Gema Smith's Blog

Posted on 06/02/2025
Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You...
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Posted on 06/02/2025
The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market
A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door. But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer....
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Posted on 06/01/2025
The basics of building a deck: What material to use
Among the basics of building a deck is deciding what...
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Posted on 05/27/2025
Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Read This First.
If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). If you remember the crash in 2008, this...
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Posted on 05/27/2025
You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life. Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s...
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Posted on 05/25/2025
Homeowners insurance requirements for veterans: Key info to know
While VA loans come with numerous benefits, they share many of the same requirements as conventional loans. For veterans seeking a VA loan to purchase a home, it's often required to purchase a homeowners insurance policy. Here is the basic info about homeowners insurance requirements: Is homeowners insurance required for a VA loan? Just like most conventional mortgages,...
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Posted on 05/22/2025
Retire with Confidence: Financial Tips for Seniors
Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of your lifelong efforts—not a time for financial stress or uncertainty. Whether you're newly retired or planning ahead, having a solid financial strategy in place is key to enjoying a comfortable and secure retirement. Here are essential financial tips to help seniors retire with confidence: 1. Reevaluate Your Budget...
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Posted on 05/22/2025
Wellness After 60: A Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Turning 60 marks a meaningful milestone—one that comes with wisdom, life experience, and, ideally, a renewed focus on wellness. Contrary to old stereotypes, life after 60 is not about slowing down; it's about stepping into a new season with purpose, energy, and joy. Wellness after 60 means more than just managing health conditions—it’s about thriving in every area...
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Posted on 05/22/2025
Aging in Motion: Embracing Life Through Every Stage
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about shifting perspective. It’s about honoring the past, embracing the present, and opening the door to a future still full of potential. In today’s dynamic world, older adults are redefining what it means to age, proving that vitality, purpose, and joy don’t fade with time—they evolve. Past Memories: The Foundation of Who We...
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Posted on 05/22/2025
Retirement Housing: Should You Stay, Sell, or Downsize?
As retirement approaches, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is what to do with your home. It’s not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about lifestyle, financial security, health, and peace of mind. Should you stay in your current home, sell and relocate, or downsize to something more manageable? Each option comes with its own pros and...
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Posted on 05/19/2025
Second Half of 2025: Will the Real Estate Market Shift Again?
Some Highlights • Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you. • Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate. • Want...
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Posted on 05/31/2025
20578 3rd St, Saratoga, CA 95070 now has a new price of $2,095,000!
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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