Gema Smith's Blog

Posted on 05/05/2025
The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked
Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock. But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home? Unless your...
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Posted on 05/05/2025
Home Equity Could Be the Bridge to Your Next Chapter
Some Highlights Thanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity. Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a smaller house in cash. If you want to...
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Posted on 05/04/2025
Summer's Over: Ways to Maintain Your Home's Exterior After Summer
As the relaxing days of backyard barbecues turn to thoughts of school and work mentality, your home needs to prepare for the change of seasons. Summer fun, sun and nature have a significant effect on a home’s exterior. Although end-of-summer maintenance items are not necessarily as labor intensive as many spring tasks, these are strategies that can reduce...
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Posted on 04/28/2025
Take Advantage of the Perfect Spring Market to Sell Your Home
If you've been thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve probably heard that the best time to list was sometime in April. Some reports highlighted a particular week in mid-April as the ideal window for sellers. But if you missed that period, don’t worry—you haven’t lost your opportunity. Here’s why: that’s just one study’s finding. Different organizations...
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Posted on 04/28/2025
Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?
At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.” That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know...
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Posted on 04/28/2025
What’s Your House Worth Now The Answer May Surprise You
Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home? Think about it. For most...
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Posted on 04/27/2025
What is loss of use coverage?
Loss of use coverage is part of every standard homeowners...
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Posted on 04/21/2025
The #1 Thing Sellers Need to Understand About Pricing Their Home
When you list your home, it’s only natural to want it to sell quickly and at the highest possible price. That’s the ideal outcome for most sellers. But in today’s housing market, many homeowners are setting their asking prices too high — without realizing how much the market has shifted. As more homes become available, competition increases. And...
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Posted on 04/21/2025
Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer. The best time to get serious about buying is...
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Posted on 04/21/2025
Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House
According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why. That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places...
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Posted on 04/20/2025
Home Staging: How and Why to Find a Home Staging Professional
There are plenty of things you can do to potentially boost the profits of your home sale, such as tackling repairs and renovations. One thing you may also want to consider is hiring a professional to stage your home. What is Professional Staging? When a home is staged, a professional comes in and decorates/furnishes the home to make...
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Posted on 05/07/2025
20578 3rd St, Saratoga, CA 95070 is now new to the market!
Listed by Compass - DRE# 01128805
Nestled in the heart of The Village in downtown Saratoga, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom split-level home offers a unique blend of semi-rural serenity and vibrant city access. Mature trees provide natural privacy, all while being just steps from Saratoga award-winning schools, Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, and year-round community events. The thoughtfully designed layout includes one bedroom and a full bathroom on the lower level with its own separate entrance perfect for guests, in-laws, or a private office space. Upstairs, you will find two spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom, thoughtfully...
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