What are today's home buyers looking for? According to a survey* of  22,000 recent home buyers, they plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than "unnecessary upgrades."  Extras such as pools, media rooms and even dining rooms are considered unnecessary luxuries, with the focus being more on such things as:

• Efficient use of space (e.g. cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling)
• More workable kitchens (islands are still quite popular)
• "Greener" features (insulation, high-efficiency appliances)
• Nearby walking paths and playgrounds

In the master bath, whirlpool tubs are giving way to soaker tubs. But both are secondary to oversized showers.

Some features that are still important to buyers, however, include a home office, minimum two-car garage, and master suite on the ground floor (if it's a two-story home).

 

Of course, I think most buyers these days (40% of whom are first-timers) are also looking for a good deal.  With interest rates and prices at historic lows, and with a small window of opportunity to cash in on the tax credits now available, what better time to be a buyer?  Feel free to browse current Chico properties for sale at my web site:  www.ChicoLaura.com

 

 * As cited in the L.A. Times.  To read the whole article, click here.

     Check out this rare opportunity to own a Chico Charmer with a guest cottage! This home is for sale in Chico, Ca.

    Step into vintage charm& character on one of Chico's most charming tree-lined avenues! Cozy fireplace, cheery sunroom, separate living & family rooms, wood floors, coved ceilings & lots of room & storage in main house. French doors look out to lovely patio. Roomy second dwelling has the sweetest kitchen & bonus room downstairs, separate bedroom, living room, bath upstairs. Last rented at $635/mo. Centrally located near downtown. A truly special "Chico Charmer"!

Click here for a VIRTUAL TOUR!

Click here for more photos and info!

Heard of the new "CASH FOR CAULKERS" program the Obama administration is proposing?  Also known as The Home Star Program, if approved by Congress it will offer rebates of $1,000 to $1,500, or 50% of the cost, for simple upgrades, such as windows and insulation, duct sealing, and energy-efficient water heaters, for a maximum of $3,000 per home.

 

Job creation could be a big selling point with Congress. It's been estimated the program could create 168,000 jobs in construction and related industries. (Andersen Windows refilled 600 positions because of increased demand last year driven by a $1,500 energy tax credit, says Jim Humphrey, CEO of Andersen, which currently employs 10,000 people.)

 

The concept is based on the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, which helped spur auto sales last year.  While we're awaiting word on congressional approval, you might want to check out sites like Flex Your Power or EnergySavvy.com for current rebates available.  This may be the year to get some of those home upgrades done for greater energy efficiency.  As President Obama says, "Insulation is sexy!"

 

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972.  I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"?  Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional.  With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

 

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online?  Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown.  Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

 

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging,  and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

 

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

 

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972.  I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"?  Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional.  With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

 

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online?  Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown.  Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

 

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging,  and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

 

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

Don't miss the 22nd Annual Home, Garden & Antique Show
March 15 & 16, 2008, 10am-5pm
Silver Dollar Fair Grounds in Chico!

Produced each year by Soroptimist International of Chico, this fundraiser allows the club to continue providing community service in many areas. (Please check out the SI Chico website for more information about this great show and the services provided by this wonderful organization.) This year's show is "going GREEN" and will be better than ever, featuring food demonstrations (with delectable samples!) by some of Chico's best eateries, creative ideas for landscaping, outdoor living, home improvement, decor, a fun "Kidz Corner," antiques, and a fabulous art and wine tasting area. All this AND a classic car and hot rod expo! See you there!

 

 

Son Gabe and I had the opportunity yesterday to visit the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Founded in 1885 and housed in one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in the United States, the museum is a real treasure for Northern California. We especially enjoyed the works of Edwin Deakon (1838-1923). Such an interesting life. Born in England, he and his family moved to Chicago when he was young. He lost most of his artwork in the Chicago fire, then moved to S.F. and survived THAT fire (1906), and ended up in Berkeley where he painted into his golden years, mostly wilderness scenes of California and the missions. Beautiful work. If you haven't been to the Crocker, do set aside an extra couple of hours next time you're in Sac and check it out. It offers an amazing collection of art, some dating back to the 16th century. Or check out the "Digital Crocker" and take a tour from the comfort of your computer desk!

Ok, I admit it; I'm a hopeless Chicophile. My dear brother-in-law Jim was recently visiting from the Portland area. I took him to our fabulous Farmer's Market and then to a favorite local coffee shop afterwards. Naturally, we ran into a number of friends and acquaintances of mine along the way (it's Chico after all!). And, as usual, each one of these fine folks (upon learning Jim was from out of town) spent a portion of their conversation extolling the virtues of life in Chico. It didn't even phase me; after all, doesn't everyone LOVE Chico? After several of these encounters, Jim confided in me that he and my sister have a little running joke about Chico being "Stepford," full of Chicoans roaming our quaint little hamlet, intoning over and over, "Don't you just LOVE Chico?"
I have to admit, I had to laugh at that and had to somewhat agree with his observation. But really, I mean, don't you just LOVE Chico? ; )

Am I the only person in the country who hasn't seen the video of Professor Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture"? What an amazing person. In Sept. of 2006, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given "3 to 6 months of good health" left. With ongoing treatment, he seems to be doing well. More importantly, he's enjoying the time he DOES have and is sharing his wisdom and knowledge with his students and the world.
As soon as you can set aside just over an hour, I also highly recommend his lecture on time management. The hour you invest will pay you back a thousandfold. Thank you, Randy, for sharing your precious time with us. Best wishes to your wife and three young children.

 

Simply our favorite coffee shop/eaterie/office-away-from-office, BIDWELL PERK! Located in the heart of Chico (on E. 1st Ave., near the corner of Mangrove), this lovely and thriving vendor of fine caffeinated products and delectable edibles offers free wi-fi and plenty of seating in a warm and inviting atmosphere. No wonder the "Perk" enjoys such a devoted clientele!