I don’t know about you, but the more I think about buying my first family home with my boo, to raise our future schmoos in, the more I freak out and wonder how we’ll be able to compete in this crazy real estate market.  It seems like every day the average price of  a home in the Bay Area climbs drastically… meaning so does the down payment needed to qualify, and the big income needed to carry the monthly payments.

So what do I do when these fears start to creep in?  I talk to my amazing friend Mary Macpherson, who just happens to be one of the top Real Estate agents in our glorious city, not to mention one of the warmest, most motivated, inspiring people I know.  When my wailing starts, she smiles, gives me a hug, and tells me that with proper planning, determination, and guidance from people like her, we will find our way into “our” home.  :)

Mary Macpherson | Paragon Real Estate Group

Tips on Buying Your First Home:

1.       Ask your friends for advice. Your friends and family who have bought in your area undoubtedly have some war stories to share. Ask them who their agent was, and if they would recommend that person.

2.       Visit open houses, not only to look at homes, but to ‘interview’ prospective agents. Agents who work open houses are there for one of two reasons: they are the actual listing agents for those homes and are there to sell them, or they are agents in the same brokerage as the listing agents and have asked them to work their open houses to meet buyers and sellers. For new agents, open houses are typically their best ‘prospecting’ tool, until they develop a referral base of their own. Spend time in the open houses, and ask the agents about how they work with buyers to help them find their homes. Don’t dismiss “new” agents – some of these agents are the hardest working in the business, and will give incredible customer service. What’s key is the brokerage they work for – some are far better than others, offering wonderful support, training, tools and management. You’ll glean a lot of information from visiting open houses and seeing who the true professionals are.

3.       Interview agents. Even though the seller typically pays the buyer’s agent’s commission, this agent is still working for you and with you, hand in hand, through one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of your life. Interview at least three agents, check references, ask for their recent success stories. What can they do for you that will give you an edge? Agents get paid big bucks, and you don’t want to just receive weekly mass emails with new listings. You can check that yourself with the zillion and one online real estate search portals. Are these people connected to off-market listings? Will they go the extra mile?

4.       Once you decide on an agent, COMMIT 100% to them. Let them be your man on the street. Give them all the information you can, and be open to their suggestions. My clients who are the most successful in their house hunting ventures are the ones who regard me as their trusted advisor and ally.

5.       Be ready to pull the trigger. Get all of your financial documents in order, and get pre-approved. The San Francisco market moves faster than most can handle, and the early bird almost always catches the worm. Don’t be afraid to write “pre-emptive” offers – those offers that are presented before an actual offer date. But remember that pre-emptive offers need to be compelling enough for the seller to forego other offers that might come in on the offer date. Coming in at full price isn’t compelling. Ask your agent for comparable sales in the area (if you’ve vetted your agent well, they’ll do this for you instinctively).

6.       Put yourself in the sellers’ shoes. When you finally sit down to write an offer on the home of your dreams, remember that the #1 rule in negotiation is to think like the other side. Find out why the seller is selling. What will help your offer? Price is obvious, but are there terms that will help? Do they need extra time to move? Do they want to buy something else? Make sure your offer reflects your understanding of their needs and wants, and then put it in a written letter as well. There’s nothing that speaks to a seller more than a buyer who is committed to closing and sincere in their love of their home, and someone who is empathetic to their plight.

7.       Due your due diligence. Just because the market is competitive (when isn’t it?), it doesn’t mean you have to throw away your rights. If you’re buying a car, you’d kick the tires. If you’re spending hundreds of thousands, or even millions, then you better be sure the house isn’t a money pit. Don’t be afraid to ask for a credit, price reduction, explanation, etc., if something turns up during your inspection period that is cause for concern.

8.       Buy with your heart – and your head. I have two questions I ask my buyers before we write an offer: 1) Will you be truly happy when I hand you the keys to your new home? And 2) If you, like many transient San Franciscans, have to call me in 5-10 years to sell your home, is this a wise investment? Take the time with your agent to think about why you want this home (don’t let the manic market drive you to do something you’ll regret) and talk about why the home is or isn’t a good investment (above all, location, location, location).

9.       Be prepared for the ups and downs of an escrow. Since the 2008 mortgage meltdown, lenders are asking for everything from your 6^th grade report card (ok, that line was borrowed from a loan agent friend of mine) to your 1992 tax returns. Well, not really, but it certainly can feel like it.

10.   Enjoy! You’ve come a long way from meeting agents, looking at open homes, to gathering tax returns and signing documents. Try to plan a week off from work right after you move in. Don’t schedule any big remodeling jobs yet, if you can. Get a feel for your new home. Live in it and get to know it better. Then, go to town to get it just the way you want. You deserve it!

About the Author

Mary Macpherson

About the Author

Mary Macpherson

Mary`s tenacity and commitment to her clients have put her in the top 5% of all agents in San Francisco – an honor that has earned her placement in the city`s Top Agent Network (www.topagentnetwork.com). She has bought, sold and invested in San Francisco real estate for many years and puts her extensive knowledge of neighborhoods, property values, and market trends to work for her clients. She offers boundless enthusiasm, a tireless work ethic and an absolute commitment to protecting their interests—in what is typically one of the largest, most complicated and most emotional financial transactions of their lives.

For her Buyers, Mary promises she will make every effort to find them the home they will love and enjoy for years to come; aggressively negotiate the best attainable price and terms on their behalf; make the process as smooth, understandable and stress-free as possible; and manage the transaction so that they are fully aware of the condition and circumstances of the home they purchase. As a longtime homeowner in San Francisco, Mary is committed to helping others realize the same dream: owning a home in this beautiful city.

For her Sellers, Mary offers hard work and expertise; the most comprehensive marketing plan in the business; aggressively negotiate the highest possible sales price; and transaction management skills to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible, with a minimum of time, effort and stress on her clients` part.

Mary`s family lives near Fisherman`s Wharf and her children attend local schools.

Mary Macpherson | Paragon Real Estate Group

1400 Van Ness Ave | San Francisco, CA 94109

Cell: 415.846.4685 | Fax: 415.701.2671

DRE# 1839976

www.MaryMacphersonSF.com

Member, Top Agent Network (SF’s Top 5%): www.topagentnetwork.com

You know that reality check you get every time you go swim suit shopping? It isn’t usually a pleasant one—at least not for me—and when a big vacation or event is on the horizon, I’m eager to do everything I can to facilitate helping my body to look the best it can! One of those things happens to be getting one of the amazing detoxifying body wraps that my friend and personal wrapper Sharon offers!

Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t the end all be all cure for the body you’ve always dreamed of, but combined with a clean diet and exercise, they can help give you the jump start you need to reach your goals and help you to maintain!

One of the things I love most about doing the wrap is that when I decide it’s time to schedule it, that means it’s time to clean up my diet. When I’m really serious about it, I even do a cleanse.  Not one of those crazy cayenne pepper cleanses, but a simple clean eating, lots of water, working out, kick my but into gear cleanses.  Cutting out the things I love (coffee, sugar, gluten, dairy, wine…oh wonderful wine) is never easy, but it’s only for a week and I know the end result is feeling awesome on the inside and outside. Even better, usually there is a fabulous vacation waiting on the other end!

Sharon’s spa is fabulous and she has found her calling in what she does.  So if you have a trip to the beach, an upcoming wedding or some other fun adventure in your near future, give her a call, set a goal for yourself, and get your sexy on!

Sharon Vendle

Holistic Health Practitioner

Are you experiencing fatigue or lack of energy, weight issues (over or under), digestive problems, cravings or addiction, headaches, anxiety, depression, skin disorders or have been sick more than once this year?  These are signs of a toxic body. Toxins can come from many sources – the foods we eat, the air we breathe, the amount of stress in our lives, smoking or even medications we take.

There are many ways to detoxify ranging from elimination of certain foods, liquid or a juice cleanse, supplements, body wraps, exercise and a complete detoxification program that combines some or all of the above. Detoxification really focuses on redirecting the body’s energy from digestion and on to healing. Ever wonder why you feel so tired after a big meal or one that consist of red meat, sugar and processed foods? Your body can use up to 40% of its energy for digestion leaving you fatigued and unable to concentrate. When you juice or have more whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein, your body naturally digests these easier, using less energy and thus leaving you with more energy to exercise, be more alert or active.

Exercise increases circulation and oxygen flow in your body which replenishes tissues and provides increased energy throughout the day. Exercise also releases endorphins in the brain that fights depression or mood swings. And at the very least exercise that results in sweating releases toxins from your body.

Detoxification with herbal supplements can improve digestion as you expel accumulated waste, parasites and unhealthy bacteria from your body. Organs such as kidneys, liver, and colon are cleansed to help them function optimally, blood and lymph fluids are purified all resulting in a stronger immune system. On a 30-day Detox Program, clients have lowered their cholesterol and sugar levels, lowered their blood pressure, dramatically improve skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, acne and hives, strengthen their immune system and lost weight – all this leads to feeling better than they have in months or years!

Some tips to help detoxify and live healthier:

• Detoxify with a Detox Body Wrap – what makes ours so unique? It focuses on releasing toxins from the body through the use of an herbal cream that your skin absorbs and a wrap that applies light pressure to the lymphatic system.   It is NOT a wrap that encourages sweat or excessive heat; in fact, it is quite relaxing and starts with a body scrub to slough off dead skin which allows the cream to penetrate easier.  Next, you are wrapped and can either rest for 45-60 min. or have a Facial while in the wrap. I highly recommend the facial as it not only passes the time quickly, it leaves you feeling completely rejuvenated.  Your skin looks great, your body feels lighter and tighter and over the next couple of days, as you drink water and flush the toxins out, clients notice inch loss and an overall feeling of wellness begins.  When toxins get trapped between fat cells, cellulite can form.  When you release toxins trapped between fat cells, the cells shrink and thus the inch loss.  Detox Body Wraps are designed to compliment cleanses and internal detoxification programs; however, many clients also have one or a series prior to a bikini bound vacation, wedding, photo shoots, or simply after a weekend of indulgence.
• Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, white flour, refined sugar, dairy, red meat and anything that contains yeast from your diet. Give your body a rest from these toxins and reduce yeast levels in the body as high levels can lead to cravings for sugar and white flour, infection, allergies and fatigue. Eat more whole grains, vegetables and lean protein. You will notice a difference in a matter of days; however, I recommend people commit to 11, 20, or 30 days – give yourself a goal and commit to achieving it, your health is one of your most valuable assets.
• Exercise 4-5 times a week – increase circulation which increases oxygen and energy flow in your body. Exercise will help manage your weight, promote better sleep, and release endorphins that will make you feel good!
• Hydrate, water is critical for energy, cell rejuvenation, and to regulate all our bodily functions especially flushing your lymph system and colon of toxins and waste. A good rule of thumb is to drink 70-90 oz. water/day or half your body weight in ounces (ex. Weight =120lbs, drink 60 oz. of water/day).

Through detoxification you can transform your health and have energy when you want it and restful sleep when you need it. For a free consultation, feel free to email: Sharon@sharonvendle.com

About the contributor

Sharon Vendle is a Holistic Health Practitioner and Founder/Co-Owner of Spa Belle Vie in San Francisco.  She specializes in Detoxification Programs, Detox Body Wraps, Massage Therapy and Skin Care Treatments.  Visit: www.sharonvendle.com for more information.

This tradition comes from an Old English rhyme: Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A sixpence in your Shoe.

The four objects that the bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries with her on the big day are just good luck charms…

Something old represents continuity and can be anything from your fathers old watch, to a piece of your mothers wedding dress, to your grandmothers pearls…

Something new offers optimism for the future and this one is easy because almost everything you wear on your wedding day is new!

Something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness and can be your best friends bracelet, your mothers pearls (that she isn’t ready to give you yet), a beautiful brioche for your hair…

Something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity and your blue can be your shoes, flowers in your bouquet, your panties and so on!

and Sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity (although this remains largely a British custom).

In my years as a wedding photographer, I must say that the “sixpence in your shoe” is much less common than the other traditions, but what I love is the different ways in which brides chose to implement these traditions. Underwear, garter, “I Do” on the bottom of their shoe, jewelry, fabric, hair pieces, veil…you name it.

The fact remains that it’s just a tradition (a fun but not necessary one). I’m constantly telling my couples that there isn’t a rule book for your wedding to follow or not follow; it’s YOUR wedding! So if traditions make you happy then do them… and if you think they’re silly, then by all means don’t. Just remember that at the end of the day, your wedding is about one thing….the love you share with the person you’re marrying. When you focus on that, then I believe that everything else falls into place and works its self out.
Xo,
CJP

With the holidays basically at our door step I figured now was as good a time as any to share some fun tips I’ve learned over the years to help you get the most bang for your buck with your next family portrait.  The way I see it, is if you’re going to take the time and spend the money to have a professional photographer do your family portraits (SEARS doesn’t count! J/K…kinda) then make sure you do your homework before hand so that you love your images for years to come!

I used my good friends the Smiths as examples for a lot of the tips because they do a great job brainstorming, being creative and color coordinating (not matching…very different).  These days there are so many resources out there to help you come up with fun, silly, adorable memories so use them.

Your clothes represent your style and personality so make sure that comes into play when your choosing you and your families outfits.  I don’t recommend “matching” as much as I encourage coordinating (see the image above).  But like I said this is all a personal preference and my goal is to help you create your personal memories…so do what feels right to you!

Wear your favorite color! You want to look like yourself in your photos so let your personality shine through! Slightly darker shades will ensure that the focus is on your face, not on the bright shades in the photos. But be careful of large or bold patterns, they can be distracting, as can text on shirts.

Wear something that flatters the part of your body you love the most. If body conscious, try wearing shirts with sleeves instead of tank tops and tube tops. Avoid clothes that are too tight, show panty lines, etc.

Girls, accentuating your waist with an accent belt or A-line shirt/dress can be very flattering.

You want your pictures to appear timeless, so try not to be too trendy.

Layers can be flattering on both girls and guys.

Wear something you are OK with getting dirty (you never know!)

Makeup looks best when natural, especially when it comes to foundation and bronzer. It’s best to accentuate your eyes and lips with some great eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.

Avoid clothes that look too casual, fraying, tears, etc.

There are so many fun ideas out there but you can’t depend on your photographer to know what they all are so do your research.  You may have heard of this new website called Pinterest?  It’s amazing for helping you brainstorm ideas (it can also get overwhelming so be careful not to over do it!).

Ask your friends for fun ideas (we all have that really creative friend…this is a great time to use them!)

I always encourage parents to let their kids bring the thing they are really into that year because it’s all part of making great memories.  It doesn’t have to be in every picture either, just a few.  Plus it can help be used as great bribery!

I had a stuffed bunny when I was kid and I LOVED her but alas I lost her, and I would love to have a picture of it somewhere.  So whether is a bunny, a truck, a crown or guitar bring it, so you can pull out the picture when your kids bring home their first boyfriend or girlfriend and really embarrass them!

Bring fun props with you, if you’d like. Anything that represents you! I’m always up for any ideas you have to make your session unique!

Props and costumes can be a fun way to break the ice and help get everyone out of the awkward stage of stale smiles and personally I think that fun/funny pictures make the best memories anyways!

Remember this!  Maybe you don’t need to family pictures every year once your kids are in their teens and early twenties, but I totally recommend doing it every couple years…it’s memories people…this is your life flashing before your eyes so make sure that when you’re old a grey you have something to look back at to help you remember how good your life was!

I hope this has been helpful and I really, really, really look forward to helping you make some amazing memories with your family this year…it’s never too late to start!

xo,

CJP

Guest Feature
Elbert Taylor with Farmer’s Insurance

When you first get married, there are so many exciting new experiences to look forward to as a couple. Insurance likely is not on that list. Couples, however, are often able to access better rates and better coverage than either spouse would have individually. Some of the benefits of combining insurance policies include discounts for having multiple policies with the same company and getting the same coverage for less. Here are the most common types of insurance and some of the marital benefits.

1. Car Insurance
You might not think that a 25-year-old single man is any different than when he gets married the next day. In the eyes of insurance underwriters, however, he is a completely new man and a much lower insurance risk once he says “I do.” Married men attract much lower car insurance rates than their single counterparts. Statistically, they get into fewer accidents. When you get married, one of the first telephone calls should be to the insurance agent to obtain a new quote.

If both spouses have vehicles and have insurance policies with different companies, bring them both to one company. Many insurers offer discounts for multiple-car families. Be sure to ask for several quotes, both from your existing insurers and from their competition to get the best price.

2. Life Insurance
Life insurance premiums are also based in part on marital status so renewals may be less expensive after marriage. Your combined income replacement needs may also change. For example, if you each owned a home with a mortgage while you were single, after marriage you may choose to sell one of the houses and pay off that mortgage. That leaves you with less overall debt to pay off if one of you dies. If either of you came into the marriage with minor children, your life insurance needs may also decline as the spouse’s income will help contribute to the financial needs of the kids. When you get married, it is important to sit down with your insurance agent and review both of your policies together. Don’t forget to think about plans with savings benefit for the little ones.

3. Health Insurance
If you and your new spouse both have group health insurance plans at your places of employment, they are likely to be very different in their coverage and their premiums. It is often less expensive to add a spouse to a group health plan than to maintain separate plans. Compare both plans and choose the one that most closely matches your needs. If either you or your spouse is self-employed and the other works for an employer, covering the self-employed spouse under the group plan will usually be less expensive than maintaining an individual plan

4. House Insurance
House insurance consists of both insurance on the structure itself (if you own the home) and insurance on the contents – all of your “stuff.” Contents insurance is needed whether you own or rent. The first way that you and your spouse may save money on house insurance is if you go from two homes down to one. One entire policy goes away. The second reason why it may be less expensive is because it is cheaper to cover your combined contents than it was under separate policies. Let’s say that you have about $200,000 in furniture, clothes, kitchen equipment and everything else that is in your home. The contents portion of your insurance policy may be $300 per year. Your spouse may have $50,000 in contents and is paying $75 per year. Combining the $250,000 in contents into one policy may only cost $325, saving you $50 per year.

The Bottom Line
It may not be the best part of getting married, but saving money on insurance is one of the best financial benefits of matrimony.

Elbert Taylor
Farmers Insurance
386 29th St
San Francisco, CA 94131-2305
License Number: 0E09797
415-285-4800 (Office)
415-285-4801 (Fax)
etaylor1@farmersagent.com
http://www.farmersagent.com/etaylor1

Changing your whole life for the better can seem a bit daunting, so together we’ll take baby steps. Together let’s take a deep breathe…take a moment to reflect and decide to do at least one thing over the next seven days that will make us truly happy, or something that will make someone else happy and lets see how good it feels when we consciously decide to love the life we’re living!

Need a great spa?  

Spa Belle Vie

SharonVendle.com

sharon@sharonvendle.com

Need a great massage?

Julia Schloesser Massage

juliaschloessercmt.com

julia@juliaschloessercmt.com

Need some Acupuncture?

Cicuto Acupuncture

cicutoacupuncture.com

denise@cicutoacupuncture.com

Denise’s feature: http://173.255.253.231/chloejackman.com/public/fab-fridays-acupuncture-in-pregnancy-cicuto-acupuncture/

Need a Life Coach to help you figure out your path?

Gina Zappareillo

http://pathfinder-coaching.com

coachginaz@gmail.com

Gina’s feature: http://173.255.253.231/chloejackman.com/public/fab-friday-4-steps-to-de-stress-pathfinder-coaching-gina-zappariello/

Need a Health & Wellness Guide to help you reach your physical goals?

The Happy Healthy You

TheHappyHealthyYou.com

julie.barro@gmail.com

Julie’s Feature: http://173.255.253.231/chloejackman.com/public/fab-fridays-how-to-stay-cool-calm-collected-while-planning-your-wedding-by-julie-barro/ 

P.S.