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As 2025 comes to an end, many families are preparing for income tax season—and looking ahead to how the new 2026 tax law changes will affect their finances. Whether you already own a home or plan to buy next year, several provisions in the updated tax bill will directly impact deductions, credits, and long-term planning. Below is a breakdown of the most important changes for homeowners and...

With the Federal Reserve announcing another rate cut this Wednesday—and Chair Powell signaling a more dovish stance—the market is preparing for meaningful shifts in 2026. While mortgage rates have not yet responded immediately, today’s rates are approximately 0.75% lower than this time last year, offering a more favorable environment for both buyers and current homeowners considering...

As October wrapped up, several major economic indicators continued to shape Bay Area housing trends. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new all-time highs, 30-year mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point in over a year, and the Federal Reserve issued its second 0.25% rate cut of 2025—though policymakers hinted that a December cut is not guaranteed. Inflation ticked up slightly to 3%, and...

As of early October, 30-year mortgage rates are holding steady at around 6.3%, roughly the same as in early September but well below the 7% levels seen earlier this year. The Federal Reserve made its first rate cut of 2025, lowering its benchmark rate by 0.25%. While the impact on mortgage rates has been limited so far, most experts agree that more rate cuts could be coming before the end of the...

This summer’s housing market brought no major surprises beyond typical seasonal patterns, but San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties remain among the Bay Area’s strongest markets. Now, we’re shifting into the fall selling season—running from early September to early November—when listing activity usually spikes before the holiday slowdown. The big question on everyone’s mind:...

Quick take: Economic volatility has eased since spring. Stocks hit new highs, consumer confidence is improving, and mortgage rates dipped to a 2025 low—all of which could set up a steadier second half of the year. Spring and early summer were softer across much of the Bay Area, but San Mateo County remained notably strong (especially in more affluent areas), helped by ongoing AI-driven demand. July...

Earlier this year, California released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ), which may affect your fire insurance rates depending on your property location. These revised designations help insurers accurately assess risk—and homeowners should take note. Check your home’s updated zone here to understand your potential exposure. ArcGIS Experience What You Can Do About It: Defensible...

The spring 2025 selling season—typically the most active time of year for San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties—was noticeably softer than usual, largely due to persistent economic volatility and the lack of meaningful mortgage rate relief. Overall sales activity weakened year-over-year, reflecting buyers’ cautious approach amid high rates and uncertainty. However, this wasn’t the full...

Thinking of Renovating? Beware—These Updates Could Hurt Your Home’s Value! Renovating your home can be exciting, but not all updates will increase your property’s resale value. In fact, some can make it harder to sell or even lower your home’s worth. Before you dive into your next project, here are some updates to think twice about: 1. Overly Personalized Décor Your style may not match a...

Buying your first home or your next investment property just got a little easier—and potentially less expensive—thanks to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)'s updated conforming loan limits for 2025. A conforming loan adheres to the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government-sponsored enterprises created to purchase mortgages from lenders. By doing so, they free up lenders’...