Blog

The Best Time To Sell Your Home

2019-01-30T17:07:21+00:00

Myth or Fact? I think many people looking to sell their homes always seem to want to time it with "seasons" or around the school years.  Their belief is that most people shopping for a home only do so during those times.  That actually is a myth.   In closing out 2018 and beginning the new year, there has been a steady pace of homes sold here in Sonoma County, as well as more listings coming on the market at the start of 2019. People Are Always Shopping For Homes Understand that serious buyers are out shopping for homes all 12 months of the year.  Some are relocating, moving to a bigger home, downsizing or starting with their first home.  There is no perfect time do that if these buyers are seriously wanting to purchase a home.  As I attend the Santa Rosa Real Estate marketing meetings each week, [...]

The Best Time To Sell Your Home2019-01-30T17:07:21+00:00

2019 Real Estate Market – The Balance

2019-01-09T07:58:52+00:00

2018 Market Recap So we all know 2018 was quite the interesting year, both economically and globally. For nearly a 5 1/2 years we experienced an upwards run of the real estate market values.  The real estate market not only returned to their previous values post 2008 (2005 being a record year) but in some cases, the values just kept growing.  The low interest rates along with a healthy economy, restored economic growth for most everyone. The Shift of The Market So what happened?  The market did what it always does.  It shifted.  Actually, it is quite normal and was needed.  To have a real estate market that just keeps exceeding is good for a while.  It causes growth, movement and change.  The market however does self correct, which is what this one did.  At the time of this change, I was working in Newport Beach, where the prices [...]

2019 Real Estate Market – The Balance2019-01-09T07:58:52+00:00

Staging Makes a Difference

2018-10-02T14:07:34+00:00

Why Stage Your Home Home staging has been around for several years now, becoming ever more important in the past decade in elevating the presentation of a home listing.  Having your home professionally staged presents the home in such a light that it draws far more prospective buyers than if it were vacant or shown with the current owner's possessions. Who Doesn't Love A Model Home Our love of looking at model homes in new subdivisions should give us a clue.  Beautifully laid out design with furniture placement and palette of colors makes an emotional impact.  Staging a home gives expression of all the beautiful possibilities of the home to the potential buyers.  I have personally known buyers that have purchased all the furnishings when buying their next home, just because it was beautifully staged. Professional Photography is Key Another important factor is the professional photography and videography being [...]

Staging Makes a Difference2018-10-02T14:07:34+00:00

O.C. Housing Market

2018-10-01T15:53:50+00:00

Well 2018 is now entering the fourth quarter of the year and O.C. housing market has shifted.  Running at full steam for the past 5 plus years here, starting in spring 2018, price reductions started.  The price "amendments" clearly were indicating a change in the market temperature.  We are now seeing home prices come more in line with what would appear to be more of a fair market value.  The housing inventory has also almost tripled since the first  quarter, adding to the competition.  This shift is quite normal at this time and we are now seeing evidence of a balanced market.  In short, it is neither a seller's nor a buyer's market.  At least that is the trend for right now.  Continuing to watch economic and housing trends to try and gauge really what we can expect in 2019, there continues to be activity from real estate investors [...]

O.C. Housing Market2018-10-01T15:53:50+00:00

Utilizing Proposition 60/90

2018-10-01T19:31:56+00:00

TAX SAVINGS FOR AGE 55 PLUS Proposition 60 and 90 were created to be a property tax savings to those age 55 and therefore allowing homeowners to retain their low property tax basis.   Created for homeowners making a move within the same county is Prop 60, while Prop 90 is for when homeowners are leaving one county and going to another.  Both amendments to the Constitution of California are approved in specific counties.  Therefore, it is best to check the county/counties you are seeking to make the transition in at the California State Board of Equalization  Guide for Proposition 60/90  When selling your home and concurrently closing on another home, the new home must be equal to or less than the sale of current residence.  If you sell your home and buy within the first 12 months,  you can actually purchase 5% above what you sold your home for. [...]

Utilizing Proposition 60/902018-10-01T19:31:56+00:00

The Importance of Plants in the Home

2018-10-02T14:12:30+00:00

How House Plants Affect the Home Environment I am a lover of beautiful landscapes and interior home plants.  I have always felt that designing with houseplants or indoor trees can bring a balance and elegance to your home. The affect it can have on a home environment is taking it from a feeling of  "nicely done" to "fabulous".  Plants just seem to bring more of grounding effect while adding beauty to the home surroundings. Plants and Interior Design When you look at the layouts of most design work, many times plants play a large part in the overall design.  From beautiful interior designs of higher end hotels many upscale offices buildings, plants are adding to the overall design.  The same is true for the interior of your home. People naturally want a relaxing home environment, something that makes them feel comfortable and at ease.  No matter what type of [...]

The Importance of Plants in the Home2018-10-02T14:12:30+00:00