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As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, it's the perfect time to get your home organized for a smooth transition back to the classroom. Whether you have little ones starting kindergarten or teens gearing up for high school, setting up an organized space can make all the difference. Here's how you can tackle back-to-school organization with enthusiasm and ease.

1. Create a Command Center

A command center is a must-have for any busy household. Designate a spot in your home where you can keep track of important dates, to-do lists, and school schedules. A bulletin board or whiteboard is perfect for displaying the family calendar, while hooks and bins can hold backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies. This central hub will keep everyone on the same page and help you stay ahead of deadlines and activities.

2. Declutter and Reorganize

Before the school year begins, take some time to declutter your home. Go through closets, drawers, and study areas to clear out old papers, outgrown clothes, and unused items. This not only creates space for new school supplies but also helps kids start the year with a clean slate. Organize remaining items into clearly labeled bins or folders so that everything has its place.

3. Set Up a Homework Station

A dedicated homework station can make after-school study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Choose a quiet spot in your home where your child can focus without distractions. Stock the area with necessary supplies like pencils, paper, and a calculator. Adding a comfy chair and good lighting will create an inviting space that encourages learning.

4. Plan Ahead with Meal Prep

Mornings can be hectic, but with a little planning, you can make them run smoothly. Consider setting up a meal prep station in your kitchen where you can organize lunch supplies and snacks for the week. Prepare as much as possible the night before, so mornings are all about grabbing and going. This not only saves time but also ensures your kids have healthy, balanced meals to power through the day.

5. Involve the Kids

Getting your kids involved in the organization process can make it more fun and teach them valuable skills. Let them choose their supplies, label their bins, and organize their study spaces. This gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility, making them more likely to keep their areas tidy throughout the school year.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle the new school year with confidence. An organized home sets the stage for success, allowing your family to focus on what really matters: learning, growing, and making memories. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

Written by Kelsey Lane

Let's start with a few statistics and then we'll get to the bigger news.

• The second quarter 2024 closed out with only 14% of California's homebuyers being able to purchase a median-priced existing single family house in the state. (First quarter end was 17%) To put this in perspective, at the end of 2012 the home buying affordability percentage was 56 percent.
• Currently more than half of the homeowners in California have a fixed-rate loan with a rate of 4% or lower. Current thought is that this environment helps to stave off a wave of foreclosures.
• There is talk of the fed lowering rates in September. The industry is holding its breath.
• Construction activity since the pandemic has resulted in lower rents. This boom saw more multifamily units come to completion in June 2024 than in any month going back 50 years. Median asking rent prices fell for the first time since 2020 in July, but they're still high.
• Refinance demand is currently at the highest level it has been for two years. The average rate of a 30 year conventional loan is 6.88 percent.
• The median home price in the San Jose metro area has exceeded 2 Million, a first for any metro area.

Perhaps the biggest news in the real estate industry these days is the implementation of the verdict that came out of the National Association of Realtors settlement concerning Realtors' commissions. Even though commissions have always been negotiable, it was felt that Realtors were not expressing the negotiable nature of commissions accurately or clearly, as well as some commission structures lacking transparency. As a result, commissions offered for buyers' agents will no longer be advertised on the back end of any MLS system nationwide. Sellers will still be able to offer a commission to buyer's agents, and buyers will also be deciding what commission to pay their agents. I need to add some of my own interpretation to the mix - since every property and house is different, it's likely that the commission scenario will look different in each case for a matter of months and possibly years until a new system emerges. Commensurately, agents will also have their own ability to decide whether they want to take on the transactions depending on the commission climate of the particular deal.

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Kelsey Lane has been a Realtor in the Silicon Valley since 2003 and is a Master Certified Negotiation Expert through the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, specializing in listings. She is also coaching certified through the Life Purpose Institute and approaches her real estate business through the eyes of a life coach. Cal-DRE #01390557 

Ah, summer! The season of barbecues, beach trips, and backyard parties. While you're enjoying the sunny days and long warm nights, it's also the perfect time to give your home a little TLC. Here are some straightforward tips to keep your home in top shape this summer:

1. Inspect Roof and Gutters

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Take a close look for any missing or damaged shingles and get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent leaks. Clean out your gutters to ensure they can handle summer storms. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and even foundation problems, so this is a crucial step in maintaining your home.

2. Service the Air Conditioner

A well-functioning air conditioner is a summer essential. Schedule a professional service to ensure your AC is running efficiently. Regularly replace or clean the filters to maintain good air quality and keep your home cool. Proper maintenance not only enhances comfort but also helps in reducing energy costs, making it a win-win situation.

3. Check Windows and Doors

Inspect the seals around your windows and doors for any drafts or worn-out weatherstripping. Replacing these seals can keep the cool air in and the bugs out, which is particularly important during the hot summer months. This simple fix can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.

4. Maintain Your Yard

A well-maintained yard not only looks great but also adds to your home's curb appeal. Regularly mow the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and remove any weeds. Be vigilant about checking for signs of pests, and take preventive measures if needed. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to conserve water and ensure they stay healthy and vibrant.

5. Clean Deck and Patio

Your outdoor spaces are perfect for summer entertaining, so give them some attention. Sweep away debris, clean the surfaces thoroughly, and check for any loose boards or nails that might pose a hazard. Consider applying a fresh coat of sealant or paint to protect your deck and keep it looking great. This not only enhances the appearance but also extends the life of your outdoor structures.

By following these simple summer home maintenance tips, you'll ensure your home remains a comfortable and safe haven all season long. 

Everyone loves a shiny hardwood floor, but there are a variety of daily activities that can cause wear and tear, such as moisture imbalances, pet claws, and common foot traffic. To keep that attractive sheen you love, it’s incredibly important to keep up regular, proper maintenance.

• Wood has a tendency to expand and shrink depending on the moisture level, so if there are high levels of humidity in your home or your hardwood floors are consistently getting wet, they could be at risk for cupping which makes the sides of your flooring higher than the center. In order to prevent moisture imbalances, make sure to clean any spills immediately and keep your home’s temperature set between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The color of your hardwood floors can also be compromised by pets or shoes. Dust and dirt can settle in the gaps or grain of your hardwood floor, which makes timely cleaning a necessity. It is recommended to dust or sweep daily and vacuum weekly to mitigate grime’s effect on your floors. It is also a good idea to refinish your hardwood floors every three to five years to counter gradual dirt build-up.

• Most hardwood floors have a protective coating to prevent scratches, but you can take some of the pressure off your floor by using furniture pads for your chairs, tables, and couches. If you have any pets, you should also make a habit of trimming their nails to protect your floor’s integrity. Finally, make sure your hardwood floors will last by using hardwood floor cleaner once a month.

For the second month in a row, the number of homes just listed for sale California-wide has gone up. About half of the listings are selling for above the list price. Average sales prices are also still slightly on the rise with a 6% gain since last year during the same timeframe. Days on market is down from the same time period last year. Demand is still exceeding supply, and many are concerned that high-income earners are driving up the prices of homes with fewer residents able to afford a median-priced property.

Next week a group of California legislators will meet in the Capitol regarding the housing shortage and also housing affordability. Any regulatory barriers that stand in the way of housing development will also be discussed.

This summer the largest insurer in California State Farm will be dropping an estimated 30,000 policies. Is yours one of them? The Chronicle has provided a lookup function so you can check your address. Most of the addresses to be dropped are in Contra Costa County, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Sonoma and Los Angeles Counties. (Please see below at the end of the article for the lookup link)

Mortgage rates for a 30-year rose to around 7.5%, which is the highest we've seen since November 2023. This is up from the mid 6% level that we saw in January. Rate drops are not projected to happen until the latter part of the year, if at all. Surprisingly, mortgage applications for home purchasing still rose 5% compared to a week ago.

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Written by Kelsey Lane

Sources: CNBC, MSN, Newsweek, San Francisco Chronicle, California Association of Realtors

Link for looking up insurance non-renewals: https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2024/ca-statefarm-nonrenewal-map/

Written by Alisha Pangburn

As a professional organizer, I know that decluttering and getting organized can seem daunting, especially if you need help knowing where to begin. With the arrival of Spring upon us, it's the perfect time to give your home a fresh start. But, how do you get started with Spring Decluttering?

Here are 10 Tips for getting decluttered and organized:

1. Plan & Prioritize:

Before you begin decluttering, decide what areas you want to tackle. Create a list of tasks and prioritize them so you can stay organized and on track.  

2. Divide & Conquer: 

If you have limited time blocks to work on Spring Decluttering, break large tasks into smaller ones. For example, instead of tackling your entire closet, start with one shelf, one drawer, or one type of clothing. Bottom line: getting something done is better than getting nothing done. Just dive in and get started!

3. Prepare for Letting Go: 

Before you begin, grab a trash bag, recycle bag, shred box, and donate box. Donate, recycle, or sell unwanted items. Try to be ruthless when deciding what to keep and what to let go of. Let go of duplicates and worn-out items. Keep the things you use the most and that add value to your life today. Donate items in good condition to charity or sell them online to make some extra cash. Recycle as much as possible. (see your local city guidelines for recycling). Trash is the last resort.

4. Clean as you Go:  

As you’re emptying drawers, shelves, and cabinets, grab your cleaning supplies, wipe everything down, and make it sparkling clean before putting things away. It’s not often cabinets and shelves are emptied, so take advantage of it.

5. Use Storage Solutions: 

Invest in storage solutions like shelves, containers, and drawer dividers to keep your items organized and contained. Using a container will assign a home and a defined space for all your stuff, making it much easier to put things away. If you don’t have a big budget, try visiting your local Dollar Store or using shoe and Amazon boxes as containers.

6. Use Vertical Space: 

Don’t forget about the vertical space! You can maximize storage by using wall shelving, hanging organizers, hooks, etc.

7. Label everything: 

Labeling your storage containers and shelves can help you stay organized and make it easier to find what you need. Not only will labeling remind YOU of where everything goes, but it will remind EVERYONE ELSE, too.

8. Don’t Go it Alone: 

If you’re overwhelmed and find it difficult to get started, consider phoning a friend, getting the whole family involved, or hiring a professional. Working with someone else, sharing some laughs, and having an extra set of hands will be more productive and fun.

9. Breaks & Rewards: 

It can’t be all work and no play! Make sure to take breaks and reward yourself. Sit and relax for a few minutes, get a snack, drink water, or take a walk. Plan a pizza night or something fun with your family or friend helpers as a reward for a job well done.

10. Create a Routine: 

After you're done Spring Decluttering, set aside time each week to clean and organize your home. This will help you maintain your efforts and prevent clutter from piling up again. Developing good habits and consistency is key.

Need Help with Spring Decluttering?  I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your organizing needs and see if we are a good match. Let's Connect Today! 

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Alisha Pangburn, owner of Sort Your Nest is a professional organizer in the Greater Silicon Valley, CA. She helps clients get unstuck and get started on their organization journey. She believes if you "organize your space, you can transform your life." Alisha is a proud member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), serving on the Education committee and a member of the Women's Networking Alliance (WNA), serving as the President of her chapter. She is a lover of dogs, people, fitness.... and coffee!!

Written by Kelsey Lane

As the rain will start to ease up, we're seeing some new movement in the real estate world as well.

Here are a few real estate news items to keep you updated:

Listing inventory is up about 13% compared to same time period last year. This is the largest increase in about three years. Also, slightly more sellers than average have done a price decrease. If you're thinking of selling your home, these slight signs are an indicator that inventory may be continuing to climb, which may signal that now is a good time to get a higher price than when the market is more saturated.

Even though new purchase mortgages are 8% down from a year ago, current and recent loan demand is up 11%. Conforming rates are still around 7% give or take.

The California Housing Financing Authority (CalHFA) announced a new round of funds available for the CA Dream for All program. While the last round was gone in 11 days, this round is expected to last a bit longer due to a new rule: the parents of the homebuyers must not have owned property within the United States. According to Eric Johnson from CalHFA the program is designed for "those who may not have had the benefit of generational wealth."

If you're selling a home in California, you may find the following statistic interesting. While in the past it was believed that "location location location" was all that mattered, a new survey shows otherwise. Coldwell Banker conducted a survey of 4213 people age 18 and over, and 56% revealed that price is their number one consideration.

If you're curious about the home selling process and have questions, feel free to reach out to us and we're happy to help with information.

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Sources: KQED, Redfin, California Association of Realtors, CNBC, Coldwell Banker