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

Weekend Happenings: San Anselmo Art and Wine Fest

Happy Fun Fact Friday! I'm posting just a few facts here and there for today though, because I'd like to tell you about a local event that could be your new plans for this weekend!

Steven Restivo Events

San Anselmo is having their annual Art and Wine festival, and if you're into local food, beer, art and family fun, then this will be a treat for you. And there's no entry fee!

Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 26th from 10 AM until 6 PM, there will be a beer and wine tasting pavilion, human and dog(!) fashion shows, hundreds of featured artists, live entertainment and much, much more! It's happening on San Anselmo avenue, so you'll also be walking by some of Marin's best shops and eateries, and public parking is at St. Anselm's School for just $5! Dogs are also welcome on leashes of course, and there's a pet retreat and water stations throughout the whole fest! Truly a treat for the whole family!

For more information, their website is here: Steven Restivo Events

I hope I can go by and do some beer and wine tasting, come back and let me know if you went and how it was!

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fun Fact Friday: Marin's Oldest

Marin County is one of the original 27 counties of California just after it adopted its constitution in 1849, and we have a long and rich history to boot. This week I stumbled upon a bunch of facts about some of Marin's long standing buildings and institutions, so that's what I'm bringing you on this Fun Fact Friday.

Marin's Oldest Buildings

Wikipedia

Mission San Rafael Arcángel, the mission on 4th street in downtown San Rafael, is the 20th of 21 missions up the coast of California, and it was built in 1817 by the Franciscan Order.

keepmarinmarin.org

The Marin County Civic Center was built by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and was actually the last commissioned work of his life.

Pioneer Paper Mill in Lagunitas was the first paper mill on the west coast, and it was built in 1856 by Samuel Penfield Taylor.

noehill.com

The Greenbrae Brick Kiln is the only surviving structure of the Remillard Brick Company, one of the biggest producers of bricks on the Pacific coast. You can still see it's chimney from all over parts of Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Greenbrae, and it's now being used as a restaurant, the Melting Pot.

noehill.com

The Dixie School House on Las Gallinas is Marin County's only unaltered one room wooden school house, and it was built in 1864.

Marin's Oldest Businesses

Smiley's Schooner Saloon in Bolinas was established in 1851

Marin French Cheese Company in Petaluma was established in 1865

Diekmann's General Store in Tomales was established in 1867

 McNear Brick and Stock in San Rafael was established in 1885


I hope you enjoyed some of my old time facts for this Friday's post! What other old places around Marin or California do you love?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fun Fact Friday

desktopdownloads.com

Happy Friday! I love California, it's always been my home and hopefully always will be. We have the ocean, the desert, the mountains, vineyards... So in the name of california love, I'm going to start doing what I'd like to call Fun Fact Fridays, where every Friday I post a new exciting, awesome, or just down right weird, facts about my favorite state, California.

Today I'd love to start with some facts about my local area, Marin and San Francisco.

Before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the fastest way to get to San Francisco was by Ferry, and the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company was launched in 1867.

Another Fact about the Golden Gate, did you know that the cables that suspend the bridge have enough steel wire in them to circle the planet 3.5 times?

Our area is also native to Coastal Redwood trees, which are some of the oldest trees in the world. They can live up to 2,000 years or more, and can get much taller than their cousins, the Sequoias, which are in the Sierras.

Did you know any of these local facts? What are some of your favorite facts about California?

Have a great day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

38th Annual Fairfax Festival

fairfaxfestival.com

The weather report says it's going to be in the mid 70's this weekend, so it's the perfect time to head outside and go do something fun. If you're looking for something to do in this beautiful weather, you should definitely go check out the Fairfax Festival that's happening this weekend.

The Fairfax Festival is a volunteer based, community put together event, so it's like going to a big huge block party with all your friends! There is so much to do and see that I assure you, you won't be disappointed. There's great music playing at three different stages, crafts and vintage treasures to find, fresh foods, beer and organic wine tasting, and all of it local! They've also expanded their children's area for the little ones to explore and enjoy, and PureWater filtered water stands throughout so you never have to go far for refreshment.

It starts with the Family Film Night where they're showing The Lego Movie, in the Ballfield at 8:00 PM on Friday June 12th. Then there is a parade the next day at 10:00 AM that kicks off the weekend's festivities with a bang!

Growing up in Fairfax was an amazing experience. I love the small town atmosphere, the shops and the downtown where everyone knows each other, and of course our once a week treat, M&G Burgers, which I still frequent! It was a cool town growing up and it's an even cooler town now, so join me this weekend at this year's festival and enjoy the reason why so many people call Fairfax their home.

For more information and a link to their website: Fairfax Festival

Have a great day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Mother's Day

Everyone knows Mother's Day, but do you know how it came to be? Before you answer, no, it is not because Hallmark needed another holiday to sell cards. From what historians can tell, celebrating mothers has been around since the earliest of civilizations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome all celebrated mother goddesses, and had festivals where women were predominately featured dancing, singing, and playing music. There were also traditions of eating sweet cakes and giving flowers at these kinds of festivals, which sounds a lot like how we celebrate these days!

As the older religions gave way to Christianity, like many other holidays, celebrating motherhood was adopted and made to be the fourth Sunday of Lent, and was transformed into celebrating mothers themselves, rather than a celebration of general motherhood. In England after the 17th century it was adopted to be called Mothering Day, and it was a huge holiday because even peasants and servants were allowed to pay homage to their own mothers. People were given time to travel home and see their families, and it was a particularly celebratory day for mothers because all their children could be gathered from near and far. Families everywhere had a break from the fasting of Lent with a feast, and again, mother's were presented with cakes and flowers.

However, Mothering Day did not make it's way across the Atlantic with the Pilgrims, probably because they were much more conservative Christians trying to escape what they thought was a too extravagant England. It wasn't until much later that America started it's own tradition of Mother's Day, and it actually came about as a more serious holiday by a woman by the name of Julia Ward Howe. She wrote a proclamation urging mothers to get involved and not allow their sons to kill their sons, so Mother's Day became a day to try and protest the Civil War and try and bring peace. After Howe died, the day eventually wore down and lost popularity again, until Anna M. Jarvis' mother died, and she campaigned for there to be a day for her to remember her mother and in honor of peace. in 1908 she petitioned the church where her mother had spent 20 years teaching Sunday school at to have a day in remembrance of her, and she was successful. Another church joined the celebration, and Anna M. Jarvis got involved and passed out white carnations to all of the 407(!) patrons, giving each mother two flowers. While there was a lot of turmoil in between that Mother's Day and the present; on this day, May 9th 1915, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother's Day to be an official holiday.

From there it grew in popularity all over the United States and beyond. There truly is a rich history you can delve into around the holiday and I encourage you to read some of it if you're interested. Here are a few links where I got my information:

Mother's Day Central

The Legacy Project: Mother's Day History

I know for these mothers, we don't need fancy jewelry or expensive brunches, we just want to hear from you. We want to know that you still think of us as much as we think about you. What are you doing this Mother's Day? What are you doing for your mother? We hope you have a great weekend, and a relaxing Mother's Day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

This Could Be Your View

Happy Monday. I've put another graphic together, I like these colors more than the other one. Feel free to spread it around, the more the merrier! Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

I hope you have a great evening!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

San Rafael May Madness

downtownsanrafael.org

I'm taking a break from the remodel overhaul to tell you about another local event that I'm really jazzed to see this year. Tomorrow, Saturday May 2nd, in downtown San Rafael on 4th street is the annual May Madness Car Show, and it's truly a lot of fun for the whole family. There will be booths for food, car memorabilia, merchandise and so much more car themed fun. It culminates with a parade where you can see all the gorgeous cars, and I even have a friend who's got a car in the show! His name is John Moore, and his car is a 1965 White Chevelle, if you stop by you can check it out! It's going to be a much needed break for me since I've been working hard on business and family since the beginning of this year. If you've been feeling the grind, I recommend taking a break this weekend and checking out this show, it's a great way to grab a beer and relax!

If you want to go check out more details about it, here's a link to the website: Team Pro Event: May Madness

From the whole Cranmer Valadez Team to you, we hope you have a good evening, and a relaxing and fun weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Refreshing Your Home

This week I'd like to really delve into a topic, I really got inspired by cruising Pinterest this morning. Right now in the Bay Area, and in Marin especially, we have a huge shortage of inventory. Many have speculated that this is because the market is doing relatively well, and potential sellers are waiting so they can get the most for their home when the conditions are right. Right now we have a relatively good market, with sellers getting a fair price for their worth, and buyers are still getting a good value for their money. However, it can be tricky with a low inventory of homes on the market. It's been predicted that home prices will continue to rise over the next year, and in that spirit I was inspired to talk about getting ready for a move or a change, and updating the look of your home, outside and in.

There are so many things you can do to update your home, and not all of them have to be expensive. Did you know that just putting a fresh coat of eye catching paint on your doorway can provide around a 100% return for your money? That's a good investment, no matter what! So if you're thinking of selling, spring cleaning, or if you just want a change around your home, I'm talking about this subject all week long. I'll be making my way through the whole home, hunting for inexpensive big impact fixes, or showing you grand remodels for big inspirations. Maybe I'll even start a Pinterest board inspired by remodel week! Can you tell I'm pumped to talk about this stuff this week?

...

We'll start where everyone does at your home, the front yard and front doorway. I'm sure we've all heard the term "curb appeal", and reinvigorating the front of your home can range between weekend project and major transformation. The top projects for the front yard that increase the value of your home are replacing or refinishing the front door and the garage door, and simplifying or updating the landscaping. Right now xeriscaping is popular, especially here in California. We don't typically have big front yards in Marin County, so a dynamic statement like this yard is right at home here:

Better Homes and Gardens

Replacing your front door can be expensive, but it also pays you back immensely when you're selling your home. If you can go that route, it'll pay big in the long run, and if you're handy and can do it yourself, all the more savings and payoff.

Bright Bold Beautiful

Even without the breathtakingly simple stained glass window, the color on this door is so classic and yet unexpected. One or two unexpected things can really make a lasting impression on people. 

Bright Bold Beautiful

Even bold accents around the door or simple pops of color above windows or accented places can have a big impact.

Garage doors run a lot more traditional, but that doesn't mean you can't be creative. There are all kinds of ways to transform your garage door appearance, from inexpensive to expensive replacements, paint and accent hinges, to creative tricks of the eye.

Better Homes and Gardens

Paint and some hardware go a long way. homefiated.com

Fengshui.about.com

There are so many ways to freshen up the front of your home, both expensive and inexpensive. All you need to do for inspiration is to go online and do a little bit of research. I've found that Pinterest is an amazing source to find ideas big and small, and just looking at all the styles and techniques can really get the creative juices flowing! I hope this post has inspired you in some way to freshen up your home, and come back throughout the week for more tips and ideas!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Graphic

Another week, another busy schedule. This app we use to make our graphics, Canva, has been quite the learning experience. However, we're never ones to stick to one thing, so we'll be trying new ones in the months to come to see which ones we like best, and then we'll share that info with you, of course.

Canva has had its uses, and it's great that it's free, but it has limited designs and the styles aren't as crisp or professional as I'd like it to be. It also has had a few glitches which has made us delete and re download the app, at least once so far. However, our information wasn't lost, so that's a plus. It's also relatively easy to navigate.

Here's a little something that was put together in a few minutes yesterday, one of our own photos combined with a graphic of mine that was run in Marin magazine a little while ago. I thought I'd share and see how you like it.

What are your thoughts?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Day of Reflection

It's absolutely beautiful here. Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. We're taking a beach day today, and it's those little days that make you grateful to be alive, and truly appreciative for this amazing place.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I hope today you can take a minute to see something that reminds you why you love to be alive.

Have a great evening everyone!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Let's Talk About a New Home

Moving Day

squarespace.com

Since I'm currently in the process of moving, I thought it would be the perfect time to write a post and share some tips and tricks to a more stress free move. Because come on, we know it's never going to be completely stress free.

Hiring Movers:

Can I just say that hiring professional movers can be a god send? If you have the ability to budget in professional movers, I highly recommend it. Look at reviews, use a reputable company, and ask around before you jump on the first option you find. Beware of companies that give you an estimate over the phone without looking at all your stuff first, and don't feel shy to ask any and all questions you have about their process, fees, and licensing/insurance information. Do not use a company that can not provide you with proof they are insured to cover any damage to your belongings.

Tips:

• Use color coordinated tape as box labels, and then put the same colors above the rooms they will go in at the new place. The movers can easily see which items go in which room.
• Pack overnight bags with things you'll need right away, like toiletries, clothes, and phone chargers. That way you have everything you need and don't have to hunt through boxes.
• Speaking of an overnight bag that you keep with you, pack your expensive tablets, laptops, ipods, and so on, in that bag if you can. Then the most expensive and easily damaged or stolen things are with you at all times and you'll know for sure that they're safe.

Moving Yourself:

I loath cardboard boxes. They're expensive, prone to damage, and they're a huge waste since they're usually used once or twice and then tossed. I've found that there are a few different options that keep your things safer, are more hassle free, and easier on your wallet.

sterilite.com

You can go to Target and get the most inexpensive of the big plastic storage containers for just a little more than buying cardboard boxes, but then you can use them for storage at the new place. They're heavy duty and stack incredibly well, and they stack in themselves so you can tuck them into the garage and use them as you will over the years. If you find that a lot of them are in very good condition at the end of the move, return them! Or place an ad on Craigslist to sell them to someone else.

Ikea sells these huge blue bags at about 60¢ a piece, and they can hold so much stuff! They're also surprisingly strong, although they're not going to be very sturdy when it comes to stacking. Use these to move clothes, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals... Anything that takes up a lot of space or is awkward for a box.

If you're moving locally, there are starting to be companies popping up that you can rent durable plastic boxes from. They drop them off, you use them to pack and move, and then they pick them up from your new place. It's not always an option for many yet, but it seems to be a trend that could pick up steam, so keep that in mind for future moves.

Packing Tips:

• Use clean clothing to wrap your dishes, and clean socks to wrap glasses and stemware.
• Put saran wrap on the top of soap or toiletry bottles, then screw the cap on over it. 
• Buy some Glad press and seal, it'll seal up or keep together so many little things in drawers.
• Put any hardware for furniture in ziplock bags and label them.
• Use blankets to wrap furniture and electronics like your TV. 

I hope some of these tips come in handy for you, although I'd never curse my worst enemy with the burden of moving... Good luck, and keep me in your thoughts this weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

An Honest Approach to Why You Should Own a Home

Owning property has been a part of the American Dream since before we even started calling it "The American Dream". For most of history it has just been generally accepted that you finish school, get married, buy a home, and have children, but these days young people are questioning, more than ever before, whether that is the right choice for them. While I don't think I can (or want to) change your mind on any of the other big milestones in life, I can have a talk with you about why owning your home might be the right decision for you.

Now, I know there are a thousand articles out there about why you should buy a home, I've checked a few out for the making of this post, and they're either boring you with "Capitol gain exclusion" info and the economy or telling you what you'll feel (proud) with this huge purchase on your back. I don't want to write those articles. I don't want to trick you at all, or pressure you into a decision, or leave you more confused and less informed feeling than before you read my post. I want to have an open and honest discussion about why buying a home can be a great thing, and all the possible reasons it may or may not be a good idea for you.

I can't afford it!

This is a huge point for a lot of people, but especially for young millennials who are just entering the workforce or are just starting to get ahold of their financial situation. What is it that you think you can't afford, the down payment or the mortgage? If it's a down payment, there are SO many programs to help you qualify for extremely low down payments, and you'd be surprised by how easy the requirements might be. Here's a website with more information about federally funded programs to help new home buyers: Home Loan Learning Center. 

If it's the mortgage, you may also be surprised to learn that paying a mortgage can actually be just as inexpensive or LESS expensive than renting in your area. For example, my son and daughter-in-law are renting right now, but they'd love to own because they would be able to afford more home for their money in their area. Right now especially is a great time to buy because rates are a little less than 4%, much lower than it's been in a long time.

What about replacing and fixing things myself?

This is a good point, when you're renting you don't pay a dime to have the heater fixed or the dishwasher replaced. When you own your home, you own all of those types of expenses too, but like I said, your mortgage might be significantly lower than the rent you were paying, which means these extra purchases might bring you to the breaking even point. Since you have all the extra perks of owning anyway, why not? Another good point; some people like to have particular features or looks to their appliances and when you rent you can't easily change those things out. You might find it worth your piece of mind to know that you have the brand or style you trust and love.

Why do people keep telling me its an investment? I just put money into it and, who knows, the market might crash someday.

While the whole topic of it being an investment is far too large for me to get into in this modest post, I can tell you one thing, you never know what happens in life. If you were to get seriously injured and had a huge medical bill, your home could save you. Borrowing against your home can be risky, but it can also be the backup you never thought of. Another example: Someone I know has aging parents, and they've come to the time in their lives where they need 24/7 care. This person is using a second mortgage to pay for their parents care, but is now paying half as much for the mortgage than they were renting in their area. If they hadn't had the home to borrow from, who knows what kind of care they could have afforded for them. 

I don't understand the process and it seems really complicated.

This is my area of expertise! When you work with a realtor to buy a home you are paying them for their time, but more importantly, you're paying for their knowledge. They have gone to school for this, they have put in countless hours studying everything they need to know to give you the best possible buying experience. Honestly, the way to make buying a home easy is by really knowing and trusting your realtor. You should be able to speak clearly and openly with this person, and you should feel like they really have your best interests at heart. If you meet with a realtor, and you're just not feeling it, don't work with them. Kindly and respectfully state that you've decided to go with a better fit. Our transaction is based so much on our relationship, that it really goes hand in hand. If you trust and genuinely like your realtor, you'll have so much more confidence in the process than you ever would if you brought home your own real estate text books and learned it all yourself. We are here to guide you through the WHOLE process, so you'll never get left dangling without knowing what to do next.

While these certainly aren't all the reasons why someone may be hesitant about buying a home, I hope I addressed some issues that I saw others weren't. Owning a home CAN make you feel proud and accomplished, it can make you feel more secure, it can give you the freedom to decorate and change anything you like, and it can be that big milestone you've always looked forward to. It can also be less daunting and out of reach than you thought possible, but the only way to find out is by talking to a realtor to see what options are available to you.

Please feel free to contact me with any and all questions you might have! You never know what you might learn or what options may be available to you that you never thought possible!

Have a great weekend everyone!
~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Spring Cleaning: Tips and Tricks

It happens every year, you turn around and notice that there is a LOT of extra stuff laying around, and you decide it's time to get rid of it. The process can be daunting and seem insurmountable, but with a few tricks up your sleeves and a few helpers you can get the job done in no time. I've put together some of my favorite ideas, some ideas from friends, and some tips I found while scouring the Web, just in time for spring cleaning season.

Sit down and make a plan. Really think about how you want to feel in your home, and then about what style or layout will help you realize that dream. Sometimes you might want to refresh a whole room, one piece of furniture, or just get the stuff you already have organized and put out of sight. It can be helpful to actually write down a plan of action to guide you through the process.

If you're not interested in planning things out, you just want to do something, I have a different tip for you. If you've got certain projects to take care of, set a timer for 30 minutes or 1 hour, and take one project at a time. If you finish early you can take an early break or figure out the next project, and if you don't you can make yourself take a break (sometimes getting some space can give you new insight to a problem or project). You can do this a few times a day or space it out over a week or more to be able to really follow through over time.

Baskets and containers can be a huge help for making a space feel more de-cluttered and open. Placed on bookshelves, under coffee tables, in weird corners, on counter tops, inside cabinets... The possibilities are endless and really visually help to hide things that look or feel "cluttery".

Don't fight the flow. Sometimes there are places in your home that just always catch all the things that go in and out. Instead of constantly battling to keep the area free of debris, use containers to utilize it instead. A letter holder and a decorative bowl, or a coat rack with baskets underneath are both great ways to organize a place where things naturally build up.

One for one. Speaking of bringing things into the house, an easy way to make sure things don't get out of hand is to trade things out. When you buy something new for your closet, look for something that you haven't worn in at least 6 months. Another idea is to look at a piece and if you wouldn't buy it in a store right now, get rid of it. The same can go for other places in your house. Get a new side table? Get rid of that ottoman you're not really in love with. You can find just about anything to trade things out with, your home and your peace of mind will show the difference.

Lastly, when you're finally done decluttering your life, toss the trash but remember to donate anything usable. Local thrift stores or even many non profits take gently used old items of many kinds for their own fundraisers, so you're cleaning up, helping a cause, and keeping things out of the landfills. There's also a great non profit in San Rafael called Image for Success, that takes your gently used clothes for men, women, and children, and then give makeovers to people who are trying to become self reliant. You can visit their website here: Image for Success. There's a bigger and more worldwide program just for women called Dress for Success that has locations in San Francisco, and their website is here: Dress for Success San Francisco

Good luck on your projects, and have a great Friday!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez