Honoring Heroes: The History and Significance of Veterans Day

The armistice took effect at 11 AM, which is known as the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…

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Real Estate Revelations: From AVIDs to TDS – How the Law Changed the Game!

Picture this: you’ve got a slew of eager buyers vying for your listing, each armed with their own stack of AVID disclosures. But here’s the kicker – if you don’t pass on those juicy details to the winning bidder, you’re playing with fire.

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Real Estate Riches: The Colorful Secret to Boosting Your Home’s Value!

Welcome to the colorful world of real estate, where the tiniest details can turn heads and open wallets! In the game of selling your home, even the shade of your front door can make or break a deal. Brace yourselves because, according to a Zillow survey from 2021, we’re about to dive into a rainbow of possibilities!

Let’s start with the front-runner in the door derby: slate blue. Picture a dreamy, chalky light blue-gray that’s like a breath of fresh air for your entryway. Actual and prospective buyers alike couldn’t get enough of this hue, giving homes with slate blue front doors top marks. They were more likely to swoon over these abodes and were willing to cough up an extra $1,537 on average to call it their own. Talk about painting the town (or your front door) blue!

But hold onto your paintbrushes because here comes the big kahuna: black. This high-contrast color is the epitome of sophistication and drama. Buyers were practically falling over themselves to shell out an average of $6,449 more for homes flaunting a bold black front door. However, like a double-edged sword, black proved to be a bit polarizing, with some folks finding it a tad too imposing for their taste. But hey, fortune favors the bold, right? If you’re feeling daring, black might be your ticket to a hefty payday.

Now, onto the not-so-rosy news: pale pink. While we’re all for embracing your inner Elle Woods, it seems that some buyers weren’t quite ready to bend and snap for homes with a pale pink front door. Described as “kind of shabby looking” by some survey participants, this delicate hue caused wallets to snap shut, with buyers willing to cough up a whopping $6,516 less on average. Looks like pink might be better suited for Barbie’s home than real estate listings.

And then there’s cement gray, the color that left buyers feeling, well, a bit meh. While not as divisive as some of its bolder counterparts, cement gray failed to make a lasting impression. Buyers showed it the door, offering up $1,236 less on average for homes adorned with this lackluster hue. Looks like cement gray might be better suited for, well, cement.

But fear not, homeowners, for there’s hope on the horizon! While the color of your front door may not be the be-all and end-all of your home’s sale price, it’s clear that a strategic splash of paint could pad your pockets. So, before we stick that “For Sale” sign in your front yard, consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the kaleidoscope of choices, why not enlist our help? After all, it never hurts to have a pro in your corner when it comes to selling your home. Happy painting, folks!

Drew and Christine Morgan are experienced REALTORS and NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. They have assisted buyers and sellers in their community for over 30 years. Drew and Christine have received the coveted Diamond award and ranked among the top 50 agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California by RE/MAX. To contact them, please call (650) 508.1441 or email info@morganhomes.com.

For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.

This article provides educational information and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as real estate, tax, insurance, or legal advice, and it cannot replace advice tailored to your specific situation. It’s always best to seek guidance from a professional who is familiar with your scenario.

BROKER | MANAGER | NOTARY

Unlocking the Secrets of Insurance Agents and Brokers: Who Works for You?

Most people don’t think about the fact that insurance agents work for insurance companies while insurance brokers work for their clients. Insurance Brokers and Agents are very similar but, in one key way, almost polar opposites…

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Embracing the Benefits of Induction Cooktops: A Closer Look at the Advantages Over Gas Stoves

We frequently come across a condominium that doesn’t have gas for each unit, or at least none was installed to be accessible for cooking appliances. This is worrisome for some buyers, but they may see the benefits of using an induction-style electric cooktop over the more common gas with the right education.

As an ex-chef, the thought of ditching my gas stove and going back to electric caused me to be highly skeptical. That is, until I bought one to use on our RV.

One of the first things I noticed was that the cooking is very precise. For example, if I want to cook scrambled eggs, instead of guessing the temperature needed to cause an egg to solidify, on our induction cooktop, we can just set the temperature, in this case, to 150℉ degrees, and know that it will never get any hotter—no more scorched eggs. In this way, it offers benefits similar to sous vide cooking, wherein one can exactly control the temperature of the cooking process.

Adjusting the temperature can be based on the desired heat instead of guessing how much flame one needs.

One downside we can see is in cooking in a Wok, where one needs extremely high heat and heat that transfers to the side of the cooking vessel. Another issue is sauteing foods. The term sauté literally translates into “jump up”, as you lift the pan off of the heat to toss it around. With an induction stove that requires the pan to be in direct contact with the cooking surface or it will temporarily shut off, sauteing won’t be as practicable as with a gas stove top.

Several cities in California have taken steps to restrict or phase out the use of natural gas in new buildings. For example, Berkeley, San Jose, and San Francisco have been trying to implement regulations requiring new buildings to be all-electric, meaning they cannot use natural gas for appliances like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces (Note: in April of 2023 the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the ban in Berkeley to be in direct violation of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975).

It’s important to note that local regulations and policies can change over time, and it’s always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult the most up-to-date information to determine the specific regulations in effect.

These measures attempt to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and is a significant contributor to global warming.

Gas stoves can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose certain health risks. Here are some reasons why gas stoves can be considered unhealthy:

  • Indoor air quality: Gas stoves emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, and particulate matter into the air when they burn natural gas or propane. These pollutants can accumulate indoors and lead to respiratory problems, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Respiratory issues: Prolonged exposure to the pollutants emitted by gas stoves can irritate the respiratory system and worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. NO2, in particular, can cause inflammation of the airways and decrease lung function.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning: Inadequate ventilation or malfunctioning gas stoves can lead to the release of carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless and odorless. Inhalation of carbon monoxide can be fatal, causing symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even death in severe cases.
  • Fine particulate matter: Gas stoves generate fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which consists of tiny airborne particles. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
  • Increased risk for children: Children, particularly infants, are more vulnerable to the health effects of indoor air pollution. Exposure to pollutants from gas stoves can impact lung development and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when using gas stoves, such as using exhaust fans or opening windows. Regular maintenance of gas stoves, including cleaning burners and checking for gas leaks, is also crucial. Additionally, using alternative cooking methods, such as electric stoves or induction cooktops, can help reduce indoor air pollution associated with gas stoves.

Induction stoves offer several benefits over gas stoves. Here are some of the advantages of using an induction stove:

  • Energy Efficiency: Induction stoves are highly energy efficient. They directly heat the cookware using electromagnetic fields, which means almost no heat is wasted. In contrast, gas stoves lose significant heat to the surrounding environment, resulting in energy wastage.
  • Faster Cooking: Induction stoves heat up significantly faster than gas stoves. The electromagnetic fields directly transfer heat to the cookware, allowing for rapid heating. This speed can save you valuable time in the kitchen.
  • Precise Temperature Control: Induction stoves provide precise temperature control. You can adjust the heat levels instantly and accurately. This precise control allows for more delicate cooking tasks, such as simmering or melting chocolate, where precise temperature management is crucial.
  • Safety: Induction stoves are generally safer to use compared to gas stoves. The stovetop surface remains relatively cool since the heat is generated in the cookware itself. This feature reduces the risk of burns and accidental fires. Additionally, induction stoves often have built-in safety features like automatic shut-off, pan detection, and child-lock functions.
  • Easy to Clean: The smooth and flat surface of induction stoves makes them easy to clean. Since the stovetop doesn’t get as hot as gas stoves, spills, and food residues are less likely to get burnt onto the surface. This feature simplifies the cleaning process and reduces the time and effort required for maintenance.
  • Aesthetics and Design: Induction stoves are often sleek and modern, adding an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. They come in various sizes and styles to suit different kitchen layouts and personal preferences.

It’s worth noting that while induction stoves offer many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Induction stoves require cookware with magnetic properties (ferrous metal) to work effectively, so you may need to replace some of your existing cookware. Additionally, the upfront cost of induction stoves is typically higher than gas stoves, although they can help save on energy costs in the long run.

According to the New York Times, if you are interested in transitioning to induction cooking, these are the top-rated induction cooktops.

Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California.  They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.

or all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.

The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.

Why Must we Barbecue on the 4th of July?

Finally, we can get back to the American tradition of having friends and family over for a BBQ—and what better day to do it than on the 4th of July.
Traditionally we celebrate our nations’ independence from Great Brittan on this day, and this year we add to that our independence from isolation during the pandemic.
You may already have decided what you will be cooking for your celebration, but do you know why we carry on the tradition of cookouts on the 4th?

The theme originated when politicians would hold rallies on the 4th of July (which was not yet a national holiday) to commemorate our nation’s independence and have a captive audience. To feed the throngs of people they resorted to barbeque—whole hogs in particular.
The move from barbecue rallies on the fourth to backyard cookouts probably had less to do with people not wishing to endure the preaching of politicians, than it was simply more people were choosing to live in the suburbs after WWII.


GRILLING VS. BBQ—What’s the difference?

Barbeque cooking is typically cooking meat low and slow over indirect heat whether over an open pit or in a covered box where wood is used to create smoke for flavoring and preservation.
Grilling is typically done using direct heat in a gas grill or open style kettle grill using charcoal wherein the food is cooked more rapidly.

Trivia for your get-together:

DID YOU KNOW…
It wasn’t until 1941 that Congress declared Independence Day to be a paid federal holiday.
5% of all US beer consumption takes place on the 44th of July.
The name barbeque came from the Arawak tribe of the Caribbean and South America who used sticks to create a flame over a fire and place the meat on it. They called this method of cooking “Barbacoa”. The Spaniards eventually brought this form of cooking to the southern states where it took on the name Barbeque.
Kingsford charcoal was invented by Edward G. Kingsford who helped Henry Ford—yes, the car manufacturer—procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants. The burnt wood was repurposed as it is today into briquets for grilling.

Happy Independence Day, and thanks for reading along.

Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 25 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine are ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California.  They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.

For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Morganhomes and on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/morganhomes

The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.

What a Mortgage Deduction Reduction Could Do to Home Values

That’s literally the million dollar question. Many of our colleagues think that it will not be passed as the House version did this week. Some have good points and others just wishful thinking.
Many agents have voiced an opinion  that the mortgage deduction will be indexed for the higher cost coastal states, but we feel that’s exactly the targeted group this limitation is designed to hit—so we doubt we’ll see relief their. The senate bill may uphold the million dollar cap on mortgage interest—we’ll see.
We’d be surprised if in this administration, a dramatic negative shift in policy towards homeownership would emerge, but then this administration has been anything but predictive.
If it does pass as the House version stands, we’re not as worried about future homeowners—they’ll get over it and only the ones currently looking into buying a home will even know what’s going on. But for the millions of homeowners who bought their homes counting on the tax relief as the only way they can sustain their payments—therein lies the problem.
Assuming our homes are hovering around a median home price of $1,600,000. A buyer today could write down up to $1,000,000 in mortgage interest, which would be $42,174 in interest the first year. With the new proposed plan, that deduction drops in half to $21,087—resulting in an additional tax liability of around $7,380.50 a year, and that equates to as if they purchased a home for $125,000 more than what they had bargained for. Or another way to look at it. Is home prices (not values) on the Peninsula just went up over $125,000 overnight—so much for making more affordable housing.
Most regular folks are still purchasing homes with mortgages, and most mortgages are higher than in the above example. Obviously, the higher the mortgage, the more of a disparity this system creates in the allowable deduction.
What will real home values do? Probably not much since demand still outstrips supply in today’s market (locally). But the market for vacation homes—a huge segment in San Francisco for example—could drop precipitously since there will be NO deduction for second home mortgage interest. So a silver lining exists for the rich, and they could have a great opportunity to buy into vacation homes at diminished prices—all cash of course.

Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 20 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.

For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Morganhomesand on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/morganhomes

The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.

 

What was Served at the First Thanksgiving?

If you’re like us you might remember being taught the history of Thanksgiving as early as Kindergarten. But recalling those facts some 50 years later has escaped me. That led me to refresh my fading recollections with some interesting facts about the traditional feast. So before you sit down for that annual feast we now call Thanksgiving, only to fall fast asleep from overindulging in the intoxicating tryptophan from Turkey, here’s some of the back story trivia that might just serve to divert a heated political conversation, or a festering sibling rivalry.

The first “Thanksgiving” as we call it today lasted three days, with food festivities and celebration. Today, most families are content on convening for a few football games and a meal that takes five hours to prepare and fifteen minutes to consume.

There seems to be a lot of debate even amongst scholars as to whether or not Turkey was served at the first feast. If not, then what was served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621? The answer is simple—whatever they had in abundance. After all, they were inviting their guests, the Wampanoag tribe to help celebrate their first successful harvest in the New World and they ate whatever was available.

Stories go that the local visiting tribe brought Venison to the feast, clearly abundant at that time and a major staple of the indigenous people, so it’s reasonable to assume venison was probably on the menu. As was no doubt Lobster, clams and mussels as well as other seafood items, being so close to the Atlantic Ocean. Corn would have been out of season by then so it’s unlikely that fresh corn was served, but Flint corn, AKA, dried “Indian Corn” would have most likely made the cut. Other grains and nuts such as chestnuts were most likely there, Hogs were imported to the America’s in the 16th century so one of the proteins might have been Ham as well. But scholars disagree upon whether or not Turkey would have been served. It seems likely that while not the star of the show as it is today, a wild turkey or other foul would have made it to the feast, so we’re a little unsure about the skepticism on the part of some scholar’s, other than it makes for a good headline.

Potatoes first arrived in the Colonies in 1621 but the first permanent potato patches in North America weren’t established until 1719, so mashed, boiled, roasted or otherwise potatoes no doubt missed the festivities.

What about Pumpkin Pie? Probably not. Though winter squash no doubt was in attendance. Since sugarcane wasn’t imported until around until 1619, and the colonists couldn’t make it grow, it’s doubtful a pie was constructed though it is possible that a sweetened squash of some sort may have been served using molasses or maple syrup.

All this makes one ponder then why do we have all of these so common accoutrements surrounding this famous feast? As it turns out, the author of the poem, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Sara Josepha Hale, had quite a bit to do with it. Inspired by President Washington’s proclamation in 1789 as November 26th to be the First Thanksgiving Holiday, she lobbied aggressively for years from 1827-1863 to get a day of Thanksgiving recognized as a national holiday, when finally Abraham Lincoln got wind of her plea and used it to his advantage to inspire the country going through a civil war. In October of 1863 Lincoln pronounced that a day of Thanksgiving shall be celebrated on the final Thursday in the month of November. Why the last Thursday? Sara went on to write, “The last Thursday in November has these advantages — harvests of all kinds are gathered in — summer travelers have returned to their homes — the diseases that, during summer and early autumn, often afflict some portions of our country, have ceased, and all are prepared to enjoy a day of Thanksgiving.”

But it was Sara’s writings chronicling what should be including in the feast that jump started what today many Americans serve at the table including mashed potatoes, Turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.

What about the green beans? You can thank Campbell’s Soup Company for that one. They lobbied hard their recipe to push the sales of their mushroom soup.

But the last Thursday didn’t stick forever. President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939 changed it to one week earlier to allow for an additional week of shopping before Christmas and his timing wasn’t a coincidence—the country was in a middle of a depression.

Finally, in 1941 FDR moved it to the 4th Thursday in November where it has remained until today.

And our final bit of trivia that we’ll leave you with before you enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday…

Why is a Turkey called a Turkey?

A popular theory arises from turkeys coming to England from the Americas via merchant ships from the Middle East where they were domesticated successfully. Again the importers lent the name to the bird: because these merchants were called “Turkey merchants” as much of the area was part of the Ottoman Empire. Hence the name “Turkey birds” or, soon thereafter, “turkeys”.