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Kathy Rain

41st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

It’s another beautiful fall in Half Moon Bay and that means it’s time for the Annual Pumpkin Festival! The 41st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival will be held on Main Street between Miramontes and Monte Vista Streets in Half Moon Bay.

Held in the Pumpkin Capital of the World, the festival includes pumpkin carving and pie-eating contests, a Halloween costume contest, haunted house, Great Pumpkin Parade, giant weigh-off champion pumpkins, homestyle foods, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, and three stages of blockbuster entertainment.  The festival is presented by the non-profit Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee.

If you are a fan of arts and crafts you will love this event! Here you can purchase one of a kind unique works of art directly from its creator. Over 250 artists and craftspeople from throughout the West will display their creations in the beautiful autumnal atmosphere of the San Mateo coast.  This world-famous festival showcasing works in media ranging from wood, stone and metal to clay, leather and textiles features everything from masks and moccasins to mobiles and musical instruments

This great family friendly event in our community is on October 15th and 16th from 9am-5pm! Admission is free.  Hope to see you there!

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Tips For Buying In Pacifica

If you are looking to buy a home in Pacifica, then you have found the perfect real estate team! 

 As San Mateo Coastal Realtors for many years, we’ve come to know each of these towns very well and feel that they each have unique characteristics that would draw home buyers to them.  

Love the outdoors?  Pacifica may be just the place for you!  There are many hiking trails that wind through forested canyons and along the coast where you can enjoy ocean views.  Pacifica has a rich history and well-loved community spirit that welcomes newcomers in with open arms.  So, how do you know if a Pacifica home is right for you?  Here are four great ways to determine your next move!

1.  Location, Location, Location- You’ve heard it many times, but the location of your home plays a large role in your quality of life.  Is the Pacifica home you’re hoping to buy close enough to your work place or, if not, are you willing to deal with the commute?  Another good factor to look at is the school system.  Even if you don’t have children, a good school system can come into play when reselling your home.  Luckily, Pacifica is home to many great schools!

2.  Home Features- Come up with a list of important features you are looking for in your Pacifica home.  Of course the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is almost always first on the list, but take into consideration storage space, room for pets, a growing family or need for guest space, and the amount of potential projects versus the home being in move-in condition.

3.  Ask Questions- It’s exciting to take tours through beautiful Pacifica homes, but make sure you are aware of the pros and cons.  Feel free to ask your Pacifica Realtor any questions openly.   A few good questions would be:  How much are property taxes?  Which appliances are included and how old are they?  Have there been any major repairs to the home and, if so, when were they completed?

4.  Scrutinize- Look at the home from an objective perspective.  It may be easy to get swept away by the stunning Pacifica views or a few key features, but don’t be afraid to do a thorough inspection of the home.  Look in closets and cabinets, take note of the window casings,  examine walls and ceilings to note any damage, etc…  You’ll feel better making an offer on a home that you feel meets your standards.

We hope these home buying tips are helpful to you.   We would love to help you in your home search as our goal is to make the home buying process as stress free as possible!  Contact us today to learn more about our team and our ability to help you find your dream home on the beautiful San Mateo Coast!

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Last Food Truck Event at San Mateo Event Center for the Season!

 Make plans on October 7th from 5pm-9pm at San Mateo County Event Center for the last food truck event for the season!

General Parking is $10.00 (cash only) at 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA 99403. First 250 cars get FREE PARKING!

Go green and save some green! Ride your bike or take public transit! You can walk or ride in off Delaware Street at the West Entrance. 

San Mateo residents won’t get a chance to attend these events until next season so come out this Friday and come hungry!

/kh