Blog

sudoadmin
3 月 26, 2020

A CLEAN HOME IS A HAPPY (HEALTHIER) HOME

C21 HOMETOWN’S – 7 DAY PLAN TO A HAPPY, HEALTHIER HOME

We’ve all heard the old adage “a clean home is a happy home.” It’s pretty safe to say a clean home is also a healthier one as well and we call use an extra dose of healthy! In the world of real estate, “Spring Cleaning” a house before selling is always key in making sure the house sell faster and even for more money. Since we all find ourselves home a lot more than expected these days, we’ve come up with a 7-day “Spring Cleaning” to keep us productive, healthier and even prepare your house to hit the real estate market if you’re interested. WIN…WIN…WIN!

Cleaning the entire house can feel overwhelming, but if you take a little at a time, one day at a time, your house can be spotless in no time.

DAY 1 – KITCHEN

We’re going to break down Kitchen cleaning into two days.. Take the time to not only clean but declutter as you go.
• Wipe down all the same surfaces as you did for the bathroom. Use that hot water, soap and start scrubbing those surfaces. Great time to work out all that Corona-virus frustration!
• Wipe down the walls, the outside of the cabinets, the handles on the cabinets and disinfect the inside of the sink basin as well.
• Open cabinets and neatly organize anything that looks out-of-place and purge any-thing that no longer is needed.
• Wipe down the floor and call it a day!
Seller’s Tips –
• Now that your Kitchen is sparkly clean, make sure the room is bright with sunlight.
• Also, be sure to repair any leaky faucets and pipes.

DAY 2 – KITCHEN AGAIN

We’re baaaack! Look around, you have to admit it’s looking good and we’re feeling good, right? Today, we finish the Kitchen by tacking those appliances.
• Let’s start with the fridge. Empty the shelves to wipe them down, double-check the expiration dates on the items that remain in your fridge. If they are no longer any good, it’s time to get rid of them! Scrub your fridge ’all those questionable drips and rings are gone then load back up the condiments and food items.
• Now let’s tackle the oven and cleaning the range. Choose a cleaner that is effective but that won’t damage your skin or unhealthy to breathe. Clean the range, then open the oven. If your oven is self-cleaning, hit the button! If not, start wiping down the inside of the oven to make it shine.
• Wipe out the inside and outside of the microwave
• Turn off the kitchen light, your work is done for the day.
Seller’s Tips –
• Make sure all stove, microwave, and refrigerator lights are working.
• Repair all loose handles and knobs. Your dishwasher must be working.
• Go and buy new stove plates or burner covers.

DAY 3 – BATHROOMS

Let’s face it, if we want to be healthier, bathrooms are the perfect place to start!
• Clean the entire parameter of the room from right to left.
• Wipe down door handles, light switches, walls, sink, countertops even base-boards…anything that has a surface, wipe it down with disinfecting products!
• Scrub the toilet, the shower, the tub, the shower head and don’t forget to wipe down the mirrors.
• Once all the surfaces and items in the bathrooms are cleaned, be sure to empty out the trash and wash the floors. DONE!
Seller’s Tips –
• Replace old toilet seats and make sure that every toilet is flushing perfectly. (People often flush the toilets to see if your plumbing is working.)
• Check your grouting and repair or replace any missing tiles.
• Buy new shower curtains and be sure there is no mildew anywhere.
• Put new caulking around toilets and showers.
• Take off any mineral deposit or soap deposit film on your shower doors and walls.
• Organize under the sinks and medicine cabinets (yes, people will open everything). Put away anything personal or dangerous.
• Check ceilings for cracks, stains, and moisture problems.

DAY 4 – LAUNDRY ROOM

Let’s take one of the smallest but busiest rooms in houses with kids, the Laundry.
• Start one of the never-ending loads of laundry.
• Wipe down the tops of the washer and dryer.
• Clean out the lint traps.
• Clean and pick up anything that’s fallen between or behind either unit.
• Organize your detergents so they are all nice, neat and stocked appropriately.
• Sweep the floor.
Seller’s Tips –
• Dust and clean your appliances like washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and furnace.
• Check for any leaks. If your basement has a musty smell (hopefully your friend who did the house tour will have told you) pour bleach down your drains, do not have damp clothing.

DAY 5 – LIVING ROOM

Even though the Living Room is one of the largest spaces, it’s generally one of the easiest to clean and freshen up.
• Wipe down all surfaces, baseboards and light switches.
• Dust any shelves, and also the backs and legs of furniture. Be sure to declutter any shelves of unnecessary items.
• Open up your windows and let that fresh air in and while you’re at it, clean the in-side and outside of those windows as well.
• Vacuum if you have carpet, or sweep if not.
Seller’s Tips –
• Be sure to fill holes and patch any other problems.
• Straighten the furniture, and be sure that the cushions are plumped and smoothed.
• Clean the fireplace and do not forget to use glass cleaner on both sides, if you have glass doors. Put a bowl of potpourri in the fireplace (nothing too overpowering).
• Anything on the coffee tables or shelves or mantle should be neatly stacked.

DAY 6 and 7 – BEDROOMS

You are in the homestretch! Just like the Kitchen we are going to tackle the Bedrooms in 2 days (maybe even 3 depending on the number of Bedrooms.)
• Follow the same cleaning protocol as you did in the Living Room: wipe, dust, win-dows, floors.
• Change out the sheets, flip and rotate the mattress.
• Here’s the biggie – organize the closets! Make a donate pile for clothing items that no longer fit or are needed.
Seller’s Tips –
• Patch walls and ceilings if during decluttering, you left a trail of nail holes.
• Clean light fixtures (all over the house), replace bulbs, and be sure to put in soft white bulbs not harsh or glaring bulbs.
• Ceiling fans need to be dusted and cleaned.
• Clean smudgy fingerprints off walls, doors, and light switches. (These bedroom doors often are overlooked).
• Nightstands emptied and organized attractively.

Walk through your house, look around and see if there is anything we missed. Looking good? You tackled it and completed the 7-day “Spring Cleaning” Plan. CONGRATULATIONS!

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, C21 Hometown Realty’s Agents have the most homes listed and the most homes sold! Visit one of the ten local offices throughout the Central Coast or click on c21home.com.

About CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty – Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the Central Coast of California with offices spanning Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo county offering expert agents and convenient locations.

Bysudoadmin
On3 月 26, 2020

sudoadmin
2 月 27, 2020

PLUNGING INTEREST RATES COULD HELP BUYERS ON THE FENCE

Mortgage rates are falling fast, and they could sink even lower reports Mortgage News Daily. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage now averages 3.34%, a rate last reached in 2012 and briefly in 2016. That is for borrowers with strong financials and credit scores.

As coronavirus fears hit financial markets, U.S. bond yields are tanking, pushing mortgage rates that loosely follow the 10-year Treasury yield toward an eight-year low. They could sink even lower.

“When rates fall this quickly, it’s not so much that big banks draw the line on mortgage rates, but rather, the underlying mortgage backed securities market refuses to improve as quickly as the Treasury market,” Matthew Graham, chief operating officer at Mortgage News Daily, explained to CNBC. Mortgages become less valuable to investors if they get paid off too quickly.”

And those payoffs, or refinances, are surging right now. Applications to refinance a home loan are up around 165% annually, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage applications to purchase a home have not been as strong, due to the severe shortage of homes for sale. Builders, however, may be getting a boost, especially those putting up more affordable homes.

GOOD NEWS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL BUYERS

Falling rates help loosen up a tight market. When rates rise, homeowners are more likely to stay put because they don’t want to take on bigger mortgages. But when loan costs fall, buyers on the fence get motivated to trade up. And that frees up entry-level homes for eager first-timers.

People shopping for homes will likely see lower rates in the coming weeks as the 10- year hits new lows, according to Bankrate.com. For existing mortgage borrowers, another drop in rates might clear the path for refinancing.

“The refinancing door has blown open with mortgage rates continuing to fall amid fears of slower global economic growth,” Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst says. “This helps those looking to refinance a mortgage as well as would-be homebuyers .”

BUYERS TRADE UP

If you are ready to buy the downturn interest rates can be a big win. One result of falling borrowing costs is that buyers are able to afford bigger mortgages. Those seeking pricier properties are acting now because their choices are increasing, and profits from selling their current home can fund the down payment on the next one.

To take full advantage of lower interest rates, the key is to be prepared. Be sure to choose the right Real Estate Professional to make sure all the details of a transaction are complete. Make sure to have your pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and other necessary documents together so there is no delay in processing. Delays could be costly when there is no guarantee how long low interest rates will last.

Bysudoadmin
On2 月 27, 2020

sudoadmin
1 月 16, 2020

WILL 2020 BE A GOOD TIME TO BUY IN CALIFORNIA?

Economists say that 2020 will be positive but not stellar for the housing market in California.

Although last year they expected mortgage rates to rise and they fell keeping real estate markets much stronger than anticipated. Lesson…real estate predictions can be tricky business.

CALIFORNIA STILL SHOWING GROWTH

Despite some predictions from expert economists that the west would face a tough 2019 real estate market, California proved to be one of the better housing markets in the country. In fact, the Central Coast median home prices were up 3.3% year over year according to the California Association of Realtors. Southern California had a 7.5% rise, the Central Valley up 6.3%, while the Bay Area had only a 2.2% rise.

PERSISTENT LACK OF SUPPLY

California’s housing market will continue to be fueled by a persistent lack of supply, keeping pressure on rising home purchasing and rental prices. Sales of homes $500k and $1 million rose by 15.5% on average, yet sales under $300k dropped sharply by 14.2% and homes over $2 million dropped slightly by 3.2%, according to California Association of Realtors.

SELLER OPTIMISM RISING

In CAR’s buyer survey, respondents who thought it was a good time to sell increased 4% to 51%. Only 24% of buyers stated they felt it was a good time to buy, down only 1% from last year, despite lower rates. Prices, down payments, and selection are likely the key factors stopping buyers from buying homes. With higher real estate prices, first time buyers will continue to struggle to come up with a down payment thus keeping the rental market strong.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, market conditions are looking good for 2020. As the #1 broker on the Central Coast, C21 Hometown Realty’s Agents have the most homes listed and the most homes sold! Visit one of the ten local offices throughout the Central Coast or click on c21home.com.

Bysudoadmin
On1 月 16, 2020

sudoadmin
12 月 17, 2019

2020 VISION FOR REAL ESTATE IS LOOKING GOOD

Lower than expected interest rates kept real estate strong in 2019 and many experts predict 2020 will keep rolling in the same direction. According to a recent article in Forbes, Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American, shared that mortgage rates will remain low next year, between 3.7 and 3.9%, fueling a healthy real estate market.

PRICES TO KEEP RISING

Tight inventory and increased demand will keep pushing prices higher. In fact, with mortgage rates either staying the same or actually dropping, competition will increase for buyers which may result in bidding wars. Redfin predicts one in four homes will result in a bidding war which is great news for home sellers who may have been holding out when most homes prices dropped slightly on the Central Coast over the past year. The Forbes article shared data from CoreLogic, stating home prices should tick up by 5.6% by next September which is more than 3.5% from this year.

ECONOMIC GROWTH, NOT A RECESSION

Although many economists have predicted a mild recession in 2020, a housingwire.- com report states, “Current conditions point to a recipe for continued economic growth, not a recession. Growth itself may be slower than the strong pace we’ve seen at times throughout the recovery, but growth will still occur for at least the next year.” Reasons cited for the economic growth are a healthy consumer confidence and job growth.

HOME SIZES WILL SHRINK, BUT AMENITIES ARE KING

Inventory will continue to be tight as Millennials and Generation Z enter the market, but Baby Boomers are not budging from their long-time homes. Zillow predicts that new home sizes will shrink for the fourth time of five years due to younger buyers having less money and can’t afford to purchase larger homes. To make up for square footage, many new homes are offering upgraded amenities to attract buyers.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell in the new year, experts agree you should enter the real estate market early in 2020 to take full advantage of the growing market. As the #1 broker on the Central Coast, C21 Hometown Realty’s Agents have the most homes listed and the most homes sold! Visit one of the ten local offices throughout the Central Coast or click on c21home.com.

Bysudoadmin
On12 月 17, 2019

sudoadmin
11 月 14, 2019

HOMES CAN STRIKE “SOLD” DURING HOLIDAYS

Selling your home during the holidays can be seen as an added hassle to the hustle and bustle, but it may provide the best opportunity if your Christmas wish is to sell! The holiday season is a time many sellers consider taking their home off the market due to a lower number of buyers and the inconvenience of showings, but your agent can’t sell your house if it’s not on the market. In fact, for properties such as hard to sell homes and vacation rentals, the holiday reduced inventory may be your best probability of the year to sell.

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

Reduced inventory during the holidays means your home has a better chance of being “the prettiest girl at the dance” resulting in a lot more dates for showings. Come Spring, newly listed properties will flood the market and buyers will have a lot of choices and may never see your house.

Older homes that have drawbacks such as location or need updating have a much better opportunity to be seen and sold! Visiting friends and family during the holidays are a fresh new set of buyers, but they can’t consider buying your home if they don’t know it’s for sale.

HOLIDAY SEASON IS PEAK FOR VACATION RENTALS

The Vacation Rental Industry is booming and the holidays are one of their busiest times of the year for rentals and purchases. In fact, November and December is prime buying time for Property Investors and the Central Coast mild temperatures are a great location influencer for the purchase of those rentals. According to a 2018 survey, the Central Coast has the top three location criteria for what vacation home buyers are looking for: 33% of vacation home buyers purchased in a resort area, 24% purchased in a rural area and 18% in a small town. So even if the home your selling is your primary residence, keep options and availability open for out-of-town investment buyers during the holiday season.

If selling your home is on your Wish List, take advantage of the good fortune that only the holiday season offers. As the #1 broker on the Central Coast, C21 Hometown Realty’s Agents have the most homes listed and the most homes sold! To get your home sold this holiday season, visit one of the ten local offices throughout the Central Coast or click on c21home.com.

Bysudoadmin
On11 月 14, 2019

sudoadmin
9 月 25, 2019

FALL IS THE BEST TIME TO MOVE

Central Coast locals often boast that Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy all our area has to offer. The season brings smaller crowds at the beach, warm sunny days, a plethora of fun Festivals and the long-awaited harvest seasons at the wineries. But did you know it marks a great time for buyers and sellers and is actually the best time of year to move?

REASONS TO SELL IN THE FALL

REASON #1: SERIOUS BUYER POOL While there may not be as many buyers looking as in the spring housing market, serious buyers are looking to move before the holiday season. With fewer houses on the market, serious buyers will be motivated to make offers.

REASON #2: DIFFERENT BUYERS Spring and Summer are when families are likely to make moves, but for Millennials and Empty-Nesters Fall is the perfect time for these savvy shoppers. Not only is it less expensive to travel to new relocation destinations, but they also know they can avoid “high season” real-estate rates and moving costs.

REASON #3: LOWER HOME IMPROVEMENT COSTS Before selling, most homes will need some sprucing up and home repairs. Whether you are a do-it-yourself home repairer or you call in the experts, many times supplies go on-sale and Contractors have less work and may be willing to negotiate rates during the Fall months.

REASONS TO BUY IN THE FALL

REASON #1: LESS COMPETITION You will get much more attention from your ‘not as busy’ real estate agent allowing them to be more attentive to your needs. In addition, lenders, home inspectors, painters and movers can get to your needs much quicker.

REASON #2: TAX ADVANTAGES By closing on a new home before the year’s end you will be eligible for beneficial tax deductions. Deductible items can include closing costs, mortgage interest and property taxes. Even closing in December will allow you to deduct property taxes and interest from your entire year’s earnings.

REASON #3: YEAR-END SALES Whether you are redecorating to help sell your home or designing space in your new home, some of the best savings of the year can be found on appliances, electronics, and furniture. Competing retailers offer large discounts during the holiday season and it’s the perfect time to buy necessary items.

If you consider yourself a savvy shopper and the idea of saving time and money appeal to you, then now’s the time to buy or sell your home. Your C21 Hometown Realty, the hometown experts, can help you find your next dream home or get your home sold quickly. As the #1 broker on the Central Coast, C21 Hometown Realty has the most homes listed and the most homes sold! When you’re ready, visit one of the eleven local offices throughout the Central Coast or click on c21home.com.

Bysudoadmin
On9 月 25, 2019

sudoadmin
8 月 27, 2019

WHEN DOWNSIZING COULD MEAN LIVING THE DREAM

While owning your home is still the American Dream, the idea of living out the golden years in the same home has changed for many Empty Nesters. As you get older, downsizing or settling into a smaller home with a simpler lifestyle could be one definition of “living the dream.”

REVISIT HOUSING SITUATION

At least 37 percent of Baby Boomers said they plan to move at some point in their life and 42 percent of that number said they would prefer to live in a smaller home, according to a 2016 study released by the Demand Institute.

“Revisiting their housing situation is one of the first things new Empty Nesters should do” says Dana Anspach, founder and CEO of Sensible Money, an investment advisory firm.

While parents often have fond memories of their kids’ childhood home, she says, it makes sense to consider a move to less-expensive digs or to a locale or living situation that better fits their needs in the new phase of their lives.

There are, of course, savings to be gained by trading in a big home for a smaller space. Or moving to a less expensive part of the country. Another route: freeing up cash or replenishing your savings by paying off your mortgage before you officially retire from the workplace.

TIPS FOR DOWNSIZING

Declutter Your Home – You can finally tackle some major organizing projects. If you’re looking at the possibility of moving to a smaller home, your first step is to pare down your belongings. According to CityStash, 75 percent of those surveyed said the amount of things they own makes them reluctant to move. Don’t let that scare you off. Take one room, one closet, one square foot at a time.

Give Your Home a Facelift – Your furniture is a little worse for wear after having teenagers lounge on it, spill drinks on it and who knows where those extra spots came from. Also, you weren’t about to paint the walls until your kids were no longer touching them every day. But now’s the time. Refresh your home with new paint, new furniture or convert a kids bedroom to a hobby room.

House Hunt – When your current house has too many bedrooms or you hear an echo within the empty rooms, it may be time to start house hunting.

To ease the process, don’t focus on the memories of the old house but the endless possibilities in a new house. Start searching for a dream home that can give you desired options like a new location, first floor living, natural light, luxury touches, custom options and low maintenance.

If it’s time to start looking for new (smaller) digs, use C21 Hometown Realty, your hometown experts to find a top-selling real estate agent in your area. They’ll help you identify options that can turn downsizing into dream living.

Bysudoadmin
On8 月 27, 2019

sudoadmin
7 月 10, 2019

BUYING BEFORE THE SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Just because summer is here does not mean it’s too late to get in before the school year begins. It does mean time is of the essence to find the perfect family home and get your kids enrolled in a great school!

RIGHT SCHOOL

Buying the right home is more than square footage and amenities, for many young families it’s also about being in the right school zone. At C21 Hometown we understand the importance of knowing what ’s going on in a Community. That’s why at C21Home.com, we offer Climate, Culture, Market, Lifestyle and School information for every Community we serve. Most Central Coast schools boast above-average rankings for California.

To find out how specific schools are ranked, check out:
San Luis Obispo County: https://school-ratings.com/counties/San_Luis_Obispo.html
Santa Barbara County: https://school-ratings.com/counties/Santa_Barbara.html

MARKET IS HOT

Whether you’ve been looking and may have lost out to multiple offers or have been holding out to avoid the Spring Frenzy, now’s a great time to buy. Many new homes have been added to the inventory pool in recent weeks and prices are slightly lower than last year’s summer season according to the California Association of Realtors.

THIS WEEKEND

A typical time period from offer to closing is 30-45 days, assuming no issues come up with the mortgage and title process. So let our C21 Hometown Agents find you and your family the perfect home so you can start the school year off right!

Bysudoadmin
On7 月 10, 2019

sudoadmin
6 月 25, 2019

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ FOR PROPERTY INVESTORS

The “California Housing Market Report and Predictions” article released by Gord Collins of Manage Casa, explored the key factors that will drive the California market for the years ahead. Below are key excerpts from the article.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

California is a special place to live and rent, and to buy and sell a home. The market diversity is hard to comprehend. And the battle for homeowners hanging onto proposition 13 benefits is very different for young buyers who discover that renting an apartment is better.

It’s this dynamic pull of outrageous wealth and outrageous regulations that makes it hazardous to invest in real estate in this state. Definitely wise to hire a Realtor.

No other economy is as diverse and dynamic. It’s the opportunity that attracts millions of newcomers to live and start businesses here. Most tech startups for instance launch in the Bay Area despite the high cost. Employment and wages have grown and that has put pressure on the California housing market.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AND WHAT MAY HAPPEN

A few pundits believe the California housing market is well past peak. Yet economics, demographics, buyer demand (and last 2 months sales stats) seem to refute that notion. Millions of apartments need to be built in the next decade, a good portion, right here in CA to soothe in insatiable demand (housing crisis).

California’s economy grew 4.7% in the 12 months ended in February compared to the national rate of 2.8%. It could grow at a 2.55% pace in the next six months — faster than the national 1.59 – report from Mercury News.

With interest rates fears gone, and new trade deals with China, any negative economic aspects could disappear. That would mean fast rising prices again for the whole state.

KEY FACTORS IN CALIFORNIA’S HOUSING MARKET GROWTH

1. wages create prices pressure on housing
2. demographics – lots of millennials buying and babyboomers selling
3. interest rates – staying stable
4. migration – slowed to keep prices stable
5. cost of business – extremely high (would you like to see my San Francisco parking fee?)
6. home prices – wickedly high
7. rent vs buy – for most the idea of purchasing is a hopeless dream
8. multifamily new construction – picked up nicely but NIMBY’s still winning
9. taxation and tax savings – much better this year With taxes dropping, interest rates stable, wages rising, prices stable, mortgage requirements reasonable, and rising personal savings, why aren’t people buying? Simple, they’re hoping prices will plummet.

A HEALTHIER CALIFORNIA

There are more homes for sale and more buyers. After a strong lull, the upward march on California homes prices continues.

Zillow gives California an improved 9.6 out of 10 rating and a revised forecast of 7.6% price growth prediction for the next year.

“We’re seeing interest and money shift away from the overheated markets into less expensive secondary markets…Even if we see some markets overheat and demand softens slightly, that doesn’t mean prices will go down” — Javier Vivas, director of economic research at realtor.com.

To read the entire article addressing “California Housing Market Report and Predictions”: https://managecasa.com/articles/california-housing-market-report/

About CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty – Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast of California with offices spanning Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo county offering expert agents and convenient locations.

Bysudoadmin
On6 月 25, 2019

sudoadmin
5 月 20, 2019

Should you buy a second home? Predictions for the 2019 market.

In view of the healthy economy, you may be thinking of buying a second home as a vacation getaway, as housing for family members or as an investment property.
That could reap great benefits, but you should only proceed with insight into this year’s secondary home market.

A few predictions from real estate specialists:

In general you can expect a buyer’s market, according to Bloomberg.

Costs may be attractive in vacation areas, where prices grew only 14.8 percent in the past three years compared to 25.2 percent in non-vacation areas. Another report notes vacation markets have underperformed the overall market every year but one since 2010 (except in the Midwest, where they’re now slightly overperforming). Factors in the downward slope may include everything from climate change to demographics to Trump’s tax reforms.

Because interest rates may rise this year, buyers may wish to act soon, anticipating slightly higher loan rates for secondary homes.

Bysudoadmin
On5 月 20, 2019