchildren. Yet, beware that there are restrictions under Prop 19. What Situations Does Prop 19 help? This new law offers more flexibility for several homeowner situations: Thinking of Downsizing? Prop 19 can make that cozy condo you've been eyeing a more realistic option. You can take your lower tax base with you, even if the condo is less expensive than your current home. Moving Across the State? Family ties pulling you south? Prop 19 lets you keep your cherished tax benefit as you relocate to be closer to loved ones, anywhere in California. Disaster Relief: If your primary residence suffers major damage from a disaster, Prop 19 allows you to transfer your tax base to a replacement property. Gift real estate : By gifting your children or grandchildren with property, your loved ones will benefit from lower property taxes if they use the home as a primary residence within one year of the transfer, and there are other benefits, too! Is Prop 19 All Sunshine and Rainbows? While Prop 19 offers advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks: Rising Property Values. While Prop 19 provides for some tax relief, it is capped at $1,000,000. So if the home value is assessed at greater than that, yo will pay more in taxes but only on the additional portion. Additionally, if you transfer your tax base to a location with significantly higher property values, you may see a future increase in property taxes. Last, Prop 19 also eliminates all currently available Prop. 13 and Prop. 58 benefits on the transfer of non-primary residences (with some exception for agricultural property) to children. Where to learn more? Prop 19 offers exciting possibilities for many California homeowners. To make informed decisions, consider these resources: Your Local County Assessor's Office : A wealth of information is often available online. California State Board of Equalization : They offer a comprehensive resource on property taxes. Remember, consulting a tax professional is highly recommended for personalized advice regarding your specific situation and Prop. 19. By understanding Prop. 19, you can unlock its potential benefits and navigate California's evolving property tax landscape with confidence. Happy house hunting!

Your Home Is a Powerful Investment