Why I Love Real Estate: On 1031 Exchanges

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Eleven years ago I left my high tech marketing job for the world of real estate.  The huge difference in careers for me is the personal connection I can make with my clients and how I have a immediate tangible feedback of how I make a difference in their lives.  Here are some really nice words written by a client of mine who hired me to help them with some of their real estate investments.  It is so nice to be appreciated.  Thanks Diane.  XOXO.

We wanted to sell our single-family home investment property in Cupertino and purchase a multi-residential building on the Peninsula.  I had known Connie through volunteering at our children’s school.    Thinking she would be as diligent in real estate as she was in her volunteering, we hired Connie.  She exceeded our expectations.  We were worried how the market would react to our Cupertino home as it was on a busy street.  Connie led the efforts to make sensible updates to the home prior to putting it on the market and did a fantastic job in the contract negotiations.  We ended up getting multiple offers and selling the home for more than we expected.  On the buy side, Connie sent a mailer to all apartment building owners whose property fit our criteria.  When we found the apartment building we wanted, we felt that she looked out for us, making sure all the information we needed to make a purchase decision was there before we committed, and we got the building for under asking price.  She managed the 1031 Exchange coordinating with the exchange and title companies without a glitch.  We were very pleased with Connie’s service.  We’ve been recommending Connie to everyone who has mentioned selling/buying, including our neighbors, who recently said they were thinking about talking to a few realtors to see what they might get for their house, and the next thing we knew the new owner is moving in, and we’re pretty sure our (former) neighbors never talked to another Realtor after they met Connie!  If you’re thinking of selling/buying, just take a few minutes to talk to Connie and you’ll be convinced that she can represent you brilliantly.    Diane and Harold Wachs – Los Altos Hills

What is MDA/MFA with respect to Los Altos Hills real estate?

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Understanding the constraints of remodeling and new construction in Los Altos Hills should be considered before you buy a house in Los Altos Hills.  The Town relies extensively on calculations commonly known as MDA and MFA in determining the maximum size house you can build and also how much impermeable space (hard scape) you can have on your property. 

Controlling the MDA, or maximum development area lets the town protect the hillsides against too much run off and erosion and also helps to retain the rural natural setting for which the town is revered.  Typical MDA for the standard one acre lot is 7,500 square foot.  This varies depending upon the slop of the lot and other factors.  Items that are included in MDA include concrete walk ways, paved driveways, tennis courts, pools and patios.   You can get an allowance for more MDA by using pavers that have holes in them through which grass can grow or gravel or other means. 

MFA stands for maximum floor area ratio.   Like MDA, MFA can be pretty complicated.  Floor area, as per the official town document, “shall be defined as the gross horizontal area of the several floors of all buildings, including garage and carport spaces, measured to the outside of exterior walls.”  Basements, if they fit the town definition of basements , are not included.  Typical MFA on a standard acre lot is 5,000SF.  This can be complicated and usually requires a survey to determine the exact MDA and MFA. 

It is best to reference the town documents and work with a planner to be certain of your constraints.  For more information see the Town’s worksheet and info at http://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/doc-browse/doc_details/144-mfa-mda-worksheets

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