OC Realty Blog

Here is some positve news from the OC Register and various internet articles over the past week:

Fed Plans Spark Drop in 30-Year Rates:  The average interest on a 30-year mortgage fell to a 38-year low of 4.85 percent during the week ending March 27 from 4.98 percent the prior week, Freddie Mac reported.  Need to ReFi, click below link for a quick online application with my local lender :

https://www.secureonlineapps.com/realtyexecapp.htm

Home Buyer Tax Credit Increases Activity:  NAR President Charles McMillan says home shopping activity has picked up with housing affordability at a record high. “The number of buyers looking for homes rose 5 percent in February, and also was 5 percent above a year ago,” he says. “It appears most of the increase in buyer traffic occurred in the latter part of the month after the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit was put in place. At the same time, mortgage purchase applications have risen, so we expect to see sales picking up around late spring.”

RISMEDIA, - This spring, as it becomes a popular time for homeowners to begin preparing their homes for sale, Showhomes encourages them to do some essential steps to make sure the most important first step takes place: buyers make the decision to view the home.

“Many people think all they have to do is make sure the inside of their home is clean, but it really goes far beyond that when it comes to making sure your home looks its best so that buyers will take a look,” said Thomas Scott, vice president of Operations for Showhomes Franchise Corporation. “That is why we have released five essential tips that can help local residents stay on the right track when preparing their homes for a sale.”

Scott reveals five tips for selling a vacant home:

1. Curb Appeal - the better the curb appeal of your home is, the more attractive it is to prospective buyers.

- Trim overgrown bushes, weed beds and add a fresh layer of mulch
- Clean your front door and repaint if needed
- Add a fresh doormat
- Keep grass cut, edged and blown
- Plant some color in the beds to add contrast

2. Cleaning - for most buyers, dirt equals stress and the last thing most buyers want is more stress in their lives.

- Pressure-wash the driveway and sidewalks.
- Clean windows inside and out
- Pressure wash decks and patios

3. Paint - the condition and color of the paint can make a huge difference in how buyers react to your home. Select light neutrals - creamy kakis, pearly grays or soft greens.

4. Replace Worn Carpet - Dirty carpet is unsanitary and nobody will be able to overlook your worn carpet. Replace the top layer with inexpensive neutral colored carpet and you will always recoup the investment.

5. Stage your home - Buyers who look at vacant homes only see floors, walls and ceilings. With nothing else to look at, they focus on flaws. Because of this, vacant houses are very vulnerable to low-ball offers and often sell for 15-20 percent below list price.

For more information, please visit www.showhomes.com.

1. Hire only licensed contractors.
2. Check contractor’s license number at 800-321-2752 or www.cslb.ca.gov.
3. Get three references & review past work.
4. Get at least three bids.
5. Get a written contract & don’t sign unless you understand the terms.
6. Pay 10% down or $1000, whichever is less.
7. Don’t let payments get ahead of work & keep records.
8. Don’t make final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
9. Don’t pay cash.
10. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.

At the top of the most frequently asked questions’ list is, “How will we know when the market has ‘bottomed out’ and we should buy a home?”Historically, two major indicators that a market has bottomed out are: a decline in the number of listings and an increase in listing and sold prices. Obviously the key here is making your move at the right time-which would be right before these two items begin to manifest in the market.

Based on sales data provided by MLSs, it appears that we are beginning to realize a slight decline in listing volume. I say “appears” because with the factors affecting the market today-and the foreseeable future-this may be a seasonal issue or being caused by any number of things.

Tracking the listing volume over the next several months will provide additional information regarding this question. In regard to sold prices, this is more difficult. Real estate-owned property or property in some stage of the foreclosure process has been driving the price point for real estate for some time now. 

With a significant volume of lending institution-owned property on the market selling at what historically, could be viewed as discounted prices, we do not anticipate seeing an increase in sales prices in the near future.

With sales showing increases compared to last year in most areas and declines in listing volume, it would appear that the market is slowly changing from the buyer’s market we have experienced for the past several years.

However, a point to keep in mind is that self respect and common sense should remain at the top of everyone’s list. This has been-and remains to be-the basis of business success.

RIS Media, Walt Baczkowski, 8/5/08

When selling real estate, many sellers want to know how long their home will take to sell.

If you’re interested in getting an estimate on how much time to plan for your next South Orange County real estate move, please call or email me. I would be happy to provide you with an updated market evaluation for your home and discuss a timeline that will work for you, so you can accomplish your moving goals.

Pricing Your Property:

Determinng price is one of the most critical steps in preparing your home for sale.  A well priced home often sells quickly once it is put on the market.

When your home is priced right from the outset, you maximize your opportunity of reaching the most qualified buyers and obtaining top dollar.

Pricing your home correctly:

• Can save you thousands of dollars on your family’s largest investment.
• Reduces risk because overpriced homes may eliminate some buyers if it is out of their price range.
• Optimizes traffic during the first peak weeks on the market.
• Ensures that other agents will show the home.
• Is good when it comes time to appraise.  Your home must appraise at the selling price for the buyer to get financing.

When I see your home and prepare a more complete and thorough market evaluation, I will use my knowledge of recent home sales and your neighborhood to help you price your home correctly. 

If you live in the Orange County California area, just give me a call or email for your FREE Home Valuation.  When you price your home for the current market conditions, it well sell in a reasonable amount of time and interest those buying real estate.

Whether you’re selling real estate in South Orange County California or anywhere in the nation, one of the top five factors that make your home sell is Curb Appeal! 

Most of us know it when we see it -– the house in the neighborhood that catches your attention each time you drive past it. The owners obviously care about their home and it shows in the details that are noticeable even to someone passing by in a car. Yes, this house has curb appeal, and if you’re going to place your home on the market, you’ll want to create curb appeal too. And if you’re buying a home, most often you look for curb appeal, otherwise you may not even bother to look inside!Great curb appeal is created through details, especially the walkway, lighting and landscaping. If it seems like it would be difficult to approach your home, make it more welcoming by keeping your walkways clean and clutter-free. Trim back the overhanging trees or bushes.

If you’re thinking of selling your home and would like additional tips on creating curb appeal, don’t hesitate to call or email me.

What’s the best way to help your home make a great first impression on would-be buyers? Real estate experts agree that “staging” your home to show it in the most favorable light is well worth your time and effort.Beyond the pre-sale cleaning and organizing you would expect to do, successful staging includes strategically arranging objects and furniture, adding decorative touches and more. Here are a few tips from the pros to help buyers make an immediate emotional connection with your home:

Whether you do the staging yourself or have your home done by a professional, area experts say that homes that are staged often sell 75% faster and for 5-10% higher than the asking price!

If you need more information about staging your home, you can call or email me.  I’m your resource for valuable staging ideas and referrals to professional stagers in the South Orange County California area.