It's a New Year, Charlie Brown

Pixabay.com

Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are over I'm getting really excited about turning over a new page and starting fresh for this year. I have tons of ideas for helping expand the business, help my clients find the home of their dreams, and to keep giving back to the community around me that I care so deeply about. Resolutions rarely come true, so thinking of this year as a process and journey into the years to come is a freeing way to set goals without setting yourself up for failure.

With that in mind, I'd like to take the time to thank everyone who has been supportive of this blog, the Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and more. It has been my privilege, and I appreciate every ounce of your support. I am lucky to love what I do. Being a Realtor allows me to meet so many amazing people.

Here's to building upon last year and soring to new heights, to remembering what we've lost and learning to find what fits. I hope my friends, family, and community here in Marin have a year filled with as much love and laughter as they can get, and as little pain and sorrow as is necessary.

And remember, I am always available to answer any questions you may have about finding a home here in Marin. Please feel free to contact me any time. I'd love to get to know you and see how I can help!

Happy 2016!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fed Rates vs Mortgage Rates

Today's blog is brought to you in part by Brian Morrow, a mortgage advisor friend of mine who helps us out with market information every so often. Today's blog is addressing the impact of the Federal Reserve decisions lately, read on for more!

Flickr Photos

Most economists, financial players, the media and the general public expected the Federal Reserve to raise it's Overnight Banking Rate yesterday. At the same time the average person has almost no idea what that means or what it will do to mortgage rates. No one can say with 100% certainty what the long and short term effects of Fed policy on mortgage rates will be, but there are a few important details everyone in our business should be able to communicate to our borrowers and referral sources:

• What is the Fed Funds Rate? The Fed Funds Rate is the rate at which banks lend money to each other on an overnight basis.
• Does the Fed control mortgage rates? NO! Mortgage rates are tied to US Treasury Bonds.
• Does a .25 increase in the Fed equal a .25 increase in mortgage rates? NO! Wall Street is influenced by the decisions the Fed makes from a high level view on the direction of the economy, but investors buy and sell bonds based on their own economic strategy and research.
• What rates do go up when the Fed raises? The Prime interest rate is tied to the Fed Funds rate; credit cards, unsecured bank LOCs, some installment loans and most HELOCs will go up.
• What makes mortgage rates move? If we only knew this answer (and the timing of it).

Here are a few influencers to consider:

• Bond prices (and yields in inverse direction) are influenced by supply and demand like any other investments. 
• US Treasury bonds are considered the most secure non-cash equivalent investment in the world.
• US Treasury bonds are the preferred "safe" investment for large investors, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and foreign governments with surplus cash (China!).
• The US economy is gradually getting stronger while Europe and Asia are weakening.
• European and Asian countries are increasing QE (lowering rates and currency values) while the Fed is decreasing QE
• The US Dollar is strong on the world currency market.

There will be volatility and rates will go up and down, but economists I hear from are all saying they expect US bond yields to remain relatively low for the next few years. US treasury bonds should be safe for the next several years.

If you have any questions regarding the information gathered in this post, feel free to contact Brian Morrow for all your mortgage financing needs!

Have a great Monday!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Brian D. Morrow

Mortgage Advisor

P: 415-310-5586

F: 415-744-1807

NMLS#3311058

Giving Back: KCV A Unique Boutique

We love the holidays around here, and spending time with family and remembering the intangible things that make us happy and fulfilled is what it's all about. But we also keep in mind that not everyone has that luxury, and we like to try to help spread as much help and love around as possible this time of year.

Once again I volunteered to wrap presents for the Hospice by the Bay, and it was an awesome day for a great cause. But this year I went a step further as well. I realized I had an opportunity to give back even more directly to Marin families in need, and I started my own charity, KCV A Unique Boutique.

Our logo, graciously donated by Anne Doyle.

In just a few short months I managed to plan out our goals, announce our drive and pick up the items, spread the word to local charities, and finally host the event.

Justin helping set up.

Justin and Megan

Finished displays, waiting for patrons.

On Saturday the 12th we opened our doors and welcomed our patrons to pick out clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. I had contacted some local charities to spread the word, Adopt A Family, Canal Alliance, Center for Domestic Peace, and Homeward Bound; it was a joy working with them and I love that we had so much local support and guidance.

Accessories

We had such a great time and I am always so grateful to be able to be in a position to help others. There were so many wonderful people that helped out along the way, and I know I've thanked a lot already, but I have to give special thanks to Anne Doyle again for help setting up and shuttling people who needed it. Also, thanks to Amelia Nemzer for help and shuttling, and to Megan McCurdy and Justin Woodall for help, support, and just being wonderful!

It may seem daunting to start up something like this, but taking things one step at a time was key to not being overwhelmed and quitting. If I can inspire anyone to do something like this this holiday season or maybe even for next year, then I know I'll have spread as much love and joy around as I possibly could, and we could always use more of that.

I hope you have a warm and joyful holiday, surrounded by those you love, like me!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Links to the charities mentioned:

Adopt A Family of Marin

Canal Alliance

Center for Domestic Peace

Homeward Bound of Marin

Hospice by the Bay

Marin Holiday Events

  

We are fortunate to live in a community with so many cultural, family-oriented, and diverse offerings to make our Holiday richer and a lot more fun!

I hope you can take advantage of some of these wonderful seasonal events and that you and your loved ones have a Happy Holiday season.  Cheers!  The Cranmer Valadez Team

Nov 1 – Dec 4   Feed the Turkey for the SF – Marin Food Bank  http://shoptowncenter.com/specials-events.html

Nov 8 – Jan 10 Marin on Ice http://onicerinks.com/marin-on-ice/

Nov 27 – 28 “A Christmas Memory” Performance and Holiday Boutique http://www.stjohnsross.org/christmas.html

Nov 27 – Dec 27 Gingerbread Builders Bon Aire http://gingerbreadbuildersco.com/

Dec 1 – Dec 31 Most Spectacular Christmas Houses in & around Marin http://www.ronniesawesomelist.com/christmas-houses

Dec 4 Dicken Family Victorian Holiday http://www.falkirkculturalcenter.org/victorian-holiday-party

Dec 4 – Dec 5 Novato Holiday Crafts Faire http://novato.org/government/parks-recreation-community-services/events

Dec 5 Jingle and Jog http://strawberryvillage.com/events-page/

Dec 5 Novato Tree Lighting http://www.downtownnovato.com/#!treelighting/c1stn

Dec 5 Pixie Park Bake Sale- MAGC http://pixiepark.org/events/winter-holidays-bake-sale/

Dec 5 San Anselmo Tree Lighting http://sananselmochamber.org/insights.html

Dec 5 Tiburon Holiday Festival http://tiburonchamber.wildapricot.org/

Dec 5 – 6 Nutcracker-Stapleton Ballet http://tickets.marincenter.org/

Dec 6 Chanukah on Ice https://jewishnovatocom.clhosting.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3115199/jewish/CHANUKAH-ON-ICE/lang/en

Dec 6 Festival of Lights http://www.marinjcc.org/

Dec 6 Mill Valley Winterfest http://www.enjoymillvalley.com/winterfest.html

Dec 6 Ross Holiday Sing/Tree Lighting

Dec 11 – 13 Sausalito Winterfest http://www.winterfestsausalito.com/

Dec 12 – 13 Magic Toy Box Tea http://www.falkirkculturalcenter.org/teddy-toy-box-tea/

Dec 15 Marin Symphony Holiday Pops http://marinsymphony.org/holiday-pops/

Dec 17 – 20 A Christmas Carol- The Musical http://stapletonschool.org/theatre.php

Dec 19 Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop http://tickets.marincenter.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=48

Dec 19 – 20 J.S. Bach-Christmas Oratorio http://marin.edu/performingarts/music/music-calendar.html

Dec 20 New Century Chamber Orchestra Holiday Lights http://www.marinjcc.org/events/2015/12/20/performing-arts/new-century-chamber-orchestra-holiday-lights/24768/

Dec 20 Singers Marin – Tis the season http://singersmarin.org/index.php/events/concerts

Dec 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW http://www.marinjcc.org/events/2015/12/31/performing-arts/the-6th-annual-new-year-s-eve-stand-up-comedy-show-after-party/9282/

Proposition 13

In keeping with my theme of aging in Marin, I’ve been thinking of those who are currently purchasing homes in today’s market.  How are they going to keep up with their high property tax base as they get older? Sure, if everything goes as planned then it should be okay.  But, what if it doesn’t go as planned? Aging in place may become difficult. I then thought of my own parents who are lucky that their home is under the Proposition 13 bill.

Today I was reading the Independent Journal and came across an article that talks about Marin’s property tax.  As the first property tax bill is due to hit our mail boxes, I thought I would pass along this article. You can find it here: Marin County posts record property tax bill  

Gedon Law and CPA

About Proposition 13 and Why We Have It

Prior to 1978, California’s property tax was a little less than 3% of the market value for one’s homes and there were no limits to tax increases or assessments. So, some owners had their home reassessed at 50-100%.  This was a huge problem, especially for the elderly.  Many had paid off their mortgages yet faced losing their homes because they couldn’t afford the taxes. This situation was getting out of control, and just when people were close to losing their homes, Howard Jarvis (Howard Arnold Jarvis was an American businessman, lobbyist, and politician. He was an anti-tax activist responsible for passage of California's Proposition 13 in 1978.), gathered more than 1.5 million signatures to qualify a statewide initiative to finally end excessive taxation and protect the security of home ownership.  This was called Proposition 13. On June 6th, 1978, nearly two-thirds of California’s voters passed Proposition 13, reducing property tax rates on homes, businesses, and farms by about 57%.

Many politicians said that the cut to property taxes have hurt California’s ability to maintain their roadways, and infrastructures. However, it has forced local governments to manage their finances better. That is one reason the initiative had such overwhelming popular support.  Most cities and counties have been very successful under proposition 13.  If some failed, the problem was not Prop. 13.  It was reckless spending.

It is important that we make sure this proposition does NOT get repealed. We must make sure our elderly are able to afford to stay in their homes if that is what they have chosen.  If you would like more information or have a comment, please feel free to contact me.

Moving Elderly Parents (When to speak with Mom & Dad)

In today’s blog, I would like to talk a little about our aging population.  Marin County has a high number of baby boomers (which I happen to be the last year of that category). I also, have gone through this very important yet terrifying conversation with my in- laws.  Thankfully, everything turned out for our family.

As a side note before we begin, I also have my SRES certification, which is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. This is a designation that is awarded only to Realtors who have additional education on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life- real estate transactions.

Rittenhouse Senior Living

This is probably one of the hardest conversations child/children will ever have to make.  Many seniors would prefer to continue living in their own home or age in place.  Sometimes, circumstances work against those preferences. Continuing maintenance, those stairs they no longer can navigate, financial ability for in- home caregivers, and support services that are not available at home. Whatever the reason may be, having this conversation is challenging.

If you open the lines of communication early rather than waiting until a fall or hospitalization, words like “assisted living” won’t be such a shock.  Most people wait until there is a crisis situation, which can have a huge impact on the elderly parent.

When having this conversation, let the parents know that your concern is for their health & safety.  Ask them if they have given any thought to what happens if they can no longer take care of themselves?  Have they considered checking out a few assisted living facilities? Choosing housing that meets your family’s current needs, and anticipate future needs, can be a challenge. It can require a significant financial investment depending on the level of care desired.

The Cincy Blog

The very nature of downsizing means that the property you will be moving to, will be smaller than the property you currently live in.  Moving from the family home can be overwhelming for both the parents and child, especially if you are facing a lifetime of possessions and must make the choice about what to bring and what which items to let go. Although we have good intentions, sometimes it can be better to hire a third party to help with this process.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an assisted care facility.

         Is the facility close to family and friends?
         Do they provide daily activities, (being social, is an important part of staying active and healthy)?

        How is their medical staff?
         Does the facility provide transportation (Dr. Appointments, groceries, etc.)?
         Most importantly, is the staff kind, caring, and friendly? Do they like their job?
         Marin offers many solutions for our seniors that may not be as scary as they sound.

Make sure to do the homework before taking your parents.  Visit multiple facilities at different times of the day. Speak with the employee’s, watch how they interact with their residents.  Often times, there is guilt associated with putting your parents into an assisted living facility. However, I know from personal experience that is can be the most loving act a child can do.  Quality of life is immeasurable.

For all who are moving through this process, I send guiding angels.  If you want more information on options in Marin or how to navigate through the process, please feel free to contact me at kfvaladez@gmail.com

Fun Fact Friday: 60 Years of Magic

Happy Fun Fact Friday! I'm not gonna lie, I think California is awesome! We're home to so many amazing places, but there is one that is near the top of the list, and is referred to as the Happiest Place on Earth... Disneyland!

kcrw.com

Disneyland was Walt Disney's first theme park, and it's a testament to drive, dedication, and passion. It was almost by sheer will that Walt Disney was able to make his dream a reality, with failure around the corner at almost every turn. His dream became reality, and because this year is their 60th anniversary with their Diamond Celebration, I'm sharing some fun and interesting facts about the world's first ever Disney park.

~

Disneyland

Disneyland's monorail was the first daily operating monorail in the northern hemisphere, so they weren't just having fun, they were leading the way with technology!

Disneyland

The Matterhorn was the first coaster of its kind, with a tubular steel design, yet another technological advancement. (And there's a half basketball court inside too!)

They created their own shade of green! It's called Noseeum (No-See-'Um), and it was specifically designed to be the least obtrusive color in the spectrum. All their garbage cans and other unsightly but necessary architectures around the park are painted this color so they melt into the background.

LA Times

Cats are released into the park at night to keep the mouse population under control! I'd love to be able to walk around the deserted streets and be surrounded by cats!

Disneyland

You can get a free Jungle themed park map at the end of the Jungle ride, all you have to do is ask for one. They make great souvenirs! 

Are you going to this year's Diamond celebrations? What facts or secrets do you know about the one and only, original Disneyland?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez