C.C.
Connected. Straightforward. Proactive. These are just three words to describe Realtor Caitlin Cintas. A third-generation Bay Area resident, Caitlin’s family has deep roots in the area, and as a Bay Area native, her knowledge of the region is unparalleled. There’s nothing Caitlin loves more than introducing people to the diversity the South Bay offers, from its stunning natural beauty to its trendy urban amenities— Caitlin is your connection to South Bay living.
CA DRE# 02000470
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Market Insights
As the tempertature drops and we spend more time indoors, now is a great time to refresh your home. Updating your home doesn't always mean a remodel, sometimes adding a fun new piece of furniture or an eye catching accessory can make all the difference in changing up your space. Try one of these design trends to add an instant facelift to your favorite room in your home!Statement VasesStatement vases have the power to transform an interior space in an instant. Ultra modern or uniquely shaped vases can add a surprising new dimension to a neutrally or even traditionally decorated room. More versatile and more functional than wall art, statement vases are the ultimate investment piece.TIP: change out the flowers and foilage depending on the season!Rattan and Cane FurnitureRattan and cane have a unique hand-crafted texture that brings natural beauty and warmth to every type of space. Whether your prefer bohemian or Scandinavian design, these elements can be a great addition to every interior style.From pendant lighting to bedroom furniture, rattan pieces are popping up everywhere and is so versatile.Curvy Furniture and DecorUnlike past trends of clean, sharp edges and modern lines we’re seeing more rounded shapes in furniture, lighting and decor. Rounded, more organic shapes add softness to a design. They also make a space feel more comfortable because curved shapes have a more soothing energy.
Market Insights
What Is Causing the Low Supply of Homes for Sale? We’ve seen headlines for months of soaring home prices fueled by solid buyer demand and an extremely low supply of active listings for sale. Despite the strong real estate market, why the decline in the number of homes for sale?Here are a few phenomena that are at play:Homes are selling quickly: The number of active listings for sale is affected by two significant dynamics: 1) how many new listings come on the market, and 2) how quickly buyers purchase them. Higher demand means a greater percentage of listings sell and sell more quickly. This rapid sales cycle significantly reduces the number of active listings on the market on any given day.Homeowners are moving less frequently: As homes have become more expensive, homeowners have skewed older – and older people move much less frequently as they are established in careers and their families more settled. The median age of homebuyers was 47 in 2019 vs. 39 in 2010 (per National Association of Realtors). As of 2020, homeowners stay in their homes an average of about 8 years vs. about 5 in 2010 (per Attom Solutions). This reduced turnover has an enormous impact on inventory.Many homes are selling off-market: Many homes are selling off-market before they hit the MLS and consumer-facing websites such as Zillow and Redfin. Strictly speaking, this is not an inventory reduction but does reduce the number of listings available using typical sources of public listing data (and affecting the statistics based on them).Investors are inundating the market: Investors, institutional and individual, have been purchasing a higher percentage of U.S. homes to use as rental properties – currently 20% of housing sales (per John Burns Consulting). This began during the foreclosure crisis (by hedge funds) and accelerated with the current, desperate search for yield. Investors sell much less frequently, with considerable impact on the resale market. Besides income – boosted by extremely low mortgage rates – and potential appreciation, investors also enjoy very significant tax advantages, enhanced in the tax-law changes of 2017.Homeowners are keeping their homes as rentals: Some homeowners are turning their homes into long-term rentals or vacation rentals (such as Airbnb) instead of selling them when moving to new homes.Decline in new construction: New home construction has declined in many areas or remained extremely low for years.
Market Insights
Outdoor DiningAlpine Inn: Portola ValleyNonno's: Los Gatos/ Redwood EstatesHarbor Cafe: Santa CruzAlice’s Restaurant: WoodsideBreweries + WineriesHouse Family Vineyards: SaratogaBeer Thirty: Santa CruzTestarossa Winery: Los Gatos + Carmel ValleyHapas Brewing: Los GatosFarmers MarketsLos Gatos: Every Sunday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pmSantana Row: Wednesdays, 4:00pm to 8:00pm May 19 - SeptemberSaratoga: Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pmMountain View: Every Sunday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Market Insights
7 Low-Cost Home Prep TricksYou only get one chance to make a first impression. Here are 7 quick ways to make a huge impact on buyers' first impressions and (more importantly) on your bottom line:Declutter + Depersonalize: Yes, that framed picture of your dog is so cute. No, prospective buyers do not want to stare at it when they walk through the front door. Buyers want a blank canvas to imagine themselves (and their own framed dog photo) in the home. This is also a great time to donate or toss anything you will not be moving with you.Touch Up Paint: A fresh coat of paint in a white hue will brighten and make the home feel bigger. While colors and accent walls may be your style, creating a neutral palette will appeal to the maximum number of buyers. (PRO TIP: also be sure to touch up doors and cabinetry).Replace Outdated Fixtures: An inexpensive way to make a huge visual impact is by updating your light fixtures, switch plates, and bathroom fixtures with more modern options.Boost Your Curb Appeal: Get a buyer's attention from the moment they step out of their car by replacing + adding flowers, cleaning up your lawn, pressure washing your driveway + walkway, and adding a wreath or potted plant to your porch.Deep Clean: Your home should be sparking. This includes deep cleaning appliances like the oven + refrigerator, washing windows, and whipping out your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of smudges + marks.Clean or Replace the Carpet: Carpets show more damage and wear than any other area in the house and can also carry an odor. If your carpet is relevantly newer, hire a professional carpet cleaning company. If cleaning does not restore them, replacing them will be your best option.Hire a Stager: A great stager is worth their weight in gold and can maximize the space in each room with the appropriately sized furniture and floor plan. This makes the home look and feel larger and also gives each room a clear, defined purpose. Staging can also help your home stand out against the other homes for sale in your neighborhood or at the buyers' price point.Preparing your home for the market is a crucial step in receiving top dollar. I provide my clients with tailored suggestions on how to showcase their homes in the best light with budget in mind; I even manage the entire preparation process including coordinating vendors such as handymen, painters, and staging experts.Don't miss out on this hot seller's market! Reach out today to discuss how we can get you maximize your home's selling potential.Compass ConciergeList with Caitlin
Market Insights
4 Easy Overnight Trips From the Bay AreaIf you are anything like me, you're counting down the minutes until you can plan your next big trip. While it may not be safe to travel for quite some time, here are 4 easy overnight trips from the Bay Area that will have you feeling like you’re far, far away.CalistogaCalistoga offers a small-town charm in the north end of Napa Valley.Stay: Indian Springs blends the historic with the modern for an eclectic atmosphere.Eat: Sam’s Social Club serves up trendy vibes and American cuisine on the Indian Springs property (they also offer up a killer brunch). Solbar at Solage is also a Calistoga staple.Do: A dip in Indian Spring’s Olympic size mineral water pool is a must. The resort also offers complimentary bikes to cruise into downtown Calistoga. And of course, be sure to check out one of the hundreds of amazing wineries Napa Valley is known for.Big SurThe infamous Big Sur coastline is known for its breathtaking, natural beauty.Stay: Book a luxury glamping experience on the Ventana campgrounds.Eat: Try Big Sur Smoke House for classic BBQ with a California twist. Also, be sure to swing by Nepenthe for lunch surrounded by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.Do: Explore one of Big Sur’s scenic hikes during the day. At night devour s’mores by your campfire.Carmel ValleyA quick hour drive from the South Bay, Carmel Valley provides a scenic, quaint weekend escape.Stay: Bernardus Lodge + Spa offers luxury accommodations nestled in the mountains of Carmel Valley wine country.Eat: Before check-in, stop at The Bench for lunch overlooking the iconic 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Be sure to try the crispy falafel Panzanella and the duck fat potatoes! Enjoy dinner at Bernardus’ romantic Lucia Restaurant.Do: Indulge in a game of bocce ball on Bernardus grounds, wine taste at a nearby Carmel Valley tasting room (Georis and Cowgirl are my favs), or pop into Carmel-by-the-Sea to spend a day sightseeing.Bay Area StaycationSometimes a staycation is just what the doctor ordered! Stay close to home while being pampered. You’ll feel like you’re a million miles away.Stay: Rosewood Sand Hill offers a resort atmosphere in the heart of Silicon Valley.Eat: Dine at Rosewood’s iconic Madera restaurant overlooking the Santa Cruz mountains. Or get Michelin-starred room service, because what says “staycation” like having dinner in your robe?Do: Visit Rosewood’s luxury Sense Spa (my favorite spa!) or spend the day lounging by the gorgeous pool.
Market Insights
Top Tips to Beat Out the Competition It’s no secret we are experiencing a red-hot seller’s market across the Bay Area. With interest rates at an all-time low and limited inventory, home shopping in 2021 can feel like trying to score a roll of toilet paper in March 2020. Before you start your home search, arm yourself with my top tips to beat out the competition and land the home of your dreams: Get Pre-Approved This is a prerequisite for home shopping. Today’s market moves extremely quickly so it’s imperative to have your pre-approval completed before looking at any homes. Getting pre-approved not only allows you to understand your budget but provides you with the purchasing power to write an offer once you find a home you love. Look at Homes Under Your Max Budget Know the statistics in the neighborhoods you are shopping for. Are homes selling 10% over the list price? Then you should adjust your search parameters accordingly and look at homes 10% under your max budget. This will allow you to blow the competition away when you are in a multiple offer scenario. Act Quickly Set up your listing alerts to send immediately (bonus points if your alerts include coming soon listings) when new homes hit the market and schedule a showing ASAP. Moving quickly will ensure you have adequate time to make a decision and review disclosures before an offer deadline or another buyer scoops up the house. Tighten Up Your Offer Terms We all know money talks; however, there are a variety of other terms you can use in addition to a strong offer price that will make your offer stand out. Shorten your contingency periods. Get your deposit in escrow in one day rather than the standard three. It’s also important to pay attention to what is motivating the seller. Do they need to sell their current house in order to buy their new home? Then check if offering them a free rent back can sweeten the deal. There’s no one size fits all approach; the key is using terms in conjunction to create an enticing offer. Be Patient The real estate market can feel frantic at times, but it’s important to try to stay patient in your home search. Find an agent you connect with to be a trusted advisor and sounding board. Write down the top 3-5 things you want in a home and carry those with you as you tour homes. Buying a home is an investment as well as the place we spend the majority of our time these days so don’t rush the process.
Caitlin’s local instinct and personal network elevate her above her competitors. She understands the details involved in buying or selling a home and she is committed to providing an efficient and effective process from start to finish. Caitlin truly believes there is no better feeling than when a client is thrilled with their real estate experience.
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