Get informed about what to expect from today’s market
Local Happenings
Discover exciting local events going on in our community
Home Improvement
Tips on how to maintain one of your most valuable assets
THANK
YOU...
Every home closed represents me being invited into your life to help partner with you in your homeownership journey. Whether it’s helping you downsize, upsize, right size or transition into another phase of life, I am grateful that I’m invited on your journey.
– Avina Celeste
There is something about when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve that puts a little glimmer of magic and hope in facing the new year. Whether it be a clean slate, new beginnings or moving on from your past, we can approach the new year with excitement for what is to come!
With the new year, I am starting this new publication to bring you market data, spotlight local small businesses, celebrate giving back to the community and share fun activities throughout the Bay Area. We live in a special place with natural beauty and so many cool things to do – why not celebrate Live. Love. Local!?
Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy 2023! Cheers!
ALANA CORSO VP Experience, San Carlos & Burlingame Broker Associate
650.504.0270
Alana@AlanaCorso.com AlanaCorso.com
662 Laurel Street, Suite A, San Carlos, CA 94070
DRE: 01914996
We are real estate that
GIVES BACK
I truly believe in giving back to the community in which I live and work and I am excited to share the Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation. I am honored to support this program!
1% For Good Overview
Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation believes in giving back to the places we live and love. We believe by investing with local partners and organizations who are working to create positive change, together we can change the world.
This model is based on agent-inspired giving. Christie’s Sereno agents choose to participate in the Sereno 1% For Good initiative for each and every transaction. When an agent contributes, 1% of the gross commission is pledged to Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation.
Christie’s Sereno has provided over $5 million in funding to more than 400 local organizations. We believe better companies make better communities. Below are the organizations the mid-peninsula supported in 2022.
Healthy Cities Tutoring helps kids who struggle to succeed in school.
Community volunteers provide oneon-one tutoring and mentoring for children to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning and self-esteem
Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) provides safety, support and healing for individuals who experience abuse in an intimate relationship and educates the community to break the cycle.
Fit Kids provides structured physical fitness activities to underserved youth in our communities. The organization now impacts more than 20,000 elementary school age children through more than 100 sites.
San Carlos Education Foundation
PLATINUM SPONSOR
As a San Carlos resident and mom to 3 children that have attended the amazing public schools here, I am proud of my longstanding commitment to the San Carlos Education Foundation. I have been a Board Member since 2016 and a financial supporter since my oldest started in the district in 2009. My office is now the exclusive Real Estate Sponsor with a financial commitment this year of $25,000 to benefit every child, every day in every classroom.
UPDATE Market
2022 in Review
The past year in real estate was one for the record books. From January thru May, it was like being in Fast & Furious… non-stop. Inventory was low, interest rates really low and houses selling no matter the condition at record prices. Enter the Fed and several interest rate hikes to cool inflation which in turn increased mortgage rates and put the brakes on Fast & Furious. Mortgage rates went from the 2 to 4% range to the 5 to 7% range ... essentially doubling mortgage payments. Higher mortgage payments = less affordability and prices softened which is what we saw in May forward. For added complexity, you layer on a lower, volatile stock market which impacts many of our Bay Area employees since a large portion of compensation can be in equity awards/RSUs. Pile on the complexity of geo-political unrest with the Ukraine-Russia war & raging inflation. Gas really hit $7/gallon in Menlo Park. Every economic presentation I have participated in the second half of 2022 (and for context I watch many since I am a data junkie) emphatically says we are not in a recession… yet.
Looking forward in 2023
The good news with mortgage rates is they have tempered a bit and are now in the 4 to 5%+ range. The past decade has been defined as a seller’s market and we now have turned the tides to become a more balanced market. One might even venture to say it’s the market that buyers have been waiting for. We have the return of deeper negotiations, seller concessions and houses being on the market longer than 7 days.
As a buyer you might actually be able to tour a home more than once (imagine that buyers from 2020 thru early 2022!) before placing an offer or even put a contingency in place (gasp!). Those same economists who said we aren’t in a recession yet, did say that the general economic climate is too strong for the recession to be long or deep… so while we can anticipate a recession in 2023, it is expected to be short & shallow.
What does this all mean for real estate? We live in an area where demand typically outpaces supply; we simply aren’t building enough housing stock in the Bay Area to match needs and the only vacant land left to build upon in the midpeninsula is typically very hilly/expensive to build upon. While several employers have laid off employees and will continue to do so in a recession, we also have growth occurring right around us. In San Carlos alone over 5 million square feet of life science lab + office space is under construction. With major research universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley and UCSF in the Bay Area and the largest tech companies also based here, we will continue to have our own micro economy that weathers recessions a bit better than other parts of the country.
I anticipate real estate prices to stay fairly stable as we already have 10-20% declines from the early 2022 highs and when you really drill down to the current pricing, it is still very strong historically and has easily doubled since 2010. Lending guidelines since the financial crisis 2008-2010 are extremely stringent, so we won’t have the flurry of short sales and foreclosures. There might be some people that have to sell if their Adjustable Rate Mortgage resets and pushes them to a payment they no longer can afford but I don’t foresee that as the norm. Many homeowners refinanced into 30 year fixed rates when rates dropped considerably.
Homes that are well prepared for the market and priced appropriately will continue to fetch interest and there are many buyers that want to make the Bay Area their home. Real estate is very personal and your own finances, needs, and time-horizon matter the most. Timing the market is nearly impossible… to be able to sell at the top or buy at the bottom sounds perfect but is rarely executable. I can make a plan with you for your best outcome.
$1,250,000
$1,000,000
“Homes that are well prepared for the market and priced appropriately will continue to fetch interest and there are many buyers that want to make the Bay Area their home.”
$750,000
$2,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
SMALL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
Jessica Rowe
ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
“It is important to plan before it is too late, we never know what the future holds.”
– Jessica Rowe, Attorney
(650) 368-4662 ext 114 | jrowe@arcr.com
Check out this video that Jessica and I did to discuss the importance of estate planning
PROP 19 SEMINAR INVITE DETAILS
Sunday, Jan 22, 2023 4:00 to 5:00PM 662 Laurel Street, Suite A, San Carlos, CA
Please join local estate planning attorney, Jessica Rowe, and Alana Corso to learn more about Proposition 19. It can be confusing to understand the pros and cons of Proposition 19 and how it can impact you and your family.
Prop 19 Impacts:
• Children/Grandchildren who inherited property
• Property owners age 55+
• Severely Disabled
• Victims of Wildfires or Natural Disasters
ATTEND OUR EVENT TO LEARN MORE!
SHOPS
Harvest
https://shopharvest.com/ 1445 Veterans Boulevard, Redwood City, CA 94063
Home Decor
Redwood Grill
https://www.rwgrill.com/ 356 Woodside Plz, Redwood City, CA 94061
Airy, rustic-industrial stop serving comfort-food staples such as burgers, plus craft beer & wine.
Laurel Street Arts
https://www.laurelstreetarts.com/ 733 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
Laurel Street Arts is a locally-owned, full-service, crafts studio specializing in pottery painting, mosaics, and glass fusing.
Roma
https://romamenlopark.com/ 820 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
The perfect combination of truly authentic, delicious food, a friendly staff and the warm ambiance that will make you feel at home.
Johnson’s SALTBOX
http://johnstonsaltbox.com/ 1696 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070
Vibrant from-scratch eatery offering seasonal New American fare, weekend brunch & patio seating.
Sultana
https://www.thesultana.net/ 1149 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Family-owned spot offering a Turkishoriented Mediterranean menu in a simple space with a patio.
LOCAL EVENTS
FAMILY
Summer Camp Fair
Saturday, January 28, 2023 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Burton Park - 900 Chestnut Street, San Carlos
Check out all the fun camps that will be offered this summer! Representatives from enrichment and sports camps will be present to answer questions and provide information. Free games and activities for youth. All attendees will be entered into a raffle for a free week of camp!
Science Fun Fest
Saturday, March 25, 2023
10:00AM - 1:00PM
Sandpiper Community Center 797 Redwood Shores Pkwy, Redwood City, CA 94065
Come explore some hands-on science activities geared towards preschool aged children. From chemistry to geology and paleontology and everything in between! Please Pre-register
CuriOdyssey’s IlluminOdyssey
Now – January 16, 2023
1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
Electrify your child’s imagination at CuriOdyssey’s IlluminOdyssey, a dazzling winter light experience for kids. Four levels of walls, floors and ceiling come alive with radiant, moving color. Carry a colorful lantern with you as you explore a world of luminescent wonder. Venture through a gleaming jungle of soft sculptures and under an illuminated canopy of fiber optic strands.
Glow: Discover the Art of Light at The Exploratorium
Now – January 29, 2023
The Exploratorium Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Turn up the radiance this winter! Six artists illuminate Pier 15 with light sculptures big and small, inviting you to connect and get inspired in their glow.
Family Paint Party
Monday, January 16, 2023, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Toco Bravo & Cantina605 Macara Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94508
Grab the kids and unleash your inner artist at the Original Paint Nite. You’ll all go from a blank canvas to a masterpiece of your own, with plenty of laughs along the way. Please Note: This event is for children ages 6 and up | Each child must be accompanied by an adult | Every attendee (child and adult) need a ticket
WELLNESS
Crystal Springs Winter Trail Run
Sunday, January 15, 2023 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Huddart Park - 1100 Kings Mountain Rd, Woodside, CA
Experience the towering redwoods, lush ferns, and beautiful trails through Huddart Park, King’s Mountain, Bear Gulch, and Wunderlich Park.
Balance Retreat at Park James Hotel
Saturday, Jan 21, 2023 9:30 AM –
Sunday, Jan 22, 2023 1:00 PM
Park James Hotel - 1400 El Camino Real Menlo Park, CA 94025
Get ready to start the new year feeling balanced and energized! Hosted by barre3 Menlo Park owner Meghan Van Metre and located at the stunning Park James Hotel, this two day wellness retreat will help you rediscover balance within the mind, body, and spirit.
Free beginner Samba Class
(Registration required)
Saturday, January 14, 2023, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Wild & the Barre - 2504 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94061
All ages, Live drummers, Demo by Isabel, Brazilian activewear, Lots more! Courses start on January 19, 2023. Special discount for those that sign up for a course during the free class! Bring a friend, let’s have fun!
Aquapole Tabata
Mondays 11AM - 12PM (Ongoing)
La Petite Baleen Swim Schools 60 Fifth Avenue Redwood City, CA 94063
This 45 minute class includes warm up, multi-level fitness blocks using equipment, and a cool down stretch. This class follows a Tabata Format!
CULTURE
2023 Millbrae
Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 10:00 AM
300 Broadway, Millbrae
Free
Over 30+ Food and 50+ Arts/Crafts/Merchandise vendors and local businesses will be joining us to bring the most culture fusion experience to you!
Illuminate SF Festival of Lights
San Francisco
This urban lights festival is in its 10th year and offers 62 eco-friendly displays in 17 neighborhoods, all accessible by public transportation within San Francisco’s 49 square miles. Take the free guided tour to learn more about the artists that have brought these installations to life.
Annie
January 10-15, 2023
Center for Performing Arts, San Jose255 S Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113
Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the bestloved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
ALANA’S 5 TIPS FOR SPRING: Spring Home Improvement Tips
Declutter
Purge Your Drawers
• Samaritan House - Donate clothes
• Buy Nothing on Facebook
• Recology Bulky Item Pick-up (2x a year - Schedule online)
Professionally clean windows & skylights
Window cleaning companies will start to book up soon!
Change Your Filters
• HVAC Filter
• Refrigerator Ice/water Filter
• Vacuum Filter
• Tankless Water Heater Filter
Your Rugs &
Bailey Rug Company (Recently merged with Simonian Rug ServicesSan Mateo (Drop off Rugs) Scan the QR code to watch Alana’s Spring cleaning tips! (Ep. 54)
INTRODUCING FREEMODEL
I am excited to share with you one of my preferred partners for listing preparation services, Freemodel. Sell your home for more. Renovate your house fast. Pay nothing until you sell.
Get the Best Price
Move-In-ready homes command top dollar, and strategic renovations will show your home in its best light. With your approval, we’ll bring in a dedicated remodel team to fully design, manage and fund your renovation.They’ll show you how much more you could make via high-quality (yet affordable) upgrades proven to attract buyers.
One Stop Shop
Our remodel team can deliver everything from cosmetic upgrades--such as Painting, flooring and landscaping – to full remodels. including a new kitchen. new bathrooms, and new outdoor spaces. They’ll manage the entire process from design to execution, because you have other things to think about during this busy time.
No Out-of- Pocket Costs
You’ll receive a detailed, fixed bid proposal from the team so you will know exactly what’s included in the project and at what price. Best of all, our remodelteam handles all contractor payments up front, so you don’t pay a penny for renovations until close of escrow.
Easy to Qualify
To qualify, you only need to have sufficient home equity and a signed listing agreement with me.
“Alana is absolutely amazing! Of all the professionals we have ever worked with in any industry, Alana has got to be the best. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but I just can’t imagine having had a better experience or having worked with someone who is more personable and thoughtful and detail oriented and knowledgeable regarding the local market.”
– Margaret & Lance, San Mateo
Alana Corso Your Trusted Real Estate Partner Live simply. Dream big. Be grateful. Give love.
