South Bay Local Events for January

Do you have the holiday hangover blues? While we are sad the holidays are gone for the next 361 days we are excited to share a list of some great events going on around the South Bay in January. Lots of fun things to do including family friendly events, music, sporting events and theater. Hope you get out and enjoy some of these events this month!

January 3 – January 7
2018 Prudential US Figure Skating Championships
SAP Center, San Jose
http://www.sapcenter.com/events/detail/2018-prudential-us-figure-skating-championships

January 4 – 7
Silicon Valley International Auto Show
San Jose Convention Center
http://www.svautoshow.com

January 6
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!
City National Civic Center, San Jose
https://sanjosetheaters.org/event/sesame-street-live-san-jose-2018/

January 9, January 14, January 21
Harlem Globetrotters
SAP Center San Jose
https://www.ticketmaster.com/harlem-globetrotters-sap-center-at-san-jose-san-jose-ca/venueartist/229393/806223

January 13

San Jose Sharks v. Arizona Coyotes
SAP Center San Jose
https://www1.ticketmaster.com/san-jose-sharks-vs-arizona-coyotes-san-jose-california-01-13-2018/event/1C0052D6ABAF3079#efeat4212

January 13
Engelbert Humperdinck
San Jose Civic Auditorium
https://www.ticketmaster.com/engelbert-humperdinck-city-national-civic-san-jose-ca/venueartist/229461/742499

January 20Mountain Winery Annual Crab Feed
The Mountain Winery, Saratoga
http://www.mountainwinery.com/events/detail/crab-feed-4

January 20, January 21
Symphony Silicon Valley Schumann’s Cello Concert
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
http://symphonysiliconvalley.org

January 20
San Jose Sharks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
SAP Center
https://www.ticketmaster.com/San-Jose-Sharks-tickets/artist/806018

January 21
Bill Maher Live
Flint Center, Cupertino
https://www1.ticketmaster.com/bill-maher-cupertino-california-01-21-2018/event/1C00535ABAD486C7?artistid=821441&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=51&tm_link=venue_msg-1_1C00535ABAD486C7#efeat4212

January 23 – January 27
RENT
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
https://sanjosetheaters.org/event/rent-broadway-san-jose-2018/?instance_id=9323

January 23
San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets
SAP Center
https://www.ticketmaster.com/San-Jose-Sharks-tickets/artist/806018

January 25
San Jose Sharks vs. New York Rangers
SAP Center
https://www.ticketmaster.com/San-Jose-Sharks-tickets/artist/806018

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate
Coldwell Banker
(408) 410-2060
www.realestatebynicole.com
nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com
BRE# 01899594

Your Holiday Event Guide for the Bay Area!

If you are like us during the holidays, we attempt to take the little ones to all the fun events around the Bay Area during the month of December. We’ve composed a list of some of the best so you can get out and enjoy the season! If you think there are any other events that should make this list, let us know!

South Bay

Christmas in the Park

Running now until January 7, this yearly event draws thousands of visitors every year and features holiday lights displays, musical perfermances, free visits with Santa, carnival rides and even an ice skating rink! Entrance is free and rides and skating are paid.Located in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose. www.christmasinthepark.com

Fantasy of Lights 

Take the drive to Los Gatos to check out the annual fantasy of Lights event which features a 1.5 mile drive around Vasona Park with huge holiday light displays – some even set to music! Open December 5 – 30 (closed December 25). $20 per vehicle must be purchased in advance.Located at 333 Blossom Hill road, Los Gatos, CA 95030 https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/fol/Pages/AnnualFoL.aspx

Winterfest 

For the love of all things Winter, head to Great America in Santa Clara for ice skating, rides, a visit to Santa’s workshop, nightly tree-lighting, themed character performances and light displays. Takes place weekends in December. Located at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara www.cagreatamerica.com

San Francisco & The Peninsula 

Union Square 

Check out the beautiful lit Macy’s tree in the heart of union square while you sip hot chocolate  and visit the decked out stores! Be sure to sit with Santa while you are there and enjoy some ice skating. Don’t forget to head into the Westin St. Francis to view their festive Sugar Castles.Located at Union Square, San Francisco www.visitunionsquaresf.com

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair 

MirroringVictorian London, this holiday fair features music, theater, characters and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Even roasted chestnuts and festive themed holiday food. Runs December 16 and 17th.Located at Cow Palace Exhibition Halls – 2500 Geneva Avenue, Daly City www.dickensfair.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas – LIVE 

Your favorite characters dance and sing to bring A Charlie Brown Christmas to life! Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the whole peanuts gang will be there while the San Francisco Symphony performs Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music. Come early and enjoy a family-friendly reception featuring a host of activities to keep kids entertained. Runs December 21 – 24. Located at Davies Symphony Hall – 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. www.sfsymphony.org

EastBay
Fairy Winterland 

Children fairyland transforms into a holiday wonderland with holiday stories, crafts, lights displays, a nightly parade and a celebration of all cultures – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Diwali and Chinese New Year. Runs December 15 – 23 Located at 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland www.failryland.org

Zoo Lights at the Oakland Zoo 
Check out some holiday light displays, light shows, candy cane ride theme area and a nighttime train through the zoo all while checking out some of the animals at night! Runs December 1-31 (closed December 24/25) Located at 97777 Golf Links Road, Oakland www.oaklandzoo.org

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate

Coldwell Banker

(408) 410-2060

nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com

http://www.realestatebynicole.com

BRE# 01899594

Pantone Has Chosen a Color of the Year…and You’re Going to Love It!

Drum roll please….and the pantone color of the year for 2018 is officially Ultra Violet! Looks like they have chosen a fun and funky color for your new home decor or fashion trends. When looking at staging homes for sale, a pop of color such a ultra violet in a pillow or a chair can make a home feel more modern and provide a bit of fun.

Here’s an excerpt from the Pantone website (www.pantone.com) on why they chose this color this year.

“Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”

Will you be using ultra violet in your home decor this year?

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate

Coldwell Banker

(408) 410-2060

nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com

http://www.realestatebynicole.com

BRE 01899594

 

Home Inspections – Specialists You May Want to Check Out

While most folks settle for a home inspection, pest (termite) inspection and possibly a roof inspection, there are a myriad of specialists you can hire to investigate just about anything home-related when you are purchasing a home. The California Association of Realtors put together this short list of the most popular, but some common inspections we see  also include:

Pool & Spa – If the home has a pool and spa, its a must to get it inspected. This is often an overlooked item and failing pool pumps and heaters can be very expensive.

Arborist – Does the home have a huge tree in the front yard? Is one of the trees looking overgrown? Sometimes, it makes sense to call an arborist to make sure the trees on the property are healthy and not in danger of falling limbs or needing to be uprooted (all of which can be rather costly).

Contractors – Are you considering doing some renovating to a home after purchase? Its smart to have a contractor walk the home before you purchase to ensure you can do all the items you want. Sometimes structural modifications might not work or will be very expensive due to the placement of load-bearing walls and foundations so its something you might want to know up front if you are planning on adding on to a home or re-arranging.

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate

Coldwell Banker

(408) 410-2060

nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com

http://www.realestatebynicole.com

Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal

What would buyers see if they drove up to your home? Go ahead, take a look. Stand outside your home and try to look at it through a buyer’s eyes. First impressions are lasting impressions. If buyers see paint peeling, a crack in a window or an unkempt yard, they are apt to speculate that there are other, more substantial things wrong with the home.

That first impression, or curb appeal, can make the difference in the amount of money a buyers is willing to offer on a home listed for sale.

Here are some suggestions to enhance the curb appeal of your home to get ready for sale or even just to spruce things up a bit this summer: 

• Mow the lawn, clean up and yard and prune shrubs and trees 
• Scrub or paint the front porch and door. Sometimes an interesting pop of color on the door can really modernize the look of an older home
• Check the porch or deck and hand railings to ensure they are secure 
• Wash the windows, make them sparkle!! 
• If you have time time and money, paint the exterior of the home. Try to stick to more neutral palates as some bright colors can be an immediate turn off for some buyers. Add color by painting the door a different color, instead. 
• Pick up and put away toys and bikes, outdoor bins are also great for storing these items 
• Check that the lawn furniture is in good shape or, if not, store it away 
• Add charm to the front and backyard by adding flower pots and planting fresh plants 

• Repair and paint the fence, if needed 
• Repair the roof, gutters, and downspouts if needed 

These improvements are essential before a home sale and could mean an increase in sales price.  Feel free to call or email and let me know if I can answer any questions for you or make suggestions on how to improve your homes curb appeal!

 

Recent Mercury News Article Shows its a Great Time for Buyers!

Check out this recent article in the Mercury News which discusses the recent trends in the Bay Areal real estate market. (Bay Area Homes Sales Below Average, Price Growth Slows). While its hard to say whether its a seasonal phenomenon or a market trend in the Bay Area, anecdotally, we have been seeing home sales slow down for the past few months. What we do know is the slow down has created an opportunity for many buyers in the market to purchase without all the competition. If you are considering a purchase, now is the time while other buyers are taking a break for the holidays!

25 Fun Holiday Card Photography Ideas

Can you believe the holidays are already upon us?? It’s time to start thinking about sending out family holiday cards already. If you are looking for some fun photography ideas for your family’s holiday card, check out this post which features some unique and funny ways to showcase your wonderful family this holiday season! http://mylifeandkids.com/fun-christmas-card-photo-ideas/

Tips for Selling Your Home in the Fall

Summer has ended, the weather is cooling, leaves are changing and, you may be surprised to learn, homebuyers are out in force. Autumn is a popular time for corporations to relocate associates – creating a pool of buyers who need to make quick decisions about housing. They’re serious about purchasing and, with fewer houses on the market this time of year, your house may soon be getting more attention. What can you do to make sure your home sells before all the leaves fall off the trees? Here are a few helpful tips:

Highlight the location. Bring the benefits of your location front and center. Establish a list of perks that your property offers, such as proximity to public transportation, schools, shopping, recreation or entertainment.

Use the season for curb appeal. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year and by using that to your advantage, your home can stand out from others in the neighborhood. Leaves turning shades of crimson and gold can add extra appeal, but be sure they don’t get out of hand. Keep trees and shrubs properly groomed and pick up fallen leaves before they suffocate your front lawn. Add pumpkins, gourds or a fall display to your front porch to invite in potential buyers.

Stage your home. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home before they will consider buying it. You can help them by de cluttering, de-personalizing and thoroughly cleaning the entire house. Brighten your rooms by bringing the outside indoors with vases or displays of twigs, leaves or acorns from your yard.

Get everything in tip-top shape. Your buyer will most likely hire an inspector before closing, so pay close attention to elements around the home that are important in the fall. For example, make sure gutters are cleared of fallen leaves and that fireplaces are in working order.

Know your home. Access to real estate information on the Internet means that buyers are walking into your home more educated than ever. Take the time to review homes similar to yours on real estate websites like http://www.californiamoves.com or http://www.realtor.com. I can also let you know of the conditions and price ranges of other homes for sale in your area. This will allow us to better negotiate with potential buyers. Despite what you may have heard, this time of year offers plenty of opportunity to sell your home. By taking a few simple steps to make sure you and your house are ready to hit the market, you can better prepare yourself for what is to come. After all, the more welcoming your home is to possible buyers, the more welcoming it will be to offers.

Be sure to work with a professional realtor to ensure that you get top dollar for your home! Give me a call at (408) 410-2060 today to discuss your needs further!

How to Limit Spending When Getting a Home Ready to Sell

It is common for homeowners to think that selling a home is an expensive endeavor. From repairs to staging, the process can seem overwhelming. With the advice of a knowledgeable real estate professional, sellers often find there are ways to keep costs low and come out on top during the selling process.

WORK WITH A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL Those who are unfamiliar with the selling process may try to take on everything themselves, which can lead to errors regarding documents, home staging, repairs and inspections. While many individuals initially opt for the “go-it-alone” approach to save money, working with seasoned professionals can help avoid costly errors. A real estate agent can provide sound advice on current market trends, accepting offers and enhancing listings to attract more buyers. A home inspector is another seasoned professional you should take advantage of, and can also help to save money. Remember, buyers will likely hire their own inspector to examine a home and if they find significant problems, they may ask you to lower your asking price or walk away altogether. However, if you discover issues beforehand and have them repaired, you may be in a better position to price your home and mitigate potential problems.

KEEP IMPROVEMENTS TO A MINIMUM Minor updates to a home can be helpful in attracting buyers. However, going overboard on updates to sell a home may not give you the kind of return you are expecting. For example, adding on an office addition or turning the basement into a den may make a home more appealing, but buyers may be unlikely to pay a great deal extra for it, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Instead, you may benefit more from small touch-ups, such as repainting, adding new fixtures and hiring a landscaper to improve curb appeal. In some cases, if you have an outdated kitchen and/ or appliances, you may want to undertake a larger project such as replacing floors or countertops. If you decide to take on these renovations, stick to materials used in similar homes in the neighborhood.

Please give me a call at (408) 410-2060 or shoot me an email at nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com if you have any questions on preparing your home for sale. I’m happy to help!

Bay Area Events Calendar – October

The holidays are fast approaching and that means a load of fun Bay Area events are upon us! I’ve attached a schedule of great events for the month of October.  CLICK HERE – October Events Calendar

As always, if I can assist you or your friends or family with any real estate related needs over the holidays, let me know!

 

Nicole