Home sales were on the rise in January.

Existing Homes Sales hit 10-year highs, the National Association of REALTORS® reported. January Existing Home Sales surged by 5.69 million annualized units, up 3.3 percent from December to highs not seen since February 2007. All major regions across the nation saw gains, with the exception of the Midwest. The median existing home price rose 7.1 percent from January 2016. Overall inventory of existing homes remained low, however, at just a 3.6-month supply.

New Home Sales rebounded in January. The Commerce Department reported New Home Sales rose 3.7 percent from December to an annual rate of 555,000. The increase was below the 566,000 expected, but it comes after a 7 percent decline in December. Sales also were up 5.5 percent from January 2016. The median sale price was up 7 percent from a year ago. Inventories were unchanged at a near-normal 5.7 months' supply.

For those in the market for a new or existing home, home loan rates remain in historically low territory despite the volatility in Stock and Bond markets over the last few weeks.

SETTING A LUXURIOUS STANDARD FOR YOUR TABLETOP

Nothing brings people together like a great home cooked dinner. Food, friends and family all contribute to the warm atmosphere where cherished memories are made, but another integral part of setting the mood at these gatherings — and the perfect way to give it your personal touch — is getting creative with the tableware. After exploring the latest tabletop trends for the upcoming holiday season, we couldn't help but notice that handcrafted wood and metal dinnerware is all the rage, so we've rounded up a few our favorite rustic-modern items to make your dinner table stand out at all the family gatherings.

Spencer Peterman

For 15 years New England-based artist Spencer Peterman has been turning fallen trees into beautiful works of art to set at the table. Each one of these cherry burl bowls is a unique and visually striking centerpiece that offers a down-to-earth feel. Maintaining their natural patterns, crevices and curves, Peterman's bowls are unrefined, yet elegant and totally food safe.

Mariposa Pearled
Round Platter

For a more modern style of similarly eco-friendly means, the Mariposa Pearled Round Platter with Wood is handcrafted from 100% recycled sandcast aluminum and a sustainably harvested wood insert. Ideal for serving food or drinks, this platter demonstrates why kitchen designers are so keen on the wood and metal juxtaposition. The enduring pearl pattern along the outside tastefully complements the wood grain to create a formal appearance that enjoys overall simplicity.

Ralph Lauren Home

The perfect accent for your wooden table, the Brenna Concho Charger from Ralph Lauren Home is crafted by skilled artisans in Thailand and emanates a casual elegance. Featuring a custom-made motif inspired by traditional Native American designs, the Brenna Concho Charger is forged from solid pewter to provide some variation from the standard dinner set. With a simultaneously modern and medieval feel, we doubt you'll come across anything like it at other dinner parties.

Nambé Monroe
Salt Shaker & Pepper Grinder

Subtle yet distinctive, the Nambé Monroe Salt Shaker & Pepper Grinder set is a splendid example of functional beauty. Together the alloy and wood suggest a seamless combination of natural and manmade influences that offer a memorable twist to the traditional salt and pepper shaker. Whether you set them on a stainless steel countertop or wooden table, the Monroe Salt Shaker & Pepper Grinder's diverse design allows them to fit in anywhere.

Mary Jurek Design, Inc.

From Mary Jurek Design, Inc. comes yet another stunning example of this season's hottest tabletop trend. The Valencia Salad Servers with Rosewood utilize both hand-hammered stainless steel and warm rosewood to serve your guests with. Described by the designer as "old world meets modern day", Mary Jurek's inimitable style is anything but ordinary.

Graff Diamond
Dolce Tableware

Finally, bringing the whole table together is this artisan crafted set of Olive Wood cutlery from Dolce Tableware. The beautiful set is dishwasher safe with a truly timeless design, providing the best of form and function. Reminiscent of old Italy, this olive wood flatware will ensure each member of your table has an unforgettable dining experience.

Of course, the food and company is the most important part of any dinner party, but now you're sure to be everyone's favorite host with these luxurious tabletop accents.

Partial Rent Control Victory in Union City: On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the City Council in Union City chose mandatory, but non-binding, mediation over rent control. 

On a 3-2 vote the Council rejected a proposal to adopt a rent control ordinance. Instead, they directed City staff to create a landlord-tenant mediation program similar to current programs in Fremont and San Leandro. Tenants will be entitled to a mandatory mediation session if their landlord raises rents between 7 to 10 percent. The exact amount of a rent increase that will trigger the mediation is one of the details that will be finalized in the coming months.

While rejecting rent control is a victory for property owners, the Council also took action that could impact private property rights. The Council asked City staff to develop a just-cause eviction ordinance that limits the ability of property owners to evict tenants. Details of the ordinance still need to be finalized. Bay East will work with the City Council and City staff to minimize the impact this ordinance will have on rental property management.

City staff did not indicate when the mediation program or the just-cause eviction ordinance would go into effect.

No Matter What the Groundhog Says, Here are 5 Reasons to Sell Before Spring!

Depending on which groundhog you listen to today, you may have less time than you think to get your home on the market before the busy spring season. Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their homes on the market as buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. However, the next six weeks before spring hits also have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to sell now. 1. Demand is Strong Foot traffic refers to the number of people who are out, physically looking at homes right now. The latest foot traffic numbers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show that the number of buyers out looking for their dream homes in December reached the highest mark since February 2016. These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the market right now! Take advantage of the strong buyer activity currently in the market. 2. There Is Less Competition Now Housing inventory just dropped to a 3.6-month supply, which is well under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means, in many areas, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices; however, additional inventory is about to come to market. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last four years. Many of these homes will be coming to market soon. Also, new construction of single-family homes is again beginning to increase. A study by Harris Poll revealed that 41% of buyers would prefer to buy a new home, while only 21% prefer an existing home (38% had no preference). The choices buyers have will increase in the spring. Don’t wait for this other inventory to come to market before you sell. 3. The Process Will Be Quicker One of the biggest challenges of the housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage. There is less overall business done in the winter. Therefore, the process will be less onerous than it will be in the spring. Getting your house sold and closed before the spring delays begin will lend to a smoother transaction. 4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 4.7% over the next 12 months according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate around 4% right now. Rates are projected to rise by half a percentage point by the end of 2017. 5. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take back control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps, the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.