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July Newsletter Hot of the Presses

We have a monthly newsletter that we are no longer printing and snail mailing. It’s all electronic, all the time. Here’s our July issue that we hope you enjoy.

http://teampatereau.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/over-the-fence-july-2013.pdf

Which Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Turn in Summer?

The Cool Way!

Make sure your ceiling fans rotate in the correct direction to cool you in summer.

We’re having a heat wave; so make sure your ceiling fans are spinning in the right direction to move air around the room.

Most fans are reversible: One direction pushes air down, creating a nice summer breeze; the other direction sucks air up, helping you distribute heat in winter. There's normally a switch on the motor to change the fan's direction.

Is your fan turning in the right direction for summer?

Stand beneath the running fan, and if you feel a cooling breeze, it’s turning correctly. If not, change directions, usually by flicking a switch on the fan’s base. Typically, it's counterclockwise or left for summer and clockwise for winter, but the best method is to follow the steps above.

Funny note: We read on Yahoo! that one clever person used bubbles to see which direction his fan was blowing.

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon for HouseLogic

It's hot this week-end. Want Summer comfort but hate the AC? Maybe, like many homes in this area, you don't have AC in your house. Follow these tips, and you’ll keep your house cool without frosty air conditioning.

Block that Sun!
When sunlight enters your house, it turns into heat. You’ll keep your house cooler if you reduce solar heat gain by keeping sunlight out.

Close the drapes: Line them with light-colored fabric that reflects the sun, and close them during the hottest part of the day. Let them pillow onto the floor to block air movement.

Add awnings: Install them on south- and west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%, says the U.S. Department of Energy. Make your own by tacking up sheets outside your windows and draping the ends over a railing or lawn chair.

Calling All Local Youth Artists

Here’s an APPLICATION

 

5 Reasons Selling A Home Now Makes Sense

Many California homeowners are currently waiting to put their home on the market. The thought process usually involves traditional thinking that everything always looks best when the grass is green and flowers are in bloom. A home will surely be easier to sell if that is the case.

This is true, but your competition will also be using the same logic. Every year people wait until Spring to put their homes on the market. All at once there will be an influx hitting the MLS. In Gilroy there are compelling reasons why now is the time to get your home ready sooner rather than later. Here are five reasons why you should list your Gilroy home for sale now:

1. Home Inventory at Record Lows - The inventory of homes for sale in the area have dropped substantially over the last six months. The number of homes for sale in most communities has fallen to lows we have not seen for many years. When home inventory levels drop home prices tend to rise, and that has certainly been the case in Gilroy. This becomes even more prevalent in a popular neighborhood where buyer competition is high. Many times there are bidding wars. We have already started to see this trend on homes hitting the market now.
2. Demand is Up - Contrary to what some people may think there are lots of buyers out in the market place right now looking for a home to buy, and having their financing all lined up and ready to place. Some are first time buyers who are looking for a place to build some equity. There are others who see an opportunity to move up in the market as home prices have dropped substantially since the market peak in 2005.
3. Renting vs. Buying - The cost of renting versus buying a home has become the same and in some cases it is actually less expensive to buy a home. Rents in many areas have steadily increased over the last five years while home prices have dropped. If you factor in the potential benefits of building equity and some tax breaks with home ownership, you can see why it makes sense.
4. Interest Rates Going Up - Interest rates are at record lows at the moment and most economists predict they won’t stay that way for too much longer. While interest rates are not predicted to move up dramatically, every time they inch up a half a point they can knock out a percentage of first time home buyers out of the market. The first time buyers fuel the rest of the market like dominoes.
5. New Construction Coming Back - Builders are starting to get back into the fray. When builders are actively building homes it becomes harder for some who are selling their used homes to compete. There are many that will jump at the chance to have a shiny new home with all the bells and whistles customized to their specific needs.

Bonus Reason to List Now - If you’re one of the many homeowners who are hanging on with a negative ownership position, where you owe more than your property is currently worth, and don’t know where to turn, this is your best opportunity to move on. Short sales are being negotiated with lenders in far shorter timeframes than in the past, and lenders are recognizing that action needs to be taken. If you have exhausted all your options and your finances are drained, it’s time to move on.
In summary, if there are no time constraints on your part you should consider moving up your timeframe for putting your home up for sale. Our Gilroy market is extremely hot. Morgan Hill is the same, and Hollister is very close behind. Get ahead of the Summer competition and list your home for sale today. Contact Team Patereau to talk about the right price and the right time to sell your home. 

Week-End Entertainment in Gilroy

Here’s some help for you if you’re looking for something to do this week-end. All of these events can be enjoyed rain or shine – and from what we hear it’s probably going to be rain.

Events for March 1st – 2nd
SVCT’s Big: The Musical


Pintello Comedy Theater presents, “Sylvia”




Bottle Your Own at Martin Ranch Winery
Mar 2 – 3




Kids Discover Arts
Mar 2



Out of Character, The Costume as Art
Mar 2

 

5 Reasons Selling A Home Now Makes Sense

Many home owners are currently waiting until Spring to put their home on the market. Their thinking goes along the lines that everything always looks best when the grass is green and flowers are in bloom. A home will surely be easier to sell if that is the case.

Every year many homeowners wait until Spring to list their home. Here in Gilroy, Spring comes earlier than other areas. With the rains that have greened up our hillsides, now is the time to get your home listed. Here are 5 reasons you should list your home for sale NOW!

Home Inventory at Record Lows
The inventory of homes for sale throughout California have dropped substantially over the last six months. The number of homes for sale in most communities has fallen to lows we have not seen for many years. When home inventory levels drop, home prices tend to rise. This will become even more prevalent in a more desirable neighborhood where buyer competition is normally high. There are more than likely going to be bidding wars on every home listed.

Demand is Up
Contrary to what some people may think there are lots of buyers out in the market place right now looking for a home. Some are first time buyers who are looking for a place to build some equity. There are others who see an opportunity to “move up” in the market as home prices have dropped substantially since the market peak in 2005.

Renting vs. Buying
In this area, the monthly payments on a purchased home are very close to the same as renting when tax benefits are considered. Rents here have steadily increased while home prices have dropped. Home ownership makes complete sense if a down payment can be attained.

Interest Rates Going Up
Interest rates have begun to inch up from their historic lows, and predictions are that they will continue the slow upward movement.

New Construction Coming Back
In Gilroy builders are starting to get back into the fray. When builders are actively building homes it becomes harder for some who are selling their used homes to compete. There are many that will jump at the chance to have a shiny new home with all the bells and whistles customized to their specific needs. When new construction is limited, previously owned homes are all that there is for buyers to consider.

As you can see, if there are no time constraints on your part you should consider moving up your time frame for putting your home up for sale. All the conditions are optimum for sellers to get the most they possibly can from a March sale. As always, Team Patereau would like the opportunity to discuss listing your home. We will help you every step of the way. Contact us today!

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Today! Yes, it’s time to do a Random Act of Kindness. Start with one today and see what happens. You might feel so good that you’ll do another. Maybe. Maybe just one is all that’s in you, but that one will make a difference. Maybe you’ll feel so good you’ll decide to do another. Maybe.

 

Where to Get Pancakes in Gilroy on National Pancake Day

It’s National Pancake Day – February 5th. This is a designation heavily promoted by IHOP (International House of Pancakes). Great! We don’t have an IHOP in Gilroy. What to do? Let’s have pancakes anyway. Here are a few places we know about that serve pancakes right here in Gilroy. Enjoy some pancakes today.

OD’s Kitchen — 28 Martin Street

 

 

 

Longhouse Restaurant — 8195 Monterey

 

 

 

Denny’s — 8425 San Ysidro Ave.

 

 

 

Mimi’s Café — 6935 Camino Arroyo

Thank a Gilroy Mail Carrier Today!

Today, February 4th, is Thank-A-Mail-Carrier Day. Put a little note in your mailbox addressed to your mail carrier thanking them for their 6-day-a-week dedication to delivering your mail.

Local Happenings

There’s always something going on. Here’s this week’s events in Gilroy:

Monday – observation of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday

Tuesday – Noon Rotary program is “Today’s Real Estate Market” with presenters Susan & Rick Patereau of Team Patereau, Rich Freedman of Intero Real Estate, and Rich Mackie of Coldwell Banker. South County Sunrise Rotary is dark for their morning meeting and having a New Member Social on Tuesday evening.

Wednesday – Gilroy Chamber of Commerce’s Networking Café features new Mayor Don Gage speaking about Gilroy and its future. The lunch will be held at Old City Hall, upstairs.

Thursday – Battle of the Bands at 9 Lives Club. Asterion, Zombie Pool Party, and others, 8 pm
Friday – Gilroy High School Senior Dinner Dance starts at 7 pm. Jr. Diaz DJ Dance Party at Old City Hall, 8 pm

Saturday – The Farm Stand at Gilroy Demonstration Garden will be open from 10 to 1.
Now it’s your turn. What are the big events in your life, and in your area this week? Let us know in the comments.

9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

Here are a few surprising and simple ways to cut your energy bills this season that we found at HouseLogic.com.

1. Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.
2. Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.
3. Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.
4. Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.
5. Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.
6. Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.
7. Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.
8. Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.
9. Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.

Local News Monday

Here’s what’s happening in and around Gilroy for Team Patereau this week as we all gear up for the coming holidays.

Old City Hall is open again. In case you haven’t heard, the Station 55 crew including Fran and Bobby Beaudet have opened a restaurant there. The offerings are “California Coastal Cuisine” and they are open for lunch and dinner. Team Patereau is going to try to get over there this week. We may squeeze in a lunch, but for sure we’ll stop in on Thursday (date night!).

Holiday shopping discounts and bargains are everywhere. Team Patereau is going to get started on our shopping this week. We try to keep our holiday festivities to about two weeks. That way we are able to keep up our energy and enthusiasm for a wonderful time of year. House is decorated inside and out, with the exception of the tree. That doesn’t go up until next week.


Speaking of festivities, Susan’s family is scheduled to arrive on Friday, for a fun-filled pre-holiday week-end. The Murphey Sisters are gathering and have plans for taking in the lights at Gilroy Gardens on Saturday night, and shopping at the outlets every chance we get.

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