Selling Secret #10: Pricing it right Find out what your home is worth, then shave 15 to 20 percent off the price. You'll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids - even in the worst markets - and they'll bid up the price over what it's worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don't want to risk it, but it's the single best strategy to sell a home in today's market.
Selling Secret #9: Half-empty closets Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what's left in there. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.
Selling Secret #8: Light it up Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery - it will make it more sellable.
Selling Secret #7: Play the agent field A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong broker. Make sure you have a broker who is totally informed. They must constantly monitor the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are going on the market and know the comps in your neighborhood. Find a broker who embraces technology - a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold.
Selling Secret #6: Conceal the critters You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you'd be wrong. Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover. Buyers don't want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you're planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.
Come check back tomorrow when I share secrets #5-#1 for selling your home.
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has sold 23 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Lots of upside available for the buyer of this 8-unit complex. All 4 bedrooms close to downtown and Chico State. Easily rented, low vacancy. With a little TLC, market rent is ...
One of the best lots in heritage oaks! This home is facing beautiful natural landscape making it feel very private. A great location with easy access to trails leading to Bidw...
Welcome to Serenity. Nestled away on a quiet street awaits your new home! This property has a pecan tree grove, a large shed, and 3.5 usable lush acres. You can hear a pin dro...
Chico Charmer in the Avenues! Perfect college rental or 1st time buyer. Wonderful location, on quiet street, close to downtown & college. Dining room opens to outside deck f...
This is a unique combination of a charming older home and a newer 1,000 sq. ft. shop with drivethrough 8 foot roll up doors. Perfect for contractor who wants to live in the h...
This is a unique combination of a charming older home and a newer 1,000 sq. ft. shop with drivethrough 8 foot roll up doors. Perfect for contractor who wants to live in the h...
View chico from a mountain top. Stunning views await you at this remodeled retreat on 3 acres! This gated home is only 5 minutes from Chico and has stunning views. Features in...
View Chico from a mountain top. Stunning views await you on 3.29 acres! This residential lot land is ready for you to build on. Property has pond and many nice features. Selle...
Just a skip and a jump away from CSUC! These condos have a bike path right to campus. Unit is upstairs and the community is peppered with mature lush trees. This unit has a ne...
Your agent calls to say he is bringing prospective buyers to see your home at 2:00 p.m. You quickly straighten up the house and run the dishwasher. What should you do then? If you have to let them into the house--then take a drive or walk the dog!
Many owners think they should linger close by while their home is being shown. They are afraid that the real estate agent might miss the storage shelves in the basement or forget to point out the beautiful new floor in the kitchen. It is better for the agent to miss something than for you to be ushering the buyers around, so resist the temptation to stay while your house is being shown.
Buyers usually base their decision to buy on an attraction that often has more to do with emotions than pure logic, and a lot goes on between buyer and agent during a showing. The buyer needs to evaluate the home's pluses and minuses, and the agent needs the opportunity to work with the buyer's objections. This process cannot take place comfortably if the seller is on the scene.
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has sold 23 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Kitchen redone, nice tile countertop, new range, nice hardward for cabinetry. Tile flooring in kitchen, newer dishwasher Ceiling fans in dining and both bedrooms. Carpets appr...
Close to downtown, college, and across from neighborhood park. Perfect for 1st time buyer or parent investor. Home qualifies for Home Path Financing for as little as 3% down,...
Cute 1,350 sq. Ft. Home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, dual-pane windows and pergo-type flooring, large family room (nicely done garage conversion), living room with fireplace, ...
This home show beautifully. Granite kitchen Counters, wood floors in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, window covereings, artistic front gate, new patio cover.
Old world charmer. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath plus separate 24x36 studio/office, must see to understand. Many fine upgrades including new windows, front door, wood stove, wood floo...
Don't miss this light & bright home with remodeled kitchen. Large bedrooms, living and family rooms with a cozy fireplace awaiting you in this home. Outside there's a spacious...
Solid Lovely Bones - Good Floor Plan with nice flow. Perfect condition oak cabinets, dbl ovens, gas starter fireplace with built ins, auto garage opener,house alarm, lots of s...
This is a unique combination of a charming older home and a newer 1,000 sq. ft. shop with drivethrough 8 foot roll up doors. Perfect for contractor who wants to live in the h...
Sometimes the need for a move is obvious. For example, if your work requires you to transfer to a new city, you know it is time to relocate to a new home. The impact of other life changes, such as having twins, your last child leaving home, or a big salary increase, may not be so obvious.
When you notice that your house or condominium is no longer serving your needs, it may be time to call in a professional real estate agent for some expert advice. Your agent may suggest that you remodel your present home or find one that is more suitable to your current lifestyle.
If you decide that a move is necessary, what should you consider before listing your present home for sale and beginning the search for a new one? You will want to know how much you can expect to get for your present home and what you can afford to spend on a new one. You will also need information about financing and the many loan programs that are now available. A professional real estate agent can be an invaluable asset to you as you make these important decisions.
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
This is a unique combination of a charming older home and a newer 1,000 sq. ft. shop with drivethrough 8 foot roll up doors. Perfect for contractor who wants to live in the h...
Rare find! Let's talk location. Close to pv high and marigold elementary as well as longs and the safeway shopping center. Bidwell park and wildwood park are just a few blocks...
HORSE property; breath taking setting looking up to the bluffs, seasonal stream; Butte Creek off back of 9 acre adjacent parcel. Four stall horse barn with power and water; tw...
There's no doubt about it--the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell.
Your kitchen doesn't need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The first step toward enhancing your kitchen's appeal is a thorough cleaning. This includes scrubbing the walls, cabinets (inside and out), floors, and appliances. Keep the counter tops as clear as possible of small appliances and gadgets. Consider low-cost improvements which can make a big difference, such as a coat of paint, fresh wallpaper, or new floor covering. Be sure to keep the kitchen sparkling when the house is being shown. This means no dirty dishes in the sink or moldy cucumbers in the refrigerator. This extra effort will pay great dividends!
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
2 bedroom, 1 bath home with mature landscaping on 1.13 acre. Includes a huge shop/shed. Shop has 3 phase electrical. Property is just minutes from town.
Close to CSUC and downtown, this charming home is at the end of the cul-de-sac. New roof, dishwasher, tile floors, carpet, and paint. Unusually large shady back yard with pa...
Prefer escow at Fidelity National Tilte with Jennifer Tunison. Sellers want all cash at close of escrow. P/C & Chico Retrofit inspections on order. Water heater will be strapp...
This home is a must see. Inside circle location. Upgrades galore. Built in bookshelves, custom tile bathrooms, hardwood floors in entry and 3rd bdrm. Beautiful built-in desk, ...
Thinking about buying a home in Chico? If you are familiar with the area or not, here are some more good things to consider when house hunting. Check yesterdays blog for more things to consider.
3. Type of Housing: Do you see yourself living in a condo, a duplex or a single family home? Maybe you don't have a preference, but if you do make sure to let your Realtor know what you are looking for. Make sure to consider any extra fees that housing such as condos has. Also, larger housing developments, such as California Park have annual HOA dues, that aren't super pricey but it all adds up!
4. Time Frame: Make sure to start your house hunt by figuring out how much time you have to find a house. Maybe you already live in Chico and just want to move within town. In this case, you very well might not have a time frame. If you are needing to move to Chico for work and only have a short time to find a house, rather than have the pressure of having to find a house quickly, consider possibly renting an apartment on a month to month basis in order to find a home that really suits your needs and wants. Buyers who already own a home need to also consider if they need to sell their home first before they buy their second home (in order to have the money for a down payment on the second house). All of these are just good things to be aware of!
5. House Age, Syle, Condition: Are you picky about the age of a house you want to purchase? Some buyers prefer buying newer homes, because they typically have smaller lots (less yard maintenance) and have fewer large repairs (such as a new roof or air conditioning system). Other buyers actually prefer older homes for the lot size, established neighborhoods and mature landscaping. Make sure you know what you want. Also, figure out if the style of the house is important to you. Do you want a craftsman style house, a bungalow, a Victorian house, or just a house house. Yet another thing to consider if the condition of the home you want to buy. Do you want to buy a house that is move in ready? Or, are you willing to do a lot of work or remodeling in order to get the house the way you want it?
These are all important things to consider when buying you house in Chico. Check out my website to search all of the home listings in Chico. You can search by price range, new listings, etc. http://www.ryanvaught.com/
If you need a Realtor or simply just have a question about a house you see listed in Chico, give me a ring and I would love to help you with your real estate transaction! Ryan Vaught, Realtor 530-343-2959
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Here your will find Chico's newest MLS listings, all updated daily. Save yourself time, by signing up for our automatic daily emails. Receive new listings each morning.
Today's New Listings
MLS Properties
3594 KEEFER RD, Chico, CA
$569,000.00
Residential 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Built in 1977
2.02 Acres 2814 Sq. Ft.
Lovely 3BD/2.5BA, 2-story home on 2 beautiful treed acres with a seasonal creek in desirable neighborhood. Family room, formal living and dining, kitchen with SS appliances, ...
Classic home in a great area. Wood floors in living area, nice back yard with a cool pool plus an 8 x 20 pool cabana and covered patio, kitchen has fresh paint and new floorin...
Very nice home in senior community in California Park. Features tile countertops, vaulted ceilings, dual pane windows, forced-air heating & cooling. Nicely landscaped back y...
Thinking about buying a home in Chico? If you are familiar with the area or not, here are some good things to consider when house hunting:
1. Location, Location, Location: Where do you want to be located in Chico? Downtown, close to the park, close to the mall, close to relatives, close to work...this is an important question to consider.
2. Price Range: Know your price range. Take the time to sit down with a realtor and/or mortgage broker and figure out what exactly is your "price point" or the highest price you are willing to spend on a house. STICK TO IT! If you don't you will end up just wasting your time and your realtors time looking at homes you really can't afford. There are typically areas or pockets in towns that have houses in a certain price range. For example, in Chico if you have lived here long you would know that Keefer which is far far north Chico is known for having larger lots and larger, more expensive homes. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. So if you really love one specific side of town or area of town look into the housing prices in the area.
3. School District: Do you have children k-12th grade? If you do, picking a house in a school zone that you like is important. You can go to the Chico Unified Website to find out what streets are in what school zones: http://www.chicousd.org/__dept/schools/Schools/index.html Remember too, if you do find a house that you love in a school zone that you don't necessaricly love there are always private schools, charter schools and the choice of trying to "form-10" into another school in Chico.
Check back tomorrow for more things to consider when buying your Chico property.
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Here your will find Chico's newest MLS listings, all updated daily. Save yourself time, by signing up for our automatic daily emails. Receive new listings each morning.
MLS Properties
3594 KEEFER RD, Chico, CA
$569,000.00
Residential 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Built in 1977
2.02 Acres 2814 Sq. Ft.
Lovely 3BD/2.5BA, 2-story home on 2 beautiful treed acres with a seasonal creek in desirable neighborhood. Family room, formal living and dining, kitchen with SS appliances, ...
Location, Location, Location! .22 acre lot situated on the corner directly across from neighborhood park. Amenities include Rock fireplace, hard wood floor, stainless steel ap...
Awesome home in amber grove. Great room floor plan with separate office/den. Open kitchen with smooth surface countertops, newer appliances, pantry & spacious dining. Great ma...
Classic home in a great area. Wood floors in living area, nice back yard with a cool pool plus an 8 x 20 pool cabana and covered patio, kitchen has fresh paint and new floorin...
Delightfully Modern... You'll love the openness and lots of light! Yosemite Terrace home, mostly tile floors, carpets in the bedrooms. Maple cabinetry throughout. Half walled ...
Very nice home in senior community in California Park. Features tile countertops, vaulted ceilings, dual pane windows, forced-air heating & cooling. Nicely landscaped back y...
Looking for a CUTE bungalow in the Avenues? This could be your new home. A Deep backyard has potential for second unit, garden, or RV parking. This home is close to Enloe, D...
Just a skip and a jump away from CSUC! This condos has a bike path right to campus. Unit is upstairs and the community is peppered with mature lush trees. This unit has new ki...
Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?
Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.
Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.
Further, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. Some state housing finance agencies, such as the Missouri Housing Development Commission, have introduced programs that provide short-term credit acceleration loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should inquire with their state housing finance agency to determine the availability of such a program in their community.
The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has compiled a list of such programs, which can be found here.
For more answers to your questions concerning the federal housing tax credit check back later this week as I will post more or visit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php#2 for a full list of questions and answers.
Ryan Vaught's Listings:
000 GRUBBS RD, Oroville, CA
$2,275,000.00
Lots and Land
194.02 Acres
Small acreage residential homesite development land located in Oroville. This parcel has 194 acres of rolling residential acreage currently zoned low density residential with ...
Quality bank owned commercial property with a great location. Parcel is 1.39 acres. Potential uses of property include boat, RV or auto dealership, mechanic shop, tire shop an...
Beautifully Remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath home on close to an acre in town! Spacious kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, eating bar and adjacent built i...
Clean. Bright. Fresh. It Shows like brand new! Home has great floor plan, stainless steel appliances, large nook, plantation shutters, double-sided fireplace and so much more....
One of the best lots in heritage oaks! This home is facing beautiful natural landscape making it feel very private. A great location with easy access to trails leading to Bidw...
View chico from a mountain top. Stunning views await you at this remodeled retreat on 3 acres! This gated home is only 5 minutes from Chico and has stunning views. Features in...
Best CSUC investment property on the market. Market rent is $1100. Walk to campus from this very cute home. Home has been recently remodeled, has new counter tops, appliances,...
Hard to find turn-key lots. This is one of 44 in a nicely designed Thermalito/Oroville subdivision. Build your own house, priced well and ready for your home. Curbs, gutter, s...
Hard to find turn-key lots. This is one of 44 in a nicely designed Thermalito/Oroville subdivision. Build your own house, priced well and ready for your home. Curbs, gutter, s...
Hard to find turn-key lots. This is one of 44 in a nicely designed Thermalito/Oroville subdivision. Build your own house, priced well and ready for your home. Curbs, gutter, s...
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Check out this comprehensive list I found from www.frontdoor.com to get a better idea on how much it will really cost you to sell your house.
When selling your home, it pays to look at the complete financial picture so you are ready to deal. Make a list of the costs of selling your house including:
Realtor Commission There's a 4 percent to 7 percent commission on the sale price of the house if you opt to go with an agent. Usually this rate is between 5 percent and 6 percent, but it can go as high as 10 percent on vacant land deals. It's a considerable amount of money. If you sell your house for $300,000, the standard 6 percent cut for the agent will be $18,000.
Closing Costs These can add up to 2 percent to 5 percent of the purchase price and include title transfer, any county transfer taxes, escrow charges and other miscellaneous fees. Read more here.
Property Taxes If you didn't pay all of your property taxes before you sell a house, a prorated tax amount will be included in closing costs. Note: If you pay out of an impound tax (that's an amount tacked on to your monthly mortgage), this does not apply, since your taxes will be paid up-to-date.
Pest Inspection Don't worry, this doesn't include a judgment of your nosy neighbor. Just termites.
Repairs on the House Although the buyer pays for the home inspection, it's a good idea to get your own inspection before putting your house on the market. This way you're aware of any hidden problems before selling.
After you detail the costs of selling, you might be wondering how anyone makes any money. Well, one of the biggest perks of any house sale is the lack of capital gains tax (assuming you have lived in the residence for two of the last five years). The government allows for a write-off of up to $250,000 gained in the sale of your home for a single owner, and $500,000 for married couples. This applies for most state taxes as well; check with your accountant to be sure.
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Keller Williams Listings Chico Here your will find all of Keller William Chico's listings for sale, updated daily. Don't forget, we have keys to all the homes on this website. Call or email for an appointment
Keller Williams Listings:
MLS Properties
2925 GODMAN AVE, Chico, CA
$2,200,000.00
Lots and Land
4.3 Acres
This is 4.3 acres of development ground, not just 24 units. Build 26 new units while you collect rent on existing units. Seller may also carry financing. 26 new units will ...
This is 4.3 acres of development ground, not just 24 units. Build 26 new units while you collect rent on the existing units. Seller may also carry financing. 26 new units wi...
High demand for these well located 1 and 2 bedroom units. Little exterior maintenance, all units + laundry in 1 stucco building. Plenty of parking in front and behind. Appears...
UNBELIEVABLE VIEW! Outstanding custom construction with all the bells. Very open floor plan with formal D.R & L.R + enormous family. Vaulted ceilings, crown molding throughout...
A remarkable house in a remarkable neighborhood. This property backs up to Little Chico Creek, which in this location, flows most of the year. The neighborhood has mostly es...
Escape to this private country estate where youâ€TMll bask in the 360 degree views from sunrise to gorgeous sunset. Hickory Cabinets throughout the home and cherry wood floors ...
Exquisite newer home with so many upgrades and attention to detail you will be amazed. Situated on 1 acre this home features gourmet kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, f...
An absolutely beautiful and well kept home. This is a must see! It has separate living & dining rooms with bedrooms upstairs. A scenic backyard along with the pool provides ...
7 Brand new triplexes with all new appliances, linoleum & carpet. Tile in bathrooms. Carpets on the stairs and bedrooms. 2 tone paint. Washer/dryer, refrigerator included. ...
Reduced $50,000!!Great Esplanade location! Building is leased to 6 different tenants and owner has 170 square foot office. All but one tenant has been there for 3 plus years...
Getting yourself prepared to purchase a new home takes planning. When you currently own a home and need to sell the current home as well as purchase, the planning of the sale and purchase can be best managed with diligent consideration of the following items:
•1. Realistically pricing your current home based upon the comparable homes that have recently sold in a similar location with similar amenities and upgrades
•2. Do not price your current home based upon what you would like to purchase
•3. Consult a mortgage loan officer to understand your financing options:
Interim financing
Conventional financing
•4. Understand the current marketplace by talking to your realtor:
What is the average time on the market for homes in the same price range as yours is listed?
•5. What is the average time it takes to go from contract to closing?
•6. Although it might be difficult to imagine not purchasing a new home until your current home is under contract and contingencies have been met, you will be in a better position to negotiate with a new seller
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
Buyers can be a little cranky on closing day if things go wrong during the walk-through inspection. For example, the sellers' dependable old dishwasher might stop midway through its cycle and the bathroom sink might clog unexpectedly. These situations can create anxiety for the buyers and sellers, but such problems are quite common and usually simple to resolve.
Most purchase agreements require that the major mechanical systems and the appliances being conveyed are in working order at the time of the closing. Defects are often discovered during the structural inspection, allowing the sellers plenty of time to have the repairs made. Occasionally there are last-minute breakdowns or defects that are not spotted until the walk-through inspection. In that case, an agreement can be made with the sellers at the closing to escrow funds for the repair or replacement of the items in question.
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 14 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate.
An exquisite Michael Galli Tuscan style home for the discriminating buyer. The property overlooks the 9th tee on Canyon Oaks and boasts expansive canyon views from the extende...
House is being sold "as is as viewed" no exceptions. This home needs improvements to bring it back to it's original condition. Seller's will consider all offers.
This beautiful 2284 sq.ft. home is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on .29 acres. Prime location close to neighborhood park. Great open floor plan, rock fireplace, tile flo...
Emaculate & Like New! Upgraded home located in popular Marigold Estates - new park, school, tennis club & shopping. open floor plan, private master retreat, coffered ceiling...
Beautiful home in a great location. Was originally a 4 bedroom, sellers had room converted to an office/den. Spacious kitchen with new top of the line appliances. Beautiful ma...
This lovely home backs to a greenbelt and creek*Great for long walks or just plain watching the wild life*Inside of home recently painted*Newer roof and furnace*Closet organiz...
Beautiful park like setting on a quiet tree lined cul-de-sac. Well maintained home with many upgrades including newer roof, bathrooms, heating and air conditioning systems.
This is not a drive by! Spacious, updated and ready to move in. Large kitchen offers corian type counter tops and an adorable breakfast nook. Updated bathrooms, mud/laundry ro...
Great location in the avenues! Close to Enloe Hospital, Chico State University, and downtown Chico. Older home features hardwood floors, and dual-pane windows. Has been a rent...
Don't miss out on this one! This home has been completely refurbished and is move-in ready. New paint inside and out. New carpet and flooring throughout. New windows, stov...
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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