Real Estate Information

In today’s competitive housing market, buyers can afford to be selective. It is, therefore, up to the seller to anticipate the demands of the buyer and act accordingly. The ten strategies listed below will help you accommodate the buyer’s needs and make certain the selling process is a successful one.

1. Price sensibly. Listing too high initially is doubly dangerous. Price-savvy potential buyers will simply bypass your home in favor of more realistically priced Los Angeles real estate, thus limiting your market. In addition, you’ll have to lower your price eventually, possibly below market level, to capture their attention.

2. Utilize professional expertise. Far too many sellers come to regret their attempt to avoid a paying a sales commission when they are unable to generate widespread exposure on their own. To their dismay, they also find that potential buyers expect a far lower price on a FSBO.

3. Make needed repairs. Buyers want a home that is in good condition, up to date, and “move-in ready.” Be sure that all systems, the roof, appliances, etc., are in good working order and replace fixtures that look out-of-date.

4. Simplify the setting. Make room! Too much furniture makes rooms appear smaller, and too many accessories draw the buyer’s attention away from your home’s assets. De-clutter cupboards, counters, and other flat surfaces. Make space in your closets and storage areas, and allow for an open traffic pattern. Put away personal items. Buyers need to be able to visualize their own furniture and belongings in what could be “their” new home

5. Keep it clean! Odors and dirt are real turn-offs to potential buyers.

6. Provide curb appeal. The exterior of your home must invite buyers to come inside. Remove weeds, trim trees and bushes, present a healthy lawn, and maintain an attractive appearance at all times. Don’t forget power washing or repainting, if needed. Add a pot of colorful flowers and a new welcome mat for extra charm and a successful showing.

7. Allow for accessibility. The more showings of your Los Angeles real estate you have, the greater the chance of a successful sale. Buyers want easy access to the homes they visit. Your realtor will help you make satisfactory arrangements for optimum availability, use of a lock box, advance notification, etc.

8. Stay away during showings. Buyers viewing your home need to take their time to thoroughly it and fee free to voice their reactions to the realtor. Also, if you’re not there, you can’t say anything which might hurt the prospect of a sale.

9. Avoid misrepresentation. Your realtor will advise you of local disclosure laws, and it is important that you comply with them. Attempts to hide a defect will only result in problems later on and may well derail a potential sale.

10. Be flexible. Selling you home can feel like a personal transaction, and sometimes emotions threaten to overshadow logic. Listen and react to all contract proposals as objectively as possible. Know in advance what your needs are re: price, which items convey, settlement time frame, etc. Try to keep in mind the big picture and resist getting hung up on the small things.

The sale of your home depends on both your realtor and you. By working as a team and utilizing the ten strategies outlined above, the process has a greater chance of being a productive and successful sale.

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Many renters are finding that they get more "bang for their buck" if they buy a home rather than rent one. With affordable prices, low interest rates and tax incentives, Los Angeles home ownership makes more sense than ever.

 7 Reasons to Buy Rather Than Rent Los Angeles Home

1. Buying doesn’t always cost more.
The Associated Press reports the gap between buying and renting has decreased $550 in the last three years.

2. Affordability is at an all-time high.
Nationwide, prices have declined by nearly 20-40%.

3. Tax benefits for home ownership saves money.
The biggest tax break is the mortgage interest deduction. Most of your mortgage payment in the first few years of homeownership goes to mortgage interest which is tax deductible. Property taxes and mortgage insurance are also tax deductible.

4. Many loans require low down payment.
Veterans Administration (VA) loans don’t require a downpayment; FHA loans only require 3.5% down.

5. The Tax Credit.
Los Angeles home buyers can take advantage of the home buyer tax credit…but only until April 30, 2010. The tax credit can be used towards closing costs and the down payment and is not jsut for first-time buyers anymore.

6. Mortgage rates are at all-time lows.
Mortgage interest rates are the lowest we have seen in 30 years.

7. You own it. There is nothing like pride of ownership…and you can do anything you want to do with your home. You can paint it any color you want, make improvements, and landscape to your own taste..

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Finding ways to deal with small spaces in your new Los Angeles home can be tricky. Everyone likes the place they call home to be somewhere they can kick back and relax. However, it is hard to relax in areas that are cluttered and uncomfortable. Strategic interior design can make a big difference when dealing with small living spaces. Colors, lighting, organization, and décor can make spaces appear smaller or larger. Here are some solutions to make your Los Angeles home look and feel cozier.

Organization is the first thing to be conquered when transforming a small living space. Getting rid of clutter and maximizing the use of storage space are the keys to success. Clutter will make any space appear smaller than it really is. Eliminating excessive knick-knacks is one way to reduce clutter. Multiple pieces of small, scattered furniture can also make a room look jumbled. Using a couple pieces of slightly larger furniture leads to a less cluttered look. Every inch of storage space should be taken advantage of in small living areas. Planning out storage space will allow for more walking room, functional closets, and more productive space. Use multipurpose furniture like ottomans, which can be used for storage and seating. Try installing an organizational system in the closets. These systems usually provide a perfect spot for everything.

Colors, lighting, and decorations also affect the appearance of your Los Angeles home. Colors play a big role in creating illusions of size. The color scheme of small living spaces should consist of light hues. Although white can be a boring color, it will ultimately maximize the illusion of a bigger space. Other colors that tend to open up space include beige, neutrals, and pastels. It is important to avoid contrasting colors. The furniture, especially larger pieces like the couch, should be in the same color family to match the color of the walls.

Lighting makes a big difference in small spaces. Take advantage of as much natural light as possible by avoiding heavy curtains and window treatments. Although natural lighting is always the most ideal, it isn’t always available. Track and recessed lighting work well as alternatives for lighting up the space.

Décor should not take over small spaces. Using medium sized pieces of furniture can do a lot for small rooms versus one big piece or a bunch of cluttered small pieces. Mirrors compliment small spaces perfectly. Mirrors reflect light and color, creating the illusion of more space. Mirrors can be found in all shapes and sizes, with and with out frames. One large mirror or several small mirrors collaged on a wall can make a big difference in a small living area. There are tons of solutions to make a small area more livable.

Questions about buying a Los Angeles home? Ask Eileen!

Sometimes people have to sacrifice purchasing their dream home for a less perfect home in a better location. The buyer and family’s quality of life can be affected by their surroundings and features a neighborhood has to offer. Choosing the best neighborhood is just as important as finding the perfect home.  Neighborhoods have numerous characteristics to consider when trying to make the right choice.

One of the most important things to look in to is the quality of schools in the area. Compare various public schools within a school system; some may be better than others. In order to keep all options open, also take a look at private schools in the area. Even if you do not have kids that will attend school, it is still a good idea to pick an area with good schools to help with reselling Los Angeles real estate.

Another crucial characteristic of a neighborhood to research is the crime. Contact the local police office to find out crime trends, types, and rates. Go online to find out if there are any sex offenders living near by. Do not judge a book by its cover, just because a neighborhood looks well kept and charming does not mean there are not any crime related issues.

For financial reasons, check in to the property values of homes in the neighborhood. Find out if the Los Angeles real estate values in various areas have been increasing or decreasing. If the neighborhood is in an up and coming area the value of the property is likely to go up. Where as, if the area is going down under, the property value will probably follow. See if there are any future construction and development projects to take place. Alterations to the surrounding area could drastically change the property value.

Next thing to take into consideration is the neighborhood’s proximity. Make sure the location is a reasonable distance to work, school, and other frequented destinations. Convenience always makes life a little easier. Having grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and other places of interest and importance easily accessible will make a big difference in every day life.

Other things to consider when choosing a neighborhood relate directly to the neighborhood it’s self. Just as buyers have preferences in things they are looking for in a house, there are also preferred characteristics to look for in neighborhoods. Neighborhoods could have numerous features to offer such as, gated communities, nice sidewalks, large lots, parks, restaurants, safe roads, trees, landscaping, community recreational facilities, civic leagues, and golf courses. Keep in mind that a neighborhood may have neighborhood fees as part of a home owner’s association. Be sure to pick neighborhood features that best fit the lifestyle of you and your family.

Choosing a neighborhood can be just as difficult as finding the right piece of Los Angeles real estate. Finding the perfect home in the right neighborhood may be even more of a challenge. Do your homework, research the area and prioritize features that are most important to you and your family.

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LOS ANGELES (Feb. 12) The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California remained at 64 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with 61 percent (revised) for the same period a year ago, according to a report released today by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

C.A.R.’s First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI) measures the percentage of households that can afford to purchase an entry-level home in California. C.A.R. also reports first-time buyer indexes for regions and select counties within the state. The Index is the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for first-time buyers in the state.

The minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home at $257,940 in California in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $44,100, based on an adjustable interest rate of 4.5 percent and assuming a 10 percent down payment. First-time buyers typically purchase a home equal to 85 percent of the prevailing median price. The monthly payment including taxes and insurance was $1,470 for the fourth quarter of 2009.

At $44,100, the minimum qualifying income was 4 percent lower than a year earlier when households needed $45,900 to qualify for a loan on an entry-level home. Home prices remained below peak levels, resulting in an improvement in housing affordability compared with the previous year.

At 84 percent, the High Desert region was the most affordable area in the state. The San Luis Obispo County region was the least affordable in the state at 48 percent, followed by the San Francisco Bay region and Santa Barbara area both at 50 percent.

Leading the way…® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with more than 167,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Delinquent borrowers with a mortgage owned by Freddie Mac can schedule free appointments by contacting the Borrower Help Center in their area.
To reach distressed borrowers located outside of the initial target areas, Freddie Mac also is launching a separate Borrower Help Network consisting of eight national and local non-profit organizations.  Together they are launching a national phone campaign to make contact with delinquent Freddie Mac borrowers who have stopped responding to their lenders. Counselors will provide free counseling, and help borrowers explore and understand their mortgage modification options.

If you or someone you know is behind on mortgage payments, a short sale may help you avoid foreclosure. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) with training in helping home owners avoid foreclosure. Contact me today for a private consultation.

Many of today’s buyers in the market for a Los Angeles home are looking for one that is eco-friendly. They want a house that is energy-efficient and combats detriments to the environment. Listed below are some relative easy to do and cost-efficient ways you can appeal to potential eco-conscious buyers.

1. Insulate. Insulate. Insulate. Use pipe insulators to keep hot water hot for a longer time and a hot water heater blanket ($10.00 to $20.00) to both prevent temperature loss and reduce the amount of electricity/gas needed to maintain the water temperature. Be aware that the further heat or air conditioning has to travel, the greater the temperature loss. Insulating your heating and cooling ducts can prevent up to 60% of this loss. Remember that even a small area of inadequate or damaged insulation can greatly reduce efficiency.

2. Reduce heating/cooling expenses. Replace or clean all filters on a regular basis to reduce inefficiency. Eliminate all sources of drafts by checking windows, doors, electrical outlets, fireplaces, and attic floors for leaks (even small cracks lead to energy loss) and by using caulking or weather stripping to seal them. In addition, for a cost of $200 to $400, you can run a blower door test to discover the main, and many times hidden, sources of energy leaks in your home.

It is also important to schedule a HVAC cleaning/checkup every two years and to investigate the need for a programmable thermostat to save energy while you sleep or are away from home. If your windows, aging appliances, furnace, or hot water heater needs to be replaced, you should certainly consider purchasing ENERGY STAR products to save 10% to 30% of the usual operating costs.

3. Consume less water. Take steps to reduce this expense by installing low flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators.

4. Don’t ignore the outside. Planting shade trees and shrubs in strategic locations on the grounds of your Los Angeles home can lower your cooling costs by as much as 25%, and because they also act as wind barriers, your heating costs can be reduced by up to 20%. In addition, the leafless trees will allow sunshine through in the winter (good for mental health as well as warmth). Also consider water conservation when landscaping. Look for lawn grasses and plants that are drought resistant and natural to the area.

The “Go Green” slogan is not a passing fad. Realistic buyers, who are both cost-conscious and ecologically aware, want to own a Los Angeles home that reduces their day-to-day utility expenses and allows them to play a part in preserving the environment. The purchase of a green home benefits both the buyer and the seller in today’s market.

Have questions? Ask Eileen!

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Buyers often find themselves watching a property for a price reduction. Although getting the best deal possible when purchasing Los Angeles real estate is important, it is not the only factor that determines monthly payments on a home. Rising interest rates often diminish the positive aspects of waiting for prices to drop.

Most people are familiar with the basic trends in real estate that have been affected by the United States economic crisis. The listing prices of homes have been steadily declining over the past couple years. This has put people looking to purchase Los Angeles real estate at an advantage over those trying to sell. People have best described this as a buyer’s market due to the low property prices and reasonable interest rates. However, the decline in prices is stabilizing while interest rates are beginning to inch up. It is becoming more and more popular for investors to make offers on properties, sometimes stealing the property away from home buyers. Could buyers begin loosing their advantage? Today, properties that are correctly listed at a reasonable asking price are not being reevaluated and reduced as often. These are some of the factors that prove that even lower Los Angeles real estate prices are not always worth the wait.

Buyers should not be waiting for interest rates to continue declining, especially since real estate experts and economists are predicting that the lowest rates have come and gone. This is not necessarily a horrible thing. Rates are still lower than historical highs, which exceed 6.00%. With the new administration trying to revive the economy, many analysts see a period of severe inflation in our future, meaning interest rates are likely to jump even higher. For example, the rates for a thirty year fixed-rate loan have been consistently ranging from 4.50% to 5.00%. Now, rates for this type of loan and the rates of other types of real estate loans are beginning to exceed those low levels. Therefore, you should be keeping your eye on interest rates as much as housing prices.

Last year, buyers, who had been procrastinating by waiting for lower interest rates or price reductions, learned their lesson the hard way. In one month interest rates went up about .50%-1.00%. Higher interest rates decrease the overall affordability and increase the monthly payments, especially when the price of the desired home does not budge.

Bottom line, now is not a time to be waiting around. Time is running out to take advantage of the current real estate market and loan programs being offered by the government. For instance, Los Angeles first time home buyers have until April 30, 2010 to enter into a contract to purchase a home if they want to be eligible for the $8,000 tax credit. Since interest rates are expected to increase, waiting for real estate prices to drop is not worth the wait. Don’t procrastinate. You might unintentionally pass up a piece of gold trying to find a diamond.

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