home values: How To Keep Your Stone and Tile Surfaces Looking Like New
- 02/01/12 08:59 AM
The beauty of stone countertops and ceramic tile has become more and more popular over the years. It's no wonder, as these surfaces add a nice upscale touch to your home and actually add to the resale value. Though people love stone and tile for both the look and the durability, both do require proper care and shouldn't be taken for granted as resurfacing or replacing can be quite costly. Here are 4 tips to help keep your stone and tile surfaces looking their best while at the same time protecting your investment: The 6-Month Seal Rule: Every six months, reapply … (2 comments)
home values: Recommended Reading For Homebuyers
- 09/07/11 05:30 AM
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or just haven’t gone through the buying process in a long time and want to get current (or if you just love reading books about real estate), here’s a list of reading that I think you will find very helpful in the process:) 10 Minute Guide to Buying and Selling Your Home (10 Minute Guides) This book covers it all efficiently, from price to strategy to the big one for both buyer/seller and agent – preventing and avoiding last-minute problems at the closing table. 10 Steps to Home Ownership: A Workbook for First-Time Buyers Author … (3 comments)
home values: Home Buying On The Rise Again In Orange County
- 09/02/11 03:43 AM
Signs are pointing to a rise in homebuying in Orange County and an end to the slump we've experienced in 12 of the past 13 months. Two recent articles in the Orange County Register present some encouraging statistics as well as some points to keep in mind for both buyers and sellers. Here are some highlights: 2,593 homes closed in the latest period, up 1.7% from a year ago. Median selling price for homes is down 0.7% from a year ago ($437,000) Sales are up 1.7% for the county 15 Orange County zip codes had an increase in sales and prices … (1 comments)
home values: Simple Tips For a Quick Home Sale
- 08/23/11 04:45 AM
I know, I know. In today's real estate market the terms "quick" and "home sale" seem to be mutually exclusive, but there are some simple things you can do to help speed up the sale process. Always keep the mindset that your home is going to be competing with new construction. Even if there's not a lot of new construction in your area, this mindset will help you maintain a higher standard for showing and eliminate a lot of needless hassle. The holidays are approaching, which arguably is the most competitive time of the year when it comes to pure … (0 comments)
home values: FMAC, FNMA, QRM...OMG!
- 07/24/11 09:32 AM
In my recent newsletter, I wrote about the proposed shoring up of FMAC and FNMA (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) by politicians in Washington. These are basicaly the two agencies that insure home loans. This “shoring up” process will start this coming September 30thwith a measure that will result in borrowers being required to pay increased interest rates for loans over $625k. The issue that's getting the most attention in the news, though, is the Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) proposal that will require a 20% minimum down payment on ALL real estate purchases. Of course, there will be exceptions, but they're … (3 comments)
home values: What REALLY Adds Value To Your Home?
- 07/11/11 12:24 AM
There are many misconceptions about what truly adds value to your home and can make it sell for a higher price. Some sellers have found out the hard way that modifications they perceived as adding value actually do the opposite, especially in today's market. In past years, the big culprit has been the addition of a swimming pool. NAR has released reports over recent years that clarify what adds value and what doesn't. Here is a checklist of some of the results. Central AC can add up to 12% to the price of a home. Remodeling to add additional living area … (0 comments)
home values: Get Rid of Clutter Now and Save Time Later
- 06/08/11 09:18 AM
How many times have you moved in your life? Close your eyes and remember the feeling…you get the big, bulky pieces of furniture, appliances and other items out of the way and then you realize it's time for the real work. You have your work cut out for you with all of the clutter and miscellaneous bits and pieces that will either need to be given away, sold, boxed up or thrown away. This is typically the most tedious and time-consuming part of the moving process. Even if you’re not planning on moving anytime soon, take some time on a … (3 comments)
home values: SURF CITY HERE WE COME
- 05/04/11 07:23 AM
Last week I talked about Orange County as a whole and how 40% of the OC saw an increase in home sale prices in the first quarter, while over half the OC saw a decline in overall sales. The OC is really a microcosm of what's going on in the whole country. When you watch the national news or read it online, keep in mind that national averages don't necessarily reflect what's going on in our own back yard. However, the diversity of what's going on nationally is reflected in the differences in the numbers from zip code to zip code … (1 comments)
home values: Sunny Side Up for the OC
- 04/28/11 12:18 AM
In spite of the gloom and doom that dominates the national news, the first quarter of 2011 showed some overall positives for the OC.
Home sale pricing rose in 40% of the Orange County market, including 27 of 83 zip codes showing improvement. Sales have come down slightly (by 0.9%) from where they were a year ago, but that tends to happen when prices go up even slightly. However, 8 of the OC's zips showed an increase in both sales and pricing: Costa Mesa (92627), Garden Grove (92843), Seal Beach (90740), Santa Ana (92703), San Juan Capistrano (92675), Mission … (1 comments)
The beauty of stone countertops and ceramic tile has become more and more popular over the years. It's no wonder, as these surfaces add a nice upscale touch to your home and actually add to the resale value.
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