It's difficult to be a buyer in San Carlos, California today. That's especially true if you are looking for a condominium in the downtown area. Add in the necessity of having no stairs (or an elevator to avoid them) and the available condos dwindle even more. After 3 months of searching, (including my letter-writing campaign to owners of potential fits) one suitable condo finally came on the market. My buyer and I visited it; we downloaded and read 166 pages of disclosures, reports, HOA docs, etc. I talked with the listing agent; they wouldn't accept a pre-emptive offer and I was headed out of the country for a business seminar.So we did what I'd recommend every buyer do. We both signed every document as appropriate, I prepared my agent's visual inspection disclosure, we strategized the... 07/31/2019

The sale of 61 Hilltop Drive San Carlos, has recordedFinding the right approach that results in a great sale is always important. In most cases that includes some prep work like painting, minor repairs, and staging followed by listing the property for sale in the MLS, identifying the unique features of the property, preparing marketing pieces, holding open houses, etc.This particular instance called for a different approach. We prepared marketing pieces (see the web site) and I networked heavily with agents in the area. The property was sold off market with sale terms extremely beneficial to the seller.When it's time for you to think about selling your home in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley, give me a call and we'll find the plan that best suits your particular needs. 07/27/2019

The time has come. After living in this home for many years and raising a family here, the owner is ready to right-size.61 Hilltop Drive, San Carlos is located in the greater White Oaks area of town and will go on our local multiple listing service on May 27, unless it happens to sell first. Per the County Assessor's office, this well-loved home consists of 1,270 square feet comprised of 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. It is set on an 8,700 square foot lot. What the above doesn't address includes: the large amount of space on the lower level the view of the East Bay hills and the bay the prime location next to homes that have sold for around $3,000,000 the morning sun that streams into the kitchen, and the westerly views of the San Carlos hills The fine San Carlos schools - Brittan Acres (K-... 05/08/2019

Let's take a look in early January and see what's happening in real estate in the 94070 -- San Carlos, California, as of today: 13 - active listings for sale - single family, townhouses and condos   9 - active listings of single family homes, ranging in price from $1,299,000 to $2,875,000 $2,500,000 - median list price of the single family homes   4 - active listings of condos/townhouses $1,361,500 - median list price of condos/townhouses   4 - number of new listings since 1/1/19  (two were listed and pulled off the market in 2018) Not much inventory for a city of approximately 30,500 people! If patterns from past years hold true, by the end of January we should have an appreciable increase in the number of new listings. We generally have more active buyers ready to purchase then, too.W... 01/09/2019

Sometimes in our real estate practice we have bittersweet experiences, and one of my favorite transactions fits that category.About eight years ago good personal friends of mine decided it was time for them to pull up stakes and move to another state. They were ready to enjoy different experiences in a different locale. We had been friends for over 20 years; our children grew up together; we cooked dinner weekly for one another for 6 or 8 years; we had joint subscriptions to the local symphony. From a personal standpoint, this was bitter--I hated to see them leave. And yet--this is what they wanted to do; they were happy with their choice; they were ready to move on.As the time drew closer, they asked if I would list their house and advise them on various matters. I was honored, Even th... 02/25/2018

As we approach Thanksgiving it's easy to focus on things for which we are thankful, things both large and small.Today I am focused on being thankful for smooth real estate transactions.Last month I listed two condos for sale in the City of San Carlos, one a one-bedroom condo, the other a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit. Both listings sold with multiple offers and nicely over asking. In both cases the buyers were ready and anxious; in both cases the selling agents were good, on the ball, and communicated delightfully well. In both cases the lenders came through as promised, after keeping us informed along the way.  To make it more sweet, both closed early, ahead of schedule. These smooth transactions couldn't have happened to more deserving sellers. One seller is a Senior who moved out of the are... 11/13/2017

Preparations are underway, and by early October a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo near downtown San Carlos will be on the MLS, ready for a new owner.The Spring  Valley Homeowners Association is comprised of 3 buildings, 1 Laurel Street, 1 Elm Street and 2 Elm Street, totaling 48 condo units in all. Shared common amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub. Located close to El Camino Real with its bus service, and just minutes away from downtown San Carlos, Spring Valley is served by the outstanding San Carlos Elementary School District, with high school attendance at the award-winning Carlmont High School in nearby Belmont.Details of 1 Elm Street, Unit 102 include: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, approximately 1180 square feet in-unit laundry dining area off kitchen wood-burning fireplace in living room... 09/07/2017

Meet Steve Campbell, owner of Max Muscle in San Carlos, CA 94070Located in the heart of San Carlos at 900 Laurel Street, corner of Laurel and Arroyo, I invite you to get to know Max Muscle and the owner, Steve Campbell. If you want nutritional products that feature high protein and low sugar, you'll find a huge array here. Many serious athletes shop here; body builders come -- and also this rather ordinary Realtor® who needs to keep her car stocked with healthy food!A few years ago I was introduced to Quest nutrition bars, which have become a mainstay for me, my go-to meal replacement on those days busy with client appointment, property tours, etc. that have me missing lunch all too often.I've tried other stores, but the Max Muscle in San Carlos remains my favorite, in part because of t... 04/29/2017

As has been the case for the last number of years, San Carlos has an extreme shortage of houses on the market listed for sale.Today that number is eight. That's right, in a town with a population of over 29,000 there are only 8 single-family homes currently for sale. Here's a rundown of those eight: 3 bedroom, 2 bath about 1660 sq.ft. listed at $1,398,000, days on market: 6 4 bedroom, 2 bath about 1800 sq.ft. listed at $1,539,000, days on market: 4 3 bedroom, 2 bath about 1500 sq.ft. listed at $1,550,000,days on market: 9 3 bedroom, 2 bath about 1900 sq.ft. listed at $1,775,000, days on market: 1 4 bedroom, 2 bath about 2280 sq.ft. listed at $1,788,000, days on market:4 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath about 2880 sq.ft. listed: $1,988,000, days on market: 22 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath about 2250 sq.ft. lis... 02/28/2017

San Carlos, California, is a highly sought-after town in San Mateo County, located approximately mid-way between San Francisco and San Jose. The location, the excellent schools, the charming downtown shopping area around Laurel Street add to its desirability. Known for it's many youth sports activities and the San Carlos Children's Theater, the Adult Community Center offers classes and activities for the over-18 set.San Carlos was my home for 40 years, and the location of my office, Today Sothebys International Realty.After several years of rapid and very strong appreciation, the San Carlos Patch reported yesterday that house prices continue to rise at a modest rate in the 9 San Francisco Bay Area counties, including San Mateo County and in San Carlos.Listed for sale in our Multiple Lis... 09/22/2016

Rent Payments Can Really Add Up!No matter how much you pay in rent, you might be surprised what it adds up to over the years. Investing your money is a wiser financial choice. With the current home prices and mortgage rates, this is an excellent time to look into buying your own home in San Carlos , California. Rent Payments Can Really Add Up! No matter how much you pay in rent, you might be surprised what it adds up to over the years. Investing your money is a wiser financial choice. With the current home prices and mortgage rates, this is an excellent time to look into buying your own home in Burlingame, California. Common Concerns of Renters and Homeowners - Advantages and Considerations BUYINGProperty builds equityResponsible for maintenanceTax deductible mortgage interest*Responsib... 06/15/2016

San Carlos, California, known as "The City of Good Living" is a highly desired community in San Mateo County. San Francisco is a short drive to the north, the Silicon Valley an equally short distance to the south, and the Pacific ocean is just minutes away. Excellent schools, a great climate, a vibrant downtown and a diversity of housing combine to make San Carlos a very popular community in which to live.Houses are in short supply, making it imperative that buyers have an Realtor® to represent their interests, and be prepared to move quickly when a property becomes available. Yesterday morning, there were only 11 homes listed for sale on our Multiple Listing Service. These range in price from $899,000 (land value) to $2,249,000, with a median list price of $1,349,000.Take a look at the... 01/24/2016

2 Elm Street #202, San Carlos 94070 - SOLD and closed escrowLottie Kendall, of Today Sotheby's International Realty, listed and effectively marketed 2 Elm Street, #202, San Carlos, setting a new price record for the Spring Valley Homeowner Association.3 strong offers were received after only 5 days on the market. List price: $699,000. Sale price: $770,000.Connect with Lottie now, 650-465-4547, to see if she can help you achieve you real estate goals. 05/22/2015

"How's the market" is a question I hear a lot, so let's take a look at what's going on in San Carlos, a city with roughly 29, 400 residents:As of yesterday, on our Multiple Listing Service we had:Single Family Homes: 14 Active listings, with a median list price of $1,744,000 24 Pending sales 20 Closed sales in the last 30 days, 19 of which sold for over asking Condos/Townhouses:   2 Active listings 10 Pending sales   5 Closed sales in the last 30 days; 4 sold over asking We're definitely in a strong sellers' market, and definitely need more inventory to accommodate the demand from buyers. 05/22/2015

Yes, it's that time of year again, when the City of San Carlos celebrates with Hometown Days...Where Everyone Plays!Celebrating its 35th year, Hometown Days begins today, Friday May 15, 2015 and continues throughout the weekend. Kick off for the weekend begins at 5:00 PM Friday evening at Burton Park, with the San Carlos Education Foundation Kids' Concert. Bring a picnic, or sample the food trucks - either way, its bound to be funSaturday highlights begin with the Hometown Days parade through downtown San Carlos, going right past my office, while Sunday starts with a Fun Run, a pancake breakfast and a pet parade. Music, performances, food, games and fun continue throughout both days.Take a look at the full schedule of events, then come on down to enjoy some good times with good people. ... 05/15/2015

Pending Sale - 2 Elm Street, #202, San Carlos, California 940702 Elm Street #202, close to downtown San Carlos is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath, single level view condo with a good floor plan. To achieve the best result possible, care was taken to properly prepare the home for sale. Not only did it look its best, but all the paperwork was in order, inspections were done, and a complete disclosure packet uploaded before the first weekend of open houses. "Coming Soon" blog posts were written, the web site set up, phone calls and emails to colleagues done.This preparation and attention to detail resulted in the seller receiving 3 very strong offers within 5 days of going on the market. When the sale records later this month, I'll report back in and share the sales price and details of the offers. I ... 05/07/2015

We had a bit of rain last night, which makes us all very happy.We have blue skies now, punctuated with some clouds, which makes us all very happy.It's a perfect day for the first open house at 2 Elm Street, #202, San CarlosIf you come by between 1:00 and 4:00 today or Sunday ...... that will make us all very happy...hopefully you, too.2 Elm Street, #202, San Carlos2-bedrooms, 2-baths, laundry in unitend unit, with no one abovegated garage parking, plus extra storageOffered at $699,000.  04/25/2015

Pending Sale in San Carlos, CA 94070 Lovely and meticulously maintained townhouse, 10 Pyxie Lane, has a pending sale and is no longer being shown 2-bedrooms, 2-baths end unit 1350 sq. feet per County records attached 2-car garage office niche garden and patio atrium copious amount of storage open houses on a Saturday and Sunday--in a rare rain storm broker tour the following Tuesday 5 offers received and reviewed on Friday all offers over the asking price of $895,00 as-is sale, with no contingencies Escrow set to close middle of next month Are you thinking about selling your San Carlos property - call me to discuss how we might help you realize your goals. 02/18/2015

What's the market like? A common question I hear as a Realtor® in the San Carlos, California area. Let's take a look, starting with a glimpse of what happened in 2014 As you can see, all these Peninsula and Silicon Valley towns show a very strong market in 2014. Days on market are very short, median sales prices are up over list prices -- all indicators of a seller's market. The question people are wondering is whether this will continue in 215, and of course there is no crystal ball. However, there are indicators. Let's focus just on the single-family home market in San Carlos. As of this morning: Number of Active Listings: 10 Lowest List Price: $1,299,000 - (a 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath house about 1800 sq.ft.) Highest List Price: $2,289,000 - (a 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath house, over 3,000 sq.ft.)... 01/21/2015

VA Mortgage Loans in San Carlos CA and 100% financing on VA Loans - the best loan program and loan payment in the country! VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today for active duty and honorably discharged Veterans. Here are some of the main features of this great program: - 100% financing, no down payment required. - Monthly mortgage insurance is not tacked on to your payment. - More lenient credit qualifying standards than other types of mortgage loans. - Low rates compared to other loan programs. Here's how to qualify for a VA Mortgage Loan in San Carlos CA: You must first verify your eligibility. Eligibility is verified by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. An approved San Carlos CA VA loan lender can order your COE for you, or you ca... 11/17/2014