Blog - Jacqueline Van Metre

Blog, Home, News, Real Estate

Understanding CA Prop 19

Understanding CA Prop 19 Benefits for homeowners & how this changed property taxes If you purchased your home more than 5 years ago, you likely have a good deal of money in equity now. Additionally, due to the purchase price of your home, your property taxes are significantly lower than they would be if you […]
Blog, Community, Green Living, Home, News, Real Estate

Glow-Up your Garden

Glow-Up your Garden this Spring Considering a spring garden makeover? According to a recent Zillow article: “Backyards are Zillow’s must-have home feature for 2023. The humble backyard, once overshadowed by chef’s kitchens and walk-in closets, is the new luxury for today’s home buyers. Backyards are now highlighted in 1 out of every 5 Zillow […]
Blog, Community, Current Events, Home, News, Real Estate

2022 New CA Law: SB9

2022 New California Law: SB 9 What is SB 9 and how does this affect your property and neighborhood? What >> This law establishes a streamlined process to develop two primary residential dwelling units on one eligible single-family zoned parcel, and to split one eligible single-family zoned parcel into two separate parcels of approximately […]
Blog, Green Living, Home, Real Estate

Be Water Smart

Be Water Smart Smart ways to save more water in California While California has seen a good amount of rain and snow so far this year, experts agree that it has not been enough to end our State’s long drought. So, all of us must keep doing our part to help save water. One […]

Blog Understanding CA Prop 19 Understanding CA Prop 19 Benefits for homeowners & how this changed property taxes If you purchased your home more than 5 years ago, you likely have a good deal of money in equity now. Additionally, due to the purchase price of your home, your property taxes are significantly lower than they would be if you […]

Blog Glow-Up your Garden Glow-Up your Garden this Spring Considering a spring garden makeover? According to a recent Zillow article: “Backyards are Zillow’s must-have home feature for 2023. The humble backyard, once overshadowed by chef’s kitchens and walk-in closets, is the new luxury for today’s home buyers. Backyards are now highlighted in 1 out of every 5 Zillow […]

Blog 2022 New CA Law: SB9 2022 New California Law: SB 9 What is SB 9 and how does this affect your property and neighborhood? What >> This law establishes a streamlined process to develop two primary residential dwelling units on one eligible single-family zoned parcel, and to split one eligible single-family zoned parcel into two separate parcels of approximately […]

Blog Be Water Smart Be Water Smart Smart ways to save more water in California While California has seen a good amount of rain and snow so far this year, experts agree that it has not been enough to end our State’s long drought. So, all of us must keep doing our part to help save water. One […]

Blog Beyond the Pre-Approval Beyond the Pre-Approval Things to keep in mind as you are preparing to purchase your next home. In a competitive market it pays to be prepared for the wonderful adventure of home buying! Many home buyers make the mistake of moving their money around while shopping for a home, which leads to unexpected issues […]

Blog When to Start Touring Buyers: When to Start Touring So you’re ready to see some houses for sale?! Make sure you are really ready before you head out the door with these steps As a home buyer in a competitive time, it pays to be prepared before diving in the deep end and getting ahead of yourself. Many […]

Blog Pre-Approved vs. Pre-Qualified What is the difference between being Pre-Approved vs. Pre-Qualified A breakdown to help you understand the important differences What is the difference between getting Pre-Approved vs. Pre-Qualified? A pre-qualification is a good indication of creditworthiness and the ability to borrow, but a pre-approval is your verified data—for example, a credit check; it is the […]

Blog DIY Home Inspection Checklist Follow This DIY Home Inspection Checklist Before Making an Offer Your guide to confidently complete a full DIY home inspection When buying a home, consider a DIY home inspection before making an offer. In a fast-paced market (like it is currently!) your first tour might very well be your only tour before making an […]

Blog Save More Money Save More Money Tips on how to save more money for a down payment Saving up for a down payment for a new home is without a doubt the most difficult part for most home buyers. Life is increasingly expensive, especially here on the coast of California. Every percentage more you are able to […]

Community Getting Involved Getting Involved How to get started and where to volunteer? Feeling part of the greater community is a breath of fresh air, not only for those you are helping, but for you as the volunteer as well. It’s scientifically proven that giving provides more endorphins than receiving. So it’s a true win-win for everyone […]

Community Winterize Your Home Winterize Your Home ~ Your Fall Checklist The sun is setting earlier, the mornings are getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change color & there’s festive decorations going up everywhere! It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like fall to me. As the shift sets in and our days fill with holiday […]

Blog Power Shutoff Preparation Be honest, how prepared are you for power shutoffs this year? The heat is rising with no rain in sight for months. Here we go again California. Wildfire season is already tragically in full swing this year, with more to come without a doubt. With rising daily temperatures, high winds, lightning, human-caused sparks – […]

Blog Demystify Your Credit Score 6 Things That Impact Your Credit Score & How To Take Control Once & For All Are you considering purchasing a home in the near future? Have you given much thought to your credit score lately? Most of us really don’t think about it until we need it, so you’re not alone if you […]

Blog Green Gift Giving Your Green Gift Giving Guide The season of gifts and festive gatherings are upon us. The days grow colder and shorter and so begins our holiday gift search for friends, family, colleagues and clients. If you’re like me, you’ve been working on phasing as much plastic out of your day-to-day as reasonably possible – it’s […]

Blog Standing Out & Selling Fast Make Your Home Stand Out & Sell Fast Why do some homes sell and others do not? Through my experience I have found that most Buyers lack the ability to visualize how a home could look its very best. They just can’t picture how their furniture could be arranged in each room and how […]