Ms. San Francisco Real Estate (Janice Lee)

The lack of “real” fall color may be a drag in California, but our great year-round weather more than makes up for it. Especially at Thanksgiving, when many others across the country are digging the snow off their front walk so people won’t slip when arriving for dinner while we’re donning flip-flops and sunglasses while setting the outdoor table. Yes…the outdoor table. What better way to showcase our love for the traditions and togetherness of Thanksgiving than by enjoying it outdoors. If you’re planning on hosting the holiday out in the California sunshine this year, here are a few tips to follow. Prepare ahead of time That means ordering any tables and chairs, linens, and dishware in plenty of time so you don’t have to call around to find what you need. And don’t forget to order your turkey early, too, especially if you need a specially ordered bird, like something kosher. And, it means securing a housecleaner, not just to tidy up your house before the big day, but also to get you...

Buying or selling a home is often the largest, most complicated financial transaction any of us will ever make. A real estate agent can be an invaluable resource in this process and can potentially make or break your home buying or selling experience. But how do you find the right person? What qualities should you look for when selecting a real estate professional? Here is a suggested list of important qualities that your real estate professional should possess before you work with them to buy or sell a home: Readily available. Real estate is not a 9-5 business. You don’t want to lose out on a purchase or sale because your agent wasn’t immediately available. Great real estate agents are extremely responsive and available 24×7 if necessary. You need someone who is comfortable with the level of communication that you want and need. That individual should be able to provide prompt replies via phone, text, or email, even after “normal” business hours. You may also want to conside...

A teardown and new construction could leave you happier with your home — and a bit more flush! Renovating your home could be just the thing you need to make it truly yours. But be careful: This decision could lead you down a never-ending (and stealthily expensive) home improvement rabbit hole. Once you’ve turned your kitchen from drab to fab, for example, your family room now seems out of place, the living room looks dated, and so on. In many cases, tearing down an old home is more affordable than a top-to-bottom remodel , with or without an addition. But not always. It really depends on the home, your location, and your situation. Here are five factors to consider when weighing your options, plus advice on how to make this costly financial decision. 1. Does your older home have a lot of character? Solid-core doors, marble windowsills, crown molding, pocket doors, arched doorways — who could get rid of these features? “Some older houses are made with higher-quality wood and ...

A teardown and new construction could leave you happier with your home — and a bit more flush! Renovating your home could be just the thing you need to make it truly yours. But be careful: This decision could lead you down a never-ending (and stealthily expensive) home improvement rabbit hole. Once you’ve turned your kitchen from drab to fab, for example, your family room now seems out of place, the living room looks dated, and so on. In many cases, tearing down an old home is more affordable than a top-to-bottom remodel , with or without an addition. But not always. It really depends on the home, your location, and your situation. Here are five factors to consider when weighing your options, plus advice on how to make this costly financial decision. 1. Does your older home have a lot of character? Solid-core doors, marble windowsills, crown molding, pocket doors, arched doorways — who could get rid of these features? “Some older houses are made with higher-quality wood and h...