local real estate update & resource
To the communities where we live, serve and love
Get informed about what to expect from today's market
Discover exciting local events going on in our community
OUR OFFICE HONORS LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WITH POSTERS IN OUR WINDOWS ALONG LAUREL STREET
WE HAVE FIVE OF OUR OWN GRADUATES THIS YEAR
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible! ‘”
-Audrey Hepburn
Happy Summer!
I can not believe how quickly 2024 is flying by. Enjoy the summer edition of Live.Love.Local and reach out anytime if I can help you with anything at all! Need a vendor, a recommendation for a serviceprovider or curious what home improvement projects to tackle? Call/text/email me!
ALANA CORSO
VP Experience, San Carlos Broker Associate DRE 01914996
650 504 0270
Alana@AlanaCorso com
AlanaCorso com
662 Laurel Street, Suite A, San Carlos, CA 94070
I truly believe in giving back to the community in which I live and work and I am excited to share the Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation. I am honored to support this program!
1% For Good Overview
Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation believes in giving back to the places we live and love. We believe by investing with local partners and organizations who are working to create positive change, together we can change the world
The model is based on agent-inspired giving Christie's Sereno agents choose to participate in the Sereno 1% For Good initiative for each and every transaction When an agent contributes, 1% of the gross commission is pledged to Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation.
Christie's Sereno has provided over 5 million in funding to more than 400 local organizations We believe better companies make better communities
Established in 2018, Each Green Corner scaled rapidly from a single pilot site to 13 food-producing gardens This amazing organization helps schools, residences, and communities to address food insecurity, climate change, and public health Led by volunteers and interns, this great organization educates the community in growing sustainable, permaculture-inspired and culturally-diverse food gardens
Each Green Corner is proud to be named one of Sustainable San Mateo County‘s Sustainability Heroes of 2022. This award is dedicated to organizations that make significant progress in protecting our people and planet
As a San Carlos resident and mom to 3 children that have attended the amazing public schools here, I am proud of my longstanding commitment to the San Carlos Education Foundation I have been a Board Member since 2016 and a financial supporter since my oldest started in the district in 2009 My office is now the exclusive Real Estate Sponsor with a financial commitment this year of $25,000 to benefit every child, every day in every classroom.
You've probably caught wind of the buzz surrounding the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and their proposed settlement, sparking quite the conversation in the media and possibly leaving you with more questions than answers Let's dive into what's really going on and clear up some of that confusion The gist of it is, sellers have always had the choice to offer compensation to the buyer's broker, and that's not changing.
What's new is the way commissions are being advertised Commissions have been and will continue to be negotiated through transparent conversations with our clients Additionally, commissions remain negotiable, of course, and are not set by law.
Under the proposed settlement, every buyer represented by a NAR-affiliated agent would be required to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement, a mutual commitment that outlines the business relationship between the buyer and broker before touring a property. We expect this change to take place this summer
We see these clarifying facts and updates as positives, both for our clients, us, and the broker community at large. For our Mid-Peninsula market, like everywhere else, this settlement means a shift in how commission offers are presented This settlement proposed that, as of August 2024, commissions should not be advertised in the MLS This doesn’t affect how we do our business as we have always put our client’s best interest before our commissions. Our experience has shown that transactions are more successful and smoother when there is professional representation on each side, creating open lines of communication that benefit all parties involved
We will continue to encourage a transparent commission conversation that reflects the time, effort, expertise, and support that we invest in each transaction It's all about direct communication and education, making sure everyone involved understands their options and the process. It's commissions as usual for us and our esteemed colleagues; however, just advertised and communicated differently
The 5-6% commission on buying or selling a home is gone.
Sellers no longer need to compensate buyers agents.
Commissions have always been negotiable in real estate transactions. Listing agents and sellers can continue to offer compensation outside of the National Association of Realtors affiliated MLSs.
Buyers no longer need a buyer’s agent.
The settlement will change the way Americans buy and sell their homes.
Offering buyer agent compensation or concessions is a choice made by a seller in consultation with their listing agent The commissions have always been negotiable
Sellers are now prohibited from offering buyer’s compensation.
Buyers are best protected by professional real estate agents. When making one of the most significant financial transactions of their lifetime, buyers deserve a trusted advisor to guide them through the process and represent their interests
Real estate professionals will continue to help buyers and sellers navigate one of the most costly and complex transactions of their lives.
Offering a buyer’s agent commission has always been up to the seller. Sellers can continue to offer compensation to buyer’s agents if they believe it will lead to the best outcome for the sale of their property
The charts for the median sales prices for single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes in our three nearest counties show prices increasing. All areas on the peninsula continue to be considered a seller’s market with less than two months of inventory Our spring market, which typically brings the highest level of inventory each year, was moderate in terms of listing volume, and well-priced, well-prepared homes received multiple offers.
Interest rates have been hanging in the high 6 and low 7's and the Fed is not making any adjustments and have indicated we now might only see one interest rate adjustment towards the end of the year. Buyers have resolved themselves that it is what it is and this is our normal for now A majority of my buyer clients are going with Adjustable Rate Mortgage loan products in hopes that with a future decrease in interest rates there will be a refinancing opportunity.
A majority of sales continue to be for one of the D’s: Death, Divorce, Diapers & Diamonds with death being my highest reason for sales the past 3 years
Life changes dictate why most sales occur The moveup buyers that used to occur more frequently are choosing to remodel or expand current homes due to their low interest rates locked in prior to spring 2022. Inventory doesn’t seem to ever dramatically increase to tilt the market in favor of buyers. And, being essentially land-locked on the peninsula, most new housing stock is from multiunit type buildings with condominiums, townhomes and apartments.
Insurance continues to be a hot topic in real estate with more and more carriers leaving California and choosing not to renew existing policies. Insurance companies are sending inspectors to perform physical home inspections and utilizing drones to check tree coverage and roof conditions. Red flags for insurance companies are aging wood-shingled roofs, outdated knob & tube electrical wiring, galvanized piping, fuse boxes, trees overhanging roofs, high fire zones, and flood zones If you received a notice that your carrier will not renew your policy, please reach out to me for assistance as I have a few excellent insurance brokers I work with. If you are considering a home sale, it could be worth rectifying any red flags before the sale to remove any future insurability issues. My active buyers know that I will recommend speaking to an insurance broker before we write an offer to ensure to property can be insured since it is a condition for closing your purchase with your home loan and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize your home loan approval process Premiums are more expensive as well which is another factor we need to prepare for
Welcome to our journey across the globe with Christie's International Real Estate!
In this issue, we're thrilled to showcase
�� 6 Bedrooms
�� 7 Full Bathrooms | 4 Partial Bathrooms
�� 13,600 Square Feet
�� $29,950,000
Experience unparalleled luxury in this breathtaking Bel Air estate, a true masterpiece spanning approximately 13,600 SF. Crafted by Architect David Maman in collaboration with SAOTA, it boasts refined interiors by Dieter Vander Velpen, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces with jetliner views
Presented by my Christie’s partner, Aaron Kirman (@aaronkirman) from AKG Beverly Hills!
At Christie’s International Real Estate, our network of real estate experts across the country and around the world are here to provide invaluable insights into every local market Whether you're seeking your dream home or considering selling, I’m here to make those connections for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out - let's make your real estate aspirations a reality!
SAN CARLOS
Saturday, June 15 @ Burton Park www.cityofsancarlos.org
Our friends and neighbors in San Carlos take pride in showing up for their community Join friends and neighbors by the Cedar Stage at Burton Park from 11:00 a m to 2:00 p m on Saturday, June 15 to celebrate inclusivity with music, community resources, and art projects!
SAN FRANCISCO
Saturday & Sunday, June 29-30 www.sfpride.org
The SF Pride Celebration attracts people from all over the world and provides an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate diversity, equality, and love. The weekend includes music, performances, food, and merchandise vendors, and activities for the whole family!
REDWOOD CITY
Thursday, July 4 @ 10am www.parade.org/parade
Our annual Fourth of July Parade in downtown Redwood City, the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California
SANTA CLARA
July 25th-28th & August 1st-4th
www.thefair.org
Get ready to join us for an unforgettable celebration at the Santa Clara County Fair 2024, as we commemorate 80 years of innovation, from the fields to the future!
REH REH
www.rehrehthreads.com 1523 Woodside Road, Redwood City
Reh Reh offers women's & men's fashion, accessories, jewelry, and home goods for a reasonable price point and the warmest, most genuine and sincere customer service.
RAE
677A Laurel Street, San Carlos
Owned & operated by 3 sisters and their mama, JoeyRae believes in high quality clothing, accessories & gifts. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS www.5littlemonkeys.com 1111 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame
Bring your little monkeys to explore this fun store hands-on at one of their locations in the East Bay, Peninsula and Marin.
www.shopangela.com 1129 Chestnut Street, Menlo Park
Angela Boutique has been the heart of the Silicon Valley for 24 years, offering a luxurious, friendly and inviting environment.
MINTS & HONEY
www.mintsandhoney.com 1524 El Camino Real, San Carlos
Mints & Honey is a neighborhood cafe for families and friends to gather, unplug, connect, and celebrate
www.zareensrestaurant.com 2039 Broadway, Redwood City
Zareen’s Restaurant brings contemporary Pakistani/Indian dishes, made with love and integrity, to the foodie scene in the Bay Area
www.pacificcatch.com/locations/palo-alto 711 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
This Michelin star restaurant features a seasonal menu focusing on local produce at this upscale Italian eatery
Nestled in the Stanford Shopping Center, the Palo Alto location is the perfect oasis for folks looking to add Aloha vibes to their retail therapy
I've got some fantastic tips to elevate your living space and make your home the sanctuary you deserve. Check out my tips and tricks and let me know which ones you're excited to try!
Mirrors can make a small room feel larger and brighter Place them opposite windows to reflect natural light
Use large mirrors in narrow hallways
Group smaller mirrors together for a unique wall display
Consider mirrored furniture for added elegance
Design your room around a focal point like a fireplace, artwork, or an accent wall. This anchors the space and draws the eye. Highlight the focal point with strategic lighting. Use contrasting colors to make the focal point stand out.
Keep surrounding decor simple to avoid overwhelming the space.
Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use dimmers to adjust the mood
Use floor lamps and table lamps to add layers of light
Install under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for better task lighting
Add sconces or pendant lights for accent lighting
Mix different textures in your home decor for a cozy and interesting look Combine materials like wood, metal, and textiles
Use throw pillows and blankets to add texture to a sofa
Incorporate a mix of smooth and rough surfaces Layer rugs for a rich, multi-dimensional effect
Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents and snake plants.
Use decorative pots that complement your decor.
Group plants together for a lush, green display. Bring the outdoors in with indoor plants. They purify the air and add a touch of nature to your home.
For more tips & tricks, community info, my “Mamas in Business” series, and beautiful listing videos, check out my YouTube channel and let me know what you want to see next!
Collaborating with Alana was an absolute pleasureseamless, productive, and thoroughly enjoyable Throughout our interactions, we always felt prioritized, as if we were her foremost concern. Alana consistently made herself accessible, equipped with all necessary information, and infused every interaction with genuine compassion.
