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#1 Sellers Regret – Not Planning Early Enough

It may be tempting to put your house on the market now, especially with the increasing value of homes and decreasing interest rates. Before you do, consider Zillow’s research.

 
WHAT’S THE KEY TO A STRESS-FREE HOME SALE? PLANNING. 

Over 10,000 surveyed home sellers report that not planning early enough created the most stress.

Your home will need some prep work. Clients always ask us:
What do I do first? What rooms should I prioritize? How much should I spend? 

Book a game plan call with us. We can guide you through the prep work that will bring you the greatest home value…because we know what buyers want in your neighborhood. 

Focus your attention on the kitchen, bathrooms and exterior of your home; potential buyers look at these areas first. We recommended the following hit list. 

Kitchen

Repainting kitchen cabinets in an off-white or navy hue will update them with a more modern look. Adding a skylight is another way to make the kitchen appear bigger and brighter.

Bathrooms

Switch out your showerhead and other bathroom hardware for a more modern look, as well as repainting cabinets. Update the floor as budget permits. 

Exterior
Choose warm neutrals when painting your exterior. Don’t forget your garage door and front door; they could boost the value of your home.

Consider painting your front door in a contrasting color, such as black or slate blue; this can yield up to $6,449 in increased value, depending on buyer preferences in your area. Upgrading your garage door yields an average 93% return on the cost.

 

What first? What Next? That’s where we can help.

Schedule a “Game Plan Call” with us and avoid the #1 seller’s regret.

About Us

The Real Real Estate Agents ofSilicon Valley

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Celebrating Success in Real Estate – Making RealTrends ‘The Thousand’ and ‘America’s Best’ List Again!

Caroline Dinsmore & Co has once again achieved a remarkable milestone by being included in the prestigious RealTrends “The Thousand” and “America’s Best” rankings! 🎉

Under the exceptional leadership of Caroline Dinsmore, our team has consistently demonstrated expertise and achieved outstanding success in the real estate industry. This recognition is a testament to our dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional results.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust and support. Your confidence in our services has helped us attain this remarkable recognition.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team. Each member of Caroline Dinsmore & Co has played a significant role in our success by providing unparalleled service and personalized care to our valued clients.

We would also like to thank RealTrends for their meticulous assessment and recognition of industry leaders. Their commitment to highlighting excellence in the real estate profession inspires us to strive for even greater heights.

As we celebrate this achievement, we reiterate our commitment to providing exceptional real estate experiences and exceeding our clients’ expectations. Caroline Dinsmore & Co will continue to deliver unparalleled service, expertise, and integrity in all our endeavors.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. Together, let’s keep making real estate dreams come true! 🏡🎊

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Caroline Wheaton Dinsmore: A Leading Realtor on the Bay Area Peninsula Inducted into Marquis Who’s Who

Caroline Wheaton Dinsmore, a highly accomplished realtor on the Bay Area Peninsula, has been inducted into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who registry, recognizing her outstanding contributions in the real estate industry. As the founder of Caroline Dinsmore & Co., she has made a significant impact, selling hundreds of homes and closing over $100 million in sales in 2021 alone. With a passion for real estate and a deep understanding of the Silicon Valley landscape, Dinsmore’s success is a testament to her expertise and commitment to exceptional service. Her diverse background and recognition in notable local further solidify her position as one of the top realtors in the Bay Area. Caroline Dinsmore’s induction into Marquis Who’s Who marks a milestone in her remarkable career, and she continues to inspire others with her dedication and resilience.

real estate is a great investment

3 Things You Need To Know About Your Next Real Estate Deal

#1 Long-Term Investment: Real Estate on the Peninsula Yields Returns

Real estate has long been considered one of the best long-term investments. Real estate historically outperforms stocks and bonds long term. This means that your home is a proven investment that will grow in value over time.

This is especially true on the Peninsula, where the demand for housing is high and the supply is limited. There are a few reasons why real estate is a good investment in the Bay Area Peninsula. 

First, the value of real estate has historically appreciated in value over time and all signs continue in that direction. 

According to Zillow, the median home value on the Peninsula has increased by over 50% in the past 10 years.

In the past 2 years, the median home value on the Peninsula increased by over 10% compared to the 3% national average. 

Second, real estate can be a hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, the value of your home is likely to rise as well. This means that your home will be worth more in real terms, even if the price tag goes up.

Third, real estate can provide you with a steady stream of income. If you invest in a property to generate business income, you can rent out your property to tenants.

Of course, there are some risks associated with investing in real estate. The value of real estate can also go down, especially in areas where the economy is struggling. It can also be illiquid as a quick cash option. We see lower risk in both areas on the Peninsula.

The most important consideration to make in your long-term property investment is choosing the right real estate client advisor who will advise you on making a sound choice.

At Caroline Dinsmore and Co., we are relentless in our pursuit of the best deal for you. We understand the Peninsula real estate market, its seasons, most desirable locations and local trends. We always ensure that your interests and investment are fiercely protected. Our clients always know that they never leave any money on the table; whether purchasing a property, selling one, or both.

We don’t just take care of business — we take care of you.

If you are planning to upgrade your real estate investment, beware that the #1 seller’s regret is not planning early enough. Do you know what to do first and then what to do next? That’s where we can help. Schedule a “Game Plan Call” with us and avoid the #1 seller’s regret.

About Us

The Real Real Estate Agents ofSilicon Valley

Blog 1

Top 3 Upgrades to Increase Your Home Value

Part I: Space...The First Frontier

As you plan your next renovation project, it’s more critical than ever to know what upgrades increase home value. The world looks a lot different than it did a couple of years ago. Our homes have been at the center of massive change and re-evaluation.

Home offices and outdoor spaces, for example, are now extremely coveted features. Our newest list of home improvements that add value takes these recent trends into account and incorporates specific product suggestions, updated for 2023.

If you haven’t noticed, real estate values in our area performed amazingly well during the pandemic — your home gained a lot of equity in the last two years. If you are thinking about selling your home, consider the following ideas. Then, set up a ‘Game Plan’ call with us to learn which home improvements will maximize the equity in your home. 

Upgrades that add physical square footage or make the home feel more spacious top our list!

A recent survey of real estate agents found that the need for more space was the top reason why people move, with 44% of respondents citing this as a motivating factor. Additionally, 31% of respondents said that they wanted more private outdoor space.

1: Convert or build a home office

A home office is a great way to maximize your space and create a dedicated workspace for yourself. Whether you’re working from home full-time or just need a quiet place to get some work done, a home office can be a lifesaver.

There are many ways to create a home office, depending on your needs and budget. If you have a spare room, you can easily convert it into an office by adding a desk, chair, and other essentials. If you don’t have a spare room, you can also convert a closet or even a corner of your bedroom into an office.

No matter how you choose to create your home office, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, make sure the space is quiet and has enough natural light. You’ll also want to make sure the space is comfortable and functional, with plenty of storage space for your files and supplies.

2: Finish your basement

Finishing your basement can be a great way to add value to your home and create additional living space. Whether you want to use it as a home office, playroom, bedroom, or storage space, finishing your basement can be an affordable and easy way to attract more buyers. 

Finishing your basement has other benefits. It can add up to 75% of its value to your home price. It can also make your home more energy-efficient by insulating the walls and floors.

Lastly, a finished basement provides a comfortable and inviting space to relax, entertain, or work.

3: Open up the floor plan

Open floor plans are very popular right now, and for good reason. They make your home feel larger and more spacious, and they improve air circulation and natural light.

One way to create an open floor plan is to open up the space between the kitchen and dining room. This will create a unified cooking and dining experience, and it will make your home feel more inviting. You can also open up the space between the living room and family room for a great room effect. This will create a space where your family can gather and relax together.

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, consider keeping it in the center of the open space. This will add a focal point to your home and make it feel more cozy and inviting.

I know that making changes to your home can be a lot of work, but I believe that these changes will be worth it in the end. By creating an open floor plan, you will make your home more appealing to buyers and increase your chances of selling it quickly and for top dollar.

About Us

The Real Real Estate Agents ofSilicon Valley

Home Prices blog

What’s Really Happening with Home Prices?

Headlines don’t really paint the full picture.

If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping. Don’t believe them!

 

Truth #1: Home prices in the Peninsula are up.

Home prices in our Peninsula neighborhoods are steadily rising and faster than the average market rate. 

FACT: Home prices in the Peninsula rose 10.4% year-over-year in February 2023, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index. 

While home price growth is moderating month-over-month nationally (3-4%), the 10% appreciation year-over-year in the Peninsula is still well above the home price growth we saw during more normal years in the market.

 

Truth #2:  You’ve gained a substantial amount of equity.

Aspiring home sellers gained significant amounts of equity over the pandemic as house prices climbed over the past two years. 

 

Truth #3: Supply is still low. Demand is strong.

The supply of homes for sale is still very low and demand for homes is still strong.

FACT: Home sales had the highest peak since July 2020.

In March, total home sales saw their largest monthly percentage increase since July 2020. When mortgage rates ended at over 30 basis points lower than where they started, more buyers returned to the market. 

Housing supply remains limited in the Peninsula compared to previous years.  Tight inventory and healthy demand contribute to stable and growing home prices. 

 

Bottom Line

It’s a seller’s market. Supply is expected to remain low for the remainder of 2023 and demand is increasing exponentially. 

If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the time to start planning. 

Schedule a call with us now to learn more about your home equity and the best time to sell. 

About Us

The Real Real Estate Agents ofSilicon Valley