Home Search Frustration? How to Refocus and Keep Going

/

The best part of buying a new home is going out and touring homes. This is especially true for first-time home buyers. As time goes on, however, it can be frustrating when each home falls short of expectations. While it’s important to be realistic about what is available and affordable, there can be a temptation to settle when the right homes don't pop up quickly.

When this happens, it’s important to take a step back and reevaluate the criteria. Often buyers head out without a solid list of “must-have” and “like-to-have” features in mind. If finding the right home is becoming difficult, then this is the time to create or review these items. Consider lifestyle as well as willingness to renovate or remodel. Is it important the home is turn-key on day one, or is there a willingness and ability to make changes after the sale?

Focus on the “must-have” list first. There could be a beautiful chef’s kitchen on the “like-to-have” but if 4 bedrooms are critical for the size of the family, the larger kitchen will not compensate for long. That said, if the hope is to find a home with a pool, is there room to add the pool later?

Finding the right home is often a matter of timing. Patience is the best advice. With the start of the new year, new listings are hitting the market every day. The perfect home may not have been listed yet

3 TIPS... What Not to Say When Someone Asks Why You’re Selling

/

The minute you list your home, everyone will want to know why. You will hear from your neighbors, family members, and friends. Of course, there is no harm in speaking freely with family and friends but be careful what you tell your neighbors and especially the buyers and their agents who visit your listing.

First, it’s no one’s business but your own. You are not obligated to share personal information with anyone, and you must be especially careful when speaking with potential buyers. If they sense desperation, this will affect the kind of offer they write.

A simple, “we are ready for a change,” is a great response to anyone who doesn’t need to know. How you answer is less important than avoiding the wrong answers. ·

“I got a new job” – Job offers or transfers are a common reason for a move. These moves often come with deadlines which alerts buyers that you need a quick sale, and may be willing to compromise on price to get one.

· “We need a bigger house” – It’s perfectly understandable that a growing family needs more space. Telling a buyer this, however, may cause them to question the size of the home and if it’s too small for them also.

· “We want to lower our costs” – This may just be a simple downsizing after the kids have left, but talking about affordability is a red flag to buyers. Is the home too expensive? Is the price too high? Energy bills too high? Upkeep too much?

Successfully selling a home is more than just marketing. The best course of action is to limit divulging too much personal information about your situation, but if you do, be mindful of how much you say. Be pleasant, but do not overshare, it may cost you in the end.

What is the most important aspect of listing a home for sale?

/

An unexpected byproduct of the pandemic has been a booming housing market. As Covid-19 hit the country, the housing supply was already low, and the lockdown depressed the volume even more. As more homebuyers began looking for new homes, fueled by the ability to work-from-home and low interest rates, sellers have been experiencing a strong seller’s market.

Interest rates are starting to rise, and the higher home prices have discouraged potential buyers from purchasing. So, what does this mean for a seller? Amidst concern over the slowing market, sellers already in the market or considering listing their home should plan for a potential slowdown. No one likes to leave money on the table, but it’s more important than ever to have a real conversation about list price with a professional real estate agent. Whereas just a few months ago, a new home would sell the first weekend for an over-asking price, new listings should now consider that it could take longer. Listing the property slightly below what might have been appropriate last spring, could help generate quick interest and result in a contract.

Pricing strategy is the single most important aspect of listing a home for sale. Price dictates how quickly a home attracts attention and offers. If the market is showing signs of slowing, savvy buyers will wait. Sellers need to consider their listing price carefully to avoid price reductions later for a home that is sitting on the market.

Home Improvements During Labor Shortage

/

Tight labor markets are affecting industries across the country. Skilled and unskilled jobs remain unfilled as employers struggle to find prospective employees. For anyone ready to hire a contractor or handyman to perform home improvement projects, this shortage is causing frustration. As more people embrace the “staycation” and seek ways to upgrade their homes, many are finding few tradesmen to even come to provide estimates, much less schedule the work.

If you are trying to find good people to help with home improvement projects, there are still a few ways to achieve your goals.

Here are a few tips to help you find a professional to help with your project.

• Social Media – One great way to find reputable laborers is to ask for help from local social media groups. Apps like Facebook and Next Door have local groups where you can ask for help. Make sure to mention where you got the referral; the tradesmen will want to live up to the referral and are more likely to provide good, timely service.

• Big Box Stores – Home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot offer a wide variety of in-home services. They also have referral services for projects outside their scope and these contractors keep the stores happy by providing good service to homeowners.

• Online Service – There are sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor where professionals pay for leads. Because they have paid for the contact, they tend to be more likely to follow through on the project.

The labor shortage is affecting all aspects of life right now. If you have a home improvement or upgrade project, there is no reason to put off the work. Try these tips for finding qualified and vetted help.

Most commonly asked question lately...

/

“How is buying or selling real estate during COVID?” is a pretty regular question we get asked. And quite honestly, no one anticipated it to be going so well. We have had a nice spike in Orange County real estate. Buyers having a bit more purchasing power while taking advantage of the extremely low-interest rates means more opportunity. And Sellers acknowledging that inventory is still relatively low makes for a good time to list and make the move. If you or someone you know has been flirting with the idea of moving but has been a bit apprehensive about it during COVID, contact us so we can strategize how we can help you achieve your goals safely.

Tuesday Trends

/

Add a pop of interest to any space big or small with wallpaper

Let me upgrade ya!

/
Check out this new listing that just hit the market!! Click on The pic.

Check out this new listing that just hit the market!! Click on The pic.

Nestled in the beautiful tree lined & highly sought after University Park awaits this completely remodeled home offering endless luxurious comforts. A generous sized family room boasting custom built-ins, new fireplace w/ remote start, rich hardwood–like tile floors and French doors which lead you out to an inviting oversized patio offering an extended living space ideal for al fresco dining or relaxation around the outdoor fire pit while showcasing amazing park-like panoramic views. A chef-inspired kitchen, new stainless steel appliances, new cabinetry, soft close drawers & gorgeous granite countertops. Spacious bedrooms offer comfortable living for the entire family. Retreat to a private on-suite patio off of the secondary bedroom. Oversized master bedroom & spa-like bathroom have also been remodeled with granite counter tops, vanity, travertine flooring, and lavish walk-in shower. This turnkey property has it all with new windows throughout, new HVAC, new air ducts, epoxy flooring in the garage & pull down stairs to attic space & additional storage. Located within the highly acclaimed Irvine School District. The Terrace community boasts gorgeous greenbelts, tot lots, barbeques, swimming pools and spas, as well as a clubhouse. Centrally located in the heart of Irvine close to UCI, IVC, Irvine Spectrum, Strawberry Farms Golf Club, convenient shopping & recreational amenities nearby. Est. Tax Rate 1.03%, low HOA and NO Mello Roos. HURRY this won't last!

Home Sweet Home!

/

WOW! I am so happy for the Sanders family. They were amazing friends to work with. We sold their starter home in under a week and record high in the community. And closed on their new family home concurrently. Now baby Bri can run wild in her new, huge backyard. I wish the Sanders many years of love and fun memories in their new "nest".