Should You Buy a New or Existing Home?
Yes, there are new homes being built in California. Land is scarce and re-development is a popular option for properties near the coast, but there is always new construction on the market and always a building opportunity. Just as consistently, there are incredibly nice homes on the market, all renovated and ready to move in. Then there is the fixer-upper. Do you have what it takes to purchase and remodel?
Maybe your dream home has the intricate details that you usually find only in older construction - wainscoting and crown molding in the interior, the front porch with a swing, an older tree shading the back yard, and the white picket fence.
Or maybe your dream home has all the conveniences of modern living - open floor plan in the living and dining spaces, large windows, connected, “smart” appliances and security systems, and minimalist design elements.
Staging Secrets From the Pros for a Quick Home Sale at Top Dollar - Our Top Ten Tips!
According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home prior to listing it can result in a faster and more profitable sale.1 In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association estimates that professionally staged properties spend 73 percent less time on the market, receive more foot traffic, and typically sell for more money.2
10 Staging Tips to get your home "Show Ready"
Getting Mortgage Ready
Don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home, especially in this market. If you are not financially prepared with a “live loan approval”, you are behind every buyer that will be successful in the market it the next 60 days.
If you’re like the vast majority of home buyers, you will choose to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the common delays and roadblocks many buyers face when applying for a mortgage. A thorough evaluation of your mortgage buying power a full 6 months, even up to a full year, before you plan to buy is the absolute best thing you can do.
HOUSE CARE CALENDAR: A Seasonal Guide to Maintaining Your Home From summer vacations to winter holidays.
It seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk. In no time at all, small problems can lead to extensive and expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, those minor issues can still have a big impact.
Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent (or more) of their appraised value. The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and actually accelerate the appreciation in the value of your home by one percent annually! You just need to know where and how to spend your time. Use the following checklist as a guide to maintaining your home and lawn throughout the year.
Home Design Trends to Watch in 2018
One of the things we are looking at this year is for clients who are taking on decorating and remodeling projects and want to ensure their dollars are invested wisely. Which looks will last for years to come, and which ones will feel dated quickly? What colors and styles are most popular among buyers in our area? How can I add the most value to my home? So we’ve rounded up some of the hottest trends in home design to help guide you through the process.
Whether you’ve planned a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, making smart and informed design choices will help you maximize your return on investment … and minimize the chance of “remodeler’s remorse” down the road.
