Blog

Unlocking Savings: How Prop 13 and Prop 19 Make Downsizing Affordable for Seniors

By Ramesh Rao | Nov 20, 2024

While I was talking to a client yesterday, I realized that like my client, many seniors may be unaware of the Prop 19 and its benefits.  Under Proposition 13, your property taxes are calculated based on the original purchase price of your home, with a capped annual increase of no more than 2% in assessed […]

Read More

Refrigerant Phase out. Do you need to replace your AC?

By Ramesh Rao | Sep 30, 2024

If you are thinking about replacing your current air conditioner or planning to install a new one, you may want to be aware of what’s happening in the refrigerant world.  The currently used refrigerant, R410-A is being EOL’ed as of January 2025.  ACs with the replacement refrigerant called A2L are already on the market.  Pay […]

Read More

How Buying and Selling Homes is About to Change

By Ramesh Rao | Aug 3, 2024

A major shift is coming to the Bay Area real estate market on August 17th. The way buyer agent commissions are paid is undergoing a dramatic overhaul. How does it work now? Traditionally, the seller covers the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.For example, on a 5% commission, the listing agent typically keeps 2.5% and […]

Read More

How will 2024 Housing Market Perform?

By Ramesh Rao | Dec 21, 2023

  What will happen to the housing market if the interest rates come down? This is a very frequently asked question whenever I meet clients and friends. I thought I would address that question for the benefit of you. When mortgage rates trend down and the stock market itrend up as currently happening, it can […]

Read More

As interest rates climb, Silicon Valley buyers are putting a larger down payment

By Ramesh Rao | Dec 6, 2023

Who has $235,183 lying around in a bank account? The average homebuyer in Silicon Valley, apparently. That’s the median down payment for a home in the San Jose metro area — and it’s on the rise. In the third quarter of 2023, the median down payment in San Jose reached nearly 25% of purchase price, […]

Read More

Learn the 10 steps to being Safer from Wildfires

By Ramesh Rao | Nov 29, 2023

Every action under Safer from Wildfires will qualify you for an insurance discount. By doing more, you can save more. Read the full text of the new Safer from Wildfires insurance regulation. Class-A fire rated roof – Most roofs qualify including asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, or masonry tiles, and metal shingles or sheets. Wood shake […]

Read More

2024 Hot Color Picks for a Seasonal Refresh

By Ramesh Rao | Nov 28, 2023

Every year, color forecasters and paint companies bring a burst of fun to the industry when they release their color of the year. Another perk is their creative language to describe the colors and the mood they’re trying to evoke. Companies have started rolling out their 2024 color picks, and sharing the news can be […]

Read More

Homebuilders Embrace Age-Friendly Design, Deliver Comfort for All

By Ramesh Rao | Nov 28, 2023

Many homeowners consider making age-friendly home upgrades only after they face a challenging situation like a fall. By regularly talking with clients about aging-in-place modifications and sharing tips and trends, you can prepare them for aging at home. Such routine conversations can also position you as a trusted advisor when your clients need to make […]

Read More

Make Informed Remodeling Decisions, Maximize ROI

By Ramesh Rao | Nov 28, 2023

Given the changing real estate market, clients may wonder whether or not to renovate and question which projects should take priority. They also may be interested in which upgrades provide the best return on investment (ROI). A recent Fixr report, Home Remodeling Statistics and Trends of 2023, sheds light on remodeling trends, homeowners’ spending habits, and interior […]

Read More