Friday, November 30, 2012

Profit from Early Decisions When Selling a House in Long Beach

Home Improvement for Long Beach Homes

 

According to a recent survey, nine out of ten REALTORS® believe that clients who make improvements before selling a house in Long Beach are more likely to secure a successful sale.

Why, you may wonder, would anyone take the trouble to run a survey to discover anything that obvious? Possibly because of a follow-up question Realty Times came up with: 65.9% of real estate agents – virtually two out of three – agree that a common mistake among homeowners is not making "the right" home improvements for the local market.

Uh-oh! Remodeling in the wrong direction can cost you twice! If it’s such a common mistake, it’s safe to say it might be best to consult an agent before rolling up your sleeves (or opening your checkbook). Active Long Beach agents are constantly noting what features are popular with prospective buyers and which improvements are making a difference in today’s market. Knowing what sells -- and why -- is fundamental information when home improvement decisions are about to be made.

Also important is the changing nature of an effective marketing roll out. Yesterday’s sign on the front lawn and paragraph in the newspaper are no longer sufficient. Pocket listings, preview open houses, and social media promotion are all elements that now can be brought into a multi-tiered marketing plan geared to create awareness (“buzz”) around a property’s debut.

Yet, the new market retains at least one unchanging fundamental. To achieve the highest return when selling a house in Long Beach or Lakewood, it has to be priced right. Real estate commentator Barbara Corcoran puts it succinctly:You could spend all the money in the world fixing up and marketing your house,” she says, “but the wrong price on the right house guarantees no sale.”

If you are thinking of selling a house in Long Beach or Lakewood this winter, I’m here to help you meet that goal. Contact me and I would be happy to give you the information that you need to get started on a marketing plan. 562-882-1581

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Home Value Checklist to Use When Shopping for a Property in Long Beach California

LB Pic for edge sitesWhen you search through the latest listings of Long Beach homes, you first find those that fit your top-line needs. Then you narrow down that list. Some of the candidates will seem more appealing than others; and some will seem to be over- or underpriced. Use this home value check list to use when shopping for a property in Long Beach.

Before making a final judgment on which homes bear a closer look, the most successful homebuyers also factor in qualities that may not be at the top of their own personal priorities list, yet which make a difference to the majority of homebuyers. In other words, they keep in mind the most important qualities that add value in market terms – that add investment value to Long Beach homes that are principally your personal residential choice.

Some of the more important ones are:

 Location has a huge impact on a property's long-term price. Are amenities close by? Close enough to walk. Are homes in the immediate area well maintained? Is the property on a desirable block, or located next to a busy road?

 Taxes impact the overall cost of long-term cost – and when homes are listed, those figures are significantly displayed. Also important is whether there are any pending issues you should be aware of -- like a sewer bond or other pending taxes.

 Condition will become a major factor in years to come -- forward thinking will pay off in terms of overall value. A 20-year-old water heater, for example, is going to cost sooner rather than later. Homes with excellent roof and foundation condition can add exceptional long-term value.

Long Beach homes with potential are homes with unrealized value. With smaller properties, it’s worthwhile to consider how doable it would be to add rooms or expand its square footage. Even if you don’t end up adding square footage, if homes are small for the neighborhood, a future buyer might.

This November’s historically low mortgage rates make it a terrific time to give me a call … 562-882-1581. Together, we’ll find the Long Beach homes that are good fits for your family – as well as great long-term values. Also, take a look at my on-line digital magazine and feel free to search for homes on the MLS.