Profit from Early Decisions When Selling a House in Long Beach

 

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

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

When 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.

Allison Van Wig Presents 5011 Gundry Ave in Long Beach California List Price $499,900 MLS# P839289

5011 Gundry in Long Beach is

3 bedrooms and 2 baths with

2,465 of living space on HUGE lot.

Great Ridgewood Heights area in Long Beach … Newly built in 1995, this beautiful home has vaulted ceilings and is sunny, bright and very open.Central Air and Heat.

BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF THIS HOME

Kitchen is a cooks dream with lots of cabinet and counter space. Kitchen nook and a formal dining room.

Large living room and separate family room that has French doors leading to backyard deck with spa.

Two upstairs bedrooms and one down. Large backyard, lot size of over 7,000 square feet. Wide and long driveway with two car garage in back.

For more information of a private showing call …

Allison Van Wig … 562-882-1581

www.SuperBroker.com

Allison@SuperBroker.com

Smart Long Beach Sellers Give Appliances a Starring Role

Success in selling Long Beach homes can depend on being able to distinguish what is important to buyers from what is not. Proactive homeowners know that one room usually gets more attention than does any other: the kitchen.

There are many good reasons why this is so (we have discussed them before) -- but one kitchen detail in particular can have a disproportionate impact. It’s a detail that is all too easy to overlook: the condition of the appliances.

Realty Times declares, “Sellers should update their appliances." I don’t think I would go quite that far, but the gist is right. When the appliances look like they deserve their starring role in the main act -- the kitchen -- it indicates a homeowner who has taken pride in their property. To a prospective buyer choosing whether or not to write an offer, it can be decisive.

If you are selling a Long Beach home this fall, it will definitely pay to take a critical look at your kitchen’s appliances, and then taking action!

Of course, begin by deep-cleaning them thoroughly. Potential buyers often look inside appliances…and the last thing you want them to find is a crusty oven or rusty dishwasher. It’s true that after a few years of wear and tear, most kitchens don’t look like they belong on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. But before you commit to wholesale appliance replacement, first see if some light cosmetic action might make that unnecessary.

Check your appliances for scratches, and if they are prominent enough, do something about them. For surface scratches, get a bottle of matching-color appliance paint (available at local Long Beach hardware stores), then dot or stipple the smallest amount possible onto the scratch. For deeper scratches, fill first with a filler material you’ll find in one of the do-it-yourself scratch repair kits offered by auto parts stores. After it has had time to dry, step back and inspect. If you have to know where to look to notice anything: Good job! That was certainly a lot more economical than buying a new appliance.

When all else fails, replacements may be necessary. If you go this route, make sure you go color- and tone-neutral. Remember that many homes will undergo remodeling by their new owners, and their taste may be different from yours. Don’t be tempted to blow the budget by buying appliances that outclass the rest of the property, but also be careful to select appliances that don't look cheap, outdated or out of place where they will be sited in the kitchen.

If you are one of those preparing to sell your Long Beach or Lakewood home this fall, I offer complimentary consultations prior to listing. We can go over big and small changes that will help maximize your return! Give me a call and we can sit down together and brain-storm what would be your best options … Until Next Time!

Would a White Picket Fence Help Sell Your Home Faster?

What was your dream when you were growing up? Did you hope that one day you would own the perfect American suburban dream, a home with a white picket fence?  Do you think that a white picket fence would sell a home faster in Long Beach and Lakewood California?

There is a certain charm and warmth that comes with a house lined with pickets. However, when you look at fencing today and the options available for your home, there is a lot more to choose from and so you can and should shop around!

First of all your fencing should be determined by your lifestyle needs in addition to all the other homes in your neighborhood and the surrounding area. Are you located on a sprawling ranch or nestled between lofts in the city? Is your home located on a corner lot? Is there a practical reason for your home to have a fence? Your fencing may need to be dictated by those factors to bring the most curb appeal and value. Do you have a need to keep animals in or out? If so, there is a wide variety of fencing solutions available to you.

Next, you should consider the overall look and feel of your home and landscaping. Your fencing should blend with your existing structure, unless you purposely choose a more distinctive look. Keep in mind that the height of your fence will matter, as well ... plus don't forget that Long Beach and Lakewood California may have certain building codes that you need to be mindful of. Remember, that fencing is more than just a barrier against the outside world; it also sets the tone for the look and feel of your home.

Take the time to carefully evaluate local resources such as your neighbor’s fencing choices and your local home improvement store to gain a good understanding of what is available to you before making your decision. Sometimes a combination of fencing types is the best way to ally all your concerns and create beauty in the fencing of your home. For more homeowner, seller and buying tips visit my other blogs where you will find a lot of helpful information.

6017 Walnut in Long Beach is Perfect for the First Time Home Buyer

When searching for a home to buy in Long Beach or Lakewood, one of the best buys in Long Beach is 6017 Walnut in Long Beach ... This home is what they call "TURN KEY" because it is move in ready. The only thing you will need a hammer for is to hang your pictures on the wall.

I took the time the other day to shoot a video home tour ... take a look to see all that this home has to offer ... 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, fabulous kitchen, a wonderful backyard and best of all ... a very, very long driveway ...



If you would like more information about this home or to find out more about Long Beach

What's Happening in Long Beach this Labor Day Weekend?

HAPPY LABOR DAY ...



If you are looking for some fun activities to do this Labor Day Weekend here is a link to a lot of local activities here in Long Beach and our surrounding communities. Keep safe and have FUN!

HERE ARE THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES FOR LONG BEACH